FedEx Freight | Some Trucking Companies also had a BIG bounce

[imported_River17]

Stocks Post Biggest 2-Day Drop Since June

FedEx Named Among FORTUNE Magazine's 2010 "Best Companies to Work For"

FedEx Corp. has once again been named to FORTUNE magazine’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in the United States in 2010. The company is ranked 91st overall and was recognized specifically for its ability to manage through the economic downtown by taking proactive steps to minimize layoffs and reinstate salary increases and 401(k) match, which the company suspended last year in the midst of the economic downturn.
“FedEx owes its continued success to its people, and I would like to thank our 275,000 team members around the world for their loyalty and dedicated service this past year,” said Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Corp. “This year’s recognition is further confirmation that our people-service-profit philosophy works well in both good and challenging times. FedEx team members continue to support and inspire each other to go that extra mile for our customers and the communities we serve. I am very proud of each and every one of our team.”
FedEx Named Among FORTUNE Magazine's 2010 "Best Companies to Work For" - Yahoo! Finance

Con-way Truckload Announces Drivers of the Year

Company Celebrates Outstanding Drivers for Safety, Service and Professionalism

Con-way Truckload, a full truckload carrier and subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW - News), today announced its 2009 Drivers of the Year -- the company's highest recognition. The drivers selected were Al and Jennifer Sidwell of Parkersburg, W.Va.; Michael and Jennifer Burns of Leechburg, Pa.; Ken Taylor of Hallettsville, Texas; and Jon Smith of Joplin. The winners comprise both solo and team drivers who had been named Drivers of the Month during the previous year. Award criteria included exemplary performance, dedication to safety and professional service representing the company. Con-way Truckload recognized the drivers in a recent ceremony at its Joplin headquarters.
Con-way Truckload Announces Drivers of the Year - Yahoo! Finance

YRC union workers in Chicago vote on pension concessions without pay cut

Having held out for months on a series of wage and benefits concessions, a group of dissident union workers employed by YRC Worldwide Inc. in Chicago is voting on the proposal again — this time without a proposed pay cut.
The Teamsters for a Democratic Union, a union reform group, reported that International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 705 was voting on the concession package this week.
YRC confirmed the vote and said the proposal doesn’t include a 5 percent wage reduction, which other union members accepted in August.
If approved, YRC said, the agreement would waive the company’s obligation to contribute to the employees’ pension fund for 18 months.
YRC union workers in Chicago vote on pension concessions without pay cut - Kansas City Business Journal:

Leading Economic Index Surges in December

‘Economy in early recovery,’ says Conference Board economist

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the United States increased 1.1 percent in December, sharply rising at a quicker pace than any time in the previous nine months.
After steady gains during nine consecutive months, the sharp upturn in December leaves the closely watched economic indicator at 106.4, following a 1 percent gain in November, and a 0.3 percent rise in October.
“The six-month growth rate has picked up slightly to 5.2 percent (about a 10.8 percent annual rate) in the period through December, substantially higher than earlier in the year. In addition, the strengths among the leading indicators have remained very widespread in recent months,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board.
Leading Economic Index Surges in December | Journal of Commerce

Profitable Navistar Outlines Expansion Plans

Navistar International Corp. is making money, even in the toughest truck market in 50 years, and intends to make more by winning additional market share and introducing new products here and overseas. Coming later this year to U.S. and Canadian markets are new medium and heavy truck models, an electric delivery van and perhaps an intercity bus, most using Navistar's own diesels, eventually including the 15-liter MaxxForce engine it's developing with Caterpillar Inc.
Profitable Navistar Outlines Expansion Plans - Truckinginfo.com

Truck-involved fatality rate declines 12.3 percent in 2008

The trucking industry is safer than ever, according to truck Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) figures just released by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and previously released National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) data on crashes.
The truck-involved fatality rate in 2008 declined 12.3 percent to 1.86 per 100 million miles from 2.12 per 100 million miles in 2007. This decline marks the largest year-to-year drop ever and the fifth consecutive year the fatality rate has improved.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Dow...10,389.88 -213.27 -2.01%

Nasdaq...2,265.70 -25.55 -1.12%

S&P 500...1,116.48 -21.56 -1.89%


YRCW...0.89...+0.01...+1.37%
HTLD...15.57...-0.10...-0.64%
CNW...30.31...-0.48...-1.56%
KNX...19.49...-0.32...-1.62%
LSTR...39.02...-0.72...-1.81%
SAIA...12.32...-0.25...-1.99%
ABFS...26.40...-0.55...-2.04%
UPS...59.70...-1.46...-2.39%
ODFL...26.86...-0.67...-2.43%
JBHT...32.92...-0.90...-2.66%
FDX...81.60...-2.46...-2.93%
VTNC...8.92...-0.43...-4.60%

FDX--
FedEx Named Among FORTUNE Magazine's 2010 "Best Companies to Work For" - Yahoo! Finance
FedEx makes Fortune ‘Best Companies’ list - Memphis Business Journal:
Baker Donelson on Fortune's ‘Best Companies’ list - Memphis Business Journal:
Sports Sponsorships Perk Up - Forbes.com

UPS--
2010: The Year of the Dividend? - FOXBusiness.com
5 Articles You've Got to Read

CNW--
Con-way Truckload Announces Drivers of the Year - Yahoo! Finance

ODFL--
http://www.cnbc.com/id/34981860/site/14081545?__source=yahoo|headline|quote|text|&par=yahoo

ABFS--
Quotes for ABFS - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
YRC Worldwide Schedules Fourth Quarter Conference Call - Yahoo! Finance
YRC union workers in Chicago vote on pension concessions without pay cut - Kansas City Business Journal:

Stocks Post Biggest 2-Day Drop Since June

The Dow logged its biggest two-day drop since June on Thursday. Big financials led today's decline as President Obama rattled the market with plans to crack down on Wall Street risk taking. But regional banks continued to shine.
The Dow lost 213.27, or 2 percent, to close at 10,389.88. That brings it's two-day decline to 3.1 percent, its biggest two-day decline since June.
The S&P lost 1.9 percent and the Nasdaq shed 1.1 percent.
The CBOE volatility index, widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, soared about 20 percent to 22.27, after falling back around 17-18 in the past few sessions.
President Obama proposed new limits on the size and trading practices of big banks, saying he wanted to prevent a return to the "old practices" that led to the financial meltdown.
Stocks Post Biggest 2-Day Drop Since June - CNBC

Art Cashin: Bank Investors Are 'Worried' Now

Goldman Sachs reported a better-than-expected fourth-quarter net income on Thursday, but shares of the banking giant were lower. What does it mean for the markets? Art Cashin, director of floor operations at UBS Financial Services, shared his insights.
“People were anticipating good numbers [from Goldman] so people were buying in” before the earnings report, Cashin told CNBC.
“Plus...financials are worried about Washington and the rest of the world is worried about China.”
“Everyone’s talking about it being a jobless recovery and what happened in Massachusetts wasn’t so much a slap to the Democrats as a plague on all your houses,” he said. “All the incumbents should all feel a little concerned…I don’t think it’s going to get much calmer or prettier.”
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: Banks' Investors Are 'Worried' About Washington — CNBC.com Market News - CNBC

Friday Look Ahead: Stocks Face Uphill Battle on Bank, Earnings Woes

Stocks Friday face an uphill battle after the worst two-day sell off for the Dow in more than six months.
The market took a pounding Thursday as President Obama unveiled a proposal to limit bank risk taking, raising concerns about the industry's profitability and even the very ability of the market to sustain its rally. Financial stocks, key drivers of the market's 10-month run, fell nearly 3 percent on the announcement, but the big banks, most affected by the proposals, fell considerably harder.
CNBC Market Insider Blog — Friday Look Ahead: Stocks Face Uphill Battle on Bank, Earnings Woes - CNBC

Bank Overhaul May Hurt Economy, Stocks: Experts

President Obama's proposed crackdown on big banks could end up slowing the economic recovery and spark a major selloff in stocks, some experts said.
Stocks already were down sharply in response to the president's proposal on Thursday to limit risk among financial giants, with the stocks of big Wall Street banks taking the biggest hit.
Strategists saw Obama's proposal as attempt to counter recent political losses—especially the GOP victory on Tuesday in the Massachusetts Senate vote. But the fear is that the president's strategy will backfire and make things worse not only on Wall Street, but Main Street as well.
Bank Overhaul Poses Threat to Stocks, Economy: Experts - CNBC

Are Markets Overdue For A Correction?

Financials [XLF 14.66 -0.43 (-2.85%) ] led the Dow [.DJIA 10389.88 -213.27 (-2.01%) ] lower on Thursday after the White House moved to crack down on Wall Street. But, had DC not provided the market with a negative catalyst, would something else have taken markets lower?
That qusetion is on the minds of many investors after President Obama introduced some new rules to prevent another financial meltdown and triggered a massive sell-off in the process.
"We think stocks have been ripe for a fall," said Markowitz in a Reuters interview.
"I’m scared," added Fast Money trader Guy Adami. "And it’s not just Obama that scared me. Weakness in Greece as well as rhetoric out of China about curbing growth are a very bearish catalysts."
Are Markets Overdue For A Correction? - CNBC

Air America Radio closing, filing for bankruptcy

Air America Radio shutting down immediately, will file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy

Air America Radio, a radio network that was launched in 2004 as a liberal alternative to Rush Limbaugh and other conservative commentators, on Thursday shut down abruptly due to financial woes.
The network once boasted hosts such as Al Franken and Rachel Maddow, but struggled from the outset, including multiple management shake-ups, a bankruptcy in 2006 and sale for $4.25 million the following year.
Air America ceased airing new programs Thursday afternoon and said it will soon file to be liquidated under Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It began broadcasting reruns of programs and would end those as well Monday night.
Air America Radio closing, filing for bankruptcy - Yahoo! Finance

YouTube Dips Its Toe Into Paid Movie Rental

YouTube is departing from its ad-supported model and dipping its toe into a whole new world -- paid rental of streaming movies.
The Google unit announced on Wednesday night, the eve of the Sundance Film Festival, that it's offering five films from this year and last year's festival for rent online. The films will be available online, at prices set by the filmmakers (YouTube Starting this Friday, through the following Sunday January 31,)
The test is small, and with just a handful of niche art house films, but the idea that YouTube would offer unique content with a pay model is huge. It's a step towards competition with Apple's iTunes as well as Netflix and even Hulu.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/34973795

Three Car Families — Tougher to Find

I remember one of the first times I reported on the growing number of three car households in the U.S.
It was in the late 90's and I remember talking with one auto executive who said the trend of couples buying a spare car would continue for years to come. A decade later that trend has reversed and for the first time since the '90's, the percentage of 3 car homes could fall below 10%.
Three Car Families — Tougher to Find - CNBC

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

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Have Worst Week Since March

WEEKEND EDITION

UPS moves medical supplies to support Haitian earthquake relief

UPS Canada transports $200,000 of medical supplies on behalf of World Vision

UPS Canada shipped $200,000 worth of donated medical supplies on behalf of World Vision Canada.
"UPS's assistance in helping get these much-needed supplies to Haiti is critical to our relief efforts there," says Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada. "UPS was able to act quickly to help us get these items to the disaster sites. To the earthquake survivors, time is of the essence."
The medical supplies, weighing approximately 7,000 kilograms and consisting of surgical gloves, splints, gauze, and water purification equipment, were shipped from Toronto to Miami, where they were then moved via ocean freight to Haiti. UPS is also lending its expertise in preparing all the required documentation for the shipment, so as to expedite custom clearance by Monday.
UPS moves medical supplies to support Haitian earthquake relief - Yahoo! Finance

ABF to Pay $64 Million Goodwill Charge

LTL trucker notes 'extremely challenging' conditions, raises base rates

Arkansas Best will take a $64 million charge in the fourth quarter because of impairment to the value of goodwill at its less-than-truckload subsidiary, ABF Freight System.
The company blamed the charge on "extremely challenging freight conditions" in "a deep and prolonged recessionary period" that "severely impacted" the LTL trucking industry.
"These factors have adversely affected the recoverability of goodwill," the Fort Smith, Ark.-based company said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing today. The charge will not affect the carrier's operations, liquidity or credit agreements, ABF said.
ABF to Pay $64 Million Goodwill Charge | Journal of Commerce

Trailer Shipments Hit 32-Year Low

Depressed December totals still high point for 2009, ACT says

Shipments of commercial trailers hit a 32-year low in December while reaching their highest point in 2009, said ACT Research. At 8,296 units, shipments of trailers used to haul freight were off 44 percent from December 2008.
Trailer shipments haven’t been so low since the trucking industry was regulated and P-I-E was hauling freight. That’s a sign of the extent of excess trailer capacity at the end of the worst year in shipping since the Great Depression.
In its latest report on the trailer market, ACT said trailer factory shipments in almost every equipment category posted the lowest levels in 30 to 50 years in December, with only the refrigerated trailer segment holding up “relatively well.”
Trailer Shipments Hit 32-Year Low | Journal of Commerce

Arizona Sets Up Trucker Shelters Amid Winter Storm

Although the Arizona Department of Transportation temporarily shuttered 13 highway rest stops a few months ago, the state is planning on setting up shelters where truck drivers can pull over in the extreme weather, according to reports by the Arizona Daily Sun. Parts of northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, are experiencing heavy snow and rain.
There have also been several road closures along Interstates 17 and 40: northbound I-17 at Camp Verde; southbound I-17 at Flagstaff; eastbound I-40 at the U.S. 93 junction east of Kingman; and westbound I-40 at mile post 251 in Winslow.
Arizona Sets Up Trucker Shelters Amid Winter Storm - Truckinginfo.com
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Driver tells HOS hearing truckers need more flexibility with rest rules

Representatives from affiliates and member companies of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and other trucking industry speakers told the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today that the current Hours of Service (HOS) rules are working but need flexibility in the sleeper berth provision.
America’s Road Team Captain Ralph Garcia, a professional truck driver who has driven more than 2.5 million accident-free miles, was among more than 40 speakers at the FMCSA listening session held a hotel at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Dow...10,172.98 -216.90 -2.09%

Nasdaq...2,205.29 -60.41 -2.67%

S&P 500...1,091.76 -24.72 -2.21%

Oil...74.23 -1.85 -2.43%

Gold...1,090.80 -11.90 -1.08%


YRCW...0.93...+0.04...+4.49%
ABFS...26.29...-0.15...-0.57%
SAIA...12.19...-0.13...-1.06%
ODFL...26.54...-0.32...-1.19%
UPS...58.75...-0.95...-1.59%
FDX...80.29...-1.31...-1.61%
LSTR...38.30...-0.72...-1.85%
VTNC...8.80...-0.18...-2.00%
JBHT...32.23...-0.69...-2.10%
CNW...29.58...-0.73...-2.41%
HTLD...15.16...-0.41...-2.63%
KNX...18.85...-0.64...-3.28%

FDX--
Mad Money: Lightning Round: FedEx, McDonald's, Goldman Sachs and More - CNBC

UPS--
Mad Money: Lightning Round: FedEx, McDonald's, Goldman Sachs and More - CNBC
http://www.fool.com/investing/high-growth/2010/01/22/intuitive-surgical-makes-me-a-winner.aspx
UPS moves medical supplies to support Haitian earthquake relief - Yahoo! Finance
Cramer's 'Mad Money' Recap: Next Week's Game Plan: Listen, Don't Buy (Final) | Mad Money Recap | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
'Mad Money Lightning Round': Load Up on McDonald's | Jim Cramer's Lightning Round | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
Layoff Tracker - Forbes.com

ABFS--
Summary of ARKANSAS BEST CORP /DE/ - Yahoo! Finance
ABF to Pay $64 Million Goodwill Charge | Journal of Commerce

YRCW--
YRC to Release Fourth-Quarter Results Feb. 5 | Journal of Commerce
YRC Schedules Special Shareholders Meeting - Truckinginfo.com

Stocks Have Worst Week Since March

Stocks logged their worst week since March, when the rally began, as worries about earnings, China and a tightening grip from Washington rattled Wall Street.
Also at play was uncertainty about Bernanke's confirmation, which could come as early as next week.
Today's descent was initially shallow but became steeper as the day went on and the market's fear level rose. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 216.90, or 2.1 percent, to close at 10,172.98, bringing its loss for the week to more than 4 percent. This was the biggest weekly drop since March 6, 2009, just before the recovery rally began.
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq each lost more than 3.5 percent this week.
Stocks Have Worst Week Since March - CNBC

Bernanke Vote: 'Unthinkable Has Become a Possibility'

Ben Bernanke's nomination for a second term as U.S. Federal Reserve chairman, once seen as a sure thing, appeared in jeopardy on Friday after two more Senate Democrats said they would vote against it.
"I believe there will be the votes to confirm him. But it's going to be very close," a senior Democratic leadership aide said.
With the U.S. job market in disarray and voters angry at Wall Street, members of Congress facing mid-term elections in November have come down hard on the central bank and its leadership.
They say the Fed failed to prevent the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, and combated the meltdown in a way that favored the financial sector at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Senate Vote on Fed Chairman Likely to Be 'Very Close': Aide - CNBC

Correction Next Week—If Dow Breaks Here: Strategist

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, jumped on Friday. What does the rise mean for the markets going forward? Brent Wilsey, president of Wilsey Asset Management, and Alan Valdes, vice president of Kabrik Trading, shared their best investment ideas.
We’ve had a major run-up, it’s about time to have some pullback,” Wilsey told CNBC.
“But I love this volatility because we sold some companies in December when they were higher, now we’re seeing things come down a little bit.”
CNBC Stock Blog — Market Correction Next Week If Dow Breaks This Number: Trading Strategist — CNBC.com Investor News - CNBC

Cramer: Could Obama Cause 1,000-Point Correction?

Cramer’s Game Plans most often use earnings, analyst meetings and industry conferences as key catalyst, but President Obama’s crackdown on the banks has changed all that. Now investors have to take into account a new factor – politics – when deciding whether to buy or sell a stock. Case in point: Friday’s 217-point loss in the Dow and the S&P 500’s 2% decline following the president’s continued talk of increased regulation.
And it’s more than just Obama. There’s speculation that Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner could be replaced, and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s reconfirmation is by no means a sure thing. The loss of either man could cause the first serious correction since the bottom in March, Cramer said – “a thousand points, minimum.”
Mad Money: Cramer: Could Obama Cause 1,000-Point Correction? - CNBC

Kneale: Obama Loses It—the Bank-Bash Backlash

The Democrat Debacle in Massachusetts offered a rare gift to President Obama: a premonition of the rout that was about to rack his own party in the mid-term congressional elections nine months from now.
Forewarned, Obama had the chance to adjust way ahead of time, reshaping his tax-and-spend onslaught, scaling back his health plan and learning the upside of compromise.
Instead, Bam is losing it. He is squandering this gift in favor of a damaging, intensified attack on big banks—the very engine of economic growth he needs to revive the economy and get himself re-elected.
Kneale: Obama Loses It—the Bank-Bash Backlash - CNBC

Can Toyota Ride Out Pedal Recall Fallout?

On the surface, Toyota's latest recall related to unintended acceleration is the kind of scenario that could sink a company. 2.3 million vehicles recalled just weeks after the company recalled 4.2 million vehicles (1.7 Million are covered by both safety alerts) means a high percentage of the cars and trucks Toyota has sold in recent years are now in question. Add to that some high profile examples of deadly accidents that may be linked to gas pedals getting stuck and you can see why this is a worrisome situation. Toyota built its business on delivering industry leading safety and reliability.
Can Toyota Ride Out Pedal Recall Fallout? - CNBC

Are Republicans Listening to the Scott Brown Message?

