Back to Basics: Truck fuel economy, maintenance strategies to combat supply chain issues, rising fuel cost
Today’s fuel prices have re-introduced a bevy of asset management challenges for fleets that significantly impact the bottom line of every fleet organization. This is especially a concern since fuel is the largest component of total cost of ownership (TCO) for any fleet. While it is challenging to procure new trucks, it’s equally important to
The right heavy-duty truck maintenance practices to protect fuel efficiency
As a fleet manager, I’m sure you feel the pain as diesel prices reach new heights and while there isn’t much that can be done about the total at the pump, taking into consideration the maintenance of your tires, fluids and lubricants can help mitigate the severity of diesel fuel prices. Effective tire maintenance is
Less weight, more strength: How composite spring suspensions apply both benefits
Stronger. Lighter. It’s the dichotomy that nearly all fleets chase when it comes to spec’ing new equipment. This lean, mean spec’ing strategy can boost efficiency and provide equipment longevity. When you think about suspensions for demanding applications, tried-and-true steel spring suspensions spring to mind. (Pun intended.) But what if there was another way–a suspension that
Jacobs highlights Cylinder Deactivation, Active Decompression Technology
Jacobs Vehicle Systems’ newest demonstration truck has begun its 2022/2023 North American Technology Tour.
Case Study: New Cab Climate Solution Greatly Reduces Idling
Wheeler CAT Fleet Manager Scott Cline wanted to reduce the engine idle time racked up by the fleet’s service trucks when technicians were out on jobs. Idle time was averaging 34% across the truck fleet, with some trucks hitting 50% idle time. The numbers were driving up fuel costs and increasing engine maintenance and downtime.
Cummins on Cummins: The Complete Series
It wasn’t just the striking red engines powered by the likes of gasoline, natural gas and, eventually, hydrogen that stood out when Cummins invited a handful of trucking industry editors to its headquarters in Columbus, Indiana. The biggest surprise was how transparent and candid Cummins leadership and segment managers were about engine technology that isn’t
The power density of diesel engines (and its decarbonization impact)
Diesel engines are a contributor to our current climate crisis, but they might also be the short-term solution to decarbonization. After all, if you burn less fuel tomorrow than you did today, you’re decarbonizing and those efforts add up. Cummins is banking on it. The company has an internal goal of reducing Scope 3 absolute
Eight ways to increase fuel efficiency across your fleet
How much are you paying for fuel these days? If you’re a fleet manager or business owner, the answer is probably too much. The price of fuel continues to trend up compared to this week a year ago – just one of many challenges facing fleet managers. Fortunately, fleet managers have many ways to put
How to relieve pain at the diesel pump right now
Diesel prices are soaring with no sign of slowing down. The increased cost hits your fleet’s bottom line hard. Here’s what you can do about it: start by spec’ing the right truck features to make sure every drop of diesel goes as far as it can. Mack Trucks on-highway Class 8 Mack Anthem® offers a
International pulls the sheet off of its S13 integrated powertrain
At a press event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, International introduced its S13 integrated powertrain. Developed in collaboration with the TRATON Group, the S13 integrated powertrain was created from a clean sheet design and consists of three distinct components–an engine, a transmission and an aftertreatment system–all designed and developed concurrently to ensure maximized compatibility
How ClearFlame is modifying diesel trucks to run on ethanol to boost efficiency, curb emissions
The trucking industry is too complex to have a one size fits all solution when it comes to decarbonization. Electrification makes sense when a truck is revving on a port all-day or gas prices rise. But on the other hand, it’s hard to beat the diesel range and its reliability. Sustainability has become an increasing
The need for speed (and fuel efficiency): Minimizing powertrain choice tradeoffs
The powertrain trade-off has always been: When do you want your fuel efficiency? Or more accurately: At what speeds? With increasing fast axle ratios enabled by downspeeding, there has always been talk of the operational “sweet spot”–that magical RPM, MPH balance that wasn’t burning too much fuel, but wasn’t underpowered. Just right. The reality is
