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, Equipment

Discs or Drums?

Not all fleets are convinced of the benefits of air disc brakes. But suppliers maintain there is a growing acceptance of them for heavy-duty trucks, driven by an increase in the deployment of active safety technology, such as collision mitigation and avoidance systems.

Steve Sturgess | Special to Transport Topics
May 11, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment

Trailer Composites in Focus

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.

May 11, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment

FedEx, Alphabet, Uber Win Drone Sweepstakes; Amazon Left Out

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.

Alan Levin | Bloomberg News
May 10, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, TCA, Top 100

UPS to Use Futuristic-Looking Fleet of Electric Delivery Trucks in London, Paris

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.

May 10, 2018
Business, Technology

DOT Unveils Drone Tests Ranging From Deliveries to Farming

A who’s who of technology and aviation companies won U.S. approval to push the edge of the envelope in drone flights, from testing people’s tolerance for delivery devices hovering over their rooftops to ensuring farmers’ drones won’t hit crop dusters.

Alan Levin | Bloomberg News
May 9, 2018
Government, Business, Technology, Logistics, Autonomous

Capitol Agenda for the Week of May 7: Little Bills

The art of the deal under the Trump administration is taking us from the promise of having a huge infrastructure package to asking us to settle for smaller, tinier measures. Essentially, you get what you can.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
May 9, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety, Autonomous, TCA

Uber’s Self-Driving Software Reportedly Decided Not to React Before Fatal Collision

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.

Benjamin Raven | MLive.com (Walker, Mich.)
May 8, 2018
Government, Business, Technology

Project Neon? There’s an App for That

With a smartphone, everyone from freight executives to daily commuters to tourists can learn about road closures related to the construction progress of Project Neon, the state of Nevada’s largest public works project at nearly $1 billion.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
May 8, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

Roush Gets Electric With Ford F-650

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.

May 8, 2018
Technology, Equipment, Logistics

ENow Shows 53-Foot Trailer With Solar-Based Refrigeration

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.

May 8, 2018