It’s about tax cuts, and spending cuts, across-the-board.
Sen. Scott Brown’s epic victory in Massachusetts on Tuesday night dealt a crushing blow to Obamacare, cap-and-trade, card check (and other union favors), and most importantly, all the tax hikes that are lingering on the table. But does Washington really understand the Scott Brown message?
President Obama thinks his “remoteness and detachment” are the problems. This is nonsense. Obama’s tax hikes and spending explosion are what caused the populist tea-party revolt that was punctuated by Scott Brown’s extraordinary victory.
Are Republicans Listening to the Scott Brown Message? - CNBC

Obama Bank Bashing Isn’t the Answer

Taxing and bashing banks is no way to run an economic recovery plan. Sure, banks made mistakes. And I still believe that no bank bonuses should be paid while the banks were under TARP. But they have paid TARP down. Right now we need the banks to service customers and expand loans when economic recovery moves into the credit-demand, loan-demand phase.
President Obama wants to restrict the size and activities of our biggest banks. He wants them to get out of the hedge fund business, get out of private equity, no trading for their own account. Plus, he wants a tougher cap on bank deposit market share. The only problem here is that hedge funds and proprietary trading were not the big problems in the financial meltdown. Bad loans were. This of course includes mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans, credit card loans, etc. That was the biggest problem.
Obama Bank Bashing Isn’t the Answer - CNBC

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

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Snap Three-Day Losing Streak

2009 saw biggest drop in truck tonnage since 1982

2009 brought biggest truck tonnage drop since 1982, though tonnage rose in final 2 months

Last year saw the biggest drop in goods shipped by truck since 1982, when the nation was also in a recession, a trucking trade group said on Monday.
The seasonally adjusted index kept by the American Trucking Associations measures the weight of freight hauled by U.S. truckers, based on membership surveys. For the full year, it fell 8.3 percent. In 1982 it dropped 12.3 percent.
It rose for two months in a row at the end of the year, up 2.1 percent in December compared with a month earlier, and up 2.6 percent in November.
"There is no doubt that the industry is moving the right direction, but the level of freight will not be as strong as the year-over-year increases suggest because of how terrible it was in late 2008 and much of 2009," he said.
2009 saw biggest drop in truck tonnage since 1982 - Yahoo! Finance

YRC Offers ‘No-Fee’ Guarantee to Win Shippers

Company battles for market share as other LTL carriers claim gains

Battling for shippers, YRC Worldwide is offering a no-fee, money-back standard service guarantee promising a 100 percent refund if goods don’t arrive on the scheduled day.
The guarantee complements YRC’s Guaranteed Precision services, which guarantee morning and afternoon delivery times and multi-day windows for an additional charge.
The no-fee guarantee is available under YRC’s general tariff and to shippers under contract with YRC by completing a contract addendum, the company said.
The guarantee is the latest step by YRC to reclaim customers that shifted freight away from the less-than-truckload carrier as it struggled to avoid bankruptcy in late 2009.
“FedEx believes it has emerged as the market share leader in the U.S. market, surpassing YRC Worldwide,” Deutsche Bank analyst Justin Yagerman said in a note to investors.
Yagerman and other Deutsche Bank research analysts met with FedEx officials in Houston last week.
“FedEx saw meaningful YRC Worldwide customer defections in December and has yet to see customers switch back,” he said.
YRC Offers ‘No-Fee’ Guarantee to Win Shippers | Journal of Commerce

Truck Tonnage Hits Year-End High Point

More moderate growth forecast for first quarter, ATA says

Truck tonnage hit its highest peak since the depths of the recession in December, but may be more moderate in coming months, the American Trucking Associations said.
ATA's seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index climbed 2.1 percent in December, on top of a 2.6 percent increase in November. That boosted the adjusted index from 106.2 to 108.4, its highest level since November 2008. Without the seasonal adjustment, the index climbed 2.3 percent from November.
"The robust tonnage numbers in November and December were aided by better economic growth as well as a positive inventory effect," said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. "However, economic activity is expected to moderate in the current quarter, which will keep a lid on tonnage growth."
Truck Tonnage Hits Year-End High Point | Journal of Commerce

Federal government running truckers out of jobs, driver says

I would like to know when our government is going to quit downing the trucking industry; we drivers move America. If it wasn’t for us, government would not have toilet paper to wipe their butts. They keep taking from us — passing more and more laws against us and for what ? Revenue.
They have gotten so greedy, a man can’t make a living anymore.
Then they pass new laws on sleep problems, restless legs, overweight [conditions]. Now they want our cell phones, CB radios, truck radios, TVs, game machines and all, just over sleep.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Celadon’s 2Q Income Drops; Revenue Improves

Truckload carrier Celadon Group’s fiscal second-quarter income fell 41% to $1 million, or 5 cents per share, from $1.7 million, or 8 cents, from a year ago.
Revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose 6.4% to $127.2 million, from $119.6 million for the same period last year.
Freight revenue excluding fuel surcharges gained 10.8% to $109.1 million, the company said late Monday.
Celadon’s 2Q Income Drops; Revenue Improves | Transport Topics Online | Trucking, Freight Transportation and Logistics News

Dow...10,196.86 +23.88 +0.23%

Nasdaq...2,210.80 +5.51 +0.25%

S&P 500...1,096.78 +5.02 +0.46%


CNW...29.85...+0.27...+0.91%
LSTR...38.61...+0.31...+0.81%
ODFL...26.69...+0.15...+0.57%
JBHT...32.40...+0.17...+0.53%
FDX...80.69...+0.40...+0.50%
ABFS...26.31...+0.02...+0.08%
UPS...58.75...+0.00...+0.00%
YRCW...0.93...-0.00...-0.23%
HTLD...15.07...-0.09...-0.59%
KNX...18.66...-0.19...-1.01%
VTNC...8.70...-0.10...-1.14%
SAIA...11.92...-0.27...-2.21%

FDX--
4-Star Stocks Poised to Pop: Aspen Insurance
3 Stocks in a Tailspin (CNW, MELI, NTRI)

UPS--
3 Stocks in a Tailspin (CNW, MELI, NTRI)

CNW--
3 Stocks in a Tailspin (CNW, MELI, NTRI)

ODFL--
2009 saw biggest drop in truck tonnage since 1982 - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
YRC Offers ‘No-Fee’ Guarantee to Win Shippers | Journal of Commerce
YRC Introduces Automatic No-fee, Money-back Guarantee on Standard Service Shipments - Yahoo! Finance
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.
YRC offers full refunds for late shipments - Kansas City Business Journal:
2009 saw biggest drop in truck tonnage since 1982 - Yahoo! Finance

Stocks Snap Three-Day Losing Streak

Stocks advanced Monday, rebounding off of their worst week since last March, as worries about Bernanke's confirmation subsided and investors scooped up bargains. Techs advanced ahead of earnings from Apple and Texas Instruments after the bell.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 23.88, or 0.2 percent, to close at 10,196.86, clawing back a small portion of the more than 4 percent it lost last week. The S&P 500 gained 0.5 percent and the Nasdaq added 0.3 percent.
Stocks Snap Three-Day Losing Streak - CNBC

Art Cashin: Bank-Bashing May Cause Bear Market

US markets rose Monday, after logging the worst week since March 2009. What's driving today's stock action and what's next? Art Cashin, director of floor operations at UBS Financial Services, offered CNBC his stock market insights.
Cashin said the main factor lifting markets is "the Bernanke Bounce": optimism arising from hopes that Ben Bernanke is closer to winning a second term as Federal Reserve chairman.
"People are hoping that people in Washington are going to look for solutions instead of scapegoats — then maybe we can get somewhere."
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: Bank-Bashing Populism May Cause Bear Market — CNBC.com Investor News — Financials - CNBC

Market Crash if US Policies Continue: Dick Bove

Some worry Washington actions may create a new bear market. But Dick Bove, financial strategist at Rochdale Securities, fears the worst: He warns that America's government may instigate a full-fledged market crash. Bove offered CNBC his insights — and named bank stocks that are still strong investments.
"We all agree the market is driven by money. If the money supply increases, the money gets into the market and stock prices go up," Bove noted.
"But last week, what we saw was a shot at both of the areas where money creation occurs in the United States."
CNBC Stock Blog — Market Crash if Obama Policies Continue: Dick Bove — CNBc.com Investor, Bank News - CNBC

20% to 25% Correction by May: Market Analyst

Investors await the slew of corporate earnings results this week. What should they be expecting? Dan Cook, senior market analyst at IG Markets, shared his market insights.
“There’s still a lot of confusion in the market. We’re looking at a pretty positive earnings season overall, but as we saw last week, it was basically ignored due to political conflicts and we’re likely to see more of that,” Cook told CNBC.
During April or May, Cook said he expects to see a 20 to 25 percent correction in the markets.
CNBC Stock Blog — 20% to 25% Correction by May: Market Analyst — CNBC.com Investor News - CNBC

Nicolas Cage Leaving Las Vegas

Not even the rich and famous are immune to the housing implosion in Sin City.
A firm called Luxury Homes of Las Vegas says it has sold the foreclosed, bank-owned home of Nicolas Cage for $4,950,000. Cage bought the 14,306-square-foot home with views of the Strip in September 2006 for $8.5 million, meaning its value has fallen 40 percent.
Luxury Homes of Las Vegas tells CNBC the buyer is a wealthy out of state businessman who bought the home for close to its asking price on its first day on the market. The firm will not reveal the buyer's identity until escrow closes, which could be as soon as tomorrow.
Nicolas Cage Leaving Las Vegas - CNBC

Venezuela's Chavez Faces Tough Times In Election Year

As he prepares for elections in September, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez faces the biggest threat to his popularity in years, hit by a weak economy, electricity blackouts and revelations of government graft.
The Marxist former soldier has had a troubled start to his 12th year in office, forced to devalue the currency he had dubbed the "strong" bolivar and order sweeping power cuts to save energy across South America's top oil exporter.
The January 8 devaluation increased the amount of bolivars the government receives for every dollar of oil it sells, and unless crude prices drop, will stimulate the economy and fund the social spending that underpins Chavez's popularity.
Venezuela's Chavez Faces Tough Times In Election Year - CNBC

Farrell: Political Panic Has Seized the White House

It started with Julius Caesar.
Maybe it didn't start with Caesar. Lots of famous people fall out of favor. Caesar's was one of the more dramatic, with his pals cutting him down in the Roman Forum one very bad day. While it wasn't the Ides of January last week as it was the Ides of March for Caesar, it was close enough for government work to use the image to characterize the worst week in the Obama administration. First, it was repudiation of the Obama health care agenda by the Massachusetts voters. But then again, I don't know it was as much a rejection of Obama as it was a populist reaction to anybody who happened to represent the establishment. I'm sure the President doesn't see himself as "the establishment" but the voters are mad and Martha Coakley and Ted Kennedy's Senate seat, in the most consistently liberal State in the Union, were in the line of fire.
Farrell: Political Panic Has Seized the White House - CNBC

Whitacre Settles In As Permanent GM CEO

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. And for the folks at GM, this is good news. Today Ed Whitacre Jr, the GM Chairman will announce he is taking the CEO job on a permanent basis. The move comes less than two months after Whitacre replaced Fritz Henderson as Chief Executive Officer. While some will dismiss this news as a natural development at GM, this is more than simply removing "interim" from Whitacre's CEO title.
It shows the top guy at GM plans on sticking around and making sure the automaker is truly headed in the right direction. Given everything GM has gone through, this is exactly what the company needs. Call it stability. I see it also as a clear sign the "Whitacre way" will be the marching orders at GM for a while.
Phil LeBeau's Behind The Wheel - CNBC

Time for a Change at the Fed

What exactly did Ben Bernanke promise Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid?
That’s the big question right now. Reid reluctantly endorsed Bernanke after a one-on-one meeting. Here’s what Reid said, according to the Las Vegas Sun: “I made it clear that to merit confirmation, chairman Bernanke must redouble his efforts to ensure families can access the credit they need to buy or keep their home, send their children to college, or start a small business.”
So, in a desperate search for votes, is Bernanke going around the Hill making easy-money promises? Even easier money than we have had in the last year? A Wall Street Journal editorial on Mondayopposing Bernanke’s nomination is spot on. Monetary quid pro quos will destroy Federal Reserve independence and could generate yet another bubble.
Time for a Change at the Fed - CNBC

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

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Erase Gains as Bank Fears Rattle Market

YRCW Guarantees Delivery, But Recovery’s A Long Haul

Freight trucking firm YRC Worldwide (YRCW), which escaped a bankruptcy filing at the end of December through a debt-for-equity swap, yesterday announced a 100% guarantee for customers on deliveries — your package on time, or your money back.
The real question is whether Fedex and the rest can “kill off” Yellow this quarter, which is seasonally weak and expected to be especially rough after low shipment volumes in the December quarter.
Fedex and others have been fighting a price war; Yellow has to contend with those falling pries on freight while trying to buy out those creditors who didn’t take its debt-for-equity swap and at the same time keep its doors open with its remaining cash.
If YRC can make it through the current quarter, “then the rest of the shipping industry will figure they don’t stand much chance of killing YRC if they couldn’t do this quarter,” concludes Seidl.
YRCW Guarantees Delivery, But Recovery’s A Long Haul - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

DOT Bans Texting by Truckers; Penalties up to $2,750

The U.S. Department of Transportation this morning announced a ban on texting or the use of handheld cell phones by drivers of commercial vehicles, effective immediately, with violators subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.
The federal guidance to expressly prohibit texting was announced by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration chief Anne Ferro. The action is not a new regulation, which could take years to put into effect, but instead is a result of the department's interpretation of existing rules.
"I've directed the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, led by Administrator Anne Ferro, to use its existing authority to prohibit commercial truck and bus drivers from texting while driving, using any handheld cellphone or other device that takes a driver's attention off the road," said LaHood.
DOT Bans Texting by Truckers; Penalties up to $2,750 - Truckinginfo.com

PACCAR MX engine to be installed in Kenworth, Peterbilt trucks this summer

PACCAR has announced the introduction of the PACCAR MX engine to be installed in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks this summer. The PACCAR MX engine is designed to deliver industry-leading performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency to Kenworth and Peterbilt customers worldwide, stated a PACCAR news release.
“PACCAR’s 50 years of engine development and manufacturing expertise have established the company as one of the leading diesel engine manufacturers in the world,” said Jim Cardillo, PACCAR president. “Over 125,000 PACCAR MX engines are successfully operating in DAF trucks globally.” Cardillo added, “The PACCAR MX is designed to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2010 emissions regulations and has accumulated over 50 million test miles in rigorous and severe conditions in North America. PACCAR is pleased to be launching this proven, industry-leading engine in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks.”
“Over 125,000 PACCAR MX engines are successfully operating in DAF trucks globally.”
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Former trucker gets taste for barbeque, opens own restaurant

LOCKPORT, Ill. — Truckers may be some of the world’s best connoisseurs of food.
Many of them eat three meals a day on the road at a variety of places with a variety of menus.
Some even develop an affection for one particular dish.
For Peter Vanda, who’s been a trucker for 30 years, that dish was barbeque.
“I learned how to do brisket in Nacogdoches, Texas,” he recalled recently. “There was this one barbeque location there where I always parked my truck overnight when I was in the area. One day, this guy came out and woke me up and said ‘what are you doing.’ I said sleeping. Well, he asked me if I wanted to come in for coffee. I did and we struck up a pretty good friendship and he taught me how to cook brisket.”
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Video: FMCSA's Anne Ferro on Trucker Hours of Service

Work is under way on new work, rest rules for truck drivers

The Department of Transportation launched efforts to revise truck driver work rules with a series of public hearings across the country, and is considering adding a fifth session to give truck drivers another chance to comment, says Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne Ferro. FMCSA expects to have a proposed rule ready by July.
Video: FMCSA's Anne Ferro on Trucker Hours of Service | Journal of Commerce

Truckers Call for Ban on All Driver Texting

Ban imposed on truckers should be extended to all motorists, says ATA's Graves

A ban on cell-phone text messaging by truck drivers imposed today should be extended to all motorists, said the president of the American Trucking Associations.
Such a prohibition would be appropriate for "all states," ATA President Bill Graves said at a press conference in Washington announcing the ban on texting by truckers.
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia ban texting by drivers. Several other states are mulling similar bans, and Congress is considering federal legislation.
"We'd like to see all 50 states (adopt such a ban), and failing that we would support federal action that bans texting among all automobile drivers to make our roads safer," Graves said. "We'll work with our affiliated state associations to make that happen."
Truckers Call for Ban on All Driver Texting | Journal of Commerce

Marten’s 4Q Income Declines

Refrigerated truckload carrier Marten Transport’s fourth-quarter net income fell to $4.3 million, or 19 cents a share, from $5.8 million, or 27 cents, a year ago.
For the full year, net income slipped to $16.3 million, or 74 cents per share, from $18.1 million, or 82 cents, the company said late Tuesday.
Revenue net of fuel surcharges fell 4.3% to $112.1 million for the quarter and dropped 5.1% to $450.1 million for the year, primarily due to a decrease in average miles per tractor.
Marten’s 4Q Income Declines | Transport Topics Online | Trucking, Freight Transportation and Logistics News

Dow...10,194.29 -2.57 -0.03%

Nasdaq...2,203.73 -7.07 -0.32%

S&P 500...1,092.17 -4.61 -0.42%


VTNC...9.08...+0.38...+4.37%
KNX...19.09...+0.43...+2.30%
ODFL...27.00...+0.31...+1.16%
SAIA...11.98...+0.06...+0.50%
LSTR...38.68...+0.07...+0.18%
FDX...80.76...+0.07...+0.09%
JBHT...32.39...-0.01...-0.03%
UPS...58.64...-0.11...-0.19%
HTLD...15.04...-0.03...-0.20%
ABFS...26.15...-0.16...-0.61%
CNW...29.61...-0.24...-0.80%
YRCW...0.91...-0.02...-1.93%

FDX--
YRCW Guarantees Delivery, But Recovery’s A Long Haul - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Ten Things to Know About 1031 Exchanges - Forbes.com
Long-awaited runway to open Wednesday - The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area:
Humor is back in Anheuser-Busch Super Bowl ads - Yahoo! Finance
'The Whole Tape Is Vulnerable', Says Top Trader - CNBC

UPS--
UPS honors its safest Peach State drivers - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
S&P cuts UPS outlook to negative on cash flow - Yahoo! Finance
Secure Your Future Forever With These Stocks
UPS honors safest drivers - Business First of Louisville:
4 Key Trends RIM's Futurist Foresees

CNW--
Con-way Truckload Sets 22-Year Safety Record - Yahoo! Finance
Con-way Inc. Board Declares Quarterly Dividend on Common Stock - Yahoo! Finance

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

YRCW--
YRCW Guarantees Delivery, But Recovery’s A Long Haul - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
American Trucking Associations: Trucking companies haul heavier loads in December - Kansas City Business Journal:

Stocks Erase Gains as Bank Fears Rattle Market

Stocks erased their gains just in time for the closing bell Tuesday as news that the Senate has scheduled a hearing on President Obama's bank proposal for next week rattled the market.
Stocks had opened lower as China weighed on the market after tightening bank-lending requirements then rebounded after a report showed consumer confidence rose for a third straight month.
Stocks Erase Gains as Bank Fears Rattle Market - CNBC

Art Cashin: 'Stunned, Shaken' Market Shrugs Off Earnings

Earnings results from Johnson & Johnson, DuPont and Travelers on Tuesday seemed sanguine. How will traders run with the data? Art Cashin, director of floor operations for UBS Financial Services, offered CNBC his stock-market insights.
"Some of the earnings improvement is already baked in the cake," Cashin said.
"I think people were expecting some improvement; nobody had really cautioned or warned."
"Plus, the market's still a little stunned and shaky after the last three days of last week," when U.S. stocks had their worst week since March.
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: Market Is Still 'Stunned and Shaken' — CNBC.com Investor News - CNBC

Correction Has Already Begun: Portfolio Manager

Stocks opened lower on Tuesday on China's bank-loan tightening, but a report of rising confidence helped take the edge off. Are the markets already in a correction? David Goerz, chief investment officer at Highmark Capital, and Sarat Sethi, partner and portfolio manager at Douglas C. Lane & Associates, shared their market outlooks.
“Once we get to the end of this week, we’re probably looking at 4 to 5 percent GDP report for the fourth quarter,” Goerz told CNBC.
“As we look forward, we think it should be about earnings…We think it is a very strong backdrop for U.S. growth during 2010 going into 2011.”
CNBC Stock Blog — Market Correction Has Already Begun: Portfolio Manager — CNBC.com Investor News - CNBC

Roubini: Asset Bubble Is Beginning Now

Withdrawing economic stimuli and tightening economic policy are very difficult future policy choices, but something has to be done because asset bubbles have started to take shape, Nouriel Roubini, chairman of Roubini Global Economics, told CNBC Wednesday.
"On monetary policy, exiting too soon is going to tip the economies into recession; the trouble is… now there is the beginning of an asset bubble," Roubini told "Squawk Box Europe" at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
His comments echoed earlier warnings by European Central Bank Governing Council member Ewald Nowotny that there is a concrete risk of asset bubbles in emerging markets and in some commodities.
Nouriel Roubini - Roubini: Asset Bubble Is Beginning Now - CNBC

Shhh! Don't Look Now, But the Auto Industry is Hiring

After two years cutting tens of thousands of jobs, there's finally some good news coming from the auto industry. Auto makers are slowly adding jobs at new and existing plants around the country. Granted, the number of jobs coming back are a fraction of those that have been cut. Still, it is a welcome sign the auto makers and the auto industry are laying the groundwork for a hopefully brighter future.
Phil LeBeau's Behind The Wheel - CNBC

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

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Eke Out Gain as Financials Rebound

RBC downgrades trucking firm Con-way

RBC downgrades trucking firm Con-way citing weak volumes and pricing

RBC downgraded shares of Con-way Inc. on Wednesday, saying the trucking company faces more "lackluster" quarters while the industry is awash in shipping capacity.
RBC Capital Markets lowered its rating to "Sector Perform" from "Outperform."
Analyst John Barnes said lower volumes and intense competition have led to dramatic cuts in trucking rates that won't ease until capacity is reduced or freight volume is increased.
Barnes said Con-way "could see a couple of quarters of lackluster earnings" due to low prices. Without a boost in shipping volumes, or failure of rival YRC Worldwide, "we would not be buyers of (Con-way) at this juncture," he said.
RBC downgrades trucking firm Con-way - Yahoo! Finance

Teamsters, Environmentalists Target Toyota

Labor-green coalition protests plan to shift U.S. production to Japan

The partnership labor and environmentalists forged at California ports is moving up the supply chain to protest Toyota's plans to shift some U.S. production to Japan.
Putting more autos bound for the U.S. market on trans-Pacific ships will greatly increase Toyota's carbon footprint, the groups warn, and cost thousands of U.S. jobs.
The Teamsters union, the United Auto Workers and Friends of the Earth will protest the automaker's plans at a Jan. 28 rally outside the Japanese Embassy in Washington.
At issue is the future of the New United Manufacturing assembly plant in Fremont, Calif., where Toyota produces Corolla cars and Tacoma pickup trucks.
Teamsters, Environmentalists Target Toyota | Journal of Commerce

Landstar’s 4Q Income Declines

Truckload carrier Landstar System said late Wednesday its fourth-quarter net income fell to $18.6 million, or 37 cents a share, from $24.6 million, or 47 cents, a year ago.
Total quarterly revenue fell to $547.7 million, from $603.8 million the previous year, the company said in a statement.
Fourth-quarter revenue was 9% higher than the third quarter and was a significantly better fourth-quarter-to-third-quarter experience than the prior three years, said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Henry Gerkens.
Landstar’s 4Q Income Declines | Transport Topics Online | Trucking, Freight Transportation and Logistics News

