March 1, 2010
Editor's Page
Embracing CSA 2010
The new Federal safety rating system is creating a great deal of anxiety among fleets, and for good reason. It's going to change the way fleets and their...
Management: In Box
CSA 2010 “a game changer”
SAN DIEGO. The new comprehensive safety analysis (CSA) 2010 program now being put in place by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) “will be a game changer and will really help (well-managed fleets) by removing capacity from the road that shouldn’t be there,” according to Robert Lowe, president & CEO of Prime Inc...
Distracted driving? It’s all in your head
Of all the challenges facing truck drivers today, one of the toughest to identify and remedy is distracted driving. Driving, it turns out, is an especially difficult task for humans, accustomed for millennia to dealing with things, at worst, at the speed of a fast run...
Rair names new chief executive
J.J. Singh has been named president & CEO of Rair, a provider of compliance and safety services. Dr. Henry Goldberg, company founder, will remain as chairman...
Infrastructure Bank touted for transportation projects
A broad coalition of industry groups, state Governors, members of Congress, and public works experts are pushing the federal government to create a National Infrastructure Bank (NIB) to increase and speed up investments in regional and national infrastructure projects...
Trucking in the next decade
LAS VEGAS. In the next ten years, trucking will see a surge in hybrid and electric vehicle adoption, widespread use of wireless vehicle management systems, and a sharp new focus on freight productivity, according to a research specialist on advanced technology, an international consultant on wireless management systems, and the chief executive of a major truck manufacturer who spoke on a panel here at Heavy Duty Dialogue. Conference...
DOT issues immediate ban on trucker texting
U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a new “federal guidance” that expressly prohibits texting by drivers of commercial vehicles. The action resulted from interpreting standing rules by the Dept. of Transportation (DOT). The agency said truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750...
Management: Running Green
AT&T calls on CNG
With easily the country's largest private fleet, it's hard to ignore the path AT&T has embarked on as it switches close to 20% of its fleet over to alternative...
Rebuilding trucks from the ground up
A new partnership between Advanced Transit Dynamics and truck maker Navistar under the SuperTruck program sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE)...
Bright’s IDEA to hit truck market in 2013
WASHINGTON D.C. The IDEA, a new aerodynamically shaped plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) delivery van concept developed by Bright Automotive, aims to have its prototype ready for production in the first quarter of 2013, the company said...
Con-way Freight cuts transit times, fuel usage along lanes
Executing what it calls a “re-engineering” of its operating network, less-than-truckload carrier Con-way Freight said it has cut a full day from its transit times to 460 U.S. destinations, eliminating 58.6 million pounds of carbon emissions in the process...
Stay clean while going green
An innovative mobile washing system reuses water and cleans up to 20 trailers on a single tank of water, saving both time and money, manufacturer Jim...
Golden State kicks in $20 million for hybrid trucks and buses
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has officially opened its $20-million Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP) this week to help spur deployment of hybrid commercial vehicles on California’s roads...
Great Dane shows off green offerings
Trailer maker Great Dane showcased a selection of its products that it says are both durable and environmentally friendly this week at the Technology and Maintenance Council’s annual meeting in Tampa...
UPS puts 245 CNG trucks on delivery routes
UPS has announced the deployment of 245 compressed natural gas-powered delivery trucks to cities in Colorado and California. The company now operates more than 1,900 alternative fuel vehicles...
Management: First Person
Why bad is very good
No one enjoys negative feedback. I think we can agree on that bon mot if nothing else. Getting an earful from a customer (or reader in my case) is never...
Training Techs
Training Techs: Point the way
The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership. Harvey S. Firestone (1868-1938) Leaders in the field of truck fleet maintenance...
Management: Safety 411
Driven to please
In today's trucking economy, more and more fleets are focused on improving their key assets-drivers. According to information derived from Best Fleets...
Management: Private Fleets
World-class private fleets
After assisting several private fleets this past month through the new Private Fleet Assessment Program (PFAP), Optima Associates reports that the resource...
Management: Freight Outlook
Recovery still on track
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announced the U.S. economy expanded by 5.7% in the fourth quarter, which was the strongest growth rate since the...
Equipment: Nuts & Bolts
Paccar officially rolls out MX engine for Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks
MT. VERNON, WA. After ten years of development work and $1 billion, Paccar Inc. unveiled its proprietary Paccar MX engine line yesterday here at its state-of-the-art Technical Center...
