Volkswagen AG has started testing five electric and highly-automated versions of its Golf compact cars on the streets of Hamburg, Germany.
April 3, 2019Technology
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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.
Business, Technology, Autonomous
Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg News
VW Joins BMW in Testing Self-Driving Cars on German City Streets
Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg News
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.
February 1, 2019
Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety
Ryan Meppelink shows off his skills at an industry show. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
20-Year-Old Technician Ryan Meppelink Prepares for International Competition
Ryan Meppelink shows off his skills at an industry show. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Ryan Meppelink, a 20-year-old student from Zeeland, Mich., has been fascinated with all things mechanical since he was 14.
April 2, 2019
Government, Business, Technology
A fuel truck is paired with a helicopter at a job site. (Kenworth.com)
FMCSA Receives Two More Petitions for HOS Exemption
A fuel truck is paired with a helicopter at a job site. (Kenworth.com)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has received requests for exemption from hours-of-service rules from a trade group representing waste haulers and a business that provides ground support for helicopters.
April 2, 2019
Technology, Equipment
The 2014 Kenworth W900L that won the people's choice award. (Stars and Stripes)
MATS Truck Awards: People’s Choice, Best of Show Winners Announced
The 2014 Kenworth W900L that won the people's choice award. (Stars and Stripes)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The most tricked-out trucks competed at the 2019 Mid-America Trucking Show, and six came away with the big prizes known as “Best of Show,” with another three winning in the dump category at an awards ceremony March 30.
April 2, 2019
Government, Business, Technology, Safety
Tim Boyle/Bloomberg News
NHTSA Probing Hyundai, Kia for Cars That Catch Fire
Tim Boyle/Bloomberg News
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating some 3 million U.S. vehicles made by Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. after thousands of complaints that the vehicles went up in flames even without being involved in a crash.
April 2, 2019
Business, Technology, Fuel
Jasper Juinen/Bloomberg News
Shell to Leave Oil Lobby Group Over Climate Policy Concerns
Jasper Juinen/Bloomberg News
Royal Dutch Shell Plc’s position on climate change is misaligned with about half of the trade associations it’s a part of, and the company says its disagreement with one is so severe that it will let its membership lapse next year.
April 2, 2019
Business, Technology, Logistics
Odin Jaeger/Bloomberg News
Tesla Quarterly Sales Announcement Could Come With a Surprise
Odin Jaeger/Bloomberg News
Tesla Inc. will announce this week how many cars it built and sold for the quarter. It’s always a day of suspense for investors, especially after a tumultuous 2018 in which production tripled while managing to fall short of dramatic targets set by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. This time around, there could be another surprise.
April 1, 2019
Government, Business, Technology, Safety, Logistics
“We’re very much aware of the hardship that these inflexible [HOS] rules have placed on rural and agricultural interests,” Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Senate Appropriators Raise Livestock Industry’s ELD Concerns
“We’re very much aware of the hardship that these inflexible [HOS] rules have placed on rural and agricultural interests,” Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Federal policymakers continue to share livestock haulers' concerns over the ELD mandate. Here's your Capitol Agenda look at the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.
April 1, 2019
Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel
NFI's Bill Bliem. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Industry Task Force to Tackle Electric Vehicle Charging System Standard
NFI's Bill Bliem. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
ATLANTA — A task force comprising trucking and transportation industry stakeholders is set to vote on adoption of recommended standards for power cables, connections and other equipment for high-powered electric charging stations for commercial vehicles.
April 1, 2019
Business, Technology, Equipment, Autonomous
Technology panel at the Mid-America Trucking Show by John Sommers II for Transport Topics
Even Tech Companies Say, ‘There Are Always Going to Be Truck Drivers’
Technology panel at the Mid-America Trucking Show by John Sommers II for Transport Topics
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Is technology in the trucking industry moving too fast for the men and women who sit behind the wheel of big rigs? That was a concern voiced by a number of truck drivers attending a March 29 session at the 2019 Mid-America Trucking Show.
March 29, 2019