Bose introduces heavy-duty seat

Bose Corp., a maker of premium sound systems, has introduced a suspension seat for truck drivers that actively responds to electronically measured cab motions to stabilize the seat.
The Bose Ride system replaces a conventional air ride truck seat with a Bose suspension base and integrated, custom designed seat top. It provides over-the-road truckers with what the company describes as “an unprecedented level of protection from road-induced shocks and vibration.”
The heart of the system is a high-powered linear actuator capable of countering the forces on the seat caused by road disturbances. It includes other components such as sensors, as well as an amplifier that energizes the actuator to counteract road disturbances before they ever reach the driver. It works on a principle similar to noise-canceling microphones, and draws less than 50 watts of power.
Bose introduces heavy-duty seat - eTrucker

Dow...10,236.16 +41.87 +0.41%

Nasdaq...2,221.41 +17.68 +0.80%

S&P 500...1,097.50 +5.33 +0.49%


VTNC...9.24...+0.16...+1.76%
KNX...19.37...+0.28...+1.47%
JBHT...32.83...+0.44...+1.36%
LSTR...39.15...+0.47...+1.22%
UPS...59.34...+0.70...+1.19%
CNW...29.93...+0.32...+1.08%
ODFL...27.24...+0.24...+0.89%
FDX...80.42...-0.34...-0.42%
ABFS...25.96...-0.19...-0.73%
SAIA...11.80...-0.18...-1.50%
HTLD...14.77...-0.27...-1.80%
YRCW...0.89...-0.02...-2.20%

FDX--
Approach With Caution, Nearing Bear Territory - CNBC

UPS--
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.
Shopping for Bargains in the Transports | Technical Analysis | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
UPS to Release 4th Quarter Results on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010 - Yahoo! Finance
Live Call: United Parcel Service, Inc. Earnings Conference Call (Q4 2009) - Yahoo! Finance
The Foolish Walk of Shame: Suckers

CNW--
Quotes for CNW - Yahoo! Finance
Dow and Menlo Worldwide Logistics Launch New Distribution Center in Monitor's Valley Center Technology Park - Yahoo! Finance
RBC downgrades trucking firm Con-way - Yahoo! Finance

SAIA--
Saia to Present at BB&T Transportation Conference - Yahoo! Finance

VTNC--
Vitran Corporation to Present at two Transportation Conferences in Miami Florida - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
FACTBOX-Biggest changes in Nasdaq short interest | Reuters
Short Stocks: Bets build against banks, AMD sees decline | Reuters

Stocks Eke Out Gain as Financials Rebound

Stocks eked out a gain Wednesday as the debut of Apple's iPad tablet computer energized tech stocks and financials rebounded amid relief that the Fed's statement offered no surprises.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 41.87, or 0.4 percent, to close at 10,236.16. The S&P 500 gained 0.5 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq advanced 0.8 percent.
Stocks Eke Out Gain as Financials Rebound - CNBC

Bull Market has Turned, Take Profits: Investor

After correctly calling the stock market rebound after the lows of March 2009, Michael Browne, portfolio manager from Sofaer Global Research, is changing his bullish stance and selling stocks.
"It's time to take exposure off the table. Am I going bearish? No, but I am no longer a bull," Browne said.
"It's going to be desperately slow growth in the stage two, post-inventory rebound phase and there are two causes of that and they're both financial," he said.
The Bull Market has Turned, Take Profits: Investor - CNBC

US Sales Shutdown Rock Toyota, Recalls Widen

Toyota shut down sales of its best-selling vehicles on Wednesday under pressure from the Obama administration to address a product safety crisis that threatens its image in its largest market.
Toyota said late on Wednesday that it had determined that it would have to fix another 1.1 million vehicles to address the risk that floor mats could trap accelerator pedals and cause bursts of sudden acceleration.
US Sales Shutdown Rock Toyota, Recalls Widen - CNBC

Geithner Defends AIG Bailout, Denies Any 'Coverup':rofl2:

A defiant Treasury Secretary Geithner defended the government's bailout of American International Group last year and denied playing any role in withholding information about deals that sent billions of taxpayer dollars to big banks
But his claims drew skepticism from lawmakers.
But lawmakers clearly remained unhappy and, as the hearing opened, committee Chairman Edolphus Towns, a New York Democrat, vividly described why the AIG bailout made taxpayers see red.
"In effect, the taxpayers were propping up the hollow shell of AIG by stuffing it with money, and the rest of Wall Street came by and looted the corpse,'' Towns said.
Geithner Defends AIG Bailout, Denies Role in Any 'Coverup' - CNBC

An Open Letter To President Obama: Let's Walk This Road Together

Stocks shrugged it off yesterday, but I’d like to commend President Obama for his three-year budget freeze plan.
It gave me good old-fashioned, American patriotic State of the Union pleasure to praise the president when he does good.
Now, sir, let's join hands, you and me, and go for a full-throated spending and debt limitation approach that will last not three years, but many decades to come. It will keep us out of bankruptcy, re-balance our books and promote growth.
And, sir, let's you and I visit with Sen. Scott Brown, sit down and watch his ad of President John F. Kennedy talking about the need to grow the economy and create new private jobs by slashing marginal tax rates across-the-board for all families and all businesses. No class warfare. Together, we'll show the stock market what pro-growth really means.
An Open Letter To President Obama: Let's Walk This Road Together - CNBC

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

 

[Slackdragon]

except for the palm trees, the pete looks like some of the chicken haulers we have around here

 

[imported_River17]

Dow Down 1% as Techs Take a Hit

FedEx to Transport Giant Pandas from United States to China Onboard Its New 777F Aircraft

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and the world’s largest express transportation company, is donating its logistical services to transport two giant pandas from the United States to China on February 4, 2010. Working in conjunction with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. and Zoo Atlanta, FedEx Express will fly the pandas non-stop from Washington’s Dulles International Airport to Chengdu, China.
Tai Shan, a 4-and-a-half-year-old male panda born at the National Zoo, and Mei Lan, a 3-year-old female panda born at Zoo Atlanta, will travel onboard a custom-decaled FedEx Express 777 Freighter (777F) – known as the “FedEx Panda Express.”
FedEx to Transport Giant Pandas from United States to China Onboard Its New 777F Aircraft - Yahoo! Finance

YRC Worldwide's Aggressive Push May Not Be Enough

YRC Worldwide is making an aggressive bid to win over shippers scared away by bankruptcy concerns, but even customer gains may not outweigh risks for investors and support the trucking giant's flagging share price.
The new guarantee is a transparent move, one made to assuage customer concerns sparked by YRC Worldwide's brush with bankruptcy. Shipping customers fled YRC Worldwide for a number of competitors, including ConWay , FedEx and UPS, as the company struggled with liquidity concerns.
YRC Worldwide's Aggressive Push May Not Be Enough | Transportation | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com

ODFL Earns $34.9 Million Profit for 2009

LTL carrier saw late-year tonnage gains despite competitors' discounts

Old Dominion Freight Line rolled out of 2009 with a few scratches, dings and dents but with a profit margin that's still the envy of the less-than-truckload industry.
The multi-regional LTL carrier's net income for the full year plunged 49.2 percent on an 18.8 percent decline in revenue -- a reflection of the depth of the recession.
However, ODFL had an operating ratio of 94.3 for the full year, maintaining its profitability by holding the line on pricing during a fierce rate war among LTL carriers. ODFL had $34.9 million in net income on $1.25 billion in revenue for the full year.
ODFL Earns $34.9 Million Profit for 2009 | Journal of Commerce

ABF Freight Lost $99.9 Million in 2009

Tonnage dropped 11.4 percent for year, as sales fell to $1.38 billion

•Operating ratio of 109.3%, excluding goodwill impairment and pension settlement charges, compared to 104.0% in fourth quarter 2008

Arkansas Best's ABF Freight System lost $32.4 million in the fourth quarter, battered by a weak economy and fierce price competition among less-than-truckload carriers.
Those losses were more than double year-ago losses of $15.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. The carrier's revenue dropped 8.1 percent from a year ago to $347.7 million.
For 2009, ABF reported a $99.9 million operating loss, excluding goodwill impairment and pension settlement charges, compared with a $49.1 million profit in 2008.
The Fort Smith, Ark.-based company's revenue slipped 21 percent on a per day basis to $1.38 billion, with tonnage per day for the year down 11.4 percent compared with 2008.
Like many carriers, ABF saw some positive changes late in the year. Tonnage per day decreased 1.6 percent in the fourth quarter from a year ago, a vast improvement on the third quarter, when tonnage decreased 10.1 percent year-over-year.
ABF Freight Lost $99.9 Million in 2009 | Journal of Commerce

J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Reports Revenues and Earnings for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2009

Fourth Quarter 2009 Revenue: $877 million; down .3%
Fourth Quarter 2009 Operating Income: $73 million; down 15%*
Fourth Quarter 2009 EPS: 32 cents vs. 41 cents*
Full Year 2009 Revenue: $3.20 billion; down 14%
Full Year 2009 Operating Income: $248 million; down 31%*
Full Year 2009 EPS: $1.05 vs. $1.56*

J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., (NASDAQ:JBHT - News) announced fourth quarter 2009 net earnings of $41.7 million, or diluted earnings per share of 32 cents vs. 2008 fourth quarter earnings of $53.3 million, or 41 cents per diluted share.
“While we are disappointed in the decline in earnings, we are encouraged by the expanding connection we see between our business units and how we can leverage our services together for the benefit of our customers. A growing number of shippers are using all of our services as a way to meet all of their supply chain needs. From utilizing the obvious benefits of our Intermodal service, to professional final mile delivery of their products to the end consumer, our customers are embracing our integrated services. In 2009, we expanded and solidified our Intermodal services network in the east, continued revenue and services growth in our non-asset ICS segment, implemented a comprehensive, nation-wide cross-dock and delivery system network in the DCS segment and made strides toward right-sizing and stabilizing our Truck segment.
J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Reports Revenues and Earnings for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2009 - Yahoo! Finance

Heartland's Results Reflect Continued Softness in Freight Demand

Iowa-based Heartland Express reported decreased earnings and income during the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the year-ago period, a reflection that freight demand is still soft and rates continue to be under pressure.
For the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2009, the truckload carrier posted net income of $10.7 million, a 44.8 percent drop from the 2008 quarter's $19.4 million. Earnings were at 12 cents a share for the quarter, down 40 percent from the year-ago quarter, when earnings were 20 cents a share.
The carrier saw its operating revenue fall 19.6 percent to $114.2 million from $142.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. The company attributes the drop to economic conditions, pricing pressures, and an $8.7 million reduction in fuel surcharge revenues.
In the fourth quarter, the company brought in 449 new tractors, totaling 1,600 new International ProStars for the year.
Heartland's Results Reflect Continued Softness in Freight Demand - Truckinginfo.com

Dow...10,120.46 -115.70 -1.13%

Nasdaq...2,179.00 -42.41 -1.91%

S&P 500...1,084.53 -12.97 -1.18%


YRCW...0.91...+0.02...+2.25%
ODFL...27.62...+0.38...+1.40%
UPS...58.96...-0.38...-0.64%
FDX...79.07...-1.35...-1.68%
VTNC...9.06...-0.18...-1.95%
CNW...28.94...-0.99...-3.31%
SAIA...11.37...-0.43...-3.64%
HTLD...14.09...-0.68...-4.60%
LSTR...37.28...-1.87...-4.78%
KNX...18.34...-1.03...-5.32%
JBHT...30.96...-1.87...-5.70%
ABFS...23.53...-2.43...-9.36%

FDX--
ABFS Off 8%, ODFL Up 3% as Truckers’ Q4s Take Separate Routes - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRC Worldwide's Aggressive Push May Not Be Enough | Transportation | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
FedEx to Transport Giant Pandas from United States to China Onboard Its New 777F Aircraft - Yahoo! Finance
WRAPUP 3-As profits beat, economy weighs on U.S. industrials | Reuters

UPS--
UPS among Top 10 on Climate Innovation Index - Yahoo! Finance

ODFL--
Old Dominion Freight Line Announces Fourth-Quarter Earnings of $0.26 Per Diluted Share - Yahoo! Finance
ODFL Earns $34.9 Million Profit for 2009 | Journal of Commerce
US Earnings: Company Earnings Calendar - Yahoo! Finance
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.
Summary of OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINE INC/VA - Yahoo! Finance
UPDATE 3-Arkansas Best posts wider loss; cuts dividend | Reuters
Freight railroad Old Dominion 4Q profit slips - Yahoo! Finance
Earnings roundup: Gentex, Goodrich - Yahoo! Finance

ABFS--
ABFS Off 8%, ODFL Up 3% as Truckers’ Q4s Take Separate Routes - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
ABF Freight Lost $99.9 Million in 2009 | Journal of Commerce
Arkansas Best Corporation Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Results - Yahoo! Finance
Arkansas Best Corporation Decreases Its Quarterly Dividend to $0.03/Share - Yahoo! Finance
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.
US Earnings: Company Earnings Calendar - Yahoo! Finance
Summary of ARKANSAS BEST CORP /DE/ - Yahoo! Finance
UPDATE 3-Arkansas Best posts wider loss; cuts dividend | Reuters
Arkansas Best 4Q loss widens on write-down - Yahoo! Finance
Arkansas Best slashed dividend to 3 cents a share - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
YRC Worldwide Charts: Proceed With Caution | Technical Analysis | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
ABFS Off 8%, ODFL Up 3% as Truckers’ Q4s Take Separate Routes - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRC Worldwide's Aggressive Push May Not Be Enough | Transportation | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com

Dow Down 1% as Techs Take a Hit

The Dow is down 3 percent so far for January. If it holds through tomorrow's session, that would be the biggest monthly loss since last February.
Bernanke was confirmed by the Senate, lifting one of the clouds hanging over the market, which helped financials pare losses by the closing bell but had little impact on the broader market.
Worries about debt in Greece weighed heavily on the market, curbing interest in riskier investments.
Dow Down 1% as Techs Take a Hit - CNBC

US Firms Facing too Many 'Headaches' in China: Locke

Chinese policies that promote domestic firms and create barriers against foreign ones could cause American companies to lose interest in China, U.S.Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said on Thursday.
"Recent events, specifically the well-publicized Google incident, have reminded us of the continued challenges faced by foreign and U.S. companies operating in China," Locke said in a speech at the U.S.-China Business Council's annual forecast conference.
US Firms Facing too Many 'Headaches' in China: Locke - CNBC

Fed Chairman Wins Confirmation for Second Term

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke won Senate confirmation for a second term, ending a bruising political battle that forced the head the world's most powerful central bank to fight for survival.
Bernanke's nomination was approved 70-30 by the Senate after clearling a procedural roadblock with a 77-23 vote. A simple majority of 51 votes in the 100-person chamber was needed for approval.
Senators debating his nomination credited Bernanke with steering the U.S. economy through a wrenching financial crisis but leveled withering criticism at him for policies they argued sowed seeds for the turmoil and for an initial slow response.
Fed Chairman Is Approved By Senate for Second Term - CNBC

Windows 7 Drives Microsoft

Call it the Intel/IBM phenomenon, and Microsoft [MSFT 29.16 -0.51 (-1.72%) ] is apparently suffering a bad case of it.
Microsoft beat on the top and bottom lines, coming in officially at 74 cents a share on $19.02 billion, compared to the 59 cents and $17.9 anticipated respectively.
Look no further than the Windows 7 upgrade cycle, courtesy of retail sales, for the real strength behind this story. The company's Windows unit hit $6.9 billion in sales, way ahead of the $6 billion the Street was looking for. Likewise, very good news in the company's Business Division, which with $4.7 billion in revenue, beat the Street by $100 million. It appears corporate clients are beginning to spend again. The other units were largely in line with expectations with the notable exception of the Entertainment and Device division, which reported $2.9 billion in revenue against the $3.05 billion expected, suggesting some surprising weakness in Xbox.
Windows 7 Drives Microsoft - CNBC

Ford Kicks in Gear with First Profitable Year Since '05

When I talked with Ford CEO Alan Mulally 10 minutes after his company filed fourth quarter earnings, there was a tone of satisfaction in his voice.
After three years, and more than a few dicey moments, Mulally has Ford back in the black and primed for a positive growth.
"It's all coming together," Mulally told me in a quick chat Thursday morning. "We will be profitable in all areas in 2010"
Mulally is finally changing Ford's guidance and forecasting profitability for 2010. Until now, Ford was sticking with solid profitability by 2011. But after making $2.7 Billion in the last year, it's clear Ford's finished its money-losing ways.
Ford Kicks in Gear with First Profitable Year Since '05 - CNBC

Thoughts on Geithner, AIG, the Fed, and Tax Cuts

The lead story right now is President Obama's State of the Union message.
The key issue for all Americans remains jobs and the economy. Obama-care is a loser. So is cap-and-trade. So is union favoritism. So with the stock market still in correction mode, let me ask right at the top, will President Obama give us a true, tax cutting, smaller government message which would be pro-growth? Or, is he going to engage in more bank bashing and class warfare?
Thoughts on Geithner, AIG, the Fed, and Tax Cuts - CNBC

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

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Have Worst Month Since Feb. 2009

WEEKEND EDITION

Air France-KLM Sells Freighters to FedEx

Downsizing carrier unloads two yet-to-be delivered 777s

Air France-KLM signed a letter of intent to sell two new 777 freighters to FedEx as it downsizes its all-cargo operation.
"This sale is in line with the current slump within the global air cargo industry," the Franco-Dutch carrier said.
The sale of the planes, which have yet to be delivered by Boeing, will not affect the number of flights by Air France Cargo, the airline said.
Air France didn't say how much FedEx is paying for the 777s, which have a list price of $252 million to $260 million each.
Air France-KLM Sells Freighters to FedEx | Journal of Commerce

Saia, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2009 Results

Revenues Were $202 Million, a Decrease of 12% from Prior Year Quarter

Saia, Inc., a leading multi-regional less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier, today reported fourth quarter 2009 results. Losses per share were $0.31 from continuing operations compared to $2.09 in the prior year quarter. Fourth quarter revenue was $202 million, down 12 percent from the prior year, reflecting reduced yield and decreased tonnage. Operating loss from continuing operations was $3.6 million compared to the prior year quarter operating loss of $30.2 million. Fourth quarter 2008 results included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $35.5 million.
Fourth quarter 2009 highlights include:
-- LTL tonnage per workday decreased 4.4%
-- LTL yield decreased 8.8% due to competitive pricing pressures and reduced fuel surcharge
-- Operating ratio from continuing operations was 101.8 vs. 97.7 in the prior year quarter, excluding the impairment charge
2009 highlights are summarized as follows:
-- LTL tonnage per workday decreased 5.6%
-- LTL yield decreased 11.8% including the impact of lower fuel surcharge and continued pricing pressure
-- Operating ratio from continuing operations was 100.4 vs. 97.5 in the prior year, excluding the impairment charge
Saia, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2009 Results - Yahoo! Finance

YRC Worldwide: Clients are getting back on board

YRC Worldwide Inc. said Friday that its efforts to regain and retain freight customers are working.
In a release, the trucking and logistics provider said that it polled about 5,700 of its customers this month and that 62 percent said they expected to ship more products in 2010. Of regular YRC shippers, 85 percent said they intended to increase or maintain their shipping business with YRC, the company said.
The company didn’t release details about how large those shippers were or whether YRC had seen an uptick in revenue during January, one of the slowest months of the year in the freight business.
YRC Worldwide: Clients are getting back on board - Kansas City Business Journal:

ABF, Teamsters to Meet for 'Dialogue'

LTL carrier seeks more even playing field with YRC

ABF Freight System is holding a "dialogue" with the Teamsters union over pension liabilities and labor costs, the company's top executive said yesterday.
"We've had continuing dialogue" with the Teamsters, and "we do have a meeting set with them to discuss our issues," Judy R. McReynolds, president and CEO of Arkansas Best, said in a conference call with investment analysts.
Those issues center on wage and benefits concessions the Teamsters gave YRC Worldwide last August, in effect making ABF a higher cost LTL carrier.
ABF, Teamsters to Meet for 'Dialogue' | Journal of Commerce

Wal-Mart Sets Monday Deadline for Shipping Program

Shippers must meet delivery demands or pay penalty to retailer

Wal-Mart Stores will charge suppliers penalties for late deliveries starting Feb. 1, according to a letter to suppliers.
The requirement, the latest in a series of initiatives the retail giant is launching across its supply chain to improve inventory control and make inbound transportation more efficient, was announced in letter Wal-Mart sent to suppliers last Oct. 15.
Many motor carriers and third-party logistics providers are working with shippers to ensure they meet Wal-Mart’s requirements and avoid noncompliance fines. Some companies have Web pages dedicated to the program.
Wal-Mart Sets Monday Deadline for Shipping Program | Journal of Commerce

Paccar says 4Q profit fell 59 pct to $46.1M

Paccar reports fourth-quarter profit fell 59 percent to $46.1M as sales slipped 23 percent

Paccar Inc., which makes trucks and parts carrying the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates, reported Friday that its fourth-quarter profit tumbled 59 percent as sales dropped 23 percent.
The company earned $46.1 million, or 13 cents a share, in the three months ended Dec. 31, down from $113.1 million, or 31 cents a share, a year earlier.
For the full year, profit came to $111.9 million, or 31 cents a share, up from $1.02 billion, or $2.78 a share, in 2008. Twelve-month revenue fell to $8.09 billion from $14.97 billion in 2008.
Paccar says 4Q profit fell 59 pct to $46.1M - Yahoo! Finance

'Fragile’ Recovery Seen for Transport Industry

Standard & Poor’s says uncertainty, slow growth will hobble carriers

Slow economic growth and uncertainty about oil prices will hobble U.S. transportation companies recovering from the recession, Standard & Poor’s says.
Although many domestic transportation companies are reporting higher shipping volume, those improvements are fragile, S&P says, “particularly for the significant minority of companies with negative rating outlooks.”
The proportion of U.S. transportation businesses with negative rating outlooks on S&P’s CreditWatch has fallen from more than 50 percent in mid-2009, but remains substantial, at more than 40 percent, the ratings service said in a report Friday.
'Fragile’ Recovery Seen for Transport Industry | Journal of Commerce

