Autonomous

About Autonomous News...

Autonomous technologies now drive significant change in trucking and freight transportation. Transport Topics autonomous coverage provides a comprehensive look at that change. It provides the latest details on deployment concepts such as advanced driver-assist systems, transfer hubs, teleoperations, platooning and off-road automation and latest analysis of the companies who are manufacturing, adopting and investing in these technologies. Readers can follow the impact such deployment has on everything from policy and infrastructure initiatives to highway congestion, fuel consumption, fleet management, driver management and business investment.

Business, Safety, Government, Autonomous

FHWA Gives Go-Ahead to R.I.’s Plan That Allows for Truck-Only Tolling

Rhode Island can proceed with its controversial truck-only tolling plan after receiving the go-ahead from the Federal Highway Administration, the state’s Department of Transportation announced Oct. 5.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
October 10, 2016

Daily Briefings from Transport Topics

Transport Topics has partnered with Spoken Layer to make one-minute daily briefings available on all your smart devices. Simply say “Alexa, play Transport Topics” or “Okay Google, talk to Transport Topics” to get the day’s biggest trucking headlines.

Business, Autonomous, Technology

Panel Says Platooning Is Near, Driverless Trucks Far Away

LAS VEGAS — Advancements in trucking technology are paving the way for the industry to experience two-vehicle platoons soon, but the driverless heavy-duty trucks idea remains a distant vision, according to executives from leading firms in both industries.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
October 10, 2016
Business, Autonomous

Otto Co-Founder Plans to Overhaul Industry, Beginning With Launch of Uber Freight

LAS VEGAS — A self-professed lover of robots, Anthony Levandowski has examined the trucking industry and found it wanting.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
October 10, 2016
Special Coverage, Business, Autonomous

Want to Be Profitable, Efficient? Embrace Technology, Data, Execs Urge

LAS VEGAS — More trucking companies will become efficient and profitable if they embrace new technology and big data analysis of industry trends, two technology startup executives told an audience at the Management Conference & Exhibition here on Oct. 4.

Ari Ashe | Staff Reporter
October 5, 2016
Government, Business, Safety, Fuel, Autonomous

Trucking, Oil Industry Groups Lose Challenge to Minnesota Biodiesel Mandate

A U.S. District Court judge in Minnesota has shot down an attempt by trucking, automotive and oil industry groups to abolish the state’s requirement that diesel sold at the pump contain at least 10% biofuel.

Mike Hughlett | Star Tribune
October 5, 2016
Business, Government, Autonomous

New Pension Proposal Surfaces; Won’t Fix Some Teamsters Funds

Draft legislation that’s intended to preserve retiree pensions has surfaced in the House of Representatives, but the proposal won’t offer any relief for about 400,000 Central States Pension Fund Teamsters who face an uncertain financial future.

Rip Watson | Special to Transport Topics
October 3, 2016
Business, Safety, Autonomous

ATA’s New Leadership to Share Vision for Federation at Annual Conference

This week’s annual Management Conference & Exhibition, hosted by American Trucking Associations, is expected to draw a record number of attendees, including industry leaders and some of the most influential federal regulators.

October 3, 2016
Business, Autonomous

Two-Truck Platoons Increasingly Realistic, NACFE Says

Commercial truck platooning is increasingly realistic, with key foundational technologies already in the marketplace and testing under way, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency said in a report issued Sept. 28.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
September 28, 2016
Business, Autonomous

Uber to Move Freight, Target Trucking for the Long Haul

SAN FRANCISCO — With its recent acquisition of self-driving truck startup Otto, Uber Technologies Inc. is plotting its entry into the longhaul trucking business, aiming to establish itself as a freight hauler and a technology partner for the industry.

September 28, 2016
Government, Business, Safety, Autonomous

Responses Mixed to Proposal for Pilot Program Involving Young Drivers

While the idea clearly has strong supporters, not everyone agrees that allowing young drivers behind the wheel of big rigs is either safe or a wise solution to one of trucking’s biggest headaches: the driver shortage.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
September 28, 2016