February 2012

Despite retaining the 11-hour daily driving limit, many trucking and business organizations openly frowned on the hours-of-service (HOS) regulatory overhaul unveiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) yesterday. And though safety and labor groups are withholding comment on the final rules for now – slated to go into effect in July 2013 – it is expected they will also react negatively, as they sought to reduce the daily driving to 10 hours...More

While National Transportation Safety Board recommendations issued yesterday calling on all states to ban the use of cell phones, including hands-free options, as well as other electronic devices while driving are grabbing headlines far and wide, there’s another recommendation buried in its report on a horrendous fatal accident that should concern trucking...More

A new Trucking Trends survey inaugurated in 2011 revealed that many carriers believe there’s little chance to attain rate increases in 2012 and that making a profit is only going to get tougher...More

Frito-Lay North America announced it will be rolling out eight more electric trucks in the Boston area, building on what the company said is the largest fleet of commercial all-electric trucks in North America...More

ATDynamics has been named the recipient of the 2011 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA), presented by the state of California. The award is the state’s top environmental honor recognizing businesses which reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing economic benefits...More

Idle Free Systems has released the Total Truck Heat System, a battery-powered auxiliary heating system to provide warmth and comfort for a truck’s sleeper berth without idling the engine....More

It's a small step, but an important one nonetheless. DHL, part of global package and mail delivery company Deutsche Post DHL, has converted its entire Manhattan delivery fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles as part of a pilot program to gauge their effectiveness in U.S. markets....More

Two months ago, the trucking industry received the long-anticipated hours-of-service final rule just days before the Christmas holiday; however, the jury is still out on whether the rule amounts to a stocking full of coal or the proverbial socks and underwear. Sure, they are useful but not really what you wanted....More

  A social media wallflower learns to work the room...More

Tracer Products has released a new leak detection kit for heavy duty vehicles...More

Yokohama Tire Corp. has announced it will increase the prices of all its commercial truck tires sold in the U.S. by up to 8%, effective Feb. 1. There will be in-line adjustments as well, which the tire maker said it will announce at a later date...More

Rotary Lift has updated its parallelogram wash bay lift package to maximize available bay space and improve product life....More

The Bendix Wingman ACB (active cruise with braking) is now an available factory option on the Kenworth T800...More

A new wireless diagnostic system helps technicians transfer vehicle data to a remote PC for quick and efficient diagnosis...More

TAMPA, FL. Double Coin Tires and China Manufacturers Alliance (CMA) is continuing expansion efforts to bring more wide base tires to the U.S. market, as well as codify its lineup of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved “SmartWay” tires under its “OptiGreen” label....More

PPG Commercial Coatings has released two new yellow urethane resin bases designed to provide increased hiding power for select industrial colors....More

Peterson Manufacturing has published its 2012 Master Catalog. The 276-page catalog includes vehicle safety lighting products and accessories...More

Pressure Systems International (P.S.I.) is now offering a full set of its Volume V (Jan-Nov/Dec 2011) Commercial Fleet Tire Digest issues as a printed spiral-bound book...More

Kenworth Truck Co. is once again offering a rebate to members of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Assn. (OOIDA) on the purchase of a qualifying sleeper tractor...More

Selecting the right product for your fleet's vocation/application is critical to getting the best overall performance and longevity out of your tires. Tire and tread suppliers are eager to share their expertise about available products so that you will make the best choices possible. You can assist tire suppliers and vendors by providing accurate details about your vehicles and the jobs they perform. Also take into consideration the goals of your tire management program and what you hope to achieve as far as service life, retreadability, residual value, and warranty....More

FIFTH WHEELS CONTINUE TO FIGHT THE WEIGHT BATTLE...More

Love’s Travel Stops announced time-saving upgrades and new features to its Love’s Connect mobile application for iPhone, Android and Blackberry smartphones that provide professional drivers nationwide roadside assistance and more at the touch of a button, according to a company announcement...More

A new antenna that attaches to a vehicle will detect cell phone use inside a truck cab. The device, from inthinc Technology Solutions, will offer an audible warning to a driver when phone or text usage is detected and send alerts to fleet managers...More

Telogis has released an updated version of its Telogis Route 3.0 route-optimization software. Delivered as a Software-as-a-Service product, Route 3.0 utilizes Telogis’ patent-pending “advanced territories” technology...More

Roadnet Transportation Suite (RTS) version 3.50 offers fleet managers and owners more accurate maintenance interval tracking and improved quality of location delivery cost reports...More

Make a plan for accounts that don't pay on time so you don't get stuck holding the bill The very best accounts receivable (A/R) financing is to have your trucking business fully capitalized so you can afford to do your own financing. Following are some ideas on financing your receivables:...More

Allen works in Atlas' Specialized Transportation Group. Over the past 27 years, he has covered approximately 3 million mi. and has received the Atlas Safe Operator Award for 16 consecutive years. Previously a household goods van operator, Allen transferred to the Specialized Transportation Group in 1999. “While I wasn't taught to toot my own horn, it's an incredible honor knowing I've done my job well and impressed customers, peers and the company I represent,” said Allen....More