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.
Volkswagen Again Boosts Stake in MAN
German carmaker Volkswagen AG Tuesday formally launched a bid for German truck maker MAN SE by boosting its stake in that company, a move that could create Europe’s largest truck maker, Reuters reported.
May 31, 2011Chicago Manufacturing Activity Falls
Manufacturing activity in the Chicago area fell in May, the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said Tuesday.
May 31, 2011Consumer Confidence Falls to Six-Month Low
Consumer confidence fell in May to a six-month low, the New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday.
May 31, 2011Oil Rises to More Than $102 a Barrel
Oil rose past $102 a barrel in early trading Tuesday, its highest level in three weeks, as a leak shut a pipeline carrying crude to a U.S. storage hub, Bloomberg reported.
May 31, 2011E&MU: Electric Trucks Reach the Market
It appears that the time for electric commercial trucks has arrived. After years of announcements promoting concepts and prototypes, several suppliers have introduced battery-electric production models.
May 31, 2011Fleets’ EOBR Use Spurs Poaching by Competitors, Executives Say
BALTIMORE — Fleets that adopt electronic logging devices are encountering challenges from competitors who don’t use them and who poach their drivers and customers, three carrier officials said last week.
May 30, 2011LED Truck Headlamps Gaining Popularity
Light-emitting diodes, commonly known as LEDs, are a popular aftermarket addition for interior, backup, fog and other lighting needs on large trucks. And, according to several truck makers and their suppliers, they are destined to become, eventually, the headlight of choice for the trucking industry.
May 30, 2011Tank Truck Carriers to Experience Strong Year Despite Costs, Capacity Concerns, Experts Say
BALTIMORE — Nearly all tank truck carriers can expect a strong 2011 because of solid manufacturing sector growth, though tight capacity and rising costs will make the road to prosperity more challenging, industry experts said.
May 30, 2011An Encouraging Development
It was heartening to hear last week from a bipartisan group of heavy-hitters in the U.S. Senate that they were prepared to lead the charge to get a transportation funding bill through Congress.
May 30, 2011Trucking’s Market Share to Increase Over the Next Decade, ATA Projects
Freight transportation will grow “significantly” over the next decade, while trucking’s share of that market will rise steadily, according to a new American Trucking Associations report.
May 30, 2011