Telematics & Fleet Tracking
Platform Science Selects Airgain as Antenna Partner for Connected Fleet Management Solutions
Custom ULTRAMAX GLASS antenna solution delivers high performance connectivity for fleet owners and drivers Airgain, Inc a provider of advanced antenna technologies used to enable high performance wireless networking across a broad range of devices and markets, including consumer, enterprise, and automotive, today announced that it has been chosen by Platform Science, an enterprise IoT fleet […]
Omnitracs Completes Integration of Blue Dot Workflow Solutions
New Products Deliver Industry-transforming Driver and Mobile Worker Experience in Commercial Fleets Omnitracs, LLC has completed the integration of Blue Dot Solutions’ driver and mobile worker workflow technologies (formerly known as MilesAhead™) into Omnitracs One, Omnitracs’ platform for enterprise-grade mobility. “Designed to streamline everyday processes while optimizing every mile, Omnitracs One is every commercial fleet’s […]
project44 Delivers Full Lifecycle Truckload Automation Capabilities
New API services enable shippers and logistics service providers to easily request quotes and tender shipments, eliminating manual processes and inefficiencies To improve agility and operational efficiencies, shippers and logistics providers are increasingly identifying ways to automate manual processes. To further streamline and automate the manual Truckload shipping process, project44, the global leader in advanced visibility […]
People
Five Independent Contractors Named to Trucking’s Ambassador Program
Independent contractors enlisted to advocate for critical trucking business model The Coalition for Independent Truckers announced the inaugural class of its Independent Contractors Ambassador program. The IC Ambassadors will dedicate several days each month to attending events with business leaders, elected officials and members of the media to advocate for the independent contractor business model, […]
Iuvo Logistics in the Top 500 of the Inc. 5000 List
Iuvo with Three-Year Revenue Growth of 1,467 Percent Ranks No. 310 on the 2019 Inc. 5000 making it one of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies Inc. magazine recently revealed that Iuvo Logistics LLC made its Inc. 5000 debut at No. 310 on its annual Inc. 5000 list. This list is the most prestigious ranking of the […]
WEX Announces New Board Chair and Lead Independent Director
Melissa Smith, president and CEO, will succeed Michael Dubyak WEX Inc. a leading financial technology service provider, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Melissa Smith, president and CEO, to serve as chair of the board, effective September 12, 2019. Ms. Smith, who has been CEO of WEX and a member of the […]
Autonomous
UPS, Automated Trucks and the Future of Freight
With technology taking the wheel, the role of drivers is soon set to evolve from “operator” to “supervisor,” or even “technician.” The “autonomous fleet” has been arguably one of the hottest topics of conversation within trucking and freight circles over the last few years. With Daimler testing autonomous Freightliner trucks and UPS announcing recently that […]
Daimler Trucks begins testing automated trucks on public roads
Development and testing of trucks with SAE Level 4 intent technology on public roads in Virginia Daimler Trucks and Torc Robotics are actively developing and testing automated trucks with SAE Level 4 intent technology on public roads. The initial routes are on highways in southwest Virginia, where Torc Robotics is headquartered. All automated runs require both an […]
BOSCH AND HANWHA HAVE INVESTED MORE THAN $230 MILLION IN NIKOLA
Bosch helped Nikola develop of its heavy-duty vehicle fuel cell system and battery technology As part of its ongoing fundraising effort, Nikola Corporation announced two strategic investors from its prior funding rounds. Bosch and Hanwha have each invested at least $100 million, totaling $230 million. Earlier this week, Nikola announced the lead investor, CNH Industrial, […]
Brakes, Suspensions, Chassis
PowerFleet® Helps American Intermodal Management Power Its Technology Driven Business
Innovative Technology Enables AIM to Set Itself Apart from Other Providers I.D. Systems, provider of enterprise asset management and Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) technology, is helping American Intermodal Management, LLC (AIM), an industry leader in chassis provisioning and asset management across the U.S., extend the value proposition of the chassis beyond a piece of […]
CIMC Intermodal Equipment Featured ATA Product Provider
CIMC Intermodal Equipment is the world’s largest manufacturer of intermodal chassis trailers The American Trucking Associations announced it is renewing CIMC Intermodal Equipment, the world’s largest manufacturer of intermodal chassis trailers, as an ATA Business Solutions Featured Product. “Chassis are essential to the trucking industry and the movement of America’s goods. A few weeks ago, […]
