Great Dane provides a glimpse into the future of trucking
Visitors to Great Dane’s booth at the 2014 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) will be among the first to explore the Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience, the latest in tractor and trailer technology. The project is the result of a multi-year collaboration between a team of vendor partners including Walmart, Peterbilt, Great Dane and Capstone Turbine. Almost
Protecting your truck tire investment
Tires are a major expense for every fleet. Fleet maintenance managers are always working to optimize tire programs and reduce costs. More than 85% of fleets retread in order to lower tire cost per mile. The cost of a retreaded tire varies based on many factors, including tread design, tread depth and specific compounds. However, the
Industry perspectives with Wabash National: Information is thin stuff unless mixed with experience
The customer-centric leader of Wabash National Dick Giromini subscribes to the sustaining value of a positive “Wabash experience” and that it will provide to the fleet customers a transportation solution for efficiency, profitability and long trailer life. “The product must stand out; our goal is they’ll say ours is the best dry van in the
March Fleet Equipment digital edition now available
The March digital edition of Fleet Equipment is now available. Read the issue online or download our app on your mobile device. In this edition, Oakley Transport is taking advantage of new technologies to grow its operation efficiently and cost effectively. Also in the March edition, Fleet Equipment provides tips for spec’ing sleepers using analytics, replacing
Dimethyl ether: Fuel of the future?
Dimethyl ether (DME) may be the most promising fuel of the future, this statement is based on research carried out by Daniel Kauffman, president of Terracel Energy, who is an energy technology entrepreneur, investor and consultant and Bob Riedford, president of Riedford Management Inc. The ATA projects as many as 5% of the Class 7
Photos from the Work Truck Show floor
This week in Indianapolis, the Fleet Equipment staff took in the sights and sounds of the NTEA Work Truck Show. We’ve been posting the latest news as it was released at the show. Here we’ve collected a small sampling of the coolest equipment and booths on the show floor.
SAF-HOLLAND introduces auxiliary steerable lift axle suspension system
SAF-HOLLAND, a global manufacturer of suspensions, fifth wheels and landing gear, announced the introduction of its 13.5k capacity, NEWAY LSZ auxiliary steerable lift axle suspension system. With a 17.5-inch package size, the LSZ’s design is a minimum of 4 in. up to 10 in. shorter than comparable lift axles, said the company. This design offers
Mitsubishi Fuso introduces new higher-GVWR Class 3 work truck
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. introduced its new Canter FE130 work truck at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis on March 5. Its new entry into the Class 3 segment boosts GVWR and body/payload capacity by 700 lb. over the previous FE125 model. According to the company, the boost in GVWR is actually
The medium-duty industry is meeting unique challenges with innovative solutions
Todd Bloom, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, shared his medium-duty market insight with Fleet Equipment. When it comes to challenges facing users and manufacturers of medium-duty trucks, it’s important to understand that we operate in a different arena than our heavy-duty counterparts. In our world, economic, regulatory and technology issues can
Managing assets: Developing a leasing contract
Evaluating lease contracts, finding the right deal and the right mix of leasing and ownership for a fleet begins with questions: What is the best way to use available capital? What are my fleet’s costs for maintenance and ownership? What information do I need to make that determination? What are the benefits of leasing if
Getting on board with EOBRs: Implementing a solution
Unscheduled stops. CSA violations. Unexpected, on-road service. Extended idle times. Excessive speeding. Habitual hard braking. Out there on the road, it’s a world of uncertainty. It’s enough to keep fleet managers who work hard spec’ing and maintaining their trucks awake at night wondering: “Where are my trucks and what are they doing?” Electronic onboard recorders
Cold weather & fuel gelling—finding answers to fuel problems
In the past months, we have seen below normal temperatures that we have not seen in many years. These frigid temperatures have sent many fleet managers into a frenzy—fuel gelling problems are the cause. Here’s what’s going on. The temperature is cold outside, below zero; say -2 or -3 degrees below. The truck will not
