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Daimler Trucks and Waymo have announced an agreement to produce highly automated Level 4 commercial vehicles by combining Daimler’s trucks with Waymo’s technology.

The digital transformation of the commercial transportation industry is setting the stage for further innovation that promises to unlock new levels of freight efficiency, technology executives said.

Truck makers are beginning to introduce battery-electric models, but successfully deploying this new breed of commercial vehicle requires fleets to manage a bevy of new considerations, including installation of charging equipment, coordination with utility companies and exploring government incentives.

Trucking and logistics companies that have been investing in technology to improve their operations also have been well-positioned to handle the disruption caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, McLeod Software’s CEO said.

Professional truck drivers and other workers in the transportation industry have always performed indispensable jobs, but many have gone above and beyond the call of duty during the coronavirus pandemic. This special commemorative microsite, Trucking’s Frontline Heroes, captures the stories of these workers who have made personal sacrifices to help fuel the nation’s response to COVID-19.

Trucking technology supplier Omnitracs has agreed to acquire SmartDrive Systems, one of the transportation industry’s largest providers of onboard cameras and video-based safety systems.

Through financial and logistical challenges, the companies on this year’s Transport Topics Top 100 Private Carriers list have been finding ways to navigate this turbulent time while ensuring that shipments continue to reach their destinations.

Trimble Transportation has set out to create a more seamless and transparent supply chain by enabling closer collaboration among carriers, shippers and third-party logistics providers.

Self-driving truck developer TuSimple has partnered with four major transportation companies to launch a logistics network for its highly automated trucks, marking a new phase in its push to bring its technology to market in the coming years.