Spartan Motors Secures Vehicle Assembly Contract With Grande West Transportation Group
Leading Class A Diesel Chassis Manufacturer and Contract Assembler Signs Exclusive U.S. Bus-Production Deal, Reducing Order Lead Time for Customers Spartan Specialty Chassis and Vehicles has entered into an exclusive U.S.-based assembly agreement with Grande West Transportation Group Inc. a Canadian bus manufacturer that designs, engineers, and manufactures purpose-built mid-size buses for transit authorities and […]
Fuel & Oil
WEX Announces New Board Chair and Lead Independent Director
Melissa Smith, president and CEO, will succeed Michael Dubyak WEX Inc. a leading financial technology service provider, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Melissa Smith, president and CEO, to serve as chair of the board, effective September 12, 2019. Ms. Smith, who has been CEO of WEX and a member of the […]
Hirschbach Motor Lines Projects $8.4 Million In Fuel Cost Savings
Based on testing by MVT Solutions, the truckload carrier is using trailer aerodynamic devices to realize a 10.5% improvement in MPG MVT Solutions, a provider of fuel economy testing and design and development services for the trucking industry, says that Hirschbach Motor Lines is estimating expected fuel savings of $8.4 million annually based on testing […]
Love’s Travel Stops Opens new Locations in Oklahoma and Wisconsin
Stores to add 181 truck parking spaces, 144 jobs Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, the nation’s industry-leading travel stop network, is now serving customers in Big Cabin, Oklahoma, and Elkhorn, Wisconsin, thanks to two travel stops that opened Thursday. The Big Cabin store, located on Interstate 44, adds 89 jobs and 79 truck parking […]
Fleet Maintenance
Dickinson Fleet Services Acquires A1 Diesel Service
Dickinson Fleet Services is also excited to announce the launch of the FleeTec® Academy in Indianapolis Dickinson Fleet Services (“Dickinson” or “DFS”) is pleased to announce the acquisition of A1 Diesel Service of Hendersonville, Tennessee, continuing Dickinson’s rapid growth trajectory within its mobile fleet services offering and further solidifying DFS as the nationwide leader in […]
TMC Opens North America’s Top Technician Skills Competitions
TMCSuperTech, Fall Meeting to explore “New Prospects for Technical Achievement” The American Tucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council launched its annual National Technician Skills Competitions—TMCSuperTech 2019 at the Raleigh Convention Center. Now in its 15th year, the event is North America’s premier skills competition for professional commercial vehicle technicians. “As technology continues to transform the way fleets operate, […]
Ryder Opens New Maintenance Facility Near Fort Worth; Amid Rapid Market Growth
Fort Worth is Now Home to Ryder’s Largest Texas Facility Ryder System, Inc. has opened a new state-of-the-art maintenance facility in Saginaw, Texas – an inner suburb of Fort Worth. The new 28,000-square-foot facility, located at 1325 Triad Blvd., will employ up to 60 employees to better serve the nearly 100 Ryder customers in the area. […]
Recent News
Trucking Conditions Index for July Improved to a Reading Above Neutral
The truck freight market as a whole is hardly collapsing FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for July improved slightly to a just above neutral reading of 0.28. Lower diesel prices offset the effects of lower capacity utilization pushing the reading into positive territory for the first time since January. Although some positive readings are possible over […]
New Flyer announces additional 110 buses ordered for Washington, DC
The new order replaces older, end-of-life vehicles and delivers on WMATA’s plan to improve transit service and reliability New Flyer of America Inc. (“New Flyer”), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”), one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, announced three new orders from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (“WMATA”) for a […]
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Market Growth Forecast to 2023
DC Charging Station Holds the Largest Market Share The new market research report “Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Market by Charging Station (AC Charging Station, DC Charging Station), Installation Type (Residential, Commercial), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Row) – Global Forecast to 2023“, published by MarketsandMarkets™, the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Market is expected to grow from USD […]
Louisiana Judge Awards $7.2M Tire Defect Verdict Against Goodyear
