Yokohama celebrates TBR factory opening
Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi celebrated its grand opening of the new TBR tire plant on Oct. 5, 2015. The plant is Yokohama’s fastest build ever—opening just two years after its Sept. 23, 2013, groundbreaking ceremony. “This plant tells our commercial tire partners that Yokohama is committed to this marketplace,” said Takaharu Fushimi, chief executive officer of
Cummins and Eaton: United by efficiency
In the spring of 2013, Cummins and Eaton took their business partnership to the next level by launching their SmartAdvantage Powertrain package that, today, offers the Cummins ISX15 and ISX12 paired with the Eaton Fuller Advantage 10-Speed automated transmission, touting a 3 to 6% increase in fuel economy. It’s paying off for fleet customers that are
Isuzu introduces 2016 13,000-lb. GVWR NPR diesel
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. has introduced its newest model: The 2016 NPR Diesel. The truck features a 13,000-lb. GVWR and a 33.5-in. frame to offer more capability than previously available in an entry-level Isuzu diesel truck, while still providing durability and fuel economy, the company said. “With a 13,000-lb. GVWR, the new NPR Diesel approaches the
Smoot Brothers Transportation: Conquering CSA citations
Smoot Brothers Transportation (SBT) was founded in 1988—with one truck—by Mike and Matt Smoot. In 1991, Kenny Smoot, who is now the vice president, joined his brothers in the company. SBT has since grown to more than 50 trucks and can be seen on highways across the entire continental United States and Canada. The fleet
Heavy-duty truck leasing primer
The ability to lease vehicles adds flexibility, not only because it increases equipment in boom times, but also because it helps fleet control capital investment. With this in mind, Fleet Equipment asked three of the top leasing companies to outline the features and benefits of the programs they offer. Choosing your lease package Joe Gallick,
Understanding the value of retreading
More than 85% of commercial fleets retread. Depending on the specific tread design and tread depth, a retreaded cap/casing generally cost about 50% versus the cost of a new tire. If the fleet supplies the casing and only purchases the tread, the retread is only about 25% the cost of a new tire. There is
Keep the truck running: Fighting parasitic loads
Recruiting and retaining experienced, high-quality drivers is a challenge. The job demands long hours on the road away from family. To keep up with driver demand and support recruitment efforts, many of today’s trucks are decked out with all the latest in technology: GPS; TVs; refrigerators; entertainment systems; you name it. While this is certainly
Can you hack a truck?
By now you’ve probably heard about the Wired Magazine story in which two computer hackers remotely took control of a Jeep that was going 70 MPH down the highway—turning on the music and AC, displaying a picture of the hackers on the navigation screen and eventually killing the engine. Since then, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recalled
Truck tire retreads: Taking advantage of verified SmartWay offerings
“SmartWay verification is becoming an increasingly important designation for retreads as more fleets realize that the use of fuel-efficient retreads can help them control their costs more effectively,” says Brian Buckham, general manager of product marketing for Goodyear Commercial Tire. “By leveraging new tire compounding technology and tread designs, we can continue to make strides
Gearing up for Phase 2 GHG, fuel economy standards
In mid-June, a regulatory proposal for tighter greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fuel economy standards for heavy- and medium-duty trucks was announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The long-anticipated vehicle and engine standards cover all types of trucks, including large pickups, vans and buses, for
