Fueling the future: Alternative fuels are becoming mainstream
If you’re a regular reader of this heavy-duty column, you’re likely starting to see an emerging theme: There is no one-size-fits-all, magic bullet solution to improving your fleet’s efficiency. It’s a collection of equipment integration, maintenance best practices and technology, working in concert to save money and boost the bottom line. Alternative fuels continue to
What are the lighter-weight wheel options?
For fleets that want to roll efficiently, there’s no shortage of lighter-weight wheel options. For a fleet that has hundreds of pieces of equipment moving along many routes, increased load capacity can add up quickly. Aluminum wheels are typically a lighter option than steel; one of the lightest weight options was launched in March at
Weighing fifth wheel options to spec a lighter-weight truck
When fleets spec lighter-weight components, it’s generally an attempt to offset increases in weight in other areas of the vehicle and/or increase their payload capacity. As a result, the savings in fuel comes in improved efficiency in the operation of the fleet—greater cargo capacity equals revenue per trip and more capacity may even mean less
Selecting lighter-weight suspensions
Selecting the correct suspension system can go a long way in both fuel efficiency and weight savings. If the correct suspension is paired with the proper powertrain, you can have gain efficiency without putting on the pounds. SAF-Holland offers the Neway suspensions. On the drive suspension side, the ADZ capacities are 46,000 and 52,000 lbs.
Cummins announces Steve Charlton’s retirement
Cummins Inc. announced that Steve Charlton, vice president and chief technical officer – engine business, plans to retire from Cummins effective July 1. The company also announced that Jennifer Rumsey has been named Vice President, Engineering for the Engine Business, succeeding Steve Charlton. “In his more than 20 years with the company, Steve has provided
How reducing weight can impact your fleet
Drop a couple pounds and all of a sudden you’re more efficient and able to pull more weight. Of course, we’re talking about making trucks lighter. The idea behind spec’ing specialized, lighter-weight components is to find a balance between fuel efficiency and increased load capacity, without sacrificing the tractor’s strength. After labor costs, fuel is
Kinedyne adds to its Canadian sales roster
Kinedyne, manufacturer and distributor of cargo securement products for more than 45 years, welcomes two new members to its sales team in support of the growing demand of the Canadian market. Joining Jeff Stevens, Account Executive for Midwest Canada, will be Kenny Newman and Craig Schoonmaker. Kenny Newman is the new Eastern Canada Account Executive for Kinedyne
Mack Trucks details plant investments to further improve quality, lead-time for customers
Mack Trucks announced a $26 million upgrade of the Macungie Cab and Vehicle Assembly facility in Macungie, Pa., that will significantly improve the plant’s efficiency and help it deliver even higher quality trucks to Mack customers. The investment includes a comprehensive realignment of sub-assembly and material handling to more efficiently support the main vehicle assembly lines.
Connecting components: Spec’ing the proper lighting harness
Reaping the benefits of LED lamps goes beyond simply spec’ing the product. The wiring harness plays a major role in today’s LED solutions. “Here’s the thing that always bothered me: You have fleet managers who are going with the expense of LED lights that are more expensive than incandescent, but they’ll still use the same
The 6×2 cometh?
It’s an exciting time to be involved in the trucking industry. Take a second to compare the trucks of today to the trucks of 20 years ago … pretty staggering. Today’s heavy-duty haulers are churning out a seemingly limitless stream of data points, running automated transmissions and achieving eight miles per gallon and beyond in
Detroit Connect wins Best Telematics Solution from Telematics Update
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced that Detroit Connect received the Best Telematics Service or Solutions for Commercial Vehicles award from Telematics Update. This award recognizes brands that have developed exceptional telematic solutions for a variety of commercial vehicles. More than 400 nominations were received for the 2014 Telematics Update Awards from around the world, and the
Inverter insight from Bruce Purkey
Inverters are a popular way to deal with driver comfort, but there is a consequence. “When I first started in this business, I hated [inverters] because they have a negative impact on batteries,” says Bruce Purkey, chief creative officer of Purkeys. “As I watched the market place—fleets use this to entice drivers. You can use
