Michelin introduces RFID technology, service upgrades
Michelin Americas Truck Tires has announced that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is being added to Michelin commercial truck tires and retreads, enabling fleets to better manage their tire assets throughout the full life cycle. In addition, the Michelin Tire Care tire maintenance program is being upgraded to include new features providing fleets greater visibility, assurance and
Tracking trailers: The latest in trailer telematics
Telematics talks usually center on tractors, but there’s a wide digital world of trailer telematics offerings that offer a deep well of data and robust analytical options to keep your trailers in check. “You can’t manage what you don’t measure,” said Scott Sutarik, OEM and business development manager for Geotab, which offers IOX-BT, a Bluetooth
Expanded choices: Fleets are set to take advantage of alternative powertrains
More and more suppliers of medium-duty vehicles are adding options for alternative powertrains. For example, Dana recently introduced Spicer Electrified motor, control and e-drive technologies for electric vehicle propulsion systems. Currently in production, the Spicer EV Drive for electric vans manages speed and torque from the e-motor to the wheels. Planned for launch in 2018, Dana’s new e-axles for
Connected truck service management: Cutting downtime for service and repairs
For fleets and service providers, connected vehicles are bringing about new challenges as well as opportunities to enhance service management and improve uptime. “When we can provide real-time information about an issue and the severity of the issue detected, it provides actionable information to the fleet manager,” says Conal Deedy, director of connected vehicle services for
Saving time and money: What onboard telematics can do for you
According to Maria Sotra, vice president of marketing for Geotab, “Fleet managers are continuously searching for new ways to minimize operating expenses, manage total cost of ownership, and increase profitability. Geotab’s open platform fleet management solution enables businesses of all sizes to make significant improvements in the areas of safety, productivity, regulatory compliance, fleet optimization
Writing the rules of the autonomous road
Welcome to 2017—the future is coming fast and furiously. In the trucking industry, automated truck technology has gone from sci-fi-esque, space age technology to an equipment reality. The next challenge is how to bring that technology to today’s highways. Last September, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published its “Federal Automated Vehicle Policy: Accelerating
2017 model year engines: What you need to know
With the New Year comes new engines, which meet the increasingly stringent EPA requirements and improve overall efficiency. There’s a lot to talk about, so we’re going to dispense with the editorial pleasantries and get down to brass tacks. New engine oil category recommendations The introduction of the new engine oil categories—API CK-4 (which replaces
December’s five truck trend takeaways
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 December focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.
Chevin Fleet Solutions launches a new website
Chevin Fleet Solutions has announced a new and refreshed company website, which the company says has been designed to be more user-friendly with enhanced functionality throughout. New features explained by the company include include: The Learning Zone: An area featuring educational content such as downloadable fleet management guides and whitepapers, webinars, videos and other knowledge-based items
How to maintain tractor-trailer electrical connection
When it comes to tractor-trailer electrical connections, spec’ing and maintaining equipment is vital. This is especially true these days with fleets seeking to avoid CSA inspections that often lead to time off the road and costly citations. Spec the best “At Peterson, we have been actively selling and promoting our Defender sealed, modular harness and