Politicians and science don’t mix
I recently learned that some inexpensive Chinese tires have obtained SmartWay certification by the EPA. This act illustrates that politicians and science don’t mix. The lack of scientific knowledge always does them in. In the case of the SmartWay program, I’ve always thought it was initiated with the best intent by people who wouldn’t understand
Penske introduces website for finding alternative fuel stations
Penske Truck Leasing has created a website, www.AltFuelStations.com, to assist the transportation industry with identifying publicly accessible fueling stations for heavy-duty alternative fueled vehicles in the United States and Canada. The stations listed can provide trucks with either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel. “We created this tool to assist fleets
Ford’s growing CNG, propane capable lineup
Passed as part of an extension of federal highway funding, Congressional legislation now corrects a longstanding inequity in the way liquefied natural gas (LNG) is taxed. Starting Jan. 1, 2016, LNG will be taxed based on a diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) unit. Currently, fleets operating LNG-powered trucks are effectively paying a tax on that fuel
Are legislators out of control? A look at oil regulations
I should be used to it by now, but I just can’t get over the continued lunacy of both state and federal legislators. They continue to advance legislation without trying to understand the applicable science or business reasons for not doing so. They call it “technology forcing legislation.” The latest fiasco to grab my attention
Shell’s PC-11 website updates engine oil spec info
PC-11 will be licensed Dec. 1, 2016, and as that date draws closer, Shell Rotella will continue to update WhatIsPC-11.com with information about the upcoming diesel engine oils specification. New information includes details about how the specification is being developed including testing, the two oils that will be used for current and older engines and for
Love’s Travel Stops completes nationwide rollout of TirePass
The rollout of TirePass, Love’s Travel Stops’ full-service tire inflation system, is complete, and the system is now available at more than 200 locations. The technology in TirePass is built to detect potential tire- and wheel- related problems before they occur. “TirePass is a solution Love’s provides to save our customers on their cost per mile,” said Dan
Quantum Technologies releases new Q-Cab 180 DGE
Quantum Technologies has announced the release of a new product, the Q-Cab 180 DGE. Quantum claims that this new back of the cab CNG system has the highest fuel capacity in the industry. According to the company, these are the benefits of the new Q-Cab 180 DGE: * Available in 160 DGE and 180 DGE *
Just thinkin’ out loud (about fuel economy)
Readers who know me know I’m a physicist given to radical, long-term thinking about fuel economy. Recently, I’ve been thinking about the fuel economy research done by truck OEMs in cooperation with our federal government. Cooperative research like this can accomplish some really great things. Want more insight from John Martin? Click here to read
EPA conducts hearing on importance of clean diesel
At an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hearing on the future of greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency standards, Alan Schaeffer, the executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, testified on behalf of the diesel industry. “Today, manufacturers of commercial trucks, engines and their components produce the cleanest, safest and
Shell launches artificial intelligence-powered Virtual Assistant
Shell has launched an artificial intelligence-driven service for customers, the Shell Virtual Assistant. It is an interactive shop on the Shell website where customers and distributors can ask common lubricant-related questions, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers and distributors type in their question via an online message window, and avatars Emma and Ethan
