FedEx Freight | Some Trucking Companies also had a BIG bounce

[imported_River17]

Nasdaq Closes Higher But Rally Fizzles

FedEx Will Add 777 Freighters to Hong Kong

Flights to Memphis will provide non-stop link between world’s busiest cargo airports

FedEx will use the first two of its new 777 freighters on routes between Hong Kong and Memphis starting next month, company officials said, adding service at an Asia gateway hit hard by capacity shortages during the peak season.
The operations will link the world’s two largest air cargo airports with non-stop freighter service. FedEx, which has an intra-Asia hub in nearby Guangzho, China, has been operating between Hong Kong International Airport and its main express hub in Memphis through the carrier’s transshipment center in Anchorage, Alaska.
“Obviously that’s a very powerful lane for us,” FedEx Chairman, President and CEO Frederick W. Smith told investment analysts this month, “so much so that our first group of 777s are going” there.
FedEx Will Add 777 Freighters to Hong Kong | Journal of Commerce

Consumer Spending Keeps Hopes Alive For Decent Holiday

New data on personal income and spending raised hopes of a merry Christmas for the U.S. economy Wednesday, though many economists still urge caution.
Despite 10% unemployment and tight credit, consumer spending -- accounting for 70% of U.S. economic activity -- rose 0.5% in November, the Commerce Department reported. It was the second straight rise in spending, and the sixth gain in seven months. The report also showed that incomes climbed 0.4% -- the most since May -- while wages and salaries grew 0.3% amid cooling inflation.
"I don't expect households to shop until they drop, only to shop until they're tired," said Joel Naroff, chief economist at Naroff Economic Advisors. "The reports provide hope that the holiday season won't wind up being a disaster as many had forecast."
Consumer Spending Keeps Hopes Alive For Decent Holiday - Yahoo! Finance

YRC Worldwide Extends Debt Swap Deadline a Third Time

New deadline is set for Dec. 28, company nears due date for potential default

YRC Worldwide, hours from falling short of bondholder approval for a critical debt-for-equity swap, extended the offer's deadline for a third time on Wednesday, giving the company until Dec. 28 to convince bondholders to accept a plan to help the trucking giant stave off bankruptcy.
Just a few hours before its second deadline at the end of the day Dec. 23, YRC said it had approval from bondholders representing 80 percent of the outstanding notes, short of the 95 percent approval originally needed to execute the debt swap.
The company set a new deadline of 11:59 p.m. EST on Dec. 28, close to the Dec. 31 due date for a $19 million debt payment YRC says it cannot make without the added liquidity that would come with the debt swap.
Only 53 percent of the holders of 8½ percent notes had notified YRC it was willing to accept the swap by the close of business Wednesday, while holders of 5 percent and 3.375 percent notes had accepted the deal at a rate amounting to 90 percent of the total principal held.
YRC Worldwide Again Extends Debt Swap Deadline | Journal of Commerce

Tulsa's Arrow Trucking Suspends Operations; Drivers Stranded

Tulsa, Okla.-based Arrow Trucking suspended operations Tuesday, laying off employees and leaving drivers stranded right before the Christmas holiday, according to published reports. The company employs about 300 administrative staff and about 1,400 drivers.
The flatbed carrier has not made any formal press announcement about the suspension or about the future of the company. Arrow has sent everyone home, telling them that operations have been suspended, reports Tulsa's local KJRH Channel 2.
Over night, the closing of Arrow has brought together people all over the country who have been pooling their resources to help stranded drivers. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association created a Facebook page, "Support for Stranded Arrow Trucking Drivers", to match Arrow drivers with those willing to help.
"We had no idea that by this morning, we would have a thousand people," offering help, said Sandi Soendker, managing editor of Land Line Magazine, the official publication of the OOIDA. "It just went viral."
Tulsa's Arrow Trucking Suspends Operations; Drivers Stranded - Truckinginfo.com

Trucking taking care of its own in wake of Arrow closing

TULSA, Okla. — Trucking continues to take care of its own following the closing of Arrow Trucking Tuesday, leaving more than a thousand Arrow drivers stranded around the country. In addition to carriers stepping in to hire and help place Arrow drivers, e-mails and calls from individuals offering help have poured in.
"Yesterday, Arrow Trucking suspended operations indefinitely, impacting more than 300 Sapulpa area employees. Company officials are in negotiations with their principal and have not stated whether the suspension will lead to a permanent termination of employment for those impacted," Jacklyn Noden of Workforce Oklahoma told local news media.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Dow...10,466.44 +1.51 +0.01%

Nasdaq...2,269.64 +16.97 +0.75%

S&P 500...1,120.59 +2.57 +0.23%


KNX...19.65...+0.57...+2.99%
ABFS...31.64...+0.74...+2.39%
HTLD...15.54...+0.36...+2.37%
ODFL...33.00...+0.63...+1.95%
CNW...37.80...+0.53...+1.42%
LSTR...39.70...+0.26...+0.66%
FDX...83.76...+0.26...+0.31%
JBHT...33.24...-0.01...-0.03%
VTNC...11.38...-0.02...-0.18%
SAIA...14.30...-0.07...-0.49%
UPS...58.00...-0.58...-0.99%
YRCW...0.95...-0.19...-16.67%

FDX--
FedEx Will Add 777 Freighters to Hong Kong | Journal of Commerce
EBay's Last-Minute Delivery Push - BusinessWeek
Best Year-End Stocks
What in the World Is Goldman Sachs Thinking? (GS)
Consumer Spending Keeps Hopes Alive For Decent Holiday - Yahoo! Finance

UPS--
Dividend Investing | Investing And Yields
Consumer Spending Keeps Hopes Alive For Decent Holiday - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
YRC Worldwide debt-for-equity exchange deadline imminent - Kansas City Business Journal:
Summary of YRC WORLDWIDE INC - Yahoo! Finance
YRC Worldwide Again Extends Debt Swap Deadline | Journal of Commerce
YRC Worldwide Extends Debt-for-Equity Offers to December 28 - Yahoo! Finance
Trucker YRC again extends bond exchange deadline | Reuters

Nasdaq Closes Higher But Rally Fizzles

Wall Street took some cautious steps forward Wednesday afternoon, sending the Nasdaq higher and keeping the other indexes near breakeven amid fears that hopes for a housing rebound were overblown.
Major indexes hold modest gains during a light day of holiday-week trading. Technology shares set the pace for a market struggling toward a Santa Claus rally, but banks and homebuilders struggled to come along for the sleigh ride.
Nasdaq Closes Higher But Rally Fizzles - CNBC

Art Cashin: Markets Following the '17.6-Year Cycle'

Stocks are mixed Wednesday as the market absorbs disappointing housing data — a 7-month low in new home sales — and the VIX volatility index hovers at lows unseen since August 2008. What does it mean going forward?
Cashin noted that mortgage "numbers" and applications were down. But he said it's impossible to draw a conclusion just now: "We'll have to wait a few weeks to see if it's the creep-up in interest rates or just the Christmas holiday" slowing home sales, he said.
Cashin reiterated his "theory of the 17.6-year cycle." He pointed out that the periods 1966-1982 and 1929-1947 were "lean cycles."
"And we're still in one of those lean cycles. We still have a few years to go" before the full bull resurgence.
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: Markets Following the '17.6-Year Cycle' — CNBC.com Investing News - CNBC

A 'Day of Reckoning' Ahead for S&P 500: Market Pro

After breaking through the 1,115 resistance level Tuesday, the S&P 500 will rise toward 1,135 over the next few days, said Uri Landesman, head of Global Growth at ING Investment Management.
Landesman then expects the index to hit 1,175 in early January—at which point chaos will ensue.
"When we get to 1,175, I think a day of reckoning comes," he said.
"[It] doesn't mean we can't see a correction—we haven't had a 10 percent correction yet—but I think if we get one, I think that's a real buying opportunity," Keating said.
CNBC Stock Blog — A 'Day of Reckoning' for the S&P 500: Market Pro — Stock Market, Investing - CNBC

Is Low VIX a Warning for Stocks? Some Say Yes

The VIX hovers near its low for the year, and the stock market trades near its highs.
But some traders watch this type of scenario as a possible warning sign.
There is, of course, the old Wall Street saying: "VIX low. Time to go."
Deming said the focus in the pits now is on the S&P 500 and whether it will close above 1121, a level technicians are watching. "If we break through there, we'll probably see a nice pop," he said. That could set up a further decline in the VIX , which might be when the low VIX really does signal "time to go."
Low VIX: A New Warning For Stocks? - CNBC

Drop The Fears of China Soiling Volvo's Reputation

Maybe it's because the Chinese are new to the auto game.
Maybe it's because Americans automatically think, "we invented the car business and nobody can do it better than us."
Or maybe it's because some people are worried the Chinese will grow Volvo and become an increasing threat to the Big 3.
However you feel about the Chinese auto companies, keep this in mind: they're coming. Volvo is just one more important step in the growing expansion of the Chinese automakers.
Drop The Fears of China Soiling Volvo's Reputation - CNBC

Jingle Bells Are Ringing For a Santa Claus Rally

If Santa Claus should fail to call, then bears may come to Broad and Wall...the period for the Santa Claus rally starts tomorrow, and so far it is setting up beautifully: stocks are in a slow, gentle, low-volume drift upward.
The Santa Claus rally is traditionally a modest rally that occurs in the last five trading days of December and the first two trading days of January.
Jingle Bells Are Ringing For a Santa Claus Rally - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

[imported_River17]

Merry Christmas--Stocks Close Out Solid Holiday Week

WEEKEND EDITION

YRC Worldwide Again Extends Debt Swap Deadline

Third extension sets new deadline of Dec. 28, company nears due date for potential default

YRC Worldwide, hours from falling short of bondholder approval for a critical debt-for-equity swap, extended the offer's deadline for a third time on Wednesday, giving the company until Dec. 28 to convince bondholders to accept a plan to help the trucking giant stave off bankruptcy.
Just a few hours before its second deadline at the end of the day Dec. 23, YRC said it had approval from bondholders representing 80 percent of the outstanding notes, short of the 95 percent approval originally needed to execute the debt swap.
The company “continues to work with its noteholders through this holiday period to increase the level of support for this recapitalization, which is a key part of the comprehensive plan the company is implementing to place it on a more solid financial base,” YRC said in statement.
YRC Worldwide Again Extends Debt Swap Deadline | Journal of Commerce

Arrow Trucking Shutdown Strands Drivers

Company reportedly negotiating with lenders, Schneider National offers rides to drivers

Flatbed carrier Arrow Trucking suspended operations this week, stranding hundreds of drivers around the country on Christmas Eve as the company reportedly tries to get new financing to resume business.
Company drivers learned of the shutdown when the Tulsa, Okla.-based company canceled its fuel credit cards on Tuesday, according to published reports. The company sent workers at its headquarters home Wednesday and by Thursday its phones were not operating and Web site was shut down.
Truckload carrier Schneider National issued a statement Thursday saying its trucks and drivers would offer rides home, “or as close to home as possible,” to an estimated 1,400 drivers who may have been stranded by Arrow’s abrupt action.
Arrow Trucking Shutdown Strands Drivers | Journal of Commerce

Tulsa's Arrow Trucking Suspends Operations; Drivers Stranded

Tulsa, Okla.-based Arrow Trucking suspended operations Tuesday, laying off employees and leaving drivers stranded right before the Christmas holiday, according to published reports. The company employs about 300 administrative staff and about 1,400 drivers.
"It's not the Christmas present that everybody wants," trucker Jim Carroll told KRMG Local News. "It's the trucking industry and things right now are tough everywhere."
Over night, the closing of Arrow has brought together people all over the country who have been pooling their resources to help stranded drivers. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association created a Facebook page, "Support for Stranded Arrow Trucking Drivers", to match Arrow drivers with those willing to help.
Flatbed carrier System Transport has also offered to help. Drivers who need assistance can call 1-800-ROAD-PRO.
"We understand those Arrow drivers have some tough days ahead," said Jeff W. Benesch, System Transport vice president of personnel. "We want them to know that System Transport drivers and staff are here to help and want to do all we can to help get them home. I hope any of them who need assistance, will call us."
Tulsa's Arrow Trucking Suspends Operations; Drivers Stranded - Truckinginfo.com

12/24/2009 closing prices after short holiday session.
Dow...10,520.10...+53.66...+0.51%

Nasdaq...2,285.69...+16.05...+0.71%

S&P 500...1,126.48...+5.89...+0.53%


YRCW...1.02...+0.07...+7.28%
SAIA...14.87...+0.57...+3.99%
VTNC...11.50...+0.10...+0.92%
UPS...58.12...+0.12...+0.21%
LSTR...39.73...+0.03...+0.08%
HTLD...15.53...-0.01....-0.06%
JBHT...33.10...-0.14...-0.42%
ABFS...31.49...-0.15...-0.47%
KNX...19.52...-0.11...-0.56%
CNW...37.33...-0.43...-1.14%
FDX...82.57...-1.19...-1.42%
ODFL...32.39...-0.61...-1.85%

FDX--
YRCW Revises Tender Again; Secured Lenders The Sticking Point - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Number One Holiday Stock
http://podcast.mktw.net/audio/20091224/mst1224johnson/mst1224johnson.mp3
FDX: Income Statement for FEDEX CORP - Yahoo! Finance
Retail Outlook: Valuations Have Discounted Economic Improvements -- Seeking Alpha

UPS--
Atlanta Metro News | ajc.com

CNW, SAIA, ODFL, ABFS--
YRCW Revises Tender Again; Secured Lenders The Sticking Point - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

YRCW--
YRCW Revises Tender Again; Secured Lenders The Sticking Point - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRC Worldwide pushes debt-for-equity swap cutoff to Monday, signals progress - Kansas City Business Journal:
YRC Worldwide Again Extends Debt Swap Deadline | Journal of Commerce
Summary of YRC WORLDWIDE INC - Yahoo! Finance
YRC Worldwide, Apple, General Steel are big movers - Yahoo! Finance
Stock Picks: Google, Research In Motion - BusinessWeek

Stocks Close Out Solid Holiday Week

Stocks closed higher as a holiday rally got a further push from big technology, banks and commodities, though most investors took Christmas Eve off.
The Dow posted a modest gain of less than 2 percent for the week, but that was good enough for its 2009 closing high on Thursday and came amid asome daunting economic news out of the housing market. The tech-heavy Nasdaq was better, posting a gain that approached 3 percent for the Christmas-shortened week.
Stocks Close Out Solid Holiday Week - CNBC

Art Cashin: Class Warfare a Threat to US Recovery

U.S. stock markets opened higher on Christmas Eve, as reports showed that durable goods orders rose and jobless claims fell.
"Jobless claims were actually even better than some down here [on Wall Street] thought," cashin said. But he cautioned that political conflict such as the ongoing health-care debate is constituting a form of class warfare -- which could hinder America's return to economic health.
"It's bubbling up again, all this 'Wall Street versis Main Street' stuff...If we could get back to work again instead of pointing fingers, things in this country would go a lot better."
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: Class Warfare a Threat to US Recovery — CNBC.com Investing, Market News - CNBC

Why Protecting Your Health Is Good for Business

We've come to accept the idea that companies must attempt to reduce their impact on the environment in order to be considered good corporate citizens, and that the failure to do so will be punished by consumers.
Now, a new study by public relations firm Edelman suggests that consumers also believe businesses should seek to improve the country's health, and that this responsibility extends beyond taking action to improve their own employees' wellness.
According to the survey, 81 percent of respondents believe it is important for business to share knowledge and innovations that improve health and 71 percent of those polled believe business should invest in creating healthy communities.
Why Protecting Your Health Is Good for Business - CNBC

The Unhappiest States in America

As it turns out, some of the highest income states are among the unhappiest, according to a recent study by economists Andrew J. Oswald and Stephen Wu, of the University of Warwick and Hamilton College, respectively.
The Unhappiest States in America - CNBC

2010 Automobile All-Stars

Each year, the editors of AUTOMOBILE Magazine convene to test, evaluate, and debate the performance, significance, and pure enthusiast appeal of the cars that make the biggest impact.
2010 Automobile All-Stars - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
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[imported_River17]

Christmas Eve issue updated above.

Christmas Eve issue updated above.

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Rise for 6th Day; VIX Near 20

Con-way Inc. Honored With 2009 Green Supply Chain Award by Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Company Recognized for Commitment to Sustainable Business Practices

Con-way Inc. today announced that it has been honored for the second consecutive year by Supply & Demand Chain Executive with its Green Supply Chain Award for 2009. The award winners were featured in the October/November issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Click here to view the full list.
"Con-way set ambitious goals around sustainability and initiated a broad range of programs targeted at producing not just savings, but also green supply chain benefits for both Con-way and its customers," said Andrew K. Reese, editor of Supply & Demand Chain Executive. "Con-way's efforts demonstrate that sustainability can extend into every facet of a company's business, and we are pleased to recognize their efforts in this year's Green Supply Chain Awards."
Con-way Inc. Honored With 2009 Green Supply Chain Award by Supply & Demand Chain Executive - Yahoo! Finance

Arrow Trucking May Face Lawsuit; Reports Detail Financial Struggles

Tulsa, Okla.-based Arrow Trucking may face a federal lawsuit this week, filed by employees who were laid off without warning last week, many of them drivers stranded on the road, when the company suddenly suspended operations.
According to the Tulsa World, Philadelphia attorney Charles Ercole has been retained by more than two dozen Arrow Trucking employees. Ercole told the paper that they plan to file suit alleging that Arrow violated the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, commonly known as the WARN Act, which typically requires large companies to give a 60-day notice of a pending mass layoff or closure.
Arrow Trucking May Face Lawsuit; Reports Detail Financial Struggles - Truckinginfo.com

Midwest LTL Is Under New Ownership

Lakeville Motor Express, a regional less-than-truckload carrier, has been acquired by Shari K. Taylor Wilsey and Roger D. Wilsey, Sr., who joined the company in 2001 and was LME's vice president of administration and corporate compliance. Roger Wilsey will assume the position of CEO.
The New Brighton, Minn.-based carrier has been owned and operated by the Wren family for 88 years. It has grown from a one-truck operation serving local farming communities to a 34 terminal operation serving 10 states, including Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Midwest LTL Is Under New Ownership - Truckinginfo.com

Economy, Government Top Trucking Issues for 2009

As 2009 draws to a close, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors look back at the year's top stories, topped by the recession and the resulting collapse in freight and rates, as well as a plethora of issues related to government oversight of the trucking industry.
Economists say the longest and deepest downturn in the U.S. economy during the post-war era is starting to come to an end, but trucking companies remain hard-pressed. Credit is still tight, unemployment topped 10 percent nationally, freight volumes ranged from merely bad to outright awful depending on the sector and rates are under enormous pressure, partly because of lower freight volumes and partly because of excess capacity. (Adding to the capacity issue are "Zombie truckers" still in business because banks don't want to repossess all those trucks.)
Economy, Government Top Trucking Issues for 2009 - Truckinginfo.com

Knight Transportation reaching out to Arrow drivers

Knight Transportation said it has room for some drivers who lost jobs when Arrow Trucking folded last week.
“Knight Transportation would like to help the Arrow drivers get home and back to work,” Michael Hitchcock, corporate director of driver development, said. “We can't hire them all, but we have room for 150-200 across the U.S. Knight is a debt free company so no Knight driver will ever see this happen to them.”
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Recovery Act funds 10,000th highway project

Reaching a major milestone in creating jobs and improving the nation’s infrastructure, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that as of today, the Federal Highway Administration has approved 10,000 highway projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009(ARRA) since its passage in February.
“What better way to cap off the year than with 10,000 highway and bridge projects putting people back to work, strengthening the economy, and making travel safer for everyone,” said Secretary LaHood.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Dow...10,547.08 +26.98 +0.26%

Nasdaq...2,291.08 +5.39 +0.24%

S&P 500...1,127.78 +1.30 +0.12%


SAIA...14.98...+0.11...+0.74%
KNX...19.65...+0.13...+0.67%
VTNC...11.57...+0.07...+0.61%
FDX...83.05...+0.48...+0.58%
JBHT...33.11...+0.01...+0.03%
HTLD...15.53...+0.00...+0.00%
UPS...57.99...-0.13...-0.22%
LSTR...39.36...-0.37...-0.93%
ODFL...32.06...-0.33...-1.02%
CNW...36.69...-0.64...-1.71%
ABFS...30.77...-0.72...-2.29%
YRCW...0.95...-0.07...-6.86%

FDX--
Mutual Funds Built for the New Decade | Review & Outlook | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
Get Ready for a Bumpy 2010
The S&P 500's Biggest Movers

