Transportation Technology News

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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.

GovernmentBusinessTechnologyLogisticsAutonomous

Parcel Lockers, EVs Combine for Energy Savings in Final Mile, Researcher Says

WASHINGTON — Electric trucks and vans show great promise for energy savings in making suburban deliveries for companies such as UPS Inc., according to an Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientist who presented her findings to a forum at the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting.

January 16, 2019
GovernmentBusinessTechnologySafety

Former Transportation Secretary Mary Peters Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

WASHINGTON — Mary Peters, one of two secretaries of transportation during President George W. Bush’s tenure, was recognized with a lifetime achievement award at the annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board.

January 16, 2019
BusinessTechnologyEquipment

Wheels Are a Component of Fleets' Lightweighting Efforts

The cost of fuel consistently ranks among the top three expenses for trucking fleets, putting fuel economy at the top of fleet managers’ minds. Increasing fuel efficiency and consequently reducing operating expenses is a major reason fleets turn to vehicle lightweighting, especially on components such as truck wheels.

January 16, 2019
GovernmentBusinessTechnology

State Freight Plans Don't Reflect Uniform Metrics, Expert Says

WASHINGTON — State freight plans indicate various levels of detail regarding the ways freight is discussed and measured, according to a transportation expert from Northwestern University.

January 16, 2019
BusinessTechnologyLogistics

Volkswagen to Invest $800 Million, Create 1,000 Jobs at Tennessee Plant

From the Detroit auto show, Volkswagen announced this week plans to invest $800 million in its Chattanooga, Tenn., plant, expecting to create 1,000 jobs in the United States.

January 16, 2019
BusinessTechnologyTop 100

Oaktree Capital Invests $450 Million in Rail Transportation Firm Watco

Oaktree Capital Management is investing $450 million and forming a strategic partnership with Watco Cos., a privately owned company that provides a broad range of rail transportation services in North America and Australia.

January 16, 2019
BusinessTechnologyEquipmentFuel

Nikola Moves Closer to Marketing Hydrogen-Electric Trucks

LAS VEGAS — Nikola Motor Co. founder and CEO Trevor Milton said two key customers — private fleet Anheuser-Busch Cos. and truckload carrier U.S. Xpress Enterprises — will begin fleet tests of Nikola’s zero-emisssions hydrogen-electric Class 8 trucks by the end of the year, as the first shoots of the necessary fueling infrastructure are emerging in Phoenix.

January 16, 2019
BusinessTechnologyAutonomous

TuSimple Proceeds With Plans to Build World’s Largest Self-Driving Truck Fleet

LAS VEGAS — Autonomous truck developer TuSimple said it will expand its U.S. test fleet to 40 vehicles by June, which the company claims will make it the world’s largest self-driving truck business.

January 15, 2019
GovernmentTechnologySafety

Innovation in DOTs Often Starts With On-the-Ground Employees, Experts Say

WASHINGTON— Transportation employees who work alongside roads and behind the wheels of maintenance vehicles can offer valuable perspectives on worthwhile projects, according to panelists gathered to discuss innovation at the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting Jan. 15.

January 15, 2019
BusinessTechnologyLogisticsPerspective

Opinion: The ABCs of Emerging Transport Technologies

Emerging technologies are reshaping the very nature of how we transport goods, and offer the ability to provide agile services that meet the increasing demands of the supply chain, says Ben Wiesen of Carrier Logistics Inc.

January 15, 2019