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.

BusinessSafetyFuel

SoCal Ports Set Plan to Ban Older Trucks

The Port of Long Beach said it is joining the Port of Los Angeles in setting a plan to bar older trucks from operating at the port, and approved a tariff structure that will gradually limit access to all but the cleanest vehicles.

November 6, 2007
GovernmentBusinessSafetyFuel

Diesel Soars 14.6¢ to Record $3.303; Gas Jumps Over $3

Diesel fuel jumped to a new all-time high Monday, rising 14.6 cents over last week’s record to $3.303 a gallon, the Department of Energy said.

November 6, 2007
GovernmentBusinessSafetyTechnologyEquipment

Qualcomm System to Track Trucks in Cross-Border Program

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said Monday that that starting later this month, trucks crossing the U.S.-Mexico border as part of a new demonstration program will use satellite-based technology developed by Qualcomm Inc. to track trucks.

November 5, 2007
BusinessGovernmentSafetyTechnologyEquipment

Carriers’ Interest in APUs Is Growing

ORLANDO, Fla. — With idling restrictions increasing in states and localities around the country, carriers are increasingly interested in buying systems that will allow drivers to keep their truck cabs cool or heated and to operate electrical “hotel” appliances such as televisions or computers.

November 5, 2007
BusinessSafetyGovernment

ISM Services Index Rises for October

The economy’s service sector growth increased in October, the Institute for Supply Management said Monday.

November 5, 2007
Business

Editorial: Resolving 2010 Engine Technology

It’s clear that buyers will face a choice when they consider the 2010 model year for heavy-duty trucks. What remains to be seen is whether this choice benefits truck operators as well as suppliers.

November 5, 2007
Business

ODFL’s Earl Congdon Stepping Down

Old Dominion Freight Line said Chief Executive Officer Earl Congdon will retire at year’s end and be succeeded by his son, President David Congdon, Bloomberg reported.

November 5, 2007
GovernmentBusinessSafety

Conn. Trucking Firms Seek Clarification on Employee Definition

Connecticut trucking companies are asking Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R) and state lawmakers to intervene in a dispute with the state’s Labor Department over how workers are defined for tax purposes, the Associated Press reported.

November 5, 2007
BusinessGovernmentSafetyFuelEquipment

Fleets to Face Engine Dilemma as Some Makers Avoid SCR

The decision by two major engine manufacturers, Cummins Inc. and Navistar International, to build 2010 heavy-duty diesel engines without selective catalytic reduction technology has upset truck sales forecasts for the 2009 and 2010 truck markets.

November 5, 2007
Business

Sept. Tonnage Drops 2.3%; No Quick Rebound Seen

Truck tonnage declined 2.3% in September and analysts said fleets face a protracted period of softness in freight demand as new economic data provided few signs of an upturn in business activity.

November 5, 2007