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January 2013

The January issue of FleetOwner is highlighted by Outlook 2013: Year of the Driver. Other features in the story are Gas vs. Diesel and Taking the e-train. 

Editor's Page

  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Commentary
    Fleet Owner

    Any and all ideas welcome

    Our annual outlook analysis for the coming year has tapped drivers as the one issue that will overshadow all others for trucking. The question is, how will you deal with it? It’s widely anticipated that qualified drivers are going to be in short supply, especially for heavy-duty, long-haul fleets. The individual factors behind that shortage have been widely recognized for some time, but for a variety of reasons they will converge in 2013 to create a situation that can no longer be ignored....More

Management

  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Outlook 2013: Year of the driver 2

    Face it. The long-haul trucker is king of the road. And in 2013, he will reign only more supreme. Thanks to changes in demographics, regulations and economic indicators, this year should shape up to be the biggest “year of the driver” since before the start of the Great Recession. Whether a fleet owner regards the driver issue as one of simply too much employee turnover or the result of an out-and-out shortage of qualified workers, much can be done at the carrier level to at least mitigate the crisis to a level manageable over time....More
  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Gasoline: A comeback 2

    It’s a tantalizing prospect to say the least: spec’ing an engine with near-diesel horsepower and torque without a hefty premium or space-usurping emissions control system. All while using a cheaper yet widely available fuel to boot. That is the enticing proposition offered by gasoline engines in the medium-duty fleet space....More
  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    What's new in: Cargo Securement

    The failure to properly prevent shifting loads, spilled or dropped cargo due to improper load securement, or cargo retention has comprised as many as 82% of the violations under the Cargo-Related BASIC (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category) in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program....More
  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Maintenance bay: The view ahead

    MANAGER: Art Vallely TITLE: Executive vice president-operations FLEET: Penske Truck Leasing, Reading, PA OPERATION: Truck leasing firm with a fleet of over 215,000 medium- and heavy-duty vehicles Problem: When you manage a fleet of nearly a quarter of a million vehicles, the cost of every single part gets exponentially magnified, especially when it comes to maintaining those components....More
  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Strategic thinking

    There's little doubt that safety is the number-one concern at Usher Transport. Headquartered in Louisville, KY, the tank carrier hauls petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, bulk oil and solvents. On the chemical side of the house, Usher transports corrosives, oxidizers, dry bulk, and flammables....More
  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Helping drivers live longer

    If you know anything about trucking, you won’t be surprised to hear that over-the-road truck drivers have a life expectancy that’s 12 to 16 years shorter than the average American man. It’s a job that combines long, sedentary hours behind the wheel; the constant high stress of piloting a large, heavy combination vehicle in traffic and at high speeds; shifting sleep cycles in a 24/7 business; and limited choices as to when, where and what to eat....More
  • Dec. 4, 2012
    News
    Fleet Owner

    FMCSA implements changes in CSA’s Safety Measurement System

    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) yesterday implemented 11 specific changes to the Safety Measurement System (SMS) that drive its Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) safety-enforcement program for motor carriers....More
  • Dec. 3, 2012
    News
    Fleet Owner

    November provides good news for freight

    Freight volumes rebounded in November following a sluggish October, largely on the strength of “Black Friday and “Cyber Monday” retail sales along with goods being shipped into Northeast to help repair the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy....More
  • Dec. 7, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Arnold Transportation Services, LinkAmerica merge

    Arnold Transportation Services, a regional carrier owned by U.S. Xpress Enterprises, and LinkAmerica Corp. are merging to form a new joint company employing more than 1,800 drivers. The merger is expected to be completed in January 2013....More
  • Dec. 3, 2012
    News
    Fleet Owner

    Schneider vs. Sandy

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Schneider National recently shared some of the successful measures the company took to help protect its employees, its customers’ freight and its own assets before and during the megastorm --- steps which may be of use to others when the next big one blows through. ...More
  • Dec. 7, 2012
    Article

    Seeking solutions to the truck parking shortage

    It’s an issue that’s been the subject of five formal studies since 1996 and one upon which several technology research projects are now busily grappling with: a shortage of truck parking spaces along major freight corridors in the U.S....More
  • Nov. 26, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Members named to ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee

