Equipment & Tech Archives

Kriete acquires La Crosse Truck Center

Dana Guthrie - July 16, 2024

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Kriete Truck Centers, headquartered in Milwaukee with 10 locations across Wisconsin, has acquired La Crosse Truck Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. “We’re thrilled to continue expanding our ability to serve customers across the state and provide our associates with additional opportunities to learn and grow,” said Kriete Truck Centers President and CEO David Kriete. “As stewards of our brands, our community and our customers, we couldn’t be more excited about this key milestone in achieving our mission.” The acquisition authorizes Kriete to sell and service Mack trucks in both La Crosse and Mauston and Isuzu trucks in La Crosse. “Congratulations to Kriete Truck Centers for its investment and acquisition to expand its service and support to the La Crosse and Mauston areas of Wisconsin,” said President of Mack Trucks North America Jonathan Randall. “Just as Mack continues to invest in our customers through products and services, our dealers continue to invest in the Mack brand.” In parallel with this acquisition, Kriete Truck Centers’ existing La Crosse location will undergo a major facility renovation. “All of us at Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc., are excited to welcome Kriete Truck Centers to the Isuzu family,” said President of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. Shaun Skinner. “We look forward to working with Kriete in continuing to support customers.”

ARI-HETRA touts BPW Wireless Mobile Column Lifts

Dana Guthrie - July 15, 2024

SHARONVILLE, Ohio — ARI-HETRA, is highlighting its cutting-edge BPW Wireless Mobile Column Lifts. “Our lifts redefine what’s achievable,” said President and COO of ARI-HETRA, Chris Jones. “Not only do they strengthen safety and productivity but demonstrate unrivaled dependability and simplicity. We’re thrilled to deliver this pioneering technology industrywide.” Designed to advance efficiency and safeguard operations, these industry-leading lifts maximize performance for service techs across numerous industries, according to ARI-HETRA. “The BPW Wireless Mobile Column Lifts deliver unparalleled versatility and practicality, cementing their role as essential shop equipment,” the company said in a press release. “They are powered by a low friction recirculating ball-screw mechanism allowing for precise control and ultimate efficiency. A longer battery life promises the highest number of lifting cycles in the industry. Technicians can easily move and reposition each wireless mobile column lift, increasing turnaround time and productivity. Our wireless mobile column lifts can be hooked up in sets of up to 8 with a maximum capacity of 144,000 lbs.” According to ARI-HETRA, key features include: Made In the USA – Alabama. Each wireless lift supports up to 18,000 lbs.; a set of 8 bears up to 144,000 lbs. No wiring is needed, which declutters work areas and reduces risks. Recirculating ball-screw mechanism requires little maintenance, is lightweight and does not leak like hydraulic systems may. Intuitive Interface: User-friendly controls with precise lift positioning. Safety: Self-balancing and automatic shut-off add protective measures. Versatility: Optimal for an assortment of medium and heavy-duty vehicles. In addition to the technical specifications, the BPW Wireless Mobile Column Lifts are designed with the user in mind. The intuitive interface and robust construction ensure that operators can perform maintenance tasks efficiently and safely, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Class 8 outlook continues grim trend

