How automated workflow impacts truck equipment operations
Say, “Automated,” and the thought of self-driving trucks immediately comes to mind in the trucking world. That may grab headlines, but the idea of automating fleet operations goes beyond the yet-to-be available self-driving technology. Taking an automated approach to your workflow–from managing trucks to communicating to drivers to directing dispatch and dealing with loads–means putting
What is ‘Vehicle as a Service’?
Well before electric trucks started to roll into real world applications, there was talk of how the new powertrain technology could impact the truck ownership model. We’ve seen bundled offerings that pull in costs related to, but outside of the electric truck itself. Yet, Mack Trucks recently announced “Vehicle as a Service” wears the new
Connecting with the latest trailer telematics advancements
The trailer telematics space is evolving to provide nearly countless solutions for fleets. The challenge is that … trailer telematics is starting to provide nearly countless solutions. Where do you start? How do you navigate a complicated technology space where OEM and third-party trailer telematics service providers are integrating with suppliers’ component data. Who is
The 3G sunsets on trailers, assets too
For some of you, it’s already too late. AT&T shutdown its 3G network late last month and for those fleets who use that network and hadn’t updated your telematics devices, when you rolled into the office and opened up your dashboards you likely saw … nothing. It likely even impacted your ELD reporting. Frankly, it’s
Working with truck parts distributors to reduce downtime
“Right part. Right place. Right time.” The aftermarket parts mantra is easier said than done. To bring the connected-truck dream of a technician standing at an open bay with the needed part in hand as the truck rolls onto the service lot, it takes the right technology, and perhaps more importantly–the right partnership. The technology
How to grow your own truck technicians
The world at large might be crowing about the labor shortage, but in the trucking industry, it’s just another day. Be it drivers or diesel truck technicians, good help has been hard to find for as long as many of us can remember. Complaining about it isn’t going to fix it (though it is fun
Kenworth electric truck test drive, charging equipment overview
Get ready to get behind the wheel of a pair of EVs. At a media event in California, Kenworth provided the opportunity to hop behind the wheel of the medium-duty K270E cab over hauler that can cover applications from Class 3 to 8, as well as take ride in the Class 8 Kenworth T680E. The
How suppliers work with telematics providers to get fleets the data they need
In the world of trailer telematics, integration lines are being drawn. Trailer OEMs and third-parties are both rapidly evolving trailer telematics solutions beyond location data. Suppliers are incorporating sensors into their tried-and-true trailer equipment and sending that info through the on-board trailer telematics system to deliver that information to fleets. But like many truck technology
How self-driving truck systems see
Visibility is key to truck operation, that’s true for a human driver and it’s especially true for automated driving systems. While Level 2 self-driving technology (adaptive cruise control working with active lane keep assist) is available today, fully automated Level 4 machine driving requires even greater visibility. Visibility that might even be beyond what we
The past, present and future of truck technology
Only in retrospect does technology become a revolution. It’s development is often more of an evolution–the next logical step from the previous one taken. Consider the current trajectory of automated trucks, for example, that grew out of cruise control and lane departure warnings. Today, we have adaptive cruise control and active lane assist that leverage
Just how connected are truck maintenance solutions?
In the Before-Times, predictive maintenance was the talk of the truck service technology town. Then, well, you know what happened, and it brought service discussion back down to Earth. Today, fleets still battle long dwell times and parts shortages. That’s not to say that predictive maintenance development was put on the back burner, but “connected
How much closer are we to the 3G sunset?
We harped on it all last year: The 3G sunset is coming–and that means that there are still a staggering number of trucks with older telematics devices that need to be upgraded to 4G LTE units. Connecting with Peter Mitchell, senior vice president, general manager, Verizon Connect, an update on the network sunset was at
