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
The government and alternative energy
Isn’t it wonderful that we have both state and federal governments to do our thinking for us? I don’t know what I’d do without their help, but I would certainly like to find out. The Federal Department of Energy (DOE) recently released its second Quadrennial Technology Review. Amongst the political babble about how we are
Kenworth dealers expand customer support through new facilities, extended hours
Kenworth dealers have invested nearly $500 million in new and relocated facilities in the past five years, according to Jason Skoog, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing, “And that is reflected in a 20 percent growth rate for dealership locations,” he said. “We now offer over 360 locations in the United States and
Five truck trend takeaways from October
A look at the five biggest takeaways from the month of October in the world of heavy-duty trucks.
SmartDrive introduces the video-based safety SmartChoice Program
SmartDrive Systems, a provider of driving performance solutions that aim to reduce collisions and improve fuel efficiency, announced the SmartDrive SmartChoice Program, a new video-based safety program that provides fleets the freedom to choose the level of video protection that best aligns with their specific business priorities and needs. The company hopes to provide flexibility in video-based
Winter is coming: Is your fleet prepared?
It may not be something that everyone (OK, anyone) wants to think about, but the fact remains that winter is on its way. Everyone needs to be prepared for what’s ahead, and that includes fleets. It’s the harshest season for trucks, which face issues from the brakes freezing to the products being hauled in trailers
Logging in: The ins and outs of the ELD mandate
The long-awaited final rule on Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) is expected to be published by the end of October. The rule has been undergoing review by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) since late July. Approval from the OMB is the last step before a final ELD rule can be published. We
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
Rear View Safety releases Driver Fatigue Monitoring System
Rear View Safety, makers of backup camera systems and technology, have released the MR688 Driver Fatigue Monitoring System to the market. The product, which is designed to alert a driver to situations where driver fatigue and other dangers are likely to occur, is already in use in the oil, mining and gas industry in Indonesia. According to the
Axle-specific trailer tires are likely to change
You’ve heard the old saying: “The only constant is change.” That has certainly been typical of our industry. Witness trailer skirts, new lube oil formulations and DEF tanks, and, of course, escalating equipment costs for these new complexities. Every so often, it’s refreshing to see an innovation that has a realistic promise of a quick
