Trailer telematics and the ‘smart’ trailer evolution
Trailers are in a unique position. No, I don’t mean behind the tractor (hey-O!). I’m talking about the current phase of the trailer telematics evolution. While trailer telematics has mostly revolved around GPS location tracking (and that’s still important), the amount of data that trailer components are generating—from wheel ends and tires to lighting and
How electrification will change your service operation
One of the most promising pieces of good news to come out of 2020 was the announcement of the availability of multiple medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks. OEMs like Daimler, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt and Volvo all announced battery electric trucks that are either available now or will be in the foreseeable future, and several of
How ambient temperature impacts diesel engine oil (and other seasonal service tips)
Do you feel that? The chill in the wind relenting to the warm sunlight. The fresh scent of blooming flowers. The slivers of light that still peek above the horizon well after dinner time. Yes fleet friends, Spring is here. (Or at least it’s close enough after a long winter.) Time to get your trucks
The biggest cybersecurity threats your fleet faces (and what to do about them)
Fleets are connected. Trucks, fleet managers and drivers are all linked by technology streaming massive amounts of data over the air to your telematics dashboards and diagnostics repair software. With great connectivity comes increased vulnerability. Let’s make no bones about it: Cybersecurity needs to be taken seriously because the biggest weakness is people. Weak passwords,
Five truck trend takeaways from February
We know it’s not easy to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories from February focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place. 5. Hands on with Kenworth’s T680 next-gen truck The story of the next-generation Kenworth T680’s launch is a tale of
Babcox Media mourns the passing of Tim Fritz, longtime editor and friend
Babcox Media Editor Tim Fritz passed away on Feb. 23 from a heart attack. He was 53 years old. Tim joined Babcox Media in 1990 and spent 31 years working in various editorial roles, most recently as the digital editor of Brake & Front End, ImportCar, Underhood Service, Tomorrow’s Tech and ShopOwner. He was also
Shell Rotella unveils portfolio of carbon-neutral engine oils in U.S.
Shell Rotella will offer customers carbon-neutral lubricants for heavy-duty engines in North America. Existing products from the company, Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic and Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend engine oils, will now be carbon neutral as a step toward Shell’s target to be a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 or sooner, the company
The truck service impact of over-the-air engine updates
Operational data, diagnostic information—the cliche marketing line that the truck is a rolling cell phone is true, especially now that the data goes both ways. Over-the-air updates allow for a two-way digital dialogue between your trucks and the software service platform that supports them. Over-the-air (OTA for short) reprogramming lets you send an update to
When should trucking fleets prepare for the 3G sunset?
That knot in your stomach is already telling you the answer to that question, but I’ll confirm it: as soon as possible. But breathe easy fleet managers, there’s still time enough for you to put your plan for upgrading your telematics device hardware. The reason for the urgency is two-fold. First and most importantly, you
Don’t get blinded by the light: A lighting guide for last-mile delivery vehicles
Imagine you’re on the set of Hollywood’s next big blockbuster. The media can’t stop talking about it, and you’re in the director’s chair. You’ve hired the actors and built the props; now it’s time to shoot your first scene. What’s the first word you yell to the production crew? “Lights,” of course! There is no
