Hands on with Mack Trucks Command Steer
Command Steer is an active steering system that adds an electric motor to the existing hydraulic steering to help reduce driver effort by up to 85% and improve driver productivity and comfort, according to Mack. Mack Command Steer provides variable steering assist based on the driving situation. Multiple sensors throughout the truck monitor road conditions,
Is it time for fleets to rethink their charging responsibility?
If you’re thinking about putting battery electric trucks to work in your fleet, then you’re talking about charging infrastructure. Electric trucks are already on the road doing the short-route work with zero emissions from the tailpipe, which means charging infrastructure is the biggest question mark in the application equation. On the surface, it can seem
How heavy-duty parts distributors are keeping up with fleet eCommerce needs
eCommerce is deceptively difficult to get right. Having the right truck parts in the right locations at the right time is already a complicated waltz–making those parts easy to find at a click of a button is another story. Every year, more fleets are flocking to the web to get the parts they need, but
Save the fleeting darkness for Halloween with proper truck lighting
When it comes to keeping your trucks on a roll, lighting isn’t typically the first thing you might think of, but don’t be mistaken. If you want to maximize safety and profitability and minimize downtime in your fleet, it takes a lot more than just changing a burnt out bulb when you notice it. It’s
The tools to properly diagnose truck service needs to avoid a nightmare
This Halloween, we thought we would share a tale fitting for the holiday—The Nightmare of Elm’s Fleet. Elm was a typical fleet owner. He strived for efficiency and considerable profit margins. When trucks rolled into his bays, he and his team of technicians serviced them so they were ready to roll in no time. But
The value of truck parts availability, visibility
So where is the part?! Raise your hand if you’ve found yourself yelling that at some point this year. Supply chain challenges have hit every segment of the trucking industry, and the impact on service turn times might be one of the most frustrating. A lot of that frustration is born from the lack of
Seasonal maintenance tips as the cold weather rolls in
No one’s ever really ready for winter to move in—the cold weather, snow and wind that hurts your face, not to mention the slush and bad roads. Now I know what you’re probably thinking. “Tess, slow down. We’re barely into October,” and you’d be right but shortly after all the touchdowns have been scored and
Get answers to electric truck questions in an electric truck
If you want answers to today’s biggest electric truck questions, the best way to do it is to put someone in a situation where they have to answer. That’s why I cornered Andy Brown, product marketing manager, electrification, Volvo Trucks North America, with a surprise interview on our AMPED EV Podcast. Andy was sitting shotgun
The unintended ADAS consequences of seemingly unrelated truck repairs
A truck rolls into a service shop and needs a radiator replaced. The technician dutifully does the job, moving components out of the way, replacing the radiator and putting everything back into place. The truck rolls out, but when the truck rolls under certain overpasses, a shuddering of the active brake assist systems runs through
The evolution of ADAS technology
Technology has been propelling human innovation since our first ancestors picked up a bone and used it as a hammer. It has made our lives easier, safer and more efficient. And when it comes to the trucking industry, technology has improved safety measures by leaps and bounds. OEMs are continuously developing advanced driver assistance systems
Data analysis best practices for fleet efficiency
Having lots and lots of data can feel like having all the answers right at your fingertips. The information, however, can feel like trying to interpret a new language if you don’t know what questions to ask or what you’re even looking for in the first place. The endless possibilities for data collection can act
Upfitting an electric truck for vocational applications
Short routes. Return-to-home operations. Those are seemingly slam-dunk applications for electric trucks. We’ve seen electric trucks roll large in pick-up-and-delivery applications, as well as regional haul routes. So what’s the hold up in the vocational truck space? Like many trucking segments, challenges come with the unknown. Chassis space and weight play a larger role in
