Favorable indicators for the trucking industry
Over the last several months there have been indications that our industry is finally improving, not the least of which is vehicle OEMs reporting profits and an increase in production.
It’s truly a global marketplace
Every truck maker in this country has a presence in the world market and shares successful vehicle technologies across its product lines and markets.
Life-cycle cost analysis
Instead of relying on guesswork and not being able to fully defend your position, a net present value life-cycle cost analysis will show you the true total cost of each alternative.
Demand for used truck parts increases
With older vehicles in the fleet, looking for new parts and remanufactured parts for older vehicles right now can be a challenge.
Dealing with liquid rust
It’s nearly that time of year, when snow and ice cover the roads in the northern states and mountains – and fleets brace themselves to deal with the impact of magnesium chloride (sometimes referred to as liquid rust) on trucks and tractor/trailers. We all know that without this strong road de-icer, travel during cold winter
The total package
Engine and truck OEMs continue to work on technology that will meet EPA and NHTSA rules for heavy-duty vehicle fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas, fuel consumption and CO2 targets.
Incentives fund alternatives for fleets
Incentives that help defray the cost of certain types of fleet vehicles in certain areas of the country have been around for a while. For instance, recently there was the broad-reaching American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, which funded a broad spectrum of programs and has since expired. Currently, there is the California
The next engine emissions milestone
In June, NHTSA published its Final Environmental Impact Statement, in which it noted, "Emissions from the United States account for about 17.4% of the total global CO2 emissions. The U.S. transportation sector contributed 31.2% of the total U.S. CO2 emissions in 2009 with heavy-duty vehicles accounting for 21.2% of total U.S. CO2 emissions from transportation.
SmartWay message bears repeating
EPA SmartWay reminds us that 35 billion gallons of diesel fuel is burned each year by rail and truck transport. As the economy grows and technology improves, the numbers become more staggering. Faster delivery services and increased internet shopping have boosted mileage—and emissions—from ground freight transportation, the agency claims. If this trend continues, by 2012
Annual Top Green Shop contest kicks off
Once again, the Citgo/Fleet Equipment Top Green Shop contest is underway and it’s time to remind fleets that we are in search of those operations that are striving to make a difference by ensuring that their shops are environmentally friendly. Fleets that wish to enter the Citgo/Fleet Equipment Top Green Shop contest need to write
Three big issues facing the trucking industry
March is the month of truck shows and the introduction of new trucks and technology. At the recent Mid-America Trucking Show, which I attended, there were three recurring themes: fuel economy, clean air (reduction of greenhouse gases) and heavy-truck stopping distances – all topics our federal government has expressed increased interest in with proposed or
Fleets must adapt to new technology
Some carriers have noticed an up-tick in freight recently and are adding equipment and technology to handle it. A case in point is Garner Transportation Group’s Findlay, Ohio, site. According to James Husted, director of maintenance for the fleet, he has added 40 new trucks in the last three months—a combination of new (leased) and