Hands on: Peterbilt 579 next generation truck
For fleet managers, the experience of a truck can be seen on the P&L—you want your fuel costs to go down and your profitability to go up. For the drivers, it’s all about the feeling behind the wheel. OEMs have the unenviable task of creating a top-notch experience for both. On paper, the next-gen Peterbilt
What’s in it for fleets spec’ing the latest in driver comfort options?
How can fleets measure the value of driver comfort options? According to truck manufacturers, it starts by listening to your drivers and measuring the impact of your choices on recruitment efforts and retention success. “Quantitatively, fleets can measure the impact of comfort and convenience items through metrics like driver retention, driver health and recruiting efforts,”
Mack Command Steer for Mack Granite models now in production
Mack Command Steer, Mack’s active steering system that reduces driver fatigue, is now in production in Mack Granite axle back models. Produced at Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO) facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania, where all Mack Class 8 models for North America and export are assembled, the company says Mack Granite models with Command Steer help
Driver retention: The little things make a big difference
As of early December 2020, GDP data indicates that the Goods Transport sector has recovered fully since the initial pandemic-induced slowdown in the spring. In Q3 it grew substantially, impacted by growing consumer spending for goods rather than services during pandemic-related shutdowns and stay-at-home preferences. Consumer spending growth and increasing e-commerce purchases to avoid in-person shopping
Peterbilt unveils the next generation of its Model 579
Peterbilt has unveiled the next generation of its Model 579 truck. Thanks to the new design, Peterbilt touts an up to 7% fuel economy gain on a like-for-like spec basis compared to the current version. Key exterior features of the new 579 include a redesigned stronger Metton hood that is narrower and more resistant to
Tough vocational suspensions that go easy on your drivers
Rolling over rugged off-road terrain, hauling heavy loads and tackling tasks that require your drivers to get in and out of the truck countless times throughout the day are all par for the course in vocational truck applications. It’s hard work tackled by tough equipment, but that doesn’t mean it has to be hard on
Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue: How running a fleet changed in 2020
The annual Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) is proceeding virtually this year, and as always, it was preceded by Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue. One particular Dialogue session featured the thoughts of several fleets, who shared their experiences in 2020 on topics ranging from e-commerce and parts ordering to in-house vs. outsourced service to general lessons
How the right driver workflow lets your drivers get to driving
Recording load and route data, checking in with dispatch, logging hours of service (HOS) (the FMCSA Final Rule change just took effect in September) … given the choice, drivers would rather be, well, driving.
Pro driver workflow tips from the telematics pros
Addressing a proper work-life balance, recognition and opportunities for training are important in any industry for keeping employees satisfied, and in trucking, fleet managers have access to unique tools to keep tabs on these employee satisfaction levels. “Fleet management tools can be customized to collect rich data insights that adapt to the needs of the
The future of driver workflow is open wide
When it comes to driver retention, driver workflow technology is just as important for the fleet manager as it is to the driver. As data-gathering opportunities continue to grow, what can we expect to see from these applications in the future? According to Stephen White, senior business development manager, Class 8 market at Geotab, the
Taking advantage of truck driver safety technology
Truck driver safety and training solutions have grown astronomically this year. With truck drivers being more remote than ever due to the pandemic, an increased focus on safety came with it. Connected telematics alert you to unsafe operation, in-cab cameras let you peer into the situation in and around the truck and training platforms let
What to know before your truck cameras start rolling
You need to set the right tone within your fleet before implementing a video telematics system. Transparency and openness to make a system successful. You have to get your drivers’ buy-in, or at very least head off any Big Brother-like feelings at the pass. You want to be able to share the purpose and plan