UPS--
KFC, Ford grab readers’ attention in 2009 - Business First of Louisville:

CNW--
Con-way Inc. Honored With 2009 Green Supply Chain Award by Supply & Demand Chain Executive - Yahoo! Finance

Stocks Rise for 6th Day; VIX Near 20

Stocks eked out a gain Monday, their sixth straight win, after a report showed the holiday-shopping season wasn't as bad as predicted.
Major indexes struggled with volume light, given the holiday-shortened week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 26.98, or 0.3 percent, to close at 10,547.08. The S&P 500 added 0.1 percent and the Nasdaq gained 0.2 percent. Just 705 million shares changed hands on the New York Stock Exchange.
Stocks Rise for 6th Day; VIX Near 20 - CNBC

Market to Rise 10% in First Half of 2010: Strategist

Markets rose on Monday, with retailers ringing up gains after a report showed the holiday-shopping season was better than expected. Roy Williams, CEO of Prestige Wealth Management and Doug MacKay, president and CIO of Broadleaf Partners shared their market outlook for next year and where investors should put their money in 2010.
“The markets in the first half of the year will be very positive,” Williams told CNBC. “You have consumers starting to spend again, corporations that have great balance sheets outside of the financials and you’ll see capital spending there.”
CNBC Stock Blog — Market to Rise 10% in First Half of 2010: Strategist - CNBC

S&P Pullback to 850-900 Coming: Market Pro

John Reutemann, CIO of Financial Strategies, shares his 2010 market strategy.
Video - CNBC.com

Market Tips: No Big Correction in 2010

Global stock markets saw strong gains in 2009, recovering a large chunk of the losses suffered by investors in the wake of the financial crisis. But will 2010 bring investors more rewards or does it hold the risk of a major correction?
Arjuna Mahendran, MD & head of investment strategy, Asia at HSBC Private Bank, told CNBC that he does not expect a correction next year, as long as corporate earnings get off to a strong start.
Market Tips: No Big Correction in 2010 - CNBC

Consumers May Soon Have to Pony Up for Web Content

Over more than a decade, consumers became accustomed to the sweet, steady flow of free news, pictures, videos and music on the Internet. Paying was for suckers and old fogeys. Content, like wild horses, wanted to be free.
Now, however, there are growing signs that this free ride is drawing to a close.
Rupert Murdoch, beyond charging for access to The Journal, has talked about forming a partnership with a single search engine, which would pay him for the rights to scour the news and entertainment programming produced by his company, the News Corporation [NWS 15.88 0.02 (+0.13%) ], rather than letting all search engines crawl his sites. Also Hulu, which is owned partly by Mr. Murdoch’s company, is considering charging viewers to watch some of the TV shows it now streams free.
Adding Fees and Fences on Media Sites - CNBC

Al Qaeda Claims Responsibility for Failed Air Attack

A wing of al Qaeda claimed responsibility Monday for a failed Christmas Day attack on a U.S.-bound passenger plane and President Barack Obama vowed to bring "every element" of U.S. power against those who threaten Americans' safety.
In a statement posted on Islamist websites, the group Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula said the attempt was to avenge U.S. attacks on its members in Yemen.
Detroit Bomber: Al Qaeda Group Claims Responsibility for Failed Air Attack - CNBC

Top CNBC Moments of 2009

Santelli’s outrage, Buffett’s advice, President Obama swatting a fly and other memorable moments.
CNBC's Rick Santelli and the traders on the floor of the CME Group express outrage over the notion they may have to pay their neighbor's mortgage, particularly if they bought far more house than they could actually afford, with Jason Roney, Sharmac Capital.
Top Videos of 2009 - CNBC.com

2010 Dogs of the Dow

"Dogs of the Dow" or "High Yield 10" is a popular investment strategy that recommends the Dow stocks with the 10 highest yielding dividends. The theory behind the strategy is that dividends are more stable than stock prices and therefore, a high dividend yield reflects a stock that is near the bottom of its business cycle and has a beaten down share price poised for a rebound.
2010 Dogs of the Dow - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
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[imported_River17]

Dow Snaps 6-Day Streak—With a Point

YRC: New Debt Will Be Hard, Deutsche Says

Transportation logistics firm YRC Worldwide (YRCW) will find it “challenging” to raise unsecured debt or equity in the event it has to cover a short-fall in its debt swap, writes Deutsche Bank analyst Justin Yagerman in a note to clients today. Yagerman rates YRC shares a “Hold,” with no price target on the stock.
YRC earlier today said it extended the deadline for its proposed debt-for-equity swap, which it hopes will rectify some $71 million in debts and keep it out of bankruptcy, until midnight tonight. The company’s received commitments totaling 53% of the company’s secured debt for the swap, which is $26 million short of the 70% buy-in from secured lenders that YRCW has said it must have to go ahead with the offer.
YRC: New Debt Will Be Hard, Deutsche Says - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

Rivals climb as YRC fights to survive

As troubled U.S. trucker YRC Worldwide fights to stay afloat, investors scooped up stocks in its rivals on Tuesday in anticipation of a bankruptcy.
"The turbulence at YRC was observed by investors but also by customers and for that reason other industry participants are positioned to benefit," said Lawrence Creatura, portfolio manager at Federated Investors in Rochester, New York.
Rivals climb as YRC fights to survive - Yahoo! Finance

UPDATE 5-YRC again extends equity offer, Teamsters cry foul

Says 81 pct of outstanding notes tendered

Troubled U.S. trucker YRC Worldwide (YRCW.O) said it was again extending a crucial debt-for-equity offer that it needs to stay afloat as it worked to convince bondholders to participate.
Also on Tuesday, union workers said they would stage a protest against hedge funds and banks they believe are blocking a successful exchange by holding positions that could generate profits from a YRC failure.
"Now it is time for the remaining bondholders to recognize what is at stake and do their part," said International Brotherhood of Teamsters general president Jim Hoffa. "The company's customers need to know there is a light at the end of this tunnel."
UPDATE 5-YRC again extends equity offer, Teamsters cry foul | Reuters

YRC Worldwide extends swap deadline again

YRC extends swap deadline again; analyst doubts chances for company avoiding bankruptcy

Shares of YRC Worldwide Inc. rose Tuesday after it extended the deadline for its debt exchange again, but an analyst said the move might merely be delaying an inevitable bankruptcy filing.
The cash-strapped company, one of the country's largest truckers, gave itself until Tuesday at midnight to persuade bondholders to exchange their notes for equity. YRC has already extended the deadline several times in hopes of getting more bondholders to jump on board. It also lowered the threshold of debt holders it needs to approve the swap.
"Even if the bond exchange goes through, the company has been losing customers recently due to the delay of the exchange (and is at risk of losing significantly more soon), which could cause the company to run out of cash this winter," Ross wrote in a note to clients. "Plus, if the note exchange were to goes through, we believe YRC would have difficulty securing third-party unsecured financing to pay off the noteholders in 2010 that did not tender their shares."
YRC Worldwide extends swap deadline again - Yahoo! Finance

Arrow Trucking Shipment Hotline Launched

Truck financier reaches out to customers of failed trucker as industry aids stranded drivers

Backers of Arrow Trucking’s idled equipment provided a hotline this week for the company’s shippers as the failed flatbed operator revealed it would have to surmount massive financial hurdles to get back in business.
Daimler Truck Financial set up a toll-free hotline for customers to get help in locating shipments that were caught up in the Oklahoma-based trucker’s abrupt shutdown Dec. 23.
Daimler provided financing for about 1,000 of the company’s 1,300 trucks, and the company has asked drivers to return vehicles to Freightliner facilities around the country.
A provider of working capital for Arrow’s day-to-day operations had pulled its financing for the company, according to an industry official. That made Arrow the trucking industry’s largest failure since Mid-States Express, a less-than-truckload operator, ceased operations in early 2009.
Arrow Trucking Shipment Hotline Launched | Journal of Commerce

Dow...10,545.41 -1.67 -0.02%

Nasdaq...2,288.40 -2.68 -0.12%

S&P 500...1,126.19 -1.59 -0.14%


ABFS...33.39...+2.62...+8.51%
YRCW...1.03...+0.08...+8.42%
CNW...38.72...+2.02...+5.50%
ODFL...33.71...+1.65...+5.15%
SAIA...15.61...+0.63...+4.21%
VTNC...11.90...+0.33...+2.85%
FDX...85.18...+2.16...+2.60%
KNX...19.95...+0.35...+1.79%
LSTR...39.87...+0.51...+1.30%
UPS...58.51...+0.55...+0.95%
HTLD...15.66...+0.13...+0.84%
JBHT...33.25...+0.17...+0.51%

FDX--
As the YRCW Turns: Debt Swap Deadline Extended 4th Time — Midnight Tonight - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRC: New Debt Will Be Hard, Deutsche Says - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Will 2010 Usher In a New IPO Era? - Minyanville.com
Your First Move For Wednesday December 30th - CNBC

UPS--
Heard on the Street: Santa's Case for Vertical Integration - WSJ.com

CNW--
US SMALL/MIDCAPS-Rivals climb as YRC fights to survive | Reuters
Rivals climb as YRC fights to survive - Yahoo! Finance
UPDATE 5-YRC again extends equity offer, Teamsters cry foul | Reuters

ODFL--
UPDATE 5-YRC again extends equity offer, Teamsters cry foul | Reuters

ABFS--
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.
UPDATE 5-YRC again extends equity offer, Teamsters cry foul | Reuters
YRC: New Debt Will Be Hard, Deutsche Says - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

YRCW--
As the YRCW Turns: Debt Swap Deadline Extended 4th Time — Midnight Tonight - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRC: New Debt Will Be Hard, Deutsche Says - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRC Worldwide Extends Debt-for-Equity Offers to December 29 - Yahoo! Finance
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.
UPDATE 5-YRC again extends equity offer, Teamsters cry foul | Reuters
Trimeris, Bionovo: Early Volume Plays | Winners of the Day | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
Summary of YRC WORLDWIDE INC - Yahoo! Finance
YRC Worldwide again extends debt-for-equity swap - Kansas City Business Journal:
YRC Worldwide extends swap deadline again - Yahoo! Finance
YRC Worldwide, Spectranetics, Palm are movers - Yahoo! Finance

Dow Snaps 6-Day Streak—With a Point

The Dow snapped a six-day winning streak Tuesday — by just over a point — as energy and financials dragged on the market in light trading.
Energy and financial stocks were the biggest drags. Consumer discretionary and industrials were the best performers.
The dollar rose against both the euro and yen. Oil steadied near $79 a barrel, while gold dropped below $1,100 an ounce.
Dow Snaps 6-Day Streak—With a Point - CNBC

US Govt to Dole out $3.5 Billion in Extra Aid to GMAC

GMAC Financial Services is close to getting about $3.5 billion in added aid from the U.S. government, on top of the $12.5 billion already received since December 2008, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The announcement is expected within days and will coincide with GMAC taking additional steps to absorb losses related to its mortgage operations, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the situation.
US Govt to Dole out $3.5 Billion in Extra Aid to GMAC - CNBC

'Meltdown' is Coming for Bond Market, Strategist Says

As interest rates are set to rise, investors should position themselves away from bonds to avoid being caught in a severe fall in prices, Dan Deighan, founder of Deighan Financial Advisors, told CNBC Tuesday.
"My biggest fear is the bond market. There is going to be a meltdown in the bond market," Deighan said.
Those who don't get out of the bond market now will find out that a bond portfolio is harder to liquidate than a stock portfolio, he warned.
'Meltdown' is Coming for Bond Market, Strategist Says - CNBC

What You Need to Know About the Health Reform Bills

After months of deliberation and horse-trading, the Senate's version of health reform passed along party lines this week.
The Senate bill includes key differences when compared with the health care reform bill the House passed in November. Those contrasts need to be worked out in conference committee negotiations before Congress votes on a final bill. Such a tally will not occur until early 2010.
Learning about the House and Senate bills can help you understand how health care negotiations might affect your health coverage—and, ultimately, your wallet.
What You Need to Know About the Health Reform Bills - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...074-questions-comments-stc-newsletter-21.html

 

[imported_River17]

Dow Ekes Out Gain After Chicago PMI

YRC Extends Offer Deadline, Claims New Support

Key bondholder group holds out as Teamsters plan pickets at hedge fund

YRC Worldwide extended its debt-for-equity swap to the eve of a crucial debt payment deadline on Wednesday as the trucking giant and its unionized drivers raised the pressure on bondholders to accept the deal.
Striving to avoid a bankruptcy filing, YRC pushed the deadline for the debt swap forward another 24 hours, to 11:59 p.m. EST on Dec. 30.
It was the fifth extension of an offer aimed at wiping away YRC’s enormous debt and allowing new liquidity to the cash-strapped less-than-truckload carrier.
YRC said it had gained some ground in its bid for holdouts among holders of 8½ percent notes from the company’s purchase a few years ago of regional trucker USF. The acceptance rate grew from 53 percent earlier this week to 59 percent after the latest extension, still short of the 70 percent YRC needs from those noteholders.
YRC Extends Offer Deadline, Claims New Support | Journal of Commerce

YRCW: This Cat’s Got More Lives

Beleaguered transportation logistics firm YRC Worldwide (YRCW), despite appearing to be on the ropes with its proposed debt-for-equity swap, and facing a possible bankruptcy, could still come out okay, according to a couple of analysts following the company.
David Silver of Wall Street Strategies and Lee Klaskow of Longbow Research both think the company will come up with a way to secure the support of bondholders who’ve not yet fully committed themselves to exchanging their notes for shares. Those hold-outs are believed to be looking to get more in a bankruptcy filing, on the order of 50 cents on the dollar versus what may amount to 20 cents on the dollar for the offer YRC is making.
YRCW: This Cat’s Got More Lives - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

Stifel: YRC Could Be Bankrupt This Weekend

As mentioned earlier, some analysts believe transport logistics firm YRC Worldwide (YRCW) can still find a way to carry out a debt-for-equity swap and avoid bankruptcy.
For a different perspective, Stifel Nicolaus’s David Ross thinks the company’s headed for bankruptcy anyway. Today’s extension of the deadline for the debt swap is the last extension, he argues, pointing out the company has to pay $19 million in fees and interests on debt tomorrow, which it won’t be able to do without getting access to its bankers’ $106 million in additional liquidity.
If the company doesn’t get the debt swap done tonight, it could close its doors as early as this weekend.
Stifel: YRC Could Be Bankrupt This Weekend - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

YRC rejects analyst's prediction that it may close

Trucking company YRC Worldwide disputes prediction it may be forced to close by this weekend

YRC Worldwide Inc., one of the nation's largest trucking companies, is disputing an analyst's prediction that it may be forced to close its doors as early as this weekend if it files for bankruptcy.
YRC, based in Overland Park, Kan., on Wednesday extended for the sixth time its offer to debt holders to exchange the debt for new equity stakes in the company. The offer, considered a key step in the company's effort to avoid a bankruptcy filing, now expires at midnight Wednesday. It would free up much-needed cash but would also make current shareholders' stakes virtually worthless.
Company spokeswoman Suzanne Dawson rejected that assumption. "The company will be open for business as usual on Monday," she said.
Iain Gold, Director of the Teamsters Strategic Research Department, said he believes the company will survive as well, noting the effort to convince bondholders that saving the company is in their best interest.
"We figured out how to get this far, so I think there's enough willpower and interest to get this over the goal line," Gold said. "We think it's in everybody's best interest to get this done outside of bankruptcy ... we believe the lenders will continue to work for it."
YRC rejects analyst's prediction that it may close - Yahoo! Finance

Truck Tonnage Decline Eases

ATA index hits highest mark for the year

The American Trucking Associations’ Truck Tonnage Index fell 3.5 percent compared with a year ago in November, which the ATA called an improvement after 12 months of steeper declines. In October, the index was down 5.2 percent from a year earlier.
The seasonally adjusted index rose 2.7 percent from October to November, reaching 106.4, its highest level in a year. The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by member companies before any adjustment, equaled 100.8 in November, down 8 percent from October.
“Slowly, but surely, truck freight has started the recovery process and November’s solid increase is a very positive sign,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. Improved economic activity and some inventory correction helped to change the direction of the trend, he said.
Truck Tonnage Decline Eases | Journal of Commerce

Maine Flatbed Carrier Closing Doors

Hampden, Maine flatbed carrier Carlen Transport is closing its doors, leaving more than 100 workers without jobs, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.
Owner Lenny Peters said the recession made it impossible for him to keep the business going, AP reported, citing the Bangor Daily News.
Carlen Transport was Maine’s largest flatbed trucking company and Peters said it will end its leases on 112 flatbed trucks but keep its property, AP reported.
Maine Flatbed Carrier Closing Doors | Transport Topics Online | Trucking, Freight Transportation and Logistics News

Further Problems Emerge for Arrow Trucking

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Arrow Trucking because of the abrupt way it ceased operations last week, while further details emerge about the company's financial woes and its chairwoman says she's uncertain about the future.
Some Arrow managers and executives are working without pay to get drivers home and freight delivered, according to the Oklahoma Trucking Association. Meanwhile, other trucking companies have reached out to Arrow drivers, offering them help home and in some cases employment opportunities.
Bob Peterson, the president of flatbed carrier Melton Truck Lines, told the Tulsa World that he might hire some of Arrow's drivers and office workers, but he's not interested in buying any part of the company. "Arrow's name is poison and customers are calling us to help them out of the jam they're in," he told the paper.
Further Problems Emerge for Arrow Trucking - Truckinginfo.com

Dow...10,548.51 +3.10 +0.03%

Nasdaq...2,291.28 +2.88 +0.13%

S&P 500...1,126.42 +0.23 +0.02%


SAIA...16.23...+0.62...+3.97%
VTNC...11.92...+0.02...+0.17%
CNW...38.72...+0.00...+0.00%
FDX...85.13...-0.03...-0.04%
JBHT...33.13...-0.12...-0.36%
HTLD...15.60...-0.06...-0.38%
LSTR...39.65...-0.22...-0.55%
UPS...58.14...-0.41...-0.70%
ODFL...33.44...-0.27...-0.80%
KNX...19.72...-0.23...-1.15%
ABFS...32.82...-0.57...-1.71%
YRCW...0.99...-0.04...-3.88%

FDX--
YRCW Delays Debt Swap 5th Time: Wake Me When It’s Over - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRCW: This Cat’s Got More Lives - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Stifel: YRC Could Be Bankrupt This Weekend - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
The Best Stocks for 2010: UPS (UPS)

UPS--
The Best Stocks for 2010: UPS (UPS)
Companies You Should Buy Right Now

CNW, ODFL, ABFS--
UPDATE 5-Trucker YRC extends swap offer, warns of bankruptcy | Reuters

YRCW--
YRC Extends Offer Deadline, Claims New Support | Journal of Commerce
YRCW Delays Debt Swap 5th Time: Wake Me When It’s Over - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRCW: This Cat’s Got More Lives - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Stifel: YRC Could Be Bankrupt This Weekend - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
UPDATE 5-Trucker YRC extends swap offer, warns of bankruptcy | Reuters
YRC Worldwide, Trico Marine: Early Volume Plays | Winners of the Day | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
YRC Worldwide Extends Debt-for-Equity Offers to December 30 - Yahoo! Finance
YRC Worldwide says it will be open for business after debt-swap deadline - Kansas City Business Journal:
Summary of YRC WORLDWIDE INC - Yahoo! Finance
Aetna, Nvidia, MGM Mirage, Compugen are movers - Yahoo! Finance
YRC rejects analyst's prediction that it may close - Yahoo! Finance
UPDATE 5-Trucker YRC extends swap offer, warns of bankruptcy | Reuters

Dow Ekes Out Gain After Chicago PMI

Stocks erased their losses Wednesday — and the Dow and Nasdaq pulled off a gain — after a better-than-expected report on Midwest manufacturing.
A little bit of excitement at the Nasdaq today: The exchange and other buildings in New York's Times Square were briefly evacuated as police evacuated a suspicious van with no license plates that had been parked on Broadway for two days. It turned out not to be a threat. Security concerns have been heightened after a botched bombing attempt on a Northwest Airlines plane headed to Detroit on Christmas Eve.
Dow Ekes Out Gain After Chicago PMI - CNBC

Art Cashin: Markets are Overvalued Like 'Nasdaq 4,000'

With only two trading days left this year, what should investors expect from the markets in 2010? Art Cashin, director of floor operations at UBS Financial Services, shared his stock-market insights.
“Six out of the last 10 Januarys have been down and there is some feeling that people are taking more notice of tax strategies,” Cashin told CNBC.
“There wasn’t an awful lot of tax selling this year, although we had a very significant rally from March.”
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: Markets are Overvalued Like 'Nasdaq 4,000' — CNBC.com Investing News - CNBC