Bruce Guthrie - July 12, 2024

COLUMBUS, Ind – The US Class 8 tractor outlook has deteriorated further in Q2, as published in the latest release of the North American Commercial Vehicle OUTLOOK. ACT’s US Tractor Dashboard, a metric that provides forward-looking market insight by encompassing variables that take both supply and demand into account, underscores the trend downward. “Following a -7 reading in March, ACT’s 15 metric Dashboard has posted back-to-back -11 readings, with negatives interspersed through the macro, freight, and industry metrics that comprise the aggregate,” according to Kenny Vieth, ACT’s President and Senior Analyst. “Were these ‘normal’ times, the implied stepdown in support would be signaling increased tractor market weakness into next year. The wildcard as we look to 2025 is carriers’ appetite to add equipment ahead of the EPA’s expensive 2027 clean truck mandate,” he added. “Typically, the market’s individual components tend to be more closely sync’d and cycle together into a market downturn. With North America’s economies all growing, and recognizing tractor market risk to the forecast, there are certainly positive factors at play as we look to 2025—robust US and Canadian vocational markets and the best Mexican market in a decade are certainly helping to offset the impending trough in tractor demand that is expected to last into mid-2025.” There are still several pockets of strength in the Class 8 market, but: for-hire carrier profits are at levels not seen since 2010; deep into the bottom of the cycle, there has been no tractor market capacity rationalization to date, only capacity additions; excessive capacity expansion has left freight rates at recessionary levels, continuing to prolong the downturn; and, while still expanding, the pace of the economy’s recovery is running at about half the 4%-plus GDP rate of 2H’23. The N.A. CV OUTLOOK reports on the trucking industry forecast, providing a status of commercial vehicle demand, tactical and strategic market analysis and forecasts ranging out five years. The report’s objective is to give OEMs, suppliers, investors, and other interested market participants the information they need to make informed decisions in what is traditionally a deeply cyclical market. The report provides a complete overview of the North American markets, touching on relevant demand drivers starting with forward-looking activity metrics, orders and backlogs. Information included in this report covers build and retail sales forecasts and current market conditions for medium- and heavy-duty trucks/tractors, and trailers, North American macroeconomics by country, freight and carrier market performance, used equipment valuation trends, and regulatory environment analysis and impacts.

A new IDTechEx market report projects annual growth rate of 25.6% over the next 20 years

Bruce Guthrie - July 12, 2024

BOSTON — The autonomous truck industry is experiencing a revival after the initial hype, with vehicle delivery numbers continuously breaking records. According to a release issued by IDTechEx, companies in Asia, Europe, and the United States are eagerly entering the commercialization testing phase. Autonomous trucks are addressing real-world problems by saving transportation costs and optimizing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through practical calculations. By 2044, it is expected that the global trucking fleet will be supported by an additional half a million L4 autonomous drivers, while the remaining drivers will either act as supervisors or work in less developed regions. The autonomous truck industry is projected to have an annual growth rate of 25.6% over the next 20 years. This is one of the key findings from the new IDTechEx research report, “Autonomous Trucks 2024-2044: Technologies, Trends, Forecasts”. Pain points in the commercialization of autonomous trucks Trucks have long been regarded as having great potential in commercializing autonomous driving systems. Compared to robotaxis and other mobility-service-oriented autonomous platforms, companies do not need to focus as much on user experience or integration within society. The purpose of autonomous driving systems in trucks is to address several critical issues within the industry, with driver management being the most prominent. Unstable social conditions and COVID-19 have deterred many from becoming truck drivers. Many young people are reluctant to spend their lives on the road when homeworking has become a viable way to build a career. The aging population exacerbates the labor shortage, making waning driver numbers cause a bottleneck in land transportation. Fewer drivers mean carriers are forced to increase wages to attract new and suitable drivers, thus raising operating costs. Safety is another crucial consideration in the trucking industry. According to “Intelligent Safety White Paper for China’s Road Freight Industry,” there are 3.7 accidents per million kilometers in China’s freight industry – equivalent to one traffic accident per driver every 16 months. The annual insurance payout is about RMB 30,000 per vehicle (US$4,286), with 37% of accidents attributed to driver error and 35% related to the lack of assisting equipment. Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicates that heavy-duty trucks and buses in the United States have 0.1 accidents per million kilometers, with 1% being fatal. The significant disparity arises from differences in road traffic infrastructure between western and eastern China, differences in management regulations between developed and underdeveloped areas, and reduced insurance costs and personal injury compensation. Using autonomous long-haul trucks has the potential to reduce the number of accidents, as autonomous driving systems do not get distracted and can facilitate more efficient and effective communication with other vehicles or devices. IDTechEx’s new report delves deep into the pain points of commercializing autonomous trucks, highlighting the reasons why the industry is choosing autonomy. The commercialization path of autonomous trucks In 2024, autonomous truck companies are actively conducting commercial testing in the hope of addressing the paint points listed above. After studying more than ten of the largest autonomous truck companies, IDTechEx has outlined two main commercialization paths. These paths are influenced by government regulations on autonomous vehicle testing in various countries, with some regions providing detailed policy support specifically for autonomous trucks. Path 1: Stepping from L2 to L4 Led by Inceptio, the first path involves gradually upgrading the in-vehicle autonomous driving system from Level 2 (L2) to Level 4 (L4). The goal is to utilize L2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to pave the way for commercialization and gather real-world data to prepare for L4 autonomous driving systems. Although L2 cannot replace drivers, it can alleviate fatigue, extend driving distances, and enhance safety. In the Chinese market, carriers can drop from two drivers to just one on longer routes thanks to the convenience and safety available from L2-L3 ADAS trucks. Path 2: Establishing High-Quality L4 Fixed Routes The second path focuses on establishing high-quality L4 fixed routes (called “hub-to-hub”) for short-distance (200-400 miles) autonomous or unmanned transportation. Sweden’s Einride is a notable example of a company doing this, with three route plans in the UK, Norway, and Sweden. Companies need to pre-plan the routes for downstream transportation customers and set up related auxiliary facilities along the way to ensure the smooth operation of L4 autonomous driving. As an electric truck company, Einride has designed an autonomous driving network called “Grids” to address fleet optimization, tractor swaps, and battery management optimizations. Einride is already operating independently in Europe and the United States. IDTechEx’s report provides an in-depth analysis of these two commercialization paths and offers region-specific and market-specific forecasts. IDTechEx believes that at the current stage, L4 autonomous trucks require more efficient route planning to reduce uncertainties along the way, thus improving the quality of the Operational Design Domains (ODD). The L4 hub-to-hub transport can consolidate cargo from multiple clients and maximize the use of the same ODD for L4 level transportation. This approach can save vehicle energy and enhance vehicle utilization.

