Improving operational efficiencies
Fleet efficiencies are intertwined with operational needs. To be effective, fleet managers need to know how to measure operational needs. According to Christopher Lyon, director of fleet relations for NTEA, there are several approaches that help quantify necessary functional requirements while filtering out end-user operator demands, often communicated as needs. “In the end, fleet
Using telematics to improve fleet utilization
While fleets have a vast and increasing amount of data at their disposal for making more informed equipment and maintenance choices, information only enables improvements in efficiency and productivity if it’s truly actionable and is presented in a context where it can be used effectively and strategically. “Only by leveraging the right technology can you
Spec’ing for medium-duty applications
“Operators of medium-duty trucks have heavy-duty expectations,” says Kurt Swihart, Kenworth’s marketing manager. “Truck manufacturers are working to make it simpler for customers who want heavy-duty characteristics in traditional medium-duty applications. The challenge in spec’ing a medium-duty truck is to find the right balance between over- and under-spec’ing in order to achieve the performance and
The vocational truck rollouts roundup
When more than 10,000 truck fleet managers, manufacturers and equipment distributors descended on the Indiana Convention Center for The Work Truck Show 2015 they were able to witness the debut of a number of new vocational truck products. Among them were three vehicle announcements. Extending its lineup from Class 4 through Class 7, Hino Trucks
Building the perfect work truck
Building the best truck for the job begins with knowing all the options. We asked the experts to tell us what fleets need to know to get the most of their buying decisions.
Why OEM telematics data is better for everyone
Although vehicle location systems have been making life easier for fleet managers for years now, retrofitting the necessary hardware has long been a sticking point. The cost and time involved in sourcing, installing and configuring the “black boxes” across the entire fleet made the whole process prohibitive. Now, a new generation of OEM built-in connected
Cabover offerings for medium-duty vocational fleets
While cabover engine (COE) style trucks are rarely if ever seen in on-highway trucking operations, they are considered effective by many local and regional medium-duty operations. Highly maneuverable in tight spaces and offering exceptional visibility and maneuverability, COEs are the vehicle of choice for a range of vocations, including pick-up and delivery, lease and rental,
Work Truck Show details educational session offerings
The Work Truck Show 2015, held March 4–6 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, has announced the details of its exclusive educational sessions. According to the show’s organizers, attendees can learn the latest strategies for maximizing ROI, evaluating new technology, controlling costs and better serving customers by attending these sessions. The Work Truck Show 2015’s educational
How an alternative fuel vehicle fits into your fleet
In just a few short years, trucks powered by alternative fuels have gone from a rare sight on the road to a growing trend that has seen serious investment by big fleets. Today’s biggest alternative fuel contender is natural gas. While many OEs offer liquid natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), CNG has
Viable ideas: Cab-over-engine new technologies
Hino has its eye on new technologies for medium-duty trucks as cab-over-engines (COEs) continue to meet market needs. While the COE is no longer a configuration of choice for Class 8 over-the-road trucking operations, the design is still seen as highly viable in many local and especially in urban operating environments. “The needs of different