Chance of a Double Dip Is 50%: Analyst

The odds of the U.S. economy slipping back into recession next year are 50/50 if the government doesn't introduce any fresh stimulus measures, Len Blum, managing director at Westwood Capital, told CNBC Wednesday.
"The only reason that the U.S. economy is doing as well as it is, is because of the government stimulus package," Blum said.
"Now, if the government doesn't introduce another stimulus package, this one will burn off in the first half and in the second half we could easily slip back into recession," he said.
Chance of a Double Dip Is 50%: Analyst - CNBC

Stocks Will Soar in Q1: 'Very Optimistic' Asset Strategist

Six out of the last 10 Januarys have been down for markets, so what should investors expect this time? Michael Gurka, global asset strategist at EmpowerGlobal Funds, shared his market outlook.
“That’s why you’re seeing people taking money off the table to end the year and recoup their profits and they’re sometimes hesitant on when they’re putting it back out. And that’s one of the reasons why volume comes back into the market in January.”
CNBC Stock Blog — Q1 Market Outlook: 'Very Optimistic' — CNBC.com Investing News - CNBC

Volatility Will Increase, US Will Lead in 2010: Marc Faber

Markets are likely to be more volatile and US markets are likely to outperform emerging markets in 2010, Marc Faber, author of the Gloom, Doom and Boom Report, told CNBC Wednesday.
"I think 2009 was an extraordinary year for capital gains because both commodities and stocks became extremely oversold," Faber said in an interview.
"I think 2010 is a year when capital preservation will be more important because I expect a lot of volatility up and down," he added.
"My feeling is that the US market will outperform emerging economies in the first six months of 2010," he said, adding that it remains to be seen whether that will be in a context in which markets continue to move up or because emerging markets will give up their gains faster than the US.
Volatility Will Increase, US Will Lead in 2010: Marc Faber - CNBC

Have Faith in Free-Market Capitalism, Will Prosper

Despite the historic expansion of the federal government’s involvement in, intervention in, and control of the economy (including Bailout Nation; takeovers of banks, car companies, insurance firms, Fannie, Freddie, AIG, GM, Chrysler, and GMAC; large-scale tax threats; overregulation; an attempted takeover of the health-care sector; ultra-easy money; a declining dollar; and unprecedented spending and debt creation) -- despite all the things that would be expected to destroy the economy -- (all this socialism lite and the degrading of incentives and rewards for success) -- despite all this, the U.S. economy has not been destroyed.
In fact, it is coming back. In 2009, the stock market had one of its greatest rebounds in history. And in 2010, we’re likely to witness a mini boom in economic growth.
Have Faith in Free-Market Capitalism, Will Prosper - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...074-questions-comments-stc-newsletter-21.html

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Close on Sour Note; Up 20% For Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR..................WEEKEND EDITION. Markets Closed Friday

YRC Wins Debt Exchange Agreement

Trucker hails ‘major turning point’ in repairing its troubled finances

YRC Worldwide said Thursday it had won the critical support from bondholders the trucking giant needed to rebuild its finances and stave off bankruptcy.
Running out of cash as it neared a New Year’s Eve deadline for a crucial debt payment, the country’s largest less-than-truckload carrier said 88 percent of a major group of bondholders had accepted the debt-for-equity offer.
That surpassed the 70 percent threshold for the holders of 8½ percent notes YRC had needed, and marked a large jump up from the 53 percent approval the company held only a day before.
YRC now moves into 2010 with much of the huge debt that burdened the company removed. "The success of this note exchange marks a major turning point for YRC Worldwide -- with our significantly restructured balance sheet and enhanced liquidity, we will move forward from a more solid financial foundation," Bill Zollars, chairman and CEO, said in a statement.
YRC Wins Debt Exchange Agreement | Journal of Commerce

YRC Gets Buy-In For Swap: Stock Up 5%

Transportation logistics firm YRC Worldwide (YRCW), facing bankruptcy, this morning said it managed to get all debt holders onboard last night for a proposed debt-for-equity swap, which assumedly will keep it out of court, at least for now.
The hold-outs, the holders of the so-called guaranteed notes due April of 2010, tendered 70% of their notes, the minimum threshold needed to complete the deal.
The company may have sweetened things for the hold-outs: it’s issuing 37 million shares of common stock and 4.35 million shares of class A convertible preferred stock.
YRC Gets Buy-In For Swap: Stock Up 5% - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

YRCW: An Interview with CEO Bill Zollars

Trucking logistics firm YRC Worldwide’s (YRCW) CEO Bill Zollars called this morning to talk about the company’s announcement it achieved sufficient buy-in for a debt-for-equity swap meant to keep the company out of bankruptcy.
Sounding reserved and somewhat fatigued, Mr. Zollars emphasized the company’s in “much better shape” and that much remains in the hands of the new company owners, the bond holders who tendered.
YRCW: An Interview with CEO Bill Zollars - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

Trucker YRC's debt exchange succeeds, shares fall

U.S. trucking giant YRC Worldwide (NasdaqGS:YRCW - News) said it averted bankruptcy by finally negotiating a critical debt-for-equity exchange that wipes out $470 million in debt and gives the struggling company access to needed credit as it restructures.
The deal announced on Thursday gives noteholders 94 percent of the equity in YRC, diluting existing shareholders, news that sent YRC stock down to an all-time low of 80 cents early Thursday.
"We do not believe there is equity value that remains in the company, supporting our $0 price target," Baird U.S. Equity Research analyst Jon Langenfeld said in a note to investors.
The deal is due to close January 5.
Trucker YRC's debt exchange succeeds, shares fall - Yahoo! Finance

FMCSA issued ‘emergency order’ against Arrow over cargo safety

In a swift but unpublicized move the day before Christmas, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an emergency order against Arrow Trucking Co. of Tulsa, ordering the carrier to “take steps to ensure the safe transfer of its vehicles and cargo to secure areas,”
“Arrow is hereby directed to comply immediately with all applicable federal, state and local regulations pertaining to commercial vehicle cargo securement, attendance and parking,” the notice read in part.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Oregon cell phone ban has loophole

Beginning New Year’s Day, Oregon police officers may hear some arguing when they start pulling motorists over for violating a new law banning them from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving.
The new law, passed by the 2009 Oregon Legislature, exempts motorists who are on their hand-held cell phones “in the scope of the person’s employment if operation of the motor vehicle is necessary for the person’s job.” The exemption was intended for taxi drivers, delivery trucks, tow trucks and the like. Law enforcement officials are getting ready for some motorists to try to drive through that legal loophole by insisting, for example, that a call to a co-worker who also happens to be a friend is really for business purposes.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Dow...10,428.05 -120.46 -1.14%

Nasdaq...2,269.15 -22.13 -0.97%

S&P 500...1,115.10 -11.32 -1.00%

Oil...79.62 +0.34 +0.43%

Gold...1,095.20 +3.70 +0.34%


UPS...57.31...-0.87...-1.50%
HTLD...15.27...-0.32...-2.05%
KNX...19.30...-0.43...-2.18%
FDX...83.30...-1.87...-2.20%
LSTR...38.77...-0.88...-2.22%
JBHT...32.27...-0.86...-2.60%
ODFL...30.70...-2.74...-8.19%
SAIA...14.82...-1.41...-8.69%
VTNC...10.87...-1.05...-8.81%
CNW...34.95...-3.76...-9.71%
ABFS...29.43...-3.39...-10.33%
YRCW...0.84...-0.15...-15.17%

FDX--
YRC Gets Buy-In For Swap: Stock Up 5% - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRC Sinks 9% After Debt Swap - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRCW: An Interview with CEO Bill Zollars - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
IRS Stalling Scuttles Retirement Plan | Retirement | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
G-20 Summit tops list of Pittsburgh's biggest business stories for 2009 - Pittsburgh Business Times:
Risk Manager - Forbes.com

UPS--
IRS Stalling Scuttles Retirement Plan | Retirement | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com

CNW--
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.
UPDATE 5-Trucker YRC's debt exchange succeeds, shares fall | Reuters
Trucker YRC's debt exchange succeeds, shares fall - Yahoo! Finance
YRC Worldwide reaches deal with bondholders - MarketWatch

ODFL--
Trucker YRC Completes Critical Debt Swap - WSJ.com

YRCW--
YRC Wins Debt Exchange Agreement | Journal of Commerce
YRC Gets Buy-In For Swap: Stock Up 5% - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRC Sinks 9% After Debt Swap - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRCW: An Interview with CEO Bill Zollars - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Trucker YRC's debt exchange succeeds, shares fall - Yahoo! Finance
YRCW Avoids Bankruptcy, Serious Challenges Remain -- Seeking Alpha
Thursday Options Update: YRCW, NOK & MDVN -- Seeking Alpha
Jobs Data Fail to Lift Stocks at SmartMoney.com
AT&T, Wells Fargo, YRC Worldwide are movers - Yahoo! Finance
Stocks End Lower but 2009 a Great Year for Stocks - Yahoo! Finance
FT.com / Markets - Wall Street ends year in red
Business Highlights - Yahoo! Finance

Stocks Close on Sour Note; Up 20% For Year

Wall Street closed a wild year on a low note, surrendering nearly 1 percent on the last day of 2009 despite picking up more than 20 percent on the year.
With trading thin and in a tight range as investors were set to pop the cork and celebrate a successful year, major averages plunged in the final hour of trading in a year that saw stocks hit a frightening low in March then stage a stunning rebound.
Stocks Close on Sour Note; Up  20% For Year - CNBC

Art Cashin: 3 Market Dangers Lurk in Q2

“My target of concern is the second quarter of 2010, and I think everything from the Chinese real estate, to geopolitical tensions, to class warfare could all come together and start boiling over,” Cashin told CNBC.
Cashin said the markets will have some “coasting power” to move through the first quarter, but the lack of sustainability will become evident in the second.
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: 3 Market Dangers Lurk in Q2 — CNBC.com Investing News - CNBC

Seven Businesses That Did Not Survive 2009

That this year has been a tough one for small business is no surprise. But just how tough it has been continues to astound. In the first quarter alone, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 400,000 businesses with fewer than 100 employees ceased operations, eliminating one million jobs. And it didn’t get much better as the year went on. “This is arguably the worst year for small business since the Great Depression,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Economy.com. When the numbers get that big, it can be easy to forget the human beings behind the numbers. Here’s a look at seven businesses that failed this year:
Seven Businesses That Did Not Survive 2009 - CNBC

The Worst May Not Be Over for Europe

Never before has Europe’s monetary union seemed so fragile.
Day by day, fears are growing that Greece or another weak country may default on its sovereign debt obligations, forcing the richer countries in Europe to ride to the rescue or risk having one or more of its most vulnerable members leave the 16-nation euro zone.
Many European economists discount such a fracture as a remote possibility. But that doesn’t mean Europe has safely emerged from crisis.
The Worst May Not Be Over for Europe - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...074-questions-comments-stc-newsletter-21.html

 

[imported_River17]

Dow, S&P and Nasdaq Hit 15-Month Highs

Looking Under the Hood of Transportation Stocks

The stock charts of FedEx and other so-called economic bellwethers suggest that troubles may lie ahead.

LATE LAST MONTH, THE management of Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNI), now part of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), warned of a weak economy and tepid recovery. Considering that Burlington is a railroad stock, and thus tied to an industry considered an economic bellwether, this bit of news should be troubling to long-term investors.
Indeed, the Dow Jones Transportation Average stalled about three weeks ago and its performance, relative to the Standard & Poor's 500, hit the skids (see Chart 1).
Another troubling bit of news was a weak outlook and 30% drop in fiscal second-quarter earnings by airfreight giant FedEx (FDX). The stock dropped more than 6% on December 17 on huge volume (see Chart 2).
For FedEx, it suggests the bull market ended although the bears have not yet proven that they are in charge. For the economy, it suggests "issues" but I'll have to leave that analysis to others.
Looking Under the Hood of Transportation Stocks - Getting Technical - M. Kahn - Barrons.com

YRCW: Whither Customers? Asks Credit Suisse

Shares of trucking logistics firm YRC Worldwide (YRCW) are continuing a downward spiral begun on Thursday after the trucking company said it made the deadline for its debt-for-equity swap to avoid bankruptcy. The shares this morning are off 9 cents, or 11% at 75 cents.
Credit Suisse analyst Chris Ceraso writes in a note to clients this morning that by eliminating half a billion in debt and gaining access to a revolver for working capital, YRC avoids bankruptcy “for now.” The focus now turns to retaining and winning back customers, and solvency will hinge on moving more freight through the transport network, which may be helped by a gradually improving economy. However, prices in the so-called LTL market are still coming down, and Ceraso warns that some investors who thought YRC would be liquidated might have to rethink their investment in competitors Con-way (CNW) and Old Dominion (ODFL). There could be 10% to 20% further downside in their stocks, he believes.
YRCW: Whither Customers? Asks Credit Suisse - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

YRC Avoids Bankruptcy Filing

After numerous deadline extensions, less-than-truckload giant YRC Worldwide on Thursday headed off a possible bankruptcy filing after reaching a debt-for-equity exchange with its bondholders.
The company had to complete the swap by Dec. 31 to pay off $19 million in interest due, or its "liquidity position would become unsustainable," the company said, and it would have been forced to file for bankruptcy protection.
YRC Avoids Bankruptcy Filing - Truckinginfo.com

Con-way Truckload Drivers Reach Three-Million-Mile Mark

Jim Cory, Ron Dodson and Jim Freeman Recognized for Achieving Career Milestone

Con-way Truckload, a full truckload carrier and subsidiary of Con-way Inc., today announced that three of its professional drivers have achieved the elite career milestone of three million miles of driving. The company recognized company driver Ron Dodson of Lee's Summit, Mo., and owner-operators Jim Freeman of Webb City, Mo., and Jim Cory of Joplin, Mo., for their accomplishments at a recent ceremony at its Joplin headquarters. During Con-way Truckload's 58-year history, only 13 of its drivers have reached the three-million-mile mark.
"Drivers are the heart and soul of our company, and I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize Jim Cory, Ron Dodson and Jim Freeman for their outstanding achievement," said Herb Schmidt, president of Con-way Truckload. "Three million miles is the equivalent of traveling along Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, Calif., 1,255 times -- an extraordinary accomplishment. We are tremendously proud to have these exemplary drivers on our team."
Con-way Truckload Drivers Reach Three-Million-Mile Mark - Yahoo! Finance

What Does 2010 Hold for Trucking?

Last week, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors offered their take on the top stories of 2009. This week, we peer into our crystal ball to predict what we'll be talking about in 2010, from the economic recovery to the environment to more government regulations.
While GDP started to grow again in the third quarter of 2009, and is expected to continue expanding, the economy is not on solid ground just yet. A relapse into contraction is not expected, but GDP growth is not forecasted to exceed the average historical growth rate of 3.0 percent until 2011.
What Does 2010 Hold for Trucking? - Truckinginfo.com

Hearings Scheduled on Trucker Hours of Service

FMCSA moves forward with review of rules on truckers’ driving time
Federal regulators will start hearings around the country this month on plans to rewrite controversial hours-of-service rules for truck drivers.
Four public “listening sessions” will be held in January, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said today.
The sessions will deal with topics such as driver rest and on-duty time, sleeper berth use and the impact of current rules on loading and unloading times, the Department of Transportation agency said.
The FMCSA raised the limit from 10 hours to 11 hours per day in 2003, while shortening the total hours drivers may work per day from 15 to 14 hours.
The Teamsters and Public Citizen oppose the 11-hour rule and a restart period that allows drivers to get back on the road 34 hours after completing a full week's driving time. The trucking industry and shipper organizations supported those changes.
Hearings Scheduled on Trucker Hours of Service | Journal of Commerce

U.S. Manufacturing Expands in December

Fifth month of growth hits highest PMI reading since 2006

U.S. manufacturers carried their expansion into a fifth consecutive month in December, according to a monthly survey by the Institute for Supply Management.
As the overall economy grew for the eighth consecutive month, the nation’s supply executives responded to ISM with reports of increased activity in nine of the 18 manufacturing industries surveyed. The closely watched PMI index hit 55.9 percent, up 2.3 percentage points from the previous month as it reached the highest level since April 2006. While not as spectacular as the recovery in China (see story), the U.S. manufacturing sector shows solid prospects for the coming year.
U.S. Manufacturing Expands in December | Journal of Commerce

Dow...10,583.96 +155.91 +1.50%

Nasdaq...2,308.42 +39.27 +1.73%

S&P 500...1,132.99 +17.89 +1.60%


HTLD...15.82...+0.55...+3.60%
JBHT...33.06...+0.79...+2.45%
UPS...58.20...+0.83...+1.45%
LSTR...39.24...+0.47...+1.21%
FDX...83.52...+0.07...+0.08%
KNX...19.20...-0.09...-0.47%
SAIA...14.37...-0.45...-3.04%
ABFS...28.53...-0.90...-3.06%
CNW...33.66...-1.25...-3.58%
ODFL...29.29...-1.41...-4.59%
VTNC...10.15...-0.72...-6.62%
YRCW...0.72...-0.12...-13.79%

FDX--
Obama's Ill-Advised Small-Business Tax Cuts - Forbes.com
Looking Under the Hood of Transportation Stocks - Getting Technical - M. Kahn - Barrons.com
YRCW: Whither Customers? Asks Credit Suisse - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

UPS--
Quotes for UPS - Yahoo! Finance
Wall to Wall Street Coverage: Upgrades and Downgrades - Yahoo! Finance
UPS shares rise on Baird upgrade - Yahoo! Finance
Movers roundup: Sturm, Ruger, UPS - Yahoo! Finance
Chesapeake Energy, Boeing, Sturm, Ruger are movers - Yahoo! Finance

CNW--
Con-way Truckload Drivers Reach Three-Million-Mile Mark - Yahoo! Finance
Looking Under the Hood of Transportation Stocks - Getting Technical - M. Kahn - Barrons.com
YRCW: Whither Customers? Asks Credit Suisse - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

ODFL--
YRCW: Whither Customers? Asks Credit Suisse - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Trucking Stocks In 2010

ABFS--
YRCW: Whither Customers? Asks Credit Suisse - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Arkansas Best Corporation Announces Its Fourth Quarter 2009 Earnings Conference Call - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
YRCW: Whither Customers? Asks Credit Suisse - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRC Avoids Bankruptcy Filing - Truckinginfo.com
Stocks in focus for Monday - MarketWatch
Stock Picks: MasterCard, Interpublic, YRC - BusinessWeek
FT.com / UK - Wall Street ends decade in the red
Stocks to Watch for Monday - MarketWatch
Stocks to watch for Monday - MarketWatch
The Game: YRC Trucking Firm's Near-Death - WSJ.com

Dow, S&P and Nasdaq Hit 15-Month Highs

Stocks rallied to their highest levels in over a year on this first trading day of 2010, buoyed by a trifecta of news: A report that showed growth in the manufacturing sector, the dollar's pullback and an upgrade on Intel.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 touched their highest levels in 15 months, and for the tech-heavy Nasdaq, 16 months. All three indexes gained at least 1.5 percent.
The ISM's gauge of manufacturing showed growth for a fifth straight month, rising to 55.9 in December from 53.6 in November. Economists had expected a more modest uptick to 54.1.
Stocks Rally Into 2010, Buoyed by ISM, Intel - CNBC

2009 Was One of Worst Years on Record for Bankruptcies

U.S. consumers and businesses are filing for bankruptcy at a pace that made 2009 the seventh-worst year on record, with more than 1.4 million petitions submitted, an Associated Press tally showed Monday.
The AP gathered data from the nation's 90 bankruptcy districts and found 1.43 million filings, an increase of 32 percent from 2008. There were 116,000 recorded bankruptcies in December, up 22 percent from the same month a year before.
Personal and Business Bankruptcies: 2009 Was One of Worst Years on Record for Bankruptcies - CNBC

Inflation & Rates Menace the Future: Strategist

Many on Wall Street believe what happens in January dictates trading for the rest of the year—the so-called January effect. So what should investors expect this month? Peter Boockvar, equity strategist at Miller Tabak, and Stephen Wood, chief market strategist at Russell Investments, shared their views.
“The global economic recovery story is a real one, but it’s definitely fragile,” Wood told CNBC.
“The time now to make extreme bets is probably not there.”
CNBC Stock Blog — Inflation & Interest Rates Loom 'Like a Dark Cloud': Strategist — CNBC.com Market News - CNBC

Economy to Stabilize, Jobless Rate to Stay High: BofA CEO

New Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan told CNBC Monday that he expects the economy to stabilize in 2010, but for unemployment to stay high at around 9 percent.
Moynihan also said he would outline his hope for regulatory reform, which is that the rules will apply to everybody equally. For example, if there are regulations regarding mortgage loans, they should apply to all applicants.
"If we do that, then we'll do the social good we want, which is to make sure people have enough money to buy a home," Moynihan said.
Economy to Stabilize, Unemployment to Stay High: New BofA CEO - CNBC

Is There Another Shoe to Drop in 2010?

