Digging into diagnostics: Sifting through onboard data to put fleet analytics to work
With more vehicles “plugging in,” fleets stand to gain uptime by leveraging data from onboard computers. Telematics software collects sophisticated diagnostic information related to vehicle performance and automatically sends data related to fault codes to dealers and fleet managers. Some providers have integrated telematics software and maintenance management systems, while others take a more “a
ACT Research publishes trailer market analysis white paper
ACT Research Co. published a “Global Trailer Market Analysis & Forecast 2009-2016” white paper. The 70+ page paper and a supporting user friendly index and graph package provides analyses, data, insights and forecasts for the major trailer markets in Asia, Europe, North America and South America and other markets to include Australia and South Africa.
Snap-on offers free Solus Ultra training solutions
Snap-on is now offering free Solus Ultra training solutions modules on its website. The eight modules will help professional service technicians navigate the features and functionality of the OEM-specific scan tool, Solus Ultra. “The Snap-on Training Solutions modules were created to teach all of the latest diagnostic techniques so technicians can get the most out of their diagnostic
FTR: Shippers Condition Index reflects mild pullback from critical capacity
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for April rose one point to a reading of -7.7, reflecting a mild pullback from a critical capacity possibility reflected in the previous month’s reading. However, this one month change does not signal any real improvement in trucking capacity that remains extremely tight. The index remains in low territory reflecting the
Sound specs, timed maintenance spell success
With a focus on counseling, NationaLease’s 600 service locations throughout the U.S. and Canada (with a combined customer fleet of over 125,000 tractors, trucks and trailers), newly-named Vice President of Truck Technology and Maintenance at NationaLease, Joe Puff, offers valuable observations on how truck maintenance has changed for the better. “The fundamentals are changing,” Puff
Industry perspectives with Volvo Trucks: Vehicle uptime—a holistic approach
The average vehicle age in North American fleets remains high, so demand for new vehicles and parts and services is increasing, according to James Chenier, vice president-aftermarket, Volvo Trucks in North America. He says that component longevity has increased over the years, providing a high level of value, however, the high fleet age means more
Love’s Travel Stops expands financial offerings
Love’s Travel Stops recently introduced Love’s Financial, a service that offers factoring solutions to professional drivers. Love’s newest service is designed to help drivers manage their business and cash flow through flexible cash management products with lower transaction fees, said the company. “Professional drivers have come to trust Love’s to provide them with services that
Toll management solutions can provide savings beyond standard discounts
According to John Andrews, president and chief executive officer, Bestpass Inc., “The challenge of managing tolls is often underestimated by trucking companies. With as many as 40 separate toll authorities in North America, motor carriers and other types of transportation operations are incurring costs associated with the hours it takes to manage this business process,
Detroit Connect wins Best Telematics Solution from Telematics Update
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced that Detroit Connect received the Best Telematics Service or Solutions for Commercial Vehicles award from Telematics Update. This award recognizes brands that have developed exceptional telematic solutions for a variety of commercial vehicles. More than 400 nominations were received for the 2014 Telematics Update Awards from around the world, and the
Continental releases glossary of TPMS terms
Continental Commercial Vehicles and Aftermarket released a glossary of industry terms for TPMS service. The 10-page glossary includes definitions and descriptions for over 93 industry-wide TPMS service related and parts terms. “The new glossary was developed to help both parts suppliers and professional technicians better communicate and understand the complexities of TPMS service and the
FTR: April Trucking Conditions Index fell
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) in April fell more than two points to a reading of 5.91, the company reports. The company noted that the current reading is below the recent trend line for this index but is simply reflecting short term fluctuations inherent in the overall measurement of trucking conditions. The environment for carriers
Top management concerns for truck fleets
If you were asked to list your top concerns regarding fleet management, what would your first responses be? Here’s what some of your peers had to say in a recent survey conducted at the 2014 NAFA Institute and Expo by GE Capital Fleet Services. Topping the list of concerns was ensuring driver safety—it was listed
