Technology

Rand McNally Co., Skokie, Ill., said it has introduced a software upgrade for its IntelliRoute TND 510 truck GPS unit, which includes updated map data and additional trucking points of interest.

The texting ban for Ohio drivers took effect Aug. 31, the Associated Press reported.

Trimble Navigation said Monday it has signed an agreement to acquire TMW Systems for $335 million, bringing the transportation software provider together with PeopleNet Communications Corp., which Trimble purchased last year.

The top truck technicians from across the country will put their skills to the test at the 2012 SuperTech competition, scheduled for Sept. 10-13 in Pittsburgh.

The U.S. Department of Transportation last week launched a test to determine if trucks, cars and buses equipped with wireless devices that allow the vehicles and highway infrastructure to “talk” to each other will prevent crashes, and whether such connected vehicle technology should be required on all vehicles.

I feel like I’m the only truck operator who believes the feds are trying to control every facet of my life. It’s not just that electronic onboard recorders or EOBRs or whatever you call them are an intrusive invasion into my company and our drivers’ lives.

Bill Graves, president of American Trucking Associations, urged the Department of Transportation to quickly begin a rulemaking process that would mandate electronic logging devices on all trucks.

MINNEAPOLIS — Xata Corp. announced last week it changed its name to XRS Corp. and unveiled its next-generation platform focused on mobile devices rather than hard-wired, on-board computers.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has pushed back the deadline for public comment about changes to the hours-of-service rules for oilfield haulers.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — PeopleNet Communications Corp. unveiled three new products here, including a critical events alert system for the iPad to give customers additional mobile communications options.