Powertrain integration continues to drive efficiency
In recent years, powertrain integration has become increasingly prevalent. Fleets are focused on operational efficiency, and what could be more efficient than each major powertrain component working in concert? Today, nearly every OEM offers its own proprietary powertrain combination—Freightliner and Western Star sport Daimler’s Detroit engine, transmission and axles; Kenworth and Peterbilt are powered by
Five truck trend takeaways from April
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 April focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place. 5. Collision mitigation technology continues to advance “Advanced safety systems that employ radar- and camera-based technologies that enable adaptive cruise control and even
‘It’s an evolution’: Mack introduces its 2017 powertrain
Mack Trucks has introduced its new powertrain line for model year 2017. The powertrain includes the company’s MP7 and MP8 engines, mDrive transmission, axles, and ClearTechOne exhaust aftertreatment system. The 2017 versions of Mack’s 11-liter MP7 and 13-liter MP8 engines bring with them several new features. Both engines feature an updated wave piston design that raises the
When it comes to trucks and engines, knowledge is power
It always pays to know more. That may seem pretty obvious, and really, it is; but it’s also hard to argue with. After all, who wants to go around knowing less? That goes double when running a fleet: ignore relevant information, and you’ll soon find yourself lapped by more knowledgeable competition. With all the ways
Five truck trend takeaways from March
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 March focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.
Saving fuel, improving efficiency with lift axles
Lift axles, so named for the attached air bags or springs that lift the axle off the road’s surface when it is not needed, are becoming an increasingly popular option for fleets. Lift axles can be mounted on either the truck or the trailer, and promise fuel and tire savings since the axle is only
How bridge formula laws impact lift axle design
One important aspect affecting the spec’ing of lift axles is the Bridge Formula, which was created by the federal government in order to keep bridges from becoming too overloaded. This federal law states that two or more consecutive axles may not exceed the weight computed by the Bridge Formula even though single axles, tandem axles
Remote diagnostics, ELDs and the constant evolution of truck telematics
Truck technology continues to evolve, progressing exponentially every day. As more and more data becomes available, fleets are getting better at reading it and using that data to reduce everything from repairs to accidents. And this is only the beginning. One important advancement that is just starting to make its mark is the recent Federal
Five truck trend takeaways from February
We know it’s tough to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place. 1. Fleet Equipment dives into medium-duty Medium-duty trucks are application-specific productivity machines. February was their time to shine in the pages of Fleet Equipment. From engines
Mack Trucks shows off custom-spec’d Pinnacle sleepers as part of its NASCAR partnership
Mack Trucks and NASCAR have announced a multi-year agreement designating Mack as the Official Hauler of NASCAR. As part of the partnership, Mack will provide 11 custom-spec’d trucks to NASCAR, to be used for hauling all the necessary technology and equipment from place to place throughout the 36-race, 10-month long season. Mack will provide 11 of its Pinnacle model
Light-duty vans roll large
In June 2014, Ford Motor Co. took a risk by replacing its established U.S. light-duty van offering, the E-Series, with its longtime European van brand, the Transit. It quickly paid off as the new American-made Transit became the best-selling van in North America. Ford is not alone in finding success in the van market by
Balancing act: Sleepers keep drivers comfortable while the fleet stays efficient
Driver retention is one of the biggest issues facing fleets today. There simply aren’t enough drivers to go around, and it’s impacting the bottom line. With that being the case, fleets have been going out of their way to provide drivers with all the creature comforts they require, in order to ensure that they stay
