Equipment & Tech

DALLAS — Cummins Inc. and Rush Enterprises, Inc. have announced closure on Cummins’ acquisition of 50% equity interest in Momentum Fuel Technologies from Rush. The joint venture “will seek to enhance production of near-zero emissions natural gas powertrains by manufacturing Cummins-branded natural gas fuel delivery systems for the commercial vehicle market in North America,” according to a joint news release issued by the companies. “The new company combines the strengths of Momentum Fuel Technologies’ compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel delivery systems and Cummins’ powertrain expertise,” the news release stated. “When powered by renewable natural gas (RNG), using methane collected from organic waste as the primary fuel source, the engines can be credited with a neutral to negative carbon index, resulting in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at or below zero.” Srikanth Padmanabhan, president of the engine business at Cummins, said the collaboration “shows Cummins’ continued commitment to natural gas powertrains and this partnership will expand and improve the service and support for CNG and RNG customers. The partnership will help us bring to market the highest quality, clean and efficient natural gas products, including the 15-liter natural gas engine we announced in October.” “Our range of natural gas powertrains, including our 15-liter engine, are important to advancing our path to zero emissions solutions strategy that reduces the greenhouse gas and air quality impacts of its products in a way that is best for our customers and all stakeholders,” Padmanabhan added. “In order to truly achieve a zero-emission economy, we have to help customers transition seamlessly, which requires multiple solutions including natural gas, along with advanced diesel, electrified solutions, hydrogen fuel cell and other technologies.” W.M. “Rusty” Rush, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Rush Enterprises, Inc., said that “due to upcoming regulatory requirements, corporate ESG goals and the environmental and economic benefits of RNG vehicles, many customers are seeing the value in these vehicles, which we believe will drive growth for the foreseeable future.” “With this joint venture, we are able to continue to serve CNG and RNG customers throughout the country with both Cummins’ and Rush Truck Centers nationwide network of support locations and portfolio of aftermarket solutions,” he added. The joint venture will offer aftermarket support through Rush Truck Centers dealerships and Cummins distributors, which will be able to service both the engine and the fuel delivery system. “The partnership between Cummins and Rush Enterprises will benefit customers by providing them with access to an extensive CNG vehicle parts and service network; both Cummins’ and Rush Enterprises’ respective networks, which together represent over 250 locations in the US and Canada, will be equipped with certified technicians and access to a comprehensive CNG vehicle parts inventory,” the news release stated.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — McLeod Software, a supplier of transportation management and trucking software for carriers, brokers, 3PL providers and shippers, saw its sales grow by 32 percent in 2021. That’s a new company record. On Monday, the company also announced that version 22.1 of its LoadMaster Enterprise and PowerBroker software programs are ready for use. “With the release of Version 22.1, McLeod Software continues to focus on a layered security approach to protect from external cyber threats,” a company news release stated. “Security updates add precautionary layers protect the gateways from those outside your trusted network. McLeod uses security measures in layers to decrease the likelihood that an attack can reach the sensitive data and systems that run a customers’ business.” McLeod’s updates include a host of new capabilities across its software suite. For example, “the IntercompanyFusion module allows McLeod’s DataFusion EDI (electronic data interchange) solution to provide visibility, two-way communication and data sharing to manage the freight exchange between internal companies without the need for double entry of the order,” according to the news release. “This feature vastly reduces the effort associated with moving a load between two internal companies under the corporate structure.” There are also new capabilities and enhancements to trailer sharing for LoadMaster, a tool “designed specifically for transportation corporations composed of multiple entities, allows trailers to be shared between internal companies,” the news release stated. “This can be especially helpful when demand is heavy, and capacity is tight. Behind-the-scenes enhancements optimize the dispatch approval process and keep track of shared trailers, regardless of which company in the organization owns the trailer.” Credit card usage has also been addressed in the software update. Using the data import tool, a process has been created to import credit card transaction information from a credit card service provider into regular vouchers/AP open items. “This process offers tremendous time savings for your administrative staff and reduces the risk of errors by manual entry,” the news release stated. “This import adds transactions to create a visible audit trail and history record and the ability to adjust the transaction amounts, GL accounts, descriptions, and dates prior to voucher posting.” Click here for full details about McLeod’s software and the updates provided in this most recent version.  

