To protect and serve: The value of air ride suspensions
When it comes to specifying the right system, fleets need to rely on the expertise of suppliers. For example, Jim Rushe, program manager of on-highway trailer products at Hendrickson International, says that “Hendrickson has a sales and service network that works directly with the fleet to understand its anticipated cargo and the equipment operating conditions.
What new legislation could mean for light-, medium-duty vehicle technologies
Earlier in 2015, as part of a larger package of energy legislation, a bill introduced to fund research and development of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. At the end of the year, H.R. 4106, the Vehicle Innovation Act (VIA), was brought to the House of Representatives.
Volvo Trucks approves renewable diesel fuel for proprietary engines
Volvo Trucks North America, after concluding truck and engine lab testing, has approved the use of renewable diesel fuel for all of its proprietary Volvo engines. Volvo is the first OEM to endorse the use of advanced hydrocarbon renewable diesel fuel. “Environmental care is a core value of Volvo Trucks, and we are pleased to offer
Ford’s growing CNG, propane capable lineup
Passed as part of an extension of federal highway funding, Congressional legislation now corrects a longstanding inequity in the way liquefied natural gas (LNG) is taxed. Starting Jan. 1, 2016, LNG will be taxed based on a diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) unit. Currently, fleets operating LNG-powered trucks are effectively paying a tax on that fuel
EPA conducts hearing on importance of clean diesel
At an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hearing on the future of greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency standards, Alan Schaeffer, the executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, testified on behalf of the diesel industry. “Today, manufacturers of commercial trucks, engines and their components produce the cleanest, safest and
Westport to provide Ford F-150 with dedicated propane package
Westport Innovations Inc., manufacturer of natural gas engines and vehicles, has announced that the company will offer dedicated, liquid propane systems for 2016 Ford 5.0L F-150 trucks. This new liquid propane system will be offered in addition to Westport’s compressed natural gas (CNG) package for 2016 Ford F-150 trucks. Both fuel options are part of the
Spec’ing the proper suspension support
A range of factors impact air suspension design, notes Reyco Granning’s vice president of Engineering, John Stuart. “One requirement showing no signs of diminishing is the ever-present demand for weight reduction,” he says. “If you had told me 10 years ago that the market required a 1,300-lb. slider air suspension, I would have said it
The next BIG thing?
If there was one single theme to emerge from the recent Mid America Trucking Show (MATS), it revolved around the notion of total cost of ownership (TCO). We have been here before: TCO in industry parlance is not a new mantra, but one that is being chanted with increasing verve by OEMs as they continue
AmeriPride expands propane autogas fueled trucks program
One of the largest textile rental and supply companies in North America is expanding its program to include additional propane autogas fueled trucks. After a successful alternative fuels pilot, AmeriPride Services is adding 20 more Roush CleanTech Ford F-59 delivery trucks in Northern California later this year, according to AmeriPride. The company currently has five
Why companies are switching to propane autogas trucks for delivery operations
H&S Bakery, a Baltimore-based provider of hearth-baked goods, recently unveiled a fleet of alternatively fueled vehicles powered by propane autogas. “We want our customers and community to know that we are investing in and working hard to meet our sustainability goals,” said Chuck Paterakis, vice president of transportation and logistics for H&S. “With propane autogas,
