Freight transportation is an important part of the economy, but recently this area has been going through a difficult period. Skilled worker shortages and supply chain issues are impacting the trucking industry. In response to these challenges, Aurora, a leading company in the transportation industry, has decided to implement autonomous driving technology as a solution.
Despite the fact that many companies refuse to implement autonomous driving technology, Aurora, on the contrary, plans to increase production and produce several thousand by 2027. The perception of self-driving trucks in society has been marred by incidents such as when a vehicle from Cruise hit a pedestrian, leading to growing scrutiny from authorities over the safety of autonomous vehicles.
Aurora's autonomous driving technology is currently in its final stages of development, with the design and hardware components already completed. The company has secured agreements with industry giants Volvo and Paccar to integrate their technologies into their trucks, signaling a promising future for autonomous vehicles in the freight transportation industry.
At the "Truck World" international exhibition, ITD unveiled an innovative electric refrigerated trailer. The special feature of this trailer is the ability to keep cargo cool for up to 3 days without requiring a power source.
There are about 15 solar panels located throughout the trailer's roof that generate electricity. Electric axle and Shorepower are also supplementary power sources. In this way, the generated electricity can be supplied to any refrigeration unit. According to the chief engineer, a diesel engine has also been installed, in case power sources are unavailable for a long time.
Chief Operating Officer Turi says that the cost of such a system will range from 100,000 to 200,000. This is a very profitable investment, as such a system pays for itself in just a few years. According to the statistics, Reefer trailers have a lifespan of about 10-12 years.
According to Turi, another considerable advantage of such a system is its being an environmentally friendly solution. Such a system reduces carbon dioxide emissions into the environment. The use of electric refrigerated trailers contributes to a greener future.
On Wednesday, the presidential administration announced a new strategy that will affect the freight, rail, marine and aviation sectors. The main idea of the strategy is to develop a plan to combat air pollution and climate change.
The first step is to develop a zero-emission freight transportation strategy. This will help to significantly reduce pollution in the energy and transportation sector. About 1.5 billion dollars has been allocated for such an extensive project. Most of this amount will be used to replace Class 6 and 7 heavy-duty vehicles, including delivery trucks.
About 400 million will be allocated to improve air quality for truck drivers, port workers and residents living in areas with poor air quality. According to Transport Minister Pete Buttigieg, actually in the ports air quality is significantly worse, which negatively affects the health of truck drivers. Although the trucking sector is not so contented with the new regulations, many companies are trying to adapt to the new rules. For example, Schneider National has invested a large sum in EVs and charging infrastructure.
Marine transportation officials are also guaranteeing to switch to green fuels as soon as possible. Railroad companies are already developing a strategy to switch from diesel to hydrogen.
Improving the environment is now a top priority for the President's administration. The transportation sector currently produces the largest quantity of greenhouse gas emissions. The Minister of Energy believes that due to the program, it will be possible to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
Daimler workers threatened to strike after their contract began to come to an end. But on Friday night, the United Auto Workers union offered to negotiate a new agreement for 7,300 Daimler workers. Most of the workers are employed at factories in North Carolina, where Daimler produces Western Star trucks and buses. The main demand of the workers is a wage increase. The union has signed a four-year agreement with the German company.
UAW President Shawn Fain guarantees workers a minimum 25% pay increase and improved working conditions. After the final signing of the agreement, wages will be increased by another 10%. Fain promises, that health and safety benefits will be improved. The lowest-wage workers will receive $8 an hour more , while skilled professionals will receive as much as $17 an hour.
Just for remind,that almost 95% of Daimler employees working at manufacturing facility in North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee decided to go on strike.
We took this video from CBS Evening News YouTube Channel.
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