We know it’s not easy to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories from September focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.
5. The return of industry trade shows
Between ACT Expo and the TMC show, trade shows were out in full swing during the month of September, largely for the first time since early 2020. FE was there to cover them, bringing you the latest takeaways (including a podcast) from ACT Expo, and all the news and highlights (including several developments on the smart trailer front) from TMC in Cleveland.
4. What’s now, and what’s next, for truck ADAS
Over the decade that was the 2010s, one of the most exciting and fastest-growing areas of the trucking industry was the rise of advanced driver assistance systems, which may have started out as the stuff of science fiction but soon became a reality: a truck that, if the circumstances are right, can stop itself to avoid a crash. As we head into the 2020s, adoption rates of ADAS continue to grow, and the newest features continue to be exciting and, much more importantly, potentially life-saving. Trucks on the road, today, can warn drivers about what’s in their blind spot or whether they’ve left their lane, and slow the truck to a full stop from speeds as high as 50 MPH. We’ve come a long way since the days when cruise control was the latest in technology.
For more on what’s new and what’s next in the world of ADAS, read our full story here.
3. Run on Less–Electric shows certain trucking segments are ready to go electric
A real-world study of 13 electric trucks delivering freight across North America has found that if all U.S. and Canadian medium- and heavy-duty trucks became electric, about 100 million metric tons of CO2 would be saved from going into the atmosphere. Known as Run on Less–Electric and run by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) and RMI, the study concluded this week after monitoring the electric trucks for the past three weeks. The trucks followed their regular routes delivering beer, wine, packages, electrical equipment, and more. Read more in our writeup below.
2. This will happen to your trucks if they aren’t upgraded before the 3G sunset
The 3G sunset is near, and that means that fleets need to talk with their telematics providers to ensure their devices are 4G LTE capable. If you aren’t, you’ll have to replace the devices in your trucks. Oftentimes, it’s a simple plug and play device swap, but the process can vary by telematics service provider.
It’s worth the time and effort, because as we just saw, the last thing you need is to lose connectivity to your trucks. This is doubly important since the 2019 ELD Mandate, as your telematics devices could enable your ELDs and if you lose connectivity, then you’re facing potential fines associated with ELD non-compliance and lack of reporting functions.
For more on why you need to act on the upcoming 3G sunset, watch the video below for further telematics insight and advice from Noregon’s Scott Bolt, vice president of product management.
1. Diesel, decarbonization, and the path forward for Cummins
The trucking industry is moving toward greater decarbonization and taking its first steps into electrification that doesn’t depend on fossil fuels, so what does this mean for the world’s largest diesel engine manufacturer?
Cummins President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Rumsey took the time to sit down with FE Editor Jason Morgan for an exclusive interview focused on the future direction of the manufacturing giant. From diesel’s role in a decarbonized future to innovation and technologies that will aim to meet reduced emissions goals in 2030, 2050 and beyond, Rumsey details Cummins’ role in making a positive impact on climate change going forward.
Click the box below to read the story.
