Ontario-based Geotab has been collecting data and helping fleets solve operational challenges for years. It is now hoping to broaden its customer base even further thanks to its latest offerings.
Stifel Capital Markets will be hosting a dial-in conference call on Friday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. ET. Entitled “The Blockchain in Trucking Revolution,” the call will feature Craig Fuller, CEO of TransRisk and co-founder of the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance, and Chris Burruss, president of the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance.
There were a number of companies that presented new and updated products this past week at the American Trucking Associations’ MCE 2017 conference in Orlando, FL. Here is a rundown of some of those products.
Fullbay, a cloud-based management platform for independent truck shops, has joined the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance (BiTA), formed by seasoned logistics and technology professionals who will work together on the first set of transportation and trucking blockchain standards.
Since 2014, Edge Logistics has searched for new, innovative and time-saving ways to create better efficiency and transparency with its carrier network and to continue that tradition, the company has joined the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance.
In the future, trailer pools may no longer be the domain of truck large truckload fleets. Could they disrupt the LTL market as well and might brokers and 3PLs be able to take advantage?
One of 2017’s biggest stories in the emerging autonomous vehicles industry—Waymo’s $2.6B lawsuit against Uber over stolen trade secrets—revolves around a single piece of technology that is currently fueling a frenzied global competition for investment dollars, engineering expertise, and manufacturing capacity.
PeopleNet made several new product announcements this week at the American Trucking Associations (ATA) Management Conference & Exhibition in Orlando. A new gateway, fault intelligence, document scanning program and wireless trailer camera were on display at the company’s booth.
Many fleets are devoting 10% of their operating budgets to maintenance, but it doesn’t have to be that high, suggests Jim Buell, EVP of sales & marketing for FleetNet America. “If you talk to most people, they think maintenance costs are like death and taxes, you can’t do anything about it,”
When the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) announced in late August that it would delay out-of-service orders for ELD violations until April 1, 2018, many cheered the decision. According to Collin Mooney, executive director of CVSA, many assumed that meant officials would not enforce the ELD rule at all until April. That is simply not true.
TMW Systems is working on blockchain-enabled products and gave a demonstration and update on how that work is progressing on Friday.
Shippers and carriers are an integral part of the freight industry and keeping them in the loop would go a long way to improving efficiency inside the system. That is the belief that the founders of Go99 are building their business upon.
Blockchain offers a number of opportunities within freight management to improve cash flow. Pay per mile insurance coverage is one new concept, but that same philosophy can be applied to vehicle leases, perhaps changing the way fleets pay for their vehicles.
Ever since Bitcoin gatecrashed into the financial market scenes in late 2009, the technology underlying the virtual currency has had people talking. Blockchain, a ledger of records arranged in data blocks, uses cryptographic validation to link themselves together, resembling an unending chain, and it is disrupting the way FinTech market works.
Hyperloop companies have raised hundreds of millions of dollars to develop a new, high-speed form of transportation, but regulatory frameworks haven’t yet caught up with their technology.
The supply chain stands at the crossroads of innovation, with the impact of technology felt in different micro-niches. Here is a look at some of the technologies that are showing considerable potential and looking to change the facade of freight hauling forever.
The concept of driverless trucks has recently jostled the transportation industry. However, truck drivers everywhere may be relieved to discover that world-renowned business tycoon, Warren Buffett, is betting a fortune on their livelihoods, and sees no need to worry about an impending AI driver revolution.
General Motors has advanced its next-generation fuel cell system, which is part of its concept SURUS (Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure) platform that was shown last week at the fall meeting of the Association of the United States Army. Whether commercial transportation is willing to adopt fuel cell technology, though, remains a question.
C.H. Robinson will implement Omnitracs’ Virtual Load View (VLV) application as it seeks ways to improve visibility into load tracking. The system will run alongside C.H. Robinson’s own Navisphere system.
Paper Transport, Inc. has been accepted as a member of the Blockchain in Transportation Alliance. Paper Transport, Inc. choose BiTA because of the alliance’s commitment to building a standard communication framework for the next generation of logistics providers.
Hyperloop has been touted as a way to move passengers long distances quickly, but it is most likely going to find its footing first in the freight world, according to those working to develop the technology.
While not new to the supply chain, technology is lowering barriers and offering new opportunities for 4PLs to move in and control entire supply chains, creating greater efficiency for all involved.
Sandeep Kar, one of the commercial vehicles industry’s most respected names has joined the TransRisk Board of Advisors. He brings decades of research and insights on the commercial vehicle market, along with a perspective on the impact of autonomous, electric, telematics, and blockchain technologies will have on the trucking industry.