    The board of directors of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) recently appointed 17 members to its Research Advisory Committee (RAC), which is charged with annually identifying the trucking industry’s top research needs.  RAC members represent a diverse group of trucking industry stakeholders including motor carriers, suppliers, academics, government, driver groups and law enforcement.  The members, along with 16 reappointed members, will serve a two-year term starting January 2013. ...More
  • Jun. 24, 2011
    article
    Fleet Owner

    NTSB posts latest Most Wanted List

    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a new list of the top ten “most critical transportation issues that need to be addressed to improve safety and save lives.”...More
  • Dec. 14, 2012
    News

    GM reveals redesigned GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverdo pickup trucks 1

    DETROIT. General Motors rolled out its newly redesigned Chevrolet Silverado  1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 light-duty pickup trucks here yesterday....More
  • Dec. 10, 2012
    Article

    Ford to offer diesel engine option for new Transit 2

    The new Transit full-size van Ford Motor Co. is planning to introduce late next year as the eventual replacement for its E-Series van is going to be offered with an option al 3.2-liter Power Strokefive-cylinder diesel engine. The OEM said its 3.2-liter Power Stroke is currently manufactured in Ford’s Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and will be exported to its Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, MO, which received a $1.1 billion investment for building the new Transit van....More
  • Nov. 19, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Titan releases in-bed pickup fuel tank for extended mileage

    Titan Fuel Tanks has released a new polyethylene in-bed diesel fuel tank to give pickup drivers extended range. The 60-gal. tank is available for most full-sized, American-made diesel pickups, the company said....More
  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Small Business Review: Market adjustment

    The marketing approach that works in one location isn’t necessarily the method that will work in another. This statement is true whether you’re establishing a bricks-and-mortar retail business, a service provider, or a trucking company. Learning the uniqueness and similarities of a market is crucial to the success of any expansion into a new area....More

Running Green

  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Intermodal dressing 1

    Like most fleets, specialized haulers have the same concerns over rising diesel fuel costs. But for Ellensburg, WA-based Anderson Hay & Grain Co., which utilizes intermodal chassis to transport hay and straw to the ports of Seattle and Tacoma for overseas shipment, the options were limited....More
  • Apr. 27, 2011
    blog

    Dual-fuel engines set to duel for customers

    It seems that a new wave of fuel options is heading our way – and quite fast. In recent months, several companies have announced new dual-fuel systems that run on a combination of propane and diesel. I’m not sure how popular these dual-fuel engines will ......More
  • Nov. 19, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Linde demonstrates mobile LNG-fueler 1

    Linde North America has reported concluding a successful trial of its new liquefied natural gas (LNG) mobile fueling unit.  Linde said the point of the mobile fueler is to allow customers to test the feasibility of using LNG as an alternative to vehicle fuels such as diesel....More
  • Dec. 7, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Natural gas engine oils produced

    Two new natural gas engine oils have been released by Phillips 66 Lubricants. The Guardol NG and Kendall Super-D NG oils will be tri-branded across the company’s product lines (Phillips 66, Conoco and 76 Lubricants). The two oils are for use in compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) heavy-duty trucks as well as natural-gas powered mobile equipment....More
  • Nov. 19, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    VorBlade technology verified by EPA SmartWay

    Denver-based Avantechs Inc. has announced that its VorBlade Wing System, which improves the aerodynamics and safety for trucks and trailers by reducing drag and crosswind effects, was recently verified by the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program for providing proven fuel savings....More
  • Dec. 6, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    CARB verifies new diesel particulate filter

    The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has verified a diesel particulate filter with a safety device for use in the state. The BE Econix Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) from Boshart Engineering is now available for installation. According to CARB, the device meets fleet and air quality regulations....More
  • Nov. 30, 2012
    Article

    Cascadia natural gas day cab ready for test drives 2

    Five natural gas-powered Freightliner Cascadia 113 day-cab tractors are now available for test drives by fleets and others interested in the alternative fuel. Freightliner Trucks plans to begin full production of the NG Cascadia in the third quarter of 2013, according to parent Daimler Trucks North America....More
  • Dec. 6, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    CARB verifies new diesel particulate filter