Seismos and Edison Partners team up to drive energy industry’s digital future

Bruce Guthrie - July 11, 2024

A new partnership has formed in order to enhance technology. Seismos and Edison Partners announced a new $15 million growth investment to enable and accelerate the energy industry’s shift from analog-focused exploration and production to technology-driven, digital infrastructure and autonomous production operations. This growth equity investment will support Seismos’ expansion across its existing oil and gas industry base and into new verticals, such as geothermal and mining that are similarly embracing modern digital infrastructure solutions. “The new energy age involves all forms of generation in an equilibrium supported by modern technology” “The new energy age involves all forms of generation in an equilibrium supported by modern technology,” said Panos Adamopoulos, founder and CEO of Seismos. “Oil and gas markets are moving to a state of autonomous, intelligent, AI-driven operations. With Edison, we’ve partnered with a great operating team to help us grow exponentially as this modernization takes hold.” According to a recent release, tools and practices historically used in oil and gas production are facing their natural limits in generating relevant, real-time information which results in suboptimal cost structures, production numbers and safety standards. The new, autonomous, digitized oil and gas field requires next-generation automation and optimization. With its AI-powered Acoustic Sensing, Seismos is revolutionizing the energy sector with efficient, innovative technology that delivers real-time, actionable intelligence. The company’s proprietary AI technology enables rapid, continuous insights and predictive monitoring for quality control that can create up to 10x production improvements and cost savings for operators. Seismos’s topline growth highlights the increasing global demand for its innovative solutions. Revenue expanded 800% between Q1 and Q4 of 2023 on a customer base that doubled in the same time period. The company expects this momentum to continue with further expansion in the Middle East, South America, and Asia. With over 45 patents, Seismos holds a strong intellectual property position, reinforcing its leadership and innovative edge in the industry. “Seismos is leading the evolution of the digital oil field. With a unique, verticalized technology platform and scalable low-cost solution, they’ve created a new market category. Combined with the passion of founder Panos Adamopoulos and expertise of this leadership team, the company fits squarely within Edison’s investment theme of digitizing critical infrastructure, attacking some of the energy industry’s biggest challenges,” said Ryan Ziegler, general partner at Edison Partners. While more sources of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, continue to grow, primary global energy sources include a mix ranging from renewables, to oil and natural gas, and will be driven by increasing global demand that will extend until at least 2050, according to McKinsey. The company’s use cases and applications are very compelling to both core energy producers and the global energy transition industry at large. Edison’s investment in Seismos adds to other digital infrastructure investments, including 120Water, Budderfly, Overhaul, and RTS. Edison has invested in more than 260 companies, more than half of which have been in the enterprise solutions space.

