Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, both in our personal lives and in the professional setting. It’s a season that encourages us to reassess, make adjustments, and continue on for the rest of the year. For those in heavy-duty industry, this time alike is an opportunity to reflect on operations, assess performance, and optimize strategies to ensure a successful year ahead, in terms of (up)time and money.
Taking a proactive approach to review operations allows any necessary adjustments to be made. By doing so, heavy-duty businesses can stay ahead of the competition and position themselves for success. From new technologies to streamlined logistics to sustainable advancements, we here at FE have been doing some reflecting ourselves and want to bring you the best, most read content the month of April had to offer. The key to future success lies within the reflection of the past, what better place to start?
5. How to expect the unexpected
It’s important to know that unexpected repairs can be a major hit to your bottom line and that’s where extended warranties come in. While they can be expensive, they can also provide peace of mind and protect against costly repairs that could otherwise cripple your business. How do you know if an extended warranty is right for your fleet? You’ll also want to understand the terms and conditions of the warranty before making a purchase.
4. Zero emissions ETA: 2055
In 2021, 67 million tons of pollution were released into the atmosphere, which is equivalent to the weight of 1,675,000 Class 8 trucks. Talk about some heavy-duty numbers.
To address this, the Biden-Harris Administration has proposed federal vehicle emissions standards that would reduce emissions by nearly 10 billion tons from 2027 to 2055. The new standards would significantly reduce harmful air pollution, lower maintenance costs, and deliver fuel savings for drivers and truck operators. The EPA’s proposed standards are flexible and use a performance-based approach that allows manufacturers to tailor their compliance strategies based on their fleet composition. Read on to see how else these standards are impacting the industry.
3. To lease or not to lease?
Are you wondering whether it’s time to retire your truck or invest in its maintenance? As your truck ages, maintenance costs can start to outweigh its benefits, leaving you with a tough decision. However, fleet management providers and leasing vehicles can offer solutions to this dilemma. In fact, leasing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses seeking flexibility in fleet management. So should you lease or buy? Click the link and you just might find your answer.
2. Data overload? Don’t tire out
The TMC annual meeting earlier this year addressed the question of what to do with the vast amounts of data being generated in the trucking industry. OEMs, service providers and component manufacturers are all using the data in various ways, including streamlining service operations, providing actionable service information, and integrating equipment data into analytics platforms. With so many routes and so much info, it can be challenging to know where to start, but common advice is to focus on your biggest pain point, such as tires and wheel ends.
1. Navigating challenges: Why your phone’s GPS app won’t cut it for trucks
In the world of truck technology, excuses like pride and preconceptions can hinder progress. However, if used correctly, these advancements can improve equipment management, efficiency, and drivers’ quality of life. Trimble’s director of strategic accounts, Dwayne Lazarre, believes that navigation is a key area where technology can have an immediate impact. But while navigation apps for phones are useful, they are not intended for large trucks that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. So what’s the loophole? Find out in the story below.