Tire company failed to warn of sidewall zipper explosions while inflating The law firm of Kaster Lynch Farrar & Ball, LLP, has again obtained a significant verdict against a multinational tire company, this one against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. A Louisiana district court has awarded a $7.2 million verdict for the tire explosion death […]
Omnitracs Names Ashim Bose as Chief Data Scientist and Vice President of Artificial Intelligence
Bose appointed to lead the development of the company’s data-driven innovations and strategy Omnitracs, LLC, a global pioneer of fleet management solutions to transportation and logistics companies, appointed Dr. Ashim Bose as Chief Data Scientist and Vice President of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) and Data. In this role, Bose will oversee Omnitracs’ data and AI […]
Audio Interrupter Converts Text to Voice, Drivers Comply with FMCSA No-Texting
Purkeys’ Aware Audio Interrupter technology converts telematics and other text-based messages to voice and relays communications wirelessly through the vehicle’s audio speakers Purkeys, a battery solutions company delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions for the electrical needs of heavy-duty fleets, announced the introduction of the newest version of its Aware Audio Interrupter. The new Aware system automatically reads […]
Trailer Orders for August Remain in Low Holding Pattern
Final trailer orders for August remain in a low holding pattern at 10,400 units FTR reports final trailer orders for August remain in a low holding pattern at 10,400 units, up 1% m/m. Continuing the recent trend for 2019 trailer orders, August activity was -71% y/y. Cancellations were elevated for the third consecutive month as […]
ArcBest Recognized As Top 100 Trucker for 2019
Inbound Logistics compiles annual list of top service providers ArcBest logistics company is pleased to announce it has been recognized as a Top 100 Trucker for 2019. Inbound Logistics, a monthly trade magazine targeted toward business logistics and supply chain professionals, compiles the list of Top 100 Truckers each year. ArcBest was recognized in 2018, […]
Small-business Truckers Lead Diverse Coalition Against Harmful Trucking Proposals
Group strongly opposes mandates that would require heavy vehicles to install underride guards, speed limiters and automatic emergency braking systems The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is leading a coalition of dozens of influential trade associations to oppose four burdensome, costly, and unsafe trucking mandates. The coalition sent a letter to Congress urging them to reject those […]
Responsive, Cost-Effective and Greener Supply Chains among Themes of 2020 Third-Party Logistics Study
The main topics in this year’s study are analytics, 3PL relationships and the continued greening of the supply chain The modern supply chain is complex and in order for the world’s leading companies to deliver their goods and services in an expedient, cost-conscious and environmentally friendly fashion, they are increasingly turning to third-party logistics companies […]
Preliminary Used Class 8 Volumes Fell M/M, Y/Y and YTD
Used Class 8 volumes fell 1% month-over-month in August Preliminary used Class 8 volumes (same dealer sales) fell 1% month-over-month in August, according to the latest preliminary release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks published by ACT Research. Additionally, the report indicated that longer-term comparisons yielded a 25% decline compared […]
Matson Logistics Deploys BlackBerry Radar Asset Tracking to Improve Container Utilization and Shipment Visibility
BlackBerry Radar proved both reliable and easy to integrate with our systems, with the added benefit of having a small profile BlackBerry Limited and Matson Logistics, a subsidiary of Matson, Inc. announced that the company has deployed BlackBerry Radar-M across its entire fleet of its domestic intermodal containers. The BlackBerry Radar asset monitoring solution will provide Matson Logistics with […]
SkyBitz Launches New Wireless Door Sensor for Asset Security with Real-Time Notifications
Remote Cargo Management Drives Profitability with the SkyBitz SmartTrailer™ Ecosystem SkyBitz has launched its WMS Wireless Door Sensor for customers currently tracking and monitoring their assets within the SkyBitz SmartTrailer™ Ecosystem. With the installation of SkyBitz Wireless Door Sensors, customers can reap the rewards of attaining more accurate asset utilization, while reducing load theft and […]
Key Risk to Commercial Vehicle Market Forecasts Is Trade War with China
But Consumers Are Driving Near to Mid-Term Economic Outlook According to ACT Research’s (ACT) latest release of the North American Commercial Vehicle OUTLOOK, the key risk to all commercial vehicle market forecasts remains the on-again trade war with China, but well-positioned consumers are keeping the US economy out of the ditch. “Aside from trade, the […]
