Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025:
Wireless electric truck charging coming to Port of Long Beach
Wireless electric vehicle charging company InductEV announced Wednesday it will deploy its high-power inductive chargers in partnership with port terminal operator International Transportation Service, LLC (ITS) at the Port of Long Beach.
ITS is the recent recipient of a $3.3 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to demonstrate transformative charging technology solutions to meet the unique needs of medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) electric vehicles (EVs).
The ITS project, titled “Hands-free Charging for Battery Electric Cargo Handling Equipment,” is one of five projects awarded a total of $33 million by the CEC through this competitive solicitation in 2024.
InductEV was selected as a grant project partner by ITS to provide its high-power wireless inductive charging solution to charge five of ITS’ battery-electric cargo handling equipment while they are parked. This represents the company’s first installation at a West Coast port facility following deployment last year at APM Terminals in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey.
“We are proud to partner with the ITS team at the Port of Long Beach to help them realize their vision for a more efficient and environmentally-friendly solution to power their fleet,” said John F. Rizzo, President and CEO, InductEV. “As more port facilities and freight terminals electrify their fleets, we expect to see wireless inductive charging play a leading role in the process.”
InductEV’s wireless charging system works by using inductive charging pads, an in-ground pad that is instantly activated when paired with an under-the-vehicle pad. Current systems provided by InductEV range from 75 kW up to a 450 kW wireless charge. No additional real estate is needed compared to wired conductive chargers, and the hands-free operation improves driver safety, the company said.
Significantly, the company’s solution shifts the charging paradigm from relying solely on time- and energy-intensive overnight wired charging sessions in depots to shorter charging sessions spread throughout the day, which reduces the friction of electrification for both power utilities and fleet operators by maximizing the use of available energy.
Texas Trucking Association partners to launch human trafficking awareness campaign
The Texas Trucking Association (TXTA), with the help of Titus Transportation and Bob’s House of Hope (a division of Ranch Hands Rescue), is launching a first-of-its-kind human trafficking campaign in trucking focusing on the often-overlooked issue of boys and young men who fall victim to sex trafficking.
The campaign, “Boys and Young Men are Sex Trafficked Too,” as announced during a press conference on Jan. 29 at the Texas Capitol.
As part of the initiative, stickers will be made available for placement on the back of semi-trucks – ensuring the message is being spread across the United States as trucks travel the country.
"Advertising a hotline phone number on Titus Transport trucks is something I am honored to do,” said Titus Transport CEO and State Senator Brent Hagenbuch. “Just the opportunity to save one trafficked life makes this collaboration worthwhile. I look forward to a long partnership in our effort to save lives.”
Launched during National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the initiative sheds light on the often-overlooked exploitation of boys and young men in sex trafficking. The campaign seeks to raise public awareness about this epidemic, encourage action by inspiring trucking companies across Texas and the nation to adopt similar awareness campaigns, and support survivors by highlighting resources such as Bob's House of Hope, the first safe house in the country dedicated to male survivors of sex trafficking.
The trucking industry's commitment to combating human trafficking goes beyond transportation – it's about creating a network of awareness and support across the highway system. This innovative campaign leverages the unique visibility of trucking professionals to shine a light on a critical issue and drive meaningful social change, organizers said.
Building on Texas' leadership in combating human trafficking, the effort complements the state's existing initiatives, including billboard campaigns across 70 cities. By placing these awareness-raising stickers on semi-trucks, the campaign leverages the mobility and visibility of the trucking industry to spread this crucial message far and wide.
“This campaign represents a monumental step forward in addressing the hidden crisis of boys and young men being victims of sex trafficking,” said John D. Esparza, TXTA President and CEO. “By leveraging the reach of the trucking industry, we’re sending a powerful message across Texas and beyond: no victim should be overlooked.”
Goodyear Fleet HQ surpasses 5 million service events
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's Fleet HQ program has now helped 5 million vehicles across North America increase uptime.
Fleet HQ is Goodyear's comprehensive service management program supporting some of the largest fleets across the U.S. and Canada. It can manage every aspect of a fleet's service needs – from helping to proactively identify required maintenance and scheduling preventative service, to quickly responding to emergency situations. It also offers real-time, interactive dashboard reporting that provides fleets with a centralized view of their service events.
To address the evolving needs of the fleet industry, Fleet HQ has worked closely with fleets, dealers and industry leaders to gather insights. With new enhancements to its mechanical services, automated service coordination process and the integration of Conversational AI, Fleet HQ has grown from an emergency roadside tire breakdown service into a full-service platform.
"Fleet HQ consistently evolves to meet the growing demands of the commercial industry and uncovers new opportunities to reduce costs and downtime." said Joe Burke, vice president, Goodyear North America Commercial. "With Fleet HQ and Goodyear's expansive service network, we are able to service most customers in about two hours and ensure some of the world's largest fleet operations are running smoothly and on time."
Supported by a network of more than 2,300 service providers, including Goodyear Commercial Tire & Service Centers (CTSC) and independent dealers, Fleet HQ combines industry expertise with advanced technology to deliver an unmatched customer experience.