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.

Business, Government, Safety

DOT Prepares to Issue New Rule to Cut Truck Stopping Distance

The Department of Transportation is preparing to issue its long-delayed rule that would slice the stopping distance for large trucks by as much as 30%.

June 22, 2009
Business, Government

Wyoming Legislators Consider Tolling I-80

Wyoming legislators are considering a highway funding plan that could cost trucks more than $100 in tolls to run the full 400 miles across the state on Interstate 80.

June 22, 2009
Government, Business, Safety, Equipment

May Class 8 Truck Sales Drop 39%

Heavy-duty U.S. truck sales continued their severe slide into a fifth month, as retail volume fell 39% in May, while the year-to-date total now lags the pace of last year by 33.9%, according to WardsAuto.com.

June 22, 2009
Government, Business, Safety, Fuel

SCR Engine Makers Deny Navistar Claims

Several truck and engine manufacturers who plan to use selective catalytic reduction technology to meet 2010 emission standards have denied allegations by Navistar Inc. and have asked a federal appeals court to give them standing to argue against Navistar’s lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

June 22, 2009
Business, Government, Safety, Fuel, Equipment, Technology

EGR vs. SCR Battle Also Rages in Truck Classes 3-7 for 2010

Diesel emission standards change again in January 2010, but unlike the previous modifications when all manufacturers used essentially the same emission-controlling technology, medium-duty truck buyers next year will have a choice of competing systems.

June 22, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

NTTC President Balks at Wetlines Proposal

A requirement that tank trucks carrying gasoline and other flammable materials be retrofitted with equipment to purge wetlines would kill and injure far more repair shop workers than it would save motorists lives, the head of a tank truck carriers industry group told Congress.

June 22, 2009
Government, Business, Safety, Fuel

Diesel Rises for 6th Week

The average price paid for retail diesel jumped another 7.4 cents last week to $2.572 a gallon, marking the sixth straight week of increases in the price of trucking’s main fuel for a total rise of 38.7 cents, the Department of Energy reported.

June 22, 2009
Business

FedEx Loses $876 Million, But Sees Better Economy

FedEx Corp. last week reported a quarterly loss of $876 million linked to one-time charges, but company leaders forecast better economic conditions that could improve results in the months ahead.

June 22, 2009
Business, Safety, Government, Logistics

Logistics Expenses Drop 3.5%

WASHINGTON — The cost of moving and storing goods nationwide fell 3.5% last year, the first decline in logistics-related ex-penses in six years, despite 2% higher transportation expenses. Manufacturers and retailers slashed inventories and excess capacity limited the ability of freight carriers to raise prices, according to a new report.

June 22, 2009
Business, Government

YRC Announces Deal With Pension Fund

YRC Worldwide last week said it has reached an agreement with the largest pension fund that pays benefits to YRC’s unionized employees. The agreement allows the company to defer $83 million in second-quarter pension payments while it provides real estate as collateral.

June 22, 2009