Truckload Linehaul Rates Go Negative
Cass Truckload Linehaul Index® went negative -2.6% in August After more than two years of year-over-year increases in truckload linehaul rates, the Cass Truckload Linehaul Index® went negative in August (-2.6%). It also fell 6.9% sequentially. We see three factors driving the decrease: 1) spot rates that are below contract rates by larger margins than […]
The Lion Electric Co. to Deliver Michigan’s First 11 Electric School Buses
Funded as Part of the Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement The Lion Electric Co. USA (Lion) is proud to announce that 11 electric school buses will be part of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation Electric School Bus Pilot Project. This marks the first school buses supported with Volkswagen settlement funds allocated to Michigan and administered by the Michigan […]
Telematics Benchmark Report Finds Transportation’s Digital Transformation Is Still A Distant Reality
Fifty-four percent of fleets have no plans to implement new technology Teletrac Navman, a global software-as-a-service provider that leverages location-based technology for GPS tracking solutions, announced findings from its 3rd Annual Telematics Benchmark Report: U.S. Edition. The survey, which examined best practices, trends and current issues influencing U.S. transportation organizations, found that although more fleets use […]
U.S. Xpress Named Michaels’ 2019 “Carrier of the Year”
In 2019, U.S. Xpress has been named “Carrier of the Year” by Michaels, P&G and FedEx Ground U.S. Xpress, Inc., a subsidiary of U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc., the nation’s fifth largest asset-based truckload carrier by revenue, was recently named Michaels’ 2019 “Carrier of the Year” recipient. It marks the first time U.S. Xpress has been […]
Proterra Powered™ Electric School Buses Selected by Michigan Schools
Michigan becomes first in nation to dedicate VW settlement funds to electric school buses Proterra, a leading innovator in heavy-duty electric transportation, announced that the Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner® C2 Jouley electric school bus powered by Proterra® electric vehicle technology and the Proterra 60kW charging system were selected by Ann Arbor and Roseville public schools in Michigan for a five-year pilot program, […]
Freight Recession?
August Truckload Volumes Suggest Otherwise There were more truckload shipments on the spot market in August than any other month in 2019. Monthly volumes for dry van, refrigerated (“reefer”), and flatbed freight peaked for each segment, according to the DAT Truckload Freight Volume Index, which reflects the change in the actual number of spot market […]
SmartDrive, a Leader in Video-Based Safety Telematics, Raises $90 Million Led by TPG Sixth Street Partners
Investment Will Fuel Continued Innovation and Support Strategic Growth Initiatives SmartDrive Systems, Inc. (“SmartDrive”), a leader in video-based safety telematics and transportation intelligence, has secured $90 million in financing, with TPG Sixth Street Partners leading the investment with participation from existing investors. Established in 2005, SmartDrive is a pioneer and recognized innovator in video-based safety telematics, backed by leading financial […]
Equipment Finance in the Trucking Industry
Trucks/trailers represented 13.2% of equipment financing new business volume reported by ELFA member companies, up from 12.1% in 2017 The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association has released its 2019 Survey of Equipment Finance Activity (SEFA) reporting overall new business volume grew 4.4% in the equipment finance industry in 2018 (see press release below). Also in […]
Bestpass Approved as Member of 6C Toll Operators Coalition
Payment platform and fleet toll management services company also partners with Transportation Corridor Agencies in California to expand 6C transponder coverage Bestpass, a company that provides a comprehensive payment platform with a focus on toll management for commercial and government fleets, was recently approved to be a non-voting member of the 6C Toll Operators Coalition […]
ATA Tells Congress to Put Brakes on Spread of Tolls
YRCW Executive Testifies About Harm Tolling Does to Trucking The American Trucking Associations told a House subcommittee that the use of tolls to finance infrastructure construction and maintenance was inefficient, unsafe and damaging to the trucking industry. “While the trucking industry is willing to pay its fair share for infrastructure improvement, we believe that tolls […]
Heavy Duty Market Conditions Continue to Deteriorate
