In today’s information-overloaded business world, we often find ourselves deluged with literally hundreds of news items from dozens of sources. While it is likely impossible to read every article and remain productive, by not doing so we risk missing the one article that could change a key business practice or thought process. And that is where the NATSO Foundation’s newest publication, Biz Brief, provides assistance! The NATSO Foundation's Biz Brief is a daily collection of the most relevant business intelligence for truckstop and travel plaza operators.
While we think the Biz Brief is a must-read every day, if you only read ten news articles this week, these ten most-clicked Biz Brief articles are the ten to read.
- QSR Workers Urged to Strike Aug. 29
Labor organizers are urging quick service restaurant workers to strike on Aug. 29 as part of an effort to increase wages as well as add protections for employees who want to unionize. The strike is aimed at the entire quick-service industry and organizers aim to make it the largest strike in the industry's history, impacting cities across the United States. Click here to read more > - Is Hub And Spoke Model Right For Trucking?
An Oregon State University professor is suggesting that the current truckload operating model is outdated. Hector Vergara thinks that the driver shortage and quality of life issues are setting the trucking industry up for a business model change. Vergara indicates that trucking companies already are moving to the hub and spoke model. The average age of America's drivers (51) and the high turnover rate (97 percent) in the industry suggest that the time is right for significant changes. Click here to read more > - FMCSA Warns Of Julie The Hacker
An individual posing as a senior procurement officer for the U.S. DOT is communicating with trucking companies and seeking financial information. The emails and faxes are authored by a fictitious individual named Julie Weynel. The U.S. Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration issued warnings of this fraud and have asked to be informed of any future communications. Click here to read more > -
Comparing Credit Card Fees
If you have ever taken the time to analyze your merchant discount rate, you know how confusing it can be. The rate is made up of numerous components, some which can vary greatly from one processor to another. A new, free website can assist you in seeking out the best rates. Click here to read more > -
Are "Blimp Stops" In The Future?
Northrup Grumman is exploring the production of very large, unmanned airships for commercial freight transport. Admitting that it has a lot of work to do, Northrup hopes to partner with a current air freight business such as FedEx or UPS as it moves forward. The company will announce more details in coming weeks. Click here to read more > -
Marcellus Shale Production Soars
Production from the Marcellus Shale project in Pennsylvania and West Virginia is up 50 percent from last year. Current projections suggest that the region will produce the equivalent of 550 million barrels of oil in 2013. The nation's most productive gas field is now replacing traditional sources from the Gulf and Canada. Click here to read more > - Federal Reserve Appeals Debit Fee Ruling
The Federal Reserve announced late Aug. 21 that it will appeal the recent ruling by the U.S. District Court in Washington that it set the cap on debit card transactions too high. The decision to challenge the ruling means the current regulations governing swipe fees could remain in place for years as the legal challenge works its way through the appeals process. Click here to read more > - Pilot Flying J Opens 38th Illinois Location
Pilot Travel Centers opened a new location on Interstate 74 in Oakwood, Ill. The facility includes a new PJ Fresh Market fast dining food service operation and will employ 80 people. Click here to read more > - UPS Drops 15,000 Spouses From Health Care
United Parcel Service announced that it will remove 15,000 employee spouses from the company's health care plan because they are eligible for other options. While many Affordable Care Act supporters suggest that UPS' action is a result of increasing health care costs, UPS states that higher costs related to the ACA is a major factor in eliminating spouses from coverage. The move is expected to save the company $60 million next year. Click here to read more > - "Pay It Forward" Tolls Allowed
Although Highway 400 in Georgia will cease to be a toll road in November, Georgia's Gov. Nathan Deal has reinstated a policy allowing drivers to pay for other people's tolls. Click here to read more >
I might be biased, but I think if you aren't receiving Biz Brief, you are missing out! Not a subscriber? Be sure to submit a request to be added to the email list. Already receive it and have feedback for me? Be sure to email me at editor@natso.com.
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