Volvo gets initial VNL order in Canada

Bruce Guthrie - July 10, 2024

There is cause for celebration. Volvo Trucks North America announced via press release that Tobler and Sons Inc., a family-owned logistics company, is the first customer in Canada to order the all-new Volvo VNL. According to the release, the logistics fleet will add two VNL 860s with the Edge Black interior and exterior trim to their fleet, which is exclusively Volvo trucks. Tobler and Sons recently participated in immersive customer events at the Volvo Trucks’ New River Valley (NRV) assembly plant in Dublin, Virginia, which has been expanded with a new $400 million factory dedicated to building the all-new Volvo VNL. Volvo Trucks is hosting customer events throughout the summer, providing a hands-on opportunity to experience the all-new Volvo VNL and explore the packaging options and trim levels. Production of the all-new Volvo VNL will start this summer, with deliveries beginning later this year. “These events at NRV have given us a fantastic opportunity to engage with our customers and witness their excitement about the all-new Volvo VNL,” said Matthew Blackman, managing director for Canada, Volvo Trucks North America. “Tobler and Sons has been a loyal Volvo Trucks customer for many years, and I’m thrilled to see their trucks come off the assembly line with distinctive Edge Black trim. Their new trucks will stand out on the road with their sleek aerodynamic cabs and gloss-black accents and finish, making a striking addition to their Volvo fleet.” The all-new Volvo VNL will provide a 10% increase in fuel efficiency and has been designed to simplify and expedite the service process to maximize uptime, enhancing their fleet’s focus on efficiency and reliability. “I have been a lifelong Volvo Trucks customer, so I’m very familiar with the performance and efficiency of the platform. I love the streamlined look of the all-new Volvo VNL and knew that I wanted to be the first fleet in Canada to purchase one,” said Martin ‘Marty’ Tobler, owner of Tobler and Sons Inc. “It is an exciting opportunity to come to the plant where my trucks will be assembled, meet the team that designed all the new features and learn how to maximize the benefits of the new trucks.” With the launch of the all-new Volvo VNL, Volvo Trucks introduced a new spec’ing process, offering packaging options for interior and exterior trim levels, powertrain, technology, amenities, and safety. This consultative approach to configuring and ordering, a first in the industry, streamlines and enhances the configuration and ordering process, enabling Volvo Trucks to deliver added value and cost savings compared to the conventional a la carte spec’ing process.

DHL Supply Chain reduce carbon emissions with biomethane trucks across Tesco Ireland network

