Ex-DOT Official Finch Fulton Joins Locomation

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Locomation hired former U.S. Department of Transportation official Finch Fulton to serve as its vice president of policy and strategy.

Based in Pittsburgh, Locomation offers a trucking technology platform that combines autonomous driving with driver augmentation. Fulton served as DOT deputy assistant secretary for transportation policy during the Trump administration.

“We are pleased to have Finch joining our fast-growing team,” said Locomation co-founder Cetin Mericli. “His unique experience leading the development of U.S. federal policy around automated vehicle technologies, pushing critical regulatory updates and safety standards and advising the secretary of transportation on all areas of innovation will be a great asset for Locomation.”

Fulton

Through Locomation’s Autonomous Relay Convoy technology, one driver pilots a lead truck while a follower truck operates in tandem through an autonomous system, allowing the follower truck driver to take a break and rest. The company expects this technology will produce an estimated 30% reduction in operating costs per mile and an 8% reduction in fuel expenses.

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During his time at DOT, Fulton’s work included efforts associated with emerging transportation technology. On Jan. 11, he unveiled the agency’s Automated Vehicles Comprehensive Plan, which outlines goals such as promoting collaboration, modernizing the regulatory environment and preparing the transportation system. In July, Fulton encouraged people to comment on DOT’s policy document titled “Pathways to the Future of Transportation.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the team,” Fulton said. “I have had the incredible opportunity to engage with all types of companies and business models changing the face of transportation. Locomation is in the perfect position to lead the way in developing a safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly transportation system for our country with a business model that makes sense for the customer.”

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