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.
DeJoy Says He’s Been Cleared in Federal Probe
WASHINGTON — Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said March 31 that the Justice Department has closed without criminal charges an investigation into political fundraising activity at his former business.
March 31, 2022House GOP Presses Oversight on Infrastructure Affairs
WASHINGTON — With a new $1 trillion infrastructure law potentially facilitating the distribution of billions of dollars in extra funding for infrastructure projects over the coming years, Republican leaders on the transportation panel in the U.S. House intend to push the Biden administration for input on the law’s implementation.
White House Urges Ports to Work With Local Leaders to Secure Funding
WASHINGTON — Top White House executives urged port leaders to collaborate with their elected leaders and focus on projects that align with Biden administration goals as they strive to access a share of $1.2 trillion in federal infrastructure funds.
Trucking Companies Bet on Intermodal Growth
J.B. Hunt, Knight-Swift and Schneider are among the motor carriers expanding their intermodal operations for new avenues for growth.
Biden Invokes Defense Production Act to Boost EV Battery Production
The Biden administration announced it will invoke Cold War powers to boost domestic production of materials for batteries needed to power electric vehicles and the transition to renewable energy, a move intended to improve U.S. competitiveness in a market dominated by China.
Aurora Upgrades Autonomous Driving System
Aurora Innovation Inc. is upgrading its self-driving truck technology as it prepares to commercialize its autonomous vehicle technology.
OPEC Sticks to Modest Boost in Oil Despite War Jitters
LONDON — OPEC and allied oil producers including Russia decided March 31 to stick to a modest increase in the amount of crude they pump to the world, a step that supports higher prices even as the Biden administration plans to try to lower them by releasing oil from strategic reserves.
March 31, 2022Key Inflation Gauge Sets 40-Year High as Fuel, Food Soar
WASHINGTON — An inflation gauge that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve jumped 6.4% in February compared with a year ago, with sharply higher prices for food, gasoline and other necessities squeezing Americans’ finances.
Biden Plans to Tap Oil Reserve to Control Gas Prices
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is preparing to order the release of up to 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve, according to two people familiar with the decision, in a bid to control energy prices that have spiked as the U.S. and allies have imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Secretary Walsh Optimistic About Port Workers’ Contract Talks
CARLISLE, Pa. — Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is optimistic that upcoming labor negotiations for workers at West Coast ports will progress smoothly, noting the critical role that dockworkers and port drivers play in keeping supply chains moving.