Over the next few weeks, we will be talking much more about what’s to come in 2010 and the potential impact on investors.
A lot of investment pros and business leaders are concerned that the next big problem for the economy and the stock market could be a crisis in commercial real estate.
A high unemployment rate of 10% means businesses require less office space, leaving more vacancies and driving rental rates down. A still-cautious consumer is tough for retail shops, a sizable number of which are going out of business. And loans are difficult to come by in this tight credit market, making it hard to refinance debt. Add to that what may have been too much building in the boom times, and it’s likely to add up to continued problems for commercial real estate.
2010: Is There Another Shoe to Drop? - CNBC

Small Car Battle Heats Up

It may be halfway around the world from Detroit, but the auto expo this week in New Delhi, India is in many ways a far more important than the one we'll see next week in Detroit. Perhaps that's the reason so much of the world's press is focused on the slew of small and electric cars that will be unveiled in India. Reporters are handicapping who has the best shot to win over the hearts and minds of an Indian auto market primed for a major expansion.
Small Car Battle Heats Up

The Two Things Helping The Market

We got better data today on China manufacturing and on the U.S. ISM...that's a big help.
But the other factor is the calendar. Why? It's a New Year! You gotta put the money to work, you can't coast anymore.
Remember November-December? Talk about coasting! A lot of traders got out of the risk trade then, and the dollar rose, but it's time to end that. A new calendar means you've got to put that money to work.
The Two Things Helping The Market - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...074-questions-comments-stc-newsletter-21.html

 

[imported_River17]

S&P Ends Up as Ford Hits 4-Year High

YRC to Take Debt Swap to Shareholders

Shareholders must vote on exchange that shifts ownership to bondholders

Fresh from winning the bondholders it needed to complete its debt-for-equity swap, YRC Worldwide is preparing to take the swap to its shareholders for their approval.
The company expected all the notes tendered in the swap to be settled today, eliminating $470 million in debt and giving former bondholders 94 percent of the company's stock.
YRC Worldwide today took the next step toward finalizing the exchange by putting plans for a special shareholder meeting in motion. Shareholders are required to vote on the exchange, which will create 37 million new shares, cutting into individual share value.
YRC to Take Debt Swap to Shareholders | Journal of Commerce

YRC Worldwide Sets January 4, 2010 as Record Date for Special Shareholders Meeting

YRC Worldwide Inc. announced today that it has established a record date of January 4, 2010 for its special meeting of shareholders to vote on an amendment to its certificate of incorporation to increase the amount of authorized shares of common stock, to reduce the par value of the common stock and to effect a reverse stock split and to proportionately reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock, as previously described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its recently completed debt-for-equity exchange.
YRC Worldwide Sets January 4, 2010 as Record Date for Special Shareholders Meeting - Yahoo! Finance

Analyst Sees Truck 'Underbuy' Tightening Capacity

R.W. Baird's Langenfeld says shrinking fleet, stronger economy will raise rates in 2010

A "systematic underbuy" of heavy trucks is tightening truckload capacity and eventually will push rates higher, R.W. Baird & Co. analyst Jon A. Langenfeld said.
"Ongoing capacity rationalization" is slowly but surely improving "supply/demand balance," driving excess tractors and trailers out of the vehicle pool, and setting the stage for "significant" rate increases by truckload carriers, he said in a report to investors.
"As a sustained stronger economy emerges, we expect this underbuy of trucks to result in significant industry pricing," Langenfeld said.
Truckers battered by a three-year freight slump that began before the recession and financial crisis just aren't buying new trucks to replace older vehicles.
Analyst Sees Truck 'Underbuy' Tightening Capacity | Journal of Commerce

Wal-Mart Squeezes Costs from Supply Chain

Retailer to save billions by purchasing more goods direct from suppliers

Wal-Mart Stores plans to squeeze billions of dollars out of its supply chain this year by purchasing more goods direct from manufacturers, cutting out third-party suppliers.
The world's largest retailer buys less than 20 percent of its goods directly from manufacturers. It wants to increase that share to 80 percent, The Financial Times reports.
That would have a significant impact on its global and domestic supply chains, cutting logistics costs $4 billion to $12 billion or 5 to 15 percent over the next five years.
In addition, the company's stores keep getting bigger, presenting additional transportation challenges. Wal-Mart added 38 million square feet of retail space around the world last year, and will add another 37 million square feet this year.
Wal-Mart Squeezes Costs from Supply Chain | Journal of Commerce

Arrow Defaulted on Lawsuit Settlement; Resurrected Web Site Raises Questions

More information has come to light on the financial woes of Arrow Trucking, which suspended operations abruptly right before Christmas. At the same time, a new web site has observers wondering if the Tulsa, Okla.-based flatbed carrier is not down for the count after all.
The hearing the two failed to appear was related to Arrow's failure to make payments on a settlement in a civil lawsuit. The case involved an intoxicated Arrow driver causing a fatal accident in 2006. According to the World, Arrow was late on the first payment (due in August) and defaulted on the second.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Tax Commission has filed a nearly $350,000 lien against Arrow, alleging that the company failed to pay state withholding taxes for 10 months.
Arrow Defaulted on Lawsuit Settlement; Resurrected Web Site Raises Questions - Truckinginfo.com

Heartland Express shares rise on analyst upgrade

Shares of trucking operator Heartland Express Inc. rose Monday after investment firm Robert W. Baird upgraded the stock, saying conditions in the freight industry are improving.
Baird analyst Jon A. Langenfeld raised his rating on the stock to “Outperform” from “Neutral,” saying prices and fundamentals in the truckload-shipping industry had shown slight improvement since midsummer. He said positive signs included gains in fourth-quarter expedited freight demand, seasonal demand and lean inventories.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Opinion: Workers’ Comp and Our Aging Workforce

The slow economic recovery is causing many Americans either to delay retirement or to return to the workforce after retiring to supplement income. A 2005 American Trucking Associations study found one in five truck drivers was older than 55 — and by 2014, it’s expected to be one in four.
Senior employees are a great asset, bringing vast experience and knowledge to the workforce, as well as maturity and professionalism. However, older employees also present an added risk of injury and workers’ compensation claims as many suffer from arthritis and other chronic pre-existing medical conditions.
Opinion: Workers’ Comp and Our Aging Workforce | Transport Topics Online | Trucking, Freight Transportation and Logistics News

Dow...10,572.02 -11.94 -0.11%

Nasdaq...2,308.71 +0.29 +0.01%

S&P 500...1,136.52 +3.53 +0.31%


ODFL...29.87...+0.58...+1.98%
KNX...19.49...+0.29...+1.51%
FDX...84.50...+1.05...+1.26%
HTLD...15.87...+0.05...+0.32%
JBHT...33.15...+0.09...+0.27%
SAIA...14.40...+0.03...+0.21%
UPS...58.30...+0.12...+0.21%
LSTR...39.23...-0.01...-0.03%
ABFS...28.42...-0.11...-0.39%
CNW...33.50...-0.15...-0.45%
VTNC...9.66...-0.49...-4.83%
YRCW...0.68...-0.04...-6.08%

FDX--
The No-Sweat $1 Million Portfolio
The Smartest Money Move You'll Ever Make

UPS--
Results: The Best Stocks for 2010

SAIA--
10 Buys And 10 Sells For 2010 - Forbes.com

YRCW--
YRC to Take Debt Swap to Shareholders | Journal of Commerce
YRC Worldwide Sets January 4, 2010 as Record Date for Special Shareholders Meeting - Yahoo! Finance
Skymark Research Initiates Independent Research Coverage on YRC Worldwide Inc. - Yahoo! Finance
YRC sets record date in shareholder debt-swap vote - Kansas City Business Journal:
YRC Worldwide sets rules for voting on stock issue - Yahoo! Finance

S&P Ends Up as Ford Hits 4-Year High

The S&P finished higher Tuesday as Ford shares soared after better-than-expected sales.
The Dow ended slightly lower after a report showed pending-home sales fell much more sharply than expected. The Nasdaq finished flat.
Investors had expected a solid gain following a report out of China earlier today that Ford's joint venture there saw sales jump nearly 55 percent in 2009 but this number seemed to even exceed those expectations.
S&P Rises as Ford Hits 4-Year High - CNBC

Expect Strong Market Through January: S&P's Stovall

“Historically, we can expect a good year, but not a great year,” Stovall told CNBC. “The month of January is likely to be fairly strong.”
Stovall said the first January following a bear market since 1932 historically rises about 3.5 percent.
CNBC Stock Blog — Expect Strong Market Through January: S&P's Sam Stovall — CNBC.com Investing News - CNBC

GDP of 5%? Byron Wien's Surprise Predictions for 2010

U.S. economic growth as measured by real GDP will top 5 percent in 2010, and the unemployment rate will fall below 9 percent, said Byron Wien, vice president of Blackstone Advisory Services, who shared his annual top 10 surprises with CNBC Tuesday:
CNBC Stock Blog — GDP of 5%? Byron Wien's Surprise Predictions for 2010 - CNBC

January Indicator: First Day Rally Positive Sign for Stocks

If the stock market holds to a pattern it has followed for most of the past 40 years, 2010 could be a big year for investors.
Since 1973, a big advance on the first trading day of January has been a strong sign stocks will post robust gains for the rest of the year.
When the S&P 500 has gained more than 1 percent on the first day of trading, the index has ended the year higher 86 percent of the time, according to Schaeffer's Investment Research.
Stock Market Outlook: January Indicator: First Day Rally Is Positive Sign for Stocks - CNBC

Is Tata Bringing Its Nano to the U.S.?

In the clearest sign yet that the world's least expensive mass-market car is coming to the U.S., Indian automaker Tata says its Nano micro-car could be here in three years.
For thousands of Americans who have been clamoring for the $2,500 starter car, the tentative time line for a U.S. launch is a belated Christmas gift.
While there are still many hurdles to clear, I think the three-year projection is one you can bank on happening.
Is Tata Bringing Its Nano to the U.S.? - CNBC

Ford Surges Out of '09, Chrysler Still Down

The first December auto sales numbers are out and Ford closed out '09 with a bang. Adjusting the number of sales days last December to match those in December '08, Ford [F 10.96 0.68 (+6.61%) ] boosted sales 23.3%. That's 15% better than the street estimate of 8.3%. It caps a sensational '09 where Ford surged while competitors struggled mightily. Consider the following:
Phil LeBeau's Behind The Wheel - CNBC

Jane For Governor: The Final Nail In California's Coffin!

Larry Kudlow and Melissa Francis have been encouraging me to run for Governor of California. They're joking. Sort of. After all, could I be any worse? Hey, there's a campaign motto!
"Vote for Jane! She can't be any worse!"
Sure, there are serious issues facing California. As I head this evening to Sacramento to cover the Governor's final State of the State address tomorrow, it's obvious to all that to say this state is in a catatonic state is an understatement.
Jane For Governor: The Final Nail In California's Coffin! - CNBC

Can Scott Brown Win Teddy Kennedy's Senate Seat?

Upset of the new decade in the works?
Could the JFK-Ronald Reagan tax-cutting message lead the GOP to a huge political victory in Massachusetts?
Republican Senate candidate Scott Brown joined me last night to discuss.
Can Scott Brown Win Teddy Kennedy's Senate Seat? - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...074-questions-comments-stc-newsletter-21.html

 

[imported_River17]

Dow Gains 2 Points Amid Jobs Jitters

YRC Soars: Customers Returning “Aggressively” Says CEO Zollars

Shares of trucking logistics firm YRC Worldwide (YRCW) are up 8 cents, or 11%, at 75 cents, nearly a week after the company completed a debt-for-equity swap meant to avoid bankruptcy. Dow Jones Newswires’s Bob Sechler sat down with CEO Bill Zollars, who told him that a bankruptcy filing is “not on the radar screen” and that customers “are returning pretty aggressively.”
Regarding liquidity, Zollars reiterated the company has $160 million to get to March, when freight volumes should pick up from seasonal lows, and the company feels confident the company can retire $30 million of bonds by that time.
Updated: YRC Soars: Customers Returning “Aggressively” Says CEO Zollars - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

YRC Chief Says Bankruptcy 'Not on Our Radar'

Customers are returning 'pretty aggressively,' Zollars tells news wire

Shippers are returning to YRC Worldwide "pretty aggressively," Chairman and CEO William D. Zollars told Dow Jones Newswire today, saying a bankruptcy filing at the nation's largest trucking operator "is not on our radar screen now."
Shipping volumes at national carrier YRC were down 43 percent year-over-year in the third quarter, though the less-than-truckload specialist saw sequential quarterly improvements, with the rate of its freight decline cut in half from the second quarter.
YRC finally won the exchange after dropping the participation requirement for the tender offer -- lowering the amount of debt it would eliminate from $536.8 million to $470 million -- and after the Teamsters union put pressure on Wall Street firms.
Now the bondholders -- who after the swap own 94 percent of the company -- will appoint a new board of directors for YRC Worldwide. Zollars told Dow Jones Newswire he plans to remain as chairman when a new board is named as early as next month.
YRC Chief Says Bankruptcy 'Not on Our Radar' | Journal of Commerce

NAFTA Trade Grew for Fifth Month in October

Lowest year-over-year decline since December 2008

Surface trade between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners Canada and Mexico grew for the fifth consecutive month in October and showed improvement in the rate of decline from a year earlier.
Trade using surface transportation among the NAFTA countries amounted to $61.4 billion in October, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation. That was a gain of 7.2 percent from September to October, picking up the pace of steady growth since May.
NAFTA Trade Grew for Fifth Month in October | Journal of Commerce

Navistar Debuts First Trucks in India

Through a joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. of India, Navistar has introduced a line of trucks to the Indian market. The trucks have been specifically designed with India's roads and conditions in mind.
Made in India, the trucks have GVW ranges between 56,000 pounds to 109,000 pounds.
"With the addition of the MN 40 and MN 49 trucks and tractors to its product portfolio, Mahindra-Navistar is now well poised to cater to a wide spectrum of requirements in the Indian Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) industry," said Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director, Mahindra Group.
Navistar Debuts First Trucks in India - Truckinginfo.com

State officials remind drivers not to pass plows

So far this winter, state snowplows are being hit by other motorists at a rate of about one per storm, which is an improvement over last winter, Wyoming Department of Transportation officials say.
WYDOT spokesman Doug McGee said 23 snowplows were hit by other drivers during the winter of 2007-2008.
“After a couple of times (being hit) or whatever, the plow drivers actually wind up looking out their mirror more than they do out the front to see who’s going to hit them,” Bridges said.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

ISM: Service sector returns to growth in December

A measure tracking the U.S. service sector returned to growth last month, helped higher by the holiday season’s retail sales, but the slight expansion wasn’t enough to kick-start hiring.
The Institute for Supply Management, a private trade group, said its service index rose to 50.1 in December from 48.7 in November. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had expected a reading of 50.5.
A level above 50 signals growth. The gauge rose in September for the first time in 13 months, but the comeback has been fitful amid tiny gains in consumers’ incomes and tight bank lending to small businesses.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Florida Eases Trucking Agriculture Rules to Deal with Freeze

Florida officials have temporarily eased trucking size and weight restrictions to help ease agricultural hardships related to unusually cold temperatures that are threatening the state’s produce industry.
Gov. Charlie Crist (R) signed the order relaxing the weight, height, length and width restrictions for commercial vehicles transporting vulnerable crops to processing sites.
The order took effect Tuesday and will remain in effect for 14 days, the state’s Agriculture Department said in a statement.
Florida Eases Trucking Agriculture Rules to Deal with Freeze | Transport Topics Online | Trucking, Freight Transportation and Logistics News

Dow...10,573.68 +1.66 +0.02%

Nasdaq...2,301.09 -7.62 -0.33%

S&P 500...1,137.14 +0.62 +0.05%


YRCW...0.81...+0.13...+18.97%
ODFL...30.47...+0.55...+1.84%
VTNC...9.79...+0.13...+1.35%
HTLD...15.84...-0.03...-0.19%
CNW...33.42...-0.07...-0.21%
LSTR...39.04...-0.19...-0.48%
JBHT...32.95...-0.20...-0.60%
ABFS...28.21...-0.21...-0.74%
UPS...57.83...-0.45...-0.77%
FDX...83.84...-0.70...-0.83%
SAIA...14.26...-0.14...-0.97%
KNX...19.29...-0.21...-1.08%

FDX--
Updated: YRC Soars: Customers Returning “Aggressively” Says CEO Zollars - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
An Amish Entrepreneur's Old-Fashioned Approach - BusinessWeek

UPS--
Updated: YRC Soars: Customers Returning “Aggressively” Says CEO Zollars - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

CNW--
Updated: YRC Soars: Customers Returning “Aggressively” Says CEO Zollars - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Con-way Inc. Schedules News Release and Conference Call for 2009 Fourth Quarter, Full-Year Financial Results - Yahoo! Finance

ODFL--
Updated: YRC Soars: Customers Returning “Aggressively” Says CEO Zollars - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

ABFS--
Updated: YRC Soars: Customers Returning “Aggressively” Says CEO Zollars - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Summary of ARKANSAS BEST CORP /DE/ - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
Updated: YRC Soars: Customers Returning “Aggressively” Says CEO Zollars - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

Dow Gains 2 Points Amid Jobs Jitters

Stocks struggled Wednesday as investors digested a solid report on the services sector and a few soft readings on jobs — but were really waiting for the government's jobs report on Friday.
Major indexes finished flatter than flat: The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained just two points, while the S&P 500 added just half a point and the Nasdaq slipped just over 7 points.
Dow Gains 2 Points Amid Jobs Jitters - CNBC

10% Correction in Near-Term: Chief Investor

We are cautious on the markets in the near-term, but bullish in the long run, agreed James Shelton, chief investment officer of Kanaly Trust and Bill Spiropoulos, chief executive of CoreState Capital Advisors. They discussed their 2010 market projections.
“You have to realize that the market doesn’t go straight up all the time,” Spiropoulos told CNBC.
“So it wouldn’t surprise me to see a minor 5 to 7 percent pullback [in the short-term]. I think it will be contained to less than 10 percent in the U.S. and 20 percent in international markets.”
CNBC Stock Blog — Expect a 10% Correction in the Near-Term: Chief Investor — CNBC.com Market News - CNBC

Expect Double Dip in Second Quarter: Economist

The U.S. economy will slip back into recession in the second and third quarter of 2010 as the boost from fiscal stimulus measures and inventory rebuilding wears off, James Shugg, senior economist at Westpac Bank, told CNBC Wednesday.
"In the second half of this year, starting in the second quarter, a bit of a mismatch is going to take place," Shugg said.
"You'll see the boost to growth from fiscal stimulus and inventory rebuilding lose momentum and what's left? A consumer that's still inclined to save more than spend, a banking system still dragged down by one in four mortgages being in default," he said.
Expect Double Dip in Second Quarter: Economist - CNBC

Fed Likely Won't Raise Rates Until Next Year: Gross

The Federal Reserve likely won't raise short-term interest until 2011 because economic growth and inflation remain weak, Pimco's Bill Gross told CNBC.
“The output gap and the core inflation rate is probably heading downward for the next 12 to 24 months," said Gross, the co-chief investment officer and founder of the world's biggest bond fund. "If that’s the case and if unemployment stays close to 10 percent, then there’s no reason for the Fed to begin to raise interest rates."
Fed Likely Won't Raise Rates Until Next Year: Gross - CNBC

GM Not Hopeful on Saab Deal, Advancing With Closure

General Motors Chief Executive Ed Whitacre said on Wednesday he is not hopeful a breakthrough deal can be reached to save Saab and said GM is proceeding with the wind-down of the Swedish brand.
Whitacre, speaking to reporters at the company's headquarters, said none of the potential bidders for Saab have come forward with the financing needed to restructure the money-losing automaker.
"I think we've done everything humanly possible," Whitacre said. GM will start closing down Saab plants later this week, he said.
GM Not Hopeful on Saab Deal, Proceeding With Closure - CNBC

