••• SPONSORED SECTION ••• THE RIGHT TRACK Transportation companies keep North Carolina’s economy moving, connecting supply and demand. But getting from Point A to Point B often means navigating obstacles, whether that’s riding the state’s rapid growth, applying the latest technology or ensuring there are enough skilled workers at the controls. Business North Carolina recently gathered four transportation experts to discuss the industry, detailing how recent successes are benefiting the state and offering how the industry’s current challenges could be overcome. Their conversation was moderated by Publisher Ben Kinney. The transcript was edited for brevity and clarity. The discussion was sponsored by: • Guilford Technical Community College • N.C. Department of Transportation • NC Ports • Piedmont Triad International Airport • North Carolina Railroad Company HOW ARE CURRENT EVENTS SHAPING NORTH CAROLINA’S TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY? LATHROP: Growth, technology and storms are driving change. Growth is creating demand for infrastructure and the need for creative ways to pay for it. Technology is causing disruptions. Fuel efficiency and electric vehicles are some of the biggest challenges to the revenue model, which uses fuel taxes to fund road construction, maintenance and repair. Autonomous vehicles and drones are creating opportunities and challenges. We’re seeing more storms, and Hurricane Helene is Exhibit A. Recovery efforts are putting tremendous pressure on the state’s finances and system. But it also spawned creative delivery methods. CLARK: Shifting international trade patterns are front and center. The country has seen a downturn in import volumes over the last year because of tariffs and port fees. Carriers have shifted tonnage into what they see as more profitable trade lanes. It has certainly introduced challenges, but there are opportunities as well. We’ve seen strong trade between Central and South America, new commodities being handled, and new opportunities to support the state and the
Mar 31, 2026 · via businessnc.com
The TRATON GROUP and Applied Intuition Announce TRATON ONE OS, a Unified Software Platform for Improved Fleet Uptime Across TRATON's Four Global BrandsContributed by: PR NewswireTagsApplied-Intuition-AI
Mar 31, 2026 · via pressreleasehub.pa.media
Mark Bordas, executive director of the Temp Hemp Business Council, speaks on the new hemp rules.
A look at the new hemp rules in Texas
PUBLISHED 10:09 AM CDT Mar. 31, 2026
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Mark Bordas, executive director of the Temp Hemp Business Council, speaks on the new hemp rules.
Mar 31, 2026 · via spectrumlocalnews.com
International launches autonomous truck pilot with Ryder International Motors on March 31 announced the launch of an autonomous truck pilot with Ryder System. As part of the pilot, Ryder will operate a daily 600-mile route along the Interstate 35 corridor between facilities in the Texas cities of Laredo and Temple. International is deploying its second-generation autonomous tractor, equipped with a suite of factory-installed sensors, on an LT Series truck and running the latest AI-based SuperDrive autonomous driving software from PlusAI. “In partnering with fleet customers to determine path-to-deployment, we’re focused on integrating factory-ready virtual driver software into existing transport operations, without the need for dedicated autonomous terminals,” said James Cooper, head of Autonomous Solutions, International. International said the objectives of this pilot program are to validate autonomous technology as part of an active longhaul logistics network, identify optimal use cases for autonomous trucking, and gain feedback to finalize launch-ready product features. “For Ryder, this pilot represents an important step forward — moving beyond terminal- and maintenance-focused trials to evaluating autonomy in live operations,” said Seth deVlugt, senior director of RyderVentures & new product strategy at Ryder. “The insights we gain here will help us further understand how autonomy could potentially be applied across portions of the supply chain.” Early findings from the pilot include a 100% on-time delivery rate, 92% autonomous route coverage, and pre-trip inspections completed in under 30 minutes. All activities are supervised by a human safety driver. “Ryder’s participation underscores our shared commitment to practical autonomous fleet deployment,” said Cooper. “Together, we’re working to turn pilots into scalable, commercial solutions.” Last year, International announced it had launched customer fleet trials using second-generation autonomous vehicles, in partnership with PlusAI. Have your say This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by
Mar 31, 2026 · via trucknews.com
