Applying the brakes: Ensuring the future of truck safety
Advanced safety systems that employ radar- and camera-based technologies that enable adaptive cruise control and even autonomous truck operation rely heavily on one specific component—the brakes. The safety of these futuristic collision mitigation systems rests squarely on proper brake application, operation and maintenance. “It’s important to keep in mind that advances in collision mitigation technology
Easing ELD concerns
While the implementation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s electronic logging device (ELD) rules will usher in significant changes for our industry, there are many potential benefits. Despite the startup costs and learning curves, fleets may be poised to see significant improvements. “As fleets adopt various solutions, one of the biggest areas of concern
Sparking electric-powered powertrain adoption
Despite currently record-low fuel prices, emissions, anti-idling and noise regulations are driving medium-duty fleets to consider alternative fuels for their transportation needs. In particular, for operations with local multi-stop routes covering less than 100 miles a day, interest continues to grow in electric-powered delivery and work trucks. According to Motiv Power Systems, approximately one-third of the
Diagnosing parasitic loads
With increasing electronic controls in modern trucks, parasitic loads are becoming a larger concern for today’s fleets, especially in fleets where vehicles may be parked for long periods of time. With so many electrical circuits in these vehicles, any one of them may be a culprit, making diagnosing a bit like looking for a needle
Five truck trend takeaways from February
We know it’s tough to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place. 1. Fleet Equipment dives into medium-duty Medium-duty trucks are application-specific productivity machines. February was their time to shine in the pages of Fleet Equipment. From engines
Continental highlights VDO RoadLog thermal printer
Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket highlights the thermal printer built into all VDO RoadLog ELDs and ELD Plus units, which will eliminate the possible need to dismount the ELD and hand the device to an inspection officer outside of the cab, according to the company. According to Alexis Capelle, Continental Corp.’s ELD program manager: “Having
Update: OEM alternative fuel offerings
Over the years, we have been witness to the ebb and flow of alternative fuels for on-highway vehicles, which has been driven the price and/or availability of oil. Typically, fleet applications drive the choice for specific alternative fuels. We asked truck original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) about the current alternative fuel trends and demands, and where fleets
Exceptional medium-duty truck resources
Today’s medium-duty OEMs point out that, manufacturers, truck dealers and body builders have exceptional resources available to help fleets customize specs, and have programs for sharing ideas and information to make sure chassis and bodies are right for a particular application. Included are body builder manuals and other reference materials that contain important details about
Proper power: Medium-duty engines designed for medium-duty trucks
The medium-duty engine market continues to evolve and expand. By the end of this year, new Detroit DD5 and DD8 engines will be offered as part of the Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) product lineup. The Detroit DD5 medium-duty engine will be offered first, initially on 2016 Freightliner M2 models. Those engines will be built at first in
Continental to build new plant in Mississippi
Continental Commercial Vehicle Tires has selected a site in Mississippi for a new plant, and has reached an agreement with the state of Mississippi to purchase a site for the construction of a commercial vehicle tire plant. Continental has committed for a long term investment totaling approximately $1.4 billion and employing 2,500 people when the plant reaches