Schwarzenegger on 'Healthcare to Nowhere'

In his final State of the State speech, 62-year-old Arnold Schwarzenegger outlined what he called his "Sophie's Choice"—where to cut in a state which has already seen tens of billions in spending cuts.
"We face additional cuts," the Governor says, "We have no choice." On the other hand, he also said, "While we still have a long way to go, the worst is over for California's economy."
Gov. Schwarzenegger says for every dollar California sends to Washington, it gets 78 cents back, while Texas gets 94 cents, Pennsylvania $1.07, Alaska "with all its oil" receives $1.84, and New Mexico $2.03. "We are not looking for a federal bailout, we just want federal fairness."
Schwarzenegger on 'Healthcare to Nowhere' - CNBC

The Connected Car Picks Up Speed

If it's not already apparent, we are quickly heading towards a day when our car will be fully "wired" into our lives and that connectivity opens up a host of opportunities and problems.
The opportunities are endless as we will be able to better communicate, better understand our cars, and perhaps better manage how we use our vehicles.
The potential problems are many that have reared their heads in recent years involving distracted driving and what happens when we are "too connected behind the wheel."
The Connected Car Picks Up Speed - CNBC

S&P Makes Big Regains

S&P regains half of bear market losses. It may not be exciting, but the S&P 500 has gained 1.9 percent in the first two trading days of the year. More importantly, we have retraced 50 percent of the losses in the bear market that occurred from the all-time high for the S&P 500 (1,576 on Oct 11, 2007) to the market low (666 on March 6, 2009). The 50 percent retracement was 1,116.
Santa Claus rally came right on target: the S&P 500 rose 1.4 percent in the last five trading days of 2009 and the first two trading days of 2010, exactly the historical average for the past 50 years, according to Stock Trader's Almanac.
S&P Makes Big Regains - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...074-questions-comments-stc-newsletter-21.html

 

[imported_River17]

Dow Ekes Out a Gain; VIX Ends at 19

LTL Pricing to 'Firm' Later in 2010, Report Says

Research firm sees LTL rates going up with or without YRC

Less-than-truckload pricing, which took a sharp turn downward toward the end of the 2009, will begin to firm by the second half of 2010 regardless of whether YRC Worldwide is still in business, investment firm Wolfe Research says.
Shippers are expected to hold firm on pricing in the first quarter, when many annual trucking contracts come up for bid, and those surveyed by Wolfe Research expect LTL rates to remain flat as long as YRC Worldwide stays in the game.
If the carrier shuts down sometime in mid-2010, shippers expect LTL prices would increase 5.7 percent year-over-year this year, Wolfe Research said. However, if the company continued to operate under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, those shippers believe rates would go up 2.7 percent on average, the research company said.
LTL Pricing to 'Firm' Later in 2010, Report Says | Journal of Commerce

Survey Finds YRC Battling to Keep Customers

Defections slow, but continue, Wolfe Research shipper poll finds

Fewer shippers are considering diverting freight from YRC Worldwide in the wake of its successful debt-for-equity swap, but a significant percentage of shippers are still shifting volume to other carriers and less than 20 percent are returning to YRC, a Wolfe Research survey says.
A poll of more than 115 current and former customers of YRC Worldwide by Wolfe Research this week found 34 percent planned to decrease freight with YRC by 66 percent on average in the first quarter, compared with 61 percent in mid-December.
"According to our survey, 40 percent of shippers remain skeptical of YRC Worldwide's ability to stem cash losses and will move more freight to other carriers, while 33 percent have no plans to change current tonnage levels with YRC," Wolfe Research said. "Only 8 percent of shippers have immediate plans to move volumes back to YRC Worldwide, while 10 percent of shippers hope to move volumes back to YRC in a few quarters."
Survey Finds YRC Battling to Keep Customers | Journal of Commerce

Old Dominion Freight Line's Fourth Quarter Conference Call on the Internet
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (Nasdaq:ODFL - News) announced today that it plans to release its 2009 fourth quarter and year-end financial results before opening of trading on Thursday, January 28, 2010. The Company will also hold a conference call to discuss its financial results and outlook at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Thursday, January 28, 2010.
Old Dominion Freight Line's Fourth Quarter Conference Call on the Internet - Yahoo! Finance

Driver Turnover Rates Reach New Low

In the third quarter of 2009, line-haul driver turnover was at its lowest rate among large truckload carriers since the data has been collected in 1995, according to the American Trucking Associations' Trucking Activity Report for the third quarter. Turnover at large carriers was down 9 percent from the second quarter to 43 percent, the same as small truckload fleets.
"The last time large and small TL turnover rates were identical during a quarter was in the first quarter of 2001 (87 percent)," said Bob Costello, chief economist at ATA.
Driver Turnover Rates Reach New Low - Truckinginfo.com

Arrow Driver Goes Missing; Web Site Rumors Put to Rest

Further events in Arrow Trucking's demise have unfolded, including news that a driver has gone missing since ditching his truck on Christmas and the confirmation that the company is not hiring drivers, as its web site would lead us to believe.
Tulsa World reports that driver John Eischens has been missing since abandoning his truck at a Montana truckstop Christmas day. An effort to find Eischens is being organized by "Support for Stranded Arrow Trucking Drivers." The group told the World that Eischens' last two paychecks bounced and advances were cut off a week before Arrow suspended operations.
Arrow Driver Goes Missing; Web Site Rumors Put to Rest - Truckinginfo.com

Bananas have lots of health benefits

What’s something a trucker can eat that offers a healthy option instead of just calories?
The answer to that is fruit, and bananas especially. They may not be available at every truck stop, although some do carry then, and truckers who stop at Walmart and other stores to stock up can get them there.
Bananas contain a high dose of potassium — an essential ingredient to keep your heart and nervous system in good shape. Potassium is essential for proper muscle contraction and thus plays an important role in muscle-influenced activities including: the normal rhythmic pumping of the heart, digestion, muscular movements, etc.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Dow...10,606.86 +33.18 +0.31%

Nasdaq...2,300.05 -1.04 -0.05%

S&P 500...1,141.69 +4.55 +0.40%


YRCW...0.85...+0.04...+5.20%
JBHT...33.08...+0.13...+0.39%
KNX...19.28...-0.01...-0.05%
LSTR...38.85...-0.19...-0.49%
UPS...57.39...-0.46...-0.80%
SAIA...14.10...-0.16...-1.12%
FDX...82.89...-0.95...-1.13%
HTLD...15.65...-0.19...-1.20%
CNW...32.99...-0.42...-1.26%
ABFS...27.81...-0.40...-1.42%
VTNC...9.62...-0.17...-1.74%
ODFL...29.00...-1.47...-4.82%

FDX--
Washington Redskins Fans Can Mend Snyder « SportsMoney - Forbes.com
Defending Lebanon Or Israel? - Forbes.com

UPS--
How to Repair a Broken Stock

ODFL--
Old Dominion Freight Line's Fourth Quarter Conference Call on the Internet - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
Summary of YRC WORLDWIDE INC - Yahoo! Finance
Goldman sued by pension fund over bonus plans - Yahoo! Finance
Survey Finds YRC Battling to Keep Customers | Journal of Commerce

Dow Ekes Out a Gain; VIX Ends at 19

Stocks struggled Thursday as the dollar rose and investors remained skittish ahead of Friday's jobs report, but a pair of analyst upgrades on GE and Bank of America helped buoy the Dow and Nasdaq.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 33.18, or 0.3 percent, to close at 10,606.86. But it wasn't without a fight: The blue-chip index crossed zero 59 times during the session.
The S&P 500 also gained 0.3 percent. The Nasdaq pared most of its losses by the closing bell, ending down about a point.
Dow Ekes Out a Gain; VIX Ends at 19 - CNBC

Bull Run at Risk of 20% Corrections: Mobius

Stocks are still in the grip of a secular bull market, but investors shouldn't expect the same level of returns seen in 2009 and there is a risk of 20-percent corrections, Mark Mobius, executive chairman at Templeton Asset Management, told CNBC Thursday.
"In a secular bull market, where we are now, you will see corrections can be as much as 15-20 percent, but we shouldn't be concerned that this represents a bear market," Mobius said.
Bull Run at Risk of 20% Corrections: Mobius - CNBC

Cisco's Big 2010

It might come as a surprise, but Cisco Systems has attended the Consumer Electronics Show for the past seven years straight. And in my exclusive interview with CEO John Chambers earlier this morning, he says this year could be a watershed for his long-term strategy.
Cisco's Big 2010 - CNBC

Going Gaga For Lady Gaga At CES

The Consumer Electronics Show isn't just about tech geeks and giant 3-D TVs. None other than pop star Lady Gaga is here, replete with a woven fishnet-esque dress and giant platinum hairpiece that looks like a hat worthy of the Kentucky Derby. The Billboard-topper has signed a deal with Polaroid to be it's new "creative director," which could be a game changer for the camera and film company that emerged from bankruptcy last year.
Going Gaga For Lady Gaga At CES - CNBC

GM's Whitacre Plan: Just Make Money

One month into his tenure as CEO of GM, Ed Whitacre Jr. has a pretty simple game plan for getting GM back on track: just make money. Don't laugh. It's what the man has said time and again, most recently Wednesday afternoon when talking with reporters. While his strategy may sound hokey and simple, I think it's exactly what GM needs right now.
GM's Whitacre Plan: Just Make Money - CNBC

Are Free Market Forces on the Comeback Trail?

Here’s my latest Money Politics message: the midterm elections are going to be crucial in determining the outlook for pro-growth, free market policies includes lower taxes, lower spending, ending bailouts and diminishing federal control over our economic freedom.
Some commentators fret that high-tax & regulate big government will undermine the stock market boom, and the fledgling economic recovery that I call a mini-boom. Those are good worries. But my counterpoint is this: there is a new revolution going on against big government controls.
It started with the tea party movement. And it now seems to be making its way through the ranks of the Republican Party. The new New Deal may be over. As a result, the longer-term outlook may actually be more optimistic for supply-side capitalism, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Are Free Market Forces on the Comeback Trail? - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...074-questions-comments-stc-newsletter-21.html

 

[imported_River17]

Dow Gains 1.8% for Week; Financials Rally

WEEKEND EDITION

UPS Sees Economic Recovery Speeding Up

Along with improved profit, parcel giant will drop 1,800 jobs in cutting costs

UPS said Friday the economy and shipping demand are improving faster than the company anticipated, but the package carrier announced new cost-cutting plans that will eliminate 1,800 jobs across the United States.
The job cuts will come in management and administrative positions, the company said, as UPS restructures and streamlines its domestic management structure.
“We believe this will allow us to sharpen our focus on profitable growth while being even more nimble in serving our customers,” said UPS Chairman and CEO Scott Davis.
The company expects to offer severance packages to about 1,100 workers and to eliminate the rest of the jobs through what it called normal attrition.
UPS Sees Economic Recovery Speeding Up | Journal of Commerce

YRC Pays Wicks $800,000 to Stay

Trucking giant paid president $400,000 after debt swap as part of non-competition agreement

YRC Worldwide paid one of its top executives $400,000 this week as part of a non-competition and confidentially agreement that includes an additional $400,000 in incentive pay if he stays with the company and meets certain goals through July.
President and Chief Operating Officer Timothy A. Wicks will receive $200,000 April 1 and again on July 1 if he is still employed by YRC and if the business meets "operational and selling, general and administrative" goals by those dates, YRC said Jan. 7.
YRC's deal with Wicks comes at a critical juncture in the fortunes of the nation's largest trucking operator and signals Wicks' importance to YRC as it works to rebuild its business and avoid bankruptcy after losing more than $2 billion over the past three years.
Wicks joined YRC Worldwide in September 2008 as an executive vice president and chief financial officer. He was promoted to COO and then president of the carrier last fall. Prior to joining YRC, Wicks was a senior vice president at UnitedHealthcare.
YRC Pays Wicks $800,000 to Stay | Journal of Commerce

Old Dominion Hikes Rates

Regional LTL carrier boosts average rate 4.4 percent

Old Dominion Freight Line will raise its rates an average of 4.4 percent, effective Jan. 18, the regional less-than-truckload carrier said Friday.
The announcement comes as annual trucking contracts start coming up for bid. As carriers across the country struggle with over-capacity and competition for market share, ODFL is the first to announce a more aggressive move toward sustaining profits. “We believe the increase is essential to continue to provide our customers with the value in technology and quality performance they have come to depend on,” said Todd Polen, vice president of pricing.
The general increase will be based on length of haul rather than across the board. “Minimum charges in shorter haul lanes will be increased slightly while minimum shipments in longer haul lanes will be reduced,” said Polen.
Old Dominion Hikes Rates | Journal of Commerce

UPS: The Poster Child for a Jobless Recovery

Analysts like to say that United Parcel Service Inc. is a canary in the coal mine of the U.S. economy. If more packages are being sent, more business is being conducted, more products are being purchased
Well, UPS’ latest earnings forecasts show that the company appears to be a healthy canary in a sick coal mine.
UPS raised its fourth-quarter earnings target citing improving domestic and international shipping revenue and a brightening economic outlook. This on the heels of Internet retailers reporting a better-than-expected online holiday shopping season, which translates into more packages being shipped by UPS and its rivals.
But at the same time UPS was giving its rosy outlook, sending its stock up 5%, the package deliverer cut an additional 1,800 people from its 340,000-person U.S. work force. This is on top of the 13,000 jobs it cut last year.
UPS: The Poster Child for a Jobless Recovery - Deal Journal - WSJ

Central Transport Expands in Detroit

LTL carrier buys Delray facility from YRC near proposed bridge site

Detroit billionaire and bridge-owner Manuel "Matty" Maroun may oppose a government-owned span linking the Michigan city and Canada, but that won't stop him from setting up trucking operations right where that bridge's foot may someday stand.
Maroun's less-than-truckload company, Central Transport, is moving into the former YRC Worldwide terminal on West Jefferson Ave. in Southwest Detroit's Delray district.
Central purchased the terminal from YRC for an undisclosed price.
"The Detroit terminal will make us faster, more reliable and reduce our handling of loads," John Locke, executive vice president of Warren, Mich.-based Central Transport, said in a statement. Central will shift LTL operations from Romulus, Mich., to Detroit.
"The Delray terminal is purpose-built for the LTL business," Locke said. "It's larger than our Romulus facility and this is a great opportunity for us to save on our infrastructure costs. There are few LTL companies that could use a terminal like this."
Central Transport Expands in Detroit | Journal of Commerce

Truckload Demand Rising, Morgan Stanley Says

Freight index rises in January's first week, but excess capacity weighs on pricing

Truckload demand gained strength in early 2010, with little sign of a post-holiday downturn, according to Morgan Stanley.
The investment firm's Truckload Freight Index, a measure of incremental truckload demand versus supply, rose from 2.06 to 2.13 in the first week of January.
"The continued strength in truckload demand is encouraging for freight transports broadly," the investment firm said today.
However, that demand won't immediately mean higher pricing or profits for carriers, Morgan Stanley said. "Excess capacity and 2009 contract renewals continue to weigh on pricing."
Truckload Demand Rising, Morgan Stanley Says | Journal of Commerce

Drivers undergoing more physical testing before getting hired, rejected

The days of job hopping for many may be over, and not only because of what you may be thinking — less freight — but in addition, drivers are going through some rigorous testing to determine if they are fit enough to do the job.
According to the latest regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a driver must not operate a commercial motor vehicle unless he or she is medically certified as physically qualified to do so. This, however, is a minimum standard and allows for companies to further test drivers as they see fit.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Dow...10,618.19 +11.33 +0.11%

Nasdaq...2,317.17 +17.12 +0.74%

S&P 500...1,144.98 +3.29 +0.29%

Oil...82.75 +0.28 +0.34%

Gold...1,138.20 +5.10 +0.45%


UPS...60.20...+2.79...+4.86%
KNX...20.10...+0.84...+4.36%
VTNC...10.00...+0.38...+3.95%
JBHT...34.04...+0.96...+2.90%
FDX...84.97...+2.04...+2.46%
LSTR...39.57...+0.72...+1.85%
HTLD...15.87...+0.22...+1.41%
ABFS...28.20...+0.39...+1.40%
ODFL...29.40...+0.40...+1.38%
CNW...33.04...-0.05...-0.15%
YRCW...0.85...-0.00...-0.23%
SAIA...13.61...-0.49...-3.48%

FDX--
UPS Raises Q4 View, Stock Up 4% - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.
UPS cutting 1,800 jobs in US, raising outlook - Yahoo! Finance
UPS to lay off 1,800 workers, raises earnings outlook - Memphis Business Journal:
UPDATE 3-UPS raises outlook, sets job cuts; shares jump | Reuters
Wall St hits new highs on recovery hopes - Yahoo! Finance

UPS--
UPS Sees Economic Recovery Speeding Up | Journal of Commerce
UPDATE 3-UPS raises outlook, sets job cuts; shares jump | Reuters
CNBC Stock Blog — Be Long US Banks: Equity Strategist — CNBC Stock Market News - CNBC
UPS: The Poster Child for a Jobless Recovery - Deal Journal - WSJ
Equities Update: Rangebound Day Ends on an Up Note -- Seeking Alpha
CNBC Stock Blog — Markets Will Still Rise Despite Jobs Data: Strategist — CNBC.com Investing News - CNBC
Consumers Start to Spend Again Despite Weak Jobs Recovery - CNBC
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: Money Supply May Be Danger Sign — CNBC.com Stock Market News - CNBC
Stocks Shake Off Jobs Number in Late Surge - Yahoo! Finance
UPS cutting 1,800 jobs in US, raising outlook - Yahoo! Finance
Best of WSJ.com's Money Blogs - WSJ.com
U.P.S. Plans to Cut 1,800 Jobs - NYTimes.com

CNW--
Up, Up and Away for UPS - Barrons.com

SAIA--
Saia to Announce Fourth Quarter 2009 Results on January 29, 2010 - Yahoo! Finance

ODFL--
Old Dominion Hikes Rates | Journal of Commerce

YRCW--
YRC Pays Wicks $800,000 to Stay | Journal of Commerce
Goldman Sued by Pension Fund - Yahoo! Finance
Moody's says YRC less likely to default after swap - Yahoo! Finance

Dow Gains 1.8% for Week; Financials Rally

The Dow logged a solid gain for the first week of 2010, despite a disappointing jobs report. Financials, materials and industrials led the pack.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 11.33, or 0.1 percent, to close out Friday's session at 10,619.19. The S&P 500 gained 0.3 percent. The Nasdaq advanced 0.7 percent.
But after touching a 15-month high on Monday, the Dow managed to gain 1.8 percent for the week. The S&P and Nasdaq were up over 2 percent. Financials were the biggest gaining sector this week, up 5.8 percent, followed by materials and industrials, which also rose more than 5 percent.
Dow Gains 1.8% for Week; Financials Rally - CNBC

Art Cashin: Money Supply May Be Danger Sign

U.S. jobs data is more confusing than ever, with losses and revisions pointing to gains—and more losses. What does it mean for investors? Art Cashin, director of floor operations for UBS Financial Services, offered his insights to CNBC.
The jobs figures are "a little muddled" due to the December holidays, Cashin cautioned, and can't necessarily be trusted.
"But I'm looking at two other numbers that kind of surprised me: commercial paper issuance dropped dramatically in the recent week and M3* seems to be contracting."
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: Money Supply May Be Danger Sign — CNBC.com Stock Market News - CNBC

US Can 'Certainly' See Double-Dip This Year: Strategist

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), also known as the “Investor Fear Gauge," hit a 19 month low on Friday. What does it all mean for stocks and investments going forward? Hank Smith, chief investment officer of Haverford Investments, and Mike Rubino, president of Rubino Financial, discussed their market analyses.
“The real thing that’s driving the economy is the deleveraging of the debt in housing markets that continues,” Rubino told CNBC.
“Defaults continue to rise in an improving economy…We expect another round of defaults in the middle of this year in the late summer.”
CNBC Stock Blog — US Can Have Double-Dip This Year: Strategist — CNBC.com Stock Market News - CNBC

Why Job Growth Will Be Weak—And Painful—This Time

The aftershocks of the credit crisis will be a significant drag on job creation during the economic recovery, and those counting on a classic bounce-back may want to get a reality check from the housing and retail sectors.
“We haven't just gone through a business cycle, we've also gone through a major restructuring of the American economy," says Ken Goldstein, a labor economist at the Conference Board. “The workout from all of this will be very long and very slow. This is an awful lot to adjust to.”
Why Job Growth Will Be Weak—And Painful—This Time - CNBC

Job-Creation Hopes Dashed; 85,000 Shed in December

U.S. employers unexpectedly cut 85,000 jobs in December, government data showed on Friday, cooling optimism on the labor market's recovery and keeping pressure on President Barack Obama.
The Labor Department said November payrolls were revised to show the economy actually added 4,000 jobs rather than losing 11,000 as initially reported. With revisions to October, however, the economy lost 1,000 more jobs than previously estimated over the two months.
Job-Creation Hopes Dashed; 85,000 Shed in December - CNBC

Billionaire Investor Grows Deeply Concerned About China

A widely followed billionaire investor is raising serious concerns about China and it appears more people are taking notice.
In Friday’s New York Times the paper reiterated something billionaire hedge fund manager Jim Chanos first told the Fast Money desk, on the December 15th Halftime Report – that China has the potential to be as much of a watershed event for world markets as subprime was a few years back.
A celebrated short-seller, Chanos isn’t the first person to turn bearish on China, but his commentary is widely followed because he has a knack for spotting looming problems, including Enron, Tyco, and the housing crisis.
And speaking of housing, Chanos thinks China’s troubles will stem from a real estate crisis – much like our own troubles did.
Billionaire Investor Grows Deeply Concerned About China - CNBC

Profit Outlook: Strong Results to Keep Stock Rally Going?

