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.
Consumer Sentiment Rises to Second-Highest Since 2007
Consumer confidence increased in April to the second-highest level in more than eight years as Americans grew more upbeat about their financial prospects.
May 1, 2015Daily Briefings from Transport Topics
Transport Topics has partnered with Spoken Layer to make one-minute daily briefings available on all your smart devices. Simply say “Alexa, play Transport Topics” or “Okay Google, talk to Transport Topics” to get the day’s biggest trucking headlines.
Oil Falls After Biggest Monthly Gain in Six Years
Oil declined in New York on April 30 after its biggest monthly advance since May 2009.
UPS Freight Adds 64 LNG-Fueled Tractors
UPS Freight has added 64 liquefied natural gas-fueled tractors to its fleet. The tractors join UPS’ worldwide fleet of more than 2,500 natural gas-powered vehicles, the company said April 30.
NTSB Recommends Video Recorders on Heavy Trucks and Buses
The National Transportation Safety Board on April 29 issued a recommendation that heavy truck and bus fleet operators deploy in-cab video system recorder technology to monitor their drivers.
Old Dominion Net Income Rises; YRC Worldwide Cuts Loss
Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. improved first-quarter net income 36% to $62.5 million, or 73 cents per share, and YRC Worldwide Inc. cut its loss to $21.6 million, or 70 cents.
April 30, 2015Rep. Paul Ryan Says Short-Term Highway Patch to Be Unveiled in Three Weeks
WASHINGTON — Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), chairman of the tax-writing committee in the House, said April 30 that in about three weeks he will unveil a short-term measure that would keep highway programs funded for several months, or probably through the end of the year.
Jobless Claims Drop to Lowest Level in 15 Years
Applications for U.S. jobless benefits declined last week to the lowest level in 15 years, showing employers view a first-quarter slowdown in the economy probably is temporary.
April 30, 2015Consumer Spending Ends Sluggish Quarter on Positive Note
Consumer spending climbed in March, capping a lackluster first-quarter performance that was enough to keep the U.S. economy from shrinking.
April 30, 2015Four Fleets Improve First-Quarter Earnings
Four fleets reported improved first-quarter earnings, topped by a 69% increase at Con-way Inc. and 47% better results at Saia Inc.
April 29, 2015Rep. Hanna Criticizes HOS Study Researchers
WASHINGTON — Rep. Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.) said he does not think a university reviewing a recently suspended hours-of-service rule for truckers will reach a fair conclusion when it unveils its report later this year.