IdleAire pulls the plug on operations

IdleAire — a company praised as offering a green technology option to long-haul truck drivers — has closed its doors.
The Knoxville News Sentinel reported the shut-down of IdleAire on Thursday left 315 people without jobs — 60 of them in Knoxville.
IdleAire provided heat, air conditioning, electrical outlets, Internet link, telephone and cable television connections through a console that attached to truck window openings, allowing drivers to turn off their engines at truck stops.
IdleAire was owned by six investment management companies who were unable to find a buyer for its assets after the company filed for bankruptcy protection May 12, 2008.
TheTrucker.com - America's Trucking Newspaper

Dow...10,067.33 -53.13 -0.52%

Nasdaq...2,147.35 -31.65 -1.45%

S&P 500...1,073.87 -10.66 -0.98%

Oil...72.89 -1.00 -1.36%

Gold...1,083.00 -1.80 -0.17%


SAIA...12.00...+0.63...+5.54%
YRCW...0.93...+0.02...+2.20%
ODFL...27.50...-0.12...-0.43%
VTNC...8.98...-0.08...-0.83%
FDX...78.35...-0.72...-0.91%
JBHT...30.66...-0.30...-0.97%
CNW...28.62...-0.32...-1.11%
KNX...18.10...-0.24...-1.31%
HTLD...13.89...-0.20...-1.42%
UPS...57.77...-1.19...-2.02%
LSTR...36.29...-0.99...-2.66%
ABFS...22.54...-0.99...-4.21%

FDX--
Gates Touts Vaccines Ahead of Filing Deadline - Yahoo! Finance
US Companies Rush to Haiti's Aid Following Quake - Yahoo! Finance
Earnings Preview: UPS seen posting 4Q profit - Yahoo! Finance
Toyota's Troubles Are Just Beginning (TM)
Air France-KLM Sells Freighters to FedEx | Journal of Commerce

UPS--
What To Expect in U.S. Markets for the First Week of February - MarketBeat - WSJ
Business events scheduled for the coming week - Yahoo! Finance
Are U.S. stocks set for a down year? - Yahoo! Finance

SAIA--
Saia, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2009 Results - Yahoo! Finance
Summary of SAIA INC - Yahoo! Finance
Saia posts smaller 4Q loss on cost cutting - Yahoo! Finance
UPDATE 2-Saia posts narrower Q4 loss | Reuters
Saia Inc. Q4 2009 Earnings Call Transcript -- Seeking Alpha

ODFL--
ODFL: Star Analysts for Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. - Yahoo! Finance

ABFS--
Quotes for ABFS - Yahoo! Finance
ABFS: Star Analysts for Arkansas Best Corporation - Yahoo! Finance
ABF, Teamsters to Meet for 'Dialogue' | Journal of Commerce

YRCW--
YRC Worldwide: Clients are getting back on board - Kansas City Business Journal:
/C O R R E C T I O N -- YRC Worldwide Inc./ - Yahoo! Finance
Business events scheduled for the coming month - Yahoo! Finance
Business events scheduled for the coming week - Yahoo! Finance

Stocks Have Worst Month Since Feb. 2009

Stocks erased their gains Friday and logged their worst month in nearly a year as investors shrugged off some encouraging economic data and techs took another hit.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 53.13, or 0.5 percent, to close at 10,067.33. The S&P 500 dropped 1 percent and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 1.5 percent.
Technology was the worst-performing sector, followed by materials and energy.
Today's declined left the Dow and S&P down more than 3 percent for January, their worst monthly performances since Feb. 2009. For the Nasdaq, it was its worst month since Nov. 2008.
Stocks Have Worst Month Since Feb. 2009 - CNBC

25-50% Correction in 'Month or So': Financial Pro

Stocks opened higher on Friday, the final trading day of January, after the GDP report showed the economy grew more than expected in the fourth quarter. However, Dan Deighan, founder of Deighan Financial Advisors, and Bill Spiropoulos, chief executive of CoreStates Capital Advisors, warned investors to brace for a market correction.
“In the last week, we were looking for a 5 to 10 percent correction, but we think it may be a little bit deeper than that—we’re going to go through 10 percent.”
“I see the potential for a 25 to 50 percent drop,” he said. “It could be abrupt—it could take a month or so to happen.”
CNBC Stock Blog — 25-50% Market Correction in a 'Month': Financial Pro — CNBC.com Investor News - CNBC

Stocks Have Dismal January—a Bad Omen for Year?

The stock market has a long history of taking its cues from January, so investors will be hoping that this month's 3 percent drop is not a harbinger for the rest of the year.
Many strategists, in fact, think the so-called January Effect won't be any more accurate this year than it was in 2009, when the market finished the month down roughly 9 percent but ended the year up a whopping 23 percent.
That has many investors thinking that the market will continue to defy conventional logic this year.
Will January Stumble Again Spell Doom for Stock Market? - CNBC

What's in a Name? Why Everyone Hates the 'iPad'

Apple has generated a lot of chatter with its new iPad tablet. But it may not be quite the conversation it wanted.
Many women are saying the name evokes awkward associations with feminine hygiene products. People from Boston to Ireland are complaining that “iPad,” in their regional brogue, sounds almost indistinguishable from “iPod,” Apple’s music player.
In the hours after the iPad announcement on Wednesday, “iTampon” became one of the most popular trending topics on Twitter. Apple’s communication team fielded a wave of queries on the subject but characteristically declined to comment.
For Apple, iPad Said More Than Intended - CNBC

Toyota May Resume Sales Soon; Honda Issues Recall

Toyota said its global safety withdrawal would take up to 1.8 million vehicles off Europe's roads and rival Honda announced its own recall, placing the vaunted pedigree of Japan's carmakers under fresh scrutiny.
Meanwhile, sources briefed on the matter said Toyota may resume sales of eight vehicle models that it recalled because of faulty accelerator pedals as soon as the third week of February, though that date might be "optimistic."
Toyota May Resume Sales Soon; Honda Issues Recall - CNBC

Tax-Tax-Tax, Spend-Spend-Spend

The day after President Obama’s State of the Union, Congress went ahead and passed a $1.9 trillion — that’s right, $1.9 trillion — increase in the federal government’s debt limit. Let me tell you why this bothers me.
First, in order to avoid bankruptcy, it means future tax rates are going to have to go up. Second, Mr. Bernanke bought a lot of our debt in 2009. That brought down the dollar and hiked the gold price. So, has Washington set us up for major inflation in the years ahead?
The Obama White House saved Bernanke’s floundering re-confirmation bid with a flurry of last-minute pressure and phone calls. Does that make the Fed head Obama’s man? Forty-seven Democrats voted for him. And only 22 Republicans voted for him. Are Democrats the easy-money party? I’ll let you decide.
Tax-Tax-Tax, Spend-Spend-Spend - CNBC

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

 

[imported_River17]

Dow Kicks Off February With Triple-Digit Gain

Time for a Parcel Merger

Satish Jindel........Commentary

Today’s parcel industry is starkly different from that of 1998, when UPS and FedEx Ground brought ground delivery service into the same arena as air express by guaranteeing delivery times for ground parcels. This has produced enormous change in domestic delivery in the U.S., and the resulting impact on shipper decisions and the market suggests it is time for a merger in the parcel industry — not of UPS and FedEx, but of express and ground services.
Yet despite the numerous changes that have eliminated the differences between express and ground services, UPS and FedEx have not merged these services for fear of revenue dilution. Although UPS may not be ready for such a major merger, it should divest of two niche domestic express services that have little value in today’s parcel industry.
Time for a Parcel Merger | Journal of Commerce

Chicago Teamsters let YRC Worldwide temporarily halt pension payments

A group of dissident union workers employed by YRC Worldwide Inc. in Chicago has narrowly passed a proposal waiving the company’s pension obligations until next year.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ Local 705 reported on its Web site Saturday that the final vote total was 178-142 in favor of the proposal.
The concessions didn’t include an extra 5 percent wage reduction, which other union members accepted in August along with the temporary halt to pension payments.
Chicago Teamsters let YRC Worldwide temporarily halt pension payments - Kansas City Business Journal:

LTL Trucking’s New Mix

Fighting for shippers, more LTL carriers are embracing logistics, freight management

It used to be that simply picking up and delivering freight was enough to keep every “motor carrier of property” in the land fat and happy. Those days vanished, however, along with the Interstate Commerce Commission, P-I-E Nationwide and 50-cent diesel.
Spurred in part by the entry of big express carriers UPS and FedEx into the trucking arena, large operators such as YRC and Con-way have diversified beyond basic freight hauling to avoid being outclassed in what has become a highly commoditized business.
“The longer YRC Worldwide stays in business, the more pressure there will be on the smaller carriers that are unable to change with the times rapidly,” said Satish Jindel, president of SJ Consulting Group in Pittsburgh.
Carriers that bet a YRC bankruptcy would send freight their way were forced to draft new plans quickly when the largest U.S. LTL carrier completed a debt-for-equity swap in December, securing its short-term survival.
“Those that are in a precarious situation will find it more difficult to compete,” Jindel said.
LTL Trucking’s New Mix | Journal of Commerce

Knight Orders 370 Volvo Trucks

'Clean diesel' trucks to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions

With more freight flowing into its trailers, Knight Transportation is buying 370 new tractors from Volvo North America.
The purchase order signals that Knight is confident about the economy and comfortable with the technology Volvo developed to meet tough 2010 federal emissions standards.
"We believe that our improvement in miles per tractor, especially without major reductions in our tractor count, is evidence that we are in the early stages of a turnaround in the truckload freight market," said Kevin P. Knight, chairman and CEO.
The new tractors are Volvo VNs equipped with selective catalytic reduction emissions controls to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's 2010 requirements.
Knight Orders 370 Volvo Trucks | Journal of Commerce

Werner's Profit Slips, But Demand Rises

Truckload carrier gets boost from new business in late 2009

Stronger freight shipping helped Werner Enterprises hold a fourth-quarter decline in its profit to 3.5 percent, as operating revenue fell 10.4 percent from a year ago.
The truckload carrier reported net income of $18 million for the quarter on $439.6 million in revenue for the quarter. Pricing remained "competitive," the Omaha-based company said, with many shipper contracts coming up for bid in early 2010.
Despite the pressure on its revenue and profit, Werner increased loaded miles per truck 2.5 percent from a year ago and empty miles per trip declined 25 percent.
"Freight shipment volumes continued to firm in fourth quarter," the company said in a statement. "The daily pre-books (ratio of loads to trucks) for the one-way truckload fleets in fourth quarter 2009 held steady from levels achieved in September 2009."
Werner's Profit Slips, But Demand Rises | Journal of Commerce

Dow...10,185.53 +118.20 +1.17%

Nasdaq...2,171.20 +23.85 +1.11%

S&P 500...1,089.18 +15.31 +1.43%


SAIA...12.54...+0.54...+4.50%
FDX...80.67...+2.32...+2.96%
ODFL...28.11...+0.61...+2.22%
KNX...18.40...+0.30...+1.66%
CNW...29.04...+0.42...+1.47%
LSTR...36.75...+0.46...+1.27%
UPS...58.39...+0.62...+1.07%
JBHT...30.87...+0.21...+0.68%
HTLD...13.95...+0.06...+0.43%
VTNC...9.01...+0.03...+0.28%
ABFS...22.51...-0.03...-0.13%
YRCW...0.91...-0.02...-1.95%

FDX--
UPS Earnings By the Numbers - CNBC
CBS Sells Out Super Bowl Advertising Spots - Yahoo! Finance
UPDATE 1-CBS sells out Super Bowl advertising spots | Reuters

UPS--
UPS Earnings By the Numbers - CNBC
Earnings Preview: United Parcel Service -- Seeking Alpha
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: Markets Could Have Multi-Day Rally — CNBC.com Financial, Investor News - CNBC
After a Cold January, Where Does Wind Blow? at SmartMoney.com
Pending Home Sales: Tomorrow's Headliners | Market Features | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
TradingMarkets 7 Stocks You Need to Know for Tuesday - Yahoo! Finance
Stocks in focus for Tuesday Stocks to Watch - MarketWatch

SAIA--
SAIA: Star Analysts for Saia, Inc. - Yahoo! Finance

ODFL--
ODFL: Star Analysts for Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. - Yahoo! Finance

ABFS--
ABFS: Star Analysts for Arkansas Best Corporation - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
Market Watch for YRC Worldwide Incorporated Issued by StockPreacher - Yahoo! Finance
Chicago Teamsters let YRC Worldwide temporarily halt pension payments - Kansas City Business Journal:

Dow Kicks Off February With Triple-Digit Gain

Stocks kicked off February with a rally, energized by an earnings beat from ExxonMobil and a strong manufacturing report.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 118.20, or 1.2% to close at 10,185.53, its biggest point and percentage gain since Jan. 4. The S&P 500 gained 1.4 percent and the tech-heavy Nasdaq added 1.1 percent.
Dow Kicks Off February With Triple-Digit Gain - CNBC

Art Cashin: Markets Could Have Multi-Day Rally

Markets started the new month higher, but how long can the trend continue? Art Cashin, director of floor operations at UBS Financial Services, shared his insights.
“We’re going to get a little bit of a reflex rally,” Cashin told CNBC.
“We survived the weekend—Greece didn’t implode…It is a new month so pension funds and others preload a little money in and get started early in the month, so that will give the bulls a little bit of a bounce," he said.
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: Markets Could Have Multi-Day Rally — CNBC.com Financial, Investor News - CNBC

Can Toyota Win Back Its Customers?

The statement was straightforward with an appropriate amount of contrition.
When I talked with Jim Lentz, the head of Toyota USA he was direct in admitting his company is embarrassed by the on-going controversy over sticking gas pedals.
"Are we embarrassed by this? Of course we are. Are we sorry that this happened to our customers, to cause them this concern? Of course we are," said Lentz. He added, "But I think how well we take care of customers in the dealership, how quickly we can get this done, I think, will determine how much loss of confidence our customers have in us."
Toyota Is Embarrassed, but Can It Win Back Customers - CNBC

Pisani: Rate-Rise Spectre Pressures Stocks

Although global economies appear to be recovering, the inevitability of higher interest rates still weighs on stocks.
Manufacturing indexes were strong in India, China, South Korea and Australia. Australia may raise rates again tomorrow, by 25 basis points to 4 percent.
The U.S. reports on its own manufacturing activity with the ISM at 10am ET.
But the cost of fighting the global recession is high, with the U.S. alone predicting a record $1.6 trillion deficit in fiscal 2010.
CNBC Trader Talk Blog — Pisani: Rate-Rise Spectre Pressures Stocks — CNBC.com Market News - CNBC

Australia Keeps Interest Rates Steady in Shock Move

Australia's central bank kept rates steady at 3.75 percent on Tuesday, confounding expectations of a hike and hammering the local currency as investors slashed estimates for how high rates might go this year.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) surprised almost everyone by saying it wanted to judge the impact of its past three moves before lifting the cash rate further. It had already raised rates by 75 basis points since October, putting it far ahead of most developed nations in removing exceptional stimulus.
Yet, RBA Governor Glenn Stevens also emphasised that, should the domestic economy continue to improve as expected, then further hikes would likely be needed over time.
Australia Interest Rates: Australia Central Bank Keeps Rates Steady, in Shock Move - CNBC

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

 

[imported_River17]

Dow Logs Another 1% Gain; Ford Advances

UPS Earnings Readthrough: U.S. Economy Still Slug-Like

As we all know, UPS serves as an economic bellwether thanks to its role as a mover of packages around the world. While the EPS and revenue numbers are some of the most important for investors, those looking for a read through on the broader economy are most likely interested in other data points. We’ve gathered some of them for you, below, adding in a bit of color from the conference call and sundry brow-furrowing analysts on the Street.
UPS Earnings Spotlight Still Sluggish U.S. Economy - MarketBeat - WSJ

UPS Triples Net Profit in Fourth Quarter

International demand, holiday shipping pump earnings to $757 million

UPS nearly tripled its net profit in the fourth quarter, as a strong surge in international demand and unexpected domestic holiday shipping pushed earnings to $757 million at the end of the year, the carrier announced Tuesday.
UPS said reductions in costs and capacity also helped drive the improvement, with expenses falling 6.5 percent while revenue in the last three months of 2009 fell 2.5 percent to $12.4 billion.
But UPS’s domestic air express volume grew 3.5 percent in the fourth quarter, and international package volume jumped 11.8 percent over the same period a year ago, part of a broad expansion in demand reported across the air cargo industry.
UPS said its international revenue expanded 11.8 percent in the last three months of the year, giving that business a $467 million operating profit, a 27.6 percent improvement over the fourth quarter of 2008.
“UPS has emerged from the worst recession in decades leaner, more focused and better positioned to take advantage of increased global trade,” he said.
UPS Triples Net Profit in Fourth Quarter | Journal of Commerce

Panda-ring To China?

The unwelcome sea change in U.S.-China business relations.

Federal Express is firing up the FedEx Panda Express, a Boeing 777 that this week will fly two special passengers for free on a 14-hour flight from Washington, D.C. to Chengdu, China. "We are honored to serve as the trusted carrier for Tai Shan and Mei Lan's journey to Chengdu and to play a role in supporting the preservation of this endangered species," trumpeted David L. Cunningham, Jr., FedEx's president of Asia-Pacific.
You wouldn't know it from the feel-good Panda Express flight, part of a global conservation effort, but FedEx is really fretting about the extinction of its ability to ship documents within China. So are other express carriers like DHL and UPS, according to Hong Kong business chatter.
Panda-ring To China? - Forbes.com

Cummins Reports Record Profit in Fourth Quarter

Engine maker nets $270 million as truck sales surge late in 2009

Cummins reported its most profitable fourth quarter in its 91-year history, with engine sales jumping 12 percent to $2.17 billion on surging U.S. truck sales last fall.
Its revenue and earnings are likely to lose some torque in 2010, Cummins warns, as 2010-model-year trucks with costly new emissions controls hit U.S. sales lots.
Cummins' total revenue hit the $3.4 billion mark in the quarter, a 3 percent increase over 2008. Its net income skyrocketed to $270 million, compared with $43 million a year ago.
That broke the previous fourth quarter record of $198 million in profit in 2007.
Cummins Reports Record Profit in Fourth Quarter | Journal of Commerce

Suggs Replaces Greer at Greatwide

Chairman takes on CEO role at 3PL, broker, dedicated carrier

Greatwide Logistics Services Chairman Leo Suggs replaced Raymond B. Greer as CEO of the third-party truck brokerage and logistics firm.
Greer, who became CEO of Greatwide in 2005, resigned, effective Feb. 2. John Simone will continue as president and chief operating officer.
Greatwide, a $1 billion company, was acquired last year by private investment firm Centerbridge Partners. That acquisition included a restructuring of the Dallas-based company and its debt.
Former UPS Freight President Suggs became chairman after the acquisition. Suggs had been the long-time CEO of Overnite Transportation, which he took public in 2003 before selling the company to UPS in 2005. Before that, he worked at Preston Trucking, Yellow Freight and Ryder/P-I-E.
Suggs Replaces Greer at Greatwide | Journal of Commerce

Dow...10,296.85 +111.32 +1.09%

Nasdaq...2,190.06 +18.86 +0.87%

S&P 500...1,103.32 +14.14 +1.30%


VTNC...9.30...+0.29...+3.22%
FDX...82.33...+1.66...+2.06%
UPS...58.62...+0.23...+0.39%
CNW...29.14...+0.10...+0.34%
ABFS...22.50...-0.01...-0.04%
ODFL...28.03...-0.08...-0.28%
YRCW...0.91...-0.00...-0.31%
JBHT...30.66...-0.21...-0.68%
KNX...18.27...-0.13...-0.71%
HTLD...13.79...-0.16...-1.15%
LSTR...35.75...-1.00...-2.72%
SAIA...12.10...-0.44...-3.51%

FDX--
UPS Rises on Q4 Beat; Forecasts ‘10 In Line; Says Gains Shares in Tough Trucking Market - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
UPS Earnings By the Numbers - CNBC
UPS Earnings Spotlight Still Sluggish U.S. Economy - MarketBeat - WSJ
UPS Delivers A Profit - Forbes.com
FedEx Teams up with the PGA TOUR, Audubon International and The First Tee to Launch a Sustainable Golf Program - Yahoo! Finance
Housing Highlights Tuesday Gains - Forbes.com
UPDATE 4-UPS expects sharp profit jump in 2010 | Reuters
Don't Let the Doomsayers Keep You Poor
UPS 4Q profit nearly triples from year earlier - Yahoo! Finance
International Flavor Drives UPS Profits - Forbes.com
Panda-ring To China? - Forbes.com

UPS--
UPS Rises on Q4 Beat; Forecasts ‘10 In Line; Says Gains Shares in Tough Trucking Market - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
UPS Earnings By the Numbers - CNBC
UPS Earnings Spotlight Still Sluggish U.S. Economy - MarketBeat - WSJ
UPS Delivers A Profit - Forbes.com
UPDATE 4-UPS expects sharp profit jump in 2010 | Reuters
UPS 4Q profit nearly triples from year earlier - Yahoo! Finance
UPS Triples Net Profit in Fourth Quarter | Journal of Commerce
International Flavor Drives UPS Profits - Forbes.com
UPS Beats, Outlook Positive - Yahoo! Finance
UPS more than doubles profit on lack of charges - MarketWatch
Rally Continues As Wall Street Cheers Housing - Forbes.com
U.P.S. Profit Climbs on Holiday and International Shipping - NYTimes.com

CNW--
Con-way Executives to Address Stifel Nicolaus and BB&T Capital Markets Conferences - Yahoo! Finance

ABFS--
Arkansas Best Corporation to Appear at the Deutsche Bank 2010 Small & Mid Cap Conference - Yahoo! Finance
12 Drivers Chosen for the 2010-2011 ABF Road Team - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
UPS Rises on Q4 Beat; Forecasts ‘10 In Line; Says Gains Shares in Tough Trucking Market - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

