The electronic logging device (ELD)—mandated by the U.S. Congress under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act—was designed to improve safety, accuracy, and efficiency in the trucking industry. Intended to create a safer work environment for drivers, the ELD automatically records driving time by synchronizing with a vehicle’s engine, ensuring precise tracking of service hours and simplifying the management and sharing of travel data for commercial carriers.

TuSimple, the self-driving truck company, was awarded a contract in May 2019 to complete five round trips, during a two-week pilot, hauling USPS trailers more than 1,000 miles between the Postal Service’s distribution centers in Phoenix and Dallas; there were two human drivers on board to supervise. As of June 2019, Starsky Robotics became the first company to operate fully unmanned on public highways at 55mph with nobody in the cab of the truck.

August Fruehauf, founder of the Fruehauf Trailer Company, is credited with the invention of the semi-trailer and the automatic semi-trailer coupling – designs that are still in use around the world.

1914
August Charles Fruehauf builds the first “semi-trailer.”

1926
Fruehauf Trailer Co. invents the automatic semi-trailer fifth wheel, in which the coupling and uncoupling was accomplished by one man, using the motion of the trailer itself.

The engine brake (aka Jake Brake), invented by Clessie Cummins to enable diesel trucks to maintain a controlled speed when descending steep grades, is offered for sale.

The introduction of radial tires into the trucking industry was a significant milestone in technological evolution – tire replacement and fuel consumption were reduced, which allowed for longer hauls of freight and decreased vehicle maintenance costs.

1915
Charles H. Martin files a patent for the fifth wheel invented by Herman G. Farr. Arthur Savage patents the radial tire.

1952
Michelin develops the first commercial radial truck tire in Europe.