Trucking in Central Ohio Expected to Benefit From Federal Smart City Program
Much of the focus of the federal Smart City grant money recently awarded to Columbus has been on alternative transportation development for humans. But the logistics business, which involves moving goods rather than people, also stands to reap benefits.
Smartphone apps to help direct truck traffic, data sharing and the testing of remote-controlled "truck platoons” in urban areas are among the developments that central Ohio businesses can look to tap into, according to presenters at an event sponsored by the Columbus Chamber’s Columbus Region Logistics Council at the law offices of Porter Wright in Downtown.
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In addition, speakers also noted the boost in image that has come from Columbus winning the millions in funding over competing cities such as San Francisco, Portland and Denver.
“I think it’s game-changing for the region,” said Dan Haake, a Columbus freight planning and policy expert who previously was principal planner at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC).
“Columbus has been on this effort to brand itself for at least 10 years, to shine nationally. I say, though, that everyone else is trying to be Columbus, even if they may not realize it. Everyone wants the kind of public-private partnership we already have.”
Ben Ritchey of CDM Smith, an engineering, construction and consulting firm, spoke about the test of a tractor-trailer truck “platooning” planned to take place between the intermodal cargo hub near Rickenbacker airport and the Morse Road area that is home to several major Columbus-based businesses. The partially automated trucks will be tested on a track at Ohio State University before moving to the road test along Alum Creek Drive.
Ritchey said truck platoons have mainly been discussed for rural areas so far, but could have major implications to reduce costs and streamline operations in more urban areas such as Columbus.
Jordan Davis attended the event as a representative of the Columbus Partnership, a leadership organization comprised of central Ohio CEOs. The Partnership oversees the Smart City Acceleration Fund, a pool totaling $90 million in cash, program commitments and new research activity from the private sector that has been pledged to leverage the $50 million in grants awarded to Columbus by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Vulcan Inc.
Davis said details will continue to evolve, but the partnership will be spearheading a series of private-sector programs related to spurring companies to adopt transportation alternatives for workers, carbon-reduction programs and the use of self-driving cars.
