Trailer telematics: How data can impact the service process
With on-board trailer telematics becoming increasingly common, fleet trailer service operations are continually finding new ways to benefit from these advanced technologies. “Telematics solutions can use data from critical trailer components to enhance service processes, support uptime and improve highway safety,” said Ross Froat, executive director of FleetPulse, a smart trailer telematics system by Great Dane.
EV chassis developments continue as suppliers address technology, charging, maintenance issues
Not a day goes by, it seems, that there’s not news about new developments in electric vehicle chassis. Traditional truck OEMs and newcomers to the market alike are steadily announcing their latest plans and technologies, and fleets are taking notice. Along with those developments, however, comes the need for fleet managers to address a number
Protecting truck systems and components from cold weather-related changes
It’s that time of year again. Fall is upon us and on the horizon is colder weather. Next spring, the welcome warmth of the season will bring changes as well. And with those seasonal shifts come conditions that can sideline trucks. That’s a prospect that any fleet manager knows can raise costs for unscheduled repairs
The impact of truck tire maintenance on diesel fuel economy cannot be understated
The science is simple—the air pressure in a tire is what carries the load, explained John Ramaika, regional fleet manager at Double Coin. Therefore, an underinflated tire requires more energy, meaning more fuel to roll. “The simplest and most neglected maintenance item which will impact tire performance and fuel economy is proper inflation,” he said.
Efforts to stop truck CPC module thefts continue
WGAL News 8, an NBC affiliate in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, broke the story in early April: “Police are investigating the theft of computer modules stolen from trucks ready to go up for auction in Lancaster County. Hess Auctioneers in Marietta said the modules are worth thousands of dollars.” At the time, the company was getting ready
Top truck wheel end maintenance tips
Reducing overall heavy-duty truck maintenance costs plays into every decision related to wheel-end systems, noted Tony Ryan, national service manager–fleets at SAF-Holland. “For example, air disk brakes have a higher initial cost which is offset by reduced overall maintenance costs,” he said. “Premium hub/bearing/lubrication systems can reduce maintenance issues.” In general, the wheel-end maintenance needs
Vehicle maintenance in last mile delivery operations
The widespread and steady growth of last mile operations has brought with it new and unique maintenance challenges for fleets operating light- and medium-duty delivery vehicles. One of the main issues, according to Grant Hilliard, client development manager for Utilimaster (a Shyft Group brand), is the limited access to vehicles due to the long hours
EV maintenance—what we’ve learned so far
Electric trucks, with fewer moving parts and fluids, as well as the elimination of exhaust aftertreatment systems, are widely expected to reduce equipment service needs. Likewise, routine maintenance for things likes brakes are anticipated to drop as well. Still, with electric commercial vehicles increasingly being operated across North America, fleets are on an EV learning
Truck tire pressure: If you’re using a bat, you’re doing it wrong
Suppliers are in full agreement, perhaps best summed up by Mike Steiner, customer engineering support time zone referent at Michelin North America Inc.: “Striking a tire with a bat or hammer to determine air pressure is a method worth forgetting. There is no replacement for the high-quality, calibrated tire gauge. It remains the most effective
Truck air suspension ride height setting, service tips
With any system or component, it goes unsaid that a routine maintenance schedule is essential to a long service life and ensuring safe operation. For air suspensions, which are now widely used on commercial vehicles, a key part of any routine maintenance program involves correct ride height settings. When it comes to maintenance, air and
Diesel engine aftertreatment service tips
It’s probably not a surprise to hear that a large number of the most common issues with today’s diesel engines involve aftertreatment systems. Recently, Fleet Equipment discussed the causes of problems such as excess regeneration activity and how to determine if the regeneration frequency with their engines is within a normally accepted range. Our panels
Visible value that parts inventory software can bring to truck shops
It’s probably not a surprise that parts costs can account for a substantial portion of a fleet’s maintenance and repair expenses. What’s not often as apparent, however, is the cost of managing parts, and the ways that activity can be streamlined to generate savings and improve a service operation’s productivity and efficiency. “Fleet operations often
