Preventive maintenance procedures for platform trailers
It is important to perform preventive maintenance inspections to ensure safe operation of the trailer. Every trailer owner and/or operator should have an organized Trailer Preventive Maintenance program…
How fleet managers can reduce the environmental impact of their fleets
When you think of the trucking industry ten years ago, you probably have a specific image in your head: a truck barreling down the highway, guzzling gas and leaving behind a thick trail of exhaust—an environmental disaster. Over the past few decades, between increased environmental regulations and fleet owners looking to cut fuel costs, some
Volvo introduces new VNR regional haul model
Volvo Trucks North America has announced a new truck, the Volvo VNR model for regional haul applications. According to Volvo, the new Volvo VNR is ideal for urban areas, pickup and delivery, liquid tankers, dry bulk, flatbed and other regional haul applications, and features a new aerodynamic design, reimagined working environment, improved engine and transmission
Pump you up: The importance of water pumps for engines
Upgraded water pumps are one of many components that engine OEMs are putting to work to improve fuel economy. The water pump is one of the major components in the cooling systems, and the cooling system can impact fuel economy and the longevity of the engine if it’s not cooling correctly. “The cooling system is designed
Advanced engine componentry enables efficiency improvements
An engine is a sum of its components. It’s a symphony of systems working together to produce power as efficiently as possible. Each engine OEM has its own strategy for achieving as much efficiency as possible. From turbochargers to waterpumps, no component is overlooked. There are two most commonly spec’d types of turbochargers used in
Tips for checking truck tire pressure
Every tire manufacturer is constantly preaching the importance of maintaining proper tire inflation when it comes to maximizing tire treadwear, increasing casing retreadability, improving fuel economy and lowering cost per mile. Visibly inspecting tires and checking tire pressures are recommended on a regular basis. “Regular” for some fleets may mean every day, once a week
Redbank Transport meets demands with the right specs
When it comes to demanding operating conditions, Redbank Transport’s trucks and drivers have it much tougher than a typical linehaul or over-the-road fleet, and in some ways even harder than many vocational operations. “We do a lot of off-road work hauling coal, fertilizer, road salt, construction materials and demolition debris,” explains Co-Owner Dave Jackson. “Backing
Preliminary numbers show Class 8 orders up year-over-year
According to preliminary numbers from FTR, Class 8 net orders for March came in at 22,800 units, slightly above FTR’s expectations and much higher than a year ago for the third consecutive month. March orders were basically flat month-over-month and up 41% year-over-year. Backlogs are now close to where they were a year ago, and production
The driving factor: Kenworth stays focused on driver-centric features
Standing in the center of Kenworth’s massive booth at the equally massive Mid-America Trucking Show, it wasn’t hard to pick out the OEM’s primary focus: the driver. You know there is a driver shortage threatening the industry, so we won’t rehash the numbers. The OEMs are also all too well aware of the impact.
Preliminary numbers have medium-duty orders up, heavy-duty orders flat in March
According to preliminary Classes 5-8 data for March from ACT Research Co., trucking industry net orders rose to a sixteen-month high, 47,300 units. That aggregate volume represents a 19% improvement compared to last March. North American Class 8 net orders fell 100 units from February to 23,100 units. With a nominal, but positive, seasonal factor,
The ups and downs of air spring, leaf spring truck suspensions
Every truck suspension option comes with its own unique performance trade-offs. The best choice requires an understanding of how the trade-offs match up to your application requirements. The right suspension can maintain a tractor-trailer’s road handling and ride quality, and helps minimize the amount of jarring (bumps, vibrations) for improved load-carrying ability. This protects both
Cooper Tire adds new long-haul Roadmaster tire
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has added to its Roadmaster commercial truck tire line with the introduction of the RM852(EM), a long-haul drive tire that is SmartWay verified. The RM852(EM) has a unique tread compound and 30/32nds of tread to provide long lasting mileage and features a solid shoulder design to offer improved traction in challenging
