Monthly Archives: August 2021

What’s happening? 3 truck companies are embracing solar power on their trucks: Rush Enterprises; Marten Transport, and Mesilla Valley Transportation Why is this important? Solar power on trucks is augmenting truck battery life for liftgates, telematics and refrigeration units in trailers How will this be important? Solar power is also being integrated into their facilities […]

What’s happening? The trucking industry has a driver shortage. States like Oregon and New York are waiving certification fees for women. Why is this important? Anticipating a shortage of 100,000 drivers by 2023, recruitment of women is increasingly common.⁣ How will this be important? In 2019 only 6.7% of long haul truckers were women @businessweek

What is happening? Tennessee Valley Authority, the entity that brought electricity to Appalachia, is pledging to switch its fleet to EV by 2030. With all its passenger cars converting, and 1/2 of its trucks. Why is this important? The plan is not immediate purchase, but as vehicles age out, the replacement will be an EV, […]

What is happening? Rural roads see 50% of traffic fatalities even though the rural population is 1/5. That means the fatality rate is twice that of urban areas. Why is this important? Illinois is looking at deadly rural intersections to improve signaling South Carolina is installing rumble strips, wider pavement markings, brighter signs, high-friction surface […]

What’s happening? Pennsylvania is adding a miles driven fee to compensate for declining gas tax revenues. Why is this important? The numbers behind the new miles driven fee: 33% fee reduction for trucks 8.1 cents per mile fee for delivery and freight trucks inlet of the diesel tax of 73 cents a gallon 3X the cost […]

What is happening? Phase 1 goals of identifying technology modes and alignments, two modes are proposed to be carried forward: high-speed rail and hyperloop. Phase 1 recommended moving into Phase 2. Why is this important? High-speed transportation alternatives would “accommodate the current growth and provide residents with safe, reliable and efficient travel. “ How will […]

What is happening? Iowa has new rules for autonomous vehicles and trucks that include demarkation on registrations that indicate if the vehicle can operate without a driver on gravel. Why is this important? Iowa wants to be prepared for when vehicles arrive in Iowa so that business know what the rules of the road are. […]

What’s happening? In December 2020 (what is time?) we talked about Peachtree Corners Georgia which had recently installed solar panels into roadways to support EV charging infrastructure. Why is this important? EV manufacturers say the presence of charging infrastructure increases the sales of EVs How will this be important? The solar embedded in the road […]

What’s happening? This November’s ballot in Texas will include a HJR 99 (2021 | TX) that will allow counties to issue bonds or notes to finance development of “an unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted area.”  Why is this important? Cities already have this authority in Texas How will this be important? The 2 limits placed on […]

What’s happening? A pilot project in Iowa is using data to identify the worst intersections for wrong way driving, the best place to place warning signs, the best kind of warning signs (signage, flashing lights, cameras…) Why is this important? 60% of wrong way drivers are alcohol impaired, but the pilot is also gathering data […]