Trucking Business News

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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, 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
Government, Business, Safety, Technology, Equipment

Obama, House Panel Spar Over Highway Plan

WASHINGTON — Setting up what could be a major confrontation between Congress and the White House over transportation policy, a key House committee unveiled a $500 billion blueprint to remake the U.S. transport system, while on the same day the administration instead proposed extending the current plan for 18 months.

June 22, 2009
Business

Truck Manufacturers Assn. Elects Volvo’s Skip Yeakel Chairman

The Truck Manufacturers Association elected Volvo Trucks North America’s Skip Yeakel as TMA’s new chairman.

June 19, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

Mass. Transportation Plan Delays Toll Increase

The Massachusetts Senate has approved a transportation reform bill that would avoid a planned toll increase in tolls and would abolish the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority by the end of the year, the Associated Press reported.

June 19, 2009
Business, Safety

Intermodal, Rail Traffic Fall for Week

Intermodal rail traffic fell 17% last week compared with the same week last year, the Association of American Railroads said.

June 19, 2009