Technology Briefs — March 6 - March 12
This briefing can be e-mailed to you every week. Just click here to register.The Latest Headlines:
- New Mexico Senate Approves Biodiesel Bill
- Dickinson Launches Online Maintenance Tool
- Massachusetts Extends Fast Lane Discounts
- IANA, T-Chek Set Fuel-Card Deal
- Dickinson Launches Online Maintenance Tool
New Mexico Senate Approves Biodiesel Bill
The New Mexico state Senate voted to require all diesel fuel sold to New Mexico drivers to contain 5% biodiesel as of July 2012, the Associated Press reported.The legislation — passed 19-14 Wednesday over the objections of Republican lawmakers — sets an earlier deadline of July 2010 for diesel fuel sold to state and local governments and public schools, AP said. It moves to the House for consideration.The bill was sought by Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson (D), who backed it as part of his clean-energy initiative, AP reported. Richardson is a possible 2008 presidential candidate. Supporters said biodiesel burns cleanly and efficiently, and its increased use would slow the growing dependence on foreign oil. Transport TopicsDickinson Launches Online Maintenance Tool
Dickinson Fleet Services said last month it launched a new online service to help fleets track maintenance.The service, called Webwrench, allows fleets to access preventive maintenance information on a real-time basis, said Ted Coltrain, Dickinson’s vice president. Fleets are paying closer attention to preventive maintenance schedules “to increase the longevity of their trucks,” he told Transport Topics.Fleets have used computer programs in the past to track maintenance, Coltrain said, but many would update only once a month.Customers using Webwrench can track repair histories and cost data for individual vehicles, or look at the fleet as a whole, Coltrain said.Fleets can use the software, he said, even if they do not use Dickinson for their maintenance contracts. Transport TopicsMassachusetts Extends Fast Lane Discounts
Motorists will continue to receive Fast Lane discounts at some Massachusetts Turnpike tollbooths for at least another month while the turnpike board researches whether it has the authority to end the program, the Associated Press reported.Motorists who use the state-issued Fast Lane electronic transponders receive a discount at the Allston-Brighton plaza and at the Sumner and Ted Williams tunnels, AP said.The turnpike board late last month voted unanimously to extend the discount program while it reviews its financial and legal options, AP said.Last year, the board recommended ending the discount, which costs the state about $12.2 million annually in revenue. Transport TopicsIANA, T-Chek Set Fuel-Card Deal
The Intermodal Association of North America has started a fuel card program for its members through an agreement with T-Chek Systems.Under the program, IANA members who sign up for the program will get a T-Chek card that can be used at more than 6,000 truck stops in the United States and Canada. Participants also can manage their fuel expenses by using T-Chek’s Web site.The program will allow IANA members to use 300 truck stops as part of a “premium network,” according to a statement. Drivers also will be able to get cash advances from these locations.IANA said a feature to be implemented in the future will allow members to use the card for maintenance and repairs.T-Chek is a subsidiary of transportation and logistics firm C.H. Robinson Worldwide, which ranks No. 9 on the Transport Topics Logistics 50 listing of the largest U.S. and Canadian logistics firms. Transport TopicsPrevious Technology Briefs
