Peterbilt begins production on RollTek protection system
Peterbilt Motors Co. has begun production on the RollTek protection system integrated with the premium Atlas II driver seats for on-highway Model 579 and vocational Model 567. “The RollTek safety system helps protect drivers in the event of a rollover,” said Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt’s chief engineer. “A sensor located under the seat constantly monitors the angular position
Trailer orders exceed expectations again in October
FTR reports that October 2015 U.S. Trailer net orders came in at 32,200 units. The order total for the month was down 7% month-over-month, and 30% below a year ago, but still beat expectations. Trailer orders have now totaled 324,000 for the past 12 months. According to FTR’s report, refrigerated van orders were spectacular in October,
Southeastern Freightlines leverages the latest technologies to stay competitive
Southeastern Freightlines (SEFL) has been successfully delivering freight for more than 60 years and has always been a competitive fleet. Fleet Equipment talked with the fleet to learn how incorporating new technologies has figured into the company’s success. Choosing equipment According to Kerry Stritt, vice president of fleet services for SEFL (pictured left), “Having the
Matchmaking and downspeeding
Choosing an engine, transmission and axles that are specifically matched to work together for optimum performance is a fast emerging trend. When I say “optimum performance,” I mean maximum fuel efficiency with the right horsepower engines, coupled with an automated manual transmission that shifts at exactly the right RPM, and an axle with the best
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index falls in September, improvement expected in 2016
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) measure for September declined from the previous month to a reading of 8.46 (as seen in the graph above). The Trucking Conditions Index has been uneven through 2015 and is expected to decline further by the end of the year. The trucking environment remains in a fragile equilibrium between decent
Preliminary October truck order numbers lower than last year
For the month of October, 47,200 Classes 5-8 vehicle orders were booked, up 14% from September but down 30% compared to the robust net orders in October 2014, according to ACT Research Co.
FTR reports that preliminary Class 8 orders for October are below expectations
FTR has released preliminary data showing October 2015 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 25,000, 30% above September. While the October orders came in significantly higher than the previous month, they were below expectations. As fleets finalize their equipment budgets for the coming year, October orders typically rise considerably; and although orders were
Great Expectations: Great Dane trailers are on the road to GHG Phase II regulations
With the Obama Administration’s Phase II regulatory program aimed at reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) in part through aerodynamic, tire and light weighting solutions for trailers, the future form and function of heavy-duty trailers has never been a hotter topic. To get an idea of what the future may hold, Fleet Equipment spoke with Chris Hammond,
Tires and the winter season: Updating your tire program
It is always important for commercial fleet tire programs to have a plan in place when the winter season kicks into full gear. Tires with full tread can make a significant contribution to vehicle traction especially in that slushy snow and ice mix. Tires must be thoroughly inspected during the last preventative maintenance prior to
Kyocera develops platinum-free, soot-sensing element for diesel engines
Kyocera Corp. has announced that it has developed a sensing element to help monitor soot filters in diesel-engine vehicles, which the company believes is the first ever to withstand operating temperatures above 500°C without the use of platinum. Awarded in the Green Innovation category at the CEATEC Japan 2015 trade show, the new product utilizes a
PACCAR MX-11 engine coming to Peterbilt, Kenworth trucks in 2016
Peterbilt Motors Co. and Kenworth Trucks will begin selling the PACCAR MX-11 engine to its vocational and regional haul customers in the United States and Canada in January 2016. Newly introduced by PACCAR, the 11-liter engine is designed to produce up to 430 HP and 1,550 lb.-ft. of torque. The PACCAR MX-11 is a six-cylinder, 24-valve
Achieving optimum powertrain performance with proper service procedures
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established standards to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the heavy duty trucking industry. These new standards have resulted in manufacturers developing every aspect of a truck’s powertrain to achieve optimum fuel efficiency. Part of this development includes calibrating engines to transmissions to maintain optimum powertrain