New heavy-duty starter from Remy
Remy, Inc. unveiled the new Delco Remy 44M heavy duty starter at the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) trade show in Tampa, FL – a starter equipped with patented technologies designed to ease installation, increase reliability, and providing a significantly longer life cycle than any starter on the market today. It will be available for sale in the fourth quarter this year, according to the company...
Bose tackles truck-seat vibration
The Bose Corp. is entering the truck market with a product it says will improve driver health, comfort and safety while reducing fatigue by nearly eliminating road vibration and shocks. Designed to replace a typical air-ride seat, the new Bose Ride system incorporates several patented technologies to actively counteract what it characterizes as the most damaging “whole-body vibration” routinely endured by heavy-duty truck drivers...
New stainless steel air cleaners from Peterbilt
Peterbilt Motors Co. is rolling out a new proprietary stainless steel, cowl mounted air cleaner and cap, developed in partnership with Donaldson Co., for its Models 389, 388 and 367 trucks, in both 13 and 15 inch diameters for single or dual side installations...
New Ultra-Link-Coil-Cords offer increased strength
Using molded elastomeric material to resist crushing, Grote Industries’ new Ultra-Link-Coil-Cords offer increased strength and reliability over competitive coil cords, Grote said...
Spicer debuts new tag axles and conversion kits
According to Dana Holding Corp., two new Spicer tag axles will improve fuel efficiency, reduce vehicle weight, and lower OEM installation costs – all while enabling fleet owners to easily convert a 6x2 arrangement into a 6x4 configuration...
Doran enhances tire-pressure monitoring system
At the Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting this week in Tampa, Doran Manufacturing, unveiled improvements to its Doran 360 tire-pressure monitoring system. These include a new valve-stem mounted sensor that allows fleets to receive digital tire pressure and temperature data using Doran's handheld SmartLink tool...
Shell adds dedicated Rotella oil for natural gas engines
Shell Lubricants introduced its new Rotella T3 NG 15W-40 motor oil for use in compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s annual meeting in Tampa this week...
Trailer tester upgrades offered
A new refurbishment and upgrade program, including a six-month warranty for all 910B and Inspector 910B trailer testers, is being offered by maker Lite-Check....
BBTS launches free-rolling Firestone tire and new Bandag tread
Bridgestone Bandag Tires Solutions (BBTS) has unveiled a new Firestone product and a BBTS retread product for less-than-truckload fleets...
Navistar and Clean Air Power team on dual-fuel MaxxForce 13
Navistar Inc. has signed an agreement with Clean Air Power to provide a duel-fuel Navistar MaxxForce 13 big bore engine that will run on natural gas and clean diesel fuel...
SAF Holland unveils trailer axle plant
SAF Holland has officially opened its trailer axle manufacturing plant in Warrenton, MO. The $4-million, 100,000-sq.-ft. plant has the capacity to build...
Starter, alternator guide published
Denso Sales California has published a 2010 catalog for its First Time Fit starter and alternator line. Included in the catalog are 81 new part numbers...
Kelly rolls out new high-mileage steer tire
Kelly Tires has introduced the new Armorsteel KLS steer tire, which is said boasts uniform wear and long miles to removal. The tire will be offered in 11R22.5, 11R24.5, 295/75R22.5 and 285/75R24.5 sizes...
Aftermarket all-make clutches
TRP Aftermarket Parts is introducing a new line of clutches and clutch system components for use in all makes of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Everett...
Dunlop rolls out new fuel-efficient long-haul tires
Goodyear’s Dunlop division has introduced a new line of fuel-efficient long-haul tires that are expected to save fleet owners up to 4% in fuel bills, as compared to using standard Dunlop long-haul tires. They also qualify as a “verified fuel saving technology” under the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program...
Detroit Diesel engines certified by EPA
Detroit Diesel Corp. has announced that its DD13, DD15 and DD16 diesel engines have been formally certified by the EPA as meeting 2010 emissions regulations...
Red Dot distributing Sleeping Well auxiliary a/c units
Battery-powered Sleeping Well auxiliary air conditioning systems will now be distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada by Red Dot Corp. The systems are sold as complete aftermarket installation kits to fit almost any commercial vehicle...
