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.
Truck Hits Autonomous Shuttle on Launch Day
A self-driving shuttle in downtown Las Vegas was involved in a minor wreck Nov. 8, the first day of a yearlong trial period.
Uber Says It Will Bring Its Flying Taxis to Los Angeles in 2020
In just over two years, Uber says it will let commuters soar over Los Angeles’ snarled traffic in flying taxis.
Paper Logs Can Ease ELD Transition, FMCSA Officer La Tonya Mimms Says
KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Drivers bracing for the upcoming electronic logging device rule should practice driving with the new units and old-fashioned paper logs, according to La Tonya Mimms, transportation specialist with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
A $290,000 Robot-Car Is French Startup’s Answer to GM, Waymo
Navya Technologies SAS will roll its robot-driven automobiles onto the cobbled streets of Paris in the next few weeks to try and beat behemoths from General Motors Co. to Alphabet Inc. at proving autonomous cars are safe.
Alphabet Launches the First Taxi Service With No Human Drivers
For almost a decade, self-driving cars have graced public roads — but always with a person behind the wheel. Now Waymo is yanking the driver.
November 7, 2017Brake Safety Day Leaves 14% of Trucks Out of Service for Violations, CVSA Says
Roughly one out of every seven trucks and buses inspected during a one-day special brake safety law-enforcement effort in September was placed out of service for brake-related violations, according to the group that coordinated the inspections.
First Self-Driving Shuttle on Public Roads to Launch in Las Vegas
On Nov. 8, Las Vegas residents and visitors will get a chance to hop on the country’s first autonomous shuttle to operate on public roads, thanks to a partnership with AAA.
UPS, Coyote Join Blockchain in Trucking Alliance
UPS Inc. announced Nov. 7 it has joined the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance to assist in creating industry standards and protocols to enable blockchain platforms to operate together with established technologies.
November 7, 2017Self-Driving Cars Could Save Lives Even Before They’re Perfected, Report Says
Putting self-driving cars on the road sooner rather than later could save hundreds of thousands of lives, according to a report released Nov. 6 by Rand Corp., a Santa Monica policy research nonprofit.
Pre-Heaters Enable Reliable Engine Starts in Cold Weather
Diesel-fired engine pre-heaters can help ensure reliable engine starts in cold-weather conditions while reducing engine wear, preventing service calls and boosting driver satisfaction, fleets said.