Wix Filters reflects on 2016 growth, development of new parts
Wix Filters introduced 589 new parts in 2016, a number that the company points out is triple the industry average of new part introductions. More than half of the new numbers serve the light-duty automotive, heavy-duty, and international premium segments, including 72 light-duty and 113 heavy-duty filter applications. “Last year included rapid growth for developing new
Heavy-duty, medium-duty orders jump in January
According to data from ACT Research Co., Class 8 net orders jumped to a thirteen-month high in January at 22,188 units. Vocational equipment orders also rose, to 8,500 units, a two-year high for the segment. Backlogs also rose to 99,600 units, up from 92,000 in December. Medium-duty orders also had a strong month, hitting a six-month
Omnitracs and Peloton announce partnership
Omnitracs, LLC and Peloton Technology have announced a partnership, collaborating to bring Peloton’s truck platooning technology to Omnitracs customers. The partners will also develop joint solutions that combine each company’s safety, efficiency and fleet management capabilities. Peloton will begin filling pre-orders of its platooning product for Class 8 trucks this year. The technology synchronizes braking and
Kottke Trucking expands operations based on analytics, sound equipment choices
After nearly 80 years in business, you might think that Kottke Trucking Inc. is content with the status quo. That, however, is hardly the case for the third-generation interstate refrigerated, dry van and dedicated freight hauler, which recently acquired the over-the-road operations of Walbon & Company Inc. “That acquisition included 60 tractors and 85 trailers,
Matching axles, ratios and loads to increase fuel efficiency
A major initiative in the trucking industry continues to be the concept of downspeeding, or maximizing available engine torque while minimizing engine RPMs and fuel requirements. “By focusing on maximizing downspeeding, the fleet owner has the best chance of improving fuel efficiency,” explains Tom Lehman, product manager for Detroit Components. “Along with Detroit DD15 or
Answering your wide base tire questions
Adoption of wide base tires has continued to increase in the years since their entrance into the market in 2000. Still, they make up a relative minority of the market, and many fleet managers may still have questions about whether wide base tires are right for their fleet. So with that in mind, let’s tackle four
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
Purkey’s introduces Direct liftgate charging system
Purkey’s introduces its Direct liftgate charging system. A liftgate operates more slowly when used at a low state of charge. Liftgate batteries at a low state of charge may lead to road calls and lost revenue for trucking fleets. Purkeys’ Direct monitors battery voltage and boosts the charge in order to keep batteries at a
Five common biodiesel myths busted
Questions about cold weather operability are common for those of us in the biodiesel industry, and I’m happy to answer them—because biodiesel blends are used by fleets and truckers problem-free throughout North America, including during the depths of winter when used properly. Yet biodiesel’s alleged cold weather issues is one of the most persistent myths
Kenworth makes Bendix ESP standard on T680, T880 trucks
The Bendix Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been made standard on Kenworth Truck Co.’s T680 and T880 Class 8 trucks. Compared with roll-only stability or antilock braking systems, full-stability systems utilize more sensors, enabling the technology to more quickly recognize factors that could lead to vehicle rollovers or loss of control, and address both roll and