The last-mile delivery wars just got a major new player. Also, the autonomous vehicle spinoff from electric truck maker Rivian, just closed a $200 million funding round led by DoorDash and Greenoaks Capital, pushing its total funding past the $500 million mark. The deal signals DoorDash's aggressive push into self-driving delivery tech as the food delivery giant looks to slash the hefty costs of human couriers while competing with Uber's robotics ambitions. Also, the autonomous vehicle company spun out from electric truck maker Rivian last year, just secured the kind of validation every startup dreams of - a strategic investment from the exact customer it's trying to serve. DoorDash joined venture firm Greenoaks Capital in pouring $200 million into Also, according to TechCrunch, bringing the company's total funding to more than $500 million since its inception. The partnership comes as DoorDash faces mounting pressure to reduce its dependence on gig workers, whose costs have eaten into the company's margins for years. Delivery fees and driver compensation now account for roughly 60% of every order's cost, making autonomous vehicles one of the few paths to sustainable profitability in the brutally competitive food delivery market. By investing directly in Also, DoorDash is betting it can control its own destiny rather than relying on third-party robotics providers. Rivian launched Also as an independent entity in early 2025, transferring key engineers and its electric skateboard platform technology to the new venture. The spinoff strategy let Rivian focus on consumer trucks and SUVs while giving Also the freedom to pursue commercial partnerships without conflicting with Rivian's brand positioning. The approach mirrors how GM spun out Cruise and Ford invested in Argo AI, though those efforts have faced significant setbacks in recent years.
Mar 31, 2026 · via techbuzz.ai
- Ryder to participate in International's autonomous fleet trial program - Pilot focuses on validating OEM factory-integrated autonomous solution and driving software from PlusAI in real-world logistics operations - Collaboration advances point-to-point operations, avoiding the need for dedicated autonomous hubs LAREDO, Texas, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- International Motors, LLC* (International) announces the launch of a joint autonomous truck pilot with Ryder System, Inc. that places a factory-integrated autonomous vehicle (AV) into a live freight operation. Ryder is International's inaugural customer participating in the truck manufacturer's previously announced autonomous fleet trial program. As part of the pilot, Ryder is operating a daily 600-mile route along the I-35 corridor between Ryder locations in Laredo and Temple, Texas. Designed to demonstrate that autonomous technology can be seamlessly integrated into existing customer operations, an International autonomous truck runs a dedicated transportation route for a Ryder supply chain customer, allowing both Ryder and International to evaluate performance, reliability, and operational requirements under real-world conditions. As part of the trial, International has deployed its second-generation autonomous tractor, equipped with a comprehensive suite of factory-installed sensors – including lidar, radar, and cameras – on an International® LT® Series truck, powered by the S13® Integrated Powertrain and running the latest generation AI-based SuperDrive™ autonomous driving software from PlusAI. "In partnering with fleet customers to determine path-to-deployment, we're focused on integrating factory-ready virtual driver software into existing transport operations, without the need for dedicated autonomous terminals," said James Cooper, head of Autonomous Solutions, International. "The mission is to deliver a quality, OEM-validated solution to ensure our customers receive the reliability and valued experience they trust from International." Objectives of the pilot The pilot is intended to: - Validate autonomous technology as part of an active long-haul logistics network - Identify optimal use cases and near-term value proposition in
Mar 31, 2026 · via prnewswire.com
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.] Ryder Revealed as Initial Autonomous Fleet for International OEM, PlusAI Transition Away from Hub-to-Hub Operations Staff Reporter Key Takeaways: - International Motors has launched second-generation autonomous LT Series fleet trials with Ryder System as the first participating carrier. - The pilot is running a daily 600-mile route in Texas and has reported 100% on-time delivery and 92% autonomous route coverage. - The trial uses PlusAI’s latest SuperDrive software as the partners prepare for a planned commercial launch in 2027. International Motors pulled the curtain back on initial fleet trials of second-generation autonomous LT Series tractors March 31, identifying Ryder System as the first publicly announced participant as well as details on a couple of performance indicators. The truck maker also noted a transition in testing to point-to-point operations from hub-to-hub routes. Ryder ranks No. 6 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America and No. 5 among truckload/dedicated fleets. Ryder also ranks No. 7 on the TT Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies. Miami-based Ryder is operating a daily 600-mile route along the I-35 corridor between company locations in Laredo and Temple, Texas, as part of the pilot. The trial began in November and the carrier is operating one tractor at present in the trial, James Cooper, International’s head of autonomous solutions, told Transport Topics. Traton Group unit International unveiled plans for the trials in September in collaboration with its self-driving software partner PlusAI. The identity of fleets participating was not revealed at the time. Cooper said trials are underway with other carriers as International has a fleet of 12 tractors available, but the identity of those companies will remain undisclosed. Initial Results The initial results from the pilot include
