Medium-duty success: Ford is seeing growth in the Class 6 & 7 markets
If you’re a fleet operating Class 6 and 7 trucks and tractors—and as the well-known commercial slogan suggests, you haven’t driven a Ford lately—the manufacturer says you’re missing out. “We’re seeing growing interest in our Class 6 and 7 truck and tractor models from beverage, hauling and other types of fleets,” said Kevin Koester, Ford’s
Tools, training that ensure shops and technicians know today’s advanced trucks
“Today’s trucks are built from such a variety of components that a diagnostic and repair solution covering all makes and models has become a necessity for fleets,” says Shane Gilliam, vice president of sales at Noregon Systems. “Today’s tools need to be standalone solutions for day-to-day use but also integrate with OEM applications for increased
Options for managing outsourced service providers
“Today’s vehicles are equipped with many more sensors and systems than before, which provide very helpful information, However, the tooling, software and training to make good use of that information is complex and potentially very costly,” says Bill Dawson, vice president of maintenance and engineering at Ryder System. “The required investments in shop technology and
Partnership value: Food Express leverages supplier relationships to meet customer needs
After nearly 35 years in the trucking business, Kevin Keeney believes strongly that the only way to remain successful is to meet customer needs. It’s an approach the vice president of Food Express applies in different areas of the bulk hauler’s operation. Founded in 1983 by Keeney and his parents, Walter and Joanna, Food Express
Using regulatory advantages to build better natural gas vehicles
If you’re looking for ways that alternative fuel vehicles can help enhance your company’s sustainability initiatives when the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Phase 2 standards go into effect, manufacturers may have a new way to help expand your choices. The Phase 2 standards jointly adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway
Kottke Trucking expands operations based on analytics, sound equipment choices
After nearly 80 years in business, you might think that Kottke Trucking Inc. is content with the status quo. That, however, is hardly the case for the third-generation interstate refrigerated, dry van and dedicated freight hauler, which recently acquired the over-the-road operations of Walbon & Company Inc. “That acquisition included 60 tractors and 85 trailers,
Expanded choices: Fleets are set to take advantage of alternative powertrains
More and more suppliers of medium-duty vehicles are adding options for alternative powertrains. For example, Dana recently introduced Spicer Electrified motor, control and e-drive technologies for electric vehicle propulsion systems. Currently in production, the Spicer EV Drive for electric vans manages speed and torque from the e-motor to the wheels. Planned for launch in 2018, Dana’s new e-axles for
Connected truck service management: Cutting downtime for service and repairs
For fleets and service providers, connected vehicles are bringing about new challenges as well as opportunities to enhance service management and improve uptime. “When we can provide real-time information about an issue and the severity of the issue detected, it provides actionable information to the fleet manager,” says Conal Deedy, director of connected vehicle services for
How truck manufacturers are making vehicle connectivity a value proposition
Uptime, fuel efficiency and safety remain top goals for fleets as they strive to make better, more informed decisions that will have a positive impact on their operations. “As they look for the insight needed to achieve those goals,” begins Greg Treinen, sales and marketing manager of connectivity at Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), “fleets
Fueling choices: Fleets’ use of alternative fuels continues to increase
It is clear that growth in the use of alternative fuel and electric vehicles by fleets continues to expand. At the same time, an ongoing concern about the availability of a fueling and charging infrastructure is still giving some fleets a reason to hold off on deploying the latest offerings from a range of manufacturers.
Nu-Way Transportation’s transportation, logistics services provide a competitive advantage
While it’s every carrier’s goal to grow its business, at Nu-Way Transportation it’s a reality. “We’re experiencing annual growth of 3% to 5%,” says Mike Hospelhorn, director of fleet services. “Once we have a new customer, it’s very rare that our contract is not renewed. We grow with our current base, and add customers each
Boyle Transportation: Improving safety and efficiency
“Safety is behind every decision we make at Boyle Transportation,” says Ben Curtis, Boyle’s fleet manager. “From our vehicles to our professional drivers and in our maintenance operation, we have a safety-first philosophy.” Headquartered in Billerica, Mass., Boyle Transportation transports security-sensitive cargo across the U.S. and Canada with a fleet of 65 tractors and 165
