Today’s Pickup: Lytx introduces driver identification technology

The technology eliminates radio frequency identification, key fobs or other driver identification accessories. Managers can easily activate/deactivate or assign new codes to drivers through their Lytx account.

Once scanned, a driver’s name along with vehicle data is recorded, giving fleet managers visibility into both worker and vehicle data including a driver’s hours for each day, week and month; how much time the vehicle is moving during each shift; and how much idle time occurs, Lytx said. Events captured by DriveCam are automatically assigned to the appropriate driver before they reach the safety manager’s or coach’s dashboard.

Did you know?

According to the St. Louis Federal Reserve, the nation’s unemployment rate could hit 32% in the second quarter as more than 47 million workers are laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Quotable:

“They are both running smoothly. We have been working closely with the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Highway Patrol. They let us know about this rollout to ensure the smooth passage of freight.”

– Alix Miller, vice president of the Florida Trucking Association, on the state’s efforts to stop out-of-state vehicles at border checkpoints. The order does not include commercial vehicles.

In other news:

Phase 4 coronavirus package may include infrastructure

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is pushing for a fourth coronavirus bill from congress, one that would include funding for infrastructure projects. (MarketWatch) 

Mobility firms face uncertain future

Mobility firms like Lime and Bird as well as shared auto services and taxis are facing a decline in users, forcing the companies to reinvent their business models. (Intelligent Mobility)

EPA set to roll back fuel economy standards

The Environmental Protection Agency will announce the final rule on fuel economy standards for automobiles and light trucks, formally rolling back Obama-era standards. (Autoblog)

UPS details pandemic response efforts

UPS said it is mobilizing its resources to sync with federal and state efforts to combat COVID-19, including marshalling its UPS Healthcare division. (Logistics Management)

Chinese electric car startups in trouble

The fallout from the coronavirus on the Chinese electric vehicle startup market is potentially reshaping the global EV market. (Wall Street Journal)

Final thoughts

With the formal announcement of the Environmental Protection Agency’s final rule on fuel economy for autos and light trucks coming today, the focus may now turn to standards on heavy-duty commercial vehicles. When the Trump Administration first proposed rolling back the Obama-era standards, speculation was that the EPA’s Phase 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions regulations for commercial trucking, set to go fully into effect by 2027, would be next. It now becomes a wait-and-see if the administration goes after the trucking regs. As they say, stay tuned.

Hammer down, everyone!