Technology Briefs — Dec. 27 - Jan. 2

This briefing can be e-mailed to you every week. Just click here to register.The Latest Headlines:

• Tech Firm Trimble to Buy AtRoad for $417 Mln.
• Trailer Bridge Joins EPA SmartWay Program
• CN Gets RFID-Based Chassis Tracking System

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Tech Firm Trimble to Buy AtRoad for $417 Mln.

Technology firm Trimble, which provides a variety of applications to help fleets manage resources in the field, said it signed an agreement to acquire AtRoad Inc. for $417 million.The deal, expected to close during the first quarter, will allow Trimble to add more subscribers that use mobile resource management by taking advantage of AtRoad’s software.“The anticipated growth rates for MRM make this combination an attractive addition to the Trimble portfolio,” said Steven Berglund, president of Trimble.The MRM market could grow to $2.6 billion, more than double the current level of $1.2 billion, according to a study from the consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.AtRoad said the deal is expected to help reduce compliance costs associated with the corporate accountability law by eliminating redundant staff. Transport Topics

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Trailer Bridge Joins EPA SmartWay Program

Trucking and marine freight service provider Trailer Bridge said Thursday it joined the SmartWay Transport Partnership, collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the freight transportation industry to raise energy efficiency and decrease pollution and greenhouse gases.The company said it has agreed to measure and set goals to improve the environmental performance of its tractors, encourage shippers to consider participation in the program and track its performance toward meeting those goals.Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay program aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year. Transport Topics

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CN Gets RFID-Based Chassis Tracking System

Bell Canada, working with RFID specialist Symbol Technologies, has delivered an integrated radio frequency identification-based asset-tracking system to rail carrier CN, for its Brampton, Ontario, intermodal terminal.The RFID system enables CN to manage incoming and outgoing truck chassis wirelessly, the companies said. The Brampton intermodal terminal is said to be the largest of its kind in Canada. CN records identification numbers automatically as the tagged chassis pass through the Brampton entry-exit gates. Previously, identification numbers were recorded manually, sometimes resulting in errors.CN said it is considering RFID for its other intermodal terminals in Canada. Transport TopicsPrevious Technology Briefs