A diverse offering: Western Star sharpens its vocational focus
In addition to her duties as Western Star’s president, Kelley Platt is also the chief diversity officer for Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). It’s a position that urges the company to reach out beyond the normal channels one would think to pull from when hiring and promoting. “Daimler Trucks North America, as a company, wants
SelecTrucks reintroduces fair market value leasing program
SelecTrucks has reintroduced its manufacturer-backed fair market value leasing program, SelectLease. According to SelecTrucks, participating fleets will benefit from monthly payments, zero to low down payment options, flexible lease terms ranging from 24 to 36 months, reduced ownership risk, and 60-Day Buyer’s Assurance included at no extra cost, SelecTrucks stated in a press release. The
Fleet Equipment’s 2016 Truck Equipment Trend of the Year
This past year saw the introduction of new trucks, new proprietary integrated powertrain equipment—including the introduction of 2017 engines—and a huge leap forward in terms of truck technology and telematics. Yet the biggest equipment talking point this year was the piece of the equipment productivity puzzle that has the largest direct impact on the truck’s
How integrated powertrains bring out the best in trucks
With more integrated powertrain choices than ever, Fleet Equipment dived into the offerings to give you the lowdown on what’s out there, what’s new for 2017, and how it all works together. How it works Let’s get right into the specifics of integrated powertrains—how do engines “talk” to transmissions that are part of the integrated
From theory to reality: How soon will tomorrow’s trucks incorporate SuperTruck technologies?
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) introduced the SuperTruck program, the aim of which was to develop tractor-trailers that by 2015 were 50% more efficient than the 2009 baseline models. Enlisted for the project were four major truck OEMs: Daimler, Peterbilt (working with Cummins), Volvo and International. Now, these four OEMs are back
Continental invests a majority stake in Zonar
Continental has announced that it has acquired a majority stake in fleet management technology provider Zonar. The contract has been signed but remains subject to final approval of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Justice. Zonar, headquartered in Seattle, Wash., employs a staff of more than 300. With the investment in Zonar by Continental, the
Tumbling down the truck data rabbit hole: The realities, possibilities and dangers of trucking’s datafication
Let me tell you why you’re here. You’re here because you know something. You see how data and telematics technology is re-shaping the trucking industry. ECU info streams off of your trucks as they roll productively down the road, as does the location data from your smartphone as you drive into the office and take
Detroit partners with AT&T, Microsoft on connected solutions
Detroit Diesel Corp., a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), has announced collaborations with AT&T and Microsoft Corp. to deliver enhancements to its Detroit Connect suite of connected vehicle services. AT&T will provide Internet of Things connectivity for the new Detroit Connect Truck Data Center platform. The platform, made specifically for the new Freightliner Cascadia,
How remote diagnostics stay on top of service issues
While OEMs will share their proprietary service data through Right to Repair, they have also continued to develop their respective remote diagnostics offerings to better diagnose a truck’s problems. In fact, Remote diagnostic systems are now offered in some form by all the major truck and engine OEMs. These systems collect diagnostic data on the
API FA-4 oil backward compatibility update from Detroit, real-world fleet findings
Fleet Equipment‘s talked a lot about engine oil recently—and with good reason. After all, new engine oil categories (FA-4 and CK-4) will be in place on Dec. 1, and there is no shortage of questions: Which oils are compatible with which engines? How will this impact fuel efficiency? How will older engines benefit from these new oils? These and
The challenge of reducing service wait times
Uptime is everything to a fleet. The most important thing for an individual truck’s profitability is the amount of time it spends on the road, running its route and doing its job. When the truck needs service, it needs to be done right, but expedience is also key—fleets don’t want that asset out of commission
Meritor WABCO receives award from Daimler
Meritor WABCO has received the 2015 Masters of Quality supplier award from Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). The award recognizes outstanding suppliers that have received high scores on their quality, delivery, technology and cost performance as measured on a balanced scorecard basis. The honored suppliers represent the top-quality providers of components and services for DTNA’s Freightliner
