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.
Truck-Lite Announces Partners for Road Ready Trailer Telematics System
ATLANTA — Truck-Lite Co. announced two developments with its Road Ready trailer telematics system at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s annual meeting here — a partnership with five industry suppliers and an installation app.
QuickBooks for Trucking: Connecting QuickBooks to Your TMS
Learn how Truckbase connects QuickBooks for trucking and your TMS to help you marry your trucking-specific data in your TMS with your financial data in QuickBooks.
Lawmakers Seek ELD Waiver Extension for Livestock Haulers
Several lawmakers are calling for an extension of the electronic logging device waiver granted to livestock haulers, who were given temporary reprieve from the mandate in late December.
Navistar Expands Parts Business Amid Strong Growth
ATLANTA — Navistar Inc. is expanding its line of remanufactured components for its trucks and its private-label, all-makes parts line as its parts business has experienced double-digit growth in the past five years, according to the company.
Industry Ready to Meet Demand for Last-Mile Delivery Option
ATLANTA — A combination of better equipment, increasing governmental pressure and improving economics is aligning to make a case that alternative-power options can make practical sense to meet the trucking industry’s growing last-mile delivery needs, experts said.
Dyson Points to an Autonomous Future as Growth Continues
Dyson Ltd., best-known as a manufacturer of vacuum cleaners, hand driers and air filters, posted a surge in revenue driven by demand from Asia, and revealed a growing shift toward developing autonomous products.
Volvo Rolls Out Remote Programming for Over-the-Air Vehicle Software Updates
ATLANTA — Volvo Trucks said it has begun rolling out its Remote Programming feature for over-the-air vehicle software updates to help customers streamline maintenance and prevent vehicle downtime.
Walmart, U.S. Xpress Install Lytx Video Systems
Video telematics provider Lytx reported it signed a number of major clients last year, including Walmart Inc. and U.S. Xpress Enterprises, an indication of the growing acceptance by fleets of installing cameras on their trucks as a way to reduce accidents, increase road safety and track driver behavior.
Peterson Launches Intelligent Trailer System
ATLANTA — Peterson Manufacturing Co. introduced an intelligent trailer system that the company said brings expanded connectivity and telematics capability to trailers.
Humans Slapped and Shouted at Robot Cars in Two of Six California DMV Crash Reports This Year
The human response to possible takeover by robot overlords is off to a troubling start. Of six crash reports involving robot cars filed in California so far this year, two involved a human approaching the car and attacking it.
Shell Debuts Fuel-Efficient Truck Concept
ATLANTA — Shell Rotella in cooperation with Airflow Truck Co. introduced the “Project Starship” concept truck here, a hand-built, street-legal, one-of-a-kind tractor-trailer equipped with technologies and equipment designed to maximize fuel efficiency.