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.
Survey: US Manufacturers Say Autonomous Trucks Could Cut Costs
Manufacturers could save nearly 30% of their total transportation costs through 2040 if autonomous, longhaul trucking is aggressively adopted, according to an analysis of a new survey of U.S. manufacturers by PwC and the Manufacturing Institute.
February 6, 2018BNSF Joins Group Aiming to Use Blockchain in Freight
BNSF Railway, which is owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc., said Feb. 5 that it has joined the Blockchain in Transport Alliance, a group of more than 200 freight and logistics companies that are exploring how to use the digital-ledger technology in their industry.
February 5, 2018Florida Software Firm Optym’s Algorithms are Quietly Transforming Logistics
Optym, founded by President and CEO Ravi Ahuja, considers real life transportation problems, formulates them as mathematical models with large number of variables (often in millions), solves them through sophisticated proprietary algorithms, and then packages the algorithms into commercial-grade software solutions.
Capitol Agenda for the Week of Feb. 5: Country Club Builder
Building hotels, resorts and country clubs isn't the same as building roads and bridges, according to one transportation policy expert. A look at the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.
BNSF Announces $3.3 Billion CapEx Program in 2018
BNSF Railway Co. plans to invest $3.3 billion in capital expenditures in 2018, including $2.4 billion in maintenance projects, according to a budget outline that roughly matches the same spending as 2017.
February 5, 2018Odyssey Logistics Opens Houston Innovation Center
Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corp. opened an engineering technology center in Houston, a key market for many of the products that the company helps to transport.
February 2, 2018Port of Virginia to Introduce Appointment System on March 1
The Virginia Port Authority is launching an online trucker appointment system at Norfolk International Terminals beginning March 1, a decision port officials hope will shorten turn times.
Canada Wants Electric, Driverless Cars to Factor in NAFTA
Canada wants North American automakers to get extra credit for making cars more environmentally friendly or able to drive themselves as negotiators try to bridge one of NAFTA’s sharpest divides.
Descartes Acquires Aljex to Broaden Freight Broker Capabilities
Descartes Systems Group acquired Aljex Software Inc. for $32.4 million, a move that expands the Waterloo, Ontario-based tech company’s services for freight brokers and carriers.
House Panel Schedules Hearing on Positive Train Control
The status of automatic braking technology implementation will headline a Feb. 15 hearing of the Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee in the House, the panel’s chairman announced.