Fleet Owner

David Cullen

Executive Editor

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Email david.cullen@penton.com

David Cullen offers his take on how actions taken by government agencies, industry suppliers and other trucking stakeholders impact truck fleet owners.

Articles by David Cullen

How carriers can better link up with shippers

Executives of any size of for-hire or private fleet need not be intimidated by information technology when strategizing on how to best tie into the supply chain to serve even the most demanding shipper of any size.

Unlocking the supply chain

What fleets should know is that there are more than a few ways to skin this particular cat. And above all, they should keep in mind this succinct but rich definition from BusinessDictionary.com of what exactly is supply chain management:

Fleet experiences with 2010 engine performances vary

In terms of both fuel economy and maintenance costs, the experiences of motor carriers running EPA 2010 engines vs. EPA 2007 models is decidedly mixed, according to Transport Capital Partners’ (TCP) First Quarter 2013 Business Expectations Survey.

The survey indicates that over half of the carriers have seen fuel economy improve with the new engines - but almost 40% reported that there has been no change.

New CDL-testing provision may raise eyebrows

One provision of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) recently amended final rule on Commercial Driver’s License Testing and Commercial Learner’s Permit Standards may cause concern about its potential impact on the integrity of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) licensing process.

Consumer confidence drops sharply as sequester takes hold

U.S. consumers have turned glum about the nation’s economic prospects, per the latest reading of The Conference Board’s closely watched Consumer Confidence Index. The index dropped by over 8 points in March— wiping out most of the gains it had attained in February from the month before.

The Index now stands at 59.7 (1985=100), which is down from February’s 68.0.

Truck freight: Reading the latest tea leaves

Judging by some of the most recent intelligence available on domestic freight trends, predicting where truck tonnage will go as 2013 continues to unfold will be a somewhat risky business—at least until the economy shows yet clearer signs of strength.

Watson & Chalin adds new self-steering axle/lift-suspension system plus trailer-axle line

LOUISVILLE, KY. Watson & Chalin revealed its new SL-2065 TRU-TRACK-- a 20,000-lb capacity self-steering axle and lift-suspension system—and introduced its own line of trailer axles here at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Rand McNally unveils its next-gen Wi-Fi-enabled 5” truck GPS device

LOUISVILLE, KY. Here at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Rand McNally introduced the newest version of its new IntelliRoute TND 520 Wi-Fi-enabled 5-in. truck GPS device. The TND 520, which includes a new ruggedized case and Lifetime Maps, will be available for sale starting in May.

The company said the device’s Wi-Fi connectivity enables a number of new real-time data services, most of which will be standard on the device without any subscription fee.

Chevron debuts new fuel-economy oriented 10W-30 oil for diesel engines

LOUISVILLE, KY. Here at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Chevron introduced the newest product in its Delo 400 family of diesel engine oils focused on improving fuel efficiency.

Chevron described its new Delo 400 XLE Synblend SAE 10W-30 as a premium synthetic blend API CJ-4 product formulated to increase fuel economy and suitable for mixed -fleet applications.

Goodyear presents Highway Hero Award

LOUISVILLE, KY. Here at the Mid-America Trucking Show, truck driver Jason Harte was named the 30th annual recipient of the Goodyear North American Highway Hero Award. Harte, of Rogers, AR, was honored for the selfless actions he took to rescue a family of six from a smashed minivan along a highway median.

Mack unleashes 505-hp 13-liter engine, adds two new suspensions and rolls out LNG-fueled on-highway tractor 1

LOUISVILLE, KY.Here at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Mack Trucks unveiled a new high-horsepower 13-liter Econodyne diesel and two new suspensions, one for on-highway tractors and one for vocational models.

The OEM said its new Mack MP8 Econdyne+ is a “powerful and high-performing engine ideal for on-highway customers who require additional muscle to move their loads. “

Trail King rolls out new continuous-belt ag trailer

LOUISVILLE, KY. Here at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Trail King has introduced its new Continuous Belt Super Hi-Lite Rolled Side ASHR-C trailer—which the manufacturer said is “engineered to revolutionize how the agriculture industry hauls feed, seed, fertilizer, and other ag-related products.”

Hendrickson unveils shock-less trailer air suspension and rubber severe-duty truck suspension

LOUISVILLE, KY. Here at the Mid-America Trucking Show, suspension manufacturer Hendrickson revealed two major new developments: Zero-Maintenance Ride Damping (ZMD) ride technology for trailers and the ULTIMAAX severe-duty rubber suspension for vocational trucks.

Wabco shows off hydraulic ABS with integrated stability control

LOUISVILLE, KY. Brussels, Belgium-based Wabco Holdings Inc. is showcasing its “breakthrough” hydraulic anti-lock braking system (ABS) with its integrated ESCsmart electronic stability control (ESC) here at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

According to Wabco, the system “marks the first time within the commercial vehicle industry that these two vehicle safety technologies – ABS and ESC – have been integrated for hydraulic brake applications on medium-duty trucks and buses.

Dana unveils new tandem axle for 6x2 tractors

LOUISVILLE, KY. Wednesday evening during a news conference here at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Dana Holding Corp. unveiled its new Spicer EconoTrek tandem axle for 6x2 tractors. “This axle is a new durable, lightweight 6x2 configuration that improves performance, reduces maintenance and increases fuel economy for heavy-duty linehaul tractors,” said Steve Slesinski, director of global product planning.