Watch: Can you stop bulk engine oil from expiring?
Buying bulk engine oil for your trucks can be a great idea for those fleets looking to save a dollar – but it also means the Oil Expiration Executioner will be patiently waiting in the wings, ax in hand, ready to degrade and contaminate that bulk oil order with a single slice. Is there any way
Slaying truck service challenges with the right software
Trucks are mighty computer-controlled, material-moving mammoths. When a monster of a monster problem rears its ugly head, it’s time for your service department to slay it and get your rolling iron back on the road. Of all the tools in your valiant technician’s quiver, the right scan tool software is one of the most important
Watch: Do medium-duty trucks need winter tires?
The winter season might be months away, but now is the time for medium-duty fleets to start thinking about their choice of tire for when the rain, sleet and snow starts to pelt the pavement – which is when the Winter Tire Werewolf begins to stalk those trucks that can’t handle slick streets. But, there
Is solar a viable ancillary power option for heavy-duty trucks?
Every day the sun sends its powerful rays to Earth. In fact, NASA satellite missions have noted that “at Earth’s average distance from the Sun (about 150 million kilometers), the average intensity of solar energy reaching the top of the atmosphere directly facing the Sun is about 1,360 watts per square meter.” That’s enough to
What happens when you ask your telematics platform a question and it gives you an answer?
Using truck telematics to improve your fleet operations always begins with a question. The continuing challenge of technology is to make finding the data you need to answer that question approachable. During a telematics demo with Teletrac Navman, the telematics service provider showed off its natural language search function. What does that mean? It means
How to use real-time truck telematics
There is a lot you can do with truck telematics, but what should you do? The problem is that the answer to that question is specific to every fleet. Maybe you need to focus on improving your fuel economy. Maybe you need to improve driver safety. Maybe you need to keep an eye on your
Driver training telematics use case with Ford Telematics
Finally! The data tables have turned! Instead of being behind the keyboard pounding away at why fleet managers need to use data, Ford put me behind the wheel of a 2020 Ford Transit and tracked my every movement with Ford Telematics. In this episode of Unscripted, I’m in the driver hot seat as Travis Hunt,
Watch: Your go-to heavy-duty truck grease guide
“All greases are the same” couldn’t be farther from the truth. Greases come in different grades, and use different thickeners and different base oils. Some are intended to put up with extreme pressure and some have better tolerance for high temperatures. Some offer lighter base oils, while others can be difficult to pump. The thing
Ford Transit 2020 test drive and technology test
We’re definitely off script in this episode of Unscripted. Ford dropped off a 2020 Transit, and we put it through its paces, testing out the latest technology like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist system. Our 2020 Transit was outfitted with the EcoBoost engine, which sports 310 HP at 5,000 RPM and 400 ft./lbs. of
Watch: What is freight-ton efficiency, and what does it have to do with your trucks?
Freight ton efficiency is considered the most effective in measuring the amount of energy required to transport a load of goods from Point A to Point B. In the transport industry, carrying increased weight is a more efficient way to transport goods and minimize CO2 emissions, and we know this because of freight-ton efficiency, which
Where hybrid technology fits into fleet emissions plans
Emissions regulations are coming, especially in California where the emissions goals are the most aggressive. While fully electric trucks begin to roll out, increased interest in other powertrain options such as natural gas and hybrid technologies have gained fleet interest. Hyliion, one of the industry’s hybrid technology pioneers, unleashed a number of announcements over the
Watch: Truck air line selection/inspection tips
Air line replacement is not only for the winter months; it can apply all year round. While not always necessary, it’s just good practice to replace air lines and air line accessories annually to ensure proper working order. The thing is, there are a number of issues that, if found during routine PMs or during
