New fleet maintenance options
Technology changes always bring with them a shift in maintenance practices. When it comes to maintaining equipment these days, we’ve heard there are new considerations, which are catching the attention of fleet mangers. One of our readers writes that since the 2004 EPA engine emission regulation, which introduced EGR technology, the fleet has had to
Fuel cells: is the future now?
Some new developments indicate that the once "future" fuel cell technology for commercial vehicles may be "now." Green Car Congress recently reported that, under the terms of an agreement drawn up earlier this year, Vision Motor Corp., designers and manufacturers of hydrogen fuel cell Class 8 heavy-duty commercial trucks, would deliver two of its H2-fueled
Benefits of keeping trucks clean
As they travel the North American roads, vehicles are under continuous assault from acids, bird droppings, insect and animal remains, miscellaneous gunk, road salts (especially this time of year) and other contaminants. In the road war against corrosion, grime and muck, the best strategy to combat the assault is keeping a clean fleet. “Keeping your
Economic optimism and times of change
Recently, at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Hanover, Germany, Andreas Renschler, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Daimler Trucks Division, pointed out that after a market slump of 50% and more in 2009, we are in a period now of global economic recovery, and the commercial vehicle business
Solutions for a changing industry
Recently, at the TMW Systems TransForum 2010, David W. Wangler, president and CEO of TMW Systems, talked about the challenges facing the trucking industry and the solutions that information technology (IT) can provide. According to Wangler, “It’s estimated that more than 300,000 Class 8 trucks have left the market and additions to fleets are still
Economic indicators
New trailer builds are up 74% in July, truck tonnage has risen by 7.4%, and truck makers are hiring again. These are all signs of an uptick in business that should have us breathing a sigh of relief, but some are hesitant. At the recent Commercial Vehicle Outlook Conference held by the Heavy Duty Manufacturers
CVSA 2010 and basic PMs
Most fleets have fairly well-established preventive maintenance procedures, but there may be some areas that are overlooked. According to Rick Martin, manager of training for ArvinMeritor, “With the new federal requirements for driver criteria and operations of vehicle maintenance being part of the CVSA 2010 initiative, one can hope that PMs will be done in
Top Green Shop candidates sought
The Citgo/Fleet Equipment Top Green Shop contest is in full swing. We’ve been receiving entries from fleets around the country who have detailed the steps they have taken to build a “green” shop. There is still time to send in your application. It’s easy, just fill out the form on page 39 of this issue
Tire cage safety regulations
Truck tire service, especially the inflation process, can be dangerous or even fatal if not performed according to proper procedures. Due to the number of accidents associated with tire inflation, OSHA now mandates that all truck tires be inflated in an acceptable restraining device. The requirements for safety cages are spelled out in OSHA standards,
Clean air initiatives
Those of us who have been in this industry in excess of 20 years have seen a lot of technological advancements, most of which have been focused on engines with increasingly more stringent emission ratings. More recently, we’ve seen an increased focus on technology that reduces emissions using alternative fuel—and have become aware of the
ReStar: more than a facelift
“Want to look and feel younger? So does your truck.” That’s the premise Navistar presented as it rolled out its new ReStar program last month at the Mid-America Trucking Show. The company noted that with budgets tight and fleets growing older, its new reconditioning program offers the perfect solution for customers looking to improve their
Four companies solve one problem
During the recent Technology & Maintenance Council meeting, four fleet truck product suppliers made an announcement regarding their joint efforts to solve a problem that has plagued our industry for some time—namely, wheel-off incidents. Under the banner of “Wheel Torque Solutions,” Alcoa Wheels, B&D Cold Heading, Chicago Pneumatic and ITW CIP have created a new