The fourth quarter of 2008 was the worst earnings period in the history of the Standard & Poor's 500. The fourth quarter of 2009 will be a decidedly different story.
Amid the steepest economic downturn since the Great Depression, aggregate S&P earnings were negative for the first time ever over the final part of 2008.
But for the same period last year the economic headwinds changed and the stock market recovered—setting the stage for what could be another prosperous time for investors.
Profit Outlook: Strong Results May Keep Stock Rally Going - CNBC

Consumers Spending Again Despite Weak Jobs Recovery

There's a case to be made that consumers will continue to defy the 10 percent unemployment rate and stoke a recovery in the retail sector.
Thursday's batch of monthly retail sales reports offer only a small glimpse at the total retail picture, together they represent only about 11 percent of all retail sales, but these reports combined with the latest comments from Best Buy [BBY 39.90 -1.64 (-3.95%) ], and even UPS [UPS 60.20 2.79 (+4.86%) ], which raised its earnings forecast, are good signs that consumers are starting to spend again.
According to Eric Beder, a retail analyst at Brean Murray Carret & Co., the holiday shopping season showed that consumers still want a bargain and when they find one, they will shop.
"When the discounts were the deepest, that's when they shopped," Beder said.
Consumers Start to Spend Again Despite Weak Jobs Recovery - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
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[imported_River17]

Dow and S&P 500 Reach Fresh 15-Month Highs

Super Bowl ad prices fall; still most expensive

Super Bowl ad prices fall for the second time in game's history, but still most expensive

The economic slump appears to have taken a toll on Super Bowl ads, pushing the price down for only the second time in the game's history, though they're still the most expensive on television.
While early readings suggest there are better deals this year over last, Pepsi won't advertise its drinks for the first time in 23 seasons, joining FedEx and GM, who dropped out last year. In their absence, newcomers and smaller companies have snatched up slots in advertising's biggest showcase.
Super Bowl ad prices fall; still most expensive - Yahoo! Finance

UPS rises for 2nd day after outlook hike, job cuts

UPS shares rise for 2nd day in row on improved guidance, job cut plan

Shares of UPS Inc. continued their climb on Monday after the world's largest shipping carrier announced job cuts and raised its fourth-quarter outlook.
UPS on Friday said it would eliminate about 1,800 management and administrative jobs as it repositions itself for a gradual economic recovery. The company cited improved operations and cost cuts for its increased fourth-quarter guidance.
UPS rises for 2nd day after outlook hike, job cuts - Yahoo! Finance

Transport Employment Fell in December

Rail, water jobs edge up, but thousands lost in trucking, air sectors

U.S. rail and water transport jobs edged up slightly in December, but the larger trucking and air sectors continued to cut back.
That is the picture that emerges from raw but preliminary employment figures reported by companies and released by the Labor Department. These are figures that are not adjusted for seasonal factors, since many economists say the large swings in economic activity over the past 18 months have distorted normal seasonal adjustment models.
Truckers, however, cut industry-wide employment to 1,251,100 in December from 1,261,400 in November. At the same time, the warehousing industry cut back to 647,500 jobs from 650,200 in November, when they increased hiring in what some retailers say was a late inventory staging ahead of Christmas sales.
Transport Employment Fell in December | Journal of Commerce

Henderson Trucking Buys Alabama-based Carrier

Purchase of Towns Transportation will build density for truckload carrier

In what may be the first acquisition in trucking of 2010, Earl L. Henderson Trucking, a truckload carrier in Salem, Ill., bought Towns Transportation, Birmingham, Ala.
The value of the transaction was not disclosed.
The acquisition will help Henderson increase its density in certain lanes, according to Transport Capital Partners, which helped arrange the sale.
"This acquisition is a clear example of two carriers coming together to fill lanes that are important to each other," said Miller Welborn, a managing partner for TCP.
Henderson Trucking Buys Alabama-based Carrier | Journal of Commerce

Mercedes Opens Georgia Processing Center

More than 1,600 automobiles arrive at Port of Brunswick, Ga.

Mercedes-Benz USA opened its newest vehicle processing center Monday at the Port of Brunswick, Ga., with the arrival of more than 1,600 Mercedes-Benz autos on MOL’s roll-on, roll-off ship, the Paradise Ace.
The shipment marks the first delivery of import Mercedes-Benz autos to Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island Terminal.
The auto import volume from the new Mercedes-Benz processing center is expected to increase the overall total units at Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island Terminal by more than 16 percent in 2010.
Mercedes-Benz’s 70,000-square-foot facility is the second vehicle processing center to locate on the south side of Colonel’s Island Terminal.
Mercedes Opens Georgia Processing Center | Journal of Commerce

Arrow Trucking Files for Bankruptcy Liquidation

Arrow Trucking, the Tulsa, Okla.-based flatbed carrier that suspended operations abruptly right before Christmas, has filed a petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation as its main creditor filed suit against the carrier, reports the Tulsa World.
According to the bankruptcy petition, the company's assets are between $100 million and $500 million and it has debts in the same range. The petition was approved by Chairwoman Carol Pielsticker, the sole remaining director of Arrow's board.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy provides for the sale of a debtor's nonexempt property and the distribution of the proceeds to creditors. That's different from a Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection proceeding, where a bankruptcy judge helps work out deals with a company's creditors so it may stay in business.
In its bankruptcy petition, Arrow lists between 1,000 and 5,000 creditors.
Arrow Trucking Files for Bankruptcy Liquidation - Truckinginfo.com

Dow...10,663.99 +45.80 +0.43%

Nasdaq...2,312.41 -4.76 -0.21%

S&P 500...1,146.98 +2.00 +0.17%


UPS...62.84...+2.67...+4.44%
FDX...87.27...+2.28...+2.68%
SAIA...13.93...+0.32...+2.35%
YRCW...0.87...+0.02...+2.34%
KNX...20.54...+0.43...+2.14%
JBHT...34.54...+0.50...+1.47%
LSTR...39.69...+0.12...+0.30%
HTLD...15.84...-0.03...-0.19%
ODFL...29.23...-0.17...-0.58%
ABFS...27.96...-0.24...-0.85%
CNW...32.60...-0.43...-1.30%
VTNC...9.71...-0.29...-2.90%

FDX--
UPS: A Green Shoot Worth Mentioning? -- Seeking Alpha
Oil Tankers Trucking Along - MarketBeat - WSJ
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.
Report: Memphis home prices could rise 1% in 2010 - Memphis Business Journal:
Super Bowl ad prices fall; still most expensive - Yahoo! Finance

UPS--
UPS: A Green Shoot Worth Mentioning? -- Seeking Alpha
Oil Tankers Trucking Along - MarketBeat - WSJ
Chadwick: Labor Productivity is a Two Edged Sword - CNBC
UPS rises for 2nd day after outlook hike, job cuts - Yahoo! Finance
US STOCKS-China data helps Wall St, Alcoa falls late | Reuters
Cramer's 'Mad Money' Recap: Layoffs and Profits (Final) | Mad Money Recap | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
McMoRan, Tuesday Morning, UPS are movers - Yahoo! Finance

VTNC--
Vitran Corporation Inc. to report 2009 fourth quarter results and host investor conference call and webcast February 8 - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
YRCW: Income Statement for YRC Worldwide, Inc. - Yahoo! Finance
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.

Dow and S&P 500 Reach Fresh 15-Month Highs

The Dow and the S&P 500 closed at fresh 15-month highs as shares of big manufacturers advanced on strong Chinese economic data, but the Nasdaq fell as tech shares succumbed to profit-taking.
In an otherwise lackluster trading day, the US dollar fell as investors became convinced that weakness in the job market would prevent the Federal Reserve from raising interest rates to support the currency.
Dow and S&P 500 Reach Fresh 15-Month Highs - CNBC

VIX Shows 'Wall of Worry' in Markets: Derivatives Pro

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, dropped below 17 on Monday—the first time since May 2008. Is it a sign that stocks have topped? Dan Deming, trader at Stutland Equities, and Dan Hutchinson, head of derivatives at Meridian Equity Partners, shared their outlooks.
“I’m not concerned about the VIX level,” Hutchinson told CNBC.
CNBC Stock Blog — VIX Indicates 'Wall of Worry' in Markets: Derivatives Pro — CNBC.com Investing News - CNBC

Alcoa's Miss Not Yet a Strikeout for Earnings Season

The first major fourth quarter earnings report was a swing and a miss.
Alcoa, a Dow component, saw its shares fall sharply in the after hours session after it reported a profit of $0.01 per share, excluding items, below the $0.06 expected by analysts. The company reported a loss of $0.28 per share or $277 million on a net basis, still disappointing but way better than the $1.49 per share or $1.19 billion lost the year earlier.
Alcoa's Miss Not Yet a Strikeout for Earnings Season - CNBC

Detroit Finds a Heartbeat

As I walk around the Detroit Auto Show, the gloom and doom of last year has lifted. Replaced with cautious optimism.
All is not well in Motown, but there are reasons to be optimistic.
BMW North America President Jim O'Donnell told me, "Last year, it was a wake. And even that's an exaggeration, a wake is fun, at least in Ireland it's fun. It was terrible, but this year, just walking around the show, you see it looks a bit better, the sounds are better, the Americans are back."
Leading the way for the Americans is Ford.
Detroit Finds a Heartbeat - CNBC

Enough Is Enough—Time to 'De-stimulate'

We’ve got to get America working again. That's the message in my latest column, De-stimulate.
That's right. De-stimulate. As in get rid of higher taxes, regulations, healthcare mandates, EPA mandates, spending and borrowing worries, etc, etc. This big government morass is creating so much uncertainty and confusion that even our profitable businesses are afraid to hire new workers. Why? Because government is muddying the water and making it too darn expensive. That’s the problem.
Enough Is Enough—Time to 'De-stimulate' - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...074-questions-comments-stc-newsletter-22.html

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Close Lower On Bank Worries, Earnings

Standard & Poor’s raises YRC Worldwide credit rating after debt-for-equity swap

YRC Worldwide Inc. is seeing additional benefit from the recent completion of a debt-for-equity swap, with Standard & Poor’s declaring the company no longer in default.
The rating service said in a Monday release that it raised its corporate credit rating of YRC to “CCC-” from “SD,” or “selective default.” The new rating still is considered a junk rating. It also said it raised its rating of remaining notes subject to the exchange offer to “CC” from “D” and assigned them a recovery rating of 6, meaning bondholders would have a 10 percent or lower chance of recovering their principal in the event of payment default.
YRC shares jumped 26.3 percent in Tuesday trading, closing at $1.10, up 23 cents, according to Yahoo Finance.
Standard & Poor’s raises YRC Worldwide credit rating after debt-for-equity swap - Kansas City Business Journal:

Bank Accuses Arrow Trucking of Fraud

TAB alleges bankrupt carrier double billed over $12.5 million

Arrow Trucking, the flatbed carrier that suddenly closed just before Christmas, entered bankruptcy amid a welter of lawsuits and allegations of fraud from one of its lenders.
The Tulsa, Okla.-based company, which filed for Chapter 7 protection from its creditors in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma Jan. 8, faces at least six lawsuits, including one from a Utah bank that alleges fraud and racketeering.
Transportation Alliance Bank, Ogden, Utah, claims a scheme to defraud TAB by inflating its accounts receivable. The unraveling of the scheme last fall, says the bank, led directly to Arrow Trucking's collapse. TAB claims Arrow submitted $27 million in fraudulent invoices -- some to nonexistent accounts -- of which the bank said it paid $12.5 million.
Bank Accuses Arrow Trucking of Fraud | Journal of Commerce

Arrow Trucking Relaunches Web Site

Bankrupt carrier that stranded employees advertises for drivers

Arrow Trucking, which stranded hundreds of drivdrs in an abrupt shutdown Christmas week and filed for bankruptcy protection in the face of a series of lawsuits, relaunched its Web site with a call to hire drivers for tp to 42 cents per mile.
The Tulsa, Okla.-based company, which filed for bankruptcy protection Jan. 8, relaunched its Web site early this month, describing itself as “one of the country’s largest and most financially sound flatbed motor carriers.”
When Arrow shut down suddenly Dec. 22, it stranded as many as 1,000 truck drivers across the country. Local news reports indicate shippers and creditors are still searching for equipment and loads abandoned at truck stops and other sites when drivers ran out of fuel.
Arrow Trucking Relaunches Web Site | Journal of Commerce

Roadrunner Closes Bullet Deal

Acquisition expands west coast operations for growing LTL carrier

Roadrunner Transportation Services this month closed on the acquisition of Bullet Freight Systems.
Privately held less-than-truckload carrier Roadrunner has been aggressively pursuing a growth strategy through the recession and hopes to add customers through this and other acquisitions as it prepares to go public some time this year
Roadrunner Closes Bullet Deal | Journal of Commerce

Mercedes-Benz Announces Pricing For 2010 Sprinters

Mercedes-Benz USA has announced new pricing for the 2010 line of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter commercial vans, which includes a cargo van, passenger van and a cab chassis. All models are powered by a 3.0-liter BlueTec diesel engine.
Pricing starts at around $36,000 for the Sprinter cargo van, while the cab chassis starts at $34,270. The passenger van begins at $39,820. All prices exclude destination charges set at $980. According to Mercedes-Benz, retail pricing is about 6 percent lower than last year.
Mercedes-Benz Announces Pricing For 2010 Sprinters - Truckinginfo.com

Dow...10,627.26 -36.73 -0.34%

Nasdaq...2,282.31 -30.10 -1.30%

S&P 500...1,136.22 -10.76 -0.94%


YRCW...1.10...+0.23...+26.32%
CNW...32.80...+0.18...+0.55%
ABFS...27.98...+0.02...+0.07%
ODFL...29.08...-0.15...-0.51%
HTLD...15.75...-0.09...-0.57%
UPS...62.37...-0.45...-0.72%
KNX...20.38...-0.15...-0.73%
FDX...86.58...-0.67...-0.77%
VTNC...9.63...-0.08...-0.82%
LSTR...38.99...-0.70...-1.76%
JBHT...33.71...-0.83...-2.40%
SAIA...13.32...-0.61...-4.38%

FDX--
Super Bowl Ad Spending: What Does It Mean for Ad Trends? - CNBC
The Most Valuable Teams In Sports - Forbes.com

UPS--
Yahoo!
And the Best Stock for 2010 Is ... (AAPL)
3 Stocks Ready to Roar (MHP, PLL, ROST)

SAIA--
Live Call: Saia, Inc. Earnings Conference Call (Q4 2009) - Yahoo! Finance

VTNC--
Live Call: Vitran Corporation Earnings Conference Call (Q4 2009) - Yahoo! Finance

ABFS--
Live Call: Arkansas Best Corp. Earnings Conference Call (Q4 2009) - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
YRC Worldwide, Netlist: Early Volume Plays | Winners of the Day | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
Standard & Poor’s raises YRC Worldwide credit rating after debt-for-equity swap - Kansas City Business Journal:

Stocks Close Lower On Bank Worries, Earnings

Stocks closed broadly lower as investors pummeled financials on concerns about a potential government levy on banks, while Alcoa's disappointing results stoked unease about the economic recovery.
Technology stocks also helped lead the selloff, with the Nasdaq losing more than 1.5 percent. The major averages were off their lows for the day but threatened to post the market's second losing day of 2010.
Stocks Close Lower On Bank Worries, Earnings - CNBC

Dealer's Choice: Good, Bad and Ugly of the Auto Industry

Don Hicks, Carol Scott and Pete Tynan are wandering the aisles of the Detroit Auto Show this week, collecting intelligence they can use to better operate their dealerships in Colorado. For the U.S. auto industry, intelligence is a precious commodity this year.
Dealer's Choice: Thoughts On The Good, Bag And Ugly Of The Auto Industry - CNBC

Kass: Investors Being Bamboozled By Bulls

Are overly bullish investors blindly driving stocks higher and taking you for a ride?
Doug Kass of Seabreeze is among the growing number of strategists that thinks there’s much more to lose on the downside than there is to gain on the upside.
Of course Kass is known for being a bear, but he’s also known for being accurate. He called the subprime crisis as well as the bottom in March of last year.
Kass: Investors Being Bamboozled By Bulls - CNBC

Many Firms Reluctant to Hire Because of New Taxes, Rules

A potential wave of new regulation and higher taxes may be scaring many businesses from hiring, prolonging any rebound in employment, say business groups and economists.
The prospect of increased federal and state regulation and taxes has been particularly disruptive to the hiring plans of small- and medium-sized businesses, which have historically generated about two-thirds of the nation’s jobs.
Many Firms Reluctant to Hire Because of New Taxes, Regulation - CNBC

Venezuela Raids Stores; Banks Approve Currency Move

Venezuelan authorities backed by soldiers temporarily closed dozens of retail outlets for price gouging after a currency devaluation that triggered a frenzy of shopping but met with market approval.
President Hugo Chavez announced the devaluation last week, cutting the exchange rate of the bolivar against the dollar by half for oil income and for goods deemed nonessential in a move to bolster state coffers.
Venezuela Raids Stores; Banks Approve Currency Move - CNBC

Conan Says 'No' To NBC's Late Night Plans

Conan O'Brien just poured cold water all over NBC Universal's [GE 16.76 --- UNCH (0) ] plan to squeeze in all three of its late night comedians into a new lineup.
O'Brien released a statement, saying he refuses to host the Tonight Show starting at 12:05 pm, saying he "cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction."
He says pushing the show's start back a half-hour is a mistake, saying it would "seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting."
Conan O'Brien Refuses NBC's Tonight Show Plan - CNBC

Chrysler's Marchionne: ‘We Have to Earn the Right to Compete’

Sergio Marchionne has heard the comments. He knows there are plenty of people who have written off Chrysler. He knows there are scores of reporters who take the lack of auto show press conferences as a sign the company is dead in the water. He also knows Chrysler can no longer afford to make big promises it can't keep.
Chrysler's Marchionne: ‘We Have to Earn the Right to Compete’ - CNBC

Will Ford Catch Toyota in 2010?

Jean Jennings is no wallflower. She says what she thinks. It may not always turn out to be true, but that's not stopping the Editor of Automobile Magazine from saying whatever she wants.
And most times, it gets your attention.
Take her prediction to me Monday night about Ford [F 11.86 -0.25 (-2.06%) ] and Toyota [TM 89.50 3.30 (+3.83%) ]. During our prime time special she said emphatically that Ford would pass up Toyota and again become #2 in the U.S. From Jean's perspective, Ford's resurgence in cars combined with its strength in trucks, sport utilities, and crossovers will power the company past the Japanese automaker.
Will Ford Catch Toyota in 2010? - CNBC

My Solution to the Banker Bonus Brouhaha

I have a few thoughts concerning the burgeoning public backlash against big banker bonus announcements expected in the weeks ahead. This backlash of course stems from taxpayer fury over banks which were rescued by taxpayer-financed TARP money.
A recent Rasmussen poll revealed that 61 percent believe the government should regulate the level of pay and bonuses for company executives who were on the public dole. However, if the bailed out banks do pay their money back, then another 64 percent say the government should actually stay on the sidelines and not regulate compensation.
Here's my thought: the banks need to step up the plate, fess up, and thank the American taxpayers for their largesse. It’s a public relations move. They’ve never really done that. Taxpayers deserve a thank you. That's point number one.
My Solution to the Banker Bonus Brouhaha - CNBC

Bernanke’s Days May Be Numbered

Bottom line is Bernanke's got trouble because of the four senators who have placed a hold on his nomination. That means a floor debate about Bernanke that will require a 60 vote cloture roll call even before they get to vote up or down on the actual nomination. In other words, they’ve got to vote on closing down the debate. So it could delay a full vote well past January 31st when Mr. Bernanke’s term expires.
Bernanke’s Days May Be Numbered - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...074-questions-comments-stc-newsletter-22.html

 

[USA TRKR]

River17 is out of service for tonight. So I'm helping out.