LOWELL, Ark. — J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. has announced a long-term partnership with autonomous driving technology company Waymo Via. According to a news release from J.B. Hunt, the “strategic alliance with Waymo Via … will advance innovative efforts to integrate commercial autonomous driving technology in transportation and logistics, with ultimate plans to complete fully autonomous transport in Texas in the next few years.” Craig Harper, chief sustainability officer and executive vice president at J.B. Hunt, said that the company’s pilot program with Waymo last year helped them learn more about how autonomous vehicles operate and how that technology could work for their company. “This strategic alliance will continue that momentum and further explore the intricate details that would make this a value-driven solution for customers,” Harper said. “We believe autonomous driving technology will help us create the most efficient transportation network in North America, and our collaboration with Waymo Via is a pivotal step towards fulfilling that mission.” Waymo and J.B. Hunt completed their first trial runs in Class 8 autonomous rigs last year, moving freight along Interstate 45 in Texas for one of J.B. Hunt’s leading customers. The upcoming pilots will take place in the same lane. “Our collaboration with J.B. Hunt in 2021 was incredibly fruitful,” said Charlie Jatt, head of commercialization for trucking at Waymo. “Establishing this strategic alliance marks an exciting moment for our relationship, and more importantly, paves the way for us both to help grow the foundations for successful deployment and to capitalize on the benefits of autonomous driving technology. We’re incredibly grateful for our relationship with J.B. Hunt and their shared vision for the safety and efficiency benefits we can bring to the industry at a critical time.”

PHOENIX — Less-than-truckload carrier Saia Freight has signed a letter of intent to purchase or lease up to 100 heavy duty Nikola Tre electric tractors within the next two years. The agreement will be in effect after the “satisfactory completion of a demonstration program,” Saia officials said. The demonstration program will include three battery-electric trucks to be operated in separate locations across the Saia network and is expected to begin in the first half of this year. Deliveries of 100 production vehicles are tentatively slated for 2022 and 2024, with the initial 25 targeted for this year. “We are thrilled that Saia has chosen to work with us,” said Pablo Kozine, Nikola’s president of energy and commercial division. “Saia is a leader in the freight and logistics industry and will be a key development partner for Nikola. This announcement represents another milestone in our continuous progress towards the delivery of zero-emissions vehicles, energy solutions and the sales and service network required to support our valued customers.” Saia President and CEO Fritz Holzgrefe reciprocated Koziner’s enthusiasm about the deal. “We are excited to partner with Nikola Corporation as we work to integrate battery-electric trucks into our tractor fleet,” Holzgrefe said. “We are deeply committed to conducting our business operations in a responsible and sustainable manner, reducing our impact on the environment while still providing our customers with exceptional service.”

MODESTO, Calif. — Soda giant PepsiCo is slated to receive 15 Tesla Class 8 electric tractors by the end of January, according to various reports from online blogs that cover the budding automotive company. PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta had announced last spring that the company would be taking delivery of the trucks in late 2021, though that didn’t happen. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said late last year that his company has suffered from supply-chain issues, along with most every other major firm in the world. The website driveteslacanada.com posted several photos showing two Tesla tractors outside the company’s Giga Nevada plant. Additionally, the website also shared photos that it said were of massive charging stations, known as Megachargers, located at a Frito-Lay facility in Modesto, California. Frito-Lay is a part of PepsiCo’s suite of brands.

ATHENS, Ga. — As North American wireless carriers move to phase out 3G service, Carrier Transicold is introducing a program to help trucking fleets upgrade telematics technology on their refrigerated trucks and trailers. The company says that new eSolutions bundled subscriptions eliminate large upfront hardware costs by packaging equipment fees and airtime service into a monthly plan. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, touting itself as “the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.” “Regardless of the 3G telematics equipment currently being used on a fleet’s Carrier Transicold refrigeration units, fleet managers now have the advantage of upgrading to our eSolutions 4G LTE equipment without a major capital investment up front,” said David Brondum, director of telematics for Carrier Transicold. “A bundled subscription ensures reliable equipment performance with full warranty support for the life of the contract, and it provides protection against obsolescence as cellular networks sunset earlier technologies in favor of newer generation telecommunications.” Program features include: A monthly fee that covers the hardware, software and airtime service subscription, allowing fleets to convert a capital outlay to an operating expense; Three-or-five-year contract options. Guaranteed equipment performance, including parts and labor warranty coverage, for the life of the contract; and Installation and equipment commissioning by authorized Carrier Transicold dealers. Hardware includes the transceiver module, antenna and wiring harness as well as optional peripheral components such as fuel sensors, temperature probes and door switches.

