Trucking Business News

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.

Government, Business, Safety

Senate Confirms LaHood to Run DOT

The U.S. Senate confirmed several key cabinet posts, including Ray LaHood as secretary of transportation, but the Obama administration has yet to announce the president’s choices to lead several key transportation agencies within DOT.

February 2, 2009
Business, Fuel, Government

Retail Diesel Continues Falling

U.S. retail diesel prices continued to edge down last week, as the average dipped 2.8 cents to $2.268 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported.

February 2, 2009
Government, Business

House Approves Stimulus Bill With Only $30 Bln. for Roads

The House of Representatives last week approved an $819 billion package of spending and tax cuts aimed at boosting the economy, but with less spending on such projects as roads and bridges than some key legislators wanted.

February 2, 2009
Fuel, Business

Truckload Fleets Maintain Earnings in 4Q Despite Falling Revenue by Cutting Costs

Eight publicly traded truckload fleets weathered the fourth quarter recession by lowering costs, including fuel, and posted earnings that either topped or came close to the year-earlier period.

February 2, 2009
Business, Government

YRC Loses Almost $1 Bln. In ’08 as LTLs Struggle

Less-than-truckload carriers in the fourth quarter were hammered by sagging tonnage and fiercely competitive pricing, several of the largest publicly traded LTLs said last week.

February 2, 2009
Business

Volvo Plans 650 Layoffs at Va. Truck Plant

Volvo Trucks North America plans to lay off 650 workers from its manufacturing plant in Dublin, Va., the Roanoke (Va.) Times reported.

January 30, 2009
Business

Paccar’s Fourth-Quarter Income Declines

Heavy-duty truck maker Paccar Inc.’s fourth-quarter profit fell to $113.1 million, or 31 cents per share, from $261.1 million, or 71 cents per share, a year ago.

January 30, 2009
Government, Business

Exxon Mobil Sets New Earnings Record for a U.S. Company

Oil giant Exxon Mobil Corp. Friday reported a 2008 profit of $45.2 billion, breaking its own record for a U.S. company, although its fourth-quarter earnings fell 33% from a year ago, the Associated Press reported.

January 30, 2009
Business

YRC Reports Loss for 4Q, Year

YRC Worldwide said late Thursday it lost $244 million in the fourth quarter and close to $1 billion last year.

January 30, 2009
Business

Saia’s 4Q Income Declines

Saia Inc. said Friday its fourth-quarter earnings fell to $1.4 million, or 10 cents a share, from $2 million, or 15 cents, a year ago.

January 30, 2009