NGV Conference & Expo slated for November 18–21
NGVAmerica will host the 2013 North American NGV Conference & Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 18-21. The 2013 event also marks the return of an exposition featuring the full breadth of light-, medium and heavy-duty vehicles from OEM and retrofit system suppliers, fuel station equipment and services providers.
MFTA reminds fleets about work truck purchase tax expenses
Businesses may be able to expense up to $500,000 in tax year 2013 for certain capital expenditures, including commercial work truck purchases, notes Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America. For qualifying equipment placed in service in a business’s tax year beginning in 2013, the limit is $500,000. For tax years beginning in 2014 the deduction for IRC-179 property is currently scheduled to revert to $25,000.
Kenworth launches 2013 Road Tour
Trailer exhibits, the new Kenworth T880 vocational model and the Kenworth T680 on-highway model with a new mid-roof 52-in. sleeper will be featured on the 2013 Kenworth Road Tour at 34 dealerships across the U.S. and Canada.
XTRA Lease adds free tracking to long-term leased trailers
Now standard on newly-leased dry vans and late model reefers from XTRA Lease at no charge is a basic trailer tracking service. The service enables users to view current and historical trailer locations, drill into dormancy and utilization information, and receive reports on the latest location and dormancy data.
Daimler Trucks North America unveils corporate headquarters plan
A long-term commitment to Portland, Ore., is being made by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), which announced plans to construct a new headquarters building and parking garage on its Swan Island campus. In addition, DTNA launched its Daimler Education in Motion program.
Test a trailer without the truck: The Light Ranger MUTT
Innovative Products of America proudly announces the Light Ranger Mobile Universal Trailer Tester (MUTT), a light and electric brake tester for Utility and RV type trailers. The Light Ranger MUTT ensures a trailer’s electrical wiring is working properly and adheres to inspection standards before use.
EFS upgrades real-time interface with TMW Systems Innovative software
Electronic Funds Source LLC (EFS) announced the launch of a significant new upgrade to its real-time interactive interface with Innovative transportation management software from TMW Systems. This announcement is the latest of many new interface enhancements between EFS and TMW.
Rotary Lifts recertified to new standard
Every Rotary Lift vehicle lift model currently certified by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) has been recertified to meet the newest ANSI standard covering lift design, construction and testing in North America (ANSI/ALI ALCTV-2011). The new standard updates ANSI/ALI ALCTV-2006.
Planning ahead for year-end TRU purchases
Decision time is getting close for refrigerated fleet operators who transport fresh or frozen cargo on California roads. Under current California Air Resources Board (CARB) environmental standards, operators must replace or upgrade transportation refrigeration unit (TRU) engines every seven years. That changes on Jan. 1, 2014.
DEF & fuel economy: Fleets surveyed
With the introduction of 2010 EPA-compliant diesel engines, which included selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) has become a mandatory commodity for all fleet managers running these engines. Many of those fleets still have questions about how it impacts day-to-day operations. In an August 2013 online survey of the trucking industry, PEAK Commercial & Industrial, the makers of BlueDEF, found that the top concern of those surveyed was how DEF with SCR technology impact overall fuel economy.