LAS VEGAS — PACCAR Inc. showcased a variety of new technology for its tractors at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show, held Jan. 5-7 in Las Vegas. The Peterbilt line unveiled the first Model 579 equipment with advanced autonomous systems, and Kenworth brought its T680E battery electric vehicle to the show. Both Peterbilt and Kenworth are manufactured by PACCAR. Additionally, PACCAR Parts showed off some new charging solutions for electric tractors. Designed for pickup and delivery, regional haul and drayage applications, the Kenworth T680E is available as a day cab as either a tractor or straight truck in a six-by-four axle configuration, according to a Kenworth news release. The model is offered in an 82,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and is equipped with 536 horsepower, continuous power and up to 670 horsepower peak power, along with 1,623 pound-feet of torque. It has a top speed of 65 mph. The zero emissions T680E has an estimated operating range of 150 miles, depending on application. The Class 8 battery electric vehicle utilizes the industry standard SAE CCS1 charge port, can be fully charged in approximately three hours and features Meritor’s Blue Horizon 14Xe™ tandem electric powertrain. “Kenworth is leading the way in zero emissions solutions,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The Kenworth T680E builds upon Kenworth’s excellent heritage of providing fleets and truck operators with outstanding and productive trucks driven by quality, innovation and technology. The new Kenworth T680E provides our customers with a true, zero emissions solution that will help to achieve their own green program objectives.” Turning to automated driving, PACCAR’s Peterbilt Model 579 features Aurora Driver, a Level 4 advanced autonomous system. Introduced in early-2021, PACCAR touts the Model 579 as “the most technologically advanced truck Peterbilt has ever built.” PACCAR says that the tractor features major improvements in aerodynamics, efficiency, comfort, technology and uptime. “Aurora is designing its industry-defining technology to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly and at large scale,” according to a PACCAR news release. Aurora has incorporated the New Model 579 into its heavy-duty test fleet, which is hauling freight for customers today. “Our partnership with PACCAR to co-develop self-driving Class 8 trucks builds on a deep technical foundation and years of collective expertise. The team is making progress as we prepare to launch Peterbilt’s first autonomous trucks at scale,” said Sterling Anderson, Aurora chief product officer and co-founder. “Together, we’re building a product and business that will make our roads safer and our supply chains more efficient, and we’re excited to share a glimpse into that future at CES.” To round out its CES displays, PACCAR’s parts division, along with EnTech Solutions and Schneider Electric, showcased several of their new charging devices. PACCAR Parts touts itself as “a leader in providing EV charger solutions tailored to fleets of all sizes.” A news release from PACCAR Parts stated that the company’s “cooperation with EnTech Solutions and Schneider Electric benefits customers by streamlining the purchase process, including advising them on PACCAR’s full line of EV chargers, conducting site assessments, providing quotes and completing installations.” David Danforth, PACCAR Parts general manager and PACCAR vice president, said that his company “values our strong partnership with EnTech Solutions and Schneider Electric to deliver innovative, industry-leading products and services helping customers maximize uptime.” “We are dedicated to using the latest technology to provide outstanding EV charger solutions,” he added. EnTech Solutions, a full-service clean energy solutions provider, supports customers with a comprehensive EV charging approach, from electrification concept and design to installation and optimization. EnTech Solutions is the preferred charging installer for Kenworth and Peterbilt customers and dealers. “We are proud to partner with PACCAR Parts and Schneider Electric to bring clean, resilient power solutions to the EV fleet marketplace,” said Suzanne Betker, EnTech Solutions vice president of e-mobility solutions. “Customers are benefiting from our trilateral partnership, which delivers our combined expertise for their fleet electrification journey.” At Schneider, Electric Director of Automotive and eMobility Bobbi Dillow-Walsh said that her company is in full support of PACCAR Parts and the growing electrification needs of EV customers. “The industry needs more dynamic energy solutions to deliver sustainability and resiliency, such as microgrids, and we are proud to partner with this team to deliver results,” Dillow-Walsh said.  

