Technology
Commercial freight transportation businesses rely on data, intelligence, and novel solutions for operational efficiency. Transport Topics technology coverage investigates available technologies, real-world applications of business solutions, and the strategies necessary for advancement. News topics focus on the latest applied science, and issues range from autonomous vehicle and robotics innovations to management software, tracking and transparency, data analytics, blockchain, and the internet of things.
Electric Vehicle Sales Hit Critical Mark
Electric cars are smashing all kinds of records in the U.S. Their share of new cars exceeded 7% for the first half of the year, speeding past a critical tipping point for mass adoption.
Volvo Charts Customer-Focused Path for Zero-Emission Goals
GOTHENBURG, Sweden — Leaders from Volvo Trucks said they’re taking a customer-focused approach to achieving corporate goals for reduction of carbon emissions.
ATA Leader Chris Spear Presses Congress for AV Framework
WASHINGTON — Automated vehicles would gain greater adoption with a nationwide policy framework, Chris Spear, president of American Trucking Associations, told members of Congress on Sept. 13.
FHWA Offers $100 Million in Grants to Fix Broken EV Chargers
Up to $100 million in government grants is available for states and local governments to repair and replace broken electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Utility Trailer Teams Up With Germany’s Schmitz Cargobull
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. unveiled plans Sept. 11 for a joint venture with Germany’s Schmitz Cargobull Corp. that will be known as Cargobull North America.
Walmart Now Offers Late-Evening Delivery, Pickup
Walmart is now offering express home delivery until 10 p.m. on orders placed by 9:30 p.m. so that “last-minute needs are delivered to your doorstep just in time,” the company said.
Cashless Tolling Is Coming to Kansas Turnpike in 2024
A massive Kansas Turnpike Authority project will update its 1950s tolling system by replacing 21 toll plazas with overhead gantry cameras and transponder sensors.
California Governor Gets Bill on Humans in Autonomous Trucks
The California Senate passed a bill Sept. 11 mandating human drivers behind the wheel of autonomous trucks on state highways for at least the next five years. Will the governor sign it?
Amazon Service Lets Merchants Deliver to Physical Stores
Amazon.com Inc. is offering a new service that will let its 2 million merchant partners deliver inventory directly to physical retail stores and warehouses.
Nikola Truck Catches Fire During Testing
Nikola Corp. says one of its battery-electric big rigs experienced a “thermal incident” Sept. 8 during a test on the cause of recent fires that prompted a recall.