Erica N. Guy - July 10, 2024

DUBLIN, Ireland — As the U.S. moves toward zero-emission vehicles, , the rest of the world is working towards the same goal. DHL Supply Chain and Tesco Ireland are no different. According to a recent release, the two companies are ramping up their commitment to delivering 50 state-of-the-art biomethane-fueled trucks that will operate throughout their country-wide distribution network through their partnership. By replacing 50 diesel units, Tesco Ireland will reduce tailpipe carbon emissions by up to 90%, reducing its carbon footprint. “This is such an important project to demonstrate the role biomethane can play in Irish commercial transport and a significant step towards decarbonizing Tesco’s fleet. Our partnership with Tesco shows what can be achieved through a shared commitment to sustainability, and we’re looking forward to continuing this journey together,” said DHL Supply Chain’s David O’Neill. “DHL is fundamentally decarbonizing a significant proportion of the retail transport sector in Ireland, and this partnership with Tesco Ireland is a big part of that story. This project is a great example of our Green Transport Policy, guiding the transition of 30% of our own fleet to a green alternative by the end of 2026, an important enabler in achieving our sustainability goals.” Each of the biomethane trucks has a range capacity of 700 km (435 miles) on a full tank, which will allow Tesco business to reach any of its 177 stores and return without refueling. “Our network is one of the most sophisticated distribution networks in the country. More than 1,800 journeys are made from our distribution centres every week to our 177 stores,” said Tesco Ireland Retail & Distribution Director Ger Counihan. We have worked hard with DHL to prepare for the switch from diesel to biomethane trucks, and this move to cleaner energy will reduce the carbon emissions created by this fleet considerably.” “This is a significant moment in our journey towards decarbonizing our business. Transitioning to biomethane from diesel will significantly reduce our transport emissions and is an important step towards reaching our goal of net zero emissions across scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2050,” said Tesco Ireland’s Head of Sustainability, Andy McGregor. The trucks will utilize renewable fuel sourced from anaerobic digestion plants in Ireland and Europe. They will refuel at the recently inaugurated BioCNG station managed by Flogas, located at St Margaret’s in North Dublin.

NACFE electrification report findings show BEV tech advancing rapidly

Bruce Guthrie - July 10, 2024

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A new report has been released by the The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) and RMI titled Run on Less – Electric DEPOT: Scaling BEVs in the Real World. According to a recent release issued the report focuses on analyzing daily performance data from 22 production-level battery electric vehicles (BEVs) operating out of 10 fleet depots that participated in Run on Less – Electric DEPOT. Vehicles represented include Class 2b through Class 8 trucks from 11 manufacturers. The data from the Geotab telematics devices installed on the trucks was made available to researchers for deeper analyses. NACFE conducted a Run on Less – Electric DEPOT Data Workshop in March 2024, where participants were invited to present their own analyses of the Run data. “Insights can be pulled back into telematics tools to help the fleet operator understand range predictions and capabilities for their unique situation and the factors that impact them,” said Charlotte Argue, senior manager, sustainable mobility, Geotab. The data analysis confirmed and validated the findings released shortly after the demonstration in September 2023. Those findings were: Small depots are ready for electrification now. Electrification at large depots is gaining momentum. There have been big technology and production improvements since Run on Less – Electric in 2021. The trucking industry needs cost and weight reductions to improve TCO. Range can be extended with multiple charging events during a shift or en route. BEVs are empowering diversity and inclusion, and energizing initiative and passion. Powering up infrastructure is taking too long, but portable/temporary charging is helping. “[The Run showed] that this technology is available. It’s not 10 years in the future. It’s operating now in a city around us and it is possible for other businesses and other fleets to adopt,” said Joy Gardner, executive director, Empire Clean Cities. In addition to validating the initial findings, the post-Run analyses came to these additional findings: Electric vans, trucks and heavy-duty tractors are on the road today and are performing well in many duty cycles. Despite challenges, many fleets are deploying BEVs at scale in their operations. This list includes not only the 10 fleets that participated in Run on Less – Electric DEPOT but also companies like Amazon, NFI and IKEA. Infrastructure, both at the depots and strategically placed along freight corridors, is needed now. One stumbling block to depot electrification is the need for a wider charging network. The place to begin is at or between depots and along freight corridors. Fleets can help with this by working in partnerships where two or more companies combine charging use to maximize charger asset utilization. Fleets need to be aware that planning time for utilities is significantly longer than what fleets are used to. Utilities need to give fleets realistic timelines for project completion. The US National Blueprint For Transportation Decarbonization and the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy outline a vision for the vehicle technologies and infrastructure required to transform commercial freight transportation from fossil fuels to zero-emission energy sources. Heavy-duty tractor OEMs should make cost and weight improvements a priority. It is still difficult for many fleets to make the TCO case for BEVs based solely on hard costs, but factoring in things like driver satisfaction and achieving sustainability goals can result in a better TCO case. In addition, more information is needed on the cost of trucks, chargers, energy, infrastructure installation, etc. Vehicle weight has a direct impact on how much payload can be carried. Even with the 2,000-lb. weight exemption for Class 8 vehicles, the weight of the batteries is impacting payload as well as range. But it is important to keep in mind that today, even with diesel-powered trucks, not every load reaches maximum gross vehicle weight. The more exact the understanding of freight weights, the better the electricity needs for BEVs can be estimated. This will help fleets better match BEVs to duty cycles. In the meantime, OEMs need to continue to refine batteries with weight reduction as a key goal. More realistic data on all key performance metrics is needed. There is a need for better quality performance data on BEV operations — not measured solely on the vehicle, but also measured at the charger, at the depot and from a utility perspective. Information needs to be realistic and not focus on “worst case” scenarios as those do not accurately represent the reality of the current state of BEV development. In addition, it takes a joint effort from a variety of sources to electrify a depot and each of these participants requires their own type of data for different reasons. “These additional findings are things that everyone involved in the effort to decarbonize freight movement can be working on,” says Rick Mihelic, NACFE’s director of emerging technologies and lead author of the report. “We have built up quite a bit of data which demonstrates that BEVs are working in a wide variety of transportation applications, but we are aware that there are still issues that need to be addressed. Collaboratively and collectively, we can address the changes and improve the TCO case for BEVs for more fleets.”

