ULSD and the battle of bugs
Since the introduction of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD), small fleet owners have had to become extra-vigilant in maintaining their vehicles. In order to keep downtime to a minimum and ensure that all vehicles are running at optimum efficiency, it is imperative to keep bacteria proliferation in check. However, because ULSD has become the standard
Stability control: proven safety technology
In October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its final report on stability control systems for commercial trucks. Called “Safety Benefits of Stability Control Systems For Tractor-Semitrailers,” it was conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) under a cooperative agreement between NHTSA and Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems. The purpose
’Tis the season…
It’s that time of year again—the road salt corrosion season! De-icing formulations, namely calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, will soon be playing “fast and loose” with the undercarriage and electrical systems of trucks, tractors and trailers, corroding metal and electrical connections. Not so long ago, the Technology and Maintenance Council published a three-part corrosion analysis
Value-added truck leasing
Leasing companies are quick to point out that a full-service lease helps fleets better control operations and costs. Most offer help with spec’ing and financing the right vehicle—and will include complete maintenance services. Some, like Penske Leasing, also offer to monitor changes and regulations from a variety of agencies to make sure your fleet is
Streamlining maintenance
Maintenance software is opening up new opportunities for those fleets that have it. Recently, I attended the TMW TransForum User Conference hosted by TMW Systems, an enterprise resource provider (ERP) and software developer. At the conference, I had an opportunity to talk with a number of fleet managers who were just beginning to deploy maintenance
Asset management: Who’s in charge?
When it comes to best practices for fleet asset management, there is some debate as to which method is better, centralized or decentralized control. Let’s look at the differences. Centralized fleet management is an approach where the vice president of maintenance, or other executive in charge of that aspect of the fleet business, has 100%
Enter to win
Last year was the first year of the Citgo/Fleet Equipment Top Green Shop contest.
Focus on issues
In every industry publication these days, there is information related to EPA 2010 heavy-duty engine readiness
Tire training resource
There has never been a better time to train technicians.
Leasing hybrids
Tax credits and federal grants continue to make hybrid vehicles an appealing choice for some trucking applications.
Heavy Duty Dialogue provides insights
The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association recently hosted its annual Heavy Duty Dialogue, a day-long conference that brings together senior executives in the commercial vehicle industry
Aerodynamics and fuel economy
Aerodynamic trucks are a hot topic right now.