Autonomous

About Autonomous News...

Autonomous technologies now drive significant change in trucking and freight transportation. Transport Topics autonomous coverage provides a comprehensive look at that change. It provides the latest details on deployment concepts such as advanced driver-assist systems, transfer hubs, teleoperations, platooning and off-road automation and latest analysis of the companies who are manufacturing, adopting and investing in these technologies. Readers can follow the impact such deployment has on everything from policy and infrastructure initiatives to highway congestion, fuel consumption, fleet management, driver management and business investment.

Business, Government, Autonomous

Intermodal Drops 4.6% as Trucking Gains Loads

Intermodal volumes declined in the third quarter because truck prices are lower than a year ago and that has diverted business away from railroads, the Intermodal Association of North America reported.

Ari Ashe | Staff Reporter
November 14, 2016
Business, Safety, Autonomous

Cargo Thieves Feast on Thanksgiving Week; More Than $8.2 Million Stolen Since 2012

Thanksgiving traditionally is a time to spend with family, but it’s also a holiday when cargo thefts spike as criminals resort to sophisticated and coordinated strikes against the trucking and warehouse industry, experts say.

Ari Ashe | Staff Reporter
November 14, 2016
Business, Safety, Equipment, Autonomous

Heavy Cancellations Reduce October Net Orders to Fewer Than 14,000 North American Trucks

Net preliminary Class 8 truck orders in October fell below 14,000, but cancellations of previous orders that were removed from the books last month complicated the picture, analysts said.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
November 14, 2016
Government, Business, Safety, Autonomous

For-Hire Trucking Adds 3,000 Positions

For-hire trucking followed the nation as a whole, adding jobs in October, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
November 14, 2016
Government

DOT Seeking Applicants for FASTLANE Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking applicants for FASTLANE grants worth a total of $850 million for freight and highway projects, the department announced on Oct. 28.

October 31, 2016
Business, Autonomous

Otto's Beer Delivery Hailed as First Shipment by Self-Driving Truck

Otto announced Oct. 25 that one of its heavy-duty, self-driving trucks completed a 120-mile delivery for Anheuser-Busch InBev the week of Oct. 17 in what it called the world’s first shipment by a self-driving truck.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
October 25, 2016
Business, Autonomous

Hyperloop One Raises $50 Million, Dubai Port CEO Added to Board

Hyperloop Technologies Inc., a Los Angeles-based company building a futuristic transportation system, said it raised $50 million in convertible-debt financing and hired Uber Technologies Inc.’s former chief financial officer.

Sarah McBride | Bloomberg News
October 14, 2016
Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety, Autonomous

FMCSA Proposes Changes to Scoring System For Motor Carriers, Seeks Public Feedback

Federal trucking regulators are previewing proposals that would modify a program that measures the safety performance of motor carriers on the nation’s highways.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
October 10, 2016
Business, Safety, Government, Autonomous

FHWA Gives Go-Ahead to R.I.’s Plan That Allows for Truck-Only Tolling

Rhode Island can proceed with its controversial truck-only tolling plan after receiving the go-ahead from the Federal Highway Administration, the state’s Department of Transportation announced Oct. 5.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
October 10, 2016
Business, Autonomous, Technology

Panel Says Platooning Is Near, Driverless Trucks Far Away

LAS VEGAS — Advancements in trucking technology are paving the way for the industry to experience two-vehicle platoons soon, but the driverless heavy-duty trucks idea remains a distant vision, according to executives from leading firms in both industries.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
October 10, 2016