Tire expectations: Fuel economy, high milage, retradability and beyond
Talking with managers from many of the larger commercial fleets at a recent TMC meeting, it was clear what fleets are looking for when it comes to their tires: Fleets want tires that generate the best possible fuel economy; highest mileage to removal; excellent retreadability; and tires that are not prone to developing uneven and
Growing popularity of propane as a light- and medium-duty fleet alternative fuel
Several developments reflect the growing popularity of propane autogas as a light- and medium-duty fleet alternative fuel. A central part of the recent Green Truck Summit’s focus on clean vehicle technologies and alternative fuel trends was propane autogas. In fleet terms, the business case for propane autogas in his company’s 30 cargo vans was explained
Snap-on touts cordless ratchet performance
The Snap-on 1/4-in. Drive 14.4v MicroLithium Cordless Ratchet (CTR725) and 3/8-in. Drive 14.4v MicroLithium Cordless Ratchet (CTR761) give service technicians the first cordless ratchets to match the performance of a pneumatic ratchet, said the company. The Snap-on MicroLithium Cordless Ratchets feature rotational speeds of up to 350 RPM. These tools also feature a cold-forged crankshaft
FTR Shippers Conditions Index continues to reflect tight capacity
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for March was basically unchanged from February at a reading of -8.7. The negative level of the SCI reflects extremely tight capacity available to haul goods. FTR currently expects the tight environment for shippers to moderate slightly in the coming months unless freight growth picks up as a result of
Cummins names Eaton top supplier
Cummins Inc. named Eaton a “Top Supplier” for its Technology Contribution on the SuperTruck program and SmartAdvantage integrated powertrain product. The award was presented to Eaton earlier this month at Cummins’ U.S. Supplier Conference in Indianapolis. Eaton was one of 17 suppliers to receive an award from the more than 5,000 companies that supply parts and
Stertil-Koni announces record sales in heavy-duty vehicle lifts
Stertil-Koni has announced that the company achieved record results in heavy-duty vehicle lifts sales for the full year 2013. The announcement was made by the company’s president, Dr. Jean DellAmore, at Stertil-Koni’s 18th Annual Distributor Meeting, held May 4-7 in Orlando, Fla. According to Dr. DellAmore, “In the increasingly competitive marketplace of heavy-duty vehicle lifting
Buyers Products introduces two new lift axle control assemblies
Buyers Products Co. introduced two new lift axle control assemblies for in-cab operation of air suspension and lift axle systems. The assemblies, available in push/pull-style or toggle-style, are pre-plumbed and assembled with pressure gauge, pressure regulator, fittings and department-of-transportation tubing. The included steel mounting plate is predrilled and powder-coated to provide extended service life, said
Stemco releases new Aeris SmartSense automatic driver alert system
Stemco Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), provider of commercial vehicle tire inflation systems and commercial tire monitoring systems, announces the release of an upgrade to its Aeris line of high-performance automatic tire inflation systems. Aeris SmartSense technology features an advanced driver alert system that identifies which wheel ends are taking air for faster corrective action. “There
Industry Perspectives with Pressure Systems International: Good things happen when you pay attention
One of the industry’s leading supplier executives, Tim Musgrave, subscribes to the practice of listening ever so closely to customers—both current and potential ones. He subscribes to the habit described by a former GM CEO: “We listened to what our customers wanted and acted on what they said. Good things happen when you pay attention.”
75 years of excellence and a bright future: Peterbilt marks milestone with new vehicle innovations
When Darrin Siver, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president, talks about current industry trends, he notes the increasing optimism throughout the industry and that trucking will have a strong year in terms of fleet performance and manufacturer and dealer sales. Siver says, “We’re seeing fleets replacing older equipment, as well as adding capacity. Reducing