Dow Logs Another 1% Gain; Ford Advances

Stocks turned a shaky start into a full-throttle rally Tuesday as UPS delivered an encouraging earnings report, pending home sales rose and Ford reported a double-digit increase in sales.
The S&P 500 gained 2.7 percent in the past two days, its best two-day gain since October, following a three-week slide at the end of January.
“So far, I think it’s still an oversold reflex rally and it should be a multi-day event,” Art Cashin, director of floor operations for UBS, said on CNBC this morning. "You’ve got severely oversold in some of this and you’re entitled to a bounce.”
Dow Logs Another 1% Gain; Ford Advances - CNBC

Art Cashin: Oversold Stock Markets in Reflex Rally

Stocks continued to rise on Tuesday following Monday's rally. How long will the market rally continue? Art Cashin, director of floor operations at UBS Financial Services, shared his insights.
“So far, I think it’s still an oversold reflex rally and it should be a multi-day event,” Cashin told CNBC.
“You’ve got severely oversold in some of this and you’re entitled to a bounce.”
Cashin said the market rally could last throughout the week.
Markets have stabilized over the last few trading sessions and investors are watching to see if today’s hearings and talks in Washington could change the trend.
CNBC Stock Blog — Art Cashin: Oversold Stock Markets in 'Reflex Rally' — CNBC.com Financial, Investor News - CNBC

Hot Harleys

Today, when you think of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle - chrome, a growling engine, sleek lines and comfort comes to mind. The first Harley-Davidson was a basic bicycle with an engine on it. It took years for Harley to acquire its reputation, perfection and celebrity status. Harley-Davidson was founded in 1903 by William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson and William A. Davidson who were dedicated to making their business a success.
Most Notable Harley-Davidsons - CNBC

Toyota Called ‘A Little Safety Deaf’

What a punch in the gut.
When the top transportation official in the U.S. calls an auto company "a little safety deaf" it hurts.
When the comments are aimed at the one automaker that has hung its hat on safety, it stings.
The comments are a clear sign of how far Toyota has fallen in the last four months and the level of concern in Washington over Toyota's pedal recalls. And it's only going to grow. The National Highway Transportation Safety Agency is investigating Toyota's unintended acceleration cases and a Congressional hearing is on tap for later this month.
Toyota Called ‘A Little Safety Deaf’ - CNBC

An Interview with Former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson

Tonight, on a special edition of THE KUDLOW REPORT live from Washington, DC, former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson talks to us about his new book, "On the Brink: Inside the Race to Stop the Collapse of the Global Financial System."
We will talk to a free market man who engaged in perhaps the most systemic government intervention in US financial history.
Did it work? Were there other options? Why is there a populist political backlash against the bailouts? And is the long-term American economic future better or worse?
Mr. Paulson will give us some straight talk on what he was thinking and how it all turned out. This is a first government source account, inside account, straight from the horse's mouth. Fasten your seat belts, everybody, THE KUDLOW REPORT begins right now.
An Interview with Former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson - CNBC

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

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Snap Winning Streak; Pfizer Slides

CBS Sacked by Weak Super Bowl Ad Market

This year's dream Super Bowl matchup masks a nightmarish advertising scenario for CBS, the network broadcasting Sunday's game.
Before the New Orleans Saints put their ravaged city's hopes on their shoulders and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning made his bid for a second title, CBS took the first big hits of Super Bowl XLIV in Miami. Two of the top three Super Bowl advertisers of the last two decades -- PepsiCo (which spent $254.2 million from 1990 to 2009, according to Kantar Media) and General Motors ($80.5 million) -- scaled back or pulled their ads. Then TNS Media Intelligence reported that CBS was selling ads for $2.5 million to $2.8 million, less than the $3 million NBC fetched last year.
CBS Sacked by Weak Super Bowl Ad Market - Yahoo! Finance

Saints QB Drew Brees & Titans RB Chris Johnson Named 2009 FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Year

Winners Selected Through Fan Vote on NFL.com

FedEx Donates $25,000 to Safe Kids Coalitions in New Orleans and Nashville in Recognition of Their Achievements

FedEx and the NFL today announced the winners of the seventh annual FEDEX AIR & GROUND® NFL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS at a press conference in South Florida, site of Super Bowl XLIV.
•Quarterback DREW BREES of the New Orleans Saints was named the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Year.
•Running back CHRIS JOHNSON of the Tennessee Titans was named the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Year.
Saints QB Drew Brees & Titans RB Chris Johnson Named 2009 FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Year - Yahoo! Finance

Covenant Transportation Group Announces Fourth Quarter and Year End Financial and Operating Results

Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. announced today financial and operating results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2009. Highlights for the fourth quarter included the following:
•Freight revenue of $135.8 million, a decrease of 5.6% compared with the fourth quarter of 2008;
•Operating loss of $0.8 million and an operating ratio of 100.6%, compared with an operating loss of $45.1 million and an operating ratio of 131.3% in the fourth quarter of 2008;
•Net loss of $2.7 million, or ($0.19) per basic and diluted share, compared with a net loss of $39.8 million, or ($2.83) per basic and diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2008. Excluding impairment charges recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008, nonGAAP net loss would have been $6.2 million, or ($0.44) per basic and diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Covenant Transportation Group Announces Fourth Quarter and Year End Financial and Operating Results - Yahoo! Finance

Truckers Target Wall Street 'Speculators'

ATA, partners want tougher regulation of oil, fuel derivatives market

Truckers are asking Washington for protection from Wall Street speculators who they say artificially drive up the cost of oil and fuels.
In particular, they want the federal government to keep a close eye on energy commodity derivatives markets and ensure that trading in those markets is transparent.
They also want Congress to place limits on the value of such trades.
"While we cannot quantify the extent to which excessive speculation is responsible for the recent dramatic increases in the price of crude oil, we believe that it is a significant part of the problem," Con-way executive C. Randal Mullett said yesterday at a press conference on Capitol Hill called by the Derivatives Reform Alliance.
Truckers Target Wall Street 'Speculators' | Journal of Commerce

Ryder Profit Fell 69 Percent in 2009

Results reflect discontinued supply chain operations in South America, Europe

Ryder System net profit dropped a sharp 69 percent to $61.9 million in 2009, as it closed its money losing supply chain management operations in South America and Europe.
Revenue in the fourth quarter fell 7 percent to $1.2 billion. For the full year, revenue fell 19 percent to $4.9 billion. Net profit dropped 23 percent to $8.2 million in the fourth quarter.
The Miami-based transportation company’s results reflect significantly lower fleet management revenue due to decreased full service leasing as well as higher pension expense, reduced commercial rental performance, and lower results from used vehicle sales operations.
The company previously announced a plan to discontinue supply chain operations in South America and Europe. During the third quarter of 2009, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions ceased customer operations in all South American markets and part of Europe. During the fourth quarter of 2009, SCS customer operations shut down in all of Europe.
Ryder Profit Fell 69 Percent in 2009 | Journal of Commerce

Graves Provides Outlook on a Fast Moving Industry

Trucking will continue to dominate the transportation industry over the next 10 years, with growth of about 30 percent expected by 2020. In 2009, trucking held 68.3 percent of the tonnage pie, while it's expected to have about 70.9 percent of the pie by 2020, according to Bill Graves, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations.
At Qualcomm Enterprise Services' customer user conference in Coronado, Calif., this week, Graves was able to take a step back and give attendees an outlook on the industry.
"Things are moving fast in this industry," he said.
One issue that's catching up to us is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010, or CSA 2010. Graves said his concern with the new program is that the FMCSA still has to work out a lot of the details. It's a complex program, and the implementation of it is still in question.
"The devil's in the details," he said. "There are a lot of details, and unfortunately, that means many of you are going to have to become experts."
Graves Provides Outlook on a Fast Moving Industry - Truckinginfo.com

CH Robinson 4Q profit misses analyst estimates

CH Robinson 4th-quarter profit holds steady but misses analyst estimates; shares fall

Freight-shipping services provider CH Robinson Worldwide Inc. on Tuesday reported its fourth-quarter profit was roughly unchanged from a year before. But results were below analyst estimates, sending shares down in aftermarket activity.
The company earned $87.7 million, or 52 cents per share, compared with $88.9 million, or 52 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.
Transportation revenue was hurt by falling rates. Sales from the company's core truck transportation business dipped 2.3 percent, but smaller businesses in intermodal and ocean shipping fell by 27 percent each, hurt by falling rates. Intermodal shipments involve two means of transportation for the same goods, such as going by truck and rail in the same trip.
CH Robinson 4Q profit misses analyst estimates - Yahoo! Finance

Dow...10,270.55 -26.30 -0.26%

Nasdaq...2,190.91 +0.85 +0.04%

S&P 500...1,097.28 -6.04 -0.55%


HTLD...14.04...+0.25...+1.81%
KNX...18.59...+0.32...+1.75%
JBHT...31.17...+0.51...+1.66%
LSTR...36.33...+0.58...+1.62%
SAIA...12.28...+0.18...+1.49%
ODFL...28.37...+0.34...+1.21%
YRCW...0.92...+0.01...+1.20%
UPS...58.85...+0.23...+0.39%
ABFS...22.51...+0.01...+0.04%
FDX...82.13...-0.20...-0.24%
CNW...28.88...-0.26...-0.89%
VTNC...9.20...-0.10...-1.08%

FDX--
Ryder Swerves 10% As Q4 Misses; ‘10 Forecast Weak - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
CBS Sacked by Weak Super Bowl Ad Market - Yahoo! Finance
What's Next for Heebner and CGM? - Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo!
C.H. Robinson A Top Stock Pick For Lowry Hill Investment Principal: Proprietary Logistics System Reason For High Stock Performance - Yahoo! Finance
Economic Indicators Spell Out Caution - Minyanville.com
Chinese language tutor sought for US-born panda - Yahoo! Finance
Saints QB Drew Brees & Titans RB Chris Johnson Named 2009 FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Year - Yahoo! Finance
The Oil Crisis Isn't Over

UPS--
Dow Down on Recovery Doubts | The Market Story | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
Dow Down on Recovery Doubts | The Market Story | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
European Stocks Turn Lower - WSJ.com

SAIA--
Saia to Present at Stifel Nicolaus Transportation Conference - Yahoo! Finance

ABFS--
Zacks #5 Rank Additions for Wednesday - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
YRC Worldwide CEO to Present at BB&T Transportation Conference - Yahoo! Finance

Stocks Snap Winning Streak; Pfizer Slides

Stocks snapped a two-day winning streak Wednesday after tepid reports on employment and the services sector.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed over 26.30, or 0.3 percent, to close at 10,270.55. The S&P 500 shed 0.6 percent, while the Nasdaq added less than tenth of a percent.
The ISM said its nonmanufacturing index, which measures the strength of the services sector, rose to 50.5 in January from 49.8 in December. The move over 50 signals growth and is encouraging but economists were expecting a little more after such robust data recently.
Stocks Snap Winning Streak; Pfizer Drags on Dow - CNBC

'Fast Money' Traders: Is the Correction Back On?

On Wednesday disappointing earnings sent stock market investors running for the exits stopping a two-day comeback dead in its tracks.
Troublesome results, especially from transportation companies such as CH Robinson, generated a huge head wind -- investors took a decline in shipments as a sign the global recovery may be faltering.
In addition, the ISM number came in below expectations – though it did increase from the month before.
Halftime Report: Is The Correction Back On? - CNBC

Cisco Earnings and Sales Improve, Top Expectations

Sales and earnings at Cisco Systems rose from last year and outpaced analysts' forecasts, as more customers resumed upgrading their networks to handle increasing wireless and Internet traffic.
The leading maker of network equipment expects to hire 2,000 to 3,000 people in the next several quarters, CEO John Chambers said in another sign of his confidence in the economic recovery.
Cisco forecast revenue growth accelerating to a range of 23 percent to 26 percent in the current quarter, against the average Wall Street forecast for an increase of 16.5 percent year on year.
"We're very pleased with the results. We think the strong year-over-year revenue growth indicates that Cisco is well positioned as we continue to emerge from the downturn," said William Kreher, an analyst with Edward Jones.
Cisco Earnings: Cisco Earnings and Sales Improve, Top Expectations - CNBC

Pressure on Toyota Mounts as Probe Widens; Shares Hit

The top U.S. transportation official on Wednesday warned Toyota owners caught up in its massive recall to stop driving their cars, triggering alarm and confusion in a crisis that has engulfed the automaker.
Although Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood later called his remark an obvious misstatement, it prompted one congressional committee to ask Toyota whether certain models were safe.
The remarks sparked further selloff in Toyota shares, which tanked 8 percent in U.S. trade on Wednesday and were down 4 percent in Japan trade on Thursday.
Toyota Recall: Pressure on Toyota Mounts as Probe Widens; Shares Hit - CNBC

No Help in Sight, More Homeowners Walk Away

In 2006, Benjamin Koellmann bought a condominium in Miami Beach. By his calculation, it will be about the year 2025 before he can sell his modest home for what he paid. Or maybe 2040.
“People like me are beginning to feel like suckers,” Mr. Koellmann said. “Why not let it go in default and rent a better place for less?”
After three years of plunging real estate values, after the bailouts of the bankers and the revival of their million-dollar bonuses, after the Obama administration’s loan modification plan raised the expectations of many but satisfied only a few, a large group of distressed homeowners is wondering the same thing.
No Help in Sight, More Homeowners Walk Away - CNBC

Toyota's Prius Problem

Ever since Toyota first addressed complaints about unintended acceleration last October, there have been a steady number of complaints from Prius owners.
I've heard them from time to time and they basically amount to Prius owners saying their car suddenly sped up or the brakes didn't work properly.
But even as it recalls millions of cars and trucks, Toyota has always maintained there's no problem with the Prius.
Toyota's Prius Problem - CNBC

$2 Trillion in Tax Hikes Is Good for the Economy?

How in the world can Team Obama say that they're focused laser-like on jobs and economic growth, and at the same time, propose $2 trillion worth of tax hikes for successful investors, entrepreneurs, businesses, banks, and almost anything else that moves?
Why in the world would you jack up the top rate for the one percent of small business owners who actually create 45% of small business incomes? I don’t get it. And then, turn around and use $30 billion dollars of TARP money to give them loans? Huh? Tax them and then lend to them? Again, I just don't get it.
Besides the anti-incentive effect of taxing the most successful, the Obama budget reduces their deductions, and then limits those even available for deductions all the way down to the 28% bracket. It comes to about $700 billion out of private pockets and straight into an already bloated government over the next decade.
Why can't we keep our own money?
$2 Trillion in Tax Hikes Is Good for the Economy? - CNBC

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

 

[imported_River17]

Dow Down 4% for 2010 After Brutal Selloff

Trucker Con-Way Off 3% as Q4 EPS Misses; Still Dealing with Overcapacity

Shares of San Mateo, California-based trucker Con-way (CNW) are down 83 cents, or 3%, at $27.50 after the company this afternoon reported Q4 sales fell just under 1% to $1.12 billion, ahead of the average $1.08 billion expectation, but the company merely broke even on the bottom line, wheras analysts had expected a 14-cent-per-share profit.
On a GAAP basis, including a 4-cent cost for “administrative outsourcing,” Con-Way reported a 4-cent loss for the period. Though disappointing vis-a-vis Wall Street estimates, the break-even result was a big improvement from a loss of 94 cents a year earlier.
Tonight’s report is another in a series of mixed results for truckers, with Arkansas Best (ABFS) missing profit by a mile a week ago and Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) beating profit estimates the same day.
Con-Way competitor YRC Worldwide (YRCW) will report tomorrow, before the bell.
Trucker Con-Way Off 3% as Q4 EPS Misses; Still Dealing with Overcapacity - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

It's Miller Time

Super Bowl XLIV is expected to reach more than 90 million people nationwide, making it the single most important TV event for advertisers.
And yes, it’s also the most costly.
Last year, 30-second spots during the big game reached a record $3 million a pop. This year, CBS will be charging between $2.5 and $2.8 million. Even with the drop in price, a lot of long time advertisers, including Pepsi (PEP), FedEx (FDX), and General Motors are skipping the game as a result of the sour economy.
But one company that’s still going to drop over $10 million on commercials is MillerCoors (SAB). But with a nod to how tough the economy is, Miller will be using its spots to highlight four small businesses across the country. The campaign is part of Miller’s continued effort to be seen as a blue-collar brand.
It's Miller Time - Minyanville.com

UPS Delivers ... Oh, Never Mind

Pretty well, actually. Like archrival FedEx (NYSE: FDX) before it, UPS trounced analyst estimates handily in the fourth quarter of 2009. Average parcels shipped held steady at 17.3 million packages per day, and revenues actually declined slightly. Yet by cutting costs, UPS was able to triple its Q4 net margin, to 6.1%. Trailing-12-month margins are already turning upward, and sit at 4.8% as we speak.
Free cash flow, too, is making a comeback. UPS churned out a healthy $4.1 billion for full-year 2009, giving the stock a free cash flow multiple of 14. So when CEO Scott Davis tells us that "UPS has emerged from the worst recession in decades leaner, more focused and better positioned to take advantage of increased global trade," well, there's something to that.
Foolish takeaway
UPS bulls will tell you that the reasons to own this company are its record in innovation; its leveraging of supply-chain expertise through its logistics business; and its flanking attack on FedEx and Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) with the new online printing venture.
UPS Delivers ... Oh, Never Mind (UPS)

Carry The Right Example

It's not what you say that counts. People pay attention to what you do, so make sure your actions reflect your beliefs. Here's how:
Set the stage. Don't bother with a lot of talk, says Alan Deutschman, author of "Walk the Walk." People tend to not believe what they hear. They focus on action. "People pay tremendously close attention to anything the leader does," he told IBD. "They're tuning out what you say and paying attention to how you act in tough situations."
Set priorities. Companies might say they want to make a profit, save the planet and treat business partners right, but at times those will conflict, Deutschman says. Best to pick one to take precedence.
Make it clear. It's easier to get people to follow your lead when the mission is understood. In FedEx's early days, its purpose was straightforward: deliver packages overnight. "You should be able to ask anyone what this company is about, and they should know," Deutsch-man said.
Carry The Right Example - Yahoo! Finance

Con-way Inc. Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results for 2009

Commenting on the results, Con-way President and CEO Douglas W. Stotlar said, "Excess capacity remains a problem for the LTL and truckload markets which continues to suppress profit recovery. It will be incumbent upon us to maintain strong liquidity and vigilant cost control while we invest prudently for the strategic needs of our business and customers going forward."
For the 2009 fourth quarter, Con-way Freight, the company's less-than-truckload operation, reported:
•Operating income of $2.8 million compared to an operating loss of $9.4 million in the year-ago period. Â Results were adversely affected by $2.6 million of costs for the administrative outsourcing initiative, and from continued weak LTL industry pricing, but benefited from employee-related cost saving initiatives implemented earlier in the year. Â Operating income in the same period of 2008 was lower due to $21.3 million of operational restructuring charges.
•Revenue of $683.9 million, a 6.8 percent increase over last year's fourth quarter revenue of $640.3 million.
•Tonnage per day increased 20.6 percent over the previous year fourth quarter. Â
•Yield declined 14.4 percent from the previous year fourth quarter, primarily reflecting the supply/demand imbalance and the resulting impact on pricing. Â Excluding the fuel surcharge, yield declined 11.7 percent.
•Operating ratio was 99.6 in the 2009 fourth quarter compared to 101.4 in the previous year period. Excluding the operational restructuring charges in the 2008 fourth quarter, the operating ratio for this period was 98.2.
Con-way Inc. Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results for 2009 - Yahoo! Finance

Saia Named Outbound Carrier of the Year by Beauty Systems Group

Saia, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has been named the 2009 Outbound Carrier of the Year by the Oregon Distribution Center of Beauty Systems Group (BSG), a division of Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.
"We are very excited about this recognition and proud of our partnership with BSG," said Saia President and CEO Rick O'Dell. "This award validates the great service Saia strives to offer its customers on a daily basis."
Saia ended 2009 with 97.4% on-time service -- the best annual performance ever posted by the company. Saia's "Delivery before Exception" performance for December 2009 was 64. It was 62 for January 2010.
Saia Named Outbound Carrier of the Year by Beauty Systems Group - Yahoo! Finance

Analysts expect rough earnings for YRC, may be more interested in current signs

Analysts predict falling revenues and continuing losses for YRC Worldwide Inc., which is set to report its fourth-quarter and 2009 earnings on Friday morning.
Seven analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters estimate $1.2 billion in revenue for the quarter, down 37 percent from the same quarter of 2008. Twelve analysts estimate a loss of $1.74 a share, compared to a loss of $1.63 a share in the fourth quarter of 2008.
For the year, nine analysts predict a 40 percent revenue dive to $5.36 billion, along with a loss of $10.68 a share, compared to a loss of $1.22 a share the year before.
“We believe most investors will be more keen to hear about how (the first quarter) is shaping up for YRCW than its (fourth-quarter) results,” he wrote.
Analysts expect rough earnings for YRC, may be more interested in current signs - Kansas City Business Journal:

Dow...10,002.18 -268.37 -2.61%

Nasdaq...2,125.43 -65.48 -2.99%

S&P 500...1,063.11 -34.17 -3.11%


CNW...28.33...-0.54...-1.87%
ODFL...27.81...-0.56...-1.97%
LSTR...35.60...-0.73...-2.01%
HTLD...13.73...-0.31...-2.21%
UPS...57.29...-1.58...-2.68%
JBHT...30.29...-0.88...-2.82%
KNX...18.03...-0.55...-2.96%
SAIA...11.91...-0.37...-3.01%
ABFS...21.79...-0.72...-3.20%
VTNC...8.87...-0.33...-3.59%
FDX...78.85...-3.27...-3.98%
YRCW...0.83...-0.09...-10.01%

