Evolving technology and vehicle insurance
Companies that insure motor carriers, trucks and drivers are not all the same. Some sell through independent agents, others through their own sales staffs. Some specialize in commercial truck insurance, while others sell it as one of a secondary line of coverage. Some insurance companies specialize in specific niches within the motor-carrier industry, such as
Blue Flash Express breaks the driver turnover cycle
For Blue Flash Express Vice President of Operations Jason Aguillard it was about stopping a cycle—new trucks with the right specs would lower maintenance and fuel expenses, improve retention and cut the cost of recruiting and training drivers. “Now we have more money to increase pay for drivers, which further enhances the company as a
Southeastern Freightlines leverages the latest technologies to stay competitive
Southeastern Freightlines (SEFL) has been successfully delivering freight for more than 60 years and has always been a competitive fleet. Fleet Equipment talked with the fleet to learn how incorporating new technologies has figured into the company’s success. Choosing equipment According to Kerry Stritt, vice president of fleet services for SEFL (pictured left), “Having the
The perfect combination: The Zen of creating the optimum downsped engine/axle/drivetrain mix
Most truck engines, today, run at around 1,450 RPM at cruising speed to provide the 200 HP needed at the wheel-end. Engine downspeeding allows the truck to operate consistently in a more efficient range, generally between 1,100 to 1,200 RPM, while maintaining the same 200 HP at the wheel end. As a result, fuel efficiency
XL Specialized Trailers introduces 80 slide axle
XL Specialized Trailers has released the new XL 80 Slider (Slide Axle). This two-axle trailer is rated at 80,000 lbs. overall and 50,000 lbs. in 10-ft. concentrated. The Slider is named for its sliding axle assembly, which allows the unit to tilt for the loading and unloading of heavy and inoperable equipment. New GAR-MAX filament wound composite rollers
Smoot Brothers Transportation: Conquering CSA citations
Smoot Brothers Transportation (SBT) was founded in 1988—with one truck—by Mike and Matt Smoot. In 1991, Kenny Smoot, who is now the vice president, joined his brothers in the company. SBT has since grown to more than 50 trucks and can be seen on highways across the entire continental United States and Canada. The fleet
Keep the truck running: Fighting parasitic loads
Recruiting and retaining experienced, high-quality drivers is a challenge. The job demands long hours on the road away from family. To keep up with driver demand and support recruitment efforts, many of today’s trucks are decked out with all the latest in technology: GPS; TVs; refrigerators; entertainment systems; you name it. While this is certainly
Webasto develops HVAC system for Ram cargo van
Webasto Thermo and Comfort North America’s aftermarket auxiliary HVAC system, London, is now available as a vehicle specific application for the Ram cargo van. The London system is available as an aftermarket solution to owners of the Ram ProMaster for additional heating and cooling needs in their cargo space. The unit offers up to 32,500 BTU/h of cooling capacity
H&P Transportation relies on relationships with suppliers—and the latest technologies
Providing extra heavy hauling transportation services requires specialized solutions. For Kevin Hawkins, president of H&P Transportation, a key part of his family company’s long success has been its relationships with suppliers. It was 1947 when Hawkins’ father, Henry Hawkins, founded H&P Transportation. At the time, the Brownstown, Mich. operation was one of the first companies
Raven Transport adds heavy-duty natural gas vehicles to meet sustainability goals
“Through relationships with suppliers, we can collectively bring everything together for our operation,” says Stephen Silverman, chief operating officer at Raven Transport. “That’s especially true as we rise to the challenge of moving customers’ goods with clean-burning fuel. “Industry-leading shippers continue to set the standard in sustainable logistics,” Silverman adds. “By partnering with environmental and
