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.
More Powerful Charging Systems on the Rise
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Intermittent fault codes on a truck are often rooted in the starting and charging system, as so much of the truck depends on the electrical system, experts said at the Mid-America Trucking Show.
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.
New FMCSA Administrator Ray Martinez Grilled by Angry Drivers in Listening Session
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In his first official “grass roots outreach” with a room full of truck drivers — and only a month on the job as the nation’s top trucking regulator — Ray Martinez said he hoped the session would not be “an angry event.” It was.
San Francisco Mayor Says Driverless Cars Are ‘Future of the Streets’
Days after a fatal self-driving-car collision in Arizona, six makers of driverless vehicles came to San Francisco on March 22 to demonstrate their technology — and emphasize its safety features — to city leaders and public-safety officers.
SmartDrive Launches New Platform, Sees Growth in Fleets Using Company's Technology
SmartDrive Systems, a provider of video systems and analysis for fleets and drivers, is launching a new risk-management platform that combines data from a variety of sources.
March 23, 2018Investors Inject Fresh Funding Into KeepTruckin, Samsara
Investor interest in trucking technology remains strong, as venture capital firms have recently put a total of $100 million into two companies that seek to upgrade the way data is used to ensure driver compliance, monitor vehicles and make fleet operations more efficient.
March 23, 2018Fleets Look to Predictive Analytics
The term “predictive analytics” is becoming increasingly familiar within the trucking industry as fleets look to make better use of the data collected by their back-office and onboard systems.
After Uber Crash, Florida Still Welcomes Free-Range Robot Cars
The anything-goes approach meant to bring autonomous vehicles to Florida won’t change after the first fatal collision.
ELDs Hot Topic at MATS as April Enforcement Ramp-Up Nears
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The federal mandate of electronic logging devices has been in effect since late last year, but some truckers still have lingering questions about the finer points of the regulation as tougher enforcement nears.
Editorial: A Proper Pause for Safety’s Sake
The decision by Uber to halt testing of its autonomous trucks in the wake of a fatal accident involving one of its pilot autonomous cars was a prudent move, and one that demonstrates how the relentless pace of technological innovation sometimes needs a pause.
March 22, 2018Amazon Is Looking for Larger Whole Foods Stores to Support Delivery Plans
Less than a year after closing its acquisition of Whole Foods, Amazon.com Inc. is looking for fresh ways to expand its brick-and-mortar retail network while bolstering the online shopping business.