Remote diagnostics, ELDs and the constant evolution of truck telematics
Truck technology continues to evolve, progressing exponentially every day. As more and more data becomes available, fleets are getting better at reading it and using that data to reduce everything from repairs to accidents. And this is only the beginning. One important advancement that is just starting to make its mark is the recent Federal
The added value of remanufactured engines, transmissions and axles
For fleets that are extending trade cycles, and those interested in gaining the highest possible resale value for vehicles being taken out of service, remanufactured components can be cost effective. Recently, with new truck deliveries reaching record levels, the rising number of trades has meant more used trucks on the market, making vehicles with remanufactured
Matchmaking and downspeeding
Choosing an engine, transmission and axles that are specifically matched to work together for optimum performance is a fast emerging trend. When I say “optimum performance,” I mean maximum fuel efficiency with the right horsepower engines, coupled with an automated manual transmission that shifts at exactly the right RPM, and an axle with the best
Fleet profile: Plastic Express drives for efficiency today and tomorrow
Plastics are everywhere. From automotive to construction to simple packaging, plastic products are possessed of a ubiquity almost like no other. Nearly all of the plastic around you has, at some time, been on the back of a truck. Based out of City of Industry, Calif., Plastic Express is an operation that is an almost
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
The secret to fleet success: An interview with Mitsubishi Fuso’s new President, CEO
There’s a clear theme that seems to run through all of the stories in the August issue of Fleet Equipment: From OE partners to maintenance and service providers, it’s the relationships you build that help you navigate the maze of known and unknown equipment issues in your daily fleet duties. That’s true in the medium-duty world
Class 8 used truck prices flat in May
ACT Research Co. released its State of the Industry report on US Class 8 truck sales and prices and found that volumes fell in May but were up over the year, while prices have remained flat. ACT, one of the foremost sources for new and used commercial vehicle (CV) industry data, market analysis and forecasting services
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%
Three ways 6x2s are winning over fleets
Often times, any topic filled with apprehension can be seen in a new light thanks to a bit of old fashion education. There’s no clearer example of that than the growing interest in 6×2 axle configurations from fleets across the country. In the past, fleets had three main concerns with 6×2 axle configurations: 1. Traction;
What’s trucking’s biggest equipment trend?
Without a doubt, the heavy-duty trucking industry took one of its biggest leaps forward in 2014 in terms of getting the latest equipment technologies into fleets and on the road. There was no shortage of efficiency solutions as truck OEs and suppliers showcased everything from downsped engines and integrated powertrains to aerodynamic packages and vehicle connectivity
