Expanded choices: Fleets are set to take advantage of alternative powertrains
More and more suppliers of medium-duty vehicles are adding options for alternative powertrains. For example, Dana recently introduced Spicer Electrified motor, control and e-drive technologies for electric vehicle propulsion systems. Currently in production, the Spicer EV Drive for electric vans manages speed and torque from the e-motor to the wheels. Planned for launch in 2018, Dana’s new e-axles for
Newer is better: Survey finds newer trucks improve fuel economy, maintenance costs
When looking for improved fuel economy, decreased maintenance costs or virtually any other aspect of running an efficient fleet, spec’ing a newer truck will, in nearly every case, improve each of those numbers, according to the results of a recent Fleet Advantage survey. Trucks and equipment are constantly pushing the boundaries of efficiency and,
Idling: The law and practicality
Information from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) regarding truck idling laws recently came across my desk, and I thought it might be a good time for a reminder about the problems excessive diesel engine idling can cause. ATRI continues to update and maintain a listing of state and local idling regulations on its
Truck telematics are transitioning to forward-looking business intelligence solutions
Truck telematics are transitioning from historical data “analytics” to “business intelligence” platforms that not only gather data from what the truck has done, but also incorporate data outside of the truck—everything from current and future road conditions and construction to predicted traffic and weather patterns—into a predictive and pervasive model that will tell you
Writing the rules of the autonomous road
Welcome to 2017—the future is coming fast and furiously. In the trucking industry, automated truck technology has gone from sci-fi-esque, space age technology to an equipment reality. The next challenge is how to bring that technology to today’s highways. Last September, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published its “Federal Automated Vehicle Policy: Accelerating
Truck tire retreading: An overview
Depending on which industry statistics you find most reliable, somewhere between 85% to 90% of commercial trucking fleets retread their tires at least one time. A retread is approximately 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of a new tire, so it clearly is in the fleet’s best interest to protect this valuable tire casing from damage.
Keeping up with the truck maintenance process: Inside the new VMRS Code Key 24
The ATA Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC)’s Vehicle Maintenance Report Standards (VMRS) program was started in 1970 with the goal of developing a standard method of communication for everyone involved in the truck maintenance process, from fleets to repair shops to OEMs. Recently, the VMRS Codes Committee determined that VMRS needed more flexibility to describe
Why isn’t a truck’s appearance part of the PM process?
Companies are spending thousands of dollars on graphic and designs for their equipment; some of those companies as well spend millions on television ads and internet ads. And it’s advertising space with that kind of reach isn’t cheap. Yet a lot of professional companies look at their vehicles as a rolling billboard and use decals
Change is coming to U.S. energy policies
The 2016 presidential election is behind us and as of now, the U.S. has a Republican Commander-in-Chief. So, how will this new regime change our energy policies? Let’s run through some scenarios. Currently, cap and trade legislation is simply another form of taxation, and proponents are estimating the receipt of $900 million in cap and trade
Understanding tire pressure recommendations
Determining the best tire pressure to run in your steer, drive and trailer tires should be very easy, but in reality it can be very confusing. Proper tire inflation pressure is critical for many reasons: optimizing tire footprint, maximizing treadwear; keeping tires running cool; maximizing retreadability; increasing fuel economy; minimizing irregular wear; and reducing tire
Why aren’t you using your truck’s data to improve fuel economy?
It’s no secret that your trucks are streaming data from their on-board computers every second that they are on the road. Everything from the time spent in top gear to the time spent in cruise control is spilling off your truck, leaving a breadcrumb trail of insight that can lead your fleet to improved fuel
USPS chooses six companies to compete in truck design prototype challenge
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has narrowed the field of finalists for designing the next-generation prototype of its mail delivery truck. The six companies will now design, build and deliver a total of 50 vehicles within one year, after which the USPS will put them through their paces for six months before selecting one winner.