CARB certifies Zonar in its Clean Truck Check program

Bruce Guthrie - July 9, 2024

SEATTLE, Wash. — Zonar announced via press release that the company is the first telematics provider to receive certification from California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Clean Truck Check (CTC) program as a provider of continuously connected remote on-board diagnostic (CC-ROBD) testing devices. “Our end-to-end solution will help drivers seamlessly adapt to the new mandate, save significant time and money, and ultimately make meaningful progress toward reduced carbon emissions,” said Greg Colvin, Senior Director of Solutions Engineering at Zonar This certification came with what Zonar called “rigorous assessements and approval processes.” “After providing the requisite emissions data and supporting information, Zonar has officially been granted an executive order to provide its OBD device and over-the-air emissions monitoring service to customers, the release stated. “As the first certified telematics provider of OBD testing devices, Zonar is proud to provide a solution that will automatically perform emission checks while fleet vehicles are on route ensuring compliance, eliminating downtime, and reducing costly logistical nightmares due to rerouting vehicles to testing centers for a required scan,” said Greg Colvin, Senior Director of Solutions Engineering at Zonar. “Our end-to-end solution will help drivers seamlessly adapt to the new mandate, save significant time and money, and ultimately make meaningful progress toward reduced carbon emissions. This is a major achievement as we enter the final stage of work for our in-market solution to be released prior to the regulatory deadline.” Zonar stated that heavy-duty truck emissions of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter have been reduced by 99% over the last two decades, Such a feat likely significantly improves air quality and public health. “To maintain this progress and further combat climate change, CARB’s CTC program aims to reduce smog-forming and carcinogenic air pollutants produced by all commercial vehicles that travel through California,” Zonar’s release stated. “This accounts for a significant portion of the industry as CARB estimates over 1.8 million medium- and heavy-duty vehicles operate daily in California.” By combining regular vehicle testing with advanced emissions monitoring, OBD testing devices must scan every CTC regulatory-required vehicle in a fleet at the beginning of its 90-day compliance intervals (based on vehicles’ VIN or date of registration) to give fleets adequate time to identify and schedule emissions-related repairs as needed to pass. Fleets will have two emissions scanning options: a handheld shop tool plugged into the OBD port operated by a certified technician; or an OBD device installed into the vehicle which automatically performs scans and sends the data over-the-air directly to CARB. If a CTC-regulatory required vehicle is unable to pass an emissions test, consequences may include fines, citations, and/or vehicle registration holds. Beginning January 1, 2025, any commercial vehicle traveling to or through California will be required to undergo testing twice per year. In 2027, vehicles will be required to test four times per year.

