Streamlining Inspections with Innovative Technology

“We’re thrilled to announce this industry-first capability, starting with Nevada,” said Shay Demmons, CPO at Fleetworthy. “Our PreClear weigh station bypass customers can activate Expedited Inspection through their ELD, and once done, they’re set with Nevada and any new states as they come on board.”

The service is currently available at weigh stations in Nevada, supported by Geotab and Platform Science ELDs, with plans for expansion into additional states soon.

Redefining Roadside Inspection Efficiency

Expedited Inspection securely automates the transfer of fleet and vehicle registration data to pre-fill inspection forms. Additionally, the solution delivers a driver’s Electronic Record of Duty Status (eRODS) directly to enforcement officers, reducing manual data entry and accelerating inspection times. The process not only lowers driver stress but also minimizes time spent at inspection sites and decreases risks, particularly violations related to Hours of Service data, one of the most common violations.

According to Nevada Highway Patrol Lieutenant Tappan Cornmesser, “By partnering with Drivewyze by Fleetworthy on Expedited Inspection, we’re empowering our officers with tools that reduce manual tasks and speed up inspections. Automating the secure transfer of Hours of Service records and pre-filling inspection forms allows us to focus on enforcement rather than paperwork, saving time for drivers, boosting accuracy, and keeping commerce flowing.”

Aligning Technology with Fleet Performance

Fleetworthy is using its Drivewyze PreClear network, North America’s largest bypass network, to deliver additional value to fleets. Although random inspections still occur, Expedited Inspection offers significant benefits by automating traditionally time-consuming manual tasks, saving fleets and inspectors time, resources, and stress.

“Our focus is on fleet performance, which means providing top-tier safety, automation, and a better driver experience,” said Emilie Campbell, Senior Director of Partner Management at Platform Science. “By now offering Expedited Inspection in our ELD, we are continuing to be at the forefront of the next generation of compliance technology. We look forward to offering this new feature to our industry-leading customers who expect cutting-edge innovation and operational excellence from us.”

Demmons underlined the importance of this innovation to the transportation sector, stating, “By removing the manual handoff of HOS data and automating the inspection workflow, we’re helping fleets get back on the road faster while giving enforcement tools to keep highways safe.”

Fleetworthy’s Expedited Inspection is poised to redefine roadside compliance, creating smoother, more efficient processes for both drivers and inspectors.

Image Source: DriveWyze
Source: The Trucker

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Manufacturer-driven decision

This adjustment stems from a request by PACCAR Inc., the manufacturer of the heavy-duty truck base used in Aurora’s fleet. The reason? According to Aurora CEO Chris Urmson, it’s related to “certain prototype parts in their base vehicle platform.” PACCAR’s hesitancy may be tied to concerns over potential collisions involving their prototypes.

“We are confident this is not required to operate the truck safely based on the exhaustive testing (covering nearly 10,000 requirements and 2.7 million tests) and analysis that populates our safety case. PACCAR is a longtime partner and, after much consideration, we respected their request,” explained Urmson via a statement on the company’s website, reinforcing Aurora’s commitment to maintaining trust with key collaborators.

While this decision reflects a conservative approach, Aurora affirms that their trucks remain fully autonomous and continues to proceed confidently with its long-term development plans.

Rapid advancements—with caution

Aurora Innovation has made impressive progress with autonomous technology, recently incorporating inclement weather conditions into its driving framework in March. However, considering the complexity of launching a large-scale self-driving operation, challenges like the PACCAR request arise inevitably. This is far from uncommon, given the long and complex history of self-driving advancements.

From its roots in 1939 to vaguely promising trials in the 1950s, the self-driving industry has continuously skirted the promise of “five more years” to success. Nonetheless, Aurora appears to be making significant strides toward tackling lingering obstacles and breaking free from this cycle of delay.