    The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has verified a diesel particulate filter with a safety device for use in the state. The BE Econix Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) from Boshart Engineering is now available for installation. According to CARB, the device meets fleet and air quality regulations....More
  • Nov. 28, 2012
    Article

    Miami-Dade County orders additional hydraulic hybrid refuse trucks 2

    Following an initial order that proved successful in on-road operation, Miami-Dade County (FL) has placed an order for 29 additional Autocar E3 refuse trucks featuring Parker Hannifin’s fuel saving RunWise technology....More
  • Nov. 27, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    NGV cost-of-ownership calculator

    The Drive Natural Gas Initiative, a collaboration between natural gas utilities and producers that can be accessed via the American Gas Assn., has launched what it calls a Natural Gas Fleet Savings Calculator “to help fleet owners conduct a preliminary analysis of  the total costs associated with converting a fleet, or part of a fleet, to run on natural gas instead of die...More
  • Nov. 30, 2012
    Article

    Smith to open Chicago EV assembly plant

    Smith Electric Vehicles is planning to open an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility in Chicago, beginning hiring efforts immediately while awaiting the completion of incentive and development packages tied to its assembly plant site before revealing its location...More
  • Dec. 6, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Grant to fund construction of public hydrogen station 1

    The Texas Emission Reduction Program has awarded a $500,000 grant to assist in the building of a public hydrogen fueling station in Houston, TX. Vision Industries Corp., Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Air Products and other project partners were awarded the grant. The station, to be fed from an existing hydrogen pipeline, will fuel port trucks and be publicly available for personal vehicles. The funds were awarded through the TERP Alternative Fueling Facilities Program (AFFP). ...More
  • Nov. 14, 2012
    News
    Fleet Owner

    Rapid local LNG delivery in the works 1

    A new approach that entails manufacturing liquefied natural gas (LNG) at “micro plants” and then delivering it to nearby truckstops for fueling long-haul trucks promises to help quickly build out what’s trademarked as “America’s Natural Gas Highway” by Clean Energy Fuels,the largest provider of natural gas fuel for transportation in North America....More
  • Dec. 5, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Ford F-450, F-550 to get bifuel CNG engines in 2013

    Ford F-450 and F-550 Super Duty trucks will be available with optional natural gas engines by the middle of next year, supplier Westport Innovations announced. Westport Innovations will install its Westport WiNG System in the vehicles, expanding its offerings beyond current Ford F-250 and F-350 vehicles....More

Equipment

  • Dec. 6, 2012
    Article

    Meritor expects to offer new tandem axle in 2013

    Truck component maker Meritor expects to offer a new tandem axle dubbed the “SMARTandem” in 2013 that combines the benefits of 6x4 and 6x2 tandem designs into a 6x2 package that saves weight and helps boost overall tractor fuel economy without skimping on performance....More
  • Nov. 30, 2012
    Article

    Kenworth to offer Michelin X Line Energy D Tire

    The Kenworth Truck Co. is now offering Michelin’s X Line Energy D drive tire for its heavy and medium duty truck models involved in line haul applications...More
  • Nov. 30, 2012
    Article

    Fontaine to re-open Springfield modification center

    Fontaine Modification plans to re-open its truck modification center in Springfield, OH, this December to provide post-production modifications on Navistar on-highway and vocational trucks for dealers and fleets across North America...More
  • Dec. 10, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Volvo Trucks president Nyberg looking for growth

    GREENSBORO, N.C. The new head of the Volvo brand in North America has set his eyes on a 13% to 15% share of the heavy-duty market, a significant jump from the 12.1% share it held in 2011 and the 10.7% recorded through the first 10 months of 2012.  Only on the job as president of Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) sales & marketing since Oct. 1, Goran Nyberg has taken stock quickly and believes Volvo has both the dealer network and heavy-duty products to move beyond its long-haul niche and take that next step....More
  • Dec. 11, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Daimler to make $120 million investment in Redford, add 115 jobs 1

    President Obama visits facility where Daimler will build DT12 automated transmission as well as turbocharger for DD15...More
  • Dec. 3, 2012
    News
    Fleet Owner

