We know it’s not easy to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories from July focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.
5. Autonomous truck technology is not a fad
“This is the last time that I am going to compare data-driven autonomous truck technology to space-age warp-engaged Star Trek-esque vehicles. The fact of the matter is that autonomous truck technology like advanced safety systems have already boldly gone where no truck has gone before… and they keep moving forward.”
Editor Jason Morgan looks at the latest autonomous truck trends, and explains why the future is now.
4. Three growing coolant trends
“Keeping all these options straight can be difficult, not to mention making sure the right coolant ends up in the right truck. So here are three industry trends in coolant, and what fleets need to know about them.”
Coolant trends that have been growing over time include OAT coolants, nitrite-free coolants, and extended life coolants. What do all these options do, and which is best for your fleet? Associate Editor Alex Crissey takes a deep dive into the latest in coolant.
3. Today’s transmissions add safety, fuel economy
“Adaptive cruise control (ACC) options and topography/hill-neutral technology can provide increased safety and improved fuel economy. So what’s best for your operation? We asked the major suppliers to weigh in, and here’s what they have to say about the technology and the choices.”
The features of modern transmissions make them safer and more fuel-efficient than ever before. Editor-at-Large Carol Birkland gives an overview of the latest technology and product options.
2. Tire costs continue to increase—but here’s how to relieve the pain of those costs
“There’s no getting around tire costs—this is where the rubber meets the road, literally. It’s a constant. However, keeping your tires properly inflated is one of the most important operational efficiencies that you can monitor and control to keep your tires rolling as cost-effectively as possible to get the most out of your tires and saving fuel.”
Tire costs can’t be avoided—they’re one of the highest costs paid by fleets every month, and one of the most important. But the high costs can be mitigated by staying on top of your tires’ inflation, as Jason Morgan explains here.
1. The On the Road series rolls on with two new videos
The newest episode in Fleet Equipment’s On the Road series visits SAF-Holland’s headquarters in Michigan for a conversation on air disc brakes, in particular the company’s new P89 line, which offers a lower-cost entry-level option (the P89) as well as the top-of-the-line P89 Plus option. FE also visited the Kenworth Truck Co. plant in Chillicothe, Ohio, to take the recently released PACCAR MX-11 engine for a spin in a variety of Kenworth truck models, and to learn how the new engine is helping Kenworth’s offerings evolve. Watch them both, as well as the full archive of videos in the series, on the new FEOntheRoad.com.
