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, Autonomous

Study: Crash Data Flawed

Safety regulators do not have a foolproof path to follow for quickly assessing fault in crashes and then using those judgments to predict future risk among trucking companies, according to a study released last week by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

January 26, 2015

TT Podcasts: RoadSigns

Check out Transport Topics' updated Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America, and explore how the industry's top players have adapted to a tough freight market and are preparing for the future.

Business, Fuel, Logistics, Government, Autonomous

Diesel Average Falls Below $3 for First Time Since Sept. 2010

For the first time since September 2010, the national retail average price for a gallon of diesel fuel is below $3 a gallon, which means trucking executives are both spending less money and pulling in less revenue as fuel surcharge receipts dwindle.

January 26, 2015
Business, Autonomous

History Guides Fleets’ Engine Oil Choices; Many Still Prefer Heavier-Weight Blends

Decisions about which engine oil fleets run in their trucks are based on everything from past experience to everyday convenience, but those choices can affect the long-term performance of the equipment, service and manufacturing representatives said.

January 26, 2015
Business, Safety, Fuel, Autonomous

FMCSA to Address Uptick in Crashes in North Dakota’s Bakken Oil Region

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it is addressing an increasing and disproportionate number of fatal large truck-involved crashes in North Dakota’s Bakken oil field counties.

January 26, 2015
Government, Business, Safety, Autonomous

Secretary Foxx’s Advice to Mayors: Get to Know Your Member of Congress

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx told mayors from around the country that if they are looking to advance public works projects in their municipalities that help trucking and other sectors they need the support from their members of Congress.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
January 23, 2015
Government, Business, Fuel, Safety, Autonomous

House Transportation Leader: ‘Don’t Believe the Votes Are There’ For Gas Tax Increase

WASHINGTON — Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairman of the transportation policy committee in the House, said there is not enough congressional support to approve an increase of fuel taxes to pay for infrastructure projects vital to the trucking industry.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
January 22, 2015
Government, Business, Safety, Autonomous

Obama to Congress: ‘Pass a Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan’

In his State of the Union address Jan. 20, President Obama sought to reassure Americans that his administration is determined to finance big-ticket infrastructure projects with Congress’ help to boost key industries such as trucking and construction. 

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
January 20, 2015
Government, Business, Autonomous

Wash. DOT Unveils Software to Help Truckers Avoid Low Bridges

Truck drivers planning their routes in the Evergreen State now have access to information online to help them avoid bridges that are too low for their vehicles to clear.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
January 20, 2015
Business, Government, Safety, Autonomous

Mexican Trucks OK for US Roads Based on Safety Data, Foxx Says

The United States will grant operating authority to longhaul Mexican carriers that meet the financial and operating standards for U.S. truckers, the Department of Transportation announced, three months after a pilot program for such carriers ended.

January 19, 2015
Business, Autonomous

Truck Sales Hit 8-Year High

Heavy-duty truck sales surged in December to their highest level in eight years, putting an exclamation point on the best year for new equipment purchases since 2006, WardsAuto.com reported.

January 19, 2015