Work Truck Show details educational session offerings
The Work Truck Show 2015, held March 4–6 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, has announced the details of its exclusive educational sessions. According to the show’s organizers, attendees can learn the latest strategies for maximizing ROI, evaluating new technology, controlling costs and better serving customers by attending these sessions. The Work Truck Show 2015’s educational
Mercedes-Benz VP, Managing Director talks Sprinter value, popularity growth
Since its introduction into the U.S. since 2001, Sprinter vans have been growing in popularity within specific markets, providing significant value for customers. Recently, Mercedes-Benz was recognized for its achievements in total cost of ownership (TCO), receiving a Residual Value Award from ALG, the analytics division of TrueCar Inc. as the industry benchmark for projecting
Pilot review: Part 2 – Trailers from paper to prototype
Just in terms of the benefits—accuracy in specs and a valuable relationship—pilot reviews and relationships equal productive trailers. Your responses to last month’s column on the importance of properly conducted tractor pilot reviews turned my attention to the new trailer review process. This month, trailer manufacturers underscore the importance of paper reviews (specs) and pilot
Utility Trailer plant receives 2014 Manufacturer of the Year award
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co., manufacturer of refrigerated trailers, dry freight vans, flatbeds, and Tautliner curtain-sided trailers, announced that Utility’s Glade Spring, Va., manufacturing plant has been awarded the 2014 Manufacturer of the Year by Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM). The Manufacturer of the Year Award seeks to highlight a company that has gone above
Building a safer heavy-duty truck
In a national poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies in late September on attitudes about the trucking industry, 80% of survey recipients said they believe truck drivers are safer than passenger vehicle drivers. Additionally, 90% of respondents said passenger vehicle drivers are more likely to speed than truck drivers, and 74% think that when an
CARB order opens door for XL Hybrids light-duty conversions
With corporate and municipal operations realizing a positive payback, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are a hot topic among a growing number of light-duty fleets these days. The quick fleet adoption rate is focused in part on HEV aftermarket technologies. Over the past year, for example, XL Hybrids has been realizing a steady expansion of its
Forward Lift introduces FCH series accessories
Forward Lift has introduced several accessories for its FCH series of mobile column lifts. The fork reducer sleeves, riser kits, jack stands and LED lights allow shops to service a wider variety of vehicles and complete jobs more efficiently. “The forks are designed to be compatible with most large truck tires, but Forward Lift offers
Moving from GHG phase 1 to phase 2
Last month, I addressed the emission standards related to Greenhouse Gas 2017 (GH17). As a reminder, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with support from the trucking industry, the State of California and leaders from the environmental community, developed a protocol that was initiated in 2014 to improve energy
GM offers fleets a range of truck alternatives
General Motors Co. is realizing impressive growth in the commercial segment of its business. In August, the OEM experienced an 18% increase in truck sales compared to one year earlier, including a 13% rise in Chevrolet Silverado deliveries and 10% sales growth for the GMC Sierra product line. Additionally, deliveries of Chevrolet Express vans had
Cool down: A primer of coolant and additives
Today’s modern heavy-duty engines are being designed with a greater amount of aluminum components, including radiators, heater cores, oil coolers, charge air coolers, water distribution housings, piping and control valves. “Due to the higher aluminum content engines, one phenomenon that is being observed in the industry is that nitrite containing coolants may react with aluminum
