Equipment & Tech

KIRKLAND, Wash.– Highly automated vehicles (HAV) are currently testing on public roads in fewer than 50 cities around the world, but more markets are interested in bringing this new technology to their streets. As a result, INRIX, a global company involved in connected car services and transportation analytics, said it is offering a new platform that provides the foundation for cities and road authorities to communicate with operators for safe and effective deployment of HAVs on public roads. INRIX AV Road Rules is the first platform that enables cities and road authorities to assign, validate and manage traffic rules and restrictions for autonomous vehicles operating on public roads. The platform also leverages information from HAVs to report infrastructure improvement needs, making the roads safer for all users. “If deployed correctly, highly automated vehicles will radically improve our transportation systems, making them safer, more efficient and higher quality,” said Avery Ash, head of autonomous mobility. “After talking to hundreds of cities, states and federal officials, and dozens of HAV operators, we identified a critical data gap that INRIX is uniquely positioned to address. INRIX AV Road Rules marks an essential new tool for transportation agencies to lay a foundation for the safe operation of HAVs on public roads.” For more than a century, road authorities have communicated driving restrictions with terrestrial signage and lane-striping. While HAVs have greatly improved the ability to operate in complex traffic environments, street signs and lane stripes are an inexact way to communicate rules to a 21st century vehicle, Ash said. Currently onboard sensors, computer vision, machine learning and/or third-party datasets are used to triage roadway guidelines, but this approach is imprecise, costly (resources and dollars) and increases the risk of rule violations. INRIX AV Road Rules enables cities and road authorities to quickly and easily digitize local restrictions such as speed limits, crosswalks, school zones and stop signs, allowing automakers and HAV operators to ensure vehicles comply with local guidelines. The platform also creates a channel to communicate road infrastructure needs from HAVs back to transportation agencies, which improves safety and performance for all road users. “Self-driving vehicles are stimulating conversations globally, but they are in fact a very local challenge,” said Chris Holmes, connected and autonomous vehicle research senior manager at Jaguar Land Rover. “Road conditions and layouts can vary drastically over a matter of miles and so it is vital that self-driving is facilitated collaboratively. Local traffic authorities play a significant role in this. INRIX AV Road Rules provides improved information to the car, ensuring our self-driving technology is the most safe, sophisticated and capable to deal with challenging real-world environments as we enter new markets across the globe.” At launch, seven cities and road authorities and four HAV operators have signed on to support INRIX AV Road Rules, and many more have expressed interest in joining when it expands later this year, Ash said. The initial set of pilot users includes cities and road authorities with a variety of sizes, climates and geographies, namely Austin, Texas; Boston; Cambridge Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada which includes Las Vegas; Transport for West Midlands; and Transport Scotland in the United Kingdom. Automakers and operators slated to use the platform at launch include Jaguar Land Rover; May Mobility; nuTonomy (an Aptiv company) and operators running Renovo’s Aware platform. The initial set of partners will help refine and expand the platform to improve a crucial tool for road authorities to fulfill their traditional role of setting and maintaining traffic rules and restrictions. “We are excited to collaborate on the INRIX AV Road Rules in Boston and see this as a great opportunity to continue the city’s focus on safety in the development of autonomous vehicle operations,” said Kris Carter, co-chair of the mayor’s office of new urban mechanics at the City of Boston. “This is an important project that will explore how our city shares information with vehicles and vice versa. INRIX is helping us lay an open foundation for operators interested in piloting AVs on public streets by offering an important dataset that demonstrates our understanding of real-world deployment challenges.” “INRIX AV Road Rules provides access to ground-truth, road authority-verified traffic guidelines that will help us ensure successful operation of our vehicles,” added Gretchen Effgen, vice president of Global Partnerships at nuTonomy (an Aptiv company). “Partnering with INRIX and the city of Boston demonstrates our commitment to safety and our work to guarantee our vehicles always have the most up-to-date information.” “For more than 10 years, INRIX has been working with public agencies and vehicle operators around the world to manage and improve transportation for human driven vehicles,” Ash said. “INRIX is leading the charge to ensure HAVs are safely integrated into the world’s road networks, providing the tools and analysis needed to improve and validate their safety and performance.”   8  

FALCONER, N.Y.   —    Truck-Lite Co., LLC, a worldwide provider of heavy-duty lighting, telematics, engine protection, safety and visibility systems, has released its 2018 full-line catalog. Redesigned and restructured for 2018, Truck-Lite’s new catalog touts improved ease of navigation and enhanced data as its primary features. Customers will utilize more specific indices sorted by product family and common size, as well as color-coded tabbing, to arrive at the precise product page of their choice. There, they will notice more comprehensive information on each specific product rather than general information on a collection of products. “Our revamped catalog is an extension of our website overhaul project from 2016,” said Beth W. English, vice president of marketing for Truck-Lite. “It mimics our website in terms of navigability and allows customers to quickly reference any of our 3,000+ aftermarket products and any associated kit or accessory items.” To order the 2018 full-line catalog, part number L09, contact aTruck-Lite sales representative or [email protected].          

