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
Royal Purple introduces Commercial, Fleet Vehicle lubricant product line
Synthetic lubricant manufacturer Royal Purple has introduced its new Commercial and Fleet Vehicle product line. This new line of heavy-duty products is Royal Purple’s toughest line yet, the company says, and was developed with various Royal Purple technologies including Synerlec and Synslide for increased durability. The Commercial and Fleet Vehicle product line is specially formulated for
Stertil-Koni enhances its transmission jacks
Stertil-Koni has announced enhancements to its line of transmission jacks. According to the company, the enhancements were put in place to address the evolving challenges in efficiently servicing truck and bus transmissions. “They are extremely heavy pieces of machinery [anywhere from 1,500 lbs. to 3,000 lbs. each] that, when service is required, have to be manually
Maintenance- and headache-free truck ownership
When you buy an upscale vehicle, more and more come with all future maintenance included. The automobile manufacturers want to support more captive work for the dealers, control the customer and the maintenance of the vehicle with the full circle of ownership, and the next sale. Included is all maintenance including tires and some options.
