Idle Smart announces Android platform with remote management capabilities
Idle Smart has announced that it is offering a new platform based on the Android operating system, complete with remote management capabilities and desktop performance reporting and diagnostics. Idle Smart is in production and expects commercial availability by January 2016. Idle Smart is a software solution, which the company describes as allowing trucking companies to keep fleets of
New Frontier: The changing market of on-highway fleets
The market is changing. Vertical integration has meant fewer choices when spec’ing trailers, but has also in some ways made things more complicated.
The perfect combination: The Zen of creating the optimum downsped engine/axle/drivetrain mix
Most truck engines, today, run at around 1,450 RPM at cruising speed to provide the 200 HP needed at the wheel-end. Engine downspeeding allows the truck to operate consistently in a more efficient range, generally between 1,100 to 1,200 RPM, while maintaining the same 200 HP at the wheel end. As a result, fuel efficiency
An inside look at a Mack manufacturing plant
At the recent inauguration of Mack’s latest product, a new line of axles, Fleet Equipment was given a rare chance to tour a Mack manufacturing plant and share photos. The Hagerstown plant is one of Mack’s foremost producers of equipment; if you are a Mack owner, chances are critical equipment in your truck was made
It’s no accident: Collision mitigation adoption is gaining ground
Advanced safety systems continue to drive into fleets. With major fleets like UPS announcing that they are making collision mitigation systems a standard spec on all Class 8 models going forward, it’s only a matter of time before these safety systems become as commonplace as the seatbelt. The fact is that collision mitigation systems work.
Cummins and Eaton: United by efficiency
In the spring of 2013, Cummins and Eaton took their business partnership to the next level by launching their SmartAdvantage Powertrain package that, today, offers the Cummins ISX15 and ISX12 paired with the Eaton Fuller Advantage 10-Speed automated transmission, touting a 3 to 6% increase in fuel economy. It’s paying off for fleet customers that are
Heavy-duty truck leasing primer
The ability to lease vehicles adds flexibility, not only because it increases equipment in boom times, but also because it helps fleet control capital investment. With this in mind, Fleet Equipment asked three of the top leasing companies to outline the features and benefits of the programs they offer. Choosing your lease package Joe Gallick,
Fuel efficiency options: Looking to application to inform your specs
“With the cost of equipment today, typically one of the first questions raised by our full service lease customers is about fuel efficient specifications,” says Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning at Penske Truck Leasing. “Customers always weigh the idea of whether or not a spec is the right fit for
Five truck trend takeaways from August
1. It’s time to start preparing for GHG Phase 2 “The new standards separate rules for engines and vehicles, an approach that some manufacturers supported while others preferred a single standard. In general, industry reaction was positive.” It’s time to gear up for phase 2 of greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards. The new standards
Allison CEO talks automatic transmissions, expansion into class 8 market
Allison Transmission is one of the biggest names in the automotive industry, but not one that’s often associated with Class 8 trucks. Automatic transmissions like those at Allison simply haven’t had much of a place at the table in a world dominated by manual (and lately, automated manual) transmissions. This is a perception that Allison
