The Blockchain in Transport Alliance announced it will participate in two blockchain proof-of-concept projects in the coming months. The organization’s working groups also provided updates on the progress of standards development at its BiTA Symposium Chicago on Nov. 14, 2019.

Eyesight Technologies has taken driver-distraction monitoring to a new level with the ability to trigger driver and fleet alerts when cellphone usage or in-cab smoking is detected.

Ferrero USA, best known for being the maker of Nutella and Tic Tac, will deploy FourKites’ predictive supply chain technology for greater insight into its freight movements. Also, Canadian National workers strike and a Montana truck driver’s employer gives him a gift of a lifetime.

Walmart Canada will use DLT Labs blockchain-based Asset Track solution to better track freight and speed payment with its third-party carriers in Canada.

To increase development and deployment of real-world blockchain projects, the conversation needs to shift towards the value blockchain can provide rather than the technology itself, said Dr. Mary Lacity, director of the Blockchain Center of Excellence at the Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas.

Sune Stilling, head of Growth for Maersk, right, said the investment fund is focused on companies that keep the customer — not a billion-dollar valuation — in mind when developing their solutions.

Data and partnerships are critical elements to helping shippers move through the ongoing technological revolution in freight.

Frank McGuigan, CEO of Transplace, in a wide-ranging discussion at FreightWaves LIVE Chicago, detailed Transplace’s current status, market conditions, and how technology is driving an outcome-based business.

Vehicle and shipment tracking has undergone a revolution since the days of check calls, but more value needs to be provided to carriers to take it to the next level.

Founded by Dan Lewis, CEO, and Grant Goodale, CTO, in 2015, Convoy has closed a $400 million Series D round of funding, bringing total funding to $668 million to date and valuing the company at $2.75 billion.

The Uberization of Freight has come to mean many things, but to Uber Freight Senior Director Bill Driegert, it means relieving pain points for carriers and shippers.

The Trucking Alliance’s managing director Lane Kidd told Craig Fuller on Fuller Speed Ahead that technology could be used more effectively by the industry to improve safety.

Mark Rourke, CEO of Schneider National, right, told George Abernathy, president of FreightWaves, that a series of regulations hitting the industry will affect expenses or cut capacity, during his time on stage at FreightWaves LIVE Chicago.

NEXT Trucking is following a path that many FreightTech companies are also navigating, and it believes that its drayage solution will ultimately help truck drivers make $1,000 a day and be home at night.

Truck drivers spend most of their day alone in their cabs. Mobil Delvac and Pedigree believe that dogs could provide companionship, and potentially improve driver health. The two companies have formed Mutts4Trucks to help pair drivers with dogs.

Almost half of fleets are using in-cab video or dash cams as well as a growing number that utilize video services, according to a new survey on fleet’s technology use.

Driver training doesn’t have to be stale and programmed, and in fact, it shouldn’t be if fleets want to get the most out of the sessions.

Truck parking is not only a safety issue, but also an issue of driver rest. Reliance Partners, along with TruckPark, is exploring how truck parking reservation systems could help drivers get better rest and improve roadway safety.

Meritor is expanding its Blue Horizon brand of electrified products as it positions itself to be a leading supplier for electric and hybrid vehicle powertrain solutions.

Convoy is now offering direct-from-shipper loads on its platform, giving carriers many more choices for hauling freight.

While electric trucks, fuel cell tractors, electrification and e-mobility played a large role in the NACV show,, a number of companies introduced lower-profile products that are an important part of ensuring trucks stay on the road and trucking companies are profitable.

Investing in a TMS requires more than just buying an off-the-shelf product. It requires thought, analysis and the right investment to ensure that you buy today is what you need tomorrow.

Bendix introduced several new products and updated a number of others at its press conference at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta.

Jacobs Vehicle Systems is introducing a new engine brake designed for lower rpms as well as two new technologies for improving fuel economy and reducing cabin shake upon engine shutdown. This specially wrapped truck will tour the country in 2020 to showcase the technologies.

