December
2000, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)/Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA) mobilized the Technology Truck, also known as Demonstration
Project No. 111 (DP 111), “Advanced Motor Carrier Operations and Safety
Technologies.” The project featured the latest available state-of-the-practice
intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies designed to improve
both the efficiency and safety of commercial vehicle operations (CVO).
The Technology Truck was designed to inform and educate the motor carrier
community and other stakeholders regarding ITS technologies, thus gaining
support and buy-in for participation in the ITS program. The primary
objective of the project was to demonstrate new and emerging ITS/CVO technologies
and programs, showing their impact on motor carrier safety and productivity.
In order to meet the objectives of the Technology Truck project, the FHWA/FMCSA
formed public/private partnerships with industry and with Oak Ridge National
Laboratory (ORNL) to demonstrate and display available ITS/CVO technologies
in a cooperative effort. The mobile demonstration unit 
was
showcased at national and regional conferences, symposiums, universities,
truck shows etc., in an effort to reach as many potential users and decision
makers as possible. By the end of the touring phase, the ITS/CVO
Technology Truck had been demonstrated in 38 states, 4 Canadian provinces,
88 cities and 114 events; been toured by 18,099 people; traveled 115,233
miles; and won two ITS Awards.
The Technology Truck consisted
of a tractor and a 48-foot trailer with expandable sides that was designed
by Gary Capps. Serving as a classroom and briefing facility on wheels,
the vehicle demonstrates technological benefits of the Intelligent Transportation
Systems/Commercial Vehicle Operations program through classroom presentations
designed by Kathy Gambrell, interactive kiosks designed by John Jordan,
and computers equipped with software, hands-on demonstrations, and a driver
simulation area demonstrated by Connie Dagley. Logistics support,
including scheduling for both the Truck and facilitators, and the design
and maintenance of the internal and external website's for the Truck were
handled by Kathy Johnson. Vendor participation and equipment integration
issues were handled by Gary Capps and Kathy Gambrell.
Goal:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's goal for the DP 111 Technology Truck was to demonstrate new technologies and programs that enhance motor carrier safety and efficiency.
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