There’s a truck metric for that
Data metrics are, in a way, the new “app.” Need to know your average downtime due to an unplanned service stop? There’s a metric for that. Want to know where your truck is? There’s a metric for that. Do you have an idea for how long your trucks typically idle? There’s a metric for that
Onboard telematics bring new capabilities to light-duty fleets
Telematics solutions are rapidly becoming a growing trend with light-duty fleets, as they begin to require more detailed views of their vehicles to more efficiently manage operations. For an example, just look at this recent announcement by General Motors: GM has launched a new platform specifically designed for small businesses to access key vehicle information
Three new ways oils will be identified and utilized
This December we get a little extra bonus: Three changes in the way lube oils are identified and utilized. First, the API will discontinue the use of the term “energy conserving” on their SL and SM passenger car motor oils (PCMO). The term is discontinued because the engine parts needed to run the laboratory engine
Powertrain integration continues to drive efficiency
In recent years, powertrain integration has become increasingly prevalent. Fleets are focused on operational efficiency, and what could be more efficient than each major powertrain component working in concert? Today, nearly every OEM offers its own proprietary powertrain combination—Freightliner and Western Star sport Daimler’s Detroit engine, transmission and axles; Kenworth and Peterbilt are powered by
How do you properly determine tire cost?
Today’s fleets understand how important tires are to the success of their total maintenance budgets. With the average price of a commercial truck tire in the $500 range, fleets take tires seriously. It is not always a simple procedure to determine exactly what goes into the total cost of owning a tire over time. Tire
The advancements of diesel technology
While significant technology advances were made to the diesel engine over the past century, the most significant advances have been made in the past 20 years. Here’s a look at some of them.
When it comes to trucks and engines, knowledge is power
It always pays to know more. That may seem pretty obvious, and really, it is; but it’s also hard to argue with. After all, who wants to go around knowing less? That goes double when running a fleet: ignore relevant information, and you’ll soon find yourself lapped by more knowledgeable competition. With all the ways
Driving to maximize fuel economy
While working at Shell Oil Co.’s Wood River Research facilities, my engineering team was tasked with determining relationships between gasoline composition and drivability and fuel economy. This would be much easier today due to the impressive electronic devices available, but in 1969, we had to do things the hard way. I developed a cyclical operational
The Internet of Things, explained
The “Internet of Things” (IoT), simply explained, is a comprehensive way to manage data for greater productivity. It’s has been called the next mega-trend, and at its core are embedded software sensors placed in vehicles, machine tools, streetlights, and wind turbines—to name just a few devices in an ever-increasing list. The value of IoT is the
What you need to know before making alternative fuel purchase decisions
When figuring out the right questions to ask, perhaps it’s important to start with what not to ask. “Price is important, even when fuel prices are low,” says Paul Shaffer, vice president and managing director of Dallas operations at Westport Innovations, the natural gas engine and vehicle maker, “but there are other critical things to
Scrap tires: Where do they go now?
Not so long ago, there was a concern about what to do with truck tires once they could no longer be retreaded or repaired. Today, most of the new practices should make our industry proud. It’s taken the North American economy a while to figure out the scrap tire dilemma, but as usual, it appears
Tire Inventory: Are you counting costs in the right place?
Everybody wants to get what they can out of tires: the last rotation, the lowest cost per mile and the cheapest cost, while putting air in them on a daily basis. Different fleet managers or accounting departments want to have inventory taken in various ways and at various times—some want to take inventory annually, semi-annually or
