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.
Finding a Load: Brokers Use New Tools to Manage Capacity as Freight Shipments Continue to Increase
As the recession appears to be waning and freight shipments increase, trucking-related firms such as the Allen Lund Cos. say they are seeing a shift in the loads-procurement marketplace, while others — including Con-way’s brokerage unit — are turning to new technological formats to find cargo in need of transportation.
July 12, 2010Delaware Becomes 30th State to Ban Texting While Driving
Delaware has become the 30th state to ban drivers from texting or holding cell phones while driving, the Detroit News reported.
July 12, 2010How Good a Recovery?
While Wall Street continues to express its doubts about the strength of the U.S. economic recovery that is under way, most trucking companies say that business is continuing to improve.
July 12, 2010Letters: Intermodal Elephants, Flatbed Carrier Rates, Price Hike for Bonds
What does every intermodal shipment need that no one wants to really talk about? The answer — and the elephant in the room — is an intermodal chassis.
July 12, 2010Trucking Adds 1,000 Jobs in June
For-hire trucking companies hired 1,000 workers in June, the third consecutive month the number of industry jobs increased, the Labor Department said July 2.
July 12, 2010Wal-Mart Says It Is 60% of Way Toward Meeting Efficiency Goal
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is 60% of the way to its broad goal of doubling its shipping efficiency by 2015 by streamlining every aspect of the freight movement process, according to its leading sustainability official.
July 12, 2010Parts Makers Optimistic on Economic Recovery
The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association said 84% of its members experienced sales growth during the second quarter, with 28% reporting “substantial growth.”
July 12, 2010Western Governors Back New Pilot Programs to Study Effects of Longer Trailer Combinations
The Western Governors’ Association has urged Congress to allow interested states to create pilot programs to evaluate the benefits and costs of adding routes for longer combination vehicles.
July 12, 2010Pilot, Flying J Ready to Merge After Plan Clears Final Hurdles
Pilot Corp. and Flying J Inc. said they are preparing to integrate their massive network of interstate truck stops after reaching several agreements that should allow their proposed merger to move forward.
July 12, 2010Diesel Drops 3.2¢ to $2.924 a Gallon
The U.S. retail diesel average dipped 3.2 cents to $2.924 last week, the seventh decline in eight weeks, the Department of Energy reported.
July 12, 2010