Mar 31, 2026 · via ttnews.com
Connected Truck Market Valued at $22.20 Billion in 2021, Growing at 16.1% CAGR According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, "Connected Truck Market by Communication Type (Vehicle-To-Vehicle, Vehicle-To-Cloud, Vehicle-To-Infrastructure), by Range (Dedicated Short Range , Long Range/Cellular Network), by Vehicle Type (Light Commercial Vehicles, Heavy Commercial Vehicles), by Application (Driver Assistance, Safety, Entertainment, Well-being, Vehicle Management, Mobility Management): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031."Market Size : The global connected truck market size was valued at $22.20 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $97.38 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 16.1% from 2022 to 2031. North America is expected to dominate the global connected truck industry in 2021. The connected truck market in North America is anticipated to experience significant growth due to the incorporation of new telematics platform for safe and cost-effective fleet management and investment partnership between telematics and automobile insurance companies. In addition, incorporation of advanced telematics solutions by leading market players also fuels the growth of the connected truck market in North America. Get Research Report Sample Pages : https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A09614 The connected truck market will be affected by the recent trend of development of self-driving trucks. Top OEM's such as Tesla, Volvo, Vera, and Daimler among others, have been developing self-driving trucks for the market. Startups such as Waymo, Einride, TuSimple, and others, have also started developing self-driving trucks. For instance, Tesla announced a plan to launch its self-driving electric truck by the end of 2022. For instance, Waymo has started testing its self-driving trucks since January 2020. Similarly, TuSimple plans to operate autonomous trucking routes between Pheonix and Tucson in Arizona and some areas in Texas. Further, in May 2019, Einride started its testing for driver-less trucks. In January 2019, Daimler announced an investment of $570 million
Mar 31, 2026 · via openpr.com
From autonomous trucks and EV charging validation to cybersecurity and robotics, ACM's Ypsilanti Township campus is nearly full and growing YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, Mich., March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Some of the most consequential testing in the global transportation industry is happening right now on a 500-acre campus outside of Detroit, and most of it, by design, you will never hear about. That is the confidential nature of the work at the American Center for Mobility (ACM), a nonprofit mobility and technology campus at the historic Willow Run site in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan. As ACM marks its 10th year since breaking ground, the facility is operating at 90% occupancy of its 35,430 square feet of leasable space, with more than 200 customers served, 5,596 test hours logged in 2025 alone, and 2026 activity expected to surpass that. The range of work underway reflects how broadly the definition of mobility has expanded. Customers use ACM's infrastructure for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and automated vehicle testing, connected vehicle technologies, cybersecurity and secure mobility systems, EV charging and interoperability validation, Class 6 to 8 truck and freight-related testing, autonomous and remotely operated systems, water infrastructure and water main robotics, and ground maintenance robotics. Organizations spanning automotive, commercial vehicle, engineering, logistics, startup, academic, nonprofit, and public sector spaces are all active on campus. More than 90 staff from customer and partner organizations use ACM as an active worksite. While the identities and programs of most customers remain confidential, the scale of activity speaks for itself. Examples of work that can be publicly referenced include robotics programs from Motmot and Snowbotix. ACM is also supporting significant heavy duty and Class 8 autonomous vehicle activity through major tenant relationships. Behind those examples is a much larger body of work involving major global companies and industry leaders.