ATHENS, Ga. — The latest generation of ComfortPro diesel-powered auxiliary power units from Carrier Transicold includes upgrades that improve reliability, reduce maintenance and double the length of the service interval. Among the latest enhancements are a new automotive-style multi-V drive belt and a tensioner that automatically adjusts the belt to help maintain full voltage output of the generator when the APU is running, according to Ryan Rubly, product manager, alternative power. This eliminates manual belt tensioning, as periodically required with earlier models. Also, the system now uses high-performance CK-4 heavy-duty engine oil, enabling the maintenance interval to be extended from 1,000 to 2,000 hours, he said. “Backed by Carrier Transicold’s extensive dealer network, ComfortPro diesel APUs offer the trucking industry the most well-rounded suite of performance and features,” Rubly said. “When Carrier Transicold acquired the ComfortPro line last year, one of our top priorities was engaging our engineers to improve the APUs based on feedback from our dealers and customers. These latest design revisions significantly advance the product in terms of service ease.” By providing cab climate control and other capabilities, APUs reduce truck idling, helping drivers comply with local and regional anti-idling regulations while saving fuel and reducing wear and tear on their truck engines. Fully featured ComfortPro diesel-powered APUs offer air conditioning, heating, cab power, engine warming, truck battery monitoring and charging, plus optional shore power connectivity – more capabilities than standard APU offerings from other providers. These models provide 12,000 BTUs of cooling and up to 10,000 BTUs of heating for year-round driver comfort. Additionally, the 6 kW generator provides ample power for hotel loads, while also helping to maintain the truck battery’s charge and automatically keeping the truck engine warm in cold weather. The shore power option enables functionality by plugging into a 110/120-volt source instead of running the APU engine. Rubly said Carrier Transicold offers three fully featured diesel-powered ComfortPro APUs: integrated, stand-alone and an integrated version with a ClearSky diesel particulate filter to further reduce emissions as required in California for certain applications. A fourth, power-only model provides electricity for household accessories for applications where no cab climate control is needed. With the integrated models, tractor engine warming is provided via APU coolant exchange. The stand-alone model provides the same capabilities but the tractor and APU coolant systems are independent, with the APU’s generator powering the tractor’s block heater to warm the engine. Additional details on ComfortPro diesel-powered APUs can be found in a 12-page brochure, available online from Carrier Transicold at www.carrier.com/comfortpro. For more information, or to schedule an installation, turn to the experts in Carrier Transicold’s North America dealer network. Carrier Transicold is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. 8    

More than 13 percent or nearly 1,600 CMVs inspected during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s “unannounced” brake safety initiative April 25, were sidelined, CVSA reported today. The safety initiative encompassed 52 U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions and 11,531 total inspections, with the U.S. conducting 10,074 CMV inspections and Canada holding 1,457 inspections. Fourteen percent of CMVs were placed out-of-service in the U.S. for brake violations and 12.4 percent were sidelined in Canada for brake problems. The good news is that 86.2 percent of the total number of CMVs inspected had no critical brake-related violations, CVSA reported. In all, 8,128 air-braked trucks and tractors were identified as requiring anti-lock braking systems and 10.2 percent had ABS violations. Also, 5,331 trailers were found to require ABS, with 14.3 percent having ABS violations. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study, large truck crashes in which the braking capacity was critical were 50 percent more likely to have a brake violation.