The original celebrity billionaire strikes once again. Once calling himself “The Rebel Billionaire,” Richard Branson has officially joined the Board of Directors in charge of Hyperloop One, The Verge reports.
A lot of facts and figures get thrown out by startups in the trucking space. Its important to understand whether these facts are credible or not.
Bitcoin is super-hot and has fended off any real threat to its meteoric rise. We examine what has fueled this factor and how it impacts the viability of blockchain in the logistics sector.
Coyote Logistics, a UPS company and leading global third-party logistics service provider, announced today that it has joined the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance (BiTA).
One of the primary problems plaguing the conventional freight industry today is the lack of affordable track-and-trace providers in the market that can provide real-time visibility to shipments. FreightTracer, a startup from Texas, is providing its customers real-time visibility into all their shipments – anytime and anywhere across any carrier.
The second largest e-commerce player in China has sealed the deal and will deploy the first automatic delivery vans to operate on the mainland. JD.com has confirmed the partnership deal made with Chinese automobile manufacturers Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Shanghai-based SAIC Maxus, China Daily reports.
After first acknowledging it was a developing a fuel-cell powered heavy-duty truck in the spring, Toyota is now set to unveil its Project Portal truck to the public through a demonstration program at the Port of Los Angeles that starts Oct. 23.
While the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued an exemption to the electronic logging device (ELD) rule for certain rental vehicles, the exemption has opened up several questions, including whether there is a potential loophole in the rule.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has granted a waiver to the Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) that will exempt all commercial rental vehicles from the electronic logging device (ELD) rule for drivers using a “property carrying commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) rented for 8 days or less.”
With the freight marketplace widening exponentially every year, the growing communication divide in the community is also significantly felt. Fr8Hub, a digital freight marketplace startup is looking to improve peer-to-peer interaction by creating transparency and injecting efficiency in freight hauling.
In the rush to develop autonomous, long-haul trucks (and trains) that could double productivity – driving for 24 hours a day with no need for rest – it may turn out that the competition for freight may really be in the sky.
Costco has expanded its partnership with California-based startup Instacart and that means that customers are now able to get shelf-stable food ordered online and delivered within two days. Fresh foods will be delivered the same day.
With the freight industry being one of the largest contributors to the U.S. economy, it is imperative that it makes way for technology infusion. San Diego-based startup LoadExpress is looking to disrupt the way logistics is handled in the industry right now.
Protests on both coasts in the past few days have placed truckers in the spotlight. Truck drivers in California and Washington, DC, staged protests to highlight the implementation of the electronic logging device (ELD) rule.
For the uninitiated, systems built on cryptocurrency can be unfathomably complex, with confusion exacerbated by their constantly changing nature. Unfortunately, in the world’s modern business climate, understanding these intricacies is critical to nurturing a thriving business. There may be no aspect of technology that is more greatly tied to this truth than that of smart contracts.
Daimler has been given permission by the Oregon Department of Transportation to test truck platooning on the roads of Oregon following successful trials in Madras, OR. The company has said it will first test the platooning technology on two connected heavy-duty Cascadias in the first step called “pairing.”
Walmart is taking its battle for online market share to Amazon with the acquisition of New York-based Parcel, a last-mile, same-day delivery company specializing in perishable and non-perishable delivery in New York City.
Trucker District CEO Marcel Alvarado’s time driving for a carrier provided insight into the difficulties faced by drivers in the industry and potential problems arising due to the deeply fragmented trucking community. His company is trying to bring that community closer together.
An entirely new generation of technological change is now occurring in the transportation industry, and it’s called the autonomous truck, or what design specialists refer to as “intelligent engineering.” But what are some of the benefits, and risks, associated with the technology?
Ford is following that of other automakers and investing in electrification and connectivity. The company also said it would redirect $7 billion from car production to increase SUV and truck production.
Do we have a picture of Tesla’s new semi truck? A Reddit user named itookapicofarocket posted a picture of what he said was the Tesla semi before mysteriously removing the picture.
All agricultural carriers must now be in compliance with the Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food rule, commonly called the “Sanitary Transportation Rule.” If you are a smaller carrier, though, complying with that rule comes just before complying with another – the ELD mandate.
Ikea’s acquisition of TaskRabbit is seen as a way to give Ikea customers access to assembly services. But it also may pave the way for local delivery of Ikea products, perhaps producing a new need for delivery drivers.
All agricultural carriers must now be in compliance with the Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food rule, commonly called the “Sanitary Transportation Rule.” If you are a smaller carrier, though, complying with that rule comes just before complying with another – the ELD mandate.
