General News
Trump’s Potential Tariffs Are a Wild Card for US Economy
Tariffs that President Donald Trump plans to slap on imports from Canada and Mexico as soon as this weekend could drive up the price of gasoline, pickup trucks, avocados and more.
Costco Raises Pay for Top Hourly Workers to Over $30 an Hour
The company will raise hourly pay for employees at the top of its pay scale over the next three years, CEO Ron Vachris wrote in a memo to staff this week that was viewed by Bloomberg News.
Panama’s President Rejects US Canal Negotiations
“It’s impossible, I can’t negotiate,” Mulino said when asked about returning the canal to U.S. control. “That is done. The canal belongs to Panama.”
Trump: Tariffs on Canada, Mexico Still Set to Begin Feb. 1
President Donald Trump said his 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico are coming on Feb. 1, but he’s still considering whether to include oil from those countries as part of his import taxes.
Federal Drug Officials Authorize Testing for Fentanyl
The action clears a path for the Department of Transportation and other federal agencies to begin fentanyl testing for federally regulated occupations like truck drivers.
Tesla Completes Wall, Roof Construction at Semi Factory
Tesla’s previously announced production timeline for the Semi remains on schedule, with the first tractors expected to be built by the end of the year and manufacturing ramping up in 2026.
House Leaders Eye Late February for Budget Blueprint
House Republican leaders recently outlined a timeline for kicking off the procedures for passing budget legislation meant to reflect President Donald Trump’s list of policy priorities.
United Rentals Q4 Profit, Revenue Rise
The Stamford, Conn.-based company posted a 1.5% increase in Q4 net income to $689 million from $679 million. Revenue increased nearly 10%.
Uber Alleges Fraud Scheme by NY Groups Faking Crash Injuries
Uber filed a racketeering suit against a group of law firms, doctors and pain-management clinics it claims staged fake car accidents to take advantage of New York’s no-fault insurance policies.
Used Class 8 Truck Sales Rise 11% in December
Used Class 8 truck sales in December increased 11.3% year over year and 4.8% from November's level, according to ACT research.
Trucking Industry Cargo Thefts Reach Record High in 2024
Verisk CargoNet reported that cargo theft incidents jumped 27% year over year to a record 3,625 across North America, and the estimated average value per theft increased 7.7%.
US Ports End Year on High Note
U.S. ports capped off 2024 with solid growth, as most major facilities reported volume increases for December.
Lower Truck Sales, Higher Costs Hurt Volvo Q4 Profits, Margins
A decrease in truck sales in North America and Europe plus increased production costs in the U.S. dragged on Volvo Group AB profits in the fourth quarter of 2024, the company said Jan. 29.
Committee on Freight Policy Examines Panama Canal Operations
A Senate panel on Jan. 28 took aim at China’s involvement with operations at the Panama Canal and examined President Donald Trump’s economic strategy linked to travel by U.S. ships through the facility.
Infrastructure Shows Effects of Climate Change
Worldwide warming temperatures are hammering roads that were built for a different climate, ballooning repair budgets and sometimes cutting off communities from goods and services.
Changes Coming for Car and Pickup Fuel Efficiency
DETROIT — Hours after being sworn in as the new Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy took aim at the main way the federal government regulates miles per gallon for cars and pickup trucks.
C.H. Robinson Reports 382% Earnings Jump for Q4
The Eden Prairie, Minn.-based logistics and shipping company on Jan. 29 posted net income of $149.3 million, or $1.22 a diluted share, for the three months ending Dec. 31.
UPS Posts 1.5% Revenue Growth; Shares Fall on Amazon Deal
UPS Inc. experienced revenue and earnings growth despite a tougher freight market in the fourth quarter of 2024, the parcel delivery company reported Jan. 30.
Caterpillar Forecasts Lower Revenue This Year
Caterpillar Inc. warned that revenue will be “slightly lower” in 2025 as demand concerns weigh on the outlook of the heavy equipment maker.
Economy Grows Solid 2.3% From October to December
WASHINGTON — The American economy ended 2024 on a solid note with consumer spending continuing to drive growth.