RESTON, Va. — Trucker Tools, a company that provides shipment visibility, carrier capacity management and predictive freight-matching solutions for the transportation industry, has completed a Series A funding round, raising $4.4 million in additional capital to support product development and customer acquisition. The funding round was fully subscribed by current investors according to Prasad Gollapalli, Trucker Tools founder and CEO. “I want to congratulate our team on performing to a level that has earned this additional commitment from our investor group,” Gollapalli said.  “Customer adoption of the Smart Capacity platform and tools has been excellent. We have a strong pipeline of new business. Brokers and 3PLs are seeing the value and asking us to ramp-up product development.” He added that Trucker Tools also recently reached 100,000 unique carriers active on the network — primarily operators with fleets of 20 trucks or less. “Our critical mass of connected capacity continues to grow,” Gollapalli said. “This funding round demonstrates the confidence our investors have in the quality of our solutions, the integrity of our network, its growth prospects and strong early acceptance from the 3PL and broker community.” Gollapalli said the funds will be invested in several strategic areas, including: Expanding product development resources, enabling faster response to customer requests for new or enhanced functionality. As part of this effort the company has launched a formal “customer advisory board” which meets regularly to review and provide input on the product road map. Building out the implementation team, driving faster and more efficient customer on-boarding, and accelerating integrations with leading TMS software providers and ERP systems. Brand development and increasing sales and marketing resources, expanding the company’s reach deeper into the broker community, which has thousands of potential customers. The success of customers in deriving productivity benefits and competitive advantage from the platform is driving more demand for accelerated development, particularly with Trucker Tools’ Smart Capacity predictive load-matching tools and functionality for carriers and brokers, Gollapalli said. “We are helping carriers squeeze the best loads at the right time onto every truck they have, limiting downtime and using every possible hour of available capacity,” he said. That reduces wasted capacity and helps optimize the carrier’s network and the driver’s available hours – and improves the broker’s productivity.  “All are especially important objectives in today’s tight capacity market and with the ELD mandate,” he noted. Trucker Tools also continues to see growing adoption of its mobile app for drivers.  Launched in 2013, the mobile app has been downloaded by more than 500,000 truck drivers in North America. The mobile app integrates with a smart phone’s GPS software to continually capture, in real time, precise location data, which is then transmitted over Trucker Tools’ confidential, secure network, and displayed in Smart Capacity’s load tracking and carrier management platform. The real-time, trusted capacity intelligence provided by the Smart Capacity platform helps brokers and carriers match loads with available trucks far more efficiently and reliably than past practice.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks North America are partnering with colleges in Florida, Ohio and Texas to offer the Diesel Advanced Technology Education (DATE) program beginning in early 2019 to address a shortage of skilled vehicle service technicians. Students enrolled in the 500-hour program will be trained to work on Mack and Volvo trucks, including powertrains, electrical and electronic systems, chassis components and software and engine diagnosis and repair. The DATE for Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks curriculum will be taught by certified instructors at Jones Technical Institute in Jacksonville, Florida; the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, Ohio; and  Western Technical College in El Paso, Texas. DATE program graduates will receive an associates degree in diesel mechanics and a certification from the DATE program. They will be prepared for immediate employment at any of more than Mack and Volvo dealerships across the two OEM’s North American dealer network. “Modern truck technology offers many benefits to customers, but it also requires advanced skills for maintenance and repair,” said Roy Walton, senior manager of aftermarket training for Mack Trucks. “The DATE program will help our dealer network address the severe shortage of technicians qualified to work in this highly technical field.” “The DATE program provides students with the education and skills needed to excel in a career that’s increasingly in demand,” said Matt Flynn, director of Volvo Trucks Academy. “Graduates of the program will be ready for a technician career in our dealer network, equipped with hands-on maintenance and repair training to service the advanced modern truck technologies delivering unprecedented efficiency, performance and safety benefits.” The American Trucking Associations’ American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) reported in October 2017 that the trucking industry will require an estimated 67,000 new technicians and 75,000 new diesel engine specialists by 2022. Both Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks North America are part of the Volvo Group.

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt Motors Co. on July 6 delivered the keys to the first production unit of the new Model 579 UltraLoft to David Freymiller, president and CEO of Oklahoma City- based Freymiller Trucking. Peterbilt had announced the introduction of the Model 579 UltraLoft earlier this year. The UltraLoft features a high roof integral cab and sleeper design for Peterbilt’s flagship on-highway Model 579 that provides the ultimate level of driver comfort and the distinctive style and quality, according to Robert Woodall, assistant general manager-sales and marketing. “The Model 579 UltraLoft was designed to exceed customer demands, offering increased space and storage to create a comfortable environment for drivers,” Woodall said. “The UltraLoft is the result of the collaborative process between Peterbilt and many of our customers and drivers. They asked for the best and we delivered.” Driver experience was the key driver in designing the Model 579 UltraLoft, Woodall said, adding that by optimizing the space available, the new sleeper model includes industry-leading storage and comfort. “The UltraLoft gives drivers the largest upper and lower bunk mattresses, best-in-class headroom in both bunks and class-leading creature comforts with space to accommodate the industry’s largest microwave and enough room to fit a 32 inch flat screen TV,” Woodall said. The improvements are not limited to the driver experience. The UltraLoft provides an estimated 2 percent aerodynamic improvement and a 220-pound weight reduction to push the limits of efficiency even further while maintaining the styling and bold look of the Model 579. “Peterbilt trucks are the class of the industry. The superior craftsmanship, performance and design set them apart from the crowd and the pride of driving a Peterbilt is a tool we use to retain and recruit quality drivers,” said David Freymiller, president and CEO of Freymiller. “The Model 579 UltraLoft is a game changer as it takes it to a new level. Our drivers are excited to take advantage of the increased space and premium cab design.” For more information about Peterbilt, visit www.peterbilt.com.

PORTLAND, Ore. –  A new Battery Powered HVAC system is now available as a factory-installed option for new Freightliner Cascadia® truck models. This system provides up to 10 hours of cooling or 34 hours of heating to the cab when parked. Available on all new Cascadia sleeper sizes and bunk styles, the Battery Powered HVAC system reduces emissions by allowing drivers to maintain a comfortable temperature overnight in their cab without idling the engine. Increased airflow from a floor outlet further improves driver comfort, and the system is integrated with the truck’s Optimized Idle feature for comfort in any extreme climate. All system components are serviceable, and most can be reached without removing the cabinet where it is housed. For 60-inch and 72-inch sleepers, the new solid state electrical center of the Battery Powered HVAC system fits completely underneath the cab’s wardrobe cabinet, freeing up space in the baggage compartment. The Battery Powered HVAC system has a dual evaporator design and the compressor only runs in parked mode – further enhancing reliability. The system is fully integrated with vehicle power management to preserve engine starting. “The new Cascadia is built to provide optimal comfort both on the job and off, and the Battery Powered HVAC system contributes to creating that ideal interior environment for the driver,” said Kelly Gedert, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks and Detroit Components. Now available to order, the new Battery Powered HVAC system replaces the previously offered ParkSmart system. For more information, go to www.freightliner.com.

