General News
Logistics Gauge Shows Economy Downshifting Into Second Half
An indicator of U.S. supply chain pressure fell to the lowest level in two years, as a sharp drop in transportation costs underscores the slowdown in the nation’s economy heading into the second half of year.
West Coast Dockworkers Extend Labor Talks
The union representing about 22,000 West Coast dockworkers and their employers will continue negotiations for a new labor contract past the July 1 expiration of their current pact and said the ports — among them the U.S.’s busiest — will keep functioning.
Bridgestone Increases Prices For Bandag Products in US, Canada
Bridgestone will increase prices up to 15% on tread, cushion and some ancillary items from its subsidiary Bandag Inc., the tire company announced July 1.
USDOT Announces Rail Safety Funding Availability
Funding for rail safety operations around the country was recently announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Chipmakers’ Struggles Have Wall Street Worried About a Recession
Semiconductor stocks took a beating after a grim profit warning from Micron Technology Inc. sparked fresh worries about corporate America’s earnings power with the U.S. potentially heading for a recession.
EIA Diesel Prices Still in Limbo Going Into Third Week
The U.S. Energy Information Administration is delaying its weekly release of national diesel prices for a third week in a row due to network issues, it announced June 30.
House Funding Committee Approves FY23 Transportation Bill
A House panel approved legislation that would ensure the continuity of operations at the U.S. Department of Transportation through fiscal 2023.
Ohio Champ Woodrome Ramps Up Preparations for Nationals
With more than 400 truckers having qualified for the upcoming National Truck Driving Championships, the summer training period is officially underway. And Ohio's Scott Woodrome, the two-time defending national champion, knows the importance of preparation better than most.
Aurora’s Autonomous Tests in Texas Keep Rolling
If Aurora and other self-driving startups can convince customers and the public that large trucks can be automated safely, the potential efficiency gains are massive.
Manufacturing Growth Weakens to Two-Year Low as Orders Slump
A measure of U.S. manufacturing activity weakened in June to a two-year low as new orders contracted, restrained by lingering supply constraints and some softening in demand.
Agency Clears Way for Oakland Athletics Ballpark Plan at Port
SAN FRANCISCO — A California agency on June 30 cleared the way for the Oakland Athletics to continue planning a $12 billion waterfront ballpark project.
J.B. Hunt Expedites Overseas Delivery of New Containers
J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. has expedited overseas delivery of new containers as part of its commitment to grow intermodal capacity, the company announced June 30.
Record Drivers for July 4th Weekend to Boost Gasoline Demand
Gasoline demand in the U.S. is set to get a bump this July 4th weekend as a record number of drivers are expected to hit the road with some relief at the pump.
Hydrogen’s Uniqueness Calls for Extra Safety Measures
Safety measures are being developed to deal with the special properties of hydrogen as the pace quickens to bring heavy-duty fuel-cell trucks to market.
Supreme Court Declines to Hear California AB 5 Contractor Law Appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court announced on June 30 it has declined to hear an appeal of a California state law aimed at reclassifying owner-operators as motor carrier employees.
Refueling Milestone to Bring Fuel-Cell Hydrogen Trucks Closer to Reality
Federal researchers hope in July to reach a key milestone to refuel heavy-duty fuel-cell hydrogen trucks in 10 minutes, paving the way to prototype hardware and protocols for fueling stations.
TIA Moves Headquarters to New Office Space
The Transportation Intermediaries Association, which represents the third-party logistics industry, moved into a new office June 27 in Alexandria, Va.
Hyliion, Cummins Collaborate on Hypertruck ERX
Hyliion Inc. announced it is collaborating with Cummins Inc. to bring Hyliion’s natural gas extended range powertrain to North American trucking on schedule.
US Will Face High Gas Prices ‘as Long as It Takes,’ Biden Says
President Joe Biden said Americans will have to stomach high gas prices “as long as it takes” to beat back Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Port Automation Hurts Economy, Says Study Funded by Longshore Union
Automation at the Long Beach Container Terminal and the Port of Los Angeles’ TraPac terminal has eliminated 535,848 hours and $41.8 million in wages annually for dockworkers, even as production at ports that are automated is typically lower than at those that aren’t, according to a new study.