Solving trucking’s labor shortage

Aurora’s rapid development is timely, given a worsening labor shortage in the US trucking industry. According to recent freight research from Tech.co, 25% of US freight companies cite labor shortages as their foremost business challenge. Projections suggest a shortfall of 160,000 drivers by 2030 and a 50% rise in the freight demand by 2050.

Fully autonomous trucks could be a game-changer, addressing staffing issues while enabling companies to meet increasing logistical demands and sustain profit margins. However, steps like PACCAR’s request for increased oversight indicate that measured progress remains the preferred course.

The road ahead

Aurora Innovation remains dedicated to setting a new benchmark for self-driving technology. While the inclusion of human observers might temporarily symbolically dampen their pioneering spirit, their cautious rollout demonstrates a maturity and readiness to collaborate with stakeholders. These calculated moves put Aurora that much closer to overcoming the persistent challenges that have kept self-driving vehicles “just around the corner” for decades.

For now, Aurora’s strategy signals that patience, collaboration, and precision remain the guiding principles in their quest to revolutionize the trucking industry. Safe, fully autonomous freight may not be here just yet, but with Aurora steering the way, the horizon suddenly feels much closer.

Image Source: Fast Company
Source: Tech.Co

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Recognition for Dedicated Innovation

“ISAAC is honored to achieve this certification and considers it a tremendous privilege to be a trusted technology partner by the U.S. Department of Defense,” said Jacques DeLarochelliere, ISAAC’s CEO and co-founder. “Our team strives every day to help simplify trucking and develop innovative ways to make highways safer.”

Certification Highlights

The Defense Transportation Tracking System (DTTS) certification, granted in mid-April, followed rigorous testing and strict Department of Defense standards. The certification process included HERO compliance for electromagnetic radiation as well as other comprehensive evaluations, ensuring the ISAAC platform meets the heightened security requirements of military transportation.

Revolutionary Technology for Trucking Fleets

“ISAAC offers in-cab technology that goes far beyond typical electronic logging devices (ELDs),” the company release stated. “ISAAC is a true all-in-one solution, handling software, in-cab tablet, charging dock, cameras, and integration needs. ISAAC’s automated workflow minimizes screen clicks to update hours-of-service (HOS) logs, while the real-time, in-cab ISAAC Coach feature is scientifically proven to increase both fuel efficiency and safety.”

Only a select group of motor carriers qualify for DTTS certification, which involves tracking and securing the transportation of sensitive and hazardous materials like arms, ammunition, and explosives. The tracking program, managed by the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC), ensures these shipments remain secure while enabling an effective emergency response whenever necessary.

Pilot Projects That Paved the Way

Two trucking fleets successfully completed pilot projects using the ISAAC platform, which played a crucial role in the certification process. These trials highlighted ISAAC’s capability to meet stringent DoD requirements while demonstrating reliability in real-world applications.

“It takes tremendous sophistication for motor carriers and technology providers to serve the U.S. military and move these critical shipments,” remarked Sam Sussenguth, chief sales and marketing officer at ISAAC. “At ISAAC, we know every shipment is critical for our clients. The ability to obtain DTTS certification highlights the expertise and reliability that ISAAC can offer trucking fleets, regardless of what they are hauling.”

ISAAC’s latest achievement underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in transportation technology, paving the way for heightened security and efficiency in military shipping operations.

Source: The Trucker

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Advancing Automation with Strategic Cooperation

This initiative stems from a partnership between the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)’s DriveOhio program and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). The goal? Pave the way for broader adoption of automation in the American Midwest’s logistics sector.

Historically, testing for automated vehicles has been concentrated in regions with stable, predictable weather. However, ODOT emphasizes the necessity of validating these systems under harsher conditions to ensure safety and reliability, particularly in environments like the Midwest, which is prone to adverse weather patterns.

