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
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
