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, Autonomous, TCA

Microsoft Joins Self-Driving Vehicle Development at Michigan Test Center

On a blustery spring day that showed exactly why Michigan’s range of weather is perfect for testing self-driving and connected vehicles, the American Center for Mobility formally opened and announced a far-reaching deal April 4 with Microsoft.

Mark Phelan | Detroit Free Press
April 5, 2018
Government, Business, Technology, Autonomous, TCA

Houston Joins Smart Cities Program to Prepare for Autonomous Vehicles

Houston will join 21 other cities in a national partnership aimed at addressing persistent transportation challenges as technology and mobility choices have planners rethinking how streets, sidewalks and private spaces interact.

Doug Begley | Houston Chronicle
April 5, 2018
Technology, Safety, Logistics, Top 50

Security Robot Cuts Crime for XPO

A security robot that XPO Logistics deployed at its Atlanta logistics facility has reduced incidents in the parking lot and the building’s exterior to zero in the first six months it has been monitoring the area.

April 5, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety, Editorial

Editorial: So Far, So Good for ELD Compliance

The adoption of federally mandated electronic logging devices has been a major transition for the trucking industry, but at this point it appears that most longhaul truckers are now using the technology to track their hours of service. While it’s still too soon to get a complete sense of where the industry stands with respect to ELD compliance, the early indications have been positive as enforcement tightens.

April 5, 2018
Government, Technology, Equipment, Safety

A Day at the Inspection Pit

Photos from Level I inspections in Virginia two days after the ELD mandate soft-enforcement period ended.

April 5, 2018
Government, Business, Technology, Autonomous, TCA

Self-Driving Cars Are On North Carolina Turnpike Authority’s Radar

The fatal crash involving an Uber self-driving car in Arizona last month has not dissuaded the North Carolina Turnpike Authority from urging companies to test autonomous vehicles on the Triangle Expressway in western Wake County.

Richard Stradling | The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)
April 5, 2018
Government, Business, Technology, Safety, Autonomous

Autonomous Vehicle Policy Legislation Awaits Senate Action

Legislation meant to facilitate the development of self-driving cars awaiting floor consideration in the Senate is among the measures on the chamber’s docket when senators return to Capitol Hill April 9 from the Easter recess.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
April 5, 2018
Government, Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety

Stoneridge Seeks FMCSA Exemption to Allow Camera Monitoring System

Stoneridge Inc. has requested an exemption to allow motor carriers to operate commercial motor vehicles with the company’s MirrorEye Camera Monitor System installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by federal regulations. Stoneridge said it has developed, tested and manufactured the digital camera system to improve safety by providing truck and bus drivers with an enhanced field of view.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
April 5, 2018
Government, Business, Technology, Autonomous

Transport Topics Wins Seven Azbee Business Publication Regional Awards

Transport Topics collected Azbee Awards of Excellence in seven categories — including gold for best website redesign — April 4 as 2018 winners were announced by the American Society of Business Publication Editors for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

April 4, 2018
Government, Business, Technology, Safety

A Day at the Inspection Pit: Truck Drivers Display ELD Compliance

DUMFRIES, Va. — Under gray skies on the cold morning of April 3, Sgt. Steve Vilbert of the Virginia State Police lay in wait on an Interstate 95 exit ramp ready to nab any truck driver who hadn’t installed an electronic logging device on his truck. Just two days after a soft-enforcement period for ELD usage had ended, history told Vilbert there could be some violators.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
April 4, 2018