Technology Briefs — April 10 - April 16
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• IAS Reaches Agreement for Turn-By-Turn Service
• S.C. Port Sets Air Cleanup
• Automakers File Suit on Global Warming Rules
IAS Reaches Agreement for Turn-By-Turn Service
Technology tracking company International Asset Systems said it has reached agreement with several major container shipping lines for commercial deployment of its new turn-by-turn service to match supply and demand for empty containers.
The company said its InterTurn system will be used by shipping lines CMA CGM, Mediterranean Shipping Lines and U.S. Lines.
Launched in early March, the system can reduce ocean carriers’ gate fees cost, storage charges and terminal handling fees, IAS said.
The system can also help trucking companies avoid long waits at terminal gates to wait for containers, the company said. Transport Topics
S.C. Port Sets Air Cleanup
The South Carolina State Ports Authority announced a partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control under which it will begin a voluntary effort to reduce port-related air emissions.
The two organizations in late March signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate and implement means to cut emissions at the port’s existing and future facilities and improve air quality in the Charleston region, according to a statement.
Under the agreement, the ports authority will conduct an emissions inventory of existing facilities within 18 months and evaluate the use of fuels, such as biodiesel and ultra-low-sulfur diesel, at the Port of Charleston.
DHEC also will designate an individual to coordinate air-quality consultation for new and existing port facilities, the ports authority said. Transport Topics
Automakers File Suit on Global Warming Rules
General Motors Corp. and other automakers have asked a federal judge in Vermont to block emissions reduction rules, in the first trial over states’ rights to regulate pollutants linked to global warming, Bloomberg reported.
In opening arguments last week in Burlington, Vt., attorneys for GM, the world’s largest auto maker, DaimlerChrysler, the world’s largest truck maker, and two auto industry trade groups said Vermont rules forcing 30% cuts in carbon dioxide and other emissions would increase prices and are preempted by federal law, Bloomberg reported.
The trial began eight days after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered Bush administration environmental officials to reconsider their refusal to regulate emissions linked to global warming. (Click here for previous coverage.)
Automakers say the rules will cost jobs, reduce car sales and do little to improve air quality. They accuse states of trying to set fuel economy standards, an area over which the federal government has sole authority, Bloomberg reported. Transport Topics
