How to avoid frozen truck air lines in the winter
Let’s talk about air lines—and no, I don’t mean Delta or United. It’s that sometimes overlooked but important component of your truck—one that becomes especially vital to keep in good shape as winter rapidly approaches. Winter weather effects on air lines can hurt the truck’s brake system performance, which also puts the truck at risk
Truck battery preventative maintenance checklist to avoid no-starts
Beyond those mentioned in our feature story about how to keep batteries in good shape for the winter, many of the battery maintenance steps you need to take should occur long before that season. It all goes back to that summer heat issue. According to Jeff Barron, lab manager/engineering and tech. services for Interstate Batteries,
Four electric truck questions with QCD
The year 2020 was the first time that fleets began to take delivery of electric trucks as part of pilot programs. Since we have already raced nearly to the end of 2021, FE checked in with fleets to see how their experiences have been with these trucks; how the trucks have held up compared to
How proper truck battery maintenance can help avoid winter catastrophe
Among the many truck components that fall victim to the harsh winter, one of the most prominent is the battery. No-starts, freezing: it’s hardly an exaggeration to say that a dead battery is a death sentence for that truck’s uptime and productivity. Contrary to what many believe, the time to avoid winter’s effects on the
North Central Utility opens new dealership in St. Cloud, Minnesota
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. announced that North Central Utility has opened a new dealership in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The new dealership is 27,000 square feet and offers reefer, dry van and flatbed trailers from Utility. The new facility features seven service bays, one of which is an isolated wreck bay, 5,000 square feet of parts
Dana Spicer Electrified e-Powertrain earns two technology awards
Dana Inc. has earned the New Power Technology Award and the Achievement of the Year Award for its Spicer Electrified e-Powertrain at the 2021 Diesel Progress Summit and Awards. The Diesel Progress Summit Awards are awarded to commercially available powertrains, with a focus on the dramatic changes that are being driven by emission regulations and
Two Accuride Facilities receive Daimler Trucks Masters of Quality Award
Two Accuride Corp. facilities received 2020 Masters of Quality awards from Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), the company says. The two facilities that received the award are Accuride de México in Monterrey; and Acciride’s London, Ontario, Canada, facility. Each year, DTNA recognizes suppliers that meet their strict standards and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to quality
Eaton introduces high-voltage Bussmann EVK series fuses for electrified vehicles
Eaton has introduced the EVK Series, a new line of Bussmann series fuses. The company says the new line of high-voltage fuses meets the requirements for use in the latest high-powered electrified vehicles (EVs) with ratings up to 1,000 volts of direct current (VDC) and 600 amps. Eaton’s EVK series fuses are designed to manage and protect
Fontaine announces Magnitude 60HD modular lowbed trailer
Fontaine Heavy-Haul announced the Magnitude 60HD modular lowbed trailer. The Magnitude 60 HD hauls 60 tons in 16 ft. utilizing the Fontaine EQ2 Spreader and two additional axles (3+2 configuration). Equipped with a modular tridem bogie, the trailer can connect with four different deck options: from a flat level, drop side rail, or beam deck
Axele updates TMS with new features
Axele announces new updates to its Transportation Management System (TMS), including expanded ELD integrations, reporting and dispatch operations. New reporting capabilities allow companies to track total load expenses and net income to ensure trucking operations are running profitably. Other features expand digital processes to automate operations and reduce paperwork. The list of expanded features for
EnerSys introduces Odyssey Pro batteries
EnerSys has introduced Odyssey Pro batteries, which the company says are engineered with an advanced carbon additive for more reserve capacity (up to 10%) and longer cycle life. According to the company, the batteries feature Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology to provide performance and long-lasting power for a variety of vehicle applications, including heavy-duty. TPPL technology
The evolving camera technology in today’s trucks
The conversation about cameras, particularly driver-facing cameras, is an often tumultuous one. You’ve likely heard the arguments before; on the one hand, that it will make drivers uncomfortable or likely to leave the fleet thanks to the feeling that Big Brother is watching them; on the other, that the cameras can save fleets money in
