The latest in OE natural gas offerings
Revised in the fall of 2014, the Heavy-duty Truck and Bus Natural Gas Vehicle Technology Roadmap by the California Hybrid, Efficient and Advanced Truck (CalHEAT) Research Center operated by CALSTART concludes that, “The recent increase in supply of natural gas in the United States along with a highly attractive price point, nearly half that of
Southeastern Freight Lines leverages onboard technology
With all the new onboard technology on trucks these days, one major nationwide carrier has found ways to use the data to effectively track vehicle performance and scheduling maintenance using information from the systems. According to Kerry Stritt, vice president of fleet services, Southeastern Freight Lines (SEFL): “We have been utilizing the PeopleNet system to
Investing in aerodynamics to improve fuel efficiency
Wind resistance is a total drag—literally. Wind resistance is one of the top forces working against the truck as it runs down the road. (The other factors being: grade resistance; tire rolling resistance; and engine accessory and/or drivetrain losses, according to Cummins MPG Guide: “Secrets of better fuel economy”.) Did you know that every 2%
Shell Rotella introduces nitrite-free extended life coolant
Shell Lubricants expanded its portfolio with the introduction of Shell Rotella Extended Life Coolant – Nitrite Free (ELC NF). The new coolant joins the Shell Rotella coolant portfolio as the companion to Shell Rotella Ultra ELC. Both products are designed to meet the requirements of a growing segment of commercial vehicles that are moving to
Derive Systems updates software to be compatible with Ford Transit
Derive Systems announced that their engine calibration software now works with the 2015 Ford Transit 3.7-liter and 3.5-liter. This new coverage allows commercial fleets using the Ford Transit full-size van to maximize savings and safety, said Derive Systems. “Businesses select the Ford Transit because their fleets require a highly customizable vehicle,” said Tom Kanewske, senior
Mountain River Trucking makes every mile count
From its single location in Mt. Airy, N.C., Mountain River Trucking hauls truckload (TL) to less-than-truckload (LTL) general freight and high-value loads, primarily food and pharmaceuticals, coast-to-coast to Oregon, Washington and California, hauling 250,000 miles annually. It’s the combination of these high-value loads and long, cross-nation drives that has Mountain River focusing on two things
Getting the most out of your engine oil filter
Engines have evolved. Today’s diesel engines are more complex and efficient than ever before. With great evolution comes great components, and engine lubrication filtration has kept pace with engine technology. “Engine technology has evolved over the years, especially since the introduction of selective catalytic reduction [SCR]. The SCR system allows for more efficient combustion, a
Oil filter maintenance do’s and don’ts
After talking with our cast of oil filter experts, including: Russ Bretell, training and technical sales manager for Cummins Filtration; John Gaither, director of heavy-duty design engineering for Luber-finer; Edward Covington, vice president of global quality for Wix Filters; and Veli Kalayci, manager of engine liquid products for Donaldson, we compiled the biggest “do’s and don’ts”
Freightliner announces new medium-duty truck options
Freightliner Trucks highlighted its new option packages that are now available to order for its Class 6/7 M2 106. “We know our medium-duty customers want options that enhance productivity, efficiency and driver recruitment, and we are delivering smart solutions on all levels,” said Mary Aufdemberg, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. “We are committed to helping
Seven tips to improve fuel efficiency
Fuel cost is one of the biggest challenges fleet managers face, according to fleet management company Omnitracs. In its recently published infographic “Don’t Be Fuelish: The Ultimate Guide to Lowering Fleet Fuel Costs”, Omnitracs offered seven tips and tricks to improve fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs. The infographic references data from the EPA, Cummins,