Top Green Shop candidates sought
The Citgo/Fleet Equipment Top Green Shop contest is in full swing. We’ve been receiving entries from fleets around the country who have detailed the steps they have taken to build a “green” shop. There is still time to send in your application. It’s easy, just fill out the form on page 39 of this issue
Trucking fleet achieves solid savings
Equipment and maintenance programs are ensuring that Abilene Motor Express is cutting costs and remaining highly productive and efficient.
Spec’ing for operational advantages: hybrid trucks
Building a business case for alternative powertrains in on-highway Class 8 commercial vehicles is a complex task. Along with potential fuel saving benefits, the return on investment equation must also take into consideration total cost of ownership, productivity, safety and cargo capacity, among other factors. Working toward that goal, and using its expertise as a
WABCO air disc brakes available on Meritor trailer suspensions
Meritor WABCO’s single piston PAN 22 Series air disc brake is now available on three Meritor trailer suspensions. With the new Meritor integrated weld on the axle’s torque plate, an aluminum hub, flat style rotor and axle ratings up to 23,000 lbs., the air disc brake model has become one of the lightest disc brake packages available today. At 79 lbs. including pads, the PAN 22 weighs less than any other air disc brake in its class, according to the company.
Bold moves
Celadon Trucking Services is taking several steps to position itself successfully for the future.
Tire cage safety regulations
Truck tire service, especially the inflation process, can be dangerous or even fatal if not performed according to proper procedures. Due to the number of accidents associated with tire inflation, OSHA now mandates that all truck tires be inflated in an acceptable restraining device. The requirements for safety cages are spelled out in OSHA standards,
Ken-Tool releases Valve Breaker tool
The new Valve Breaker from Ken-Tool is designed to quickly remove valve stems from demounted wheels. The tool incorporates a slide ram design to drive a heat-treated punch into the valve stem seat to easily pop the valve stem out of the rim after the wheel has been demounted, allowing the service technician to quickly remove the stem with the wheel on the floor.
Blue Cobra truck tire demount tool released by Ken-Tool
Ken-Tool’s new Blue Cobra truck tire demount tool is designed to service 20-, 22.5- and 24.5-in. rims mounted with tube or tubeless style wheels up to 13-in. wide. The tool is made from premium grade steel and features an ergonomic design that reduces service technician back strain and cuts down the time needed to demount the tire, the company said.
Spec’ing for operational advantages: lightweight components
Tractor and trailer component manufacturers are finding ways to reduce weight without sacrificing strength and durability
Salvation Army has fleet strategy
Overhauling its fleet operation, The Salvation Army is fielding a new fleet of trucks and adopting a new approach to vehicle maintenance