Winter is coming: Is your fleet prepared?
It may not be something that everyone (OK, anyone) wants to think about, but the fact remains that winter is on its way. Everyone needs to be prepared for what’s ahead, and that includes fleets. It’s the harshest season for trucks, which face issues from the brakes freezing to the products being hauled in trailers
How will GHG Phase II affect truck orders?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a joint standard in June of this year for fuel economy and greenhouse gas—the Phase II Greenhouse Gas (GHG) standards. The incoming standards will cover trucks from model year 2019 to 2027 and will have far-reaching effects in all phases
An inside look at a Mack manufacturing plant
At the recent inauguration of Mack’s latest product, a new line of axles, Fleet Equipment was given a rare chance to tour a Mack manufacturing plant and share photos. The Hagerstown plant is one of Mack’s foremost producers of equipment; if you are a Mack owner, chances are critical equipment in your truck was made
Mack inaugurates new axle line
On Oct. 13, Mack Trucks inaugurated its new axle line at the company’s Hagerstown, Md. plant, which will be assembling the new line of axles, now available to be spec’ed. This project was conceived in October 2013, and two years later, it is a reality. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Hagerstown plant, and was
Five truck trend takeaways from September
A look at the five biggest takeaways from the month of September in the world of heavy-duty trucks.
Four keys to fuel economy: How data analytics impacts fleets
Years ago, the truck spec’d at the time of purchase was the truck you had five years later, with little or no chance of enhancing performance later down the road. Today, however, data is allowing trucks to continuously achieve performance improvements. Buyers are no longer bound by the original specification of the truck. This is
The truck telematics revolution
It’s hard to believe that years ago, “technology” inside a cab meant it came with a CB radio. Today, those same cabs have onboard telematics systems that relay information from the drivetrain to help keep track of fuel economy, speed, driving habits—pretty much anything related to the trip. OEMs have been paying attention to this
Battery maintenance do’s and don’ts
How to ensure your battery stays in the best shape it can– maintenance recommendations from electrical professionals.
Point/Counterpoint: Fleet managers on the effectiveness of today’s batteries
We’ve been over the dangers of parasitic loads and the methods that can help prevent them. But what do fleet managers think? Are they finding problems with today’s batteries being able to handle the new technology in trucks? We interviewed two fleet managers, and got two drastically different answers. Batteries aren’t an issue… “We run
Equipment options that can help avoid parasitic loads
Each of FE’s interviewed battery manufacturers on the topic of parasitic loads were quick to mention the products they offer that will help trucks avoid parasitic load issues. Exide recommends their Road Force AGM 200, which they say has two times better cycling and 40% greater charge acceptance when compared to conventional flooded batteries, for
When it comes to parasitic loads, don’t forget about lighting
Batteries may be the item most affected by hotel and parasitic loads, but they’re far from the only aspect of the truck affected. Spec’ing the proper lights is also crucial to the truck’s electrical stability. Most lighting manufacturers recommend LED lighting as the best option, as it draws significantly less power from the truck; while
Keep the truck running: Fighting parasitic loads
Recruiting and retaining experienced, high-quality drivers is a challenge. The job demands long hours on the road away from family. To keep up with driver demand and support recruitment efforts, many of today’s trucks are decked out with all the latest in technology: GPS; TVs; refrigerators; entertainment systems; you name it. While this is certainly
