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, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

Powertrain Suppliers Focus on Fuel, Emissions in Dawn of Electrification

In a world where there is growing interest in electrification, drivetrain/powertrain makers are simultaneously pursuing two goals: developing products and technology when electric trucks reach critical mass; and supplying more low-emission and fuel-efficient products.

Stephen Bennett | Special to Transport Topics
September 19, 2022
Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

Lithium Resumes Gains to Add Pressure on Automakers

After Elon Musk complained that lithium — the ubiquitous raw material needed in electric vehicle batteries — was trading at insane levels, and China’s authorities in March pushed key industry players to act, prices briefly began to cool. Now, they’re rising again to add pressure on automakers.

Annie Lee | Bloomberg News
September 19, 2022
Government, Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

Western State Coalition Seeks Partners in Heated Hydrogen Hub Race

Calling on private investors, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon is urging key stakeholders to explain in a web survey what role they would play in a four-state Western regional hydrogen hub.

Noël Fletcher | Staff Reporter
September 16, 2022
Business, Technology, Equipment, Logistics

Intermodal Industry Is Working to Increase Sustainability

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Sustainability is top of mind for many in the shipping and transportation industries, and exhibitors and speakers at the IANA Intermodal Expo 2022 said the industry continues to make efficiency gains.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
September 16, 2022
Government, Business, Logistics

Imports to Port of L.A. Drop, Hinting at Weaker Demand

The number of containers arriving at the Port of Los Angeles dropped by the most since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic last month, an early indication that consumer demand could be starting to moderate.

Augusta Saraiva | Bloomberg News
September 16, 2022
Business, Technology, Equipment, Logistics

Intermodal Executives Optimistic About Chassis Supply

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Unprecedented volumes of intermodal freight are starting to lighten as well as the long turn times and equipment backlogs that created chassis shortages throughout the past year, which can delay freight movement and disrupt truckers, carriers and the entire business model of the customer.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
September 16, 2022
Business, Logistics

Students Learn About Intermodal Opportunities

LONG BEACH, Calif. — More than 100 high school and college students attending the IANA Expo took part in learning opportunities tailored to those considering careers in the intermodal and logistics industries.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
September 16, 2022
Government, Business, Safety, Logistics

Carriers, Intermodal Providers Look to Younger Drivers

LONG BEACH, Calif. — The driver shortage remains a top concern for fleets, and carriers are working to attract new and younger entrants into the industry.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
September 16, 2022
Business, Logistics

IANA Presents Silver Kingpin, Chairman Awards

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Ted Prince, chief strategy officer and co-founder of Tiger Cool Express, received the Silver Kingpin award during the Intermodal Association of North America’s Intermodal Expo 2022 on Sept. 13.

September 16, 2022
Government, Business, Logistics

Fleets Prepare for AB 5 Enforcement as Legal Battles Continue

LONG BEACH, Calif. — California’s Assembly Bill 5, which affects driver classification, has been in effect for 2½ months, and fleets are subject to enforcement. Experts discussed the ramifications at IANA Intermodal Expo 2022.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
September 16, 2022