Google founder, Sergey Brin, believes self-driving vehicles will be legal for all US roads by 2017. Some, however, are more skeptical about the launch of automated vehicles. Long hours of testing and significant regulatory changes could take years. But, undeniably, automated vehicles will change the transportation industry in the foreseeable future.

Shipping procedures are a major consideration during a customer’s buying journey. To effectively manage delivery, companies must utilize track and trace features, available on a TMS. To provide consistent delivery performance at a low cost, a transportation management system can help you explore the best lanes and provide end-to-end visibility. Plus, a TMS can reduce transportation costs by 30%. Using the track and trace feature of a TMS is especially valuable because it offers real-time, tangible information to the customer and shipper.

Refrigerated shipping is a vital part of the logistics industry and can help companies like grocery stores ship goods in and out of their stores. If you are new to refrigerated shipping and aren’t very familiar with what it is, here are seven facts to help:

Do you still coordinate transportation operations manually? Shippers who operate this way don’t reach the best decisions and usually make costly administrative mistakes, sometimes without even knowing it. Automating transportation management provides numerous opportunities to save money and time while creating better service for customers.

We’ve been keeping track of the various news stories affecting the transportation, supply chain and logistics industries. Here is a quick look at some of the most talked about topics:

Over-the-road (OTR) freight carriers face pressure from shippers and customers who want impeccable service, and the government who wants advances on environmental performance. In March, President Obama made an executive order that mandates the U.S. government to cut carbon emissions by 40 percent over the next decade, setting an example for industries across the country.

What is less than truckload freight shipping? Less than truckload shipping is a transportation method where your freight doesn’t take the entire container space. Freight is combined into one trailer with multiple shipments. LTL shipment typically weighs between 151 and 20,000 pounds. When a freight shipment isn’t large enough to fit into a 48- or 53-foot trailer, a shipper’s best option is to use LTL.

Cross border shipping requires knowledge, flexibility, and security. In North America, many companies have expanded or plan to expand their business operations throughout the continent. With cross border operations, there is an opportunity to reach new markets and increase profitability. According to the US Census, Canada is America’s largest trading partner and Mexico is America’s 3rd largest trading partner. cross border shipping

There are a variety of transportation management systems (TMS) software available, including premise, hosted and SaaS (Software as a Service) models. The SaaS model has become an industry preference.

Intermodal freight transportation is a combination of two or more different shipping modes like a truck, rail, ship, or aircraft to move freight to the final destination. Also, in intermodal logistics and transportation, each carrier is responsible for a particular mode.

In early June, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a rule requiring new heavy duty trucks to be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) systems. In 2017, the rule will affect all trucks and buses exceeding 26,000 pounds in total weight. Electronic stability control systems are widely used in passenger vehicles and light trucks, and many heavy vehicle trucks have voluntarily chosen to use ESCs.

TransportatioNews This month, there’s been many new developments and news stories affecting the transportation, logistics and supply chain industries. Here is a quick guide to 6 of the most talked about stories, check them out:

54_facebook_uploaded_image Whatever your plans are for the 4th of July, you’ll inevitably run into some sort of fireworks display. Whether it’s a professional show or relatives shooting off some bottle rockets in the backyard, it’s important to remember that fireworks are hazardous materials. The following infographic explains why fireworks are considered hazardous materials and how to stay safe during Fourth of July celebrations.