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.
Technology Briefs — Feb. 13 - Feb. 20
CARB Will Not Appeal ‘Reflash’ Court Ruling • PeopleNet Upgrades g3 Software • Siemens Buys Powertrain Firm for Hybrid Market • CTA Welcomes Canada’s ‘ecoFreight’ Program
February 20, 2007Key Senator Backs Incentives for New Truck Engines, APUs
ARLINGTON, Va. — The new chairman of the Senate Finance Committee told directors of American Trucking Associations last week that he supported creation of federal financial incentives to help fleets purchase new, cleaner-burning diesel engines and auxiliary power units.
February 20, 2007ATA Agrees to Boost Support for Biodiesel
ARLINGTON, Va. — American Trucking Associations said last week it would become more vocal in its support for increased fuel efficiency in heavy trucks and ratified an agreement with the biodiesel industry to promote that fuel at the federal level.
Manufacturers Begin Tests of 2010 Engine Prototypes
Most major truck engine manufacturers said they are now testing prototypes of engines developed to meet the federal government’s 2010 diesel engine emission standards. Two of them said they will have engines available for testing next year.
Editorial: The Clean-Truck Paradox
For anyone who operates a commercial truck, there is little doubt about the importance of the vehicle’s fuel efficiency — especially in this era of historically high diesel and gasoline prices.
February 20, 2007Consumer Confidence Declines in February
U.S. consumer confidence fell this month from a two-year high in January, according to the University of Michigan’s monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.
February 16, 2007Housing Starts Plunge to Lowest Level Since 1997
New housing starts plunged 14.3% in January to their lowest level in 10 years, the Commerce Department said Friday.
February 16, 2007Goodyear Posts $358 Mln. 4Q Loss on Strike Impacts
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. reported Friday it lost $358 million in the fourth quarter due to a strike at 16 of its plants that reduced sales.
February 16, 2007January Producer Price Index Declines 0.6%
The producer price index fell 0.6% in January, but the “core” rate rose, the Labor Department reported Friday.
February 16, 2007Parts of Pennsylvania Interstates Closed Following Ice Storm
A thick layer of ice kept parts of major highways closed in Pennsylvania Friday morning, a day after hundreds of drivers became stranded on a hilly stretch of Interstate 78 that was hit by this week’s big snow and ice storm, the Associated Press reported.
February 16, 2007