Technology

New York City and Los Angeles, worried that a Senate self-driving car bill would make them hand over control of their streets to the federal government, have found a powerful ally: Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Fifty truck drivers who were considering leaving their carrier decided to stay after using an anonymous smartphone-based system designed to improve communication between staff and management.

The Federal Highway Administration has withdrawn its rule that would have required state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to report year-over-year changes in carbon dioxide emissions on U.S. interstates and major highways.

General Motors Co. and the SoftBank Vision Fund are partnering to invest in GM Cruise to bring self-driving vehicles to market by next year, the company said May 31.

More fleets are requesting downsped engines that run at about 1,100 rpm at highway speeds, significantly slower than previous generations of diesels.

Tim Sylvester, CEO of Kansas City, Mo.-based Integrated Roadways, thinks his startup company’s “smart pavement” — bristling with sensors and the latest fiber-optic and wireless technology — could be a lifesaver in mishaps.

The California Air Resources Board has approved amendments to toughen state standards on heavy truck smoke opacity limits as well as require motor carriers with two or more trucks to report their annual smoke test results to the agency.

Virginia transportation officials have planned a series of meetings in June to gather public feedback as their study of the Interstate 81 corridor takes shape.

A bipartisan group of senators recently introduced a bill that would relax both electronic logging device and hours-of-service requirements for livestock haulers.

UPS Inc. will increase its over-the-maximum limits and the oversize pallet-handling surcharge to $650 from $500 beginning June 4.