How Platooning Works

The two Ease Logistics trucks are equipped with advanced platooning technology from Kratos Defense. This system electronically links the two vehicles, allowing the lead truck’s driver to manage both speed and steering for its partner vehicle. During stretches of the trips, the follower truck will automatically handle essential functions like steering, braking, and adjusting speed.

Despite the automated capabilities, professional drivers always remain in the driver’s seats of both trucks. These drivers can take complete control of their vehicles if needed by disabling the automated systems.

“At Kratos, we have adapted advanced automated truck platooning technology — originally developed for the U.S. military — to address critical challenges facing commercial logistics, agriculture, energy, and mining sectors, all vital to national security,” said Maynard Factor, VP of Business Development at Kratos Defense. “This project offers a real-world opportunity to demonstrate how proven automated driving systems can increase safety, strengthen supply chain resilience, and ensure economic vitality.”

Factor also highlighted the value of demonstrating these systems along the Columbus-to-Indianapolis corridor, noting the importance of testing in complex, variable weather conditions. “to showcase performance in complex, all-weather conditions essential to Midwest freight operations and accelerates readiness for broad adoption.”

Smarter Trucks for Safer Roads

The trucks are also outfitted with cutting-edge sensors and cameras that allow the following vehicle to detect objects and adjust speed or stop if anything enters the space between the two trucks. Unlike traditional truck formations, the closely-platooned follower truck maintains a much shorter gap than usual. To ensure transparency, a purple light on the cab indicates when the platooning mode is engaged, alerting law enforcement and nearby drivers that the trucks are digitally connected.

Funding and Broader Goals

This deployment is just one element of a multi-year, $8.8 million endeavor funded partly by a U.S. Department of Transportation grant. The overarching aim is to integrate platooning and other automation technologies into regular freight-hauling workflows, experimenting with various automation levels to uncover their full potential in trucking fleets.

Source:  Commerical Carrier Journal
Source Image: SAE International

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Sponsored by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and Truckstop, the DWLA is a tribute to the impact women have had on logistics, fostering innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

Meet the 2025 DWLA Finalists

Martha Payne

Martha Payne, a prominent transportation attorney with Benesch Attorneys at Law, represents North America’s leading transportation and logistics providers. Her expertise encompasses risk analysis, contract negotiation, and supply chain management.

Notably, Payne has specialized in cargo liability and legal risk management, collaborating with U.S. carriers and serving on the Sub-Committee on Uniform Liability Regime of the National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade. Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Transportation Lawyers Association, Payne also actively serves on the board of Fields of Peace, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering global peace through leadership initiatives for children.

Peggy Mecca

Peggy Mecca, the President and CEO of Mecca and Son Trucking, has spent 55 years transforming her company from a regional trucking service into a global logistics powerhouse. Her firm now excels in specialized freight, port drayage, and commodities requiring sophisticated handling.

Mecca’s dedication to employee well-being and growth has driven her leadership through economic downturns, natural disasters, and a pandemic. A Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, she is recognized for her influence on operational reforms within the NY/NJ port system through her work with the Bi-State Motor Carriers Association and her collaborations with federal agencies, including the Federal Maritime Commission. She also leads initiatives under the New Jersey Business and Industry Association’s (NJBIA) Women Business Leaders Council.

Sharon Johnson

Sharon Johnson, Chief Legal Officer for MODE Global, oversees legal and compliance affairs for the multinational logistics company. Recognized as Compliance Innovator of the Year by Compliance Week and the Outstanding General Counsel by D CEO magazine in 2024, Johnson has pushed the boundaries of compliance excellence.

Under her leadership, MODE’s compliance programs have achieved the Navex Excellence in Ethics and Compliance Award for two consecutive years. Johnson serves on the Texas A&M School of Law Alumni Board while spearheading initiatives, such as TIA’s Fraud Task Force. Her collaboration with TCU students focuses on improving fraud detection, data visualization, and carrier vetting processes.