UPS Donates $1 Million to Haitian Earthquake Relief

* Haiti Earthquake

Planning Underway with Partners to Deliver Aid

UPS today contributed more than US$1 million in cash and in-kind support to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti through its charitable arm, The UPS Foundation.
The $1 million donation will include $500,000 in cash and up to $500,000 of in-kind services for the shipment of needed supplies. The funds will be divided between The American Red Cross, CARE, UNICEF and other organizations that assist with long-term relief activities.
“With hundreds of thousands of people affected, our hearts go out to Haiti,” said Dan Brutto, president of UPS International. Brutto serves on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “Through our financial commitment and logistics expertise, UPS is positioned to respond quickly to the urgent needs and tremendous suffering that have been created by the earthquake. We felt it was critical that we act fast to support the relief efforts.”
http://www.joc.com/node/415948



YRC Launches Public Campaign to Win Back Shippers

Online ads stress importance of YRC to 'competitive rates'

YRC Worldwide is engaging its competitors -- and the media -- in a fierce battle for freight and customer confidence after squelching fears of a near-term bankruptcy.
Fresh from its successful debt-for-equity swap Dec. 31, YRC Worldwide is taking its message to shippers through advertising and marketing aimed at building volume.
It's the latest attempt by the nation's largest trucker to recapture business lost over the past three years, which saw YRC Worldwide rack up more than $2 billion in losses.
The debt-for-equity swap retired $470 million in debt and transferred ownership of the company to its bondholders, triggering long-term lending and labor agreements.
With the exchange, YRC steered clear of a potential bankruptcy reorganization, with enough liquidity and reserves to roll into 2010, and fierce LTL competition.
http://www.joc.com/node/415952



FDX

On Wednesday, companies pledged millions of dollars in aid. [ID:nN13224576]

Here is a list of some of those companies:

- Digicel Group, a mobile phone operator in Haiti, is donating $5 million in cash toward relief efforts.
FACTBOX-Companies offer aid to Haiti after earthquake | Reuters

UPS

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UPS (NYSE:UPS - News) today contributed more than US$1 million in cash and in-kind support to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti through its charitable arm, The UPS Foundation.

The $1 million donation will include $500,000 in cash and up to $500,000 of in-kind services for the shipment of needed supplies. The funds will be divided between The American Red Cross, CARE, UNICEF and other organizations that assist with long-term relief activities.
UPS Donates $1 Million to Haitian Earthquake Relief - Yahoo! Finance

CNW

SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) announced today that it will release its 2009 fourth quarter and full-year financial results, ended December 31, 2009, on Thursday, February 4, after the close of the stock market. Con-way will host a conference call for the investment community the following morning, Friday, February 5 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (5:30 a.m. Pacific).
Con-way Inc. Schedules News Release and Conference Call for 2009 Fourth Quarter, Full-Year Financial Results - Yahoo! Finance

SAIA

5:51PM Saia registers to sell 2.31 mln shares for stockholders (SAIA) 13.40 +0.08
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.

VTNC

A trucking industry analyst said he expects haulers to continue to struggle through the first half of the year, at least, and predicted an “exceptionally weak” fourth-quarter report from YRC Worldwide Inc.
Analysts: YRC will report a rough fourth quarter - Kansas City Business Journal:



Logistics Forces Marshalled to Aid Devastated Haiti

* Haiti Earthquake
* | Caribbean
* | North America

Port severely damaged, leaving earthquake relief to move through airport or overland
Logistics and transportation operators trying to bring badly needed aid to Haiti are trying to overcome the enormous devastation to infrastructure from the earthquake that has devastated the nation, killing untold thousands of people.
While relief organizations were pulling together food, medicine and other supplies, news reports said air transport would be the only direct way into the capital of Port-au-Prince, where survivors have been left without shelter and face the onset of disease without help.
Logistics Forces Marshalled to Aid Devastated Haiti | Journal of Commerce


Dow 10,680.77 +53.51 +0.50%
Nasdaq 2,307.90 +25.59 +1.12%
S&P 500 1,145.68 +9.46 +0.83%
Oil 79.93 +0.28 +0.35%
Gold 1,136.40 +7.50 +0.66%

UPS 61.98 Down 0.09 (0.14%) 7:55pm ET
KNX 20.4968 Down 0.01 (0.06%) 4:11pm ET
VTNC 9.66 Up 0.02 (0.21%) 3:57pm ET
JBHT 33.8024 Down 0.06 (0.17%) 4:10pm ET
FDX 85.82 0.00 (0.00%) 4:52pm ET
LSTR 38.9333 Down 0.25 (0.63%) 4:08pm ET
HTLD 15.781 Down 0.02 (0.12%) 4:10pm ET
ABFS 28.13 0.00 (0.00%) 4:52pm ET
ODFL 29.25 Up 0.01 (0.03%) 4:24pm ET
CNW 32.38 0.00 (0.00%) 4:52pm ET
YRCW 1.04 Down 0.04 (3.70%) 7:59pm ET
SAIA 13.41 Up 0.01 (0.07%) 4:29pm ET


UPS to Upgrade Handheld Computers


* Technology
* | Logistics + Economy
* | United States

Faster, more durable unit to feature more applications

Honeywell is helping UPS upgrade the handheld computers its drivers use.
The fifth generation of the mobile device, known as the DIAD V (Delivery Information Acquisition Device V), features cellular technology for on-the-fly switching between cellular carriers when a preferred carrier’s signal is lost.
At approximately half the size and weight of the DIAD IV, the new, more durable mobile computer will feature:
-- color display and microprocessor with expanded memory to support driver training and future applications like navigation.
-- camera to enhance proof-of-delivery
-- faster Wi-Fi support at 600 mbps
-- imager to decode package information and signatures
UPS to Upgrade Handheld Computers | Journal of Commerce

 

[USA TRKR]

Dow 10,710.55 +29.78 +0.28%
Nasdaq 2,316.74 +8.84 +0.38%
S&P 500 1,148.46 +2.78 +0.24%
Oil 78.92 -0.47 -0.59%
Gold 1,142.60 +6.20 +0.55%

UPS pilots volunteer to help Haiti relief effort - Yahoo! Finance
ATLANTA (AP) -- The pilots union at shipping giant UPS Inc. is volunteering its services to help the relief effort in earthquake-crippled Haiti.

The union's announcement Thursday that it is establishing an electronic volunteer database for its members follows the company's announcement Wednesday that it is donating up to $1 million to the relief effort through its charitable arm.



FedEx introducing long-haul freighter in China - Yahoo! Finance
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- FedEx Corp.'s Express unit is launching its first Boeing 777 freighter service in Shanghai, China, the company said Thursday.

The new aircraft directly connects Shanghai with FedEx's hub in Memphis, Tenn., where the company is based. According to the company, the service provides customers in Shanghai, Suzhou and Kunshan with a two-hour improvement in cut-off times in select areas, making it more convenient for businesses to ship internationally.



Hoffa Praises Obama for Proposing 'Responsibility Fee' on Big Banks - CNBC
WASHINGTON, Jan 14, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Teamsters Leader Says Tax Atones for Financial Recklessness Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa today strongly endorsed President Obama's proposal to levy a "responsibility fee" on the biggest and most leveraged banks in the U.S.

President Obama said he wants the fee to compensate the American people for the extraordinary help they gave Wall Street.


Universal Truckload Services, Inc. Acquires Three Transportation Companies - CNBC
WARREN, Mich., Jan 14, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Universal Truckload Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: UACL), announced today that during December 2009, it has completed the acquisition of three transportation companies throughout the United States.

D. Kratt International, Inc. is a full service international freight forwarding and customs house brokerage firm based in Chicago, IL. D. Kratt International also provides extensive domestic and international logistics and warehousing functions, as well as comprehensive documentary and cargo insurance services. D.


UPS Beefs Up China Logistics Network | Journal of Commerce

Carrier adds 101 field stocking locations for service parts delivery

UPS is adding 101 field stocking locations in China to beef up its global service parts logistics network to serve the rapidly expanding industrial needs in that country.

“China is a critical part of the growth strategy of many companies worldwide and UPS’s extensive regional and global FSL network enables companies to be well-positioned to support their after-market needs in Asia,” said Brad Mitchell, president of UPS Logistics and Distribution.


FedEx to Airlift $2 Million in Medical Aid to Haiti | Journal of Commerce
With the staggering scale of human tragedy becoming more clear, Direct Relief extends our deepest sympathies to the people who have lost loved ones in Haiti.

To assist survivors, the organization's emergency response team is arranging an emergency airlift containing over $2 million in medicines and medical supplies that will depart Friday.

The aid consignment will be transported by FedEx, a major contributor to Direct Relief's emergency response work, which is again donating its legendary logistics expertise as well as airlift for the consignment.



Port-au-Prince Maritime Facilities Destroyed | Journal of Commerce

Coast Guard finds no port facilities for receiving relief supplies

An inspection by the Coast Guard cutter Forward found port facilities at Port-au-Prince, Haiti, were severely damaged in the Jan. 12 earthquake and apparently unusable.

Spokesman Lt. Cdr. Chris O’Neil said Thursday the vessel, aided by an intelligence unit, found cranes were destroyed and piers submerged. Aids to navigation were in their proper places, but on first examination, shore facilities are in no condition to receive ships that might be carrying relief supplies.

O’Neil emphasized that the inspection was preliminary.


UPS 62.20 0.00 (0.00%)
KNX 20.6869 Down 0.02 (0.11%)
JBHT 34.70 0.00 (0.00%)
FDX 86.3179 Up 0.03 (0.03%)
LSTR 39.6569 Down 0.30 (0.76%)
HTLD 15.80 Down -0.10 (-0.63%)
ABFS 28.13 Down 0.65 (2.26%)
ODFL 29.5286 Up 0.36 (1.23%)
CNW 32.8364 Up 0.01 (0.02%)
YRCW 1.03 Up 0.01 (0.98%)
SAIA 13.5136 Up 0.25 (1.91%)

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Off For Week as Banks Lead Slump

WEEKEND EDITION

I would like to thank USA TRKR for stepping in while my Internet service was not working.

FedEx Freight to Increase Rates 5.9 Percent

Carrier joins ODFL in bid to rebuild anemic LTL pricing

FedEx Freight will raise its base rates 5.9 percent Feb. 1, signaling its retreat from a less-than-truckload price war that cut into profits in the second half of last year.
The nation's second-largest major LTL carrier is the second large trucker to call for a rate increase this year. Old Dominion Freight Line will raise rates 4.4 percent Jan. 18.
The rate increase applies to shipments handled by FedEx Freight and FedEx National LTL in the U.S. and Canada, the company said. The Memphis-based carrier said it also would adjust its minimum and accessorial charges and fuel surcharge.
It's a sign that carriers are trying to put the brakes on a slide in LTL pricing that cost many companies a sizeable amount of profit in the second half of 2009.
FedEx Freight to Increase Rates 5.9 Percent | Journal of Commerce

Con-way shares fall after downgrade

Shares of Con-way Inc. fell Friday after an analyst wrote that the trucking company will be forced to keep prices low because of competition
Wadewitz thinks overcapacity will be a problem throughout the year, despite signs that pricing has stabilized recently. Because there are so many trucks on the road, he believes that earnings will be crimped for at least the next few quarters.
While Con-way's second-quarter results were helped by shipment gains, Wadewitz said freight weights deteriorated in the third quarter and look "very weak" in the fourth quarter.
Con-way shares fall after downgrade - Yahoo! Finance

Universal Truckload Buys Three Companies

Trucking, logistics businesses to give carrier $35 million boost

Universal Truckload Services rolled out of 2009 with three new subsidiaries acquired in December -- a truckload carrier, a freight forwarder and a logistics operator.
The Warren, Mich.-based truckload carrier, which specializes in flatbed and heavy-haul trucking, said today it purchased D. Kratt International, Chicago, Cavalry Transportation and Cavalry Logistics, Nashville, Tenn., and TSD Transportation, Texarkana, Texas.
Terms of the acquisitions were not disclosed.
The companies will bring about $35 million in annual revenue to Universal, Don Cochran, the carrier's president and CEO, said in a statement. Universal had $759.5 million in revenue in 2008, and $128.5 million in revenue in the third quarter.
"We believe these acquisitions will nicely complement our current service offerings, and add additional strength in our truckload operations," he said.
Universal Truckload Buys Three Companies | Journal of Commerce

Arrow Employees Take Class Action Suit to Bankruptcy Court

Arrow employees have filed a class action lawsuit against Arrow Chairwoman Carol Pielsticker and former CEO Douglas Pielsticker, according to a legal complaint. This suit, unlike the one that surfaced in December, was filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
The suit was filed by Philadelphia lawyer Charles Ercole, a partner with the law firm of Klehr Harrison Harvey Bransburg LLP, the same lawyer who is handling the first suit. The same employees are also representing Arrow workers in this suit, including Jeffrey Smith, Timothy Kleck and Jay Heath.
On behalf of the company's 1,400 employees, they seek damages against Arrow for allegedly failing to pay wages, forward medical premiums, 401(k) contributions and child support payments that had been deducted from employee paychecks. The suit was filed by the same employees as the first suit
Arrow Employees Take Class Action Suit to Bankruptcy Court - Truckinginfo.com

The First Lesson of Recession: Survive It

The Great Recession has affected freight transportation in many ways but most of all it has provided a lesson in survival.
"We did what most businesses did in order to survive - things that in our 25-year history we've never had to do," said Pat Quinn, co-chairman of U.S. Xpress. Such as: pay freezes, pay cuts from five to 20 percent and laying off non-driving personnel, as well as more familiar moves such as reducing fleet size and adding more owner-operators.
Quinn was offering the trucking perspective at a discussion this week of what the global economic crisis has taught the freight transportation business. The Washington, D.C., session was hosted by the Transportation Research Board.
The First Lesson of Recession: Survive It - Truckinginfo.com

Welcome to Welcome, N.C., where NASCAR is king

For those who like reliving great moments in NASCAR history and enjoy seeing the Goodwrench Chevrolet Monte Carlos or Luminas driven by the late great Dale Earnhardt, welcome to Welcome, N.C., home of the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) complex and RCR Racing Museum.
Danny “Chocolate” Myers, longtime gas man for the No. 3 team, is curator of the 47,000-square-foot museum that encompasses the original No. 3 race shop built on the RCR campus in 1986 and the original museum constructed in 1991.
A 3,500-square-foot building ties the two structures together and inside are 47 rare vehicles (46 cars and one NASCAR truck) and a tractor-trailer used to transport the race cars.
Of the 46 race cars, 22 are the black No. 3 GM Monte Carlos or Luminas driven by the late Earnhardt. Also on display are all six of the No. 3 special paint scheme cars that the elder Earnhardt competed with in the Winston races from 1995 to 2000 and a 1987 No. 3 Wrangler Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Dow...10,609.65 -100.90 -0.94%

Nasdaq...2,287.99 -28.75 -1.24%

S&P 500...1,136.03 -12.43 -1.08%

Oil...78.00 -1.39 -1.75%

Gold...1,130.10 -12.50 -1.09%


UPS...61.93...-0.27...-0.43%
SAIA...13.13...-0.13...-0.98%
KNX...20.46...-0.25...-1.21%
LSTR...39.46...-0.50...-1.25%
FDX....85.11...-1.18...-1.37%
JBHT...34.02...-0.68...-1.96%
ODFL...28.42...-0.75...-2.57%
HTLD...15.44...-0.46...-2.89%
ABFS...27.91...-0.87...-3.02%
VTNC...9.46...-0.39...-3.96%
CNW...31.48...-1.34...-4.08%
YRCW...0.92...-0.10...-9.80%

FDX--
FedEx Freight to Increase Rates 5.9 Percent | Journal of Commerce
Transport ETF Provides Clues to Recovery -- Seeking Alpha
A Tale of Two Shippers -- Seeking Alpha
FedEx rolls out Boeing 777F for Memphis-Shanghai service - Memphis Business Journal:
FedEx LTL Companies Announce General Rate Increases - Yahoo! Finance
High Growth Stocks | Disruptive Companies
Memphis Blues - Forbes.com
ASRT, others donate to Haiti relief - New Mexico Business Weekly:

UPS--
UPS pilots agree to fly to Haiti for free - Business First of Louisville:
UPS pilots volunteer to help Haiti relief effort - Yahoo! Finance
Make sure you donate to Haiti relief, not scammers - MarketWatch
A Clever Way to Play UPS - Striking Price Daily - S. Sears - Barrons.com
FT.com / Americas - Agencies struggle to secure transport link
Union Pacific Gains Steam With Shipping Record - Forbes.com

CNW--
Con-way Inc. Schedules News Release and Conference Call for 2009 Fourth Quarter, Full-Year Financial Results - Yahoo! Finance
Con-way shares fall after downgrade - Yahoo! Finance

Stocks Off For Week as Banks Lead Slump

Wall Street posted its first weekly loss of the year, ending the second week of 2010 with a nearly 1 percent drop triggered by a disappointing earnings report froom JPMorgan Chase and a weak reading on consumer confidence.
Stocks closed Friday off their worst levels of the day but still down as bank shares broadly sank 2 percent, while industrials and technology also contributed to the bout of selling.
Stocks Off For Week as Banks Lead Slump - CNBC

Markets to Peak in Late January: Strategist

Markets opened lower on Friday and Marc Pado, U.S. market strategist at Cantor Fitzgerald, speculated investors will be taking in profits ahead of the three-day weekend. What should we expect going forward? He shared his market insight.
“We’re headed into a strong earnings season, we’re moving higher,” Pado told CNBC.
“We expect to reach some sort of peak in the last week of January and then we’ll be set up for a correction.”
Pado said the markets have rallied for 10 months and now may see a “substantial pullback.” He added that high unemployment rates will also be a catalyst for bringing the market lower.
CNBC Stock Blog — 'Substantial' Market Peak, Pullback Late January: Strategist — CNBC.com Investing News - CNBC

Market Week Ahead: Earnings Will Call the Tune for Stocks

Earnings will be a challenge for stocks in the coming week, as major bank and tech firms report, along with hundreds of other companies.
The question, though, is whether earnings news will be strong enough to keep the rally going or investors will see it as an excuse to take profits temporarily.
Stock Market Week Ahead: Week Ahead: Earnings Will Call the Tune for Stocks - CNBC

Yes! There Is a Growth Story in the Auto Business

After the last three years and seeing scores of auto plants close down and thousands of plants shut down, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking the auto industry is dead.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, there is quiet, but very important trend developing: auto makers and suppliers adding jobs. The latest coming from battery maker A123, signing a deal this morning to provide batteries for Fisker Automotive. As it puts that deal in action, A123 [AONE 20.85 0.45 (+2.21%) ]will speed up production at its plant in suburban Detroit, creating 540 jobs.
Yes! There Is a Growth Story in the Auto Business - CNBC

Obama Rewards Losers, Punishes Winners

President Obama’s misbegotten bank tax is precisely the wrong policy at precisely the wrong time.
It will wind up backfiring across the board.
Why?
Because bank consumers and borrowers are the ones who will wind up paying this tax, creating an obstacle to economic recovery.
Obama is actually rewarding losers and punishing winners -- exactly the reverse of free-market capitalism.
Who’s being rewarded? Obama’s bank-tax penalty is being used to finance the failed government takeovers of GM, GMAC, and Fannie and Freddie. And let’s not forget the $75 billion failure of the so-called foreclosure loan-modification program. To this day, no one knows where that money went. But the big banks are going to be forced to finance this through a tax that will damage lending, stockholders, and consumers.
Obama Rewards Losers, Punishes Winners - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...074-questions-comments-stc-newsletter-22.html

 

[imported_River17]

Stock Markets Closed for Martin Luther King Day

U.S. Team Directs Traffic in Crowded Skies

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti—A Federal Express 727 and a giant U.S. Air Force cargo jet from Washington state were at an impasse on the taxiway, one trying to reach a parking spot while the other headed for the runway. U.S. Navy and Canadian rescue helicopters swarmed overhead. A Bolivian DC-10 had just landed, as had former President Bill Clinton in a red-white-and-blue Boeing 757.
But U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Don Travo's immediate problem on Monday afternoon was finding a place for a C-130 on final approach. "I can't get him in," Sgt. Travo shouted, before ordering the plane to swerve from its flight path and turn tight circles over Port-au-Prince until told otherwise.
U.S. Tames Chaotic Haiti Airspace - WSJ.com

Ford's Transit Connect Snags North American Truck of the Year Award

The Ford Motor Company snagged the North American Truck of the Year award for its 2010 Ford Transit Connect at the North American International Auto Show.
The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards recognize vehicles based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. A jury of 49 automotive journalists in the U.S. and Canada vote for the vehicles, which must be "all-new" or "substantially changed" from the previous model to qualify for the award. Ford's Fusion Hybrid won the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award.
Ford's Transit Connect Snags North American Truck of the Year Award - Truckinginfo.com

Bay Area toll hikes delayed

San Francisco Bay Area bridges officials will vote Jan. 27 on a recommendation to increase tolls, but will implement it for truckers a year later than for four-wheelers.
The Bay Area Toll Authority Oversight Committee voted Jan. 13 to recommend to the full Bay Area Toll Authority toll hikes for the state-owned toll bridges it oversees. Except for truckers, drivers will face a $5 base toll increase on July 1 on six of the state-owned bridges: the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridges.
On July 1, 2011, trucker tolls will increase to $5 per axle for trucks and other vehicles with three or more axles. A five-axle truck that currently pays $11.25 will pay $25. A new multi-axle vehicle toll schedule will be fully effective by July 1, 2012.
Bay Area toll hikes delayed - eTrucker

Friday's closing prices.
Dow...10,609.65 -100.90 -0.94%

Nasdaq...2,287.99 -28.75 -1.24%

S&P 500...1,136.03 -12.43 -1.08%

Oil...78.00 -1.39 -1.75%

Gold...1,130.10 -12.50 -1.09%


UPS...61.93...-0.27...-0.43%
SAIA...13.13...-0.13...-0.98%
KNX...20.46...-0.25...-1.21%
LSTR...39.46...-0.50...-1.25%
FDX....85.11...-1.18...-1.37%
JBHT...34.02...-0.68...-1.96%
ODFL...28.42...-0.75...-2.57%
HTLD...15.44...-0.46...-2.89%
ABFS...27.91...-0.87...-3.02%
VTNC...9.46...-0.39...-3.96%
CNW...31.48...-1.34...-4.08%
YRCW...0.92...-0.10...-9.80%

FDX--
U.S. Tames Chaotic Haiti Airspace - WSJ.com

Now you are up to speed and informed.
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[imported_River17]

Stocks Gain Over 1%, Led by Health Care

In a stunning loss for Democrats and a dramatic victory for the GOP, Republican Scott Brown wins the late Ted Kennedy's Senate seat in Massachusetts.

