Plugging in: All-electric truck activity continues to grow
Along with hybrid and natural gas-powered trucks, activity surrounding all-electric commercial vehicles is gaining momentum on several fronts. CALSTART’s E-Truck Task Force (E-TTF), a sub-group of the Hybrid, Electric and Advanced Truck Users Forum (HTUF), is moving ahead with efforts to promote incentives for electric trucks and has published a white paper on how to structure voucher programs. Additionally, at the NAFA Institute and Expo this year, CALSTART held training sessions on life cycle cost assessment of electric trucks and is holding regional fleet workshops on the subject.
Understanding retreads
With more than 85% of commercial fleets retreading their truck tires multiple times and a typical retread costing approximately one-third to one-half the price of a new tire when you supply your own casing, it is obviously in a fleet’s best bottom line interest to maximize the number of retreads for each and every tire casing. The casing is clearly a valuable asset.
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.
SmartWay spec’ing update: The heavy-duty industry’s push for efficiency
It has been nine years since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the SmartWay program aimed at reducing transportation emissions by creating incentives to improve supply chain fuel efficiency. To give you some perspective, in 2004, George W. Bush defeated John Kerry in the presidential election and Fleet Equipment’s then-editor Tom Gelinas urged fleet managers to invest in technology such as rear obstacle sensing systems and auxiliary heating and cooling technology designed to eliminate the need for idling for interior climate control. So how far has the heavy-duty truck industry come?
Extending battery life cycles
A proactive approach to battery maintenance can extend battery life, improve battery performance, reduce maintenance costs and drastically reduce the money spent on new batteries and old battery disposal.
Omnitracs Vehicle Maintenance App available on Mobile Computing Platform 50
Omnitracs Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc., a provider of integrated wireless systems, applications and services to transportation and logistics companies, announced the availability of its Vehicle Maintenance application on the Mobile Computing Platform 50 (MCP50). Vehicle Maintenance captures important engine and vehicle diagnostic information and sends it to drivers and fleet managers so that service can be proactively scheduled to reduce repair costs.
Drivewyze offers free PreClear Weigh Station Bypass Service trial
A new version of the Drivewyze PreClear weigh station bypass and e-screening system that includes a 60-day free trial period is being made available by the company. PreClear 2.0 offers drivers and fleets the ability to download Drivewyze PreClear and try it free for 60 days. The PreClear 2.0 App is available from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablets.
PeopleNet launch and evolution of Precision Mobility Platform
PeopleNet, a provider of fleet mobility solutions that aim to reduce cost per mile, improve safety and compliance and enable profitable fleet growth, announced the evolution and launch of its Precision Mobility Platform that combines the latest in fleet mobility solutions with precision analytics that will enable fleets to optimize their resources for profitable growth.
EFS launches new upgraded interactive interface with McLeod Software
Electronic Funds Source LLC (EFS), a provider of customized corporate payment solutions announced the launch of its new upgraded interactive interface with McLeod Software’s LoadMaster Enterprise dispatch software. The new interactive interface allows EFS customers who use McLeod’s LoadMaster dispatch software to now seamlessly manage and better control their fleets using LoadMaster’s screens and system.
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?