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, Safety

Distraction, Fatigue Continue to Challenge Drivers, Study Says

A new study has concluded that talking and singing in the cab are not distracting for truck drivers, but other common activities such as adjusting the seat belt, reaching for food or drink, and adjusting the instrument panel or mirrors showed significant risk of a crash or near-crash.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
September 9, 2021
Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

OEMs Outline Vision for EV Transition Phases, Targets for Next 20 Years

LONG BEACH, Calif.— Truck maker executives said they are preparing for when broader support for zero-emission vehicles will come and sales will climb. For now, financial incentives, sell-side rules and the promise of corporate sustainability goals are supporting the medium- and heavy-duty truck electrification market.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
September 9, 2021
Business

California Natural Gas Prices Hit Highest Since Texas Crisis

California’s record heat is sending natural gas prices in the region to the highest since February as electricity demand surges at a time when supplies needed by power plants have been tight.

September 9, 2021
Business

Ford Will Cease Making Cars in India, Take $2 Billion Charge

Ford Motor Co. will shut its car factories in India and record roughly $2 billion in restructuring charges, scaling back significantly in a country that past management saw becoming one of its three biggest markets.

September 9, 2021
Government, Business

Democratic Divisions Jeopardize Scope of Biden Economic Plan

Democratic congressional leaders vowed to forge ahead this month with President Joe Biden’s economic plan despite deep divisions within the party and growing uncertainty about the overall size and scope of the tax and spending proposal.

September 8, 2021
Business, Fuel

No Hurricane Has Hit US Energy Markets Like Ida Has

Just over 20% of U.S. Gulf of Mexico oil and natural gas production is back online after Hurricane Ida battered southeast Louisiana, marking an even slower comeback than in the wake of Katrina.

September 8, 2021
Government, Business, Equipment

STB Seeks Input on First- and Last-Mile Rail Service Issues

The Surface Transportation Board is seeking comments on issues related to first-mile and last-mile rail service, according to a notice published in the Federal Register on Sept. 8.

Eleanor Lamb | Staff Reporter
September 8, 2021
Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

Clean Technology Mix for Fleets Is Coming, Upstart Companies Say

LONG BEACH, Calif. — The uncertain residual value of emerging zero-emission trucks is a concern of prospective buyers. But Craig Knight, CEO of fuel cell technology provider Hyzon Motors Inc., is offering reassurance to his customers.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
September 8, 2021
Business, Technology, Logistics

Amazon to Open Two Whole Foods Stores Without Cashiers

NEW YORK — Something will be missing at two Whole Foods stores opening next year: cashiers.

Joseph Pisani | Associated Press
September 8, 2021
Business, Equipment, Fuel

Maersk Joins Buffett to Invest in Startup Promising Green Fuel

A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S has agreed to buy a minority stake in a green-fuel startup backed by Warren Buffett, as the world’s largest container line latches on to new technologies to decarbonize its fleet.

Christian Wienberg | Bloomberg News
September 8, 2021