Labor estimating: Managing costs is reliant on shop efficiency, data accuracy
It’s probably not a surprise to learn that labor costs account for a sizable portion of a fleet’s total cost of ownership (TCO). What you may not know is that you are not alone if you don’t believe you have a complete and comprehensive understanding of those costs. That conclusion was made clear recently when
World Trade Distribution’s lightweight tractors meet container shippers needs
While international freight handling, storage and transportation services have been the core of Houston-based World Trade Distribution’s business for 50 years, the company is not one to simply continue with the status quo. “We started focusing on port work in the 1980s,” says Jeff Joachim, president of the family owned business. “As more containers began
Fighting cold weather tire PSI loss
“Fuel savings from properly inflated tires are well documented,” says Josh Carter, chief executive officer and co-founder of Aperia Technologies, the provider of a self-powered, bolt on tire inflation technology. “Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration research indicates that maintaining proper tire pressure can produce a 1.4% fuel efficiency increase for a five-axle tractor-trailer combination. “This
Building a safer heavy-duty truck
In a national poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies in late September on attitudes about the trucking industry, 80% of survey recipients said they believe truck drivers are safer than passenger vehicle drivers. Additionally, 90% of respondents said passenger vehicle drivers are more likely to speed than truck drivers, and 74% think that when an
CARB order opens door for XL Hybrids light-duty conversions
With corporate and municipal operations realizing a positive payback, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are a hot topic among a growing number of light-duty fleets these days. The quick fleet adoption rate is focused in part on HEV aftermarket technologies. Over the past year, for example, XL Hybrids has been realizing a steady expansion of its
Determining ROI to Lower TCO
“Fleet managers have only so much time,” notes Kirk Altrichter, vice president, maintenance at Crete Carrier Corp. “We need to prioritize when we are spending time making return on investment [ROI] determinations for new equipment. There may be an ROI that will help lower our total cost of ownership [TCO], but as technology changes, products
Fuel efficiency, driver retention efforts pay off for Central Trucking Inc.
Among the goals that Mark Roberts, president of CTI Logistics Inc., has for his family-owned company’s fleet are two that he says are definitely keys to success. “Hanging on to good drivers and generating the best possible fuel consumption are ongoing challenges,” he states. “In today’s economic environment, and with rates where they are, it’s
GM offers fleets a range of truck alternatives
General Motors Co. is realizing impressive growth in the commercial segment of its business. In August, the OEM experienced an 18% increase in truck sales compared to one year earlier, including a 13% rise in Chevrolet Silverado deliveries and 10% sales growth for the GMC Sierra product line. Additionally, deliveries of Chevrolet Express vans had
After putting five tractors to the test, Blacklidge Emulsion opts for the fuel efficiency winner
“Trucking isn’t our core business,” says Paul Johnson, director of logistics for Blacklidge Emulsions, “but it’s definitely an essential part of our operation. As a key part of the cost of serving our customers, we are focused on managing our fleet as cost effectively as possible.” Based in Gulfport, Miss., Blacklidge Emulsions is a second
Integrated powertrains maximize fuel efficiency
“Traditionally, there has been an understanding in the industry that excellent drivers develop skill sets to operate equipment in a way that generates good fuel mileage,” says Mario Sanchez, technical sales support director at Cummins. “Even the best drivers are not consistent all the time, however, and as fleets continue to struggle to retain and
Building an online presence: Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies case study
Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies (JRTB) showcases the real value of its product offerings. It’s not often that an announcement about a redesigned website gets our attention. In the case of JRTB, however, we couldn’t help but take note of the elements that the manufacturer of temperature-controlled composite truck bodies included in its revamped Internet presence. While the
Effective maintenance, sound equipment choices help Oak Harbor Freight Lines operate efficiently
Freight volumes are higher than expected, notes Dan Vander Pol, director of maintenance at Oak Harbor Freight Lines. “While that is certainly good news, it does put a lot of pressure on our maintenance department to keep equipment running efficiently and on the road,” he says. “We don’t have extra equipment; so, if we have