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – Winter is here, and that means mounds of snow in large areas of the nation. That snow can easily build up several feet atop semi-trailers and other large vehicles with flat rooftops. The buildup must be cleared before these vehicles can safely travel on roadways; otherwise, it will blow off in large chucks, hitting any traffic that is traveling behind. FleetPlow from Scraper Systems by Rite-Hite offer a solution through automated snow removal systems for trucks, vans, reefer trailers, containers, box trucks and buses. According to a news release, this piece of snow removal equipment is “designed for safe, efficient, low-maintenance operation in the harshest of winter conditions.” FleetPlow uses a patented “Deep-V” plow blade and can remove up to 24 inches of heavy, wet snow in less than 30 seconds per vehicle, according to the company. Further, a powered height adjustment can accommodate vehicle heights up to 14 feet tall without damaging roofs. A portable model with a rollable chassis frame allows the system to be relocated out of the way when the snow season is over.  

STOUGHTON, Wis. — Stoughton Trailers is planning to expand its intermodal chassis production with the opening of a new Waco, Texas, facility later this year. According to a news release, the Waco plant will add additional chassis capacity to Stoughton’s already-expanding production lines in Wisconsin. The construction of the Waco plant is already underway and is expected to be completed quickly, the company said. “As part of its future chassis production plan, Stoughton purchased a parcel of land in Waco and is building a new manufacturing facility to further expand chassis production capacity and tap into alternative labor markets,” the news release stated. Stoughton officials said they expect to begin moving equipment into the new facility by March and start chassis manufacturing by early second quarter. The new production facility is expected to employ up to 125 people. In addition, the company has recently added a new chassis production line in the Stoughton, Wisconsin, facility. Once ramped up to full production, the company expects to employ an additional 150 people in the Stoughton plant, assembling chassis and manufacturing components to feed the other chassis production lines. When the Waco, Stoughton and Evansville facilities are operating at capacity, the collective output of all three facilities will increase the run rate to approximately 20,000 to 25,000 chassis per year, hitting that rate by September 2022, the news release stated. “The new Waco facility and Stoughton production line will help fulfill our customer production commitments for 2022 and beyond,” said Bob Wahlin, president and CEO of Stoughton. “By the end of 2022, the company will have invested $25 million dollars expanding our chassis production capacity. These investments would not have been possible without the remedial relief provided by the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on chassis from China. “I would like to thank our facilities, operations and chassis team members for their hard work to date on these important projects.”  

NEW YORK — A semitruck guided by technology from the company TuSimple completed an 80-mile route in Arizona with no human on board and no human intervention during the trip, the company said Wednesday. San Diego-based TuSimple says it’s the first successful fully-autonomous run by a class 8 truck on open public roads with no human intervention. The nighttime trip earlier this month started at a railyard in Tucson, Arizona, and ended at a distribution center in Phoenix with approval and supervision from the Arizona Department of Transportation and law enforcement. “By achieving this momentous technical milestone, we demonstrated the advanced capabilities of TuSimple’s autonomous driving system and the commercial maturity of our testing process, prioritizing safety and collaboration every step of the way. This test reinforces what we believe is our unique position at the forefront of autonomous trucking, delivering advanced driving technology at commercial scale,” said Cheng Lu, president and CEO of TuSimple. “This year, we were laser-focused on putting our technology through a rigorous test on open public roads under real-world conditions, and to see all our hard work and dedication come together is extremely rewarding.” Founded in 2015, TuSimple says it has 70 autonomous trucks globally.

WALLINGFORD, Conn. — Between fighting clogged roadways, cranky dispatchers and receivers who make drivers wait for hours on end just to get unloaded, going number two on the road ranks right up there with the top pains in the neck for busy truckers. One company says it has invented a portable toilet to make the latter much easier. According to a news release, “The Laveo™ portable electric toilet by Dry Flush is an innovative and practical solution to this common, awkward dilemma.” The waterless, odorless, chemical-free, no-freeze, low-maintenance and compact portable electric toilet measures 16 inches in width, 20 inches in diameter and 18 inches high. It weighs 29 pounds. “For comfort, the seat and height are standard toilet sizes,” according to the news release. “When done, users simply push the flush button as they would with a traditional toilet.” Instead of requiring water, extensive plumbing or expensive chemicals, the proprietary Laveo double-layered barrier bag automatically encloses urine and stool in a spill-resistant, odorless way, the news release stated. The dispenser automatically brings in new, clean barrier bag material for the next flush. Each barrier bag cartridge can handle an average of 15 flushes. Once full, a cartridge may be easily removed in a sanitary way and discarded in a trash container. There is no dirty water to dump or chemicals to pour. Installing a new cartridge takes less than one minute. The self-contained Laveo Dry Flush portable toilet uses 12V DC power with 4.9 amp flush and 0.0 amp idle. Power options include long-life rechargeable batteries, solar chargers and AC adaptors. A charger cable is included. Other options include handrails and privacy shelters. The “go anywhere” Laveo toilet may be permanently installed or easily removed, utilized elsewhere and re-installed whenever needed. Click here for more information.    

