We know it’s not easy to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories from November focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.
5. The 2G network shutdown is coming soon
“All the ‘G’ and ‘LTE’ talk you hear the big cellular network providers yell about on TV ads will start to pop up in your conversations about truck telematics, especially with more and more data streaming off of your truck and more options—like engine over-the-air reprogramming and video-streaming devices—being offered. One of the biggest challenges facing telematics providers and fleets is AT&T’s 2G sunset.”
The 2G cellular network is due to be shut down on Dec. 31, and with it, millions of devices will lose coverage. Editor Jason Morgan takes you through the background of cellular networks, and what to do if your fleet uses 2G devices.
4. How GHG Phase 2 will affect heavy-duty fleets
“According to OEMs, the efficiency improvements will include new combustion design and higher PSI in fuel delivery systems, which creates a more precise fuel spray pattern and new variable speed turbo chargers that further compress air fuel mixtures resulting in improved combustion and a lower percentage of unburned fuel resulting in increased power from each gallon of diesel. Increased power per piston combustion equals more horsepower at no additional fuel burn.”
The effects of the GHG Phase 2 final rule stretch beyond simple engine upgrades. Editor-At-Large Carol Birkland takes a look at all this rule will mean for heavy-duty fleets.
3. Truck platooning is coming soon
“While the technology that enables platooning advances, there are still plenty of questions to be answered. Chief among them are ROI, platoon integrity (how the platoon will react to other vehicles on the road), and system security. The payback on platooning technologies will, like most equipment, be based on the fleet’s application and ability to produce viable platooning time within its operation. The platoon integrity and system security, however, rests squarely on the soundness of the platooning system itself. While today’s systems currently utilize the encryption meant for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, there is still a long way to go.”
Platooning is making its way to American highways as soon as 2017. Editor Jason Morgan takes a look at the way the technology has evolved, and the questions we still have about platooning.
2. Will a Trump presidency impact ELD requirements?
You might have heard that we have a new President-elect. There’s no denying that a new President means big changes for all kinds of American industries—and trucking is not immune. So what kinds of effects will a Republican president and Congress have on trucking issues such as the ELD mandate? Read to find out.
1. Take a deep video dive into newly announced truck equipment
The recent American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition was home to some big news, from the launch of the International LT to new Volvo safety systems to Detroit’s partnerships with Microsoft and AT&T. For a roundup of news from the show, check out our video here.
One of those big announcements from the show was PACCAR’s new proprietary axle and enhancements to its MX line of engines. For a deeper look at these new products from Peterbilt’s perspective, our video has all the information.
