Technology Briefs - March 7 - March 13
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The Latest Headlines:
- Volvo to Boost Idle-Reduction Technology
- Michigan Eyes Tax Incentives for Biodiesel Use
- TransCore Gets Defense Dept. Certification
- Savi Technology Releases New RFID Container Tag
- Michigan Eyes Tax Incentives for Biodiesel Use
Volvo to Boost Idle-Reduction Technology
Volvo Trucks North America said last week it has been chosen to participate in a demonstration of mobile idle-reduction technology for heavy-duty trucks.Volvo will partner with the North Carolina Solar Center at North Carolina State University in a two-and-a-half-year program funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership.
Idle-reduction systems can reduce the amount of time trucks idle to provide power for cab heating or air conditioning, thus reducing emissions and diesel fuel consumption. Transport Topics
Michigan Eyes Tax Incentives for Biodiesel Use
Michigan House Republicans have highlighted legislation designed to boost the use of renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, the Associated Press reported.Recently introduced bills would provide tax incentives for buying gasoline that is at least 85% ethanol or diesel fuel that is at least 5% biodiesel.
That is higher than requirements passed in Michigan and Washington state, which are phasing in 2% biodiesel mandates.
In Michigan, the motor fuel tax would be 12 cents a gallon on alternative fuels, compared with the current 19 cents for gasoline and 15 cents for conventional diesel, AP said. Transport Topics
TransCore Gets Defense Dept. Certification
TransCore Holdings said last week that its GlobalWave data communication terminal was awarded Department of Defense certification for transporting DoD freight.The hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance, or Hero, certification acknowledges that the product has been stringently tested and proven safe around electrically initiated devices, TransCore said in a statement.
GlobalWave technology offers higher security and efficiency for performing logistics services such as tracking, reporting and messaging for DoD customers and provides new alternatives for fleet managers, the company said.
"Being certified is in essence a DoD seal of approval for safely transmitting information around sensitive loads,” said David Sward, TransCore's GlobalWave general manager. Transport Topics
Savi Technology Releases New RFID Container Tag
Savi Technology last week said it released a new low-profile version of its radio frequency identification tag for military and commercial container shipments in particularly harsh supply chain operating environments.The RFID container tag clamps onto the door of the container, enabling the electronics to be protected on the inside of the container while a plate on the outside contains an antennae that communicates with fixed or mobile reader networks.
The external plate also contains a beeper for audio alerts of the tag's location and status, the company said in a statement. Transport Topics