OAK BROOK, Ill — Heniff Transportation Systems has ordered 10 Nikola Tre BEV (battery electric vehicle) tractors and signed a letter of intent to purchase 90 more. According to a news release, Heniff will purchase the tractors from Thompson Truck Centers. Deliveries are expected to commence during the first half of 2022. Heniff has nearly 100 locations connected nationwide and more than 2,000 tractors. The news release stated that the agreement between Heniff and Thompson is a fleet-as-a-service model where Thompson will provide the sales, service, maintenance and energy infrastructure required to operate the Nikola Tre BEV trucks. “The Nikola dealer network is a key component to delivering innovative zero-emissions products to our customers,” said Nikola Energy and Commercial President, Pablo Koziner. “This agreement is intended to be a true turnkey solution, with the goal for Heniff Transportation to realize zero-emissions transportation with first-class dealer support.” Mark McDonell, COO of Thompson Machinery, said that “With the rapid regulatory changes around electric vehicles, it is important for Thompson to deliver innovative products to our customers that will meet the new standards of zero-emissions for transportation. This partnership with Heniff Transportation is an exciting first step in their journey to add zero-emission vehicles in their fleet.” Bob Heniff, CEO of Heniff Transportation, said he and his team were dazzled by Nikola after a recent tour of their Arizona manufacturing facility and taking a rest ride in the Tre BEV. “We were impressed by the power, performance, engineering and quality of the truck,” Heniff said. “We see this partnership with Nikola and Thompson as a means to accelerate our strategy for electrification of our fleet and as a positive benefit for our customers, communities, employees, and stakeholders.”  

SAN ANTONIO – HOLT Truck Center has purchased five Summit Truck Group locations in Oklahoma, along with the territorial selling rights for Wichita Falls, Texas. The purchase means that HOLT becomes Navistar’s authorized International truck and IC Bus dealer in Oklahoma and Wichita Falls. HOLT will also continue to sell Isuzu commercial trucks, Ottawa and Crane Carrier specialty vehicles while continuing to service all makes and models throughout all of its locations, according to a HOLT news release. The five locations in Oklahoma include: Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Ardmore, Enid and Muskogee. There are not yet any physical locations in Wichita Falls, according to a HOLT news release. The acquisition of Summit Truck Group’s operations will bring HOLT Truck Centers to a total of 12 locations in Texas and Oklahoma. “We have deep roots in the on-highway truck business and are committed to ensuring our customers will continue to receive superior products and services to meet their diverse needs,” said Bert Fulgium, senior vice president for HOLT Truck Centers and Product Support for HOLT CAT. “We know our customers travel beyond Texas and recognize the benefit this will offer them as we remain committed to providing the same legendary service they are accustomed to when traveling in Oklahoma.”    

