Power outage prevention: How fleets can combat the growing problem of hotel loads
When we talk about parasitic loads, we are quick to point the finger at drivers and their expectations of home-away-from-home creature comforts. That means TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, game systems and DVD players—all of which end up putting significant strain on a truck’s battery and electrical system. However, there are other power-hungry parasitic monsters lurking within
Help Inc. introduces InfoRM business intelligence tool
Help Inc., a non-profit organization for safer highways in the U.S., has unveiled InfoRM, a new business intelligence tool that helps carriers understand their safety data. Help Inc. is the provider of the PrePass program, which uses data to determine a carrier’s ability to bypass a weigh station. Help uses PrePass data for InfoRM. Fleets that enroll in
How Pan American Express carefully chooses equipment, operational practices
While NAFTA, the 1993 trade deal linking the United States, Canada and Mexico, has become a political issue in this election year, politicians and trucking industry observers alike need to look no further than to Pan American Express Inc. (Panamex) to see how cross-border trade can provide jobs and an economic boost. The motor carrier,
Bestpass expands coverage to all U.S. toll roads
Bestpass Inc. announced several new services at the Mid-America Trucking Show, which include: Bestpass Complete, available now, which gives customers a single solution for national toll coverage in one device, with optional weigh station bypass compatibility and comprehensive reporting for all major U.S. toll roads. Fleet managers will benefit from a single shipment, single installation and
Kenworth’s top five tips for spec’ing medium-duty trucks
Today’s operators of medium-duty trucks possess heavy-duty expectations. Truck manufacturers, like Kenworth, are working to make it simpler for customers who want heavy-duty characteristics in traditional medium duty applications, including construction, refuse, liquid bulk, food and beverage distribution, snowplows and highway maintenance, and fire and rescue. Companies that operate medium duty trucks seek a business solution
Phillips introduces new Air-Defense system
Phillips Industries has introduced the Air-Defense System, a trailer brake in-line filtration system with Quick-Change Cartridge that traps debris before it can cause damage to the brakes. The Air-Defense System’s Quick-Change Cartridge, featuring a bypass mode to ensure air flow at all times, catches debris before it can enter the trailer air lines and brake valves and cause damage.
Don’t sit idly by: Putting idle reduction solutions to work saving money, retaining drivers
Trucks are made to be in motion. When efficiency is judged by MPG, the truck’s worst fuel efficiency is when the truck sits still. Idling burns fuel and can lead to increased maintenance issues. That’s why a number of idle reduction solutions are gaining ground with fleet managers aiming to lower diesel usage costs and
Getting the most out of your engine oil filter
Engines have evolved. Today’s diesel engines are more complex and efficient than ever before. With great evolution comes great components, and engine lubrication filtration has kept pace with engine technology. “Engine technology has evolved over the years, especially since the introduction of selective catalytic reduction [SCR]. The SCR system allows for more efficient combustion, a
Toll management platform can lead to bottom line savings
Leonard’s Express was faced not just with significant toll costs. An effective means of consolidating toll data and payments, notes Kyle Johnson, chief information officer, would ensure adherence with cost effective routes and reduce administrative expenses by streamlining business processes. Compounding the challenge for the Farmington, N.Y.-based, family owned transportation services provider was that its
Clearing the (engine) air: Getting the most of your engine air filters
Proper engine air filtration helps engines perform at their best. When it comes to air filter servicing frequency, Steve Carter, air applications engineering manager for Donaldson notes, “Change your filter when your restriction measurement device tells you to do so. An air filter should be serviced when the restriction indicator shows that the maximum allowable
