Well, we made it to March. In like a lion, for some of us, but I’m ready to just lay down like a lamb and nap until it’s nice enough to go play outside (note: despite what you just read, I am not a dog). The winter doldrums are in full swing, and I’ve finally gotten around to doing some projects both around the house and on my car, which got me thinking about the importance of maintenance. Let’s dive into Fleet Equipment’s top five articles from February, with a focus on keeping things running, and the new tech you might use to replace something if it’s too far gone.
5) A technological shift
The trucking industry is taking a turn toward technology, especially when it comes to engines. Efficiency and power are still king, and there are many advancements targeted toward maximizing the output of your engine—but fuel choices are also starting to expand. In this article, we look at the differences and similarities you can expect to see on model year 2025 heavy-duty engines.
4) Keep on truckin’
There’s no better way to do business, than keeping your fleet on the road. And the best way to fleet on the road is by fixing problems before they turn into breakdowns. In this Unscripted, we speak with some maintenance mavericks, to learn the keys to real-world success in, and out of the shop.
3) It wasn’t me!
Okay, somebody broke this truck part. I’m not saying it was me, I’m not saying it wasn’t… but for $20 I’ll tell you what I saw. Regardless, once something breaks, it needs to be fixed, fast. You don’t want to pay more than you have to, but did you remember to set up that warranty and save the paperwork? Fleet Equipment’s On The Road digs into warranties, and what can go wrong if you let time run out.
2) Maybe something shiny and new?
If you can’t fix it, or it’s just time for an upgrade, there are new options on the horizon for our industry. There’s an awful lot of talk about electric trucks, along with ones running other alternative fuels, but which options are right for your fleet? And are those options ready, right now?
1) A look at the latest new truck
Speaking of shiny and new, the newest Class 8 truck announced to the market is Volvo’s new VNL. Volvo Trucks North America rolled out the Volvo-blue carpet for the new VNL Class 8 truck during a recent media event at the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Va. Volvo product managers were on hand to walk us through the new features and equipment sported in the new VNL. Here’s what they shared with us:
There you have it, FE’s Fab 5 of February. Stay tuned for March, we’re headed to New Orleans, Indianapolis and more, and will have a lot of good stuff lined up from TMC and the Work Truck Show, among others, to tell you about.