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.
SaferWatch Adds CarrierLists to Service Offerings
SaferWatch, a provider of motor carrier licensing, insurance and safety data, has agreed to partner with CarrierLists to supply information about carrier capacity and freight-hauling preferences of truck operators.
May 4, 2018Toyota to Build Autonomous Vehicle Testing Site in Michigan
Toyota announced plans May 3 to build its own autonomous vehicle testing site within the Michigan Technical Resource Park, a privately operated automotive proving grounds.
Speeders More Likely to Practice Other Unsafe Behavior
Truck driving video analysis firm SmartDrive Systems reports that drivers who speed are three times more likely than their nonspeeding peers to practice unsafe following distances, 45% more likely to be in a near collision and 2½ times more likely to be distracted while driving.
May 4, 2018Minnesota Safety Officials Look to Driverless Vehicles to Reduce Fatalities
The late snowfalls in Minnesota this year might help autonomous vehicle developers save lives.
Lyft to Put Fleet of Driverless BMWs to Work in Las Vegas
A fleet of 30 driverless BMW 5 Series vehicles is about to hit the streets of Las Vegas.
Anheuser-Busch Orders 800 Nikola Hydrogen-Electric Trucks
Anheuser-Busch announced it has placed an order for up to 800 hydrogen-electric powered heavy-duty trucks from Nikola Motor Co. as the beverage company moves to convert its entire longhaul dedicated fleet to renewable-energy powered trucks by 2025 — underscoring how trucks can support broader corporate sustainability goals.
Profit, Revenue Grow at XPO as It Invests in Tech
XPO Logistics Inc. reported on May 2 that its first-quarter results vaulted more than 100%, stemming from the heightened demand from domestic freight and last-mile delivery.
Tech Vendors Offer Help to Reduce Driver Delays
CINCINNATI — Tight capacity and new electronic logging requirements are forcing shippers to explore new ways to minimize detention time for truck drivers, but technology suppliers attending the National Private Truck Council’s annual Education Management Conference and Exhibition here are ready to help.
NACFE Issues Guidance Report on Battery-Electric Trucks
LONG BEACH, Calif. — The North American Council for Freight Efficiency issued its first guidance report that details the impact on the commercial-vehicle sector of battery-electric trucks — an emerging technology that is prompting interest, investments and questions.
German Electric Carmakers Pose Threat to Tesla
Major German carmakers are rolling out stylish, sporty electric vehicles in the mold of Tesla's Models S, X and 3. Unlike Tesla, they have roughly a century of experience launching models every few months and can spread development costs across a broad portfolio.