Mar 31, 2026 · via prnewswire.com
Download Toyota Motor Corporation aims to join Daimler Truck and Volvo Group as equal shareholder in the fuel cell joint venture cellcentric Daimler Truck, the Volvo Group, cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on fuel cell technology Toyota intends to join Daimler Truck and Volvo Group as an equal shareholder in cellcentric Upon closing, Toyota will bring its complementary know-how and expertise to the joint venture All three shareholders intend to further strengthen cellcentric as a… - Daimler Truck, the Volvo Group, cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on fuel cell technology - Toyota intends to join Daimler Truck and Volvo Group as an equal shareholder in cellcentric - Upon closing, Toyota will bring its complementary know-how and expertise to the joint venture - All three shareholders intend to further strengthen cellcentric as a leading manufacturer of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty commercial applications Leinfelden‑Echterdingen and Kirchheim u. Teck, Germany / Gothenburg, Sweden / Tokyo, Japan - Daimler Truck AG (Daimler Truck), the Volvo Group (Volvo), cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) have signed a non-binding agreement to cooperate in the fuel cell system joint venture cellcentric. The three companies intend to collaborate based on an equal shareholding with Toyota as the third joint venture partner to cellcentric. The combination of the parties’ complementary experience and know-how will support and advance their joint objective to develop, produce and commercialise fuel cell systems for heavy-duty vehicles and other heavy-duty applications with comparable requirements. Additionally, Toyota and cellcentric intend to jointly manage the development and production of fuel cell unit cells — the core component of fuel cell systems — and directly linked architecture and control elements with the aim of creating competitive products based on
Mar 31, 2026 · via daimlertruck.com
Dubai launches self-driving taxi service in Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah The first phase of the commercial rollout includes the deployment of 100 autonomous taxis within Dubai’s transport network - PUBLISHED: Mon 30 Mar 2026, 9:28 PM UPDATED: Mon 30 Mar 2026, 9:41 PM Dubai will now begin commercial use of self-driving taxis for customers in two areas of the emirate, the RTA announced on Monday, March 30. The service will be available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, in partnership with Apollo Go company and WeRide. WeRide vehicles will be available through the Uber app, with Tolool for Transportation company taking on fleet management and operations duties. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels Meanwhile, Apollo Go — a subsidiary of Baidu — will provide the autonomous mobility service via the Apollo Go app in collaboration with the Dubai Taxi Company. The first phase of the commercial rollout includes the deployment of 100 autonomous taxis within Dubai’s transport network, with plans for the gradual expansion of the fleet in the coming years. Highest safety standards In the lead-up to the launch, a series of operational trials of autonomous vehicles was conducted on designated roads across Dubai to evaluate system performance and ensure readiness for deployment within the emirate’s traffic environment, in accordance with the highest standards of safety and operations. Autonomous vehicles operate within an integrated system powered by artificial intelligence, advanced sensing technologies, and autonomous decision-making systems, ensuring safe and seamless mobility in real urban environments and on open roads alongside live traffic. Autonomous taxis operate through an integrated software system powered by artificial intelligence, high-definition digital maps, and deep learning algorithms, enabling real-time data processing and decision-making during operation. The vehicles can interact effectively with dynamic traffic conditions, including intersections, traffic signals, pedestrians, and
Mar 31, 2026 · via khaleejtimes.com
31.03.2026 | Fuel Cells
We at Daimler Truck are pursuing a dual-track strategy to decarbonize transport with batteries and hydrogen. Because it enables us to provide our customers with the best solutions, depending on the use case. Because it makes decarbonization faster and more cost-efficient for our industry. And because it strengthens the long-term competitiveness and resilience of our company – and of Europe as a whole. Now, we want to move forward and go the next big step in terms of hydrogen-powered trucking – together with Toyota Motor Corporation. An article by Andreas Gorbach.
Mar 31, 2026 · via daimlertruck.com
Marsouto, an autonomous trucking startup, said Wednesday it successfully completed a 3,379-kilometer autonomous freight haul stretching from the western to the eastern United States. The trip marks the world's longest single-route autonomous freight delivery on record. Marsouto covered the long-haul route from the Port of Long Beach, California, to Hyundai Mobis module plants in Alabama and Georgia in three days. The truck traveled up to 1,300 km per day, demonstrating overwhelming operational efficiency. That figure is approximately 63% higher than the roughly 800 km per day averaged by veteran truck drivers in the U.S. The run was conducted with a heavy-duty truck loaded with automotive semi-knocked-down kits (CKD) for export at 35 tons, the maximum payload permitted under U.S. federal regulations. Even with the heavy cargo, the vehicle maintained stable high-speed driving at up to 120 km/h, proving the technology's maturity. Autonomous driving for heavy-duty trucks is technically demanding. It requires sustained situational awareness over long distances, rapid decision-making at high speeds, and precise control calibrated to vehicle size and cargo weight. Repeated lateral oscillations at high speeds, in particular, can damage cargo, requiring specialized know-how. To address these challenges, Marsouto deployed its proprietary end-to-end (E2E) AI-based autonomous driving system called "MarsPilot." The system integrates perception, judgment and control into a single neural network, enabling preemptive recognition, swift decision-making and precise vehicle control throughout long-haul operations. "The operational experience we accumulated through domestic regulatory sandboxes in Korea laid the groundwork for our successful transcontinental run in the U.S.," Marsouto CEO Park Il-su said. "We plan to expand our U.S. fleet within the first half of this year and aim to accumulate 100 million km of driving data, continuing to drive middle-mile logistics innovation on highways in both Korea and the United States."
