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.
Kenworth, Toyota Partner to Develop 10 Hydrogen-Electric Trucks
LAS VEGAS — Kenworth Truck Co. and Toyota are collaborating to develop 10 hydrogen-electric tractors for drayage operations in the Los Angeles basin, the companies announced.
Wise Systems Closes $7 Million Series A Round
Wise Systems, an autonomous dispatch and routing software provider for delivery fleets, has raised $7 million in its Series A round, according to a Dec. 6 press release.
January 10, 2019Ford’s Global Cost Purge Hits Europe With Thousands of Job Cuts
Ford Motor Co. said it will cut thousands of jobs, weed out slow-selling variants and potentially close entire factories in Europe, as the carmakers’s global cost-cutting drive targets a region that has been a drag on earnings for years.
TransForce Acquires Drive360 Logistics
TransForce Inc., a Virginia-based recruiting and employment solutions provider specializing in quality commercial truck drivers, has acquired Drive360 Logistics.
January 9, 2019TransCanada to Be Rebranded TE Energy in Second Quarter
TransCanada Corp. is taking the Canada out of its name. The Calgary, Alberta, firm that was created in 1951 as TransCanada Pipelines Ltd. to bring natural gas to eastern Canada from Alberta, will change its name to TC Energy in the second quarter.
AAA Acquires Nation’s Largest Autonomous Vehicle Test Site
The largest autonomous vehicle test site in the United States has been acquired by AAA of Northern California, Nevada and Utah, one of the most familiar car-club brands in the country.
Michigan DOT Opens Public Comment Period on Transportation Plan
Michigan Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on the state’s plan to develop transportation goals for the next 25 years. The long-range plan, dubbed Michigan Mobility 2045, will establish transportation priorities.
Retailers Turn to Logistics Providers to Help Manage Returns Process
For online retailers, one of the challenges with the reverse logistics process is knowing what to do once items are returned. Some products could be returned to a finished goods warehouse whereas defective ones could go to a location to refurbish or recycle the product.
Drone Company Flytrex Closes $7.5 Million Series B Round
Drone-delivery technology company Flytrex announced it has raised $7.5 million in Series B funding, according to a Jan. 8 press release. This round brings the company’s total to $11 million.
January 8, 2019Logistics Companies Aim to Ease Returns, Keep Costs Low Amid E-Commerce Rise
As the continued rise of e-commerce increases the number of product returns, retailers and shippers are working to ease the returns process to boost customer satisfaction. They’re doing so by turning to logistics providers for technology and services that can optimize their reverse logistics networks and keep costs low.