A federal Dept. of Transportation field test of hazardous materials transportation security technologies includes wireless communications systems supplied by Qualcomm Inc.
Managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), the Hazardous Materials Safety and Security Field Operation Test is scheduled to start later this month. The test will include 100 trucks equipped with a variety of technologies.
“We must build on our continuous efforts to ensure the security of the more than 800,000 shipments of hazardous materials hauled on U.S. highways every day,” says Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta. “This operational test will help improve security and will help spur innovative technologies for safeguarding hazardous materials in the future.”
Among the technologies being tested are driver identification systems, vehicle tracking, cargo tampering and out-of-route alerts, electronic seals and remote vehicle disabling. Carriers and shippers participating in the test include BP Chemicals, Dupre Transport, ExxonMobil, Quality Carriers, Roadway Express, R&R Trucking and Transport Service Co.
The lead manager for the test is the Batelle Memorial Institute. In addition to Qualcomm, other participating industry suppliers include Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Freightliner, International and Savi Technology.
