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.
Pacific, Atlantic Coast Ports Post Strong Volumes in February
Another month, another all-time monthly record at the Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s busiest port facility.
US Initial Jobless Claims Decline to Lowest Since 1969
Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance fell last week to the lowest since 1969 as demand for labor far exceeds supply and rampant inflation keeps the incentive to work high.
Trucking Sees Little Benefit to Diesel Tax Relief Plans
A move by states to soothe the sting of soaring fuel prices by temporarily suspending diesel fuel taxes has some unlikely opponents: truckers, the very people it’s supposed to help.
States Seek to Ease Inflation Burden With Direct Payments
PORTLAND, Maine — With inflation raging and state coffers flush with cash, governors and lawmakers across the U.S. are considering a relatively simple solution to help ease the pain people are feeling at the gas pump and grocery store — sending money.
Rail Unions Turn to Arbitration in Dispute Over BNSF Rules
OMAHA, Neb. — BNSF’s two largest unions will ask an arbitrator to throw out the railroad’s strict new attendance policy instead of appealing a court order preventing them from striking.
Newsom Offers California Car Owners $400 Rebates, Partial Gas Tax Pause
California Gov. Gavin Newsom would send car owners $400 debit cards and partially pause gasoline taxes to address high gas prices, he said March 23.
Lockdowns Hinder Operations at Key Chinese Ports
Congestion in the key Chinese ports of Shenzhen and Hong Kong due to COVID-19 lockdowns has risen to the highest level in five months, posing possible delays to goods heading to the U.S. this summer.
Sen. Thune Again Highlights AV Bill’s Safety Benefits
The nationwide adoption of autonomous vehicle technology would potentially improve safety and connectivity for the commuter and commercial transportation sectors, a key proponent of the technology in the U.S. Senate said at a hearing on March 23.
Connecticut House Cuts Gas Tax, Offers Other Relief
With the state budget surplus hitting record-breaking levels, Connecticut legislators voted unanimously March 23 to cut gasoline taxes — and talked about reducing more taxes in the future.
Stakeholders Urge Congress to Pass CHIPS Act
The chief executives of some of the largest U.S. chip manufacturing companies urged Congress to pass legislation that includes $52 billion in incentives for their industry, calling it “essential” to maintaining competitiveness with China and other countries.