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.
Year in Review: Trucking Posts Strong Gains, But Legislative Battles Rage
A strengthening economy lifted demand for freight hauling during 2014, boosting rates and profits and triggering a rush to buy new tractors and trailers as carriers scurried to keep pace.
December 31, 2014QuickBooks for Trucking: Connecting QuickBooks to Your TMS
Learn how Truckbase connects QuickBooks for trucking and your TMS to help you marry your trucking-specific data in your TMS with your financial data in QuickBooks.
Despite Falling Oil Prices, Fed Expected to Raise Interest Rates Midyear
Economists are slashing U.S. inflation forecasts for 2015 as oil prices tumble. What’s not changing are predictions that the Federal Reserve will raise its benchmark interest rate anyway, probably around mid-year.
Truck Tolls on Illinois Tollway Will Jump 40% on Jan. 1
Truck tolls on the Illinois Tollway will increase by 40% starting Jan. 1, part of a rate schedule the tollway laid out in 2008 over trucking industry objections.
STB to Consider Permanent Rail Service Reporting
The Surface Transportation Board said it would consider whether an interim requirement for railroads to file detailed weekly service performance reports in the wake of ongoing freight delays should be made permanent.
Automated Transmissions Offer Fuel Savings, Driver-Retention Benefits, Study Finds
Fleets can expect to boost fuel efficiency and reduce driver turnover by adopting automated manual or fully automatic transmissions, according to a new study.
Jobless Claims Rise by 17,000 During Volatile Holiday Period
More Americans filed applications for unemployment benefits for the first time in five weeks, displaying the typical year-end holiday swings that make the data difficult to interpret.
Quala Acquires Iowa Tank Wash Company
Tanker-cleaning provider Quala said it has expanded its network by acquiring Cronbaugh Tank Wash of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Financial terms were not disclosed.
West Coast Longshoremen Seek Direct Talks With Shippers
West Coast dockworkers asked that major employers on the board of the Pacific Maritime Association join in contract negotiations that have stretched over seven months.
December 30, 2014Planning to Watch Bowl Games? Get Ready for Ford F-150 Ad Blitz
When Ford Motor Co. unleashes an ad blitz for its new F-150 during college football bowl games Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, it will emphasize how much the aluminum-bodied pickup can haul and tow. There will be no mention of fuel-economy gains that Ford says are one of the truck’s key attributes.
Parcel Couriers Wrap Up Holiday Deliveries; On Pace for Record Season
Parcel couriers are wrapping up the peak delivery season with post-holiday returns following what was expected to be a record season for online retail spending.