CCJ

commercial carrier journal | november 2017 3 9 News OOIDA coalition to press for ELD mandate delay … Legislation would force FMCSA to pursue sleep apnea rule … NACFE fuel demo exceeds 10 mpg … Trump: Lower taxes, bigger paychecks for America's truckers … Shell: All engine makers back new CK-4 lubricants … Rising driver pay spurs carrier cost hike in 2016 12 InBrief NOVEMBER 2017 | VOL 174 | NO. 11 JOURNAL LEADING NEWS, TRUCKING MARKET CONDITIONS AND INDUSTRY ANALYSIS FEATURES 65 CCJ's Tech Toolbox: Technology's role in fuel economy As recently as just a few years ago, 10 mpg seemed like the kind of pie-in-the-sky figure that only truck stop braggarts would claim, but it's real-world feasible as of this year. In this 11th edi- tion of CCJ's Tech Toolbox, we look at the role technology has played in boosting fuel economy and, in at least one case, how it can have unintended negative effects. 35 Innovators: Hirschbach Motor Lines The Dubuque, Iowa-based refrigerated carrier develops holistic wellness programs that start at orientation to create a happier, healthier workforce. COVER STORY: The next generation of EDI Application programming interfaces and extensible markup language are protocols that have been replacing or supplementing electronic data interchange transactions for some time. They are about to take a backseat to blockchain technology, which experts say can expand the visibility and security of freight transactions in an unprecedented fashion. Cover design by David Watson 37 Special Section: ELD Buyers' Guide Since FMCSA's late 2015 release of its final rule for using electronic logging devices, there's been a rising swell of ELD development. Customers can choose from hard- ware and software options offered by dozens of vendors, some of them new to the trucking industry. CCJ's ELD Buyers' Guide details specs on 64 systems with a wide variety of features. See how they work, what they can do besides logs, and how to evaluate them. 87 The rise of the little guys Brand loyalty dating back generations has been the hall- mark of trucking behemoths such as Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mack, Volvo, International and Western Star. But it complicates entry into the industry for entrepreneurs seeking their own piece of the pie. How are new truck OEMs like Alkane Truck Co., Rainier Truck and Chassis, Nikola Motor Co., Tesla and others carving out a niche?

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