Quick! Can you explain how current truck makers are changing freight operations forever? Those who can, know there’s a certain synergy that is built into today's commercial trucks — prioritizing driver comfort, freight connectivity tools, proactive maintenance alerts, safety platforms, and fuel economy. And, for those who can't... Transport Topics' Michael Freeze has you covered. In this episode, he talks with Volvo's Chayene de Souza and Magnus Gustafson on how new, connected trucks can boost your business, enhance safety practices, and reinforce preventative maintenance plans. Tune in. This ..read more

Every year, at ATA's Technology and Maintenance Council meeting, nearly 5,000 fleet technology and maintenance professionals gather to break ground on trucking innovation. At this year's meeting, our host, Michael Freeze, found himself on the frontline of change. In this special RoadShow episode, Michael first speaks with the newly installed TMC Chair Amanda Shuier - the first madam chair since 1988. She shares what inspires her about the position and discusses her goals, including plans to tackle the technician shortage, engagement programs for the younger population, and incentivizing the in ..read more

The Environmental Protection Agency's Phase 3 greenhouse gas emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles are set to take effect beginning in model year 2027. The Biden administration says the proposed standards would cut CO2 emissions by nearly 10 billion tons. To prepare for the impending requirement, the trucking industry is beginning to look toward alternative fuels like biodiesel, natural gas and electric power — making trucks cleaner and greener. However, will the trucking industry be able to keep up with evolving standards and new proposed rulings? Is the United States infrastructure prep ..read more

Imagine a threat lurking at every fuel stop, one that's draining over a billion dollars annually from unsuspecting fleet drivers. This invisible menace? Fuel card skimming—a sophisticated scam where cybercriminals steal more than just fuel charges right from under carrier noses. How do they do it, and more importantly, how can we stop them? This week, join our host Michael Freeze, as he sits down with Meghann Erhart, Executive Vice President of Relay Payments, to expose the underbelly of this high-stakes fraud. Together, they'll delve into the world of phishing schemes and identity theft, unco ..read more

The future of the North American trucking industry depends on continued advancements in safety, maintenance, technology, cost and productivity. In less than a week, 5,000 industry professionals will gather to share knowledge, research and insight with the purpose to advance the trucking industry into a more successful, sustainable era. ATA's Technology & Maintenance Council, which is at the forefront of the latest in trucking products, equipment and technology, is expected to spotlight technical issues and industry innovation during its annual meeting March 4-7 in New Orleans. In this spec ..read more

With workforce shortages lingering, trucking companies are working hard to expand their driver recruitment reach by bolstering diversity and inclusion initiatives. Diverse business' tend to be more successful due to reduced turnover, increased profits, better decision making, and improved innovation. In this episode, we wonder — how can companies reach success through inclusion? What specific steps should recruiters take to attract more minorities? With our guest, COMTO's April Rai, we unlocked numerous tips to increase workforce diversity and grow profits. Tune in.  For more information ..read more

The transportation industry is under pressure from government regulators and some shipper customers to reduce carbon emissions. However, factors such as long distances, variable routes, high uptime requirements, strict driving-time limits and maximizing payload capacity make decarbonization particularly difficult for longhaul trucking. Given the added weight and charging requirements of battery-electric trucks, some truck makers and suppliers are investing in hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel cell trucks, which convert hydrogen into electricity to run an electric powertrain, have emerged as one of the m ..read more

As the trucking industry continues its quest to prevent crashes and streamline the movement of freight, autonomous trucks are entering the spotlight. These self-driving vehicles promise to unlock not only enhanced safety but also remarkable efficiency gains for freight transport. Among those who have experienced this emerging technology firsthand is Seth Clevenger, who shares insights from his recent encounter with an autonomous truck prototype developed by Torc Robotics. Delving deeper, Seth speaks with Torc CEO Peter Vaughan Schmidt and Joanna Buttler, head of Daimler Truck’s global autonomo ..read more

Did you know that despite significant advancements in reducing emissions, our medium and heavy-duty trucks still contribute a substantial 23% to transportation emissions? Since 1988, we've seen legislation transform the transportation landscape, advocating for alternative fuels for a healthier planet. In 2021, these changes led to a remarkable 98% reduction in emissions from new trucks. Yet, there's more road to cover.  In this special year-in-review episode, we delve into the journey and future of alternative fuel trucks. How are they paving the way for a greener 2024? What does this me ..read more

As the boundaries between the physical and digital realms continue to blur, transportation software companies are increasingly embracing cloud-based IT systems and AI to enable data-driven business decisions and reduce driver guesswork. One technology firm pursuing this path is Trimble, a software and telematics provider focused on connecting supply chain data streams within a unified, cloud-based ecosystem. The company believes this more connected approach to IT can empower trucking companies to optimize their planning processes, ensuring precise arrival times, guiding drivers to the optimal ..read more