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.
FMCSA Formally Withdraws EOBR Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has formally withdrawn its regulation that would have mandated electronic onboard recorders for some carriers.
Ryder to Provide Two Services for ColdTech
Truck leasing and logistics company Ryder System has been awarded a contract to provide distribution and last-mile delivery.
May 14, 2012E&MU: Tire Makers Refine Compounds to Improve Durability, Mileage
Recent advances in rubber compounding processes have helped make tires more durable and fuel efficient, according to manufacturers who compare the techniques to the culinary arts.
May 14, 2012Opinion: Why an EOBR Mandate Is a Bad Idea
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration continues to be dead set on forcing every commercial vehicle in the United States to carry an electronic onboard recorder — better known as an EOBR — despite the device’s hefty price tag and general uselessness as a safety tool.
May 14, 2012Mobile Comm Systems Makers Add Upgrades
CINCINNATI — Qualcomm Inc., PeopleNet, Cadec Global and Descartes Systems Group all announced changes to in-cab mobile communications systems to give customers the ability to design custom programs and to extend data processing capabilities to tablets and other wireless devices.
May 7, 2012Few Execs See Natural Gas as Viable, Survey Finds
Fewer than 25% of trucking executives believe natural gas could become a viable alternative to diesel in the foreseeable future, a new survey found.
May 7, 2012Volvo’s ‘Mean Green’ Sets World Speed Record With Fastest Heavy-Duty Hybrid Vehicle
WENDOVER, Utah — Compared with the current land speed record of 763.035 miles per hour, 147.002 mph is not very fast. But that speed is now the world record for heavy hybrid vehicles, a mark set here last month by a Volvo Group-built truck known as Mean Green.
May 7, 2012EOBR Makers Expect Change in FMCSA’s Specifications
Federal regulators are likely to prescribe changes to electronic onboard recorder specifications when they issue a new rule mandating the devices for all carriers, in order to prevent driver harassment, according to companies that make EOBRs.
May 7, 2012Fleets’ Use of Anti-Rollover Systems Climbs as NHTSA’s Proposed Rulemaking Nears
With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration moving closer to announcing a proposed rulemaking focusing on preventing truck rollovers, fleets increasingly are choosing to install anti-rollover systems on their tractors and trailers, according to industry experts.
May 7, 2012Roadrunner’s First-Quarter Profit Grows
Roadrunner Transportation Systems’ first-quarter profit climbed to $7.9 million, or 25 cents a share, from $4.4 million, or 14 cents, a year ago.
May 4, 2012