Integrated solutions to maximize axle, suspension optimization
Axle and suspension components for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles need to meet multiple purposes and requirements for varied fleet activity. Flexibility is needed to accommodate this, and the result is that a vast number of possible configurations have evolved to suit specific needs. Flexibility is a good thing, but one downside is that individual systems
Detroit DD5 engine, Freightliner M2106 test drive
We’ve previewed it, detailed the Detroit production facility, and, now, Fleet Equipment finally got its hands on the new Detroit DD5 engine outfitted in the Freightliner M2106. Yountville, Calif., is nestled in the heart of Napa Valley and was the perfect place to put the DD5 through a mock pick-up-and-delivery route. I talked with Chris Moran, MDEG
What to know about tires and 6×2 configurations
Many commercial fleets are evaluating the benefits of specifying new tractors with a 6×2 configuration versus the more popular 6×4 configuration. The standard 6×4 consists of three axles and six wheel-ends; both axles have driven axles. The new 6×2 features three axles and six wheel-ends on which only one of the axles is driven. The
Speed limiters aim to save $1 billion in fuel costs annually
It’s no secret that governing vehicle speed reduces fuel use and potentially reduces accidents related to speed. So it should come as no surprise that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) continue to be involved in finding ways to govern on-highway speeds. To that end, the agencies recently
Meritor WABCO receives award from Daimler
Meritor WABCO has received the 2015 Masters of Quality supplier award from Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). The award recognizes outstanding suppliers that have received high scores on their quality, delivery, technology and cost performance as measured on a balanced scorecard basis. The honored suppliers represent the top-quality providers of components and services for DTNA’s Freightliner
Accuride acquired by Crestview Partners
Accuride Corp. has been acquired by funds managed by Crestview Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, for $2.58 per share in cash. The purchase price represents a premium of 55% over Accuride’s closing share price on Sept. 1, and a premium of 66% over the 30-day volume weighted average price as of the same date,
Why it’s important to test new engine oils
Last month, I mentioned that the North American Council for Fleet Efficiency (NACFE) recommended that fleets switch to the API FA-4 low viscosity lube oils immediately to save fuel and decrease (GHG) emissions. As stated by the report, viscosity is defined as a measure of a fluid’s internal resistance to flow. In a truck’s engine,
Driven by the desire to do more: The 2018 Freightliner New Cascadia
The goal was a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency over what is now dubbed the “Classic” Cascadia Evolution. A lofty goal, considering the already impressive fuel economy offered by the Cascadia Evolution. Yet, when it came time for Freightliner to unveil the 2018 New Cascadia, 5% was in the rearview mirror and it had practically faded
The value of refrigerated telematics data integration
We live in a data-driven world. Data is driving decision-making in all facets of business, and the trucking industry is no exception. Today’s fleet owners and managers are under unprecedented pressure to control costs and improve productivity, and many rely on data from their transport management systems to direct their operations. Temperature management telematics solutions
How over-the-air engine reprograming will change the way your fleet operates
In the same way that your smartphone’s apps update over your provider’s network, some 2017 model-year heavy-duty engines will sport that same over-the-air (OTA) update capability. International launched OTA updates via a Wi-Fi network last year and explained that OTA updates will migrate over to cellular networks. Last month, Detroit announced Connect Remote Updates, which