Leading machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) provider Orbcomm has acquired Blue Tree Systems, a provider of compliance solutions in multiple countries, including the U.S.
Chris Burruss, formerly with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), is the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance (BiTA)’s first President. The Alliance was launched in September 2017 to develop blockchain standard and certifications for the freight industry, has 160+ applicants, and 85% of the truckload transactions can be represented in the space.
Some large carriers can easily accumulate over $1 million a month in toll payments, said Drew Anderson, director of carrier relations for HELP, Inc. Because of that, there is a need to help them – and any other fleet large or small that deals with tolls – better manage their tolling data and payments.
Much has been written about the death of freight brokerages and 3PLs. This is wrong. The 3PL industry is about to change- but it won’t meet its death. It will get bigger and more important as the next generation of digitization takes place.
With the introduction of smart insurance contracts in transportation applications, companies in the freight business could emulate a similar offering to solve some of the major disruption risks involved in carrier service failures.
Federal officials iterate their belief that a transparent and efficient government is achievable through blockchain technology
Globalization and digital transformations go hand in hand. As companies expand their global reach, they must also mature digitally. Making that digital transformation is becoming easier with blockchain.
The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration announced a completion of an environmental impact study that highlights a proposed route for an Atlanta to Chattanooga rail line.
In this informative and entertaining TED talk, Bettina Warburg takes the viewer through a discussion on why this technology will change the economy and society forever.
It may seem like a small product enhancement, but the “quick-release” option now available on FlowBelow’s Tractor AeroKit system could save fleets thousands of dollars.
Mitchell 1 has been helping technicians speed up both processes since the 1940s, and this week at the North American Commercial Vehicle show in Atlanta the company has added another layer to that help with updates to its RepairConnect diagnostic software.
Uber shuts down its car leasing business as it prepares for an IPO next year. Uber Freight, the company’s brokerage business continues to expand and focuses on driver quality of life.
The potential for the hyperloop technology to take the world by storm is growing. Silicon Valley start-up Hyperloop One has finally chosen what the company views as the best areas to build its first hyperloop tracks.
In what might be one of the biggest victories for BITA to-date, document imaging powerhouse, Pegasus joins the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance (BiTA)
Bosch may be well known for its automotive technology, but it is less known for its commercial vehicle technologies here in the United States. That is starting to change as Bosch is investing in technologies that will be part of the electric and autonomous future many are predicting for the industry.
Wabco’s acquisition of the remaining 50% ownership stake Meritor held in the Meritor Wabco joint venture, which began 27 years ago, a few weeks ago is one of the steps Wabco is taking to ensure its continued growth and positioning for the future.
Meritor has announced a new electric vehicle platform of axles and suspensions as more truck OEMs and fleets shift resources to developing electric vehicles.
Forging an ever-closer alliance between the two companies, Navistar and Volkswagen announced work on several projects including a new integrated next-generation powertrain and an electric truck to launch in late 2019 or early 2020.
A wide-ranging morning-television style event to kick off its participation in the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta ended with a bit of an electric vehicle tease from Roger Nielsen, president & CEO, Daimler Trucks North America.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is creating both hope and fear in the transportation industry; hope for the wealth of efficiency, cost savings, and safety improvement that AI promises, and fear that the ever-changing job market that accompanies the AI movement may put the careers of thousands in the transportation industry in jeopardy.
Cummins’ electrified powertrain inside the AEOS Class 7 concept truck is part of the engine maker’s aim to create diverse powertrain options for customers.
Daimler’s trucking arm has confirmed an investment in Israel-based tech startup StoreDot. The investment will help StoreDot commercialize its quick-charging, CEO Doron Myersdorf told TechCrunch.
Businesses who trade internationally typically rely on freight forwarders to act on their behalf to transport product. The process of locating and arranging a forwarder is no easy task and extremely time-consuming, and over many decades this process has barely changed.
Self-driving technology puts truck driver jobs at risk, however, the potential benefits are rewarding. And that is making it a hot topic in Washington, where legislators are trying to determine how involved the government should be.
Fleet Complete Chief Strategy Officer Sandeep Kar will participate in two panels next week as part of the Connected Fleets USA 2017 Conference.
Electric vehicles have come a long way, yet there is an important question that never seems to get addressed when discussing electric cars and trucks: what happens if the power goes out? Will your trucks still make their deliveries?
Warehouse space is increasingly shrinking, with vacancy rates near all-time lows. As space dwindles, those companies looking to move a single truckload to a warehouse for two weeks are forced to pay high premiums. Warehouse provider Stord is out to change that.
