Technology

The Canadian Trucking Alliance is once again urging its members to support electronic onboard recorders.

Tracking systems to help fleets analyze the performance of the tires on their trucks and trailers have come of age — specifically the information age — and the data they compile can help carriers maximize every dollar spent on tires, according to manufacturers.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Transportation software company Sylectus, which primarily serves the expedited and truckload markets, said it is turning its attention to the flatbed sector.

Meritor Wabco Vehicle Control Systems recently introduced several new safety products, including a forward-looking lane-departure warning system and a roll-stability trailer system.

Supply chain technology firm Intermec Inc. reported a fourth-quarter loss of $21.6 million, or 36 cents per share, compared to a profit of $7.9 million, or 13 cents, a year ago.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will hear public comments at the Mid-America Trucking Show next month about the potential that drivers using electronic onboard recorders could be harassed by the carriers they drive for.

There were almost 20 times as many transportation applications available for mobile devices in 2011 as there were the year before, technology experts said.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said last week it will conduct research surveys of motor carriers, truckers and technology vendors in an attempt to meet a court requirement that electronic onboard recorders are not used to harass truck drivers.

Federal regulators said they plan to issue proposed rules this year covering stability control systems and speed limiters on heavy trucks, as well as establishing a national drug and alcohol clearinghouse for commercial drivers.

Green Energy Oilfield Services said it will take delivery of 60 Peterbilt 388 liquefied natural gas-powered trucks in April.