FedEx exec backs infrastructure investment, twin trailers

FedEx exec backs infrastructure investment, twin trailers

A top FedEx official called for more federal investment in America’s transportation infrastructure in testimony to the Senate Commerce Committee’s surface transportation subcommittee last week, according to a report in the Commercial Appeal. Mike Ducker, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Freight, advocated expansion of 33-foot tandem trailers and uniform national standards on innovations…

Traffic study finds Long Island exit one of most congested in U.S.

The Shelter Rock Road exit on the Long Island Expressway is among the 100 most congested stretches of highway in the United States, according to a study released on by the American Transportation Research Institute in Arlington, Va, according to a report on the TheIslandNow.com website. The North Hills exit ranked as the 90th most…

Access to big data would help trucking companies improve safety and productivity

Access to big data would help trucking companies improve safety and productivity

AMES, Iowa – The trucking industry loses billions of dollars and wastes millions of hours each year sitting idle in traffic. Helping drivers avoid congestion would increase productivity and improve safety, says a team of Iowa State University and industry researchers as reported by the Iowa State University News Service. The team has identified a…

FHWA unveils national alternative fuel and electric charging network

FHWA unveils national alternative fuel and electric charging network

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is getting serious about alternative fuels. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently announced the creation of 55 routes that will serve as the basis for a national network of “alternative fuel” corridors spanning 35 states. Though the network is nearly 85,000 miles long, more miles will be added in…

China’s driverless trucks are revving their engines

China’s driverless trucks are revving their engines

China is gearing up to overhaul its road delivery with fleets of self-driving long-haul trucks, according to a piece in technologyreview.com. A number of companies are developing automation technologies that promise to lower costs, reduce accidents, and improve overall efficiency for the trucking industry by allowing drivers to make longer trips that include periods of…

Trump and trucking: Here’s what to expect

Trump and trucking: Here’s what to expect

The Trump administration looks to offer the trucking business some badly needed road and infrastructure projects, but the industry will have to pay for the improvements, either through higher fuel taxes or tolls according to an article in trucks.com. That’s the assessment of analysts at FTR Transportation Intelligence, an industry research firm. Trump’s strong commitment…