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.
Mercedes-Benz Unveils New Sprinter Van
The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van makes its first public appearance Feb. 6, 2018, at the vehicle's world premier in Duisburg, Germany. (Seth Clevenger/Transport Topics)
February 6, 2018Mercedes-Benz Debuts New Sprinter Van
DUISBURG, Germany — Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new Sprinter, a digitally connected, highly versatile vehicle that can be customized to fit a diverse range of applications, from last-mile delivery to construction work to passenger transport. (See video of unveiling)
DTNA Unveils DD8 Engine for Medium-Duty Lineup
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Daimler Trucks North America announced the addition of the Detroit DD8 diesel engine to its medium-duty lineup.
Self-Driving Car Firm Aurora Partners With Chinese Company to Hit the Road
A Silicon Valley startup created by some of the most notable names in self-driving cars is turning to a new Chinese automaker to put its technology on the road.
Waymo, Uber Trade Barbs in Court Over Trade-Secret Theft Suit
Waymo and Uber lawyers squared off in a federal court on Feb. 5 on the first day of a bombshell trade-secret theft case.
Embark Self-Driving Truck Completes Coast-to-Coast Test Run
A self-driving truck operated by tech startup Embark recently completed a test run from Los Angeles to Jacksonville, Fla., which the company hailed as the first coast-to-coast journey by an automated truck.
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.