Business
Transport Topics business coverage focuses on the financial, economic, and commercial aspects of the modern freight business. Looking at both the microeconomic and macroeconomic forces shaping bottom lines, the news in this category includes labor news, jobs reports, tonnage and sales indicators, operations analysis, money and banking, mergers, acquisitions, e-commerce, bankruptcy, insurance issues, and more.
Wright Express Reports Higher 3Q Profit
Wright Express Corp.’s third-quarter profit grew to $48 million, or $1.23 per share, from $21 million, or 53 cents, a year earlier.
November 10, 2011U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows; Exports Hit Record
The U.S. trade deficit narrowed by 4% in September as exports climbed to a record high, the Commerce Department said Thursday.
November 10, 2011Jobless Claims Decline to Lowest Level in Seven Months
Initial jobless claims decreased by 10,000 last week to 390,000, the lowest level in seven months, the Labor Department said Thursday.
November 10, 2011TNT Express’ 3Q Profit Declines
TNT Express NV, Europe’s second largest post company, said its third-quarter earnings fell to about $7 million, from about $19 million a year earlier, Bloomberg reported.
November 10, 2011UPS, FedEx Gear Up for Holidays
UPS Inc. said it expects to hire 55,000 temporary workers and FedEx Corp. 20,000 workers for the holiday season.
November 10, 2011Senate Committee Approves Two-Year Highway Bill
A key Senate committee Wednesday unanimously approved a two-year highway reauthorization bill, though there is still no plan on how to fully fund the measure.
Volkswagen Expands Trucking Reach With Majority Stake in Rival MAN
Volkswagen AG said Wednesday it has completed purchase of a majority stake of fellow German truck producer MAN SE, opening the way to becoming “a new top player on the global truck market.”
DOT Freight Transport Index Rises 4.4%
The Department of Transportation’s freight transportation services index rose 4.4% in September from a year ago to its highest level in more than three years, DOT said Wednesday.
November 9, 2011Volvo Expects Reorganization of Truck Business to Boost Margin
Volvo AB said its operating margin should eventually grow by 3% as a result of the reorganization of its truck division, Bloomberg reported.
November 9, 2011DOE Boosts Diesel Price Forecast 4¢ to $3.84 a Gallon; Sees Oil Rising to $100 a Barrel
The Department of Energy raised its 2011 diesel price outlook by 4 cents this year and 6 cents in 2012, in tandem with a higher crude oil forecast of $100 per barrel.
November 9, 2011