Why the wrong truck alternator could lead to unwanted downtime
The modern commercial diesel engine relies on precise, reliable flows of fuel, air and coolant to do its job. What you don’t want flowing through your engine, however, is stray electrical current that can quickly destroy internal components and wreak havoc on sophisticated electronics. These stray amps are coming from computer-controlled direct injection to driver-assist
Three common problems fleets can address with data
Prior to recent advances in onboard electronics and telematics, it was difficult to diagnose developing maintenance issues or know that repairs were needed. Around the time vehicle emissions testing began, it became possible for engines to communicate when something was wrong, which could be displayed with an illuminated light on the dash or viewed during
Three truck technology trends that will transform fleet telematics in 2019
There are numerous ways that a fleet’s unique, real-time telematics data can be leveraged to improve fleet operations through predictive analytics, interconnected networks and advanced record management. To tap into these capabilities in 2019, fleet telematics technology must adapt to the following three major trends that will impact all industries within the next few years.
PacLease Montreal’s Eliane Foley focuses on three areas to boost service operation
By staying on top of daily shop operations, actively working with technicians and other maintenance personnel, and focusing on cost control, PacLease Montreal in St-Laurent, Quebec, is constantly improving customer service, according to Eliane Foley, the shop’s service manager. “Those management skills,” she adds, “are what enable us to do a better job of running
A look back at year one of the ELD mandate
When the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration (FMCSA) published the ELD Final Rule in 2015, fleets and carriers had two years to prepare for the switch from paper logs to electronic logging devices (ELDs). Despite this timeline, many in the transportation industry weren’t fully prepared for the December 2017 deadline and experienced culture shock
The value of new heavy-duty truck shocks
New tires. New brakes. New air bags. Given your investment in any or all of these components, doesn’t it also make sense to replace worn shock absorbers, which can affect the performance and service life of other, costlier parts? Shocks play a well-documented role in helping to prevent abnormal tire wear. “Cupping” and other uneven
Shop profile: National Fleet Management is meeting needs
For National Fleet Management’s Billy Black, a proactive approach is key to providing streamlined and effective service for customers.
Used truck prices rose 10% in 2018, with sales volumes increasing 8%
The average price of total used Class 8 trucks sold in 2018 was up 10% compared to 2017, according to ACT Research. The report also indicated that used Class 8 same dealer sales volumes fell 9% month-over-month, but rose 8% for full-year 2018. Average mileage was flat compared to 2017, while average age declined 3%
Optronics launches new website
Optronics International has launched a new website, which includes access to the company’s 2019 Vehicle Lighting Catalog. According to Optronics, the user interface developed for the new website is designed to maximize product search and drilldown capabilities, while minimizing the number of clicks needed. Advanced search tools enable users to access item level product listings,
OnTerra Systems introduces GPS Fleet Tracking
OnTerra Systems, developers of RouteSavvy route optimization software, has introduced GPS tracking for small to mid-sized fleets using the driver’s mobile device (cell phones or tablets). This new GPS Fleet Tracking technology works as part of the RouteSavvy web application for displaying driver location and history. According to the company, features of RouteSavvy GPS Fleet
U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: Strong gains in Q4 ahead of anticipated tariff increases in early 2019
The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index—a tool designed to assess the current state of the freight industry in the United States—showed signs of a spending rebound compared to the third quarter in 2018, with indications growth will continue, but at a slower rate in 2019, the company found. Solid holiday sales, increases in wages and
Western Star announces enhancements for 4700
Western Star has announced several new enhancements for its 4700 model, including new engine and transmission options. 4700 trucks and tractors can now be spec’d with the new Cummins X12 engine, which delivers up to 1700 lb.-ft. of torque and 500 HP. Cummins touts the engine’s weight of 2,050 lbs.—which is up to 600 lbs.
