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.
Gasoline Falls 7¢ to $3.47, Lundberg Survey Reports
Gasoline declined 7 cents in the past two weeks to $3.47 a gallon, continuing its recent downward trend, according to the latest Lundberg survey of filling stations released Sunday.
November 19, 2012CARB Sets System Regs for Refrigerated Units
The California Air Resources Board posted requirements for the use of electric standby and hybrid electric systems for refrigerated units to qualify as alternative technologies that comply with state regulations.
November 19, 2012Letters: Pilot Shortage
I just heard about the impending pilot shortage and the new regulatory requirement for 1,500 hours to qualify — five times the existing requirement.
November 19, 2012Editorial: Controlling Reincarnated Carriers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has taken a good step in its drive to control “reincarnated carriers,” troubled companies that essentially seek to shed their safety and compliance woes by repainting the company name on their vehicles.
November 19, 2012October Truck Sales Fall 10.7%
Heavy-duty U.S. retail truck sales slid for a second straight month in October, dropping 10.7% from a year ago, although the year-to-date volume remained well ahead of its 2011 pace and truck makers characterized the downturn as more of a modest, temporary retreat rather than a collapse.
November 19, 2012Lawmakers Mull Alternatives to Bolster Highway Trust Fund
Several lawmakers said last week they would consider raising fuel taxes to shore up the Highway Trust Fund, while an administration official warned against cutting transportation infrastructure programs because that could imperil public safety.
November 19, 2012Improved Transport Infrastructure Seen Helping Mexico ‘Insourcing’
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mexico continues to become an increasingly desirable manufacturing and freight market for reasons ranging from more competitive labor costs to improved transportation infrastructure, carriers and their customers agreed at an industry meeting here.
November 19, 2012Study Says Freight Booming as Mexican Economy Grows
A growing economy and a global shift in manufacturing are spurring investment in Mexico’s freight transportation industry, according to a recent study that said there is a $68.4 billion market for trucking services in Mexico.
November 19, 2012Supply Chain Execs Call for Better Planning After Superstorm Reveals Major Problems
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Superstorm Sandy dramatized the need for better contingency planning to keep products flowing during a major disruption, a supply chain executive said at an industry meeting here last week.
November 19, 2012Navistar Installs First Cummins ISX15 In ProStar Plus Tractor Featuring SCR
WASHINGTON — Navistar International Corp. installed its first Cummins ISX15 engine in a ProStar Plus tractor on Nov. 15, with Chairman and CEO Lewis Campbell attending at the company’s Escobedo, Mexico, factory.
November 19, 2012