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.
Apple Expands California Self-Driving Test Fleet to 27 Cars
Apple Inc. has expanded its California self-driving test fleet to 27 vehicles as it accelerates efforts to catch up with competitors such as Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo.
Second US Safety Agency to Investigate Tesla ‘Autopilot’ Crash
A second federal safety agency has opened an investigation of an accident in which a Tesla car on “Autopilot” rammed into a parked fire truck.
Travelocity Founder Terry Jones Says Companies Must Innovate or Face Disruption
ATLANTA — In an era when technology is transforming many industries, companies must foster innovation to keep up with the pace of change, entrepreneur Terry Jones said in a speech to transportation leaders.
Massachusetts Creates Commission on Disruptive Technologies Like Self-Driving Cars
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Jan. 23 created the commission through an executive order and appointed his former chief of staff, Steve Kadish, as the chairman.
Self-Driving Car Crash Highlights Tricky Legal Question
General Motors is in a race to be the first company to mass produce self-driving cars, but a recent crash with a San Francisco motorcyclist has illustrated the tricky challenge of assigning blame when an autonomous vehicle gets in an accident.
Republicans Lament Absence of Trucking Policy in Autonomous Bill
WASHINGTON — Key Republicans on the Senate Commerce Committee, including the panel’s chairman, expressed concern over the absence of trucking policy provisions in legislation on autonomous vehicles awaiting a vote in the Senate.
Americans Warming to Self-Driving Vehicles, Survey Finds
U.S. drivers are still cautious — but they’re getting used to the idea of self-driving cars.
New Vehicles Tackle Challenges of Urban E-Commerce
Two entrepreneurs are introducing an autonomous vehicle and electric cargo bike designed to reduce the costs arising from the last-mile delivery and returns of e-commerce merchandise in urban areas.
Maine Gov. LePage Forms Panel to Examine Issues Related to Driverless Vehicles
Maine Gov. Paul LePage took a step Jan. 17 toward regulating a rapidly emerging automotive technology that in the not-too-distant future could find self-driving cars, trucks and buses operating on Maine roads.
Tesla Crash With Autopilot Triggers Safety Board’s Interest
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is gathering information about an accident involving a Tesla Inc. Model S sedan that rear-ended a firetruck on a freeway near Los Angeles on Jan. 22, the agency said.