Growing popularity of propane as a light- and medium-duty fleet alternative fuel
Several developments reflect the growing popularity of propane autogas as a light- and medium-duty fleet alternative fuel. A central part of the recent Green Truck Summit’s focus on clean vehicle technologies and alternative fuel trends was propane autogas. In fleet terms, the business case for propane autogas in his company’s 30 cargo vans was explained
Managing tires matters: Products and systems to ensure uptime, lower operating costs
With well over one million tires on the road, it’s highly appropriate that Ryder System’s vice president of supply management, Scott Perry, uses the word “dynamic” when he’s describing the company’s extensive Total Tire Management program. “With a commercial fleet nearing 200,000 vehicles, we have approximately 1.25 million tires in our system,” he says. “Needless
Empire Express deploys technology and the right equipment, fields trained drivers to meet expectations
Empire Express has always had an excellent long-term safety record, says Tim Gatlin, president and chief executive officer of the Memphis-based general commodities and contract carrier. “As a specialist in hauling hazardous materials and time sensitive freight,” he adds, “we’re always looking for ways to refine our practices and improve our performance.” A good deal
The UPS deployment strategy, plans to add propane-powered trucks
It would be an understatement to say that UPS has been fielding alternative fuel powered package delivery vehicles for a considerable amount of time. After all, the company’s first all-electric truck went into service in New York City—in 1934. Today, UPS remains an aggressive user of alternative fuel vehicles. It currently operates more than 3,150
Servicing solutions from OEM, dealer and network maintenance and repair services that lower costs
Freightliner Trucks Freightliner Trucks fleets can access the Alliance Service Advantage (ASA) program’s preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, emergency repair, inspection compliance, record keeping and tire management services. Options include vehicle washing, substitute vehicles, licensing/permitting, fuel tax reporting and other programs. Programs from ASA include Express Assessment where a certified technician will assess a vehicle problem
Three ways to enhance sleeper cabs HVAC
When it comes to driver comfort, two key selling points for any truck are space and visibility. Big interiors and lots of window glass add to the demands placed on another critical driver-comfort item—the HVAC system. “Truck manufacturers work closely with climate-control system engineers to make sure the components, ducts, vents and controls are well
Tips for spec’ing sleeper cab APUs
Idling engines affect our environment and our energy supply in several ways. A large, gas-fueled engine, for example, consumes as many as 8 gal. of fuel for every hour that it idles. In a single year, such an engine consumes 2,400 gal. of fuel. An idling engine also generates as much as 21 tons of
Spec’ing sleepers: Two distinct needs
“We have two distinct needs for sleeper equipped tractors in our operation,” says Jim Bullins, corporate fleet manager at Maines Paper and Food Service. “In both cases, we work closely with Fleet Advantage, our asset management, fleet business analytics and equipment financing provider, to tailor specifications to our fleet operation.” Headquartered in Conklin, N.Y., Maines
Oakley Transport is taking advantage of new technologies to grow its operation
“Our plan is right on target,” says Peter J. Nativo, director of maintenance at Oakley Transport. “We have a three-year business plan to grow in the market for the transportation of liquid bulk food grade products. Included is replacing all of our tractors with new units so we can take advantage of the cost savings
Turning to associations for training, info to manage vehicles
Serving customers in a wide variety of vocations, the universe of light- and medium-duty commercial fleets is inherently diverse. As a result, and because their primary business is to manage vehicles that support their company’s operations, fleet managers in these segments may be searching for resources that can assist them with the information they need
Spec’ing work trucks
“Fleet managers know that well-designed equipment enhances productivity,” says Robert Johnson, a former fleet manager who currently serves as director of fleet relations for the NTEA. “Your objective when designing a work truck is to optimize the vehicle to achieve the best overall return for each dollar spent, but common mistakes can jeopardize your results.
Commitment to quality service puts R.B. Humphreys on steady path to success
Revenue growth is rapidly driving expansion at R.B. Humphreys, a Westmoreland, N.Y.-based temperature-controlled, for-hire truckload carrier. Experiencing growth, the company has seen its revenue increase by more than 100% in the past year, bringing about the need to expand its staff of employees, drivers and agents to nearly 100 people. None of that, however, is