According to the Department of Transportation, nearly 20% of all trailers are traveling empty down the highway. That doesn’t account for trailers that are running less than full. That empty space, whether it is enough room for one pallet or ten, is a revenue opportunity lost.
As the Congress works on developing legislation aimed at regulating self-driving vehicles, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao is looking to guide that legislation with less of a regulatory hand, according to Bloomberg.
As Nikola Motor continues to develop its hydrogen-electric Class 8 tractor, the company continues to evolve its design. The latest is the introduction of an eAxle developed by Bosch.
No need for those extra extension cords just yet; electric vehicles are not about to take over the world. That is one of the points that Lars Stengvist, CTO of the Volvo Group and EVP of Volvo Group Truck Technology, made to a select group of reporters during a roundtable discussion on truck technologies
The new Defense Department budget includes funds set aside to study blockchain and the impact of the technology in the hands of either the good guys or bad. This could be a good thing for the US logistics industry, as some of the research will probably make into the private sector.
Small carriers and owner-operators have capacity to offer, but those that need it most – larger, Fortune 1000 shippers, don’t have access to that capacity because it is not cost-effective to onboard small carriers hauling just a few loads. Sudu, though, is changing that dynamic.
Anyone that has ever bought a house or vehicle knows how much of a pain it is and that is assuming you have a clean title. If not, all bets are off. With blockchain, the transfer of assets could be instant and without the risks normally involved in buying and selling.
Bitcoin has been on a wild-ride and some people think the future is zero. This will be a good thing for commercial blockchain applications.
TMW Systems sees enormous potential with blockchain technology, but notes that successful implementation requires a “strong partnership with a technology provider that understands its intricacies and potential applications.”
In recent years, players in the transportation industry have embraced technology and this has greatly helped in solving the many challenges associated with manual operations, and the future is even brighter in the years to come.
Digital freight brokers are using “Daily-deal” tactics to get revenue growth. They sold themselves as a platform to change the inefficient trucking industry, but have found it difficult to find quality sources of high-volume freight. These platforms have resorted to aggressive pricing tactics using investor capital. What will find is that as soon as they change prices, shipper loyalty will evaporate.
Larger fleet owners that have been looking forward to autonomous trucks to solve the pesky driver shortage may find themselves unemployed too
Google’s has invested more than $1.1B dollars in driverless technology. The number was revealed in court documents involved in the lawsuit between Uber and Google over its handling of Otto and self-driving IP
The ongoing and future transformation in the industry will not only benefit the carriers, truckers and shippers, but also the controlling authorities as well as positively impact other industries in the market and the economy at large. Here are a few of the technologies already impacting the industry.
After several years in development, Daimler Trucks unveiled its electric Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter yesterday at a ceremony in New York City. The first trucks have been delivered to UPS and four New York City-based NGOs.
As blockchain transactions begin to take hold in the general economy and the supply chain in particular, there is a growing question of how to speed financial transactions. According to Coin Telegraph, the answer may be tokens.
Blockchain has taken center stage in 2017, and we are only at the beginning. But before everyone declares blockchain the solution to all the world’s problems, two authors note that there needs to be standards and governance to make it work.
Delphi CTO says that autonomous vehicles will come to cities and ports long before they will ever go into the highway or over-the-road trucking markets
Ask an over-the-road truck driver what their biggest concerns are and you won’t have to go far down the list before finding a safe place to park appears. But a new company is hoping to change that, allowing drivers to reserve a spot ahead of time at a nominal fee.
One of the biggest trends in the field of freight logistics is the digitization of the trucking industry, which has a market of over $700 billion every year.
Brad Jacobs sits down with Jim Cramer and talks trucking, XPO, and the state of the economy. He makes a provocative prediction that will turn some heads that we could see fully autonomous trucks in less than a decade.
Proponents of autonomous trucks found plenty to be happy with during Wednesday’s Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing on the technology.
TMW acquires truckload visibility aggregator, 10-4, continuing a trend of FreightTech acquisitions in the market transparency space.
Following passage of a House bill last week that set the framework for autonomous automobiles, trucking gets its chance to state its case today in front of a Senate committee.
In the past two decades, more than 90% of the nation’s pollinators – from bees to butterflies – have disappeared. That’s why companies like Bee Downtown are working so hard to save the honeybee, and trucking is playing a critical role in its survival.
There are certain practices in trucking that are not above board and cause a lot of strain on the companies in the space. Will the implementation of blockchain smart contracts, these practices could be ended, ushering in transparency and fairness for all involved.