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The first fully-electric Class 8 tractor designed by Mack has gone into serial production at the company’s Lehigh Valley (LVO) facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania. Dubbed the LR Electric, the tractor is equipped with four NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries. “Mack has long been a leader in the refuse segment, and we couldn’t be more pleased to now be producing Mack LR Electric vehicles to help our customers meet their sustainability goals,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of sales and commercial operations. “Customer response to the LR Electric has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to putting more into fleet operations now that we are in production.” The LR Electric is charged by a 150kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system. The batteries provide vehicle propulsion and power for all onboard accessories driven through 12V, 24V and 600V electric circuits. A three-mode regenerative braking system helps recapture the energy from the hundreds of stops the vehicle makes each day as a result of increasing payload throughout the day. The Mack LR Electric may be fitted with equipment bodies from numerous manufacturers based on the unique needs of the customer, according to the company. The LR Electric also features the same industry-leading ergonomics and visibility as the diesel-powered LR model. The same driver/passenger side driving configurations, as well as seating choices and door options, are offered in the LR Electric as on the diesel-powered Mack LR model. A copper-colored Bulldog hood ornament, signifying the fully electric drivetrain, is featured prominently on the front of the truck. “We are successfully producing the LR Electric at LVO, and we are fulfilling customer orders as we speak,” said Gunnar Brunius, vice president and general manager at LVO. “I’d like to recognize the hard work and dedication of LVO employees who have been eagerly preparing for this moment.” Mack recently announced that the LR Electric comes standard with the Mack Ultra Service Agreement, offering customers a tailored uptime package designed specifically to meet the unique needs of BEV. The Ultra Service Agreement includes preventative and scheduled maintenance, towing and repair, a battery warranty and monitoring via Mack connected services in a single package that can include monthly payments. Supported by Mack GuardDog® Connect, Mack’s integrated telematics solution, the LR Electric and its batteries will be monitored for battery health and performance, and fault codes will be detected when registered by the battery and electric components of the energy storage system. TEC Equipment Fontana, California, and Northwest Equipment Sales in Boise, Idaho, were the first two Mack dealers to achieve Certified Electric Vehicle Dealer status. Numerous other dealerships are currently in the process of meeting the many stringent safety, charging, infrastructure and training requirements. Updating the facility is also required. Mack announced plans to launch the LR Electric model in 2018, with the first demonstration vehicle being delivered to the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) in September 2020. Since then, the vehicles have been in real-world testing in the demanding environment of the world’s largest sanitation department. The second LR Electric demonstration model was delivered in October 2020 to Republic Services and is being tested in a residential application in Hickory, North Carolina. DSNY recently announced their plan to purchase seven LR Electric models that will operate in the city’s five boroughs.  

LOS ANGELES — The first electric trucks from the Nikola Corporation have been delivered to a California port drayage company. Total Transportation Services Inc. (TTSI) has pledged to order up to 100 of the Nikola Tre battery-electric tractors. “Nikola committed to make its first Tre BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) deliveries in Q4 2021, and it is a big honor to celebrate this milestone with our partner, TTSI and dignitaries who are committed to advancing zero-emission transportation solutions to reduce truck emissions in port operations,” said Nikola CEO Mark Russell. “TTSI has significant sustainability goals, and we are pleased to help them achieve their vision with our zero-emission trucks.” TTSI’s purchase letter of intent is for 100 zero-emission trucks, beginning with a four-truck pilot of two BEVs and two fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). “Based on satisfactory completion of the vehicle trials and subject to TTSI obtaining certain government funding, 30 BEVs are projected to follow later in 2022 and 70 FCEVs are anticipated to start in 2023,” a Nikola news release stated. The Nikola Tre BEV is designed for local deliveries up to 350 miles, the news release stated. The Nikola Tre FCEV truck is targeted for distances up to 500 miles and is expected to address the North American regional market, especially when additional hauling capacity or quick fueling are required by fleet operators. “This day represents a major step in our continual quest to achieve a zero-emission fleet, which is why TTSI highly values its partnership with Nikola. Production, performance, and maintenance will be the key to our future success, and we are confident Nikola will excel on all three fronts,” said Vic LaRosa, president of TTSI. Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán said that “reaching a zero-emission transportation future requires bold leadership and collaboration from federal, state, and local partners, along with major investments from the private sector. This is crucial for the health of people living in the communities near the ports in my district, who suffer higher rates of cancer, asthma and other respiratory diseases due to all the toxic diesel emissions coming from the equipment and trucks at the ports. I appreciate the commitment TTSI and Nikola have made at the Port of Los Angeles to a cleaner, safer future.” According to TTSI, in any given month, 13,000 to 14,000 trucks call at the port of Los Angeles/Long Beach, emitting roughly 2,600 tons per year of smog-causing nitrogen-oxide emissions.

