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 June focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.
5. Air disc brakes are increasing in adoption, fleets have questions about trailer brakes
“Any fleet debating which brakes to spec must decide between disc brakes and drum brakes. Mechanically, there are many differences between the two, but for fleet managers, the debate comes down to this: Drum brakes are significantly less expensive, but disc brakes provide better performance. So the choice becomes: Do you go with the performance or the cost?”
Fleets may have additional questions about their trailer brakes, like whether using disc brakes on the tractor and drums on the trailer, or vice versa, is a good idea, or why air disc brake penetration is lower for trailers than it is for tractors. We answer them here.
4. Fuel additives are enhancing engine performance
“You don’t need to tell maintenance managers that contamination of even very small amounts of precipitated wax in diesel fuel can cause serious problems. Properly blended diesel fuel—with the right additives—keeps fuel clean and engines running properly. The blending of additives is an exact science, which continues to be perfected.”
Editor-at-Large Carol Birkland Predictive takes a deep dive into the topic of fuel additives, and all the benefits they provide for your engines.
3. Fleet maintenance software is helping fleet managers keep track of their warranties
“Supplier, brands, part numbers, date put into service—there is no shortage of data points to track. Enter a software solution.”
Fleet maintenance software is tracking fleets’ warranties, and Editor Jason Morgan tracks how this happens and how it benefits fleets.
2. Old trucks are learning new telematics tricks
“A Fleet Advantage survey released earlier this year found that 32% of trucks currently on the road are being run in a six- to eight-year lifecycle, 20% are being run for nine to 10 years, and 4% even longer than that. All in all, roughly 56% of trucks on the road are unable to take advantage of many of the latest advances in technology such as remote diagnostics.”
Associate Editor Alex Crissey talked with Mack Trucks and Geotab on how they are teaming up to help older trucks stay connected.
1. FE takes to the road with Freightliner and Western Star
This month in FE’s On the Road video series, we got behind the wheel of two trucks—the Western Star 5700XE and the prototype of the Freightliner New Cascadia—and put them through their paces on punishing test tracks.
