Here are five things worth knowing today:
1. Volvo’s autonomous truck tested underground
Materials, Management & Distribution reports that Volvo is testing its fully autonomous truck in an underground mine in Kristineberg, Sweden. According to the report, the truck is part of a development project aimed at improving transport flow and safety in the mine. Volvo also released a video of the truck recorded in the harsh conditions of the mine.
2. ‘Next president should make infrastructure spending a priority’
Lawrence Summers, a professor at and past president of Harvard University, wrote in a Washington Post column that “a major infrastructure investment program should be adopted by the [incoming] president and Congress in the spring of 2017.” Summers notes that the case for infrastructure investment gets stronger each year, adding that “profound questions about America’s future are raised by collapsing bridges, children losing IQ points because of lead in water …” He highlights major points, citing inadequate roads and the nation’s gasoline tax among the top priorities. The Washington Post has more.
3. TTI develops autonomous freight moving system
Texas Gov. Greg Abbot and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute recently unveiled an autonomous Freight Shuttle System (FSS), which can load and unload shipping containers and semi-trailers powered by electric motors, WTAW News Talk 1620 reports. According to the report, the Port of Houston will conduct a feasibility study to deploy the FSS. WTAT has more.
4. Talking Freight webinar set for Sept. 21
Accommodating Trucks in Innovative Design Intersections and Interchanges is DOT’s next webinar in the Talking Freight Seminar series. The webinar, set for Sept. 21, will discuss why different types of innovative intersections are becoming more popular across the U.S., describe how agencies are factoring in truck and freight needs when planning and designing intersections, and review ongoing efforts in Oregon and Ohio. Register for this or other Talking Freight Seminars.
5. Project44 gets $10.5 million
Crain’s Chicago Business reports that Project44, a logistics-software provider, received $10.5 million in its first round of venture funding. Project44 has created a central hub that allows trucking companies and their customers to do business electronically – from requesting quotes to booking and tracking shipments, according to the company. Crain’s has more on Project44.
