Effective wheel specification, maintenance choices lead to longer service life
How does a vehicle’s application impact wheel selection? What factors go into the decision to spec the correct kind of wheel? The answers, according to Chris Putz, principal engineer at Maxion Wheels Commercial Vehicle Wheels, North America, begin with an understanding of several important factors. “In order to achieve long-life performance of wheels, it is
The AAA Cooper Transportation advantage: A cohesive maintenance, safety and purchasing approach
Combining three functional areas of its fleet operation under a single management team is proving to be an advantage at AAA Cooper Transportation. “With safety, maintenance and purchasing for the fleet managed collectively we have a combined thought process,” says Steven Aronhalt, the fleet’s vice president of safety and maintenance. “The value in that approach
Roush CleanTech enters the electric vehicle market
As a provider of alternative fuel vehicle technology, Roush CleanTech is best known for its propane autogas and compressed natural gas fuel systems for medium-duty commercial vehicles. Recently, the company expanded its alternative fuel portfolio with an all-electric version of the Ford F-650. Built on the OEM’s chassis, Roush CleanTech’s fully electric vehicles have a
More medium-duty electric trucks are coming to market
When Mark Smith, program manager of technology integration with the Vehicle Technologies Office at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, spoke on the subject of fleet electrification at the recent Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference, part of his presentation covered the 21st Century Truck Partnership. The 21CTP, he noted,
The forward-thinking approach of Cowan Systems
In the 47 years that Michael Sizemore has worked in truck fleets, he’s seen what he calls some very intelligent decisions. “In 1994, when Joseph Cowan, the son of the company’s founder W.T. Cowan, opened Cowan Systems LLC as a new operating entity, he created a niche with a lightweight fleet,” says the director of
Gypsum Express fields trucks designed for maximum payload, reliability
With its recent move into bulk materials hauling, Gypsum Express is expanding the size and the scope of its operations. “Our expertise is in the flatbed market, so when we decided to start a bulk division we needed to learn about equipment for that type of operation,” says Larry Wight, vice president of the bulk
Electric vehicle partners: Dana, Workhorse Group join forces on a new electric, city delivery vehicle
According to a recent U.S. Energy Information Administration Electric Power Monthly report, the average cost of electricity for transportation is just under 10 cents per kilowatt-hour in the U.S. At approximately 60 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles, that’s roughly $6, or six cents per mile for fuel. In comparison, a one-ton gasoline or diesel van getting
Separating from the pack: ERL Intermodal is meeting its customers’ needs with the right equipment, business practices
For Steve Sperbeck, general manager at ERL Intermodal, it’s all about confidence. In the fall of 2017, for example, the company that was originally named Empire Recycling Logistics took the step of rebranding itself as ERL Intermodal to better reflect the import/export container hauling nature of its business. “We wanted to be known for the
Gas gains market share: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America introduces its new gasoline-powered lineup
While much of the medium-duty market in the U.S. relies on diesel-powered trucks, gasoline engines are increasing in popularity, noted Justin Palmer, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. “They now hold about a 40% market share; so, the development of a gas-engine option for our customers was a no-brainer,”
Adding service value with technology and software
Whether maintenance is performed at company shops or by outside service providers, the key question is whether your maintenance choices are resulting in lower costs and reducing downtime. “Effective service programs turn maintenance into a competitive advantage,” says Dick Hyatt, president and chief executive officer of Decisiv. “The most important consideration is that fleets
Providing value: Enabling more effective aftermarket service
In the past several years, OEMs have invested in their dealer networks, launching premium dealer designations, triage truck lanes to address smaller fixes and improving overall service. Let’s take a look at what each truck company brings to the service table. International Truck’s fleet service offerings come under the OnCommand by Navistar banner. For example,
The merger of ContainerPort Group, ASF Transportation Group means growth and success
When ContainerPort Group Inc. (CPG) and ASF Transportation Group LLC (ASF) merged earlier this year, the combination of the two enterprises formed an intermodal drayage operation with a footprint that covers most key markets east of the Rockies. The merger essentially doubled the company’s trucking capacity and solidified its presence in regions where it has
