Covering fatigue risk, safety systems and more at EUFMC
The educational program for the annual Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC) is based heavily on input from attendees and is designed to address the informational needs of utility fleet professionals. Therefore, it came as no surprise that the 2017 conference included several sessions on safety-related topics. Addressing an issue that is common in all
How Melton Truck Lines improves operations, enhances safety
“We don’t make equipment decisions without taking financial considerations into account, but we always look first at the safety and driver benefits a technology may offer,” says Russ Elliott, senior vice president of operations for Melton Truck Lines. “ROI is important but it’s not generally our first concern. “It’s not getting any easier to find
Adding it up: The benefits of fleet electrification
A longtime innovator in the adoption of alternative fuel technologies into its fleet of nearly 14,000 vehicles, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is also leading the charge when it comes to fleet electrification. The natural gas and electric utility company, based in San Francisco and serving nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central
How the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s fleet helps those in need
“We watch our bottom line like any other business,” says Mark Quandt, executive director of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. “As a non-profit agency, it’s just as important for us to make cost-effective fleet decisions as it is for companies that use trucks in for-profit businesses with pick-up and delivery operations, or
A clear view: Meeting new FMVSS 111 rearview camera requirements
In the works since the passage of the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007, the newly enacted update to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets new rear vision system requirements for vehicles with a 10,000-lb. or lower Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Information
How Central Freight Lines built an optimum LTL, distribution network
In mid-February of this year, Central Freight Lines announced plans to purchase Wilson Trucking, effectively expanding its terminal network by 50% and extending its operating area to include the entire southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico. “The Wilson Trucking network of 26 terminals in the southeast matched up with our western and southwestern footprint of 56
Using telematics to improve fleet utilization
While fleets have a vast and increasing amount of data at their disposal for making more informed equipment and maintenance choices, information only enables improvements in efficiency and productivity if it’s truly actionable and is presented in a context where it can be used effectively and strategically. “Only by leveraging the right technology can you
Covering all bases: GM adds a Class 6 medium-duty model
With seven straight months of year-over-year market share gains through March of this year, GM’s commercial truck business has been growing steadily. Recently, Chevrolet announced it is expanding its range of trucks with a new dock-height Class 6 model. The 2018 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 6500XD, expected to be available by the end of the
Redbank Transport meets demands with the right specs
When it comes to demanding operating conditions, Redbank Transport’s trucks and drivers have it much tougher than a typical linehaul or over-the-road fleet, and in some ways even harder than many vocational operations. “We do a lot of off-road work hauling coal, fertilizer, road salt, construction materials and demolition debris,” explains Co-Owner Dave Jackson. “Backing
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