Continental beefs up load rating for drive tire
Continental Tire is adding an extra load rating for its HDL2 DL [Heavy Drive Long Haul Deep Lug] tire. The tire model itself was introduced in January 2009...
Goodyear rolls out new vocational tires
Goodyear has released two new tires, a new wide-based “super single” tire for mixed-service use with an optimized footprint for enhanced traction in both steer and drive positions, and a new tire aimed at waste haulers...
A/C system features automatic dye injector
Robinair has introduced its 34988 Premium R-134a Recover, Recycle and Recharge (RRR) A/C machine. The company said the unit provides increased accuracy by giving the user the ability to inject dye; flush a vehicle’s A/C system with liquid refrigerant; save before and after service data; and several new interface options such as a larger operator display screen and database expansion slot that can supply information regarding charge capacity by vehicle model...
Bendix offers air-disc tool kits
New tool kits manufactured by Ken-Tool are designed to assist mechanics when performing service on Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes. The kits match the proper tools to the level of service required and are being offered by Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake...
Idling: A Special Report
The California effect
What happens in California never stays in California for long, and that is especially true now when it comes to vehicle emissions regulations. Love it...
Shore power for trucks at truckstops far from dead
That pioneering supplier of “shore power” systems to trucks at truck stops IdleAire Acquisition Co., LLC (formerly IdleAireTechnologies Corp.) shut down last month may have dampened enthusiasm for shore power as an idle-reduction solution...
Laying down the law
When the price of diesel hit its all-time high in 2008, a great many fleets did not need idling regulations to tell them that it was time to implement...
It's TRU: idling regulations react to reefers
Idling regulations used to apply only to the engine a vehicle uses for motive power THE engine. In California, however, idling restrictions have recently...
Night and day
Idle reduction equipment was originally developed with the long-haul, over-the-road operator in mind. Today, however, more and more day-cab operators...
No time to be idle: Suppliers team up on solutions
Manufacturers of idle-reduction systems have begun combining their strengths to create solutions that meet user needs across a wider spectrum of applications. It’s a trend likely to increase with time. Last February, for example, Bergstrom, Inc. and Kohler Power Systems announced that the companies had joined forces to offer a “hybrid” idle-reduction system...
Equipment: Used-Truck Bluebook
The bottom, at last
Nothing can bounce back until it first hits bottom. From the press time vantage point of mid-winter, it seems the low-water mark for used trucks was reached...
Arrow Truck Sales and the Case of Mistaken Identity
The word from Kansas City is load and clear: Arrow Truck Sales, Inc. is alive and well. The used-truck retailer is concerned that some may be confusing it with a Tulsa-based motor carrier with a similar name that abruptly shut down late last month...
Equipment: Light & Medium Report
Nissan van set for fall debut
The year 2010 could turn out to be an important turning point for the light-duty market in the U.S. New competition and new products are offering customers...
Improvement expected in medium-duty sales
Jonathan Starks, transportation analyst for FTR Associates, points to a small uptick in the medium-duty market in 2010, with Class 4-7 sales improving...
Chevy rolls out 2011 Silverado heavy-duty pickup
Touted to offer 11% better fuel economy along with increased horsepower, torque, towing capacity and payload than its predecessor, General Motors officially took the wraps off its new 2011 model year Chevrolet Silverado Heavy-Duty (HD) pickup at the Chicago Auto Show this week...
Cummins, Chrysler extend engine deal
Cummins Inc. and Chrysler Group LLC have agreed to a multi-year extension of their ongoing diesel engine deal, with Cummins continuing to supply its 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel mid-range models for Chrsyler’s Ram heavy-duty pickups and chassis cab trucks...
GM offers full warranty for B20 in Duramax
General Motors plans to offer full warranty coverage for fleets using approved B20 blended fuels in its 2011 model year heavy-duty pickups equipped with the Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engine. The Durmax is covered under GM’s five-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty...
Modern Maintence
All for one
Managing all the facets involved with vehicle maintenance is a bear for any fleet to handle alone, even in the best of times. Add in an economic recession,...
Equipment: Maintenance Bay
Stone removal
Manager: Lauren Jongetjes Title: Fleet tire manager Fleet: Superior Ready Mix Concrete Operation: California construction hauler with 700 power units...
Equipment: Tire Tracks
Torque check
When I first started in the truck tire and wheel service business as a technician 27 years ago, most wheels and rims were installed with the standard...
