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.
Officials: Progress Continues on ELD Enforcement, Proposed HOS Changes
LAS VEGAS — Enforcement of the federal electronic logging device mandate is progressing, and regulators are working to finalize a proposal to add flexibility to driver hours-of-service rules, government and industry officials said.
Europe Floors It in Race to Dominate EV Batteries
Outside the German town of Arnstadt, workers for China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) are hustling to build Europe’s biggest electric-car battery plant.
February 19, 2020Omnitracs Targets Lower Hardware Costs, Faster Replacement Cycles for Onboard Tech
LAS VEGAS — Omnitracs is aiming to shorten the replacement cycle for onboard technology in the trucking industry, in part by driving down the cost of telematics hardware while easing the migration to new systems.
Outrider Gets $53 Million to Automate Truck Yards
Technology company Outrider closed out an early stage of financing with $53 million to automate truck yards, the company announced Feb. 19.
NFI Motivated to Move Forward on Electric
CHINO, Calif. — For-hire carrier NFI is planning broader adoption of electric Class 8 trucks after six months of testing the Freightliner eCascadia in Southern California, the company said.
Electric Trucks Must Reap Financial and Environmental Benefits, Execs Say
FONTANA, Calif. — The financial case must be just as sound as the environmental argument if electric trucks are to succeed in the marketplace, stakeholders said.
Rep. Sam Graves Highlights Push to Streamline Permitting Process
Policies aimed at expediting the permitting process related to big-ticket infrastructure projects would enhance connectivity along freight and commuter networks, Rep. Sam Graves, the top Republican on the House transportation panel, recently indicated.
Nikola’s Badger Pickup Truck Touts 600-Mile Range
Nikola Corp. announced a plan to build an electric pickup truck called the Nikola Badger with a maximum range of 600 miles at a yet-unnamed truck maker’s manufacturing facilities and with the other truck maker’s certified parts.
Technological Disruptions Bring Risk for Fleets
A systemwide update to GPS technology last year gave the trucking industry and other sectors a glimpse into how large-scale technological malfunctions can cause broad-based problems for businesses, but small-scale issues can be just as disruptive, experts said.
Improve Compliance with AI Cameras
Compliance is essential to how well a fleet operates. Unfortunately, recent statistics show alarming rates in several key areas including traffic law violations, health, and safety. Netradyne is combining artificial intelligence with cameras to tackle compliance through smart data analytics.
February 17, 2020