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.

Government, Business, Technology

Understanding the Numbers Behind the Technician Shortage

For what seems like ages, whenever discussions occur within this industry about the technician shortage, this question inevitably arises: “Just exactly how many technicians do we need?” A fair question, right? But not an easy one to answer.

Greg Settle | Director of National Initiatives TechForce Foundation
July 19, 2019

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.

Business, Technology

Game On: Trucking Gets Creative in Attracting Young Technicians

Millennials and Generation Z have grown up surrounded by sophisticated technologies — such as video games and augmented reality — that now are making the transition from personal pastime to business tools.

Katie Pyzyk | Special to Transport Topics
July 19, 2019
Business, Technology, Safety

Boeing to Take $4.9 Billion Charge Over Grounded 737 Max Jet

Boeing is booking a $4.9 billion charge to cover possible compensation to airlines that have canceled thousands of flights since the 737 Max jet was grounded after two deadly accidents, the aircraft manufacturer said July 18.

David Koenig | Associated Press
July 19, 2019
Business, Technology, Equipment

FutureTech Champ Advances Her Career

Bonnie Greenwood, the first female TMC FutureTech champion, is a shop technician with FedEx Freight.

Fran Matso Lysiak | Features Editor
July 19, 2019
Business, Technology, Equipment

Schools Eye Technician Students

The diesel technician shortage is a concern within the trucking industry, and technical schools said they’re reaching out to students as early as seventh grade and connecting with adults who want to work with their hands.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
July 19, 2019
Business, Technology, Equipment

Clear Career Paths Needed for Technicians

Creating a clear path for career advancement to help attract and retain diesel technicians is key to growing trucking's pool of future leaders, industry experts said.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
July 19, 2019
Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

Electric Trucks Will Demand New Expertise

Some industry representatives suggest that electric-powered vehicles will not only reduce diesel pollutants, but also ­attract a new generation of recruits to the field of heavy truck maintenance.

Phil Romba | Contributing Writer
July 19, 2019
Business, Technology, Equipment

Former Army Mechanic Is Now a Truck Tech

Former Army mechanic Lindsay Dunham says the “unpredictable nature” of her job and being able to work with her hands are among the things she enjoys most about being a big-truck technician.

Fran Matso Lysiak | Features Editor
July 19, 2019
Business, Technology, Safety

Talent Wanted: Truck Technicians

Trucking companies are pulling out all the stops to find, recruit, educate, train, develop and recognize the next generation of commercial vehicle technicians. It’s a fundamental issue as the industry’s workforce of technicians continues to age toward retirement, while at the same time, there’s a scarcity of young men and women coming into the profession to fill their ranks.

Gary Frantz | Special to Transport Topics
July 19, 2019
Government, Business, Technology, Safety

ATA Reaffirms Opposition to Side Underride Guard Legislation

Legislation that would require the installation of side underride guards on heavy trucks is not based on sufficient science, data or demonstrated overall effectiveness, American Trucking Associations wrote to congressional transportation leaders.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
July 18, 2019