Equipment

In the endless quest to make trailers lighter, sturdier and more thermally efficient, some trailer manufacturers are expanding their use of composite materials, which could offer the potential for a higher strength-to-weight ratio.

When Cummins Inc. invited industry journalists to the introduction of its X15, the new generation of its 15-liter truck engine, the event showcased not only the latest in heavy-duty truck engines, but also the evolution of transmission technology in trucking.

At Memphis International Airport, drones may soon be inspecting planes and delivering airplane parts for FedEx Corp. In Reno, Nev., they will test airlifting life-saving defibrillators to patients. And customers in Virginia could be awaiting Alphabet Inc.’s flying devices to get goods they ordered.

UPS Inc. plans to deploy a small fleet of futuristic, boxy-looking all-electric delivery trucks as part of a pilot program in London and Paris by the end of this year.

Uber believes its self-driving software that chooses how to react when it detects objects in the roadway is the cause behind a fatal collision between one of its vehicles and a pedestrian.

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Roush CleanTech unveiled its all-electric technology in a Ford F-650, marking an expansion of its alternative-fuel market beyond propane autogas and compressed natural gas.

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Solar technology provider eNow unveiled a 53-foot refrigerated trailer with solar panels mounted on its roof, calling it the first such all-electric solar-based refrigeration system to be deployed.

Class 8 orders in April cleared 34,000, while the swollen backlog from months of strong demand kept them from going even higher, according to ACT Research Co., and others pointed to a parts supply chain under strain.

FRISCO, Texas — The nation’s first self-driving car service for the public will begin here in July.

Paccar Inc. declared a 12% increase to the regular quarterly cash dividend.