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt Motors Co. is offering two new options for Models 567 and 579 trucks: the alert switch and the pass-through seat. These features were designed with input from influential driver groups such as Women In Trucking. At the same time, Peterbilt revealed that the Paccar MX-11 engine is now available with the PACCAR Transmission. Located in the sleeper control panel, the alert switch is an alarm that behaves like a panic button on a car, flashing external lights and sounding alarms when activated. This feature ensures that drivers parked at truck stops or other locations are able to alert others in case of an emergency. “The alert switch is an example of Peterbilt’s commitment to driver comfort and safety,” said Wesley Slavin, On-Highway Marketing Manager for Peterbilt Motors Company. “This convenient alarm system provides drivers an extra layer of personal security.” The pass-through seat was also introduced in response to customer input and is designed to help drivers when they are packing their vehicles. Located under the passenger seat, this convenient storage cabinet is accessible from both the inside and outside of the cab. The pass-through seat allows drivers to load the cabinet before climbing into the cab, and unload it once they are inside the truck, easing the physical strain when packing the vehicle. “The pass-through seat is a great convenience feature,” Slavin said. “Drivers can easily access their items from both inside and outside of the truck.” Both options are available for order this summer. The Paccar 12-speed automated transmission is the lightest heavy duty automated transmission on the market, designed to work seamlessly with Paccar engines and axles to increase fuel economy and truck performance. The MX-11 offers exceptional fuel efficiency to increase profitability and uptime while offering a high power to weight ratio. The Paccar 12-speed automated transmission features low cost of operation with 750,000 mile oil change intervals. “When combined with the MX-11 engine, the Paccar automated transmission offers superior drivability, with industry-leading maneuverability at low speeds,” said Wesley Slavin, on-highway marketing manager. “The transmission is the best in class for both drivability and weight, making it the best choice for heavy duty fleets and vocational trucks like the Model 567 and 520.”

KIRKLAND, Wash. — The Kenworth T680 on-highway flagship is now standard with Bendix ADB22X front and rear air disc brakes. The pairing is a result of Kenworth now offering Bendix ADB22X rear air disc brakes as standard. The Bendix ADB22X front air disc brakes have been standard for several years. Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes offer superior braking performance, shorter stopping distances, enhanced safety, light weight and lower overall maintenance costs, according to Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing manager. The two-pin floating caliper design provides consistent force distribution. The design also significantly reduces brake fade with no degradation of stopping power, according to Bendix. “Fleets and truck operators purchasing new Kenworth T680s can benefit from the superior performance, automotive-like feel, lightweight design, and ease of maintenance offered by Bendix ADB22X front and rear air disc brakes. These brakes also exceed the federal government’s RSD (reduced stopping distance) requirements for enhanced safety, offer extended brake change intervals, and provide weight reduction,” Swihart said. For more information about Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes, contact your Kenworth dealer or visit Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake at www.foundationbrakes.com.

