Technology

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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.

Business, Technology, Equipment

Western Star Benefiting From Business Climate, Executives Say

YOUNTVILLE, Calif. – Booming demand for new Class 8 trucks and activity on the vocational side not seen since the late 2000s is lifting demand for Western Star trucks, company executives said.

Joe Howard | Executive Editor
July 24, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

Volvo VNL 300 Daycab Now Available With Cummins ISX12N Engine

Volvo Trucks North America announced its new Volvo VNL 300 daycab now is available with the Cummins ISX12N near-zero natural gas engine, providing an alternative fuel solution for pickup and delivery and regional-haul operations.

July 24, 2018
Business, Technology, Autonomous

Autonomous Firm Embark Raises $30 Million

Autonomous truck developer Embark Trucks raised $30 million in a funding round led by Sequoia Capital, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm. Embark has raised $47 million since its 2011 founding, according to Crunchbase, a platform for finding business information on public and private companies.

July 24, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment

Wabco Operating Income Climbs 35% in 2Q

Commercial vehicle supplier Wabco Holdings reported second-quarter operating income of $146.5 million, up 35% from $108.4 million in the same period a year ago. Earnings per share rose to $1.95, up 21% from $1.61.

July 20, 2018
Business, Technology

Mack Trucks, Lytx Expand Video Telematics Deal

Mack Trucks grew its relationship with video telematics firm Lytx Inc., offering a pre-wire option of its DriveCam and Video Services technology to buyers of Mack Granite Class 8 vehicles.

July 20, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment

Electrical Skills Are Critical

As an ever-increasing array of devices, motive power systems and technologies asserts itself into the trucking industry, cutting-edge electrical knowledge and skills will be absolute necessities for technicians to keep fleet equipment operating at peak efficiency.

Jack Legler | Technical Director, Technology & Maintenance Council
July 20, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment

The Complexities of Truck Collision Repair

Heavy-duty collision repair is becoming increasingly complex due to a variety of factors, including the conversion from steel to aluminum bodies, the changing componentry and design of trucks and the proliferation of onboard sensors.

July 20, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety

Class 8 Commercial Rigs Should Do Away With Mirrors

It’s time that Class 8 commercial trucks deployed high-tech cameras instead of the assortment of mirrors — rearview, down view and blind spot — found on today’s tractors.

Phil Romba | Contributing Writer
July 20, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment

OEMs Mixed on Turbo Compounding

Volvo Trucks North America says its D13TC engine’s turbo compounding unit will add 50 horsepower through waste heat recovery and will improve fuel efficiency by 7.5%. The com­pany believes the technology could reach the same level of market acceptance as its automated transmissions. But not every manufacturer believes turbo compounding is the best way to improve fuel efficiency.

July 20, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment

Taking a Look at Turbo Compounding

Much is being said and written about the role electric power will someday play in moving Class 8 vehicles down the road, but for the foreseeable future most trucks still will be powered by good old-fashioned internal combustion engines. And there is plenty going on to advance the technology that powers those engines.

Fran Matso Lysiak | Features Editor
July 20, 2018