Technology Briefs - May 16 - May 20
The Latest Headlines:
- Bentley Systems Wins Caltrans Contract
- Old Dominion Freight Line Implements Aether Technology
- IBM Develops Ultra-Fast Transistor
- Verizon Wireless Launches Phone Internet Plan
- Calif. Transit Firm to Offer Fuels Testing
- Fla. Highway Patrol, Verizon Wireless Team Up
- BestTransport.com Suite Used at Greif Bros. Plan
- IBM Develops Ultra-Fast Transistor
Bentley Systems Wins Caltrans Contract
Bentley Systems Inc. has won a contract from the California Department of Transportation to provide a fully integrated information system to issue permits and determine routes for oversized and overweight vehicles.In announcing the contract Monday, Greg Bentley, chief Executive Officer of Bentley, said the company’s advanced routing and permitting system relies upon roadway design and transportation system content created with Bentley's MicroStation and other engineering products.
Bentley Systems is based in Atlantic City, N.J.
The permit office can automatically analyze the permit applications and assure that the carriers comply with the state's laws dealing with oversized loads. Transport Topics
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Click here for the press release.)
Wireless handheld units will allow Old Dominion to track packages and product delivery, receive pick-up notification and information about emergencies or delays. The company decided to implement the services after a successful trial period.
Aether Systems, Inc. is based in Owings Mills, Md.
Based in High Point, N.C., Old Dominion is ranked No. 34 on the 2000-2001 Transport Topics 100 list of the largest trucking companies in the United States. Transport Topics
(Old Dominion Freight Line Implements Aether Technology
Less-than-truckload carrier Old Dominion Freight Line is to equip all 1,700 members of its fleet with Aether wireless services, Aether said Monday.
IBM Develops Ultra-Fast Transistor
International Business Machines Corp. said Monday it used a carbon nanotube -- a tiny cylindrical structure made up of carbon atoms that is about 100,000 times thinner than a human hair -- to make a transistor that outperforms the fastest of today's silicon-based electronic switches, Reuters reported.Trucking – like most industries – relies on computers to successfully run most business functions.
IBM is now confident commercial microchips will one day be made out of carbon nanotube transistors. The carbon nanotube is the strongest fiber in nature and 10 times stronger than steel.
Chips are used in everything from large corporate computers to handheld computers and cell phones, but scientists expect in the next 10 to 15 years it will no longer be possible to improve on chips using silicon. Transport Topics
Verizon Wireless Launches Phone Internet Plan
The largest wireless phone company in the United States said Monday it was unveiling a new, flat-rate plan in June that would allow customers to check their e-mail and surf the Web from their mobile phones and other handheld devices.Wireless phones have become very popular with truckers because of their cost and ease of use.
The plan, which will start June 1 in 29 U.S. cities, will allow customers to pay for unlimited wireless Internet access, or purchase chunks of minutes like a regular cellular phone plan.
Verizon unveiled its plan as its rival Sprint PCS Group is preparing to launch a similar service sometime this summer, Reuters reported. Transport Topics
(Click here for the full press release.)
Calif. Transit Firm to Offer Fuels Testing
SunLine Transit Agency, a provider of public transportation, Friday announced plans to operate a testing facility for alternative fuels programs.With fuel one of its major cost items, the trucking industry maintains an interest in alternative fuels programs.
The company has been operating an all compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet since 1994, and has beta-tested equipment ranging from new CNG engines to ozone-reducing catalysts, the company’s press release said.
Based in Thousand Palms, Calif., SunLine currently tests a variety of advanced transportation technologies as it operates public transit services with its subsidiaries SunBus, SunDial and SunLink.
An affiliated organization, Sunlight Services Group, which provides non-transit services, including alternative fuels programs, will operate the Beta Test Center. Transport Topics
(Click here for the press release.)
Fla. Highway Patrol, Verizon Wireless Team Up
The Florida Highway Patrol and Verizon Wireless said this month they have teamed up to promote safer use of cellular phones in the state, online media outlet Newstream.com reported.Cell phones have become increasingly popular with truckers because of their low cost and ease of use.
The new campaign will feature numerous educational and informational components, the two groups said, as well as the free distribution of $100,000 in hands-free headsets, Newstream.com said.
Billboards, public service announcements and FHP events will all be used by the groups to get the word out about wireless phone safety. Transport Topics
BestTransport.com Suite Used at Greif Bros. Plant
Greif Bros. Corp. Monday launched a new suite of logistics products aimed at saving paperwork, time and money at its Lavonia, Ga. facility.The software, developed by BestTransport.com, Inc. aids in transportation procurement for Greif Bros., which manufactures industrial shipping container products. The Lavonia facility produces intermediate bulk containers.
BestTransport.com is based in Columbus, Ohio. Transport Topics
