XL Hybrids introduces XLP plug-in hybrid vehicle upfit
XL Hybrids Inc. has launched the XLP plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) upfit for medium-duty applications. The XLP will be an electrified ship-through upfit on half-ton pickup trucks from leading OEMs, and will provide a 50% improvement in miles driven per gallon for major fleets across the United States, as well as significant reductions in CO2 emissions,
Kenworth T680 Advantage with 52-in. mid-roof sleeper now available
Kenworth’s T680 52-in. mid-roof sleeper Advantage Package, for regional haul and less-than truckload operations, is now available for order. The latest Kenworth T680 Advantage configuration features an optimized powertrain with either the PACCAR MX-13 or PACCAR MX-11 engine, Eaton Fuller Advantage series 10-speed automated transmission, and the new PACCAR tandem drive axle. The 52-in. mid-roof
Wabash National’s SuperTruck trailer technology reduces weight, improves aerodynamics
Wabash National Corp., participating in the Department of Energy’s SuperTruck program, has developed a trailer that reduced drag coefficient by more than 30%. The SuperTruck program, a five-year research and development initiative, focused on improving freight efficiency (the amount of freight hauled per gallon of fuel used) by 50% compared to 2009 base model heavy-duty
Check your brakes: Putting a stop to brake-related CSA issues
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s CSA violations should be an unnecessary problem, especially since they can lead to costly delays, and unexpected downtime may cause fleets to lose customers not only because of delays. After citations related to lighting problems, brakes are the second most commonly penalized item—18.7% of violations handed out by the CVSA in
Carrier study on cold chain finds reduction in food loss, CO2 emissions
According to the results of a study funded by Carrier, investment in the cold chain—specifically pre-cooling and transport refrigeration equipment – can reduce food loss by 76% and carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2E) by 16%. Carrier commissioned a study to examine the extent to which the cold chain can help increase the quality, reach and
Great Dane adds two new features for Freedom XP flatbed trailers
Great Dane now features the JOST AX150 Alumilight landing gear and a new sliding suspension option on its Freedom XP all-aluminum flatbed trailers. The JOST AX150 Alumilight landing gear is an aluminum hybrid series built for a maximum static load rating of 160,000 lbs. and a rated lift capacity of 55,000 lbs. An all-aluminum extruded upper
Three tips for air system maintenance
Across North America, it’s getting to be that time of year when temperatures regularly begin to dip below freezing—and when commercial vehicle pneumatic systems need a little extra attention. With more vehicle systems incorporating the use of compressed air for non-braking functions—including automated manual transmissions (AMTs), emissions controls and advanced safety technologies—Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems
Why isn’t a truck’s appearance part of the PM process?
Companies are spending thousands of dollars on graphic and designs for their equipment; some of those companies as well spend millions on television ads and internet ads. And it’s advertising space with that kind of reach isn’t cheap. Yet a lot of professional companies look at their vehicles as a rolling billboard and use decals
Boyle Transportation: Improving safety and efficiency
“Safety is behind every decision we make at Boyle Transportation,” says Ben Curtis, Boyle’s fleet manager. “From our vehicles to our professional drivers and in our maintenance operation, we have a safety-first philosophy.” Headquartered in Billerica, Mass., Boyle Transportation transports security-sensitive cargo across the U.S. and Canada with a fleet of 65 tractors and 165
Inside Boyle Transport’s driver-centric training
In conjunction with a wide range of equipment and maintenance initiatives aimed at fostering and improving safety, Boyle Transportation is equally focused on its drivers. “We maintain a direct dialogue between our professional drivers and our safety and maintenance departments,” says Michael Lasko, manager of safety and quality. “In terms of technology, we have installed
