What to know about tires and 6×2 configurations
Many commercial fleets are evaluating the benefits of specifying new tractors with a 6×2 configuration versus the more popular 6×4 configuration. The standard 6×4 consists of three axles and six wheel-ends; both axles have driven axles. The new 6×2 features three axles and six wheel-ends on which only one of the axles is driven. The
The challenge of reducing service wait times
Uptime is everything to a fleet. The most important thing for an individual truck’s profitability is the amount of time it spends on the road, running its route and doing its job. When the truck needs service, it needs to be done right, but expedience is also key—fleets don’t want that asset out of commission
US Xpress includes Phillips Uptime premium trailer package on 1,700 new trailers
US Xpress will add the Phillips Uptime Premium Trailer Package of components from Phillips Industries on 1,700 new trailers. “US Xpress has a core obligation to our customers to deliver their products when we promise,” explained Gerry Mead, senior vice president of maintenance at US Xpress. “We are continuously looking for ways that enhance our
Preliminary August Class 8 orders slightly above expectations, but below last year
Preliminary Class 8 net orders for August, as reported by FTR, came in at 14,000 units, slightly above expectations and a 36% improvement over July. However, the Class 8 order activity for August was the weakest for that month since 2010 and down 35% from August 2015. Class 8 orders for the last twelve months
Driven by the desire to do more: The 2018 Freightliner New Cascadia
The goal was a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency over what is now dubbed the “Classic” Cascadia Evolution. A lofty goal, considering the already impressive fuel economy offered by the Cascadia Evolution. Yet, when it came time for Freightliner to unveil the 2018 New Cascadia, 5% was in the rearview mirror and it had practically faded
How over-the-air engine reprograming will change the way your fleet operates
In the same way that your smartphone’s apps update over your provider’s network, some 2017 model-year heavy-duty engines will sport that same over-the-air (OTA) update capability. International launched OTA updates via a Wi-Fi network last year and explained that OTA updates will migrate over to cellular networks. Last month, Detroit announced Connect Remote Updates, which
Daubert Chemical Co. highlights Nox-Rust products as winterization solutions
Daubert Chemical Co., makers of cavity wax and wax-based underbody coatings, highlights the Nox-Rust series of products as winterization solutions for fleets. The Nox-Rust 1210HP hot-melt corrosion preventative in and on structural components can defend against the effects of moisture, road debris and chemicals. Nox-Rust X-121B can be used as an aftermarket solution, to stop active corrosion, and as an
Bendix air brakes now standard on International trucks
Navistar Inc. and Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems have signed a long-term agreement making Bendix products standard on the entire lineup of International Class 5-8 air-braked tractor, truck and bus platforms. Bendix products that will become standard in June as a result of the agreement are as follows: Bendix ABS-8 Advanced antilock braking system; Bendix valves; Bendix
Meritor adds deep-drop axle option to MFS series
Meritor has announced the expanded availability of its MFS Series lineup of front non-drive axles, which will now include a deep-drop axle option that offers users greater flexibility in packaging their vehicles. The new option, which includes deep axle drops of 4.76 and 5 in., is ideal for auto hauling and refuse applications where lower vehicle ride heights
Detroit introduces new Connect platform, including OTA updates
Detroit has introduced a proprietary connectivity platform for the new Freightliner Cascadia. The platform features new vehicle communications hardware that will facilitate new Detroit Connect services to deliver customers deeper insights into their fleets’ fuel efficiency and safety performance as well as enable over-the-air powertrain programming capabilities. The Detroit Connect platform also features technology that
Freightliner unveils new Cascadia
Freightliner has unveiled the newest truck in its Cascadia line, which will be available in 2017. The Cascadia features an updated design, including standard enhancements such as an upper door seal, elliptical-shaped mirrors, sloped hood, bumper with integrated air deflector and integrated antennas all minimize drag. The optional Aero and AeroX packages provide additional aerodynamic benefits
Peterbilt, Cummins to work on SuperTruck II program
Peterbilt and Cummins will be embarking on a five-year program to develop technologies under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) SuperTruck II program. The technologies will double freight efficiency to achieve Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) requirements set forth for model years 2021, 2024 and 2027. “Peterbilt is proud to support the DOE’s SuperTruck II program in