SAN FRANCISCO and HOUSTON — A trucking industry technology company is preparing to launch a new autonomous trucking lane between Houston and San Antonio. Embark Trucks, Inc. has also unveiled a new autonomous trucking facility and plans to hire aggressively in the greater Houston area in 2022. Embark announced these plans, along with a partnership with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, on Thursday. Company officials say the partnership with Texas A&M will allow use of their state-of-the-art test track and plans to work closely with the Center for Autonomous Vehicles and Sensor Systems (CANVASS) and faculty in the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering. There, Embark will perform research and testing as it prepares for its driver-out pilot in 2023, according to a news release. The initial runs will use backup safety drivers, the company said. “Establishing a footprint in the Houston area was both a strategic selection and natural fit for Embark,” the news release stated. The company said that the Houston area offers them three key advantages as it scales its business: Houston is a trucking hub that is uniquely positioned for commercially viable long-haul autonomous freight. Houston is located at the center of key 600+ mile trucking lanes which are ideal for automation, as they cannot be completed in a single day by a human driver due to hours-of-service limitations. Hauls on such lanes can see rapid improvements in speed using autonomous freight. For example, a 600 mile run could take approximately 22 hours to complete manually assuming full compliance with the federal hours of service rules, while that same run would take just 12 hours to complete autonomously. The Houston area is home to leading academics and research institutions dedicated to autonomous vehicle technology, such as those at Texas A&M University. Embark expects to work closely with these partners to test, deploy, and validate its technology. Houston also has a mature trucking and autonomous vehicle workforce, representing a deep talent pool for Embark to draw from as it expands its headcount in the region. Texas boasts a thriving autonomous vehicle sector, due in part to the Lone Star State’s extensive public-private partnerships. By engaging with developers to support the safe operation of autonomous trucks, the Texas Departments of Transportation (TxDOT) and Public Safety (TxDPS) have established Texas as a leader well-positioned to reap the safety and efficiency benefits of the technology. Embark will continue to cultivate its relationships with state and local agencies as it prioritizes highway road safety and responsible integration of autonomous trucks into the state transportation system. “Together, these factors enable Embark to better execute against its go-to-market timeline as it prepares for commercial launch of the Embark Driver in 2024,” the news release stated. Embark officials said they expect to begin hauling freight for its partners between San Antonio and Houston as early as 2022. “Texas is the center of America’s trucking industry, and it’s the perfect home for Embark’s expanded operations. We’re excited by the talent and entrepreneurial spirit that Houston has to offer,” said Stephen Houghton, chief operations and fleet officer at Embark. “Our new footprint in Texas will support our growing network of partners and fuel our rapid growth across the Sunbelt. As we scale our operations, we will continue to work closely with local and state governments and other organizations so that we improve the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of trucking with autonomous technology.” Embark officials say their partnership with Texas A&M University is one of the cornerstones of this expansion. “Embark will use the university’s expertise and the test track at the RELLIS Campus to pioneer novel AV capabilities and achieve its remaining technology milestones,” according to the news release. “These milestones represent the final hurdles to deploying commercially viable autonomous trucks, and include challenges such as emergency vehicle interactions, pulling over to safety in emergency situations, and performing evasive maneuvers, among others.” “Embark’s mission to safely, robustly, and effectively roll out commercial autonomous trucks aligns closely with TEES’ mission to turn research and development activities into useful applications and business activities,” said Dr. Srikanth Saripalli, Director of CANVASS. “We’re excited to welcome Embark to our RELLIS Campus. Our faculty and students will have the unique opportunity to apply theory to the real world by working together with Embark on engineering projects.” Embark officials said that their expansion into Texas builds on several years of engagement with Texas state officials to share information on the development of autonomous trucks. Embark is a longstanding participant in the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Task Force, helping prepare the Texas transportation system to take advantage of the safety and efficiency benefits of the technology.  

HOUSTON — Foodservice distribution giant Sysco Corporation has announced plans to reduce its global emissions by electrifying 35 percent of its U.S. tractor fleet by 2030. The company said in a Nov. 22 news release that the measure is the equivalent to adding nearly 2,500 electric trucks to its fleet. In addition, the company will source 100% renewable electricity for its global operations by 2030, according to the news release. “Sysco’s new science-based emissions reduction target aligns with the Paris Agreement and is an integral part of the company’s roadmap to reducing its carbon footprint over the next decade,” the news release stated. “At Sysco, we recognize and take seriously our role as a global industry leader,” said Neil Russell, the company’s senior vice president of corporate affairs and chief communications officer. “We understand that taking action now on climate change is important to the future of our planet and have developed an actionable, achievable plan with a clear roadmap to meaningfully reduce emissions. Over time, we believe we will be able to do more and are motivated to further our work across the value chain to quicken the pace of innovation and provide a pathway for other companies to participate in climate action. “To ensure we hold our selves accountable, our CSR strategy is now an integral part of our new business strategy, our Recipe for Growth, which is designed to advance our pace of leadership, further differentiate Sysco, create a sustainable competitive advantage and make a positive impact on the world.”