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Yokohama Tire’s max-mileage 902L ultra wide base (UWB) long-haul/regional drive tire is now available in a new size: 455/55R22.5. “The SmartWay-verified 902L UWB delivers superior traction, as well as high-mileage,” said Tom Clauer, Yokohama Tire’s manager of commercial and OTR product planning. “Its unique tread design makes a real difference in extreme driving conditions.” The 902L also comes in size 445/50R22.5. Benefits include: Long, even wear is assured by the deep 27/32 tread depth that creates higher traction while providing extra-long treadlife. Plus, the optimal eight-rib block and sipe tread design contribute to enhanced lateral stability. Enhanced fuel efficiency and traction are insured via the advanced rubber compound that lowers rolling resistance and reduces heat build-up. Also, the specially engineered small block and sipe combo reduce heel-toe wear to increase fuel economy and provide increased snow traction. Significant increased retreadability is made possible by Yokohama’s advanced casing design, which is created specifically to reduce strain and prevent casing growth, allowing retread after retread. More details on Yokohama’s commercial tires at www.Yokohamatruck.com.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America, together with FedEx and the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, used advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) technology to conduct on-highway truck platooning as part of ongoing research collaboration. Volvo Trucks North America said Wednesday the successful on-highway demonstration of its truck platooning technology. The company has been working closely with FedEx and the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) to expand on-highway operations of Volvo’s Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) in the United States on N.C. 540, the Triangle Expressway. This marks the first public on-highway showcase of platooning technology between a major truck manufacturer and a transportation company in the U.S. “Volvo Trucks has long supported platooning because it benefits freight companies and professional drivers alike through safer, more fuel-efficient operations,” said Per Carlsson, acting president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We continue preparing for deployment of trucks with greater vehicle-to-vehicle communication capabilities that support higher levels of ADAS. We know these technologies will be part of our future, but exact timing depends on many things, namely regulations, infrastructure, safety standards, and market demand.” The “platoon” consisted of three trained, professional truck drivers in Volvo VNL tractors, each pulling double 28-foot trailers. Through CACC, a wireless vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology, the tractors and trailers remained in constant communication. The tractors and trailers traveled at speeds of up to 62 mph while keeping a time gap of 1.5 seconds, maintaining a closer distance than what is typical for on-highway tractors. Staged and unplanned vehicle cut-ins demonstrated how the technology handles common traffic situations. “Volvo’s V2V technology is based on dedicated short-range communication (DSRC), which has proven its capability to perform well in the V2V environment,” said Keith Brandis Volvo Trucks North America vice president for product planning. “Dedicated bandwidth within the 5.9GHz spectrum is critical for the successful deployment of V2V application, like truck platooning.” Brandis said Wednesday’s demonstration is the result of an ongoing research collaboration. Since April 2018, three Volvo VNL tractors have been paired with various combinations of FedEx trailers to simulate real-world routes and trailer loads while traveling on N.C. 540. The potential benefits of platooning that are being studied during this collaborative research include faster responses to hard braking while maintaining safety and fuel efficiency. “FedEx was built on innovation and it continues to be an integral part of the FedEx culture and business strategy,” said Gloria Boyland, corporate vice president, operations and service support, FedEx Corp. “We are pleased to collaborate with Volvo Trucks and the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to learn more about how platooning technology can benefit our team members while improving fuel efficiency for our fleet.” The vehicle-to-vehicle communication system helps reduce the reaction time for braking and enables vehicles to follow closer, automatically matching each other’s speed and braking, officials said. The advanced technology is meant to serve as an aid – not a replacement – for skilled professional truck drivers. When trucks can drive closely behind one another, fuel efficiency is improved as a result of reduced drag. Drag accounts for up to 25 percent of a truck’s total fuel consumption, and the closer the trucks drive to each other, the greater the fuel-saving potential. Reducing the traveling distance between vehicles also allows for greater highway utilization, helping alleviate traffic congestion. “This collaboration demonstrates the Turnpike Authority’s commitment to invest in the safety of customers with state of the art technology that could become an invaluable tool for transportation,” said NCTA Executive Director Beau Memory. “With some of the most advanced roadways in the nation, the Turnpike Authority wants all drivers to have every tool and technological advancement necessary to reach their destination safely and efficiently.” N.C. 540, because of its proximity to Volvo Trucks’ North American headquarters and its designation as a proving ground for advanced vehicle technology, is an excellent demonstration site for the Volvo platooning technology, providing invaluable insights for all parties involved in this process. N.C. 540 is one of 10 locations around the country that the U.S. Department of Transportation has designated for demonstrating advanced vehicle technologies, like platooning, through research initiatives such as this one. Brandis said Volvo Trucks and FedEx plan to continue developing the Volvo CACC technology on N.C. 540 into the foreseeable future with the goal of continuing to learn about the potential benefits offered by vehicle platooning. Additionally, this advanced testing will allow the participants to adapt to the technological and regulatory developments that will ultimately determine the commercial viability of platooning technology in the United States. Watch this weeks The Trucker News Channel.

