The added value of remanufactured engines, transmissions and axles
For fleets that are extending trade cycles, and those interested in gaining the highest possible resale value for vehicles being taken out of service, remanufactured components can be cost effective. Recently, with new truck deliveries reaching record levels, the rising number of trades has meant more used trucks on the market, making vehicles with remanufactured
Blue Flash Express breaks the driver turnover cycle
For Blue Flash Express Vice President of Operations Jason Aguillard it was about stopping a cycle—new trucks with the right specs would lower maintenance and fuel expenses, improve retention and cut the cost of recruiting and training drivers. “Now we have more money to increase pay for drivers, which further enhances the company as a
New choices: Wabash National rolls out new truck body lineup
During the International Food service Distributors Association (IFDA) Distribution Solutions Conference in late October, a new player entered the market for Class 6 and 7 truck bodies. While hardly new to the industry, this will be Wabash National Corp.’s first line of dry and refrigerated truck bodies based on the technologies it employs in its
App happy: Taking advantage of an ecosystem of integrated business applications
When Geotab, a provider of telematics technology, announced the launch of the first version of the Geotab Marketplace, it billed the complement to its MyGeotab platform as a way to provide “an extensive ecosystem of valuable business-focused applications and add-ons to the users of its GPS fleet management and vehicle tracking solutions.” “Geotab recognizes that customers
The latest innovations in tractor tire inflation
All indicators lead in the same direction. A 2013 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that under-inflation is the leading cause of tire failure. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) cites defective tires as a leading factor in crashes involving commercial vehicles. A 2010 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) report
Alt Power: Utility fleets continue to lead the charge
The theme of the 2015 Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference— Fleet Strategies to Maximize Total Company Performance— did not disappoint the record-setting 125 fleet representatives from 70 investor-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives and electrical contractors in the U.S. and Canada who attended the annual educational event. One topic of great interest was electric and alternative
Logging in: The ins and outs of the ELD mandate
The long-awaited final rule on Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) is expected to be published by the end of October. The rule has been undergoing review by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) since late July. Approval from the OMB is the last step before a final ELD rule can be published. We
Hybrid electric conversion systems continue to catch on
There are two indications of the growing use of the hybrid electric powertrain for new and existing Class 2 to 6 commercial vehicles offered by XL Hybrids Inc. One is the recent announcement that the company raised $10.5 million in venture funding. The other is the Boston-based company’s impressive customer list, which now includes FedEx
Ford’s growing CNG, propane capable lineup
Passed as part of an extension of federal highway funding, Congressional legislation now corrects a longstanding inequity in the way liquefied natural gas (LNG) is taxed. Starting Jan. 1, 2016, LNG will be taxed based on a diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) unit. Currently, fleets operating LNG-powered trucks are effectively paying a tax on that fuel
Fuel efficiency options: Looking to application to inform your specs
“With the cost of equipment today, typically one of the first questions raised by our full service lease customers is about fuel efficient specifications,” says Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning at Penske Truck Leasing. “Customers always weigh the idea of whether or not a spec is the right fit for
Truck tire retreads: Taking advantage of verified SmartWay offerings
“SmartWay verification is becoming an increasingly important designation for retreads as more fleets realize that the use of fuel-efficient retreads can help them control their costs more effectively,” says Brian Buckham, general manager of product marketing for Goodyear Commercial Tire. “By leveraging new tire compounding technology and tread designs, we can continue to make strides
Gearing up for Phase 2 GHG, fuel economy standards
In mid-June, a regulatory proposal for tighter greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fuel economy standards for heavy- and medium-duty trucks was announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The long-anticipated vehicle and engine standards cover all types of trucks, including large pickups, vans and buses, for
