Volvo Trucks Safety Award to recognize safest fleets
Volvo Trucks will once again recognize North America’s safest fleets with the Volvo Trucks Safety Award. Two fleets with the safest driving records and top safety programs will receive the annual award and $25,000 to be used toward their safety-related activities. “Safety is a top issue each year for Volvo Trucks and the entire industry,”
PPG Industries announces 2014 show truck tour dates
PPG Industries’ Automotive Refinish business has released the 2014 appearance schedule of its popular and colorful show truck. The truck, a 75-ft. 2007 Coronado Freightliner tractor-trailer rig, is decked out in a vibrant paint scheme that incorporates the dazzling colors, unique special effects and stunning graphics PPG products make possible. The truck will begin its
Extreme flexibility: Western Star 4900 FE offers versatility, durability, fuel efficiency
The Western Star 4900 series truck is a model for multiple applications, from trucks and tractors in a variety of vocational configurations to the more aerodynamic on highway tractor model. According to, Guy Lemieux, marketing segment manager Western Star Trucks Inc., “The 4900 base model is like a ‘Swiss Army knife,’ it provides total versatile
Alcoa rolls out new Dura-Bright EVO commercial truck tire
Alcoa has rolled out its most durable, easy-to-maintain commercial truck wheel, known as the Dura-Bright EVO wheel, which stands up stronger against the weather, road salts, grime and cleaning agents that can corrode and dull standard commercial truck wheels, according to the company. Alcoa’s new surface-treated Dura-Bright EVO wheel maintains all the benefits of its
Rise of the automatic and automated manual transmissions?
With the growing popularity of automatic and AMT transmissions, and the focus on fuel efficiency, what will become of the tried and true manual transmissions? “As the driver pool becomes less experienced, I think we’ll continue to see some transition to automation, but there will always be a good place for manual transmissions in the
Automatic and automated manual transmissions can improve fuel efficiency
Pouring over specs, investigating equipment options and analyzing your equipment usage, you work hard to build the most efficient, dependable trucks for your fleet. You carefully take stock of your business needs and build a truck to exceed those expectations, calculating costs and mitigating equipment risks. And then you put that perfectly spec’d machine into
Onspot Automatic Tire Chain kits now available for AUTOCAR Yard Spotter tractors
Yard tractor operators faced with snow packed or ice covered freight and distribution terminal facilities can eliminate the need to install conventional tire chains on AUTOCAR Yard Spotter tractors by equipping them with Onspot Automatic Tire Chains kits from Onspot of North America. With the Onspot system, AUTOCAR Yard Spotter tractor operators can engage and
Saving reefer fuel
Refrigerated carriers like TransAm Trucking and Witte Bros. Exchange are also taking the opportunity to reduce fuel use from the fleets’ refrigeration units. TransAm Trucking, which Thermo King recently presented with its Energy Efficiency Leader Award in recognition of the carrier’s commitment to energy and operational efficiency and sustainability, has chosen to upgrade its entire
Choosing SmartWay vehicle components to save fuel
In 2004, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched SmartWay, a public/private collaboration with the freight transportation industry that helps carriers and other companies improve fuel efficiency and lower costs. EPA’s SmartWay Technology program develops test protocols, reviews strategies and verifies the performance of vehicles, technologies and equipment that have the potential to reduce greenhouse
Ridewell introduces steerable auxiliary lift axle suspension system
The new Ridewell RSS-233 steerable auxiliary lift axle suspension system is available in 7- to 18-in. ride heights and has a 13,200-lb. capacity. Shipped fully assembled, the completely new suspension design, according to the manufacturer, includes a compact mounting envelope and an easy to mount, adjustable hanger system. RSS-233 suspensions from Ridewell have a dual
Goodyear expands retread network
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has expanded its Goodyear Authorized Retread network with the addition of Colonial Tire Distributors, a Richmond, Va.-based provider of Goodyear commercial truck tires, retreads and other products and services. Colonial Tire Distributors, a subsidiary of Colonial Truck Co., sells new Goodyear commercial truck tires and Goodyear retreads at three
Marmon Highway Technologies introduces Fontaine Intermodal
Fontaine Engineered Products Inc., a Marmon Highway Technologies (MHT)/Berkshire Hathaway company, has established the Fontaine Intermodal standalone division to design and produce products for the intermodal transportation market. Fontaine Intermodal operates a dedicated facility in Jasper, Ala., where it produces the Fontaine Evolution Intermodal Flat Deck. Certified by the Association of American Railroads, Fontaine’s Evolution