On board filters making the grade
On board filters – air, fuel, water, lubricant – are the last lines, indeed, in many cases the only lines, of defense against fluid-borne engine problems. And, with the introduction of 2007 emissions technology, a major line of defense against environmental contamination.
Trailer Productivity: Corrosion Control
Durability. Cost. Image. Three main factors in fleet decisions about trailer specifications that are directly affected by a common enemy – corrosion. From the roofline to structural members, suspensions, axles, landing gear and upper-couplers, constant bombardment by moisture and debris – as well as exposure to road salts and other de-icing materials – makes specifying trailers for corrosion protection of utmost concern to fleet managers. Equally aware of the challenge are trailer, system and component manufacturers, who are addressing the problems caused by corrosion with new technologies and processes.
Eaton introduces fuller ultrashift transmission
Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corp. introduced the Fuller UltraShift LEP (Linehaul Efficient Performance), the newest addition to the UltraShift family of automated transmissions along with two product extensions of the UltraShift LST (Linehaul Standard): the UltraShift LST Overdrive Multi-Torque and the UltraShift LST Direct Drive Multi-Torque.
Equipment Technology – Stretching Tire $$$
After fuel, tires are a fleet’s largest expenditure. Yet so many fleets tend to under-budget and under-manage this cost center. In fact, many fleets still treat tire management as an entry-level position and appoint the newest and least-experienced technicians to handle these expensive assets.
Spec’ing for Safety Rear-Vision Technologies
Backing accidents are quite common, according to David Money, technical director, transportation services, at Liberty Mutual Group’s Research Institute for Safety. “They account for 15 percent of all commercial motor vehicle accidents,” he says, “and while less expensive than other types of accidents because they generally happen at slow speeds, their frequency and the potential for serious consequences make it imperative to provide drivers with the best-possible visibility when backing.”
Paying off
Under the direction of George Survant, a highly effective fleet services operation is helping ensure success at Florida Power & Light Co.
Fuel economy: Tires
As record-high fuel prices continue to impact the bottom lines of all types of trucking operations, fleet managers are taking a much closer look at all of the factors that contribute to fuel efficiency.
Cooling Systems: Problems & Solutions
Some while back, Bob Deierlein, our long-time research editor, wrote an article on cooling systems. In that article, he referenced some maintenance records of a large over-the-road fleet, which indicated that a substantial percentage of the fleet’s engine problems could be traced back to the condition of the truck’s cooling system. We published that article more than 20 years ago.
Tracking assets, managing business
The ability and systems to track trailers has been around for about 10 years. During those years, a number of things have occurred that have made trailer-tracking, or asset-tracking, more widely accepted and of greater value in our industry.
Sterling unveils low COE truck
Sterling Truck Corp. unveiled its new low cab-over-engine (COE) truck — the Sterling 360.