Tips for aftermarket warranty data tracking
OEM parts are one thing, but aftermarket parts are another can of worms, so to speak, when it comes to successful warranty claims. Since the part number of the replacement may not be the same as the part that failed, this process requires even more detailed tracking. For example, if you buy aftermarket parts in
Watch: Preparing your trucks for the winter
As they’re fond of saying on a certain popular TV show, winter is coming. If your trucks run routes through an area that experiences harsh winters, you’re already well aware of this fact. So the question is: is your fleet prepared? Several components of your trucks will require attention as winter approaches, so make sure
Five truck trend takeaways from October
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 October focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.
Watch: Let’s talk video telematics
Let’s talk video telematics. Many fleets are making use of cameras that can be installed throughout the truck. The typical video telematics system is made up of a series of cameras and sensors that monitor driver and truck behavior and set alerts to the fleet manager if certain parameters are exceeded or violated. These parameters
Outgoing ATA chairman goes over the association’s plans for this year and next
Dave Manning, chairman of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), has only a few short weeks left in that role until a new chairman is chosen at the ATA Management Conference and Exhibition (MCE), Oct. 27-31. As Manning closes in on the end of his tenure, he went over seven major issues that ATA is prioritizing,
Watch: Choosing between in-house and outsourced maintenance
Let’s talk in-house maintenance versus outsourced. It’s a decision that every fleet has to make early on, and it can be critical. So how do you make the decision? This is becoming a more complex choice thanks to new equipment options. Equipment complexity, difficulty diagnosing issues and a shortage of technicians all contribute to the
How GHG regulations will affect transmissions
GHG Phase 2 regulations are coming in 2020, and while engines are the most obviously affected truck part, other components from the transmission to the suspension will be affected too. Fleet Equipment reached out to ask transmission manufacturers how the upcoming standards will affect fleets’ transmission needs. One answer: powertrain integration will become more important
Truck & trailer suspensions: Application is key
If you’re an established fleet, chances are you have go-to specs for your trucks that you’ve stuck to for a long time. As well as those choices might have worked for you up to this point, it’s a good idea to re-evaluate them every once in a while. If they’re still working for you, that’s
One fleet’s experience with driver-facing cameras
In last month’s issue of Fleet Equipment, we ran an article, “The pros and cons of driver-facing cameras,” which, as the name implies, went over the debate concerning spec’ing driver-facing cameras. On the one hand, they can be beneficial to the fleet in the event of a lawsuit after a collision, as well as in
Watch: Let’s talk tire retreading
Let’s talk tire retreading. As you probably know, tires are the second-highest cost for fleets, behind fuel. And with a typical on-highway Class 8 truck running 18 wheel positions, keeping those assets in the best possible shape can be very valuable. Clearly, it’s important to have a program in place to manage the tires for
Optimizing your fleet can help alleviate the wait for new equipment
As you probably know, the trucking industry is absolutely booming right now and things look to continue this way into next year. It seems like every month a new record is being set by truck orders, trailer orders or both. This is fantastic news for the industry, but there is a downside for fleets, which
Watch: How suspensions are being affected by greenhouse gas regulations
Let’s talk suspensions—specifically, how suspensions are being affected by greenhouse gas regulations. With another round of GHG regulations coming in 2020, it’s a good idea to look ahead and see how various truck components will be affected. Obviously, engines are the most directly affected component, but suspensions aren’t far behind. The designs of suspensions made
