After putting five tractors to the test, Blacklidge Emulsion opts for the fuel efficiency winner
“Trucking isn’t our core business,” says Paul Johnson, director of logistics for Blacklidge Emulsions, “but it’s definitely an essential part of our operation. As a key part of the cost of serving our customers, we are focused on managing our fleet as cost effectively as possible.” Based in Gulfport, Miss., Blacklidge Emulsions is a second
Thermo King recognizes Antelope Valley Transit Authority
Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control solutions for a variety of mobile applications and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, presented the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) with the Energy Leader Award at the American Public Transit Association (APTA) Expo. The award recognizes AVTA for its pioneering efforts in adopting an all-electric heating, ventilation
Antares introduces flatbed trailer
Antares Equipment, a specialty trailer manufacturer, has introduced a new 48-in. flatbed trailer with a fixed wide-spread air suspension. “We’re confident that the specialty vocations like steel- and chicken-hauling will appreciate the detailed and integrated quality designed into this new trailer model,” said Derrick Dilts, partner-operations, Antares. “Our goal is to supply to North American
FTR reports strong September for Class 8 orders
FTR has released preliminary data showing September 2014 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 24,477 units—the best September since 2005 and 27% above a year ago, said FTR. September marks the 20th consecutive month to show year-over-year improvement. Class 8 orders for the latest six month period through September annualize to 310,000 units. September
Mack mDRIVE automated manual transmission standard on Mack Pinnacle
The Mack mDRIVE automated manual transmission (AMT) is now standard on the Mack Pinnacle highway model. mDrive offers increased fuel efficiency, productivity and safety to even more Mack customers, and more than 50% of Pinnacle models sold now are equipped with the transmission, said the company. Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks North American Sales
Prime Inc. trailer order marks a milestone for Utility
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co., manufacturer of refrigerated trailers, dry freight vans, and flatbed trailers, announced that Prime Inc.’s recent order was the company’s largest single trailer order. Founded in 1970 and based in Springfield, Mo., Prime’s recent purchase of 2,500 Utility 3000R reefer trailers from Utility Trailer Sales of the Ozarks marks a milestone for
Detroit Integrated Powertrain walk around at ATA
At the 2014 ATA Management Conference Exhibition in San Diego, Calif., Detroit Diesel Corp. showcased its recently unveiled integrated Detroit powertrain, featuring the Detroit DD15 engine, Detroit DT12 transmission and Detroit axles. To create the integrated powertrain, Detroit’s axle engineers developed a new axle ratio (and configuration) to match the engine rating. The integrated Detroit
Integrated powertrains maximize fuel efficiency
“Traditionally, there has been an understanding in the industry that excellent drivers develop skill sets to operate equipment in a way that generates good fuel mileage,” says Mario Sanchez, technical sales support director at Cummins. “Even the best drivers are not consistent all the time, however, and as fleets continue to struggle to retain and
August Class 8 used trucks sales volume slows
Total reported volumes of used Class 8 trucks fell 10% month over month and 6% year over year in August, according to the latest release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks, published by ACT Research. “Year-to-date, sales remain down 5%,” said Steve Tam, vice president-commercial vehicle sector with ACT. Tam
Peterbilt highlights Dana Spicer Advantek 40 tandem axle
The Dana Spicer AdvanTEK 40 tandem drive axle is now available for all Peterbilt heavy-duty truck models, Peterbilt Motors Co. recently announced. According to Peterbilt, AdvanTEK’s gearing and integration with Peterbilt’s chassis can improve fuel efficiency by up to 2%, or approximately $1,500 in fuel costs annually. “This new axle provides customers with numerous bottom-line
Volvo Trucks modifies North American alternative fuels plan
Volvo Trucks, citing the pace of the North American alternative fuel market, has put on hold its plans to launch a compression ignition liquefied natural gas (LNG) engine for North America. Field testing of Volvo’s dimethyl ether-(DME) powered vehicles will continue, and the company will continue to offer spark-ignited natural gas engines in its VNM
Goodyear launches long haul drive tire
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has introduced what it claims is the “most fuel-efficient long haul drive tire in North America,” the Goodyear Fuel Max LHD G505D. The premium category tire will replace Goodyear’s G305 AT LHD, set to phase out by the end of 2014, and will be available in size 295/75R22.5, load