One way to control supply chain costs is to regularly audit your logistics operations, but doing so, and doing so correctly, are two different things.

Cooper Tire has added a long haul tire to its Pro Series, giving it a full complement of tires for each position on commercial vehicles. (Photo: Cooper Tire)

Meritor Inc. is expanding its electric axle line with two new models and announced that it has been chosen as one of seven suppliers for an electric vehicle project in South America,

The news this week that Hyundai Motor Company is planning a hydrogen-powered tractor for global markets, including the U.S., could be the beginning of a larger presence for the company into North America.

Fleet Advantage says that data supports shorter trade cycles for trailers, allowing fleets to benefit from newer technology.

Hino’s XL Series of trucks will receive new cab configurations for 2021. The brand has renamed several of its trucks and added a host of new features in all its classes.

While Hyundai’s HDC-6 Neptune hydrogen truck concept garnered most of the attention on Monday at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta, it was not the only innovative product […]

Hyundai has unveiled a fuel-cell powered Class 8 truck, the HDC-6 Neptune, that it plans to launch at an undisclosed time in the future. It will be a global truck for multiple markets, including the U.S.

While technology helps improve fuel economy, the truck drivers (pictured here) that participated in the NACFE Run on Less Regional demonstration pointed out the important role drivers still play.

Roadside inspections can be a scary proposition for drivers, and it’s obvious why. Even simply mistakes or misinterpretations of regulations can lead to drivers and fleets being penalized. Because of this, it’s more important than ever to provide proper training and coaching for drivers.

ZF is moving full speed ahead as it builds out its electrification and e-mobility platforms and believes its proposed acquisition of Wabco will allow it to offer full-system solutions to commercial vehicle operators.

When Jim Handoush was growing up, he thought he was destined to work for Apple, which was in its infancy at the time. Today, Handoush doesn’t work at Apple, but is now helping guide the ship for another startup that is hoping to be just as disruptive.

Dana is supplying its electrified powertrain to a terminal tractor designed by Lonestar Specialty Vehicles, offering a new chance for fleets to electrify their operations. The tractor has up to 22 hours of continuous charge and can be recharged in just two hours.

Ten trucks participated in NACFE’s Run on Less Regional event, showcasing the fuel efficiency opportunity that awaits regional haul fleets. The trucks achieved an overall 8.3 miles per gallon during the 18-day event, far ahead of the national fleet average of about 6 mpg for regional trucks, Mike Roeth, executive director of NACFE, said.

ELD maker Konexial is expanding its customer base through the acquisition of Axle Technologies’ AORBD customer list. Also, FedEx and UPS ramp up drone deliveries, a port expansion in Seattle, and Hyundai to introduce fuel cell truck.

GlobalTranz has added to its portfolio with the acquisition of Chicago-based Global Freight Solutions.

Fleets have been investing in safety technologies, but the public does not seem to be recognizing this fact, with the majority of Americans believing they are safer drivers than most truck drivers.

Polymer Logistics, which produces reusable packaging and display solutions, is being acquired by Tosca, a U.S.-based supply chain solutions provider.

A new study says that proactively managing the electric grid by utilizing excess capacity in electric vehicle batteries could ease peak demand and lower overall costs for all electric users.

dexFreight has successfully completed a blockchain pilot program that saw a carrier receive payment from the shipper within minutes of making a delivery. Plus, Rivian moves closer to electric truck manufacturing in Indiana, and Emirates SkyCargo adds e-commerce delivery.

SkyBitz has introduced a new sensor with camera that tracks available space and the condition of items inside a trailer. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Convoy launched Automated Reloads in June. Since then, the company said in “top markets,” the number of empty miles has been reduced by up to 50% or more in some areas and carbon emissions from empty miles have been reduced 45%.

The American Trucking Association handed out a number of awards, including the winners of its Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards, at its just concluded Management and Conference Exhibition.

