TMC releases reports on aerodynamic fuel savings, electromechanical brakes
The American Trucking Associations Technology & Maintenance Council, in conjunction with FPInnovations’ PIT Group, released a pair of reports detailing the effectiveness of the council’s aerodynamic fuel savings calculator and investigating electromechanical brakes for tractor trailers. In its evaluation of TMC’s Interactive Aerodynamic Fuel Savings Calculator, PIT Group assessed a proposed update to the calculator,
FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit to be available as factory-installed option on Volvo trucks
Volvo Trucks introduces the FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit, which includes a system of wheel covers and fairings designed for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, as a factory-installed option in Q2 2020.
FlowBelow Drive Wheel Fairing system on International trucks
FlowBelow Aero Inc., a Tier 1 supplier of patented aerodynamic products, announced a new Custom Drive Wheel Fairing system that will be available on the 2020 International LT Series MPG Package. Navistar and FlowBelow jointly developed the system, which will be available in two different configurations (standard and enhanced aero). This announcement was made at
Mack Trucks extended chassis fairings boost Anthem fuel efficiency
Mack Trucks aims to further increase the Mack Anthem model’s fuel efficiency with the addition of an all-new extended chassis fairing option. Integrated into the Anthem model’s existing fairings, the new option directs air more smoothly around the rear axles to improve fuel efficiency by up to 0.5%, according to the OEM.
Fuel-saving equipment continues to pay off
As diesel prices stabilized around $3 per gallon last year and the driver shortage started to show its full impact on the industry, operational costs have trended toward increasing wages and bonuses to attract qualified drivers. The driver shortage continues to be the top-ranked issue in American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) Top Industry Issues report.
Utility introduces new aerodynamic device
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. has introduced the Utility Aerodynamic Tail (UAT). When paired with low rolling resistant tires and configured on a Utility dry van or reefer, the combination of the Utility-designed Aerodynamic Tail and Side Skirt are designed to reduce fuel use and aerodynamic drag, the company says. The Utility Aerodynamic Tail was engineered
Deflecktor introduces locking aerodynamic wheel cover feature
Deflecktor announced a new locking feature for its Hardspot aerodynamic wheel cover, a system that was introduced last Fall for tractors and can now be mounted to trailers. The locking feature utilizes a key that is used to lock and unlock the wheel cover and production of the locking Hardspot is currently underway. “Fear of
FlowBelow Trailer AeroSlider aerodynamic system now EPA SmartWay verified
FlowBelow Aero Inc., a Tier 1 supplier of aerodynamic products, announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has verified its new Trailer AeroSlider Stage 2 system for the EPA SmartWay program. The Trailer AeroSlider Stage 2 system was developed using computational fluid dynamics and rolling-floor wind tunnel testing, FlowBelow reported. It was recently validated
The Starship has landed: Shell, AirFlow Truck Co. debut energy-efficient Class 8 concept truck
Shell and AirFlow Truck Co. have designed and built a hyper-fuel-efficient Class 8 concept truck capable of reducing the energy usage associated with the transportation of goods. This next-generation concept truck, called the Starship Project, uses technologies that are currently available today to minimize the amount of energy it takes to transport a load of
FlowBelow tractor, trailer aerodynamic solutions now available at International, Strick Trailers
FlowBelow Aero Inc., a Tier 1 supplier of tractor-mounted aerodynamic products, made two announcements during the 2018 Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibit taking place this week in Atlanta. First, FlowBelow stated that its Quick-Release wheel covers and tractor AeroKit system will be offered as optional equipment on all International LT
Michelin introduces aerodynamic trailer solution, new all-weather drive tire
Michelin North America launched a SmartWay-verified aerodynamic trailer solution kit. The Michelin Energy Guard is for use on 53-ft dry-van truck load, refrigerated truck load and other long-haul and super-regional applications. In addition, Michelin Americas Truck Tires is introducing the Michelin X One Line Grip D drive tire for fleets looking to maximize driver confidence
Fuel economy improvement ideas
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