Leveraging analytics helps Leonard’s Express reduce maintenance costs
To get the most out of its trucks, Leonard’s Express, a family-owned asset-based transportation provider headquartered in Farmington, N.Y., invests heavily in predictive analysis. The fleet is continuously working to stay one step ahead of the curve, working to keep its trucks running productively each day. As Leonard’s Express Chief Information Officer Kyle Johnson puts
Toyo introduces new super single for regional to urban use
Toyo Tire USA Corp. introduced the new Toyo M149 super single for regional to urban use on commercial trucks. This all-position super single tire is designed to deliver superior wear performance in tough operations ranging from urban front axles to long haul trailers, according to the company. Additionally, optimized construction and tread design delivers high uniformity,
Mountain River Trucking makes every mile count
From its single location in Mt. Airy, N.C., Mountain River Trucking hauls truckload (TL) to less-than-truckload (LTL) general freight and high-value loads, primarily food and pharmaceuticals, coast-to-coast to Oregon, Washington and California, hauling 250,000 miles annually. It’s the combination of these high-value loads and long, cross-nation drives that has Mountain River focusing on two things
World Trade Distribution’s lightweight tractors meet container shippers needs
While international freight handling, storage and transportation services have been the core of Houston-based World Trade Distribution’s business for 50 years, the company is not one to simply continue with the status quo. “We started focusing on port work in the 1980s,” says Jeff Joachim, president of the family owned business. “As more containers began
Maintain trailer suspensions to last
Trailer suspension maintenance varies by suspension type and manufacturer. For that reason, fleets should establish best practices and perform routine checkups as recommended by manufacturers and fleet managers. According to Jim Rushe, product line manager at Hendrickson on-highway trailer products, the manufacturer designs its suspensions to not require periodic adjustments. “For our products, the best
Trailer suspensions built to perform
Trailer suspensions are comprised of springs, dampers, shock absorbers, axles and other components that link the trailer to its wheels allowing the driver to have complete control of the trailer. In addition, they dampen harmful inputs from the road (vibrations, bumps, noise), giving drivers a smoother ride while protecting the trailer and its cargo. However,
Rolling with retreads: Extending efficiency and controlling tire TCO
Like most segments of the heavy-duty trucking industry, the fuel efficiency trend is rolling through tire retreads. While the conversation used to revolve around miles to removal, today’s talks are skewing toward fuel efficiency and total cost of ownership (TCO). “For most fleets, fuel costs represent the single highest non-payroll operating expense. So fewer stops
Fuel efficiency, driver retention efforts pay off for Central Trucking Inc.
Among the goals that Mark Roberts, president of CTI Logistics Inc., has for his family-owned company’s fleet are two that he says are definitely keys to success. “Hanging on to good drivers and generating the best possible fuel consumption are ongoing challenges,” he states. “In today’s economic environment, and with rates where they are, it’s
Betts Co. completes rebranding effort
Betts Truck Parts & Service, one of three divisions of the Betts Co., has announced the completion of a strategic branding initiative that began last year. Betts Co. has executed its plan to develop marketing collateral for all divisions tailored to the company’s updated brand profile along with the introduction of new websites. The company
After putting five tractors to the test, Blacklidge Emulsion opts for the fuel efficiency winner
“Trucking isn’t our core business,” says Paul Johnson, director of logistics for Blacklidge Emulsions, “but it’s definitely an essential part of our operation. As a key part of the cost of serving our customers, we are focused on managing our fleet as cost effectively as possible.” Based in Gulfport, Miss., Blacklidge Emulsions is a second