UPS will add 6,000 natural gas vehicles over the next three years as part of an agreement with Agility Fuel Solutions, which will supply the natural gas systems and infrastructure. The vehicles will include heavy-duty trucks, terminal tractors and package cars.

At one point, if companies wanted goods to move, they had to either invest in an expensive transportation management system, or turn over their operation to an outside provider. Thanks to managed transportation providers, that is no longer a necessary choice.

Continental AG released its strategy to ensure its sustainability for future generations, and it involves closing several plants over the next six years, as it turns away from producing products for gasoline and diesel engines and looks to develop products for e-mobility.

Users of Axele by Optym now have access to Truckstop.com’s loadboard within the Axele system thanks to a new integration.

“I can license a 26,000-pound vehicle at 80,000 pounds, it doesn’t mean it’s legal. It’s understanding the local regulations to license it properly to match the local regulations,” Eric Jahnsen, director of the transportation fleet for Sunbelt Rentals, said on the complex task of vehicle licensing and registration.

The EPA named its annual SmartWay Excellence Award winners on Oct. 7, 2019. J.B. Hunt is one of 72 companies to be honored this year, but is one of just five companies that have been honored 10 times. Schneider National, Swift Transportation, Lowe’s Companies, and Kimberly-Clark Corporation are the others.

Comdata has released a new dashboard that will help fleet managers quickly identify and manage fuel spend.

Truck subsidiary of Volkswagen AG will split investment into electric vehicle and software development to speed introduction of alternative fuel and self-driving commercial vehicle options

TruckPark offers drivers the chance to reserve a parking space at dozens of locations throughout the country. A new partnership with Storemytruck.com will expand those locations to eventually include more than 10,000 available spaces at more than 140 locations.

Convoy has rolled out a free transportation management system for shippers. Also, USPS is interested in drone operators, Rivian wants people to subscribe to its trucks, and Virgin Atlantic pushes for more air cargo marketshare in London.

Ryder has expanded its Ryder Assist Now customer support center nationally, giving customers a single source to get all their questions answered and service issues resolved.

A TMS is a valuable tool that can provide important data, tracking and analysis capabilities to help shippers streamline their entire operations, all of which feeds into being a shipper of choice.

Dart Transit celebrated its 85 years in business and Truck Driver Appreciation Week earlier this month, awarding drivers raffle prizes that included a new pickup, boat and Polaris ATV. Also, fuel prices jump, France tests no-Brexit and trucking group pushes port improvements.

K&B Transportation says FourKites’ new Appointment Manager for scheduling shipments could save its dispatchers up to 8 hours per week.

Blockchain experts will present innovative projects and discuss the latest in the development of the technology for logistics operations at the upcoming BiTA Symposium Chicago, on Nov. 14, 2019.

Technology deployment specialists Velociti have expanded into the construction markets, giving participants the same support and expertise over-the-road trucking companies have benefitted from since its founding.

Shippers, TMS and MTP providers have now been given access to Convoy’s automated real-time pricing and capacity for both live and drop-and-hook loads through API and a suite of developer tools called Convoy Now.

More fleets are using telematics than ever before, but few are taking advantage of the full capabilities, a new report found. Also, author of controversial report on the driver shortage speaks and Florida is building an autonomous vehicle test facility.

FourKites was founded with the idea of developing a cloud-based SaaS platform that allows for seamless communication and real-time collaboration in the supply chain. As it passes five years in business, founder Matt Elenjickal details why he thinks it has been successful.

7-minute company demos will garner a lot of attention at the upcoming FreightWaves LIVE Chicago conference, November 12-13.

Amazon and Home Depot have both leased space in a multi-story warehouse in Georgetown Crossroadss in Seattle.

KeepTruckin has released a camera that records both on-highway and inside the cab for those fleets looking for more driver monitoring options.

C.H. Robinson’s Bob Biesterfeld and Uber Freight’s Lior Ron will headline the Townhall Series at the upcoming CSCMP EDGE 2019 conference. The pair will discuss the changing nature of freight and address how technology is making that happen.

