Business

About Business News...

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.

Government, Business, Safety

ATA Unveils New Trailer From GE

American Trucking Associations said last week it was unveiling a new trailer for use in its image and outreach programs.

March 2, 2009
Business

Mack Agrees to Sell Pennsylvania Headquarters

Mack Trucks Inc. said it agreed to sell its headquarters in Allentown, Pa., as part of its transfer to North Carolina.

March 2, 2009
Business

WillGo’s Used Equipment Listings Now a Free Service to Customers

Used trailer dealer WillGo Inc. said it converted its database for used equipment to a free service, effective last month.

March 2, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

ATA Leaders Call on Capitol

WASHINGTON — American Trucking Associations members gathered here last week to build support within Congress and the Obama administration on issues ranging from highway financing to potential union-organizing legislation.

March 2, 2009
Business, Fuel, Safety, Government

LaHood Rejects Fuel Tax Hike After Urging Funding Creativity

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said federal officials should explore all options to finance infrastructure, but he later strongly rejected a fuel tax increase, at least while the economy is in recession.

March 2, 2009
Business, Safety, Government, Equipment

Class 8 Truck Fleet Grew in 4Q Following 1st Decline, Polk Says

The number of Class 8 trucks operating in the United States increased by 60,000 at the end of the fourth quarter from a year earlier, reversing the first-ever decline of 17,000 that research firm R.L. Polk & Co. reported at the end of the third quarter.

March 2, 2009
Business, Government, Equipment

Carriers Cut Costs With Specialized Tires

As the needs of trucking companies become more specialized, so do the tires they are running. Over the past decade, available tire options have increased, meaning fleets can choose the tires best suited for their specific applications.

March 2, 2009
Business, Safety, Fuel, Technology, Equipment, Government

Obama’s Call for Cap-and-Trade a Concern for ATA Chairman

President Obama called on Congress to approve legislation creating a cap-and-trade system aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Obama spoke on Feb. 24 to Congress in a joint session and invited spectators, who included the chairman of American Trucking Associations.

March 2, 2009
Business, Logistics, Government

FedEx’s Smith Calls for More Development of Electric Vehicles in Regional Shipments

WASHINGTON — Passenger cars and even some trucks moving short distances in the United States need to switch to electric battery power from gasoline or diesel, FedEx Corp. founder Frederick Smith told the National Press Club here Feb. 23.

March 2, 2009
Government, Business

So. Calif. Ports Reduce Rail Container Fees in Attempt to Help Firms Weather Downturn

Concerned about losing market share to other West Coast ports, harbor commissioners with the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have voted to cut their rail container fees by 10%.

March 2, 2009