Mar 31, 2026 · via en.sedaily.com
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced plans to conduct a pilot program to test autonomous freight technologies along one of the state’s busiest freight corridors. On March 27, TDOT provided details on the Memphis/West Tennessee Smart Freight Corridor Pilot, which will be conducted on I‑40 between Memphis and Blue Oval City, in partnership with private sector company Cavnue, LLC. As part of the multi-year pilot, officials will test “Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) freight technologies in real‑world operating conditions, giving TDOT the data and insights needed to shape long‑term freight modernization strategies for Tennessee.” TDOT says that the goal of the project is to better understand how new freight technologies can: - Improve safety and reduce congestion - Support connected freight applications across multiple fleets - Enhance incident response and system efficiency - Inform long‑term planning and statewide freight modernization strategies Project planning work is expected to begin in the coming months. The pilot is expected to run through 2028. TDOT said that this location was chosen for the pilot because of “rapid industrial growth in West Tennessee, including major investments in and around Blue Oval City.” “Tennessee continues to lead the nation in building an innovative and efficient transportation network,” said Governor Bill Lee. “This pilot strengthens one of our most important freight corridors and supports continued economic development in West Tennessee. By embracing new technology, we’re ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of Tennesseans and the industries that drive our economy.” “This pilot represents a forward-looking investment in Tennessee’s freight network and an important step toward preparing our infrastructure for the next generation of freight mobility,” said TDOT Commissioner Will Reid. As part of the pilot, Cavnue will be responsible for : - Conducting detailed corridor and infrastructure analysis - Developing the pilot’s concept of
Mar 30, 2026 · via cdllife.com
ZHODINO, 30 March (BelTA) – The Chukotka Autonomous Area, Russian Federation intends to buy RUB3 billion worth of Belarusian machines, vehicles, and equipment by 2030. The figure was mentioned by Vice Governor for Economy and Investments of Russia’s Chukotka Autonomous Area Anton Yaremchuk during a tour of the Belarusian heavy truck manufacturer BelAZ, BelTA has learned. The Chukotka Autonomous Area has a clear need for machines and vehicles of Belarusian make such as MAZ trucks, MTZ tractors, and solutions from Amkodor. Anton Yaremchuk stressed: “We’ve calculated that the initial purchase by 2030 will be about RUB3 billion. And it is not the first step. We need municipal vehicles and trucks for the mining industry,” the vice governor stressed. According to Anton Yaremchuk, BelAZ trucks can reveal their potential in the Baimka ore zone but the project is still in the design phase for now. “Once active phase of the work begins, we may need dump trucks,” he said. Belarusian manufacturers pay special attention not just to procurement, but to creating a comprehensive ecosystem around the equipment. “When BelAZ vehicles start operating in our area, it’s important to know that there’s a service center nearby that can provide quick and high-quality assistance. This is why the development of service infrastructure and the introduction of new equipment are processes that should go hand in hand. And we see this as one of those anchor projects that will set the tone for all future cooperation,” noted Anton Yaremchuk. These matters were discussed, among other things, at a meeting with the president and in more detail with the Council of Ministers. According to the vice governor, the dialogue was very substantive and productive. “We expressed the identified need and discussed the prospects. The key thing is that we have managed to do more than
Mar 30, 2026 · via eng.belta.by
Autonomous trucks will soon begin testing along State Highway 130.
Autonomous trucks soon to hit Central Texas
PUBLISHED March 30, 2026 @10:19 AM
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Autonomous trucks will soon begin testing along State Highway 130.
Mar 30, 2026 · via baynews9.com