Equipment, Business

Roadside Inspections, Food Safety Law Spur Increase in Tractor, Trailer Washes

Regular tractor and trailer washes are helping fleets stave off problems during roadside inspections, extend equipment life and improve public perception. In addition, new government regulations — particularly for food safety — are leading to an uptick in wash intervals and documentation.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
March 15, 2017
Technology, Business

Drive for the Prize

As the trucking industry continues to grapple with high driver turnover, some carriers are turning to performance-based rewards and technology-enabled “gamification” programs to increase driver retention and boost engagement.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
February 10, 2017
Equipment, Business

Materials and Design Changes Shed Weight From Class 8 Tractors

Equipment and component manufacturers are using new designs and materials such as aluminum to remove weight from Class 8 tractors, which helps fleets increase payload and maximize fuel efficiency.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
January 27, 2017
Business, Fuel

Nikola Hydrogen-Electric Design Called Trucking ‘Game Changer’

SALT LAKE CITY — Preparations are underway for the 2020 delivery of Nikola One, the hydrogen-electric Class 8 produced by Nikola Motor Co.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
December 12, 2016
Business, Fuel

Electric Class 8 Introduced

SALT LAKE CITY — Nikola Motor Co. displayed its Nikola One hydrogen-electric Class 8 tractor at its headquarters here.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
December 5, 2016
Business, Fuel

Nikola Reveals Class 8 Hydrogen-Electric Truck

SALT LAKE CITY — Deliveries of the Nikola One hydrogen-electric Class 8 tractor produced by Nikola Motor Co. will begin in 2020, and the company has moved forward with plans to design a day cab, called the Nikola Two. People in trucking said the technology has the potential to change the industry.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
December 2, 2016
Technology, Business

Dollars and Data

Today’s financial reporting software is allowing carriers to go well beyond simply tracking accounts payable and accounts receivable.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
November 18, 2016
Technology, Business, Safety, Government, Equipment

Fleets Use Technology to Track, Improve CSA Scores

Carriers are using a variety of technologies and in-house systems to help monitor and improve their scores under the federal Compliance, Safety, Accountability program.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
September 16, 2016
Technology, Business, Safety, Government, Logistics

Managing CSA

Despite the removal of Compliance, Safety, Accountability scores from public view late last year, many shippers and third-party logistics providers remain eager to track carriers’ safety performance, and technology providers are helping to fill that void.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
September 16, 2016
Equipment, Business

Female-Friendly Equipment Prevents Injuries, Improves Ease of Use, Drivers, Suppliers Say

To help attract and retain female drivers, a number of fleets and manufacturers are adding specialized equipment to help reduce injuries and minimize the amount of strength needed to complete certain tasks, which contribute to a better life on the road.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
August 11, 2016