Republican Wins US Senate Race in Massachusetts

Republican Scott Brown won a bitter U.S. Senate race in Massachusetts on Tuesday, dealing a sharp blow to President Barack Obama's legislative agenda and casting doubt on the fate of his sweeping healthcare overhaul.
Brown's defeat of Democratic state Attorney General Martha Coakley robbed Democrats of the crucial 60th Senate vote they need to overcome Republican procedural hurdles and sent shudders of fear through Democrats facing tough races in November's congressional elections.
What once seemed to be an easy Democratic victory turned into a desperate scramble in the last few weeks as Brown surged ahead on voter fears over the economy, the healthcare reform bill and Obama's agenda.
Brown was leading 52 percent to 47 percent with 90 percent of the precincts counted.
Republican Wins US Senate Race in Massachusetts - CNBC

For UPS, NASCAR Means Business

Company Celebrates 10 Years as Team Sponsor, 11th Season as Official Express Delivery Company of NASCAR

For the 10th consecutive year, a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car will carry UPS’s brown and gold into the season-opening Daytona 500 as David Ragan of Roush Fenway Racing begins his second season behind the wheel of the No. 6 UPS Ford Fusion.
“We’re very excited to celebrate our 10th season as a team sponsor and our 11th year as the Official Delivery Company of NASCAR,” said Ron Rogowski, director of sponsorships for UPS (NYSE:UPS - News). “Over the years, UPS’s racing program has provided a variety of benefits, helping us expand the UPS brand and grow our business on and off the track.”
Entering the sport as an official partner in 2000, UPS has used its NASCAR program as an arena for business-to-business opportunities and to connect with customers, employees and racing fans across the country. Year after year, UPS has been able to attribute growth in sales and volume to customer experiences at UPS-hosted hospitality events at the racetrack.
For UPS, NASCAR Means Business - Yahoo! Finance

Con-way Freight Speeds Service, Cuts Mileage

LTL carrier reduces freight handling, increases density

Con-way Freight is speeding service by a full day in some lanes by cutting transit times to 460 U.S. destinations.
The company Tuesday said it plans to cut 16.6 million operating miles from its network per year by significantly reducing freight re-handling and improving lane density.
The changes are part of an ongoing re-engineering effort at the nation's third-largest less-than-truckload carrier.
The carrier is responding to a highly competitive LTL market and increasing customer demand to wring time and truck miles out of supply chains, both to save money and to meet goals for reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Con-way Freight Speeds Service, Cuts Mileage | Journal of Commerce

YRC Worldwide shareholder vote on track for Feb. 17

Shareholders of YRC Worldwide Inc. will vote Feb. 17 on a number of steps necessary following the company’s recently completed debt-for-equity swap.
At the meeting, shareholders will be asked to allow the company to increase the amount of authorized shares of common stock from 125 million to 2.005 billion, reduce the par value of those shares from $1 to 1 cent, and approve a reverse stock split that would proportionately reduce the number of common shares.
YRC Worldwide shareholder vote on track for Feb. 17 - Kansas City Business Journal:

Barriers to Commercialization Still Exist For Hybrid Truck Industry

Hybrid drivetrain technology has the potential to improve fuel economy by 20 to 50 percent on medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The technology can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and smog-forming pollutants by the same percentage. With such benefits to the trucking industry, why is the hybrid truck industry still in an early stage, almost 10 years behind the market introduction of passenger hybrids?
According to The Hybrid Commercial Vehicles Report, published by SupplierBusiness, an IHS Global Insight Company, all the major truck manufacturers and hybrid system developers in the U.S. are on board with the technology. Many have prototypes or are developing hybrid models. In addition, many fleets have shown interest in using hybrid trucks, with adoption from FedEx Express, UPS and Coca Cola, to name a few. The hybrid truck industry has grown from only 200 vehicles in 2006 to an expected 5,000 in 2010, the report says.
Barriers to Commercialization Still Exist For Hybrid Truck Industry - Truckinginfo.com

Arrow Faces Federal Investigation

Arrow Trucking is being investigated by two federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, according to Tulsa World.
Since ceasing operations Dec. 21 with no prior warning, Arrow has been hit by financial and legal troubles, including two class action lawsuits filed by employees who seek damages, and three lawsuits filed against CEO Doug Pielsticker by banks. Arrow was also sued by its main creditor, Utah-based Transportation Alliance Bank, alleging fraud and racketeering.
The trucking company is now being pursued by federal investigations, as federal officials showed up at the company's Tulsa, Okla., offices last week, according to Tulsa World.
Arrow Faces Federal Investigation - Truckinginfo.com

Dow...10,725.43 +115.78 +1.09%

Nasdaq...2,320.40 +32.41 +1.42%

S&P 500...1,150.23 +14.20 +1.25%


HTLD...15.68...+0.24...+1.55%
FDX...85.90...+0.79...+0.93%
LSTR...39.76...+0.30...+0.76%
UPS...62.25...+0.32...+0.52%
VTNC...9.50...+0.04...+0.42%
JBHT...33.90...-0.12...-0.35%
ABFS...27.42...-0.49...-1.76%
ODFL...27.88...-0.54...-1.90%
KNX...20.04...-0.42...-2.05%
CNW...30.80...-0.68...-2.16%
SAIA...12.69...-0.44...-3.35%
YRCW...0.87...-0.05...-5.17%

FDX--
IRS to Expand Audits as Cash Runs Low | Small Business Solutions | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com

UPS--
For UPS, NASCAR Means Business - Yahoo! Finance
UPS Deploys 245 New "Green" Trucks - Yahoo! Finance
UPS adds more green trucks to fleet - Atlanta Business Chronicle:

CNW--
Con-way Freight Improves Service to Customers by Cutting Transit Times to 460 U.S. Destinations - Yahoo! Finance
Con-way Freight Speeds Service, Cuts Mileage | Journal of Commerce
Con-way Freight changing route network - Memphis Business Journal:

YRCW--
YRC Worldwide shareholder vote on track for Feb. 17 - Kansas City Business Journal:

Stocks Gain Over 1%, Led by Health Care

Stocks rose to fresh 15-month highs Tuesday, led by health-care stocks as a key Senate-seat vote in Massachusetts today could change the course of health-care reform. Citigroup bounced back after an initial dip on disappointing results.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 115.78, or 1.1 percent, to close at 10,725.43. The S&P 500 gained 1.3 percent and the Nasdaq advanced 1.4 percent.
Stocks Gain Over 1%, Led by Health Care - CNBC

GOP's Win: A Year on, Voters Send a Different Message

Special elections come and go. And the party that wins the White House one year ordinarily loses seats in the next Congressional election that comes along.
But what happened in Massachusetts on Tuesday was no ordinary special election.
Scott Brown, a Republican state senator for only five years, shocked and arguably humiliated the White House and the Democratic Party establishment by defeating Martha Coakley in the race for a United States Senate seat. He did it one day short of a year after President Obama stood on the steps of the United States Capitol, looking across a mass of faces that celebrated the potential of his presidency.
GOP's Win: A Year on, Voters Send a Different Message - CNBC

Art Cashin: The Market Likes D.C. Gridlock!

Stocks are gaining as the market digests — and attempts to understand — Citigroup's negative quarterly earnings report. What's really on traders' minds? Art Cashin, director of floor operations at UBS Financial Services, offered his insights to CNBC.
"Everybody's talking about" the Senate vote in Massachusetts, Cashin said.
"The feeling is, should the Republican win, it will move a little closer to gridlock, which is something the market tends to like."
Why?
"If you have gridlock in Washington, it tends to mean people have to start cooperating with one another — and you don't get any rash enactment of laws."
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: The Market Likes D.C. Gridlock — CNBC.com Investing News - CNBC

Bank Tax Is 'Expropriation Venezuela-Style': Bove

Weakness in the consumer sector is something to look out for in banks' results and the tax that the government wants to impose on major banks is no less than expropriation, Richard Bove, bank analyst at Rochdale Securities, told CNBC Tuesday.
"The real problem that banks are finding at the moment is that their consumer business is just not turning around. The only thing that looks good at the moment is auto loans," Bove told "Squawk Box."
Bank Tax Is 'Expropriation Venezuela-Style': Bove - CNBC

Another Cash for Clunkers Program? Wish Again.

It is a suggestion that continues to pop up on a regular basis: The U.S. should have another Cash for Clunkers Program. Don't laugh, it's an idea that some in the industry continue to push with regularity. While their intentions and hopes are understandable, it's an idea that won't become reality.
Another Cash for Clunkers Program? Wish Again. - CNBC

Scott Brown’s Great Tax-Cut Message

I know there have been a million blog posts about the Scott Brown race for the Senate. But I want to add a couple of points to the discussion.
When I interviewed Scott two weeks ago on CNBC, before any polls were out, what struck me about him was his breathtakingly clear message: low marginal tax rates, as per President John F. Kennedy, who was the first post-WWII supply-side president. There also was the pledge to vote against Obamacare, but it was so interesting to me that Scott touted the JFK tax cuts — a) because it was a Democratic tax-cut message and b) because the Ted Kennedy Democrats in Massachusetts and nationwide not only abandoned the JFK supply-side-growth message, they actively opposed it.
So here is Scott Brown appealing to tea-party Democrats, independents, and Republicans, principally by touting the last across-the-board Democratic tax-cut plan.
Scott Brown’s Great Tax-Cut Message - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...074-questions-comments-stc-newsletter-22.html

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Lose 1% After China, IBM News

UPS Makes It Easier for Customers to Utilize LTL Freight Tools

UPS has expanded its UPS Developer Kit, formerly known as UPS OnLine® Tools, to include less-than-truckload (LTL) services, package drop-off locator capabilities and street-level address validation.
The UPS Developer Kit is a suite of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) available to customers who want to integrate UPS technology directly into their business systems, including customer-facing web sites, to improve efficiency and customer service. UPS began offering APIs in 2001, and now customers use these APIs to generate more than 4 billion transactions a year.
UPS Makes It Easier for Customers to Utilize LTL Freight Tools - Yahoo! Finance

Wall Street Firm Sees Truckload Surge

Fourth-quarter shipping demand exceeded Morgan Stanley's expectations

In terms of freight volume, truckload carriers are doing better than many analysts expected in early 2010, thanks to a strong finish to 2009. Several carriers are outpacing Wall Street's expectations, according to investment bank Morgan Stanley.
"In general, we expect fourth-quarter 2009 truckload results to outpace consensus, with J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Werner Enterprises and Knight Transportation as the most likely beats," said Adam Longson, vice president of Morgan Stanley Research.
"Year-over-year pricing declines should improve from the third quarter on easy comparisons, but positive year-over-year pricing trends may not materialize until mid-2010," he said.
Wall Street Firm Sees Truckload Surge | Journal of Commerce

Truckload Executive Says Rates Must Rise

U.S. Xpress co-chair says higher costs will pressure carriers as capacity shrinks

Truckload pricing must rise alongside freight volume as capacity tightens and higher costs bear down on truckload carriers, says veteran trucking executive Pat Quinn.
"The shipping public is due for some sticker shock from trucking," said Quinn, co-chair of U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Chattanooga, Tenn., the nation's fourth-largest truckload carrier and 10th largest U.S. trucking company, ranked by total revenue.
"Rates will have to increase much more significantly than many analysts are predicting" as operating costs mount for carriers, Quinn said in an interview.
He believes business costs will increase enough in 2010 to push more carriers into bankruptcy, tightening capacity even more quickly. "There are a lot of precarious carriers out there," he said. As costs rise, "some people are going to say, 'enough.'"
Truckload Executive Says Rates Must Rise | Journal of Commerce

Trucking Group Supports 11-hour Driving Limit

Add flexibility to 'sleeper berth provision' of rules, ATA says

The American Trucking Associations wants federal regulators to add more flexibility to truck driver hours of service rules, but not to cut the daily driving limit of 11 hours (see also).
At the first of four Federal Motor Carrier Administration "listening sessions" on trucking hours of service Tuesday, a senior ATA official said the current rules "are working."
"Retain them, but add flexibility to the sleeper berth provision," said Dave Osiecki, senior vice president. "In the very real world of trucking, highway safety has improved in the past six years under these rules," he said. The rules were introduced in 2003.
Trucking Group Supports 11-hour Driving Limit | Journal of Commerce

Hazmat hauler thinks HOS rule is safety issue in the wrong direction

Oklahoma resident Johnny Basham has been driving trucks for 34 years and he knows when he needs to stop and sleep and when he feels good enough to drive, but the latest Hours of Service rules have taken his knowledge and wisdom away by mandating when he must rest, or he loses time and miles, he said in an interview with The Trucker.
“Our licensing requirements are knowledge based, written by a bunch of ladies who’ve never been in a truck,” he said. “One of the men who wrote the rules thought we had bathrooms in the trucks,” when Basham and others wanted to know how they were supposed to stay in their bunk 10 straight hours when Mother Nature calls.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Roadsigns to Recovery

It looks like the recession is over. Now the question on everyone's mind is the recovery. Even though the economy is heading in the right direction, expect a bumpy ride, said an economist speaking at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week Tuesday.
"The recovery is one of the most difficult phases of the business cycle," said Bob Dieli, President and founder of RDLB Inc., an economic research and management consulting firm based in Lombard, Ill., speaking during the opening session HDAW in Las Vegas.
We've experienced the worst job losses ever seen in a recession, both in absolute and percentage terms. Dieli emphasized that the recovery in employment will come in fits and starts, he said. Although some down months may lead people to talk about a "jobless recovery," he said, that kind of progress is normal. "On a month-to-month basis, this thing is going to jiggle around," he said, pointing to the squiggly graph line showing employment numbers.
Roadsigns to Recovery - Truckinginfo.com

Dow...10,603.15 -122.28 -1.14%

Nasdaq...2,291.25 -29.15 -1.26%

S&P 500...1,138.04 -12.19 -1.06%


YRCW...0.88...+0.01...+0.64%
CNW...30.79...-0.01...-0.03%
LSTR...39.74...-0.02...-0.05%
HTLD...15.67...-0.01...-0.06%
JBHT...33.82...-0.08...-0.24%
SAIA...12.57...-0.12...-0.95%
KNX...19.81...-0.23...-1.15%
ODFL...27.53...-0.35...-1.26%
VTNC...9.35...-0.15...-1.58%
ABFS...26.95...-0.47...-1.71%
UPS...61.16...-1.09...-1.75%
FDX...84.06...-1.84...-2.14%

FDX--
http://podcast.mktw.net/audio/20100120/MNB012010/MNB012010.mp3
Flier's Guide to New Airport Hassles at SmartMoney.com

UPS--
S&P 500 Sales Growth Expectations -- Seeking Alpha
UPS Makes It Easier for Customers to Utilize LTL Freight Tools - Yahoo! Finance

Stocks Lose 1% After China, IBM News

Stocks ended off earlier lows but still lost more than 1 percent Wednesday as China, earnings and the dollar's gains clipped the market's momentum after Tuesday's rally.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 122.28, or 1.1 percent to close at 10,603.15, erasing all of the prior session's gains. It was the worst one-day percentage drop so far this year. The S&P 500 fell 1.1 percent and the Nasdaq dropped 1.3 percent.
Most Dow components finished lower, with IBM, Kraft and Alcoa at the bottom of the pack. Bank of America, Merck and Disney were among the few gainers.
Stocks Lose 1% as China, IBM Weigh on Market - CNBC

'Fast Money' Traders: Will S&P Hold These Key Levels?

The Fast Money traders spent Wednesday navigating the Dow's worst triple digit tailspin [.DJIA 10603.15 -122.28 (-1.14%) ] since October after overseas action dragged down sentiment here in the US.
Specifically, investors worried that China may hamper economic growth after Beijing authorities instructed some major banks to curb lending over the rest of this month after an early burst of credit.
Also, concerns about the debt of Greece pushed the euro to a five-month low against the U.S. dollar [[email protected] 78.595 0.095 (+0.12%)].
Both moves weighed down commodity prices. What should you be watching now?
Halftime Report: Will S&P Hold These Key Levels? - CNBC

Is Market On Brink Of Major Correction?

Are chances of a major correction growing?
Two widely followed market strategists are both concerned that the market is over-extended.
Richard Bernstein who called the tech bubble and veteran trader Gary Kaminksy are both ringing bells of caution.
Meanwhile veteran trader Gary Kaminsky makes a similar argument using the price action in JPMorgan as his “market tell.’
He says JPM action shows 'how stocks that are over-owned and give-off even a whiff of caution can get sold pretty quickly.'
Is Market On Brink Of Major Correction? - CNBC

Slideshow: Worst Gas-Guzzling Autos of 2010

Many of the vehicles on this list happen to be some of the most exotic and expensive luxury cars on the market.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy looked at the fuel economy and emissions of 2010 model cars to rank the worst 12 cars for the environment, and the vehicles on the list are either high performance luxury cars--like the Bugatti Veyron—or heavy-duty trucks.
Biggest Gas Guzzlers: 2010 - CNBC
Biggest Gas Guzzlers: 2010 - CNBC

Toyota Accelerating Hybrid Push

One day after pledging to double its hybrid sales by 2011, Toyota [TM 89.37 -2.41 (-2.63%) ] is putting the pieces in place to make sure it has the batteries needed to support its expanded hybrid production. Today, Toyota Tsushu Corp, which is 21%, owned by Toyota, said it is investing in a project to produce more lithium in Argentina. If successful, the project could lock up sizable supply of lithium for hybrid and electric car batteries.
The investment is more than $100 million dollars and the move shows Toyota is think several years down the road to make sure it has the supply needed for its ambitious hybrid plans.
Toyota Accelerating Hybrid Push - CNBC

Now you are up to speed and informed.
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...ns-comments-stc-newsletter-22.html#post786708