Safety first at Verst: Driver and equipment initiatives at Verst Group Logistics are resulting in impressive safety performance
“When it comes to safety, we are best served by addressing behaviors, focusing on avoiding and preventing risk,” says Christopher Cusick, vice president, transportation at Verst Group Logistics. “We don’t need to spend time teaching drivers how to drive trucks.” Verst Group, headquartered in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati, Ohio, corridor, is taking a multi-faceted approach to
Reducing stopping distances
In order to stop a fully-loaded vehicle in 250 ft., the torque output from the brakes needs to be 30 to 40% higher. Due to weight shift during the stop, the rear brakes are limited by ABS; so the front steer brakes have to do more work. This requires increasing the size of front brakes
Freightliner Custom Chassis showcases bus chassis technologies
The newest version of the S2C commercial bus chassis from Freightliner Custom Chassis (FCCC) can be powered by a 300-HP Cummins ISB 6.7 engine rated at 660 lb./ft. of torque. The S2C chassis is designed for cutaway bus bodies.
Detroit driver training video available
A new driver training video for the Detroit DT12 Automated Manual Transmission has been released by Detroit Diesel Corp. Designed for drivers to watch before they drive a truck equipped with a DT12 for the first time, the video covers functions and features of the transmission such as eCoast and Active Driveline Protection.
Digital Abex air disc brake catalog now available
A new digital catalog featuring the expanded Abex line of replacement air disc brake pads for commercial vehicles is now available from Federal-Mogul.
Two solutions make for more confident operations
Mike Colaccino of SAF-Holland offers two worthwhile operational solutions provided by good technology: “check fifth wheels properly and manage diminishing pay loads smartly.” The increased trailer skirt usage in truckload or long-haul fleets has given rise to the difficulty in ensuring fifth wheels are engaged before a trip’s start. SAF-Holland’s national service manager, Rob Nissen, points out the company’s fifth wheel model FW35 features a lock adjustment yoke shaft that sticks out the front of the fifth wheel casting. This yoke shaft also functions effectively as one of three visual verifications of a proper trailer coupling.
Optimizing drain intervals: There’s money to be saved if oil drain intervals can safely be extended
Of course, it depends and awful lot on exactly what your trucks are doing, but it’s a good bet that you could be changing oil and filters less frequently if you haven’t attempted to optimize the oil change intervals established for your PM schedules. You purchase engine lubricants just as you do with other consumables for your fleet: Fuel, tires, brake linings. You do your best to maximize the use of most consumables, but have you done your best to maximize the life of the engine lubricant you purchase?
Meijer and its suppliers are benefiting from evaluating new vehicles, systems and components
Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., Meijer operates 203 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. The company’s stores are served by a fleet of 170 tractors and more than 2,100 dry freight and refrigerated trailers, including 2010 through 2014 model year Freightliner Cascadia power units and trailers from Vanguard, Utility, Wabash and Great Dane.
Automated, automatic transmissions & integrated powertrains
Delivering fuel to gas stations throughout northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas, Fleet Transit’s fleet of 50 tractors is faced daily with some of the nation’s heaviest stop and go traffic. The company was looking for ways to lower maintenance costs, eliminate driveline problems and increase fuel economy, notes Ken Glover, maintenance supervisor. It also wanted to improve safety and enhance driver recruitment and retention.
Good friction: Replacing air disc brake pads
According to Rick Martin, senior manager of aftermarket training for Meritor, when it comes to purchasing replacement friction material for air disc brakes (ADB), there are some things fleets need to know—the most important of which is buying the same lining material the OEM installed on that vehicle; i.e, replace like for like. “OE brake