    Allison details 2013 production launches 5

    Allison Transmission is preparing to initiate production of a range of new products it has announced over the course of this year. In 2013, the company said it will start of production of the new Allison TC10 TS automatic transmission for Class 8 tractors, along with the Allison Hybrid H 3000 transmission for medium-duty commercial trucks....More
  • Nov. 16, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    160 amp brushless alternator released

    A new brushless alternator for heavy-duty truck applications is said to offer fuel savings, increased uptime, and improved battery life. Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America’s (MEAA) fully featured Diamond Power A160 brushless alternator is now available for aftermarket applications through regular dealer and aftermarket distribution channels in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It will be available as original equipment in mid-2013, MEAA said....More
  • Nov. 11, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Carrier Transicold unveils new truck refrigeration system

    Carrier Transicold has released a new truck refrigeration unit that features improved performance, reliability and compliance with 2013 EPA emissions requirements. The Supra 60-series comprises five single-temperature models – the Supra 560, 660, 760, 860 and 960 – covering the full spectrum of straight truck refrigeration needs, with refrigeration capacities up to 32,000 BTU (at 35 F) for the Supra 960, Carrier said....More
  • Dec. 11, 2012
    Article

    “New thinking” to help combat technician shortage

    SAN ANTONIO, TX – Mentoring, top-dollar investments in training, providing a long-term career path; those are but some examples of the “new thinking” being deployed in the trucking industry to help combat the still-acute shortage of technicians. And such “new thinking” will be critical for helping bolster truck sales for the future as well, according to Mike Besson, VP-service operations for Rush Truck Centers (RTC); a division of Rush Enterprises....More
  • Nov. 19, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    New cordless tool line

    Promising the power of a pneumatic in a cordless configuration, Ingersoll Rand has introduced a new line of professional tools utilizing 20-volt lithium-ion batteries. The IQV20 Series cordless tools are said to last longer between charges, increasing the time technicians have to work on a single charge, Ingersoll Rand said....More
  • Nov. 16, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Ridewell releases yoke mount suspensions

    Ridewell has expanded its RAR-240 series of trailer air-ride suspensions to now include yoke mount suspensions. The new suspensions are specifically designed for use with Ridewell brand axles with Wabco PAN 22 air disc brakes, the company said. The suspensions can also be used with IMT’s axles with Wabco Pan 22, 19, or 17 ADB, or Haldex ADB....More
  • Dec. 12, 2012
    News
    Fleet Owner

    Chevron’s McGeehan on PC-11 oil progress

    Work on creating the next heavy-duty diesel engine oil standard-- known in its current, embryonic form as Proposed Category 11-- is running on schedule to meet the planned “delivery” of new lubricants to both the on-highway vehicle and off-highway equipment markets come January 2016....More
  • Nov. 28, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Steertek NXT axle standard on Blue Bird, FCCC models

    The Steertek NXT fabricated front steer axle is now a standard offering on Blue Bird and Freightliner Custom Chassis (FCCC) models, maker Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems announced. The axle, with its continuous beam architecture to minimize stress points, is available on Blue Bird Type C and D school buses and FCCC’s motor home chassis....More
  • Dec. 5, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    C.R. England signs deal with Thermo King for new Precedent series units

    Refrigerated carrier C.R. England has signed a three-year agreement with Thermo King to implement that company’s Precedent trailer platform in all new trailer units. The Precedent is a trailer temperature control platform. According to Thermo King, the system delivers double-digit fuel savings and lower lifecycle costs. The Precedent line, which includes three different configurations, was unveiled in June....More
  • Nov. 16, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Exide Technologies, Maxwell Technologies form alliance 1

    Exide Technologies and Maxwell Technologies have formed a strategic alliance designed to develop and market an advanced, integrated, battery-ultracapacitor energy storage solution for transportation and industrial applications. The alliance will include joint identification and evaluation of market opportunities for integrated products; collaborative product development and testing; and joint calls on prospective customers to establish demonstration projects....More