TULSA, Okla. — Optronics International, a manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty LED vehicle lighting, has introduced five new LED Light Bars increasing the product line to eight. The new lamps include two three-inch cubes, a nine-inch bar, a 30-inch bar with supplemental turn functions and a 52-inch bar with a 20,000-lumen beam. With the exception of the 30-inch multifunction lamp, all other LED Light Bars in the family feature a combination spot/flood beam pattern. As with Optronics’ original LED Light Bars, the new lamps can be used for scene lighting and a vast array of auxiliary lighting applications, according to Brett Johnson, president and CEO. With a broad variety of sizes and outputs ranging from 1,800 to 20,000 lumens, there is sure to be an Optronics’ LED Light Bar that fits almost any space and need, he said. “Originally introduced in 2017, our LED Light Bar product line had the industry’s first lifetime warranty and an extremely competitive price point,” Johnson said. “Now we have one of the broadest and most flexible lines as well, and we’ve retained our unique no-hassles warranty and low-price, high-value product positioning strategy.” All eight lamps in the family are designed for robust service duty in a variety of harsh environments. Each of the lamps carries an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, and each comes with Optronics’ no-hassle, one-diode lifetime warranty, which includes a full lamp replacement if even one diode fails. Like most other Optronics LED lighting, all LED Light Bars are designed with tough, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses that reduce dust adhesion. Seven of the lamps feature die-cast aluminum housing and mounting brackets and come with stainless steel hardware, and the 30-inch lamp with its auxiliary turn function, includes an adjustable stainless steel sliding bracket. Three of the new lamps are designed for both 12- and 24-volt electrical systems and the two 3-inch cubes work exclusively with 12-volt systems. Four lamps are hardwired with 16-inch leads and the 30-inch lamp comes with 24-inch leads. In conjunction with the new LED Light Bar product launch, Optronics has also upgraded its product merchandising. Distributors will be impressed by stunning new retail packaging and displays that will make the entire LED Light Bar family hard to ignore. “Optronics is an industry leader in the retail merchandising of vehicle lighting,” Johnson said. “But this latest upgrade won’t alter the price to our distributors.” To help meet lighting requirements in many states, new neoprene LED Light Bar covers will soon be available for the entire family of lamps. Optronics will also be offering a new wiring accessory switch kit that will add operational convenience, Johnson said. Optronics products are available in the U.S. and Canada through the company’s extensive distribution network of more than 12,000 convenient distribution locations. Users can access individual Optronics distributor websites by simply clicking on their logo icons. For information on international sales and distribution of Optronics products, contact Dorian Drake at (914) 697-9800, or visit http://doriandrake.com.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Landstar System, a worldwide, asset-light provider of integrated transportation management solutions, has launched its enhanced Landstar Maximizer mobile app, a search engine that enables owner-operators to look for and book back-to-back loads, creating multi-leg, full-week runs. After entering a destination, origin and date range, an owner-operator clicks the app’s Ask Max button and the Landstar-exclusive technology takes seconds to find the right combination of loads. The Landstar Maximizer app does more than connect dots on a map, according to Landstar Transportation Logistics Executive Vice President of Capacity Development Rocco Davanzo. It analyzes rates, distance and time and presents the owner-operator with the best possible load combinations to maximize the potential revenue they can generate for the time period they choose. The results show cities, pick-up dates and revenue per load. The Landstar owner-operator, which the company calls a business capacity owner (BCO), can choose which combination best meets his or her needs – whether that’s maximizing revenue or being in a certain city by a specific date. Then he or she contacts the Landstar agents to book the loads. The Landstar Maximizer mobile app launched in beta version in late 2017 to a small group of Landstar BCOs. Since the app’s recent full roll-out in 2018, nearly 70 percent of Landstar’s more than 9,600 BCOs have downloaded and used the tool. Landstar BCO Stephen McFarlane said the app has changed his business and helped him achieve a new level of success. “It’s very easy to use and gives me a lot of data to make the best decision for my business,” McFarlane said. “The app uses loads available from the Landstar load board to create the multi-leg runs based on the user’s search criteria. The technology is designed to help BCOs spend less time searching for loads, with less downtime between loads – which means more revenue opportunities for owner-operators leased to Landstar,” Davanzo said. “This another example of how Landstar provides BCOs the opportunity to decide what to haul, when to haul and where to haul.” The Landstar Maximizer mobile app is one of the many technologies created and customized to support the company’s vast network of small businesses, including more than 9,600 owner-operators, more than 50,000 truck brokerage carriers and 1,200 independent agents, Davanzo said. All of the company’s technology enhancements and new developments are geared toward empowering and building efficiencies for the thousands of business owners in the Landstar network who move freight throughout North America and globally for more than 25,000 customers. Watch this video to learn more about the mobile app and its features. The Landstar Maximizer mobile app can be downloaded by Landstar BCOs for free on iTunes or Google Play.  