The Judging Panel

The 2025 DWLA finalists were selected by a team of industry-expert judges, including:

• Brent Hutto – Senior Advisor, Truckstop

• Chris Burroughs – President and CEO, TIA

• Dr. Stephanie S. Ivey – Director, Southeast Transportation Workforce Center, University of Memphis

• Jennifer Hedrick – President and CEO, WIT

• Sarah Ruffcorn – President, Trinity Logistics and 2024 DWLA recipient

Award Ceremony Details

The winner of the 2025 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award will be announced on April 10 during the TIA Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition, hosted in San Antonio, Texas.

“These women have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the logistics and transportation industry, leaving a lasting impact on their organizations and communities,” WIT said.

Recognizing these remarkable individuals underscores the growing influence of women in logistics and reflects the progress toward a more inclusive industry. Stay tuned for updates on the award ceremony and the incredible stories these women continue to create!

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: (WIT) Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award: The 2025 finalists include, from left, Peggy Mecca, Martha Payne and Sharon Johnson

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PennDOT received the prestigious Grand Prize for its swift actions on the I-95/Cottman Avenue Emergency Response project. WVDOT’s innovative Wellsburg Bridge project won the People’s Choice Award, recognized for bridging the gap between communities that had long been disconnected.

“We are incredibly proud of the two winning projects, which demonstrate how both states respond to their residents’ needs, whether through emergency repairs or reconnecting communities,” said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

PennDOT was tested in June 2023, when a devastating fire, sparked by a fuel tanker accident, shut down a crucial stretch of I-95 in Philadelphia—a major north-south corridor. In just 12 days, PennDOT’s $4.5 million project team created a temporary wall and roadway to restore this essential route, providing a swift solution to an unexpected challenge.

The $168 million Wellsburg Bridge project by WVDOT restored a long-needed link between Brilliant, Ohio, and Wellsburg, West Virginia. Before the bridge, the communities were connected only by a ferry service, which had since ceased. This project shortened travel times by eliminating a 30-minute detour and maintained barge traffic flow on the river throughout construction.

Sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the America’s Transportation Awards honor state transportation projects that make a positive impact on local communities nationwide. This year’s program saw 106 nominations from 39 states.

Both winning projects were awarded $10,000, which recipients can donate to a charity or a scholarship related to transportation.

Source: Truckers News

Image: ASHTO

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The initial production run includes 400 trucks set to be distributed to dealers for customer demonstrations. According to Magnus Koeck, VTNA’s Vice President of Strategy, Branding, and Marketing, “even as the end of the calendar year approaches, the company still has ‘a few’ slots open for 2024 builds.”

At the New River Valley plant—the largest of its kind globally—Volvo’s revamped VNL makes its debut. This launch underscores the brand’s $400 million investment in its new cab production site. The VNL is touted as being 90% new and 10% more efficient, heralding a new era for the company.

Throughout the summer, over 1,800 customers, dealers, and sales personnel attended pre-launch events at Volvo Trucks’ Customer Center, eagerly anticipating the commercial release of their next-generation flagship tractor.

The redesigned Volvo VNL comes in four trim levels—Core, Edge, Edge Black, and Ultimate—and offers six cab configurations, including the VNL 300 Day Cab and the spacious VNL 860 74-inch Full-Height Sleeper.

The VNL series, developed over six years, incorporates insights from Volvo’s SuperTruck 2 initiative. Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve describes it as “the most aerodynamic and efficient truck” in Volvo’s history. This new VNL will be pivotal for future advancements, including battery electric, hydrogen, and autonomous technologies.

Equipped with the D13 engine, the new models offer horsepower ratings from 405 to 500 hp and torque ratings between 1,750 and 1,950 lb-ft. Engine enhancements include smaller needle control valves in the fuel injectors, allowing for better fuel atomization and combustion efficiency. Additionally, the latest I-Shift transmission offers up to 30% faster shifting speeds, improving overall performance.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

Image: Volvo Trucks

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