Technology
Commercial freight transportation businesses rely on data, intelligence, and novel solutions for operational efficiency. Transport Topics technology coverage investigates available technologies, real-world applications of business solutions, and the strategies necessary for advancement. News topics focus on the latest applied science, and issues range from autonomous vehicle and robotics innovations to management software, tracking and transparency, data analytics, blockchain, and the internet of things.
Battery Maker Microvast Agrees to Merger With Tuscan SPAC
Battery maker Microvast Inc. will go public via a merger with blank-check company Tuscan Holdings Corp. in a deal that values the combined company at $3 billion.
Infographic: Ryder’s Foundation for a Successful Freight Brokerage
Globally, supply chains are facing unprecedented levels of disruption. As a result, shippers and carriers are challenged more than ever to keep goods moving while remaining profitable. While most brokerages point to technology as the key to achieving success, today’s setbacks have proven that technology alone isn’t enough.
Ryder Expands Truck, Trailer Sharing Service
Ryder System Inc. expanded its truck ride-sharing program into California, Tennessee and North Carolina, the company announced Jan. 27.
January 29, 2021Utility Makes 7-Inch Rear Impact Guard Standard
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. announced its dry vans, refrigerated vans and flatbeds produced after 2002 can be retrofitted with Utility’s now-standard 7-inch deep, horizontal ICC bumper in order to exceed all rear trailer-guard safety regulations.
January 29, 2021Automated Manual Transmissions Become Industry’s Popular Option
If a customer wants to drive one of the Class 8 trucks in Ryder’s commercial rental fleet, it will have to be one with an automated manual transmission, which shouldn’t be a problem because that’s what most customers want.
Tire Maintenance Involves Familiar Practices, New Technology
Heavy-duty truck tire maintenance is proof positive that a field can remain constant while constantly evolving. Many parts of the tire-changing process have remained static for decades. But fleets say new tire designs, tools and technologies are enhancing maintenance operations, especially for tire monitoring.
Keeping a Solid ADAS Foundation
Braswell: Despite the clear safety benefits and demonstrated reduction in frequency, severity and injuries in accident statistics, resistance remains to retiring older equipment because of reluctance or resistance to advanced driver assistance systems technologies.
State DOTs Find Alternative Solutions to Clearing Roads
States are working to decrease the amount of product needed to clear winter roads, implementing brine technology and adding corrosion inhibitors
Caterpillar Sees Housing Boom Leading 2021 Sales Recovery
Caterpillar Inc. fourth-quarter earnings beat analysts’ expectations as reopening economies stoked demand for its signature yellow machines. The company said it expects stronger year-over-year sales this quarter, led by construction industries.
Freight Transportation Undergoing Uneven Recovery, Panel Says
Trucking has already returned to pre-pandemic norms in many ways but there are still issues — including capacity — that are lagging behind, according to panelists at the SMC³ Jump Start 2021 conference on Jan. 27.
GM Sets Goal of Going Largely Electric by 2035
General Motors Co. has set a goal of making the vast majority of the vehicles it produces electric by 2035, and the entire company carbon neutral, including operations, five years after that.