TORONTO — Geotab, a global leader in the internet of things (IoT) and connected transportation, has launched an interactive infographic depicting the evolution of America’s iconic interstate highway system. The Internet of things (IoT) is the inter-networking of physical devices, vehicles (also referred to as “connected devices” and “smart devices”), buildings, and other items—embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity that enable these objects to collect and exchange data. Geotab said its interactive timeline allows users to watch the network expand over the years, providing a detailed look at the development of the infrastructure that has supported transportation and trade across the America for several decades. Today, the Interstate Highway System accounts for 25 percent of all highway traffic in the United States. As the system nears a major milestone, with the total network approaching 50,000 miles in length, Geotab created the interactive infographic to highlight the development of the highway system in the U.S. throughout the years, said Maria Sotra, Geotabs vice president of marketing. Since its inception in 1956, the Interstate Highway System has been regarded as the backbone of U.S. commerce and infrastructure, playing a vital role in America’s economic growth. The Geotab map highlights major developments over the last 60 years, such as the 1974 completion of the Interstate 5 that now connects Mexico and Canada with a singular route and the opening of the I-80, the country’s first coast-to-coast highway. Geotab’s “Evolution of the Interstate” infographic provides the public with the ability to watch the Interstate Highway System expand over the years, enabling them to engage with particular dates and sections of the extensive network. The interactive map also includes relevant details about the city each highway serves, the length of that specific highway, and provides the total mileage covered by the entire network in any given year. “As America’s Interstate Highway System approaches a major milestone, we wanted to pay tribute to this intricate and expansive network,” Sotra said, VP of Marketing at Geotab. “Connecting people, enabling business and providing a straightforward path across one of the largest countries in the world, the nearly 50,000 miles of highway that makes up the Interstate Highway System has played an undeniable role in transportation and trade in the United States.” To explore the interactive map in full here: https://www.geotab.com/evolution-of-interstate/.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Power management company Eaton is addressing increasing demand for high-voltage electrified vehicle technologies with the creation of its new eMobility business. With a focus on intelligent power electronics, power systems and advanced power distribution and circuit protection, eMobility is poised to capitalize on a global vehicle electrification market projected to grow to 15 million pure battery-electric vehicles and another 30 million hybrids, from mild to plug-in, by 2030, according to Jeff Lowinger, president, eMobility. eMobility was formed by combining products, expertise and global manufacturing capabilities from Eaton’s electrical and vehicle businesses. Lowinger said Eaton plans to invest more than $500 million over the next five years to develop new products and technologies, including smart diagnostic technologies, intelligent power electronics and predictive health monitoring, to further strengthen its global capabilities and deliver intelligent electrification products and solutions to passenger car, commercial vehicle and off-highway customers. Eaton has over 15 years of experience developing hybrid systems with more than 15,000 HEV and PHEV systems on the road in the U.S., Europe, China and other Asia-Pacific markets. Eaton also has high-voltage, fast-acting fuses in nearly 50 percent of global electrified cars, and power electronics on a leading European battery-electric vehicle platform. As a global supplier, Lowinger said Eaton has extensive knowledge of vehicle dynamics and safety standards, and experience managing high-voltage power distribution, circuit protection and advanced electric power quality systems. Eaton’s electrical business has products installed in some of the world’s largest data centers, hospitals, factories and other areas that consume large amounts of electricity and where uninterruptable power flow is critical, and is bringing that institutional knowledge and expertise to the automotive and commercial vehicle markets with eMobility. “Our understanding of the unique needs of vehicle customers, along with our experience in transmissions and power electronics in the hybrid space, gives us a distinct advantage versus other suppliers,” Lowinger said. “Customers using Eaton hybrid systems have collectively accumulated an estimated 2 billion miles of clean, reliable service.” Lowinger said eMobility focuses on three primary areas for both automotive and commercial vehicle customers: intelligent power electronics, power systems and advanced power distribution and circuit protection. The power distribution and protection category includes fuses, supercapacitors and power distribution units (PDUs), while converters and on-board chargers fall under the power electronics umbrella. Power systems include electric vehicle (EV) transmissions for a variety of medium- and heavy-duty applications, as well as a 48-volt regenerative accessory drive system for heavy-duty trucks. Eaton’s existing line of electrified products — which includes DC/DC converters, PDUs, hybrid and battery-electric transmissions, and high-voltage fuses — serve as the foundation for eMobility to build additional growth as electrification increases. Eaton projects its current electrified portfolio will account for approximately $300 million in revenue in 2018, and forecasts revenues of $2 to $4 billion by 2030 as new products and customers are added to the eMobility portfolio. eMobility is a global business headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, with design centers and manufacturing locations in Asia, Europe and the Americas, and today employs approximately 1,200 employees. Eaton is a power management company with 2017 sales of $20.4 billion. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

McLEAN, Va. — United Bus Technology (UBT), an IT solution provider in the trucking and motorcoach industries, Monday invited those customers affected by the announced closing of ONE20 Inc. and the expiring support of its apps, including the ONE20 F-ELD app, to switch their services to UBT’s Shield ELD system. UBT is offering a free six-month demo period for any operators looking to make the switch over to Shield. During this period, those accepting the offer will have access to the entirety of Shield’s capabilities, including violation notifications, IFTA tracking, availability recaps and more. “No operators should feel like they’re stranded out on their own after something like this happens,” said Timothy Wilson, vice president of UBT. “It’s a shame to hear what happened to ONE20, but our focus is squarely on these customers who are left without an option. We want to help them jump back into compliancy in the easiest way possible. And with SHIELD, we believe they will be able to do that.” The FMCSA ELD mandate went into effect on December 18, 2017. ELDs on many vehicles currently are still new and both owners and operators are still struggling to learn the ins and outs of their respective systems, Wilson said. “To just be getting familiar with a system and then lose it is definitely frustrating. We here at UBT want to make the transition for these owners and operators easier for them and hep mitigate some of that frustration,” he said. Shield was developed from the beginning with drivers in mind, with emphasis placed on ease of use and including the features most important to drivers, such as notifications that help drives avoid violations, Wilson said. “Our ELD is a SHIELD for operators to stand behind,” Wilson said. “To all of you now without a system, I invite you to give us a try. There are no costs tied to the trial and no strings attached. We think it’s always best to know what you’re getting into when you’re adding a new piece of technology to your fleet.” Shield was first made available for purchase on April 28 and is one of UBT’s flagship products, joining MegaWiFi, OnCoach Cinema and MegaTrac. ONE20 went out of business June 18. In making the announcement, ONE20 stated on its website: “We launched ONE20 Inc. in 2015 as a way for drivers to get access to the tools they need to do what they do, without spending an arm and leg. We gave it our best shot. “On June 18, 2018 ONE20 Inc. will be ceasing operations. We wish it wasn’t true but sometimes you win and sometimes you take one on the nose. This time it’s our turn. “Your ONE20 apps (ONE20 Maps, My ONE20 and ONE20 F-ELD) will NOT continue to work. “We won’t be doing any updates or offering any support.”

