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.
App-Enabled Freight Platforms Help Small Carriers Find Loads, Boost Efficiency
Large fleets typically have been the first to benefit from the spread of technology in trucking, but digital freight brokers are working to extend some of the same advantages to smaller carriers and independent drivers.
Elaine Chao Releases Updated DOT Autonomous Vehicle Guidelines
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Oct. 4 unveiled AV 3.0, the agency’s policy update of autonomous vehicle technology guidelines.
McLeod Expands Digital Freight-Matching Software
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — McLeod Software is expanding its digital freight-matching capabilities to help freight brokers and carriers move loads in a more efficient and increasingly automated fashion.
Platooning Tries to Move Past a Work in Progress
The head of Daimler Trucks has questioned, but not completely written off, the business case for heavy-duty truck platooning in light of other emerging technologies and fuel gains from new combination vehicles operating independently.
Nine Railroads May Not Qualify for PTC Deadline Extension, FRA Says
WASHINGTON — Nine railroads have demonstrated little progress with installing an automatic braking system, jeopardizing their chances to qualify for a Dec. 31 deadline extension to implement the system, the country’s top railroad regulator told a Senate panel Oct. 3.
New AI Tools Emerge For Social Media Marketing
New and promising artificial intelligence tools are beginning to emerge for trucking companies that market on social media and that are looking for a gem-like polish on their text as well as optimization of their campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other platforms.
FMCSA to Host Oct. 10 Listening Session on Potential HOS Rule Changes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will host another public listening session to discuss potential changes to its hours-of-service rules for commercial motor vehicle operators.
October 3, 2018The ELD Mandate, Part II
The compliance clock is ticking for fleets that still use automatic onboard recording devices rather than those that meet the new ELD specifications.
Daimler, Renault-Led Alliance Ready for Self-Driving, Mobility Cooperation
Daimler AG and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance see opportunities to collaborate on mobility offerings as well as connected and self-driving cars, a move that would push their partnership into new territory.
Trucking Technology Begins to Find Its Voice
Voice-activated digital assistants such as Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa are all the rage in consumer electronics right now, and some developers are beginning to apply this technology to the trucking industry to enhance safety and efficiency.