FDX--
Trucker Con-Way Off 3% as Q4 EPS Misses; Still Dealing with Overcapacity - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Pandas leave DC, Atlanta for new homes in China - Yahoo! Finance
China-Bound "FedEx Panda Express" Takes Flight from Washington, D.C. with Precious Cargo on Board - Yahoo! Finance
Obama lunches with top business leaders | Reuters
UPS Delivers ... Oh, Never Mind (UPS)
Carry The Right Example - Yahoo! Finance

UPS--
UPS Delivers ... Oh, Never Mind (UPS)
UPS Board Raises Dividend to $0.47 - Yahoo! Finance
UPS hikes quarterly dividend by 4.4% to 47 cents - MarketWatch
UPS Using Cash -- To Raise Dividend | Transportation | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com

CNW--
Trucker Con-Way Off 3% as Q4 EPS Misses; Still Dealing with Overcapacity - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Trucker JB Hunt Raises Dividend - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Dow Dives 268 Points, Flops Around 10,000 | The Market Story | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
Dow Dives 268 Points, Flops Around 10,000 | The Market Story | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
Summary of CON-WAY INC. - Yahoo! Finance
Trucker Con-way Inc. loss narrows, sales flat - Yahoo! Finance

SAIA--
Saia Named Outbound Carrier of the Year by Beauty Systems Group - Yahoo! Finance

ODFL--
Analysts expect rough earnings for YRC, may be more interested in current signs - Kansas City Business Journal:

ABFS--
Arkansas Best Corporation to Appear at the 2010 Stifel Nicolaus Transportation Conference - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
Analysts expect rough earnings for YRC, may be more interested in current signs - Kansas City Business Journal:
Summary of YRC WORLDWIDE INC - Yahoo! Finance
January Jobs Data: Tomorrow's Headliners | Market Features | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
Business events scheduled for the coming week - Yahoo! Finance

Dow Down 4% for 2010 After Brutal Selloff

The Dow fell below 10,000 Thursday for the first time since last November amid worries about the US job market and Europe's ability to get a grip on its debt.
In the final, hair-raising minute of trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell below that 10,000 mark, before popping back up a few points to end at 10,002.18.
When the dust settled, the Dow lost 2.6 percent, led by Bank of America, Merck and JPMorgan. Just one of the 30 Dow components was higher — Cisco.
The S&P 500 shed 3.1 percent and the Nasdaq dropped 3 percent.
Dow Down 4% for 2010 After Brutal Selloff - CNBC

Expect Further 5% Correction, At Least: Strategist

The brutal sell-off on Wall Street on Thursday, which resulted in the Dow losing 4-percent so far year-to-date, could very well be the mythical correction we've been hearing about for months. As I mentioned in a CNBC commentary earlier this year, the market did seem to be getting a bit ahead of itself.
It appears Europe's economic problems are finally getting under investors' skin - we now have an environment where Wall Street is reminded about 2008's financial meltdown, like a re-emerging bad memory. There were already brewing concerns about sovereign troubles in Europe; we now have facts and they don't look encouraging.
Expect Further 5% Correction, At Least: Strategist - CNBC

Stock Dip is Great Buy Opportunity: Strategists

Markets opened lower on Thursday after a surprise jump in jobless claims, a disappointing signal ahead of Friday's jobs report. How is unemployment affecting the markets? Kelly Campbell, founder, principal and chief executive of Campbell Wealth Management and David Kelly, chief market strategist at JPMorgan Funds, shared their insights.
“This economy will produce jobs, but it’s just taking its sweet time doing it, and that’s making a lot of people nervous,” Kelly told CNBC.
“You can see a situation in the next 3 to 5 months where you have payroll jobs gains, retail sales gains, housing starts going up. These numbers could all begin to move in line together in the next few months and you have to be ahead of that,” he said.
CNBC Stock Blog — Equities Are Cheap, Bonds Expensive: Strategists — CNBC.com Market News - CNBC

Dow 10,000: A Correction Survival Guide

Investors are bracing for a bumpy ride, after the Dow briefly fell below the psychologically important 10,000 mark on Thursday before bouncing modestly at the close.
But that bounce was little consequence for bulls. By the end of trading, stocks had suffered their worst losses in more than nine months after concerns about the debt of Greece and some other nations in Europe triggered widespread selling.
Also an unexpected rise in jobless claims put investors on the defensive just ahead of Friday's crucial payrolls report.
Meanwhile, the Vix [VIX 26.08 4.48 (+20.74%) ], Wall Street's fear gauge jumped more than 20 percent, fueling speculation that the selling was not over.
Dow 10,000, Fast Money's Correction Survival Guide - CNBC

Toyota Throttle Blamed for Fatal Crash in California

Relatives of a California woman killed in the crash of her Toyota Camry, an accident they say occurred when the car spontaneously sped out of control, sued the automaker on Thursday and demanded the company vastly expand its recall.
The suit asserts the crash that killed Noriko Uno, 66, was triggered by a defect in Toyota's electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle system, which the carmaker has so far ruled out as a cause of incidents of unintended acceleration in its vehicles.
Toyota Recall: Toyota Throttle Blamed for Fatal Crash in California - CNBC

Farr: Obama Buck$—Start the Presses

On Monday, President Obama submitted his 2011 budget proposal to Congress.
The long-range budget projections, included within the administration's proposal, sent shivers down the spines of deficit hawks.
By all accounts, our current course is unsustainable, and something must be done. Put bluntly, Americans simply require more out of their government than they are willing to pay in taxes.
Absent drastic action to reverse the deteriorating outlook, we should all expect lower living standards for ourselves, our children and our children's children.
Farr: Obama Buck$—Start the Presses - CNBC

Prius Problems Could Stall Brand

Now even Toyota's golden child is tarnished. Early this morning in Japan, Toyota [TM 71.78 -1.71 (-2.33%) ] announced that there was a design flaw in the anti-lock brakes of third generation Prius models made up until January of last year.
After that, Toyota corrected the problem.
Talk about a shot in the gut.
The Prius problems are small relative to the millions of cars recalled for unintended acceleration, but this will hurt Toyota.
Put aside questions about why Toyota knew of about brake problems in the Prius but didn't say anything about it until now. That's a separate issue that will tick off Toyota customers. Focus instead on what this means for the Prius brand name.
Prius Problems Could Stall Brand - CNBC

Stimulus II: A Sequel America Can't Afford

Labor Department numbers show that the Obama Administrations $787 billion stimulus was a flop. Instead of holding the unemployment rate at 8 percent or below, the jobless rate soared to 10 percent.
Now there is discussion of second so-called stimulus, which politicians are calling a jobs bill.
But making government bigger, this CF&P Foundation video explains, is a recipe for long-run stagnation and lower living standards, regardless of what the policy is named.
Stimulus II: A Sequel America Can't Afford - CNBC

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

 

[imported_River17]

Dow Ends Above 10,000, but Down for Week

WEEKEND EDITION

YRC Worldwide Loses $899 Million in 2009

Carrier insists it is gaining customers despite fourth quarter decline in freight

YRC Worldwide narrowed its losses last year and in the fourth quarter, but fierce competition and insecurity over its debt-for-equity swap hurt its business, company officials said today. Shipments and tonnage at YRC Worldwide companies declined both year over year and from the previous quarter in the last quarter of 2009.
But YRC officials said shipping trends are already improving in 2010 and that 1,000 shippers had either returned business or booked new business since October.
“We’re seeing the beginning of a pretty aggressive move back to the company by customers that had diverted some or all of their shipments,” said Chairman and CEO William D. Zollars. He told investment analysts today that YRC is in “advanced discussions with investors,” but declined to comment on those discussions.
For the full year, YRC Worldwide reported an $899 million loss before taxes, compared with a $1.1 billion operating loss and $974.4 million net loss in 2008.
YRC Worldwide Loses $899 Million in 2009 | Journal of Commerce

YRC Ends Year with $98 Million in Cash

Company slashes expenses, takes other steps to improve liquidity

YRC Worldwide’s liquidity fell steeply throughout the year, as the company’s cash and cash equivalents plummeted by two-thirds throughout 2009.
However, the nation’s largest trucking company expects new banking agreements, cost cuts and business gains will help build its liquidity back up in 2010.
YRC will get some extra help with its liquidity this quarter from Uncle Sam. The trucking company will receive an $85 million refund from its 2009 taxes.
“We expect to receive the refund during the first quarter of 2010 and use it for operating liquidity,” Shiela Taylor, chief financial officer, told analysts today.
The timing couldn’t be better: YRC ended the year with $98 million in cash.
YRC Ends Year with $98 Million in Cash | Journal of Commerce

YRC Has Liquidity to Survive 2010, Analyst Says

With financing secured, Baird analyst sees profitability, market share as YRC Worldwide’s biggest concerns

YRC Worldwide’s liquidity should be sufficient to see it through 2010 and into 2011, absent a “downturn in industry or company fundamentals,” said Jon A. Langenfeld, a trucking analyst with investment banking research firm R.W. Baird & Co.
“YRC has available liquidity totaling $343 million, comprised of $98 million in cash, $160 million in conditional access to its revolver reserve and roughly $85 million in federal tax refunds,” Langenfeld said today in a note to investors.
“Though we expect quarterly operating losses to persist throughout 2010, we believe YRC Worldwide has enough access to liquidity to remain a going concern,” he said. He expects YRC’s bankers to continue to help through any crises.
Langenfeld’s statement underscores that the nation’s largest trucking company has reached a turning point in its long battle to fend off bankruptcy. For more than a year, investment analysts have assumed a bankruptcy reorganization at YRC Worldwide was a foregone conclusion, and that it would run out of operating cash.
YRC Has Liquidity to Survive 2010, Analyst Says | Journal of Commerce

Con-way Reports $111 Million Loss for 2009

Aggressive pricing, overcapacity hit LTL, truckload units; Menlo improves

Trucking and logistics giant Con-way reported losses both for the fourth quarter and the full year, as overcapacity and aggressive pricing cut into its trucking income.
Con-way reported a net loss of $110.9 million for 2009, compared with a $67 net income in 2008. Its revenue declined 15.3 percent last year to $4.27 billion.
There are signs the worst may be behind for Con-way and other carriers, as freight shipping picks up and demand for capacity increases. But Con-way and its competitors enter 2010 weakened by fierce discounting that bit deep into earnings.
The fourth quarter trends followed patterns set in the third quarter, when Con-way said it had turned to “aggressive pricing” to gain LTL market share.
The LTL division reported $2.8 million in operating income for the quarter, compared with a $9.4 million operating loss a year ago.
Con-way Reports $111 Million Loss for 2009 | Journal of Commerce

YRC Worldwide Inc. Q4 2009 Earnings Call Transcript

Bill Zollars

Thanks, Paul, and good morning. Let me start by saying that 2009 was an important year for YRC Worldwide and their stakeholders. The headwinds of the general economic recession and the third consecutive year of volume declines in our industry we developed and executed a comprehensive plan that allowed us to mitigate those obstacles.
During the year, we made significant progress in our comprehensive plan to improve our operating efficiencies, restore financial strength, and position our Company for future success, and we’ve created significant momentum on all fronts.
YRC Worldwide Inc. Q4 2009 Earnings Call Transcript -- Seeking Alpha

YRCW’s Zollars: Looking To Cash Profits in Q2

Following the company’s conference call, CEO Bill Zollars spoke with Stocks to Watch from the company’s Kansas City headquarters, where the temperature is freezing and there’s a couple inches of snow falling. “It’s been a weird winter,” said Zollars, perhaps as much for the industry as the weather.
YRCW’s Zollars: Looking To Cash Profits in Q2 - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

Dow...10,012.23 +10.05 +0.10%

Nasdaq...2,141.12 +15.69 +0.74%

S&P 500...1,066.19 +3.08 +0.29%

Oil...71.19 -1.25 -1.71%

Gold...1,052.20 +3.50 +0.33%


CNW...29.46...+1.13...+3.99%
ABFS...22.29...+0.50...+2.29%
SAIA...12.02...+0.11...+0.92%
JBHT...30.49...+0.20...+0.66%
KNX...18.14...+0.11...+0.61%
HTLD...13.80...+0.07...+0.51%
YRCW...0.83...+0.00...+0.27%
LSTR...35.60...+0.00...+0.00%
UPS...57.20...-0.09...-0.16%
ODFL...27.60...-0.21...-0.76%
FDX...76.69...-2.16...-2.74%
VTNC...8.62...-0.25...-2.82%

FDX--
Trucker YRCW Up Slightly Despite Q4 Miss - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRCW’s Zollars: Looking To Cash Profits in Q2 - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
Growing Bearish - Forbes.com
News Headlines
News Headlines

UPS--
Now Is the Time to Upgrade Your Stocks
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.
Yahoo!
Debt, Job Worries Linger in Coming Week | Market Features | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com

CNW--
CNW: Star Analysts for CON-WAY INC - Yahoo! Finance
News Headlines
Con-way Inc. Q4 2009 Earnings Call Transcript -- Seeking Alpha

ABFS--
Arkansas Best Corporation to Appear at the BB&T Capital Markets Transportation Services Conference - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
Trucker YRCW Up Slightly Despite Q4 Miss - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRCW’s Zollars: Looking To Cash Profits in Q2 - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRC Worldwide Reports Year-Over-Year and Continued Sequential Improvement in Fourth Quarter 2009 Results - Yahoo! Finance
YRC Worldwide fourth-quarter revenue plunges; net loss not disclosed - Kansas City Business Journal:
YRC sees 'momentum,' but road ahead is still rough - Yahoo! Finance
Summary of YRC WORLDWIDE INC - Yahoo! Finance
YRC Worldwide Inc. Q4 2009 Earnings Call Transcript -- Seeking Alpha

Dow Ends Above 10,000, but Down for Week

The Dow pulled off a stunning comeback, finishing above the 10,000 mark after being down sharply for most of the day — even falling below 9,900 — amid worries about the recovery and Europe's debt woes.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished up 10.05, or 0.1 percent, to close at 10,012.23. Though, it ended down about half a percent for the week, marking the fourth straight decline, in which it lost nearly 6 percent.
News Headlines

Art Cashin: It's All About the Dollar

Stocks opened lower Friday after falling below 10,000 in the previous trading day for the first time since last November. What should investors expect from the markets going forward? Art Cashin, director of floor operations at UBS Financial Services shared his insights.
“It’s all about the dollar—yesterday was basically a global margin call,” Cashin told CNBC.
The U.S. dollar soared on Thursday versus the euro as fears about the euro zone's worsening fiscal problems drove investors to abandon risky assets for traditional safe havens.
News Headlines

S&P Will Correct to 2009 March 5 Low: Charts

The S&P 500 index is likely to correct down to the low of 677 hit on March 5 2009, Bill McLaren, independent trader, said on Friday.
But the decline will be interspersed with "counter-trend rallies" which usually last two to four trading days, he added.
McLaren told CNBC he sees the broader index reaching 960 on March 1.
"The rally up from the next major low will be the bull market top and it might just be a retest and then the index will trend down into 2012," he said.
News Headlines

Toyota Faces 'Long Tail' Recovery, Analyst Says

Toyota’s recent quality woes may have a “longer tail” than recalls that have hit the industry previously, such as the Ford Explorer and Firestone recalls, said John Giamalvo, auto analyst for Edmunds.com, on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” this morning.
“A good portion of that might be people who were considering buying a Camry…and may be visiting those sites just from a reference standpoint, to say ‘Hey, I need to buy something else,’” Giamalvo said.
News Headlines

Will Laffer’s ‘Train Wreck’ Scenario Come to Pass?

The proximate cause of yesterday’s stock market sell-off was the growing fear of European government defaults and the future of the euro currency itself.
These are legitimate fears.
But I wouldn’t make too much of this.
Greece, Portugal, and Spain are all lovely places, but how important are they really?
News Headlines

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

 

[imported_River17]

Dow Ends Around 9,900; Financials Skid

FedEx's New Printing Site Takes on Dell, H-P

Get ready for the FedEx guy to also become your online small-business imaging guy.
Late last year,shipping powerhouse FedEx upgraded its small-business Web site, FedEx Office, with a new spiffy look, ambitious new printing features and online file storage. The move puts the shipping specialist in competion with Hewlett-Packard's Creative Studio, Dell's ImageDirect, VistaPrint's online collateral services and custom printing tools from Moo.
FedEx has been expanding its online products to target small businesses trying to cut costs in a weak economy. About 25% of the company's printing sales originated online during the previous year, says FedEx spokeswoman Jenny Robertson.
FedEx's New Printing Site Takes on Dell, H-P - Yahoo! Finance

UPS Plans Pilot Furloughs

Alternatives possible, but first round of layoffs set for May

UPS will begin in May to furlough 300 or more of its airline pilots to cut operating costs during what the company expects to be a gradual recovery.
In an announcement Monday, the world’s largest package delivery company said it is involved in talks with the pilots’ union to find ways to avert or mitigate the layoffs before they take effect. UPS employs about 2,800 pilots, represented by the Independent Pilots Association.
UPS has been working with its union for the past year to identify ways to cut operating costs to avoid any pilot furloughs.
Last June, the IPA identified significant savings through voluntary programs such as pilots taking short- and long-term leaves of absence; military leaves; job sharing; reduction in flight pay guarantees; early retirement, and sick bank contributions. UPS subsequently agreed not to furlough any pilots in 2009.
UPS Plans Pilot Furloughs | Journal of Commerce

YRCW: Recovery a PIPE Dream?

Trucking firm YRC Worldwide’s (YRCW) road back to recovery from the brink of bankruptcy “will be long and bumpy,” writes Dahlman Rose’s Jason Seidl this morning in a note to clients following the company’s Q4 report last Friday.
YRC reported an operating loss of roughly $95 million, which was a big improvement from $335 million a year earlier and $118 million in Q3, he notes, but Seidl is more focused on the numerous challenges that remain: After burning through $65 million in Q4, the company’s got to do a new financing, which Seidl thinks could be a PIPE, or Private Investment in Public Equity, where a mutual fund or private equity shop would take an equity stake at a discounted price to where the common stock trades.
YRCW: Recovery a PIPE Dream? - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

Vitran reports 2009 year-end and fourth quarter operating results

Vitran Corporation Inc., a North American transportation and supply chain firm, today announced year-end and quarterly financial results for the twelve and three-month periods ended December 31, 2009 (all figures reported in $U.S.).
For the year ended December 31, 2009, Vitran achieved consolidated revenue of $629.3 million compared to $726.3 million for the 2008 year. Vitran reported a net loss of $4.0 million, or $0.28 per diluted share compared to a net loss of $71.2 million, or $5.28 per diluted share in 2008. The 2008 net loss included a one-time non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $107.4 million, or $5.62 per diluted share.
The LTL (less-than-truckload) segment posted a loss from operations for the 2009 fourth quarter of $2.6 million, with an OR (operating ratio) of 101.9% compared to a loss from operations of $4.7 million and an OR of 103.7% in the comparable period a year ago. In the comparable fourth quarters, shipments and tonnage increased 3.6% and 4.7%, respectively, in the LTL segment.
Vitran reports 2009 year-end and fourth quarter operating results - Yahoo! Finance

Truckload Demand Seen Stable, Improving

Morgan Stanley index shows rise in flatbed, reefer demand

Truckload demand climbed in the first week of February, with flatbed and refrigerated trucking showing the most strength, Morgan Stanley Research reports.
The investment research firm’s Truckload Freight Index, a measure of truckload demand and supply, rose to 2.31 Feb. 5, its highest level since October 2008.
Demand for flatbed trucking hit 10.83 on the index Feb. 5, compared with 6.44 Jan. 1 and 0.83 a year ago. The flatbed business has been hit hard by construction failures.
Demand was strongest in the Northeast and West, Morgan Stanley said.
Truckload Demand Seen Stable, Improving | Journal of Commerce

Dow...9,908.39 -103.84 -1.04%

Nasdaq...2,126.05 -15.07 -0.70%

S&P 500...1,056.74 -9.45 -0.89%


VTNC...9.40...+0.78...+9.05%
FDX...76.69...+0.00...+0.00%
SAIA...12.02...+0.00...+0.00%
ODFL...27.59...-0.01...-0.04%
JBHT...30.43...-0.06...-0.20%
UPS...56.62...-0.58...-1.01%
LSTR...35.21...-0.39...-1.10%
KNX...17.86...-0.28...-1.54%
HTLD...13.58...-0.22...-1.59%
ABFS...21.60...-0.69...-3.10%
CNW...28.34...-1.12...-3.80%
YRCW...0.79...-0.04...-5.19%

FDX--
UPS to Furlough 300 Pilots - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRCW: Recovery a PIPE Dream? - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
FedEx's New Printing Site Takes on Dell, H-P - Yahoo! Finance
Think Smart, Save Big: Tax Tips for the Self-Employed | Life & Money | Minyanville.com
Top Takes From RealMoney | Top Takes From RealMoney | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
India's Jet in cargo venture talks with FedEx-paper | Reuters
Boeing's 747-8 freighter completes first flight - Yahoo! Finance

UPS--
UPS Plans Pilot Furloughs | Journal of Commerce
YRCW: Recovery a PIPE Dream? - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
UPS Starts Pilot Furlough Process - Yahoo! Finance
UPS plans to furlough at least 300 pilots - MarketWatch
UPDATE 2-UPS plans pilot furloughs, sees gradual recovery | Reuters
UPS: Pilots must agree to more cost savings - Yahoo! Finance
UPS to Furlough 300 Pilots - FOXBusiness.com
UPS to Furlough At Least 300 Pilots | Transportation | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com

CNW--
CNW: Star Analysts for CON-WAY INC - Yahoo! Finance

VTNC--
Vitran reports 2009 year-end and fourth quarter operating results - Yahoo! Finance
US Earnings: Company Earnings Calendar - Yahoo! Finance
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.
Summary of VITRAN CORP INC - Yahoo! Finance

Dow Ends Around 9,900; Financials Skid

Stocks tumbled Monday as financials and commodities sold off amid jitters about the global recovery.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 103.84, or 1 percent, to close at 9,908.39, the first time its closed below 10,000 since November. The S&P 500 shed 0.9 percent and the Nasdaq lost 0.7 percent.
News Headlines

