Disparities in CSA enforcement found
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) recently released findings from a study it conducted, which revealed that state enforcement disparities create uneven safety playing fields for carriers that have different operating patterns and mileage exposure in the lower 48 states. It also discovered that there are different priorities and violation issuance rates across states that
Preparing for ELDs
As your are probably well aware, this past March, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the proposal to require interstate commercial truck and bus companies to use electronic logging devices (ELDs). The comment period for the proposal ended in June—the final rule will likely be published the end of 2016 with drivers and
Greenhouse Gas emission standards: Costs and benefits
Vehicle technology related to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission standards are adding initial vehicle purchase costs, but in the long run, the benefits will be outweighed by projected lifetime fuel savings. Even taking into consideration the higher overall acquisition and potential maintenance costs associated with tougher GHG standards for heavy-duty trucks, the significant fuel savings these
Mitigating cost of ownership: Trends, challenges and solutions for vocational truck owners
Even though the U.S. economy continues to improve, vocational fleets still face challenges related to the cost of doing business. According to Todd Bloom, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, “Vocational fleets, today, are building their businesses on pennies saved—in other words—they need to minimize every possible cost to be
Ten maintenance tips for heavy-duty engine coolant systems
More than half of heavy-duty engine failures are due to improper maintenance. The coolant system is responsible for removing approximately 30% of combustion heat of heavy-duty engines, while more than 53% of premature engine failures are due to improper maintenance, says Paul Bandoly, fleet manager Wix Filters. Proper understanding of coolant types and adherence to
Top management concerns for truck fleets
If you were asked to list your top concerns regarding fleet management, what would your first responses be? Here’s what some of your peers had to say in a recent survey conducted at the 2014 NAFA Institute and Expo by GE Capital Fleet Services. Topping the list of concerns was ensuring driver safety—it was listed
Charting coolant filters choices
According to Jim Watson, engineering director, engine liquid filtration at Donaldson Co., “While heavy EGR coolant systems may have increased coolant thermal cycling and accelerated coolant additive depletion, coolant filter problems related to heat have been noted. Coolant conditions may need to be checked frequently to ensure proper coolant chemical balance is maintained. It’s estimated
Fleet feedback: Keeping engines running
Fleet Equipment asked a couple of fleet managers to tell us what their biggest concerns are related to keeping engines running smoothly—specifically related to coolant and coolant filtration. Kirk Altrichter, vice president of maintenance for Crete Carrier Corp., told us, “Among the biggest factors are EGR engine cooler leaks and radiator leaks, which make it
Engine coolant technology primer
PEAK Commercial & Industrial clarifies coolant technology: The company notes that extended life coolants (ELC) or organic acid coolants (OAT) provide up to 8% better heat transfer versus conventional coolants. Conventional coolants or inorganic additive technology (IAT) coolants protect metal by creating a thick layer of insoluble metal inhibitor salts. OAT coolants specifically target corrosive
Keeping truck engines cool: The right coolant and coolant filter stand between you and engine repairs
The biggest factors surrounding engine coolant are maintaining engine temperatures, assisting in emission control and being plagued by chemical and particulate contamination, says John Gaither, director of heavy-duty engineering for Luber-finer. In addition, he notes, they often must handle rust, silicate drop out and scale, which is caused by an unbalanced system and needs to
New and used truck sales are up
ACT Research reported that used Class 8 trucks sales rose in March, 8% above February’s volume. According to Steve Tam, vice president-commercial vehicle sector with ACT, “The volume gain was expected, since sales usually gain through March or April before slowing for the summer months.” Healthy used truck sales have usually been a reliable indicator
75 years of excellence and a bright future: Peterbilt marks milestone with new vehicle innovations
When Darrin Siver, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president, talks about current industry trends, he notes the increasing optimism throughout the industry and that trucking will have a strong year in terms of fleet performance and manufacturer and dealer sales. Siver says, “We’re seeing fleets replacing older equipment, as well as adding capacity. Reducing
