Safety

WASHINGTON — Autonomous technology meant to enhance freight connectivity could transform the country’s commercial landscape and improve safety, President Joe Biden’s nominee to oversee trucking regulations told a U.S. Senate panel Sept. 22.

The number of positive driver drug tests through August increased by nearly 13%, when compared with a year ago, according to a new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse summary report.

Aurora Innovation Inc., Paccar Inc. and FedEx Corp. launched a commercial pilot of autonomous trucking in Texas.

A key corridor in Orange County, Calif., is the recent recipient of additional federal funding assistance to expand highway access in the region, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced recently.

General Motors said Sept. 20 that production has resumed for battery modules used in recalled Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles, and customers could start getting replacement parts by mid-October.

FedEx Corp. plans to spend more than $100 million to improve delivery van safety and reduce costs from accidents, potentially dragging on short-term earnings as the courier faces pressure from rising wages and other expenses.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Federal officials said Sept. 17 they will investigate a fiery Tesla crash that left two people dead in South Florida.

CLEVELAND — For a second time, Christopher Tate of Mohawk Truck Inc. was named Grand Champion at TMCSuperTech. During his 16th year at the event, Tate claimed victories in two individual stations — fuel & lubes and suspension — and said with this victory he plans to retire from the competition.

Dozens of safety-minded organizations launched a national coalition aimed at reducing the deadly threat of distracted driving on the nation’s highways.

The Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA) has set up a fund to help its members who were victims of Hurricane Ida, the organization announced Sept. 8.