Even with all the publicity about the electronic logging device mandate, this year’s Roadcheck safety blitz in June still saw 37.2% of drivers placed out-of-service done so because of hours-of-service violations.

Air cargo volumes dropped again in July, but may be stabilizing based on new data.

Leveraging a TMS helps shippers improve their operations, but it can also ensure the carriers hauling their freight meet all regulations and adhere to contracts.

Technology such as dash cams, ELDs, telematics and even diagnostics systems are helping fleets better manage their drivers and assets, and the opportunities to use this data are plentiful.

Transflo has bundled an ELD, weigh station bypass, navigation and more into a single solution available on driver’s mobile devices.

FourKites has introduced a new analysis tool to help shippers identify unused capacity in their trailers.

Heartland Express has acquired Millis Transfer for approximately $150 million.

The U.S. and Japan have reached a tentative trade agreement where Japan will buy more U.S. corn.

Transfreight Automotive Logisitcs Europe, a fleet with over 90 vehicles, has shut down.

Ethiopian Cargo has added weekly service to Bangkok and Hanoi, Vietnam.

Citing declining volumes and hinting at a loss of customer support, Volga-Dnepr Group has replaced the general director of its AirBridgeCargo airline.

One of the more popular ways to improve efficiencies and reduce costs is through outsourcing some or all of the supply chain operations to a managed transportation provider.

“Robotic process automation has already taken root in other industries like financial services. It’s a perfect time for RPA to disrupt the logistics industry, given the amount of paperwork, documentation and around-the-clock customer interaction that global transportation requires,” says Mike Motsick, CEO of RPA Labs.

Samuel Coraluzzo has deployed I.D. Systems’ PowerFleet LV9000 asset-tracking solution into its entire fleet. The deployment gives the fleet a full ELD with a customized workflow that tracks jobs from dispatch to completion in real-time.

A new app aims to streamline household moves, plus China shipping empty containers to Europe and air cargo volumes drop again.

Zoos and aquariums rely on the expertise of logistics professionals to safely and humanely relocate live animals

The new IMO regulation reducing ships’ sulfur oxide emissions aims to improve the health of the environment and human population, especially near coasts and ports. This also means increased costs and a shift in strategies for maritime shippers. A panel at the Edge 2019 conference will explore these regulations and their predicted effect on logistics.

FourKites has connected the truck to the distribution center with its new Facility Manager solution, providing new levels of visibility into operations.

The use of congestion pricing to reduce traffic in cities may not be popular, but it is having profound effects and may be coming to where you live.

When Mack Trucks set out to design the Anthem, it turned to drivers for input. The result is a Class 8 tractor that is both comfortable and functional, providing all the benefits of an aerodynamic over-the-road tractor in a Classic Mack.

Empty miles are a billion-dollar problem for trucking fleets, but are they more of a problem than they were in 2002? Recent headlines indicate they may be, but they may not tell the true story.

If you see a truck driver in Texas without his hands on the wheel, the chances are good you’re seeing an autonomous truck from Kodiak Robotics.

CARB is making $40 million available in the form of vouchers to reduce emissions. Eligible equipment includes everything from rubber-tired gantry cranes, to airport cargo loaders to truck and trailer refrigeration units.

A major accident in 2018 led to a spike in insurance premiums for Carney Trucking, an increase the company just couldn’t absorb.

Schneider is closing its First to Final Mile delivery operation due to poor performance.

When deploying a TMS, it’s important to understand what you want it to do, but also what it can’t do for you.

While many fleets and drivers are using ELDs, there are still some using AOBRDs, and time is quickly running out before the December deadline to switch arrives.

Matching tractors to trailers could improve efficiency and lower costs for trucking fleets is among the concepts that vehicle engineers continue to chase, but the North American freight system might not be able to benefit from these advancements.

Idle-reduction technology is still not being used by all fleets, despite laws and clear benefits of such systems.

Convoy says a study of its data shows that carriers in its network are safer than industry averages and have fewer cargo claims than the average carrier.