Timely tips: NG oil selection, piston ring identification, tire inflation
Using diesel engine oil in a natural gas engine will cause valve torching, piston scuffing and a reduction of spark plug life. Additionally, oils with high ash content may cause valve and/or piston damage that leads to excessive oil consumption and catalyst degradation. You can avoid this by following all engine OEM recommendations and requirements
Lower fuel costs improve trucking conditions in December
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for December improved 30% month-over-month to a reading of 11.80, reflecting the dramatic drop in fuel costs during the period. Freight growth also remained strong with contract rates continuing to rise. FTR expects a modest relaxation of capacity constraints in 2015, along with a bounce back in diesel prices to keep
Roadmaster adds tire for drop-deck trailers to lineup
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.’s newest Roadmaster tire is engineered specifically to withstand the demands of drop-deck trailers. The new RM272 features a new tread design and compounding that provides improved treadwear and protection against cutting and chipping, according to Cooper. With 16/32-in. tread depth, it’s available in size 255/70R22.5 in load range H. “It’s
Meritor WABCO adds automatic trailer lift axle control systems to SmartTrac portfolio
Meritor WABCO’s SmartTrac portfolio of stability control systems has expanded with the addition of new cost-saving technology —the SmartTrac automatic trailer lift axle control system—to monitor suspension load and manage lift axles for trailers, according to the company. “The SmartTrac automatic trailer lift axle control system automatically raises or lowers the axle based on cargo
Meritor announces new axles, ATIS
Meritor Inc. announced the the launch of its MTec6, the industry’s lightest trailer axle that offers greater weight savings and lower total cost of ownership, according to the company. The 6-in., large-diameter axle allows for more efficient use of materials, resulting in an axle that is 36 lbs. lighter than the industry-standard 5-in. axle. The lighter axle reduces gross
Michelin adds Tire Care to Commercial Service Network
Michelin Americas Truck Tires announced the launch of Michelin Tire Care, a fully digital, nationwide fleet tire monitoring program. This new monitoring program is overseen by trained Michelin Commercial Service Network technicians who employ state-of-the-art equipment that captures truck tire data electronically, nationwide. The program is regularly audited by Michelin to ensure consistent, high-quality work.
Detroit launches new drive axles
Detroit Diesel Corp. introduced new Model 6 Detroit Drive Axles. Available in single drive 4×2 or tandem 6×2 configurations with ratios from 2.28 to 5.88, the new axles are designed with the latest features and technology, ultimately resulting in a smoother performance and better fuel economy, said Detroit. Model 6 drive axles include new features,
Ten tips for avoiding crashes, litigation
Every trucking and transportation organization wants to ensure the safety of all vehicles on the road. The Department of Transportation reports that commercial truck crashes are on the decline, but in 2013 there were more than 92,000 crashes involving large trucks and more than 3,500 fatalities, at a cost of $99 billion. According to Michael
The value of safety
Standing in the presence of the country’s top 19 professional truck drivers who were named to captain ATA’s America’s Road Team, one stat stood out among all others—30.3 million combined accident-free miles. These drivers are the face of the 3.2 million professional drivers on the road today, and their outstanding safety records are humble reminders
Kenworth, Paccar Financial offer Class 8 extended warranty program
Kenworth Truck Co. and Paccar Financial are offering an extended warranty program for U.S. customers who purchase new Kenworth Class 8 factory trucks financed through Paccar Financial. Under the program, Kenworth customers may receive a three-year/300,000-mile basic vehicle extended warranty by choosing Paccar Financial to finance purchases of new Kenworth Class 8 trucks with a
Volvo offers financing opportunity for returning U.S. military personnel
Volvo Financial Services is offering returning U.S. veterans special financing terms when purchasing new Volvo Trucks models. Recent veterans with a valid and current commercial driver’s license and who have received an honorable discharge within the past 24 months are qualified to receive a half percent (50 basis points) discount off the approved finance rates
Toyo introduces new super single for regional to urban use
Toyo Tire USA Corp. introduced the new Toyo M149 super single for regional to urban use on commercial trucks. This all-position super single tire is designed to deliver superior wear performance in tough operations ranging from urban front axles to long haul trailers, according to the company. Additionally, optimized construction and tread design delivers high uniformity,
