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.
Heavy-Duty Truck Sales Decline for 10th Consecutive Month
U.S. Class 8 truck sales in October were 29.6% lower than year-ago levels, marking the 10th straight month this year that sales have trailed 2008’s results, according to data from WardsAuto.com.
November 23, 2009‘Cautious Optimism’ Is Theme at Intermodal Freight Show
ANAHEIM, Calif. — A solid consensus of trucking, rail and ocean freight carriers speaking at an industry conference here predicted stronger business volumes next year.
November 23, 2009Fleets Turn to New Protective Measures as Thieves Become More Sophisticated
Security experts say cargo thieves are becoming more selective and organized, which is resulting in a more substantial average loss per incident. Now, fleets are fighting back with anti-theft devices, diligent drivers and increased collaboration.
November 23, 2009NTSB’s Hersman Urges EOBRs For All Commercial Trucks
WASHINGTON — The nation’s top transportation safety investigator said all commercial trucks should be outfitted with electronic onboard recorders to monitor driver hours.
November 23, 2009Long Beach Port Approves Registration Plan for Drayage Drivers as Part of ATA Deal
Commissioners with the Port of Long Beach, Calif., gave preliminary approval last week to a new drayage truck registration process, the first step toward meeting the obligations of their out-of-court settlement with American Trucking Associations.
November 23, 2009Hauling Food Long Distances More Efficient than Buying Locally, New Study Claims
Hauling food products, such as meat, eggs and dairy products, over long distances is more energy-efficient and less polluting than buying food from local growers, according to a new academic study.
November 23, 2009Boxer Says New Road Bill May Be Completed in Spring
WASHINGTON — The chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee said she was preparing to finish work on a new long-term highway bill by next spring while also seeking a six-month extension of the existing law.
November 23, 2009Rail Exec Suggests Weight Limits Could Be Raised by Up to 10%
ANAHEIM, Calif. — BNSF Railway Vice President Steve Branscum called on truckers and shippers to jointly pinpoint areas where freight weight limits could be raised, perhaps by 10%.
November 23, 2009EPA Certifies 2010 Engines from Volvo, Mack Trucks
Federal and California environmental regulators have certified 2010 engines of AB Volvo’s two North American brands — Volvo and Mack — the companies said Nov. 16. They are the first engine manufacturers to gain official approval.
November 23, 2009Diesel Slips 1.1¢ to $2.79
The U.S. diesel and gasoline price averages both dipped for a second week, giving back some of the strong October surge in refined product costs during the four previous weeks. Crude oil fluctuated but remained below $80 a barrel.
November 23, 2009