US Double Dip Still a Danger: Economist

The economy is still at a risk of a double dip, said Peter Dixon, senior economist at Commerzbank Securities. However, he told investors that the U.S. is in no danger of losing its AAA debt rating.
“The notion that you can actually downgrade the United States, frankly it's laughable because it is the nominal anchor for the world monetary system…and there's absolutely no danger of a default," Dixon told CNBC.
News Headlines

Top Traders: Expect More Than 10% Correction

I agree that we’re in for much more than a 10% correction, says Dennis Gartman, author of The Gartman Letter. We’re starting to see a downturn in economic activity, which I find disconcerting.
We needed for the S&P 500 [.SPX 1056.74 -9.45 (-0.89%) ] to close above 1085 for the bears to walk away and that didn't happen, adds Tim Seymour. Investors are very worried about Europe. Spreads blew out in Turkey. The debt markets are getting worse and worse
News Headlines

Ford Goes After Toyota Buyers With New Ads

Sometimes you get lucky.
Sometimes you shoot a commercial touting you have better quality than the competition and then the competition has two massive recalls.
Sometimes you get an opening to win back customers from a competitor who has kicked your tail for years.
News Headlines

The Ad Bowl's Big Winners

The morning after the big game the New Orleans Saints weren't the only big winners: advertisers cashed in on the biggest audience for any program and TV history.
So who won?
Doritos, according to Nielsen Ad Buzz. Doritos [PEP 58.96 -0.55 (-0.92%) ] snagged 11 percent of all online buzz about Super Bowl advertisers, more than any other brand. And TiVo [TIVO 8.76 -0.04 (-0.45%) ] named Doritos' "House Rules" spot as the most engaging ad in the game, with the biggest jump in viewers from programming in the 15 minutes before and after the ad. Doritos strategy worked: it asked viewers to create ads and vote on its website on which ones should run during the big game. Engaging with viewers before the big game built in high awareness, and the company saved on high production costs.
News Headlines

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

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Close Up Broadly On Hopes for Greece

Con-way Freight Strengthens Sales Organization

Industry Veterans and Focus on Key Markets Position Company for Long-Term Growth

Con-way Freight, a less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier and subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW - News), today announced enhancements to its sales organization. As part of the initiative, the company has appointed five sales managers -- Darren Hawkins, Harold "Buddy" Reeves, Marty Diamond, Marshall Durham and Kristin Wrench -- to lead the newly identified sales regions of Nashville and Memphis, Tenn.; Harrisburg, Pa.; South Bend, Ind.; and Kansas City, Kan., respectively. Averaging 18 years' transportation sales experience, the five assumed their new roles on Jan. 4.
"The caliber of the talented industry professionals joining the sales organization this year is second to none, and we're confident they'll be able to leverage the experience they've gained at some of the LTL industry's most prominent companies to significantly grow these pivotal markets," said Ed Conaway, executive vice president of sales, Con-way Freight. "In 2010, we've more clearly defined our sales territories nationwide in order to better link to industry data for analysis of market share and to provide more one-on-one support for account executives. Plus, with these new managers, we've allocated resources in areas of greater market value. Overall, the team is truly poised for success."
Con-way Freight Strengthens Sales Organization - Yahoo! Finance

Vitran Narrows Loss to $4 Million in 2009

Canadian, U.S. LTL operator reports jump in fourth-quarter freight

Cross-border trucking company Vitran drove close to break-even in 2009, narrowing its net loss more than 94 percent to $4 million.
That improvement came despite what President and CEO Rick Gaetz called a "poor pricing environment" last year, especially in the fourth quarter, as LTL carriers slashed rates and deepened discounts to gain freight and increase market share.
Sales at the Toronto-based trucking and logistics operator fell 13.4 percent from 2008 to $629.3 million, but the company did see a 7 percent year-over-year surge in revenue in the fourth quarter to $165 million.
Revenue at its less-than-truckload division alone increased 1.5 percent from a year ago to $135 million.
The carrier reduced its fourth-quarter loss by 41.2 percent over last year, reporting a net loss of $2.3 million compared with a $3.9 million loss a year ago.
"The fourth quarter of 2009 was the first quarter in several quarters where financial and operating metrics improved over the prior year," said Gaetz.
Vitran Narrows Loss to $4 Million in 2009 | Journal of Commerce

Schneider to Hire 2,100 Regional Drivers

Strong shipper demand speeds Schneider's shift from long-haul to short-haul

Schneider National will expand its pool of regional truckload drivers more than 600 percent this year, hiring an additional 2,100 drivers to fuel its short-haul business.
It's a significant acceleration of Schneider's trucking plans for its new regional unit, which expanded rapidly since it was launched in 2008 in the Southwest.
Schneider, a founding member of the long-haul, one-way truckload industry, wants to log 50 percent of its truck miles on short-haul runs of less than 500 miles.
It expanded Schneider Regional into the Midwest and Southeast last fall, and into the Northeast starting in December, serving a total of 45 states with 400 drivers.
Schneider to Hire 2,100 Regional Drivers | Journal of Commerce

Lufthansa Cargo Volume Surges 18.6 Percent

Revenue jumps 20.8 percent, outpacing European rivals

Lufthansa Cargo carried 18.6 percent more cargo in January than a year ago even as it slashed the number of freighter flights by a quarter.
The German all-cargo airline, which carried 114,000 metric tons of freight last month, attributed the gain mainly to sharply higher imports from Asia to Europe for the second month running.
Cargo revenue soared 20.8 percent from January 2008 on a 5.5 percent reduction in capacity, which boosted the load factor by 14.8 percentage points to 67.8 percent.
The parent Lufthansa group, which also includes Swiss, the UK carrier BMI and Austrian Airlines, increased cargo volume by 17.2 percent to 131,000 metric tons and boosted sales by 26.5 percent. Capacity was down 1.1 percent while the load factor gained 14.1 points to 64.5 percent.
Lufthansa outpaced its closest European rivals Air France-KLM and British Airways, which increased cargo volumes by 2 percent and 6.5 percent respectively in January.
Lufthansa Cargo Volume Surges 18.6 Percent | Journal of Commerce

Dow...10,058.64 +150.25 +1.52%

Nasdaq...2,150.87 +24.82 +1.17%

S&P 500...1,070.52 +13.78 +1.30%

CCJ 2010 Makes & Models: Class 7-8


FDX...79.22...+2.53...+3.30%
SAIA...12.39...+0.37...+3.08%
ODFL...28.28...+0.69...+2.50%
HTLD...13.87...+0.29...+2.14%
KNX...18.24...+0.38...+2.13%
CNW...28.92...+0.58...+2.05%
LSTR...35.85...+0.64...+1.82%
ABFS...21.99...+0.39...+1.81%
UPS...57.41...+0.79...+1.40%
JBHT...30.68...+0.25...+0.82%
VTNC...9.30...-0.10...-1.06%
YRCW...0.73...-0.05...-6.71%

FDX--
Survey: Jobs, housing biggest local concerns - Memphis Business Journal:
U.S. Postal Service continues streak of losses | Reuters

UPS--
U.S. Postal Service continues streak of losses | Reuters
Quotes for UPS - Yahoo! Finance
Dividends Tell a Tale of Little Confidence - WSJ.com

CNW--
Con-way Freight Strengthens Sales Organization - Yahoo! Finance
Con-way creates new Memphis sales region - Memphis Business Journal:

VTNC--
Vitran Narrows Loss to $4 Million in 2009 | Journal of Commerce

YRCW--
Con-way creates new Memphis sales region - Memphis Business Journal:

Stocks Close Up Broadly On Hopes for Greece

Stocks closed broadly higher on optimism that help was on the way for Greece to deal with its heavy debt burden.
Europe appeared to be moving closer to working out some kind of rescue plan despite conflicting reports earlier in the day. The Wall Street Journal reported just before the closing bell that Germany is considering loan guarantees for Greece and other troubled European countries.
News Headlines

Another 5% Dip — Then 'Great' Stock Market, says CIO...

Stocks rose at the open on Tuesday despite talks of a bailout for Greece and kept climbing through the morning on positive earnings and sales news. What’s ahead for the markets? Sean Clark, chief investment officer at Clark Capital Management, and Jerry Castellini, president and chief investment officer of CastleArk Management, shared their outlooks.
“We have another 5 percent downside in the big stocks,” Castellini told CNBC. “But there’s not a lot to worry about if we’re long-term investors.”
News Headlines

...But Strategist Warns of a 10% Market Pullback

Markets jumped on Tuesday, but will the rally continue or should investors fear a further dip? Joe Battipaglia, private client market strategist at Stifel Nicolaus, and Marc Pado, U.S. market strategist at Cantor Fitzgerald, shared their market outlooks.
Battipaglia said he is invested predominantly in the large cap stocks and has some exposure to developing economies.
However, he is avoiding the developed economies in Europe as well as China.
News Headlines

Honda Expands Recall in US to Fix Airbag Problems

Honda Motor [HMC 34.52 0.71 (+2.1%) ] said it would recall another 438,000 cars globally to replace an airbag deflator that could rupture and send shards towards the driver in an accident.
The move follows a separate recall of 646,000 cars less than two weeks ago for a faulty window switch that engulfed a Jazz subcompact in flames in South Africa, killing a child.
Japan's No.2 automaker had previously filed recalls for the airbag problem on two separate occasions, in November 2008 and June 2009, covering a total 510,000 vehicles.
News Headlines

Toyota's US Hearing Delayed, Regulators Review Corolla

A U.S. congressional committee postponed a hearing scheduled for Wednesday to examine recent vehicle recalls and how Toyota Motor [TM 74.60 1.75 (+2.4%) ] and regulators responded to reports of safety problems with big-selling cars.
Separately, safety regulators said they will continue their probe of brake problems with the 2010 hybrid Prius even though Toyota announced a recall and a remedy. The regulators also said they are reviewing dozens of complaints of steering problems in newer Toyota Corollas.
News Headlines

Google Ad Shines In Super Bowl Ads

Google CEO Eric Schmidt once reportedly called the Super Bowl the "last bastion of unaccountable spending in corporate America."
Sunday once again proved that, for the most part, Schmidt was still right.
The problem with Super Bowl advertising is that many of the big brands — namely Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola and Doritos — have no problem blowing through cash just to be funny.
Just like Anheuser-Busch, Google is a leader. It's hard to believe that they can give you a 30-second ad that will actually give you a reason to head to Google.
News Headlines

Toyota: Three Times You're Out Or Third Time Is the Charm?

One implies screwing up one too many times. The other suggests you finally get it right.
The question for much of America is which one suits the current situation Toyota finds itself in right now?
After announcing a third major recall in the last five months, Toyota [TM 74.60 1.75 (+2.4%) ] vows that it has its arms around all major safety and reliability problems. Translation: It thinks the biggest problems are now out in the open.
News Headlines

The Global Debt Revolt

I’m trying hard to remain optimistic about economic recovery here in America — and for that matter, around the world.
In my credo, optimism trumps pessimism every time. And, despite wayward anti-growth policies still pouring out of Washington, I still believe in the cyclical-recovery scenario here at home. But the growing debt problem in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere is starting to sap confidence in the optimistic growth scenario. I have to keep my eyes open to this.
Here’s my thought: Sovereign-debt-default jitters out of southern Europe are spilling over into emerging markets around the world, and corporate-bond risk questions right here at home. There’s a contagion. So the big shots in the G7 meet in some godforsaken place in northern Canada and what do they do? What’s their solution?
More government spending.
Can you believe it? That was their pledge. No supply-side tax cuts that might generate growth and dissolve debt. Just more spending. I’ve never seen anything like it.
News Headlines

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

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks End Lower as Traders Mull Fed Plan

UPS contacted by EU in price-fixing investigation

United Parcel Service Inc (NYSE:UPS - News), the world's largest package-delivery service, said on Wednesday it has been contacted by the European Commission, which is probing price fixing in the shipping business.
"We received on February 9 a statement of objections from the European Union containing the commission's preliminary view with respect to what they allege is anti-competitive behavior in the freight-forwarding industry," Norman Black, a spokesman for the Atlanta-based company said in an emailed statement.
"We intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this proceeding against any allegations of wrong-doing involving UPS," he added.
Officials at UPS's main U.S. rival, FedEx Corp said they had not been contacted by European Commission, or any other regulators, in connection with the investigation.
UPS contacted by EU in price-fixing investigation - Yahoo! Finance

Blizzard Freezes Trucking in Pennsylvania

Governor shuts many Interstates; Carriers close terminals

The second major snowstorm to hit the Mid-Atlantic region in a week is paralyzing traffic in Pennsylvania, a hub state for freight moving to and from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell ordered several Interstate highways shut down Wednesday afternoon, as high gusting winds whipped snow into a blizzard.
Interstates 76, 78, 83, 176, 476, 676 and PA 581 are closed, along with part of I-81.
The state imposed a 45 mph speed limit and banned oversize, overweight trucks and tandem trailers and doubles from Interstates and expressways.
The governor warned against unnecessary travel.
Many trucking companies had already restricted operations in Pennsylvania by Wednesday morning as the storm hit the state. UPS Freight shut down its mini-hubs in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and York, Pa.
Those closures in Pennsylvania forced the less-than-truckload carrier to shut its Richmond, Va., hub as well. Freight was shunted south to mini-hubs in Charlotte, N.C., and Gaffney, S.C.
Blizzard Freezes Trucking in Pennsylvania | Journal of Commerce

Forward Air Fourth Quarter Shows Progress

Still cautious about recovery, carrier sees ‘encouraging finish to year’

Air freight and expedited less-than-truckload carrier Forward Air earned a profit of $6.4 million on revenue of $118 million in the quarter ended Dec. 31, the company reported.
The harsh conditions of the recession began turning around in the fourth quarter, ending a year in which net income fell to $9.9 million, compared with $42.5 million in 2008, as a result partly of impairment charges in the first quarter.
Operating revenue for the fourth quarter decreased 4.4 percent to $118 million. Income from operations was $12.3 million, compared with $14 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, a decrease of 12.1 percent.
Net income during the period decreased by $1.9 million, or 22.9 percent, to $6.4 million from $8.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.
“Although we were encouraged by the trends that started at the end of the third quarter and which continued throughout the fourth quarter, we remain very cautious, yet optimistic, in our outlook for 2010. Our yield, while stabilized, continues to suffer from competitive pricing which we expect to continue until such time as capacity is taken out of the market or demand increases from an improved economy,” Campbell said.
Forward Air Fourth Quarter Shows Progress | Journal of Commerce

USPS Loses $297 Million on Holiday Mail Decline

Busy October to December period suffered from recession, lower volume

The U.S. Postal Service lost $297 million in its first fiscal quarter, ended Dec. 31, reflecting the effects of the recent recession and increasing migration of mail to electronic alternatives.
“Unfortunately, economic drivers that significantly affect mail volumes, such as continuing high unemployment levels and lower investments, appear to be lagging general economic recovery and last quarter’s growth in GDP (gross domestic product),” said Joseph Corbett, chief financial officer and executive vice president. “This situation, coupled with the growth in electronic alternatives to mail, creates a very challenging environment.”
Some economic indicators point to the beginning of a slow recovery, but downward pressure on mail volumes is expected to continue throughout 2010. “Our volume for 2010 is projected to be approximately 167 billion pieces, a decline of approximately 10 billion pieces from last year’s total,” Corbett said.
USPS Loses $297 Million on Holiday Mail Decline | Journal of Commerce

Former FMCSA Administrator Gives Inside Look Into Trucking Regs

During a conference call hosted by Stifel Nicolaus Friday morning, Annette Sandberg, the former administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, provided an insider's thoughts on some of the most influential and pressing regulatory issues facing the trucking industry.
During the discussion, Sandberg, a principal at TransSafe Consulting, told listeners she would encourage officials at the FMCSA to provide carriers with a mechanism for seeing what their safety scores would look like under the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010. Sandberg said fleets need at least three to four months before CSA 2010 goes live to clean up their data.
"If they're not in a pilot state, they have no idea what they look like," she said.
Former FMCSA Administrator Gives Inside Look Into Trucking Regs - Truckinginfo.com

Wabash Narrows Loss in Fourth Quarter Amid Weak Trailer Sales

Trailer manufacturer Wabash National Corporation reported an operating loss of $11.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to an operating loss of $87.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. Net sales for the fourth quarter was $85 million, with new trailer sales at 3,300 units, a 65 percent drop from the fourth quarter of 2008.
Meanwhile, the company's net income was $10.9 million, or 15 cents a share, versus a net loss of $111.9 million, or $3.73 a share, in the year-ago quarter.
"While our industry faced the most difficult economic period in decades, we made significant improvements in 2009 to our cost structure and operational efficiency," said Dick Giromini, president and CEO. "During the year, our associates were challenged with not only continuing to pursue our strategic initiatives, but also executing measures designed to improve our long-term value proposition. The results of our efforts are clear, as Wabash has meaningfully reduced its breakeven point and positioned itself for increased profitability as volume levels improve."
Wabash Narrows Loss in Fourth Quarter Amid Weak Trailer Sales - Truckinginfo.com

50-vehicle pileup on Penn.’s I-80

A second snowstorm in a week played havoc with roads in the Northeast today, Feb. 10, including a 50-vehicle pileup that closed eastbound Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania.
At least one person died in the chain collision on I-80 near milepost 118 that sent 19 people to hospitals, PennDOT reported. The accident began when two tractor-trailers jackknifed out of control in the snowy, windy conditions.
Citing heavy snow and poor visibility, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell ordered closure of I-76, I-476, I-676 and I-176 Wednesday afternoon.
Heavy snow and whiteout conditions forced the closure of federal government offices in Washington, D.C., for the third straight day.
50-vehicle pileup on Penn.’s I-80 - eTrucker

Dow...10,038.38 -20.26 -0.20%

Nasdaq...2,147.87 -3.00 -0.14%

S&P 500...1,068.13 -2.39 -0.22%

CCJ 2009 Rush Rodeo

CNW...30.22...+1.30...+4.50%
ABFS...22.63...+0.64...+2.91%
JBHT...31.45...+0.77...+2.51%
HTLD...14.05...+0.18...+1.30%
LSTR...35.90...+0.05...+0.14%
VTNC...9.31...+0.01...+0.11%
ODFL...28.16...-0.12...-0.42%
UPS...57.07...-0.34...-0.59%
KNX...18.04...-0.20...-1.10%
FDX...78.29...-0.93...-1.17%
SAIA...12.24...-0.15...-1.21%
YRCW...0.67...-0.06...-8.74%

FDX--
Why TravelCenters Will Keep on Truckin' -- Seeking Alpha
UPDATE 2-UPS contacted by EU in price-fixing investigation | Reuters
UPS contacted by EU in price-fixing investigation - Yahoo! Finance

UPS--
UPS contacted by EU in price-fixing investigation - Yahoo! Finance
UPDATE 3-EU charges DHL, UPS, Panalpina over freight cartel | Reuters

CNW--
Zacks #5 Rank Additions for Wednesday - Yahoo! Finance

Stocks End Lower as Traders Mull Fed Plan

Stocks struggled — and lost — Wednesday as traders mulled a possible bailout of Greece and the Fed's exit strategy after comments from Fed Chief Ben Bernanke.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 20.26, or 0.2 percent, to close at 10,038.38, after logging its biggest one-day percentage gain in three months on Tuesday. The S&P 500 shed 0.2 percent and the Nasdaq fell 0.1 percent.
News Headlines

Dow to Dip Near 8300-8400 Soon: Chief Investor

Stocks fell further on Wednesday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke outlined the Fed's exit strategy for its unprecedented economic stimulus measures. How should investors be positioned? Frank Holmes, chief executive and chief investment officer of U.S. Global Investors, and John Lekas, chief executive and portfolio manager at Leader Capital, shared their insights.
“We think the market heads lower… precipitated by uncertainty in Greece, unemployment not budging and high debt loads that need to be worked off,” Lekas told CNBC.
Lekas said he expects the Dow to dip to 8,300 to 8,400 in the near-term and the VIX index to rise as volatility continues. He told investors to look into short-term bonds.
News Headlines

10% Market Rally This Spring: Investment Strategist

Stocks traded lower on Wendesday after a flat open. Is the pullback an opportunity for investors to get into the market? Paul Schatz, president at Heritage Capital, shared his insights.
“We had a huge run last year off the lows, so this is a normal, healthy, expected pullback,” Schatz told CNBC.
“I do not think the rally is over.”
Schatz said while there is a possibility of another 1 to 4 percent market pullback, the potential of a market upside of 10 percent or more is greater.
News Headlines

US, Europe Will All Default On Their Debt: Marc Faber

The governments of every developed economy will eventually default on their sovereign debts, including the US, the UK and Western Europe, Marc Faber, editor of the Gloom, Boom & Doom report, told CNBC.
"In the developed world we have huge debt to GDP, in terms of government debt to GDP and unfunded liabilities that will come due," Faber said in a live interview via telephone. "These unfunded liabilities are so huge that eventually these governments will all have to print money before they default."
News Headlines

Toyota's Troubles Are Washington's Troubles

The blame game has already begun.
From Washington to Detroit to California there is one question being asked time and again: Why didn't NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) move quicker on Toyota?
Despite the agency claiming it was and has been aggressive, many people are still bothered by how long it took the folks in DC to get a recall from Toyota.
News Headlines

The EU Has to Rescue Greece

Much as I am sick of bailout nation, and bailout global nation, the European rescue of Greece was probably necessary to stop a total euro currency meltdown that might have triggered a worldwide debt deflation downward spiral.
I'm sure that's the inner logic we will be hearing from Euro-land leaders in the days ahead.
One thing I do like: The new Greek budget will slash union wages across-the-board. And it does have some modest pro-growth tax cuts in the package. It also looks like Germany and France will put loan guarantees behind the Greek debt.
News Headlines

