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.
NTSB’s Homendy Expected to Be a Tesla Watchdog
Federal regulators last month officially opened an investigation into crashes involving Tesla Inc.’s Autopilot system. Jennifer Homendy, the new leader of the government’s transportation safety watchdog, hopes that’s just the beginning.
VTNA Plant to Be Supplied Using VNR Electric Trucks
LONG BEACH, Calif. — The Volvo VNR Electric, Volvo Trucks North America’s first commercially available battery-electric Class 8 vehicle, will be deployed on local logistics routes servicing the company’s New River Valley truck assembly operations in Dublin, Va., by the end of 2021, the company announced.
Shell, Meritor Make Case for Lower Emissions
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Shell and Meritor Inc. have withstood abrupt changes in an evolving transportation industry because of their ability to adapt to new technologies.
Dana Announces New HD, MD e-Axles
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Dana Inc. announced an expansion of its Spicer Electrified e-powertrain offerings to include a family of single and tandem e-axles designed for a variety of Classes 7 and 8 applications.
Navistar Launches Production on International eMV Series
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Navistar Inc. announced that its new, fully electric International eMV Series medium-duty truck is now in production, in four available wheelbase lengths.
WattEV Plans Solar-Powered Truck Stop
LONG BEACH, Calif. — WattEV Inc. is set to receive a $5 million grant from the California Energy Commission to build the state’s first solar-powered truck stop dedicated to heavy-duty electric trucks.
Run on Less — Electric Now on the Road
LONG BEACH, Calif. — The North American Council for Freight Efficiency, in partnership with RMI, provided an update on Run on Less — Electric, a three-week real-world demonstration with 13 vehicles performing zero-emission goods movement, during ACT Expo.
Hyliion Updates Hybrid eX Powertrain
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Hyliion Holdings Corp. announced an updated version of its Hybrid eX powertrain and is expected to begin shipping units in the latter part of 2021.
Allison to Supply E-Axles to Hino
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Allison Transmission Inc. announced its selection by Hino Trucks as its e-axle development partner for Classes 6-8 battery-electric trucks.
3G Cellular Network Sunsetting Raises Concerns in Trucking
While the timing is expected to vary, many wireless cellular providers plan to phase out or “sunset” their remaining 2G and existing 3G networks early next year, according to the Federal Communications Commission.