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.
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.
How Autonomous Trucks Could Lead to More Driving Jobs, Not Fewer
Self-driving truck developer Uber Technologies Inc. predicts that transfer hubs for longhaul autonomous trucks will increase demand for local drivers, countering perceptions that automation will lead to widespread job losses in trucking.
Daimler Expects Heavy Spending on New Tech as Industry Shifts to Autonomous Driving
German automaker Daimler made lots of money last year. That’s a good thing, because the company says it will need to spend heavily this year to keep up with the technological change expected to disrupt the car industry.
Self-Driving Cars Need Humans Less and Less, California Data Shows
The robot cars test-driving on California roads seem to need their human overseers less and less.
UPS Seeks Driver ‘Flexibility’ in Contract Talks With Teamsters
Contract negotiations between UPS Inc. and the Teamsters Union began in January with the union and the package delivery firm taking a measured approach to reaching a deal before the July 31 deadline.