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

 

[imported_River17]

Stocks Rally 1%, Led by Energy, Materials

FedEx Trade Networks Continues Global Expansion by Opening Six New Offices

Twenty New Locations Opened in the Past Nine Months to Enhance FedEx Global Freight Forwarding Presence

FedEx Trade Networks, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and growing international ocean and air freight forwarder, today announced it has opened six new freight forwarding offices across its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region and its Latin America region as part of a global expansion plan. The company has opened 20 international freight forwarding locations in the past nine months, bringing the company’s total to 22 new international locations since 2008.
In EMEA, the new operations are located in Brussels, Belgium; Manchester and London, United Kingdom; and Mumbai and Chennai, India. In Latin America, the company opened a location in Mexico City, Mexico. The addition of these offices to the company’s existing infrastructure provides its customers with enhanced freight forwarding services between and among EMEA, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and North America, as well as intra-regionally, with the additional benefit of local and global expertise.
These locations are the latest additions to the company's expansion of its presence in key markets throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. In 2008, FedEx Trade Networks opened freight forwarding operations in Hong Kong and Shanghai, followed by offices in Brazil, Singapore, Taiwan, The Netherlands, France, and the Chinese cities of Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Tianjin, Xiamen, Dalian, and Ningbo in 2009.
FedEx Trade Networks Continues Global Expansion by Opening Six New Offices - Yahoo! Finance

FedEx Couriers Play Cupid This Valentine's Day

FedEx Express Delivers for ProFlowers this Sunday, February 14

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, FedEx Express announces a unique arrangement with ProFlowers to provide overnight delivery on Sunday, February 14. As part of an ongoing commitment to their customers, FedEx and ProFlowers are working together to deliver flowers and gifts on Valentine’s Day—Sunday, February 14.
This exclusive Valentine’s Day arrangement marks the first time in its history that FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company and a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX - News), has worked with an individual company to deliver on a Sunday. This is also the first time that FedEx has planned for Sunday deliveries specifically in support of Valentine’s Day. This collaboration will leverage the extensive FedEx Express network and expertise in supply chain logistics. FedEx Sunday deliveries will allow ProFlowers to reach recipients in locations around the country on Sunday, February 14.
FedEx Couriers Play Cupid This Valentine's Day - Yahoo! Finance

YRC Worldwide Clears Major Debt Hurdle

Investors agree to buy $70 million in trucking giant’s unsecured bonds

YRC Worldwide cleared a financial hurdle Thursday by eliminating $70 million in debt not included in its $464 million debt-for-equity swap in December, giving the carrier still greater stability in the less-than-truckload market.
The trucking and logistics giant signed an agreement with investors to exchange the $70 million in unsecured notes for new unsecured convertible four-year notes, with a 6 percent interest rate payable in company stock.
In winning the investors, YRC Worldwide beat an April 15 deadline to pay $45 million of the debt. That deadline loomed over the company as late as December.
The agreement puts YRC Worldwide on more solid financial ground after its late-2009 debt swap helped stave off what many industry observers believed was an imminent bankruptcy filing.
It also gives competitors another reason to back off a rate war that cut their profits in 2009. “Near-term LTL pricing will go up in our view, given that predatory industry pricing intended to drive YRC Worldwide out of business will subside,” R.W. Baird & Co. transportation analyst Jon A. Langenfeld wrote to investors
YRC Worldwide Clears Major Debt Hurdle

YRC: Teamsters Pledge to Help But Math on Bond Deal Looks Bad

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing truckers working for struggling YRC Worldwide (YRCW) issued a press release to pledge support for the company after it announced this morning it issued $70 million in convertible bonds to buy out some bond holders.
eantime, Dow Jones Newswire columnist Carol Remond takes a dive into this morning’s bond announcement by YRCW and notes that the strike price of the convertible issue, 43 cents, is well below the common shares, which are currently at 64 cents. She observes that with interest paid, the deal is valuing common stock as low as 35 cents.
As Remond notes, the sharks are circling:
Preferred shareholders have been arbitraging their positions by shorting the company’s common stock. A whopping 46.5 million of YRC’s 96.7 million common shares outstanding are currently sold short. Millions of shares have also been shorted through the options market.
YRC: Teamsters Pledge to Help But Math on Bond Deal Looks Bad - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

UPS Racing

UPS Racing Unveils Commercials and Online Sweepstakes to Launch 2010 NASCAR Season

UPS today announced it will introduce three new television commercials in 2010 to promote its NASCAR sponsorship along with an exciting online game that will include a $100,000 cash prize and a VIP experience at Richmond International Raceway.
The commercials, which will begin airing during the Daytona 500 on Sunday, highlight UPS’s exclusive position as the official express delivery company of NASCAR while also promoting UPS’s extensive freight and international shipping capabilities. In a continuation of the “Maximum Driver” ad series from 2009, David Ragan, driver of the No. 6 UPS Ford Fusion, appears in two of the spots in which he applies his racing skills to some of the challenges UPS drivers face every day.
UPS Racing Unveils Commercials and Online Sweepstakes to Launch 2010 NASCAR Season - Yahoo! Finance

DHE Buys Matheson Fast Freight

Merger builds stronger West Coast LTL carrier; More growth ahead, DHE says

Logistics and trucking business The Dependable Companies acquired West Coast trucking company Matheson Fast Freight, expanding its stake in the California less-than-truckload market. The acquisition may also signal increasing consolidation in trucking as the economy begins to improve.
Matheson Fast Freight, which operates throughout California and Nevada, will be added to Dependable Highway Express, the trucking arm of The Dependable Companies. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
It's a significant expansion for Los Angeles-based Dependable, which offers LTL, truckload, dedicated carriage, warehousing, forwarding, drayage and brokerage services through six divisions.
Matheson, founded in 1973, operates a fleet of 172 tractors and 425 trailers, with 392 employees.
DHE Buys Matheson Fast Freight

Pennsylvania Reopens Interstates Following Snowstorms

Pennsylvania has reopened Interstates 78, 81, 83, 76, 476, 676 and 176 today, following the winter blizzards that caused the state to close the interstates this week.
I-78 was the last of the roads to reopen Thursday, as Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials dealt with high winds and drifting snow. The state said there will be a 45 mile per hour speed limit restriction on I-78 in effect until further notice.
"The strong winds created whiteout conditions in many areas of the state, and that was the situation this morning in some areas of Interstate 78," said Governor Rendell. "All the elements for significant hazardous conditions were converging, and we needed to take aggressive steps to ensure the public safety and help PennDOT keep highways cleared in the face of very challenging conditions."
Pennsylvania Reopens Interstates Following Snowstorms - Truckinginfo.com

Dow...10,144.19 +105.81 +1.05%

Nasdaq...2,177.41 +29.54 +1.38%

S&P 500...1,078.47 +10.34 +0.97%

CCJ 2010 Makes & Models: Class 1-3 (be patient--takes forever to load up)

CNW...31.26...+1.04...+3.44%
ABFS...23.22...+0.59...+2.61%
FDX...79.53...+1.24...+1.58%
LSTR...36.30...+0.40...+1.11%
SAIA...12.36...+0.12...+0.98%
ODFL...28.40...+0.24...+0.85%
HTLD...14.14...+0.09...+0.64%
VTNC...9.37...+0.06...+0.64%
JBHT...31.57...+0.12...+0.38%
KNX...18.04...+0.00...+0.00%
UPS...56.72...-0.35...-0.61%
YRCW...0.63...-0.04...-5.27%

FDX--
FedEx freight forwarding unit opens 6 new offices - Yahoo! Finance
FedEx Trade Networks Continues Global Expansion by Opening Six New Offices - Yahoo! Finance
UPDATE 3-FedEx opens first India freight forwarding offices | Reuters
The First Place to Put Your Money Now
Boeing's Test Flight: Once More, with Feeling (BA)
The Best Stocks to Buy in This Market
FedEx Trade Networks opens six new international freight forwarding offices - Memphis Business Journal:
FedEx Couriers Play Cupid This Valentine's Day - Yahoo! Finance
IRS, states crack down on independent worker abuse - Yahoo! Finance
YRCW Falls on Plan to Issue $70M of Debt to Buy Out Remaining Creditors - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com
YRC: Teamsters Pledge to Help But Math on Bond Deal Looks Bad - Stocks To Watch Today - Barrons.com

UPS--
UPS Foundation Delivers $55,000 in Support to Welcome Hall Mission - Yahoo! Finance
- Media Advisory - New, UPS $30-million air and ground hub to connect Calgary to the world - Yahoo! Finance
UPS Racing Unveils Commercials and Online Sweepstakes to Launch 2010 NASCAR Season - Yahoo! Finance
Jobless Claims Show Steep Drop | Bonds/Economy | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
Baker Brothers Buys $5.8M Worth of Genomic Health | Market Features | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
UPS NASCAR ads on the fast trrack - Atlanta Business Chronicle:

CNW--
Summary of CON-WAY INC. - Yahoo! Finance

VTNC--
VTNC: Income Statement for Vitran Corporation, Inc. - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
YRC Worldwide Clears Major Debt Hurdle | Journal of Commerce
Summary of YRC WORLDWIDE INC - Yahoo! Finance
YRC Worldwide Enters Into Note Purchase Agreement for $70 Million in New Capital - Yahoo! Finance
In Play &reg - Yahoo! Finance - The basics of investing.
Liberty Analytics Co. Initiates Independent Research Coverage on YRC Worldwide Inc. - Yahoo! Finance
UPDATE 2-Trucker YRC reaches deal to cover $70 mln in debt | Reuters
YRCW to issue $70M in debt in private placement - Yahoo! Finance
YRC Worldwide gets $70M financing agreement to boost its turnaround - Kansas City Business Journal:

Stocks Rally 1%, Led by Energy, Materials

Stocks rallied off a lower open Thursday as news of a Greek bailout and a sharp drop in jobless claims helped calm jittery investors — and put them in the mood to take some risks.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 105.81, or 1.1 percent, to close at 10,144.19. The S&P 500 added 1 percent and the Nasdaq shot up 1.4 percent.
News Headlines

Art Cashin: A Nagging Question re Greece Bailout

European leaders at Thursday's EU meeting in Brussels vowed to help Greece survive its mounting debt crisis. How will markets digest the news? Art Cashin, director of floor operations at UBS Financial Services, offered CNBC his stock-market insights.
Shares on Continental and American exchanges had rallied earlier in the week in anticipation of a rescue package — but Cashin says there's no reason to "smile" yet.
Cashin noted one particular nagging uncertainty that could stymie a recovery off an EU bailout — and which could derail markets as well: "How will unions in Greece react to it?"
"Until we get to see what kind of specificity comes up in this supposed rescue package, the market's response will be muted."
News Headlines

Keep Your Money on the Sidelines: MF Global Strategist

Stocks reversed their losses and traded higher on Thursday, as the dollar gained against the euro amid Europe debt worries. Where are the markets headed from this point? Tommy Williams, president of Williams Financial Advisors, and John Brady, senior vice president at MF Global, shared their outlooks.
“This is a time when we’re reminded that buy-hold and hope is a dead philosophy—that you have to have a sale discipline,” Williams told CNBC.
In the meantime, Brady recommended that investors move their money to the sidelines.
“In times like this when there’s a lack of clarity, investors are best to move to the sidelines and maintain a slightly more defensive position than they usually otherwise would,” he said. “I probably would go into cash."
News Headlines

Is This Stock Market Playing You For A Fool?

Think the bulls are back in the game? A top hedge fund manager says if you do, you’re in for a rude awakening!
Christopher Zook of CAZ investments calls recent market gains a sucker’s rally and suggests investors who are getting long -- are being played for a fool.
“Just because a chicken has wings doesn’t mean it’s going to fly,” he says. “We’ve got a lot of things happening over the next couple months that will probably cause the market to sell-off.”
Ahead of the broadcast Zook told our producers that he’s net short “in a substantial way” for three main reasons.
News Headlines

Toyota Fallout: Prices Falling

For years, if you wanted to buy a Toyota [TM 76.00 0.31 (+0.41%) ] you knew that you weren't going to get much of a deal. It was a given. Some people grumbled about it, but most looked at it as the price you paid for peace of mind. After all, when you bought a new Camry or Corolla you knew the car wasn't going to break down or be part of a major recall like many of its American rivals.
The "peace of mind premium" is evaporating. Toyota dealers who once could tell you "this is the price, that's the bottom line" are now finding themselves dropping below the suggested retail price, and down close to the invoice price. They don't have much a choice. If they don't play ball, buyers will walk across the street.
News Headlines

You Heard It Here First. (for dog lovers)

One of the nice things about writing this blog is how many funky little money-making ideas I come across which continue to thrive.
Here are a couple of examples.
Last June I introduced you to Ruth Regina, the creator behind Wiggles Dog Wigs.
Regina comes from a long line of wig makers, and she decided to cash in on the great American pet craze by extending her craft to man's best friend.
Her biggest seller at the time was the Sarah Palin dog wig.
News Headlines

Fed Storm Cloud Ahead

I’d like to take a brief moment to discuss Fed head Ben Bernanke’s recently released monetary-exit testimony.
Here’s an initial question:
How in the world is Bernanke going to reduce the Fed’s swollen balance sheet and ultra-easy zero-interest-rate monetary explosion?
How is he going to do it?
And here are some questions with big ramifications:
Have financial markets, including stocks, become totally addicted to the Federal Reserve’s zero interest rate and huge money build-up?
News Headlines

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

 

[imported_River17]

Wild Swings to End Week; Techs Gain

WEEKEND EDITION

Obama Admires FedEx’s Smith Among CEOs Who Advise

President Barack Obama, when asked to name a chief executive he admires, chose one with an unusual pedigree: FedEx Corp.’s Frederick Smith, who raised more than $100,000 for 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain and was George W. Bush’s fraternity brother.
“He’s an example of somebody who is thinking long term,” the president said in an interview with Bloomberg BusinessWeek, adding that he “really enjoyed talking” with Smith at a Feb. 4 White House luncheon.
Obama Admires FedEx’s Smith Among CEOs Who Advise (Update1) - Bloomberg.com

Saia Honored With Lowe's 2009 Silver Award

Saia, Inc. (Nasdaq:SAIA - News) has been named the "2009 Silver Team Award" recipient by Lowe's Companies, Inc. for exceeding two of the retailer's service performance indicators. This is the tenth consecutive year Saia has been recognized by the nation's second largest home improvement company.
Saia Corporate Account Executive Juan Barroso said, "We are honored to receive this award, which is given to carriers who meet or exceed specific goals set by the retailer. We are very proud of our relationship with Lowe's and look forward to many more years of working together."
Saia Honored With Lowe's 2009 Silver Award - Yahoo! Finance

Supply Chain Cash Flow Slows Down

Payment rate slowed last month after accelerating in December

Cash flowed more slowly through supply chains in January, reflecting longer payment periods among suppliers, transporters and customers in the first weeks of 2010, according to the latest Supply Chain Index released by Cortera.
The rate of payment in Cortera’s January 2010 Supply Chain Index was 9.05 DBT, or days beyond term, a 9.95 percent increase over its December report.
That’s unusual, but not necessarily a bad thing, the business credit bureau explained, as it indicates a return to pre-recession payment trends.
“If history is a guide, we’re about to see a steady, multi-month improvement in payments, cash flow and debt reduction throughout the supply chain,” said Jim Swift, Cortera’s president and CEO. “For stakeholders, quick, reliable payments remain the best way to fuel continued growth throughout the entire supply chain.”
Supply Chain Cash Flow Slows Down | Journal of Commerce

ACT Projects Truck Sales Growth in Late 2010, 2011

Capacity reduction, bankruptcies to thin equipment pool, boost orders, research firm says

A recovering economy and reinvigorated trucking industry will increase demand for heavy- and medium-duty trucks late in 2010 and in 2011, says ACT Research, Columbus, Ind.
A “modestly improving economy” coupled with “record large fleet capacity reduction efforts” should cut deeply into excess capacity by the end of the year, leading to new truck orders, ACT said.
New truck orders are expected to fall in the first half of 2010, as many trucking operators ordered vehicles in the last half of 2009 in advance of the Environmental Protection Agency’s new emissions standards.
Truck manufacturers will be busy churning out those vehicles, with production of Class 8 heavy trucks projected to rise 18 percent in the first half of the year, according to ACT.
By mid-year, rising demand for truckload freight services will pressure carriers to order new equipment, especially if fleets jettison older units in the first half to limit capacity and improve pricing.
ACT Projects Truck Sales Growth in Late 2010, 2011 | Journal of Commerce

California Eyes Delay for On-Road Rule

CARB staff to study relief measures for recession-battered industry

The California Air Resources Board will most likely give over-the-road truckers more time to comply with a rule designed to reduce diesel emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.
Phased implementation of the On-Road Truck and Bus Regulation was scheduled to begin at the end of this year. It will require the phasing out of older trucks until 2023 when100 percent of the on-road trucks in California must be 2010 model or newer vehicles.
The California Trucking Association and other industry organizations told CARB that due to the economic recession, which hit the trucking industry especially hard, many truckers can not afford to purchase costly new trucks at this time.
Furthermore, reduced miles driven during the freight recession have probably reduced diesel emissions from trucking by about 20 percent, thereby relieving some of the urgency of early implementation of the regulation.
California Eyes Delay for On-Road Rule | Journal of Commerce

Gordon Trucking Helps to Bring Missing Children

In 2006, the Washington State Patrol approached Pacific, Wash.-based Gordon Trucking, asking if the carrier would participate in a program to get posters of missing children on the sides of its trailers. As a family business, Gordon Trucking jumped at the opportunity to help out local families in the Washington area, according to Steve Gordon, chief operating officer.
"As a locally owned and operated company, we were happy to help the state and the communities that Gordon Trucking serves," Gordon said. "Being a family business, it's a family cause. It really hit the right tone with us."
Gordon Trucking Helps to Bring Missing Children Home - Truckinginfo.com

Trucker trades Haul Road for farm

When I rode with Alaskan Haul Road driver George Spears in the summer of 2006, he was planning to retire in the next year or so. He managed to postpone that, and in the meantime "Ice Road Truckers" came calling.
Trucker trades Haul Road for farm - eTrucker
Overdrive Extra | Overdrive

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CCJ Innovators Summit 2010 (takes forever to load up)

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UPS...56.15...-0.57...-1.00%
FDX...78.55...-0.98...-1.23%
SAIA...12.04...-0.32...-2.59%
YRCW...0.56...-0.07...-11.00%

FDX--
Get Ready to Buy
AT&T: Bigger, Better, Faster | Business & Markets | Minyanville.com
2010's Biggest Week for Dividend Increases | Stockpickr | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
Obama Admires FedEx’s Smith Among CEOs Who Advise (Update1) - Bloomberg.com

UPS--
Warren Buffett's Priceless Investment Advice
2010's Biggest Week for Dividend Increases | Stockpickr | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com

SAIA--
Saia Honored With Lowe's 2009 Silver Award - Yahoo! Finance

YRCW--
Summary of YRC WORLDWIDE INC - Yahoo! Finance
YRC Worldwide, Senomyx: Early Volume Plays | Winners of the Day | Financial Articles & Investing News | TheStreet.com
YRC Worldwide gets a credit rating boost from Fitch - Kansas City Business Journal:
YRC Worldwide Introduces New Green Balance Calculator - Yahoo! Finance
YRC Worldwide gives customers a tool to calculate their carbon footprints - Kansas City Business Journal:

Wild Swings to End Week; Techs Gain

Stocks ended a volatile week with wild swings Friday as China's surprise tightening of its lending standards rattled global markets. Investors, keen to play the dips, hit up technology.
"It’s looked upon as the safe play," Steve Grasso, a trader at Stuart Frankel told CNBC. "So guys are pulling money out of things that they were unsure of — and that means everything else besides technology — and putting it back to work … in what they’re calling the old standby, which is technology.”
News Headlines

Dow Should Bottom at 9800: Market Pro

Stocks fell sharply on Friday as world markets were shaken over China's recent decision to tighten capital requirements for banks. Where are markets headed from this point? Bill Spiropoulos, chief executive of CoreStates Capital Advisors, shared his insights.
“We’re in the midst of a correction that we’ve been looking for since the middle of December,” Spiropoulos told CNBC.
News Headlines

Global Turmoil for Stocks Could Be Buying Opportunity

The tremors from Europe and China are sparking selloffs in stocks, but the turmoil could be setting up the US market for a strong buying opportunity, strategists say.
Stocks have wobbled through much of 2010, thanks in large part to worries about the debt crisis in Greece and other members of the European Union as well as China's recent efforts to slow its rapidly growing economy.
As those developments have prompted some nervous investors to sell stocks and lock in profits, others have moved in to take advantage of the market dips.
News Headlines

Lining Up To Sue Toyota

The Web sites are already up and running.
The lawyers are salivating.
And the big question is how much will Toyota [TM 77.05 1.05 (+1.38%) ] wind up paying in legal claims for the lawsuits it faces and will face as a result of its unintended acceleration problems?
Strange as it may sound, the damage may not be as great as you think.
The reason is because Toyota's greatest exposure will come in those cases where people died or were injured.
News Headlines

Tea-Party Optimism Beats Big-Govt Pessimism

The disconnect between Washington and the rest of the country has never been greater. Why can’t the political class in D.C. produce a fiscal product that voters, taxpayers, and investors are willing to consume?
According to the Washington Post, voters want smaller government and fewer government services by a large 58 to 38 percent margin.
Pollster Scott Rasmussen reveals that 61 percent of voters believe tax cuts help the economy, that 59 percent think tax cuts are a better job-creation tool than increased government spending, and that another 59 percent believe higher deficits hurt the economy.
News Headlines

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

 

[Slackdragon]

cool ford ..what is it a early 70s

 

[imported_River17]

cool ford ..what is it a early 70s

slackdragon

If not older F700

Here I found you a 1972 that was for sale last year for around $12,000