Technology

About Technology News...

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

Starsky Robotics Exits Autonomous Truck Space

Starsky Robotics became the first self-driving truck startup to cease operations after raising an estimated $17 million in venture capital in 2018, then failing later to secure more investors, according to people familiar with the matter.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
March 4, 2020

Best Carrier TMS Software in 2024: How to Choose

Transitioning from basic load board tools or spreadsheets to an advanced, integrated Transportation Management System (TMS) is a critical step for mid-sized truckload carriers aiming to scale effectively and sustain long-term competitiveness.

Government, Business, Technology, Safety, TCA

Maine Panel Recommends Hiking Road Funding

AUGUSTA, Maine — A commission tasked with solving Maine’s transportation funding shortfall will recommend an immediate infusion of between $20 million and $60 million while punting a range of possible solutions to the next Legislature.

Caitlin Andrews | Bangor (Maine) Daily News
March 4, 2020
Government, Business, Technology, Fuel, TCA

Electric Vehicle Industry Thriving in Southern California, Report Says

California already is a world leader in the embryonic electric vehicle industry but needs more government help to flourish, according to a new report from the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp.

Russ Mitchell | Los Angeles Times
March 4, 2020
Business, Technology, Fuel

Ford Plans Electric Version of Transit Cargo Van

Ford Motor Co. plans to manufacture an electric version of its popular Transit cargo van for the 2022 model year.

Jerry Hirsch | Contributing Writer
March 3, 2020
Government, Business, Technology, Safety, Fuel

Exxon Outlines Steps to Reduce Harmful Methane Emissions

NEW YORK — ExxonMobil on March 3 outlined how it is reducing the methane its operations release into the atmosphere, detailing its efforts as governments around the globe write new rules to regulate the harmful greenhouse gas.

Cathy Bussewitz | Associated Press
March 3, 2020
Business, Technology, Autonomous

Alphabet’s Waymo Raises $2.25 Billion for Driverless Cars

Waymo raised $2.25 billion from a slate of private equity investors, venture capitalists and automotive companies, the first time Alphabet Inc.’s autonomous vehicle unit has taken outside funds.

Mark Bergen and Ira Boudway | Bloomberg News
March 3, 2020
Business, Technology, Autonomous

Majority of Promising AI Startups Are Still Based in the US

The most promising startups using artificial intelligence are U.S.-based companies working in the fields of health care, retail and transportation, according to a study that looked at budding AI companies around the world.

Susan Decker | Bloomberg News
March 3, 2020
Business, Technology, Fuel, Autonomous

Nikola Plans Merger With Publicly Traded VectoIQ Acquisition Corp.

Nikola Corp. announced plans to merge with VectoIQ Acquisition Corp., a publicly traded special-purpose acquisition company, to speed up Nikola’s production of zero-emissions commercial vehicles.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
March 3, 2020
Government, Business, Technology, Safety

FMCSA Announces Plans for March 19 Safety Summit

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is planning a Safety Summit on March 19 for motor carriers, drivers, safety technology developers and users, federal and state partners, and safety advocate groups to share ideas on improving truck safety.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
March 2, 2020
Government, Technology, Equipment, Autonomous

Secretary Elaine Chao: Consumers Will Be Key in Determining AV Technology

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao recently asserted that the American consumer will have a lot to say in determining the course of autonomous vehicles. Here's your Capitol Agenda look at the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
March 2, 2020