The latest innovations in tractor tire inflation
All indicators lead in the same direction. A 2013 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that under-inflation is the leading cause of tire failure. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) cites defective tires as a leading factor in crashes involving commercial vehicles. A 2010 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) report
Fuel efficiency options: Looking to application to inform your specs
“With the cost of equipment today, typically one of the first questions raised by our full service lease customers is about fuel efficient specifications,” says Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning at Penske Truck Leasing. “Customers always weigh the idea of whether or not a spec is the right fit for
Bridging the gap: Connecting trucks and facilities
“If your trucks are wireless, your facilities should be too.” That statement by Deryk Powell, president and chief operating officer of Velociti, is a reflection of the ongoing and rapid growth in connectivity throughout the transportation industry. Velociti is a global provider of technology deployment services, specializing in the installation and service of a broad
Sharp Transport becomes first carrier to earn the SmartWay Elite Trailer designation
Sharp Transport Inc. has become the first carrier in the United States verified by the EPA to earn the SmartWay Elite Trailer designation. Outfitted with low rolling resistance tires, side skirts and the Stemco TrailerTail, the Etheridge, Tenn.-based Sharp Transport’s trailers are equipped to achieve more than 10% fuel savings. The SmartWay Elite trailer designationis given
Five reasons application matters when spec’ing wheel ends, wheels
Let’s take a step back from the focus on efficiency and talk about application. Sure, getting the most out of your truck is important, but if you aren’t putting just as much consideration into the impact your application has on your equipment, then you’re potentially setting yourself up for maintenance issues that could cost more
Protecting tire PSI: Adding TPMS, ATIS, TiS helps protect your investment
Fleet managers are well aware of the importance of proper tire inflation to protect tires. Many are earlier adopters of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and/or automatic tire inflation systems (ATIS or TIS). Choosing the right systems for each application is important part of protecting your investment, but which one to choose? Picking the right
Great Dane showcases all aluminum flatbed trailer
Great Dane provided visitors with an interactive and informative experience designed to showcase the company’s latest advances in trailer technology, performance and customer support at the 2015 Mid-America Trucking Show. Great Dane’s 2015 MATS display allowed visitors to experience the company’s latest equipment first hand, including the first public showing of the company’s all aluminum
Investing in aerodynamics to improve fuel efficiency
Wind resistance is a total drag—literally. Wind resistance is one of the top forces working against the truck as it runs down the road. (The other factors being: grade resistance; tire rolling resistance; and engine accessory and/or drivetrain losses, according to Cummins MPG Guide: “Secrets of better fuel economy”.) Did you know that every 2%
Top brake questions, answered
The No. 1 job of truck brakes is safety; within that application, there’s more than one way to stop a truck. Drums have been the brake of choice for many trucks, but air disc brakes (ADBs) continue to gain popularity in nearly all heavy-duty on-road applications. “Current [ADB] market penetration is in the 12% to
TPMS systems provide CSA violation prevention benefits
Fleet managers are under increased equipment performance pressure, not the least of which comes from ensuring that their trucks on the road meet all CSA standards. Violations can quickly add up, and improperly inflated tires—especially flat and blown tires—can be a red flag for enforcement officers. That’s where tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), as well
