Kenworth launches T680 Advantage day cab
Kenworth Truck Co. has introduced the Kenworth T680 Advantage day cab for pickup and delivery and regional-haul operators. The T680 Advantage day cab package includes the 2016 PACCAR MX-13 or MX-11 engine and the Eaton Fuller Advantage series 10-speed automated transmission, combined with Meritor MT40-14X drive axles rated at 40,000 lbs., Kenworth Driver Performance Assistant, Kenworth predictive cruise control,
Driving retention: How the right equipment can keep the right drivers in the seats
Fuel efficiency and total cost of ownership typically top the charts of topics here at Fleet Equipment. On the other hand, you can spec the most efficient, cost-effective trucks possible, but it’s no use if you don’t have anyone to drive them. Just take a look at the American Trucking Associations’ latest driver turnover numbers.
Manual transmissions, does the bell toll for thee?
They’ve been a staple of trucks since the very first one was built, but for manual transmissions, the end may be nigh. Magnus Koeck, Volvo’s vice president of marketing and brand management, says he believes that five years from now, manual transmissions in trucks will have disappeared entirely. One catalyst for this change, he explained, can
Cummins eyes the future with new X15 Big-Bore diesel engine line
With 2017 looming large, Cummins became the first heavy-duty diesel manufacturer to launch its next generation of big-bore engines at a press event at the Transportation Research Center’s test track and facilities outside of Columbus, Ohio. Cummins gave journalists a sneak-peek at its X15 engines late last year, with the company’s director of on-highway communications,
Today’s transmissions add safety, fuel economy
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) options and topography/hill-neutral technology can provide increased safety and improved fuel economy. So what’s best for your operation? We asked the major suppliers to weigh in, and here’s what they have to say about the technology and the choices. The basics “Adaptive cruise uses forward- and side-facing radar technologies as vehicle
How to prevent transmission overheating
Medium- and heavy-duty truck transmissions undergo a lot of stress and abuse throughout their lifetimes. With the elevated loads that the transmissions undergo, an abundant amount of heat is generated due to higher internal friction. If heat generation is left unchecked, it can lead to complete failure of the transmission. With this in mind, Mitchell
International launches DriverFirst initiative
International Truck has launched a company-wide initiative, DriverFirst, aimed at giving its customers an edge in attracting and retaining qualified drivers through vehicles designed with a strong emphasis on the driver’s perspective. “Today, for our customers, uptime means more than having trucks that are built to stay on the road,” said Denny Mooney, the company’s
Schneider’s investment in safety technology pays dividends
Take one look at the numbers and it’s easy to see why Tom DiSalvi, vice president of safety and loss prevention at Schneider, says the company’s first core value is “safety first and always.” Every day, he notes, the truckload, logistics and intermodal services provider’s fleet of 10,120 tractors travels 8.2 million miles hauling 19,318
Onboard telematics bring new capabilities to light-duty fleets
Telematics solutions are rapidly becoming a growing trend with light-duty fleets, as they begin to require more detailed views of their vehicles to more efficiently manage operations. For an example, just look at this recent announcement by General Motors: GM has launched a new platform specifically designed for small businesses to access key vehicle information
Powertrain integration continues to drive efficiency
In recent years, powertrain integration has become increasingly prevalent. Fleets are focused on operational efficiency, and what could be more efficient than each major powertrain component working in concert? Today, nearly every OEM offers its own proprietary powertrain combination—Freightliner and Western Star sport Daimler’s Detroit engine, transmission and axles; Kenworth and Peterbilt are powered by