SEATTLE — As of June 2018, carriers using automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRDs) will have less than 18 months to transition from their current solution to an electronic logging device. To help businesses during this period, Zonar – a provider of smart fleet management technology – developed an easy-to-use checklist for decision-makers responsible for getting fleets compliant with federal regulations. This guide outlines how carriers can find the best solution to fit their needs, avoid dealing with faulty products or services, and reach full compliance with the ELD mandate by December 17, 2019. The ELD mandate was introduced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to help the commercial transportation industry increase safety for all drivers on the road through in-vehicle technology to easily log data such as hours of service. While many fleets are now using ELDs, some companies are still using AOBRDs for data collection – older versions of FMCSA-approved devices that will no longer be compliant next December. “While 18 months may seem like plenty of time, some fleets are now finding their new ELDs or vendors aren’t up to par. These mistakes can cost companies thousands of dollars – not just to replace devices but for potential fines and out-of-service violations caused by faulty solutions,” said Fred Fakkema, vice president of compliance at Zonar. “Because we have nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and with support from Continental, we have a deep understanding and expertise on how to ensure fleets are compliant with regulations including the ELD mandate.” Businesses can print the downloadable guide here which includes: A workback calendar in checklist form Information fleet managers should collect from operators and stakeholders before vendor discovery How to assess potential vendors and the questions decision-makers need to ask before purchase Fakkema  said Zonar creates technology solutions that collect and analyze data from a wide variety of vehicles including trucks, school buses, transit vehicles and construction equipment. “This information empowers drivers and fleet managers with the data and analysis needed to better navigate any route and safely manage passengers and cargo,” he said. Zonar was founded in 2001. For more information, visit www.zonarsystems.com        

MAUMEE, Ohio — Dana is launching new Spicer Select drivetrain products, a new line of all-makes coverage for the North American commercial-vehicle aftermarket. Ideally suited for aging vehicles, the new portfolio features Dana-engineered and -tested drivetrain products manufactured by a network of carefully selected partners, according to Mark Wallace, executive vice president of Dana and president of Dana commercial driveline technologies. Spicer Select is available through traditional commercial-vehicle aftermarket channels, and immediately includes u-joints and center bearings with a plan to expand to yokes. Similar to the widely recognized red branding of genuine Spicer parts, the new Spicer Select products will be easily identifiable in aftermarket outlets by its unique purple packaging and brand personality. “The new portfolio provides a Dana-engineered and -tested aftermarket solution to help maximize the life of aging vehicles that still have a job to do,” Wallace said.  “The Spicer Select line is inclusive of high-demand replacement parts, which have been analyzed by our engineering teams and manufactured to meet Dana’s aftermarket requirements.” To further solidify the quality of the offering, Spicer Select parts undergo an assessment, including design-feature evaluations and engineering-specification approval. Manufacturing partners are vetted through a detailed audit, and the process is finalized by testing the part to ensure it meets Dana quality and performance levels. “With the longevity of today’s vehicles, operators need replacement options that provide a proven level of performance,” Wallace said. “Beginning with exceptional parts and Dana-approved engineering protocol, Spicer Select products set themselves apart by maintaining a high-quality process, ensuring proper fit and function, as well as long-lasting service.” In anticipation of the needs of the light-vehicle aftermarket, Dana plans to announce Spicer Select for light-vehicle applications with the launch of u-joints, center bearings, and yokes, beginning in early 2019. Wallace said Spicer Select drivetrain products are backed by a comprehensive, competitive warranty and supported by Dana’s dedicated aftermarket team. For program information, visit www.SpicerParts.com/SpicerSelect. For part numbers and availability visit www.DanaAftermarket.com.

AKRON, Ohio – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced Wednesday that it has added another product to its Endurance line of high-mileage, long-haul tires. During a press conference, Mahesh Kavaturu, Goodyear’s marketing manager for commercial long-haul and regional products, introduced the Goodyear Endurance LHS steer tire, which complements the popular Goodyear Endurance LHD drive tire. The Goodyear Endurance LHS is Goodyear’s best long-haul steer tire for miles to removal, Kavaturu said, and it is the culmination of years of research and field testing. “Like the Goodyear Endurance LHD, the Goodyear Endurance LHS is SmartWay-verified and is a key part of Goodyear’s Total Solution of trusted products, reliable services and fleet management tools, all delivered by a nationwide network,” Kavaturu said. Kavaturu then described the various features by which the Endurance LHS is optimized to help provide long miles to removal. Those features include a new wear-resistant tread compound; a new dual-layer tread with uniform stiffness for slow, even wear; new rigid casing construction for a consistent footprint; and new casing compounds for low rolling resistance. “Long-haul fleets are the biggest segment of the North American trucking market,” said Kavaturu. They represent 45 percent of the market. “When it comes to tires, these companies measure every mile. And they want to get as many miles as possible out of their tire investment without sacrificing other performance benefits like fuel efficiency, even wear and traction. “We believe that the new Goodyear Endurance LHS, along with the Goodyear Endurance LHD, can help fleets achieve this balance and ultimately lower their operating costs,” he added. The Goodyear Endurance LHS is now available in load ranges G and H in three sizes: 295/75R22.5, 11R22.5 and 11R24.5. An additional size, 285/75R24.5, also n load ranges G and H, will be available in July. Both the Goodyear Endurance LHS and Goodyear Endurance LHD are available at more than 2,300 Goodyear Commercial Tire & Service Centers and authorized, independent Goodyear commercial tire dealerships throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit goodyeartrucktires.com.