Partnership encourages fleet fuel reduction
Propane-powered vehicles are a viable alternative for light- and medium-duty fleets. While managers of these fleets are undoubtedly already familiar with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technology Program’s "Clean Cities" initiative, a new opportunity to reduce fuel use by incorporating alternative fuel vehicles and fuel-saving measures into their daily operations may not be
Drivers impact on commercial tire performance
Tire prices are continuing to escalate – and there is a shortage of natural rubber due to a combination of floods and droughts. Natural rubber is needed because it is a key ingredient in truck tires valued for its low heat generation properties. Adding to the escalating cost of tires is the rising price of
Redefining the highway truck energy equation
Every gallon of diesel fuel contains just so much energy (usually quantified as British Thermal Units, or simply BTUs). Truck engines burn the fuel to release energy, or more specifically convert it to another form, and push the truck along the highway. Historically, the approximation has been that 1/3 of the total energy is converted
Optimistic outlook for fleet business
The message was upbeat. In a briefing held for members of the trucking media, Brian Small, general manager of GM Fleet and Commercial Operations, said all indications are that the industry is moving forward. "The economy is improving and customers are reinvesting in their businesses," he said. "In 2010, our fleet business grew and we
How fleets can go green in the shop
Increasingly, regulations mandating environmental protection practices are requiring fleet managers to implement new procedures and programs, address shop equipment and design, and provide training for technicians. These rules cover a wide variety of topics, among them waste handling and recycling, fuel storage and leak detection, parts washing, AC system service and vehicle refinishing. One consolidated
Commercial tire retread options
Almost 90% of commercial trucking fleets retread their tires at least one time. Steer tires are typically retreaded with a drive tire design the first time. The second retread will most likely be retreaded back to the trailer. Drive tires are retreaded as another drive tire and then back to a trailer design. Trailer tires
Truck industry events showcase technologies, training, products
Industry events are always great places to share best practices with industry counterparts and to meet with suppliers and learn about new technologies. This March, three events being held at the same time will provide an unparalleled opportunity to do just that. Scheduled from March 8-11 in Indianapolis in conjunction with the 47th Annual National
Truck tire balancing clarification
As late as the 1970s, some bias ply truck tires came from the factory with balancing “pads” strategically placed inside the tire liner to at least partially correct the uneven distribution of mass around the tire. This helped reduce vibration as the truck rolled at increasing speeds on road surfaces. Of course, then suspension systems
Understanding the use of alternative fuels for fleets
As the use of alternative fuel powered light- and medium-duty trucks rises, fleet managers are applying proven management techniques to monitor and validate their choices. Thanks to a new partnership between CALSTART and Utilimarc, interested fleets now have available a very valuable resource for up-to-date information on these technologies, and for benchmarking their performance. CALSTART,
CSA 2010 and its impact on tires
The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) has officially rolled out its new Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) program. Commercial trucking fleets need to fully understand all of the rules and regulations of CSA that will affect your fleet’s tire program. Commercial fleets cannot afford to be penalized for the results of a poor tire maintenance
Managing changing tire margins
Ask almost anyone in business or management to define “margins” and they will say margins generally quantify financial success or lack thereof. Sometimes, it’s simply the difference between the cost and selling price of a product or service. Other times it’s the difference between all revenues minus all expenses. Operating margins are typically synonymous with
Ford plans ‘extensive powertrain overhaul’
Ford has rolled out its 2011 F-150, announced plans for its 2012 model year medium-duty chassis cabs and provided details on an alternative fuel offering. Representing what the manufacturer said is “the most extensive powertrain overhaul in the 62-year history of Ford F-Series trucks,” the 2011 Ford F-150 was introduced in early fall 2010. Mated