After putting five tractors to the test, Blacklidge Emulsion opts for the fuel efficiency winner
“Trucking isn’t our core business,” says Paul Johnson, director of logistics for Blacklidge Emulsions, “but it’s definitely an essential part of our operation. As a key part of the cost of serving our customers, we are focused on managing our fleet as cost effectively as possible.” Based in Gulfport, Miss., Blacklidge Emulsions is a second
Integrated powertrains maximize fuel efficiency
“Traditionally, there has been an understanding in the industry that excellent drivers develop skill sets to operate equipment in a way that generates good fuel mileage,” says Mario Sanchez, technical sales support director at Cummins. “Even the best drivers are not consistent all the time, however, and as fleets continue to struggle to retain and
Woody Bogler Trucking Co. takes a multi-faceted approach to improving fuel efficiency
Tracy Bogler describes his company’s philosophy: “The management of Woody Bogler Trucking Co. believes that we should maintain a continuous cycle of improvement,” says the carrier’s president. “Our longevity has given us the experience to understand that change is the only constant in trucking. We understand that we must embrace change in order to provide
Route planning for fuel efficiency
“Behind every brown package delivery vehicle is a strategy to economize fuel use,” reports UPS on its corporate website. “Our fleet strategy is making the best of today’s transportation technology through careful route planning that avoids unnecessary driving and saves fuel.” Careful route planning is fundamental to the way UPS does business, an essential element
Meritor adds two new axle ratios aimed at improving fuel efficiency
Meritor Inc. is adding optimized axle ratios to its proven 14X rear-drive axle portfolio. Meritor’s 14X tandem drive axles with a 2.79 ratio will be available for production in June and a 2.85 ratio will be ready later this summer. When used in combination with the Cummins and Eaton SmartAdvantage Powertrain, the new axle ratios will
Shell Rotella demonstrates low-viscosity oil fuel efficiency, durability with engine teardown
Dan Arcy, global OEM technical manager for Shell Global Solutions U.S. Inc., updated media at the company’s Shell Rotella engine teardown event in Greensboro, N.C. The oil category, PC-11, has been in development for two years; the category has been driven by demand to meet federal greenhouse gas emissions regulations that will go in effect
Reducing truck and trailer drag, increasing fuel efficiency
Fleet managers are well aware that aerodynamic drag (wind resistance) accounts for most truck energy losses at highway speeds. Reducing drag improves fuel efficiency. The longer the drive and the higher the speed, the greater the potential efficiency benefits become. Over the past two decades, manufacturers have made significant progress in reducing the drag coefficient
Volvo focuses on engine fuel efficiency at MATS 2014
Volvo Trucks announced its Greenhouse Gas 2014- certified engines are providing greater fuel efficiency than anticipated. The integrated engines are delivering up to a 3% fuel efficiency improvement compared with their 2013 counterparts. “We remain focused on ensuring that the ongoing phases of engine and vehicle regulations do not burden our customers, but instead create
Eaton supports next gen. medium-, heavy-duty vehicle fuel efficiency standards
Power management company Eaton announced its support of new deadlines on national fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including 18-wheelers, sanitation trucks, buses, and other large vehicles, as it works to inform regulators as they develop national fuel-saving rules. Feb. 18’s announcement by President Barack Obama calls for the
Extreme flexibility: Western Star 4900 FE offers versatility, durability, fuel efficiency
The Western Star 4900 series truck is a model for multiple applications, from trucks and tractors in a variety of vocational configurations to the more aerodynamic on highway tractor model. According to, Guy Lemieux, marketing segment manager Western Star Trucks Inc., “The 4900 base model is like a ‘Swiss Army knife,’ it provides total versatile