Equipment: Hardware Report
what's new in: Lighting
Continued development of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is finally bringing the technology's advantages to practical applications for white-light versions...
The Last Word
Monster jamming
Automotive aftermarket retailer Advance Auto Parts is the new title sponsor of the Monster Jam series of monster truck competitions in the U.S. And part...
Start them engines!
Freightliner Trucks is continuing its official sponsorship deals with Nascar for 2010. This marks the company's fifth year as the official heavy-duty...
Letter of the Month
I was pleasantly surprised to read an article in Fleet Owner [First Person, 1/10, pg. 26] actually questioning the California Air Resources Board even...
The alarm clock is an air horn
Some folks just can't get away from work. We hear that Austin Bretzel loves trucks. So it would seem, given that he recently recycled the grille from...
2010 Shop Buyer's Directory
Shop Buyer's Directory Companies
A Alcoa Wheel Products1600 Harvard AveCleveland, OH 44105800-242-9898 fax: 216-641-5099debbie.lahman@alcoa.comwww.alcoawheels.com Alliance Parts2477 Deerfield...
Shop Buyer's Directory: Products & Services
Adhesives Andek Corp Champion Brands Cyclo Industries Inc Molykote Air compressors, shop Champion - A Gardner Denver Product Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co...
Information Technology: truck.com
Fleets find lot to like with electronic logs
SAN DIEGO. Switching from paper driver logs to automated electronic systems saves money, improves safety compliance, makes life easier for drivers and “is just the right thing to do,” according to Dustin England of the truckload carrier C.R. England...
FreightCenter upgrades services
Online freight and logistics company FreightCenter recently upgraded its service, adding instant tracking, shipment status updates, international registration, and a mobile quoting site to its menu of offerings...
CSA 2010 scorecard added to SHIPS
A new driver scorecard application has been added to SHIPS, the driver management solution offered by EBE Technologies. Carriers may implement the new solution either at the carrier site or as a software-as-a-solution remote hosted solution...
Panasonic unveils Toughbook H1 Field
Panasonic Computer Solutions Co. has debuted he Panasonic Toughbook H1 Field. According to the company, the new device enables “extreme mobility and productivity” for field sales personnel, first responders, supervisors, inspectors, drivers, delivery personnel, warehouse, maintenance and other mobile workers...
Prophesy enhances DispatchSeries with cross-docking
Prophesy Transportation Solutions has updated its DispatchSeries trucking software with new cross-docking and reconsolidation functionality. This will allow fleets to independently reallocate new loads once en route and enable companies to meet complex logistics objectives and customer requirements...
GPS Insight adds speed reporting
GPS Insight has added a posted speed limit report to its tracking solutions to help identify reckless driving patterns among drivers. The enhanced Speeding Report lets management know where drivers are driving too fast or slow relative to the actual or most likely posted speed limit...
ALK takes PC*Miler to the web
ALK Technologies has taken its popular PC*Miler software a step further by incorporating Internet availability for customers who need instant mileage for rate calculation or truck-specific driving directions and maps. The new service can be accessedon any computer connected to the Internet...
New tracking hardware for SkyBitz
A redesigned mobile terminal for its wireless trailer and asset tracking system is more efficient, more reliable and more resistant to damage than the current hardware, according to SkyBitz...
OnlineAVL2 software upgraded
Navman Wireless has upgraded its OnlineAVL2 fleet tracking and management software with an interactive drilldown report on fleet performance that allows managers to quickly move from a summary view to vehicle level view...
Cadec adds cellular data service
Under a new agreement with Aeris Communications, Cadec Global is offering users of its fleet management system national wireless data service over a cellular network developed specifically for telematics and other machine-to-machine (M2M) applications...
CSA 2010 solution co-developed with fleets
Milwaukee-based Rair, has launched a complete solution to help motor carriers fully comply with CSA 2010 requriements. The solution was developed with the assistance of the firm’s own clients who have undergone audits in CSA 2010 test states...
J.J. Keller offers tech bundle
To ease the process of adding programs for new clients, J.J. Keller has now bundled select online applications under one name, J.J. Keller encompass...
Small Business Review
The rate of success
Does your motor carrier have a hauling rate range based on the actual costs of doing business? Are you letting brokers and shippers set your rates? If...