Industry should be preparing for down weeks starting as early as Q4 According to ACT Research’s (ACT) latest release of the North American Commercial Vehicle OUTLOOK, expectations for the Class 8 and trailer markets anticipate an immanent pullback in build rates, as market conditions continue to deteriorate. “With no substantive changes to the economics underlying […]
KeepTruckin Receives Strategic Business Investment from ITOCHU
Strong alliance will bring operations, ecosystem, and fleet management expertise to new markets and fleets of all types KeepTruckin has received a capital investment from ITOCHU Corporation that includes a strategic business alliance. KeepTruckin will use the funds to forward its commitment to creating innovative technology and apply advancements in machine learning to make the transportation industry safer and […]
GeoSpace Labs Launches Official Florida Intrastate ELD
The Florida ELD is especially designed to manage the intrastate rules and has special tools just for Florida GeoSpace Labs announced the general availability of the Official Florida Intrastate FMCSA Registered Electronic Logging Device (ELD). This tool is an easy low cost means for drivers and companies to comply with the Florida FS 316.302 regulation. […]
McNeilus Steel Sees Unprecedented Results in Reducing Claims Following Adoption of SmartDrive Video-based Safety Program
Skipped Pilot, Moved Straight to Rollout, Citing Customer Recommendations and Exceptional SmartDrive Service and Support SmartDrive Systems, a leader in video-based safety and transportation intelligence, announced McNeilus Steel has deployed the SmartDrive® video-based safety program with SmartDrive 360 and Extended Recording across its entire fleet. Company leadership elected to bypass a pilot program and go directly to […]
COOP Arrives in Orlando
Ryder’s Truck Sharing Platform Allows Businesses to Profit from Their Idle Trucks Ryder announced the expansion of its peer-to-peer truck sharing platform, COOP by Ryder®, to Orlando, Fla. The first-of-its-kind digital platform allows fleet owners to generate revenue by simply renting their idle commercial vehicles to other businesses, providing a new source of rental trucks […]
F OPENMATICS and Maxion Wheels Partner on Wheel Connectivity Solution
Fully-Integrated Multiservice Smart Wheel Sensor for Safer, More Efficient light trucks, buses, commercial trucks and trailers MaxionWheels, the world’s largest wheel manufacturer, announced today it is collaborating with ZF OPENMATICS to develop the industry’s first, fully-integrated wheel connectivity solution. Initially, targeting the commercial vehicle market, the multiservice sensor will capture, analyze and broadcast key data […]
Spot Truckload Freight Trends Week of Sept. 8
Spot Van Rates Tick Up, Reversing Declines A strong close to the month of August continued into September as spot truckload rates increased during the week ending Sept. 8, said DAT Solutions, which operates the industry’s largest network of load boards. The number of posted van, refrigerated, and flatbed loads from Sept. 2-8, which included […]
Phillips Connect Technologies Releases EZTrac™ No-Hassle Real-Time Asset Tracker
Solutions bring the power of connected trailers within an affordable reach for the entire truck-trailer transportation market Phillips Connect Technologies (PCT) has released EZTrac™ and EZTrac™ Plus. These no-hassle asset tracking solutions give 24/7 visibility of a trailer or chassis fleet while only requiring minimal install time. EZTrac is a rugged, real-time, high-performance asset […]
Spartan Motors Acquires Royal Truck Body
Acquisition Expands Spartan’s West Coast and Southwest Geographic Reach with Six Additional Manufacturing, Assembly, and Distribution Facilities Spartan Motors, Inc vehicle manufacturing and assembly for the commercial and retail vehicle industries (including last-mile delivery, specialty vehicles, commercial vehicle assembly, and vocation-specific upfit segments), as well as for the emergency response and recreational vehicle markets, has […]
Pre-Ship Provides Respite from Freight Downturn
The coming decline in US Class 8 tractor build rates should begin to bring the supply side a little more into balance ACT Research released the September installment of the ACT Freight Forecast, U.S. Rate and Volume OUTLOOK report covering the truckload, intermodal, LTL and last mile sectors. For the past few months, we’ve been […]
BorgWarner Energizes Future of Mobility with Extensive Hybrid, Electric Vehicle Offerings
Company’s comprehensive portfolio aligns with the industry’s needs for electrification More than 1.2 million electric vehicles (EVs) are on the road today in the U.S., with adoption expected to continue to increase in the coming years. Sales of EVs grew 80% from 2017 to 2018, and were up 10% in the first quarter of 2019 […]
