Starting sustainability efforts with diesel engines
Nearly every time I talk with people about sustainability, I ask: Is this time different? Years ago we saw the growth of “going green,” which carried a hefty price tag for environmentally conscious decisions. The difference this time around isn’t just the improvement in electrification technology—it’s the attention sustainability is receiving throughout society. Transportation operations
Making informed truck management decisions during the microchip shortage
The trucking industry could be headed toward the perfect storm of equipment shortages. We’ve already heard how the microchip shortage is impacting OEM truck production, and those supply challenges are being felt by suppliers and service providers. ACT Research noted that Class 8 truck orders are nearing their “best ever,” and vocational markets are expected
Correcting truck spec’ing assumptions, the impact on fuel efficiency
Last time I talked with Allison Athey, product marketing manager at Volvo Trucks North America, she turned the tables and sprung a question on me in true Unscripted fashion. When we were done recording, I joked that she should guest host next time and ask me the questions. She said she was game and the
The problem of unassigned drive time and what NFI Industries did about it
When you start tracking everything, you start to notice gaps. One of the unforeseen challenges of trucking’s ELD mandate was the problem of unassigned drive time–instances of the truck moving without a driver logged. Maybe it was at a service station, maybe a fuel depot, maybe a delivery location. Either way, it’s the carrier’s responsibility
Hands on: Peterbilt 579 next generation truck
For fleet managers, the experience of a truck can be seen on the P&L—you want your fuel costs to go down and your profitability to go up. For the drivers, it’s all about the feeling behind the wheel. OEMs have the unenviable task of creating a top-notch experience for both. On paper, the next-gen Peterbilt
Trailer telematics and the ‘smart’ trailer evolution
Trailers are in a unique position. No, I don’t mean behind the tractor (hey-O!). I’m talking about the current phase of the trailer telematics evolution. While trailer telematics has mostly revolved around GPS location tracking (and that’s still important), the amount of data that trailer components are generating—from wheel ends and tires to lighting and
How ambient temperature impacts diesel engine oil (and other seasonal service tips)
Do you feel that? The chill in the wind relenting to the warm sunlight. The fresh scent of blooming flowers. The slivers of light that still peek above the horizon well after dinner time. Yes fleet friends, Spring is here. (Or at least it’s close enough after a long winter.) Time to get your trucks
The biggest cybersecurity threats your fleet faces (and what to do about them)
Fleets are connected. Trucks, fleet managers and drivers are all linked by technology streaming massive amounts of data over the air to your telematics dashboards and diagnostics repair software. With great connectivity comes increased vulnerability. Let’s make no bones about it: Cybersecurity needs to be taken seriously because the biggest weakness is people. Weak passwords,
When should trucking fleets prepare for the 3G sunset?
That knot in your stomach is already telling you the answer to that question, but I’ll confirm it: as soon as possible. But breathe easy fleet managers, there’s still time enough for you to put your plan for upgrading your telematics device hardware. The reason for the urgency is two-fold. First and most importantly, you
Hands on: Kenworth T680 next-gen truck
The story of the next-generation Kenworth T680’s launch is a tale of two redesigns: one outside and one inside. The new aerodynamic designs add up to increased fuel efficiency compared to the previous T680, while the new 15-in. digital display offers a bevy of customization options. Then there’s the new Kenworth ADAS offering that pairs
Finding truck equipment that delivers durability and driver comfort
You get in the truck. You get out of the truck. You get in the truck. You get out of the truck. You drive on road. You drive off road. You drive on road. You drive off road. This is the rhythm of the hard-working vocational truck and its driver. It’s just as hard on
Hyliion’s CEO talks sustainable truck equipment choices
You may have thought that we’ve been down the sustainability road before when “going green” was in vogue, but this time is different. Huge investments from every energy sector and increasingly stringent environmental regulations are pushing trucking toward an energy sea change. The question now isn’t if it will happen, it’s how it will happen.