Info Tech

  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Taking the e-train

    If there were world enough, and time, many fleet executives and managers in search of advanced training might opt for the traditional classroom-style approach, perhaps in some scenic setting overlooking a manicured green. Imagine the luxury of focusing on one thing for awhile, of taking your time, of discussion and interesting debate with like-minded folks enjoying learning in a leisurely mode....More
  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Fleets online: Priority message

    Company: Priority Dispatch Operation: Cincinnati, OH-based regional courier operation delivering 250,000 packages a month in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Pennsylvania Problem: A 24/7/365 courier operation, Priority Dispatch relies on constant, real-time communications with its approximately 700 drivers to ensure timely, accurate delivery of goods....More
  • Dec. 4, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Cloud-based mobile messaging service launches

    Infinite Convergence Solutions builds upon its existing message platform...More
  • Dec. 19, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Pegasus TransTech upgrades Transflo Mobile

    A new version of Pegasus TransTech’s Transflo Mobile has been released, the company said, improving its convenience and reliability when scanning and submitting documents electronically. Using Transflo Mobile on a compatible iPhone or Android phone, a driver can capture a signed bill of lading and send the image in real time from anyplace with cell phone service. With this new release, a carrier also can send invoices and proof-of-delivery documents to a participating Transflo $Velocity broker, 3PL, or factoring company....More
  • Nov. 14, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    AT&T offers Push-to-Talk service to all businesses

    After an initial, limited release for its enhanced Push-to-Talk (PTT) service, AT&T has now expanded the program to businesses of all sizes. According to AT&T, the average PTT conversation lasts less than 40 seconds, compared to 3 minutes for mobile calls, making the service ideal for businesses such as delivery or service fleets that need quick, instant access to communications....More
  • Nov. 15, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Paperless driver log and DVIR application add-ons for fleet tracking system

    To help fleets maintain compliance with FMCSA regulations while also speeding and simplifying driver logs and driver vehicle inspection reporting (DVIR), Navman Wirelessis developing new add-on applications, to be available early next year....More
  • Dec. 11, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    Mobile scanning now available within Prophesy Dispatch

    The Prophesy division of Accellos has partnered with Eleos to incorporate mobile scanning within Prophesy Dispatch solutions. Eleos will supply its Drive Axle application to allow drivers to use smartphones to scan documents for transmission to the back office....More
  • Nov. 14, 2012
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    J.J. Keller launches Compliance Services portal

    J.J. Keller has launched a new client services portal to keep its customers abreast of critical compliance work that is managed by J.J. Keller. The new J.J. Keller Client Information Center marks a significant upgrade to the current portal, the company said....More

Commentary

  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Commentary
    Fleet Owner

    Disruptive opportunity

    Noted author Richard Bach once mused that, “There’s no disaster that can’t become a blessing, and no blessing that can’t become a disaster.” Viewed through such a lens, then, there should be many opportunities for truckers to benefit from a growing number of “supply chain disruptions,” which include natural disasters, energy shortages, cyber attacks, and the like....More
  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Commentary
    Fleet Owner

    Training standards

    Almost two years ago, this column addressed the benefits of being a Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) trained driver and the advantages to carriers that hired them. The idea behind the column was that fleets should look no further than a PTDI-certified course as it has minimum standards that aid in creating the safest drivers on our roadways. That being said, it would appear that the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC) of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may have read that same column....More
  • Jan. 1, 2013
    News
    Fleet Owner

    Higher education

    L ast year more than 1,000 attendees took advantage of what the NPTC Annual Education Management Conference and Exhibition provided. And this year’s event, to be held April 28-30 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, OH, promises to be bigger and better. The 2013 conference will feature the following tools and resources that are a vital ingredient to enhancing the performance of your private fleet: Information....More
  • Jan. 1, 2013
    Article
    Fleet Owner

    No need for TPMS regs

    As part of my day job, I speak at a lot of events on a wide variety of topics. While the content covers practically every aspect of the tire and wheel business, one issue has undoubtedly been the hottest topic over the past few years. Since tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) were mandated by the federal government on all vehicles with a GVWR of less than 10,000 lbs. starting with the 2008 model year, retailers have struggled to some degree to keep up with the operational changes that this technology created....More
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