North American teams head to Sweden for Volvo Trucks Global Service Training Award Championship

Dana Guthrie - July 8, 2024

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Four service teams from Volvo Trucks North America’s top dealerships are advancing to the world finals in the 67th Volvo International Service Training Award (VISTA), the world’s largest service market competition. “VISTA is not just a competition; it’s a tradition and a testament to the skills, dedication, and excellence of Volvo’s service personnel worldwide,” said Steve Perkins, vice president of competence development for Volvo Trucks North America. “It provides an unparalleled opportunity for teams to connect, learn, and improve, ultimately enhancing the quality of service and innovation within the industry. We are excited to see our North American teams showcase their expertise and teamwork on this global stage.” The prestigious event, which includes more than 16,000 participants within Volvo Trucks and Volvo Buses global dealer networks, will see four teams from North America — two from the United States and two from Canada — compete at Volvo’s global headquarters in Sweden this fall. First established in 1957, VISTA has grown to encompass 92 countries, bringing together the best teams from Volvo dealerships around the world. The competition aims to showcase employees’ knowledge, skills and teamwork abilities and culminates in an exciting final in Gothenburg, Sweden, September 9-13, 2024, where the top 44 teams from around the globe will compete for recognition as the top service team. The online competition started in November 2023 and included multiple rounds, a “pit stop” challenge and other bonus team missions via the VISTA app. These rounds tested participants’ knowledge and problem-solving skills, with some questions incorporating a time component for tiebreakers. Teams are typically comprised of two technicians, a service advisor, and a parts person. The world competition will include a variety of North American and European stations, emphasizing the global diversity in emission and voltage requirements. The regional semi-finals were held June 3-6 at the Volvo Trucks Academy training center in Fort Worth, Texas. The top 10 North American teams were further challenged with hands-on tasks at multiple diagnostic and schematic stations. The top four teams from this round that are advancing to the world final in Sweden are: The Edgers: TransEdge Truck Centers, Allentown, Pennsylvania. Volvo VAHLR: Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment, Shreveport, Louisiana. The Regenerates: Beaver Truck Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Globetrotters: Sterling Truck & Trailer Sales Ltd., Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. “Volvo Trucks is committed to making the VISTA Championship a memorable event for our teams. This initiative ensures that the service professionals — often the unsung heroes in providing world-class customer service and uptime — receive their well-deserved recognition and rewards,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. In a show of support and commitment, Voorhoeve will work a day at the top North American team’s shop, TransEdge Truck Centers. The Edgers team finished in the top 10 at the last world finals — the highest-ever ranking for a North American team. Roger Alm, global president of Volvo Trucks, has pledged to spend a day with the global winner, continuing a tradition of hands-on engagement from Volvo’s executive leadership with the best teams. Final Rankings from North American Semi-Finals The Edgers | TransEdge Truck Centers, Allentown, Pennsylvania. Volvo VAHLR | Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment, Shreveport, Louisiana. The Regenerates | Beaver Truck Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Globetrotters | Sterling Truck & Trailer Sales Ltd., Regina, Saskatchewan. Radical Candor | Prevost, Orlando, Florida. Hermosillo | Tractoremolques Del Noroeste, Hermosillo, Sonora. Las Leyendas Xell | Xell Trucks, Sucursal Monterrey, General Escobedo, Nuevo León. Volvo Vikings | Lounsbury Truck Centre, Moncton, New Brunswick. Piston Pounders | Affinity Truck Center, Fresno, California. Vistacruisers | Kriete Truck Center, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin.

Preliminary Class 8 truck orders return to expected levels

Bruce Guthrie - July 6, 2024

COLUMBUS, Ind. – The fact that Class 8 numbers were down in June doesn’t come as much of a surprise. In a media release from ACT Research, June preliminary North America Class 8 net orders were 14,800 units, down 37% m/m and 12% y/y. Complete industry data for June, including final order numbers, will be published by ACT Research in mid-July. “Even in good years, Q2 typically delivers below-trend orders, while Q4 orders can trigger optimism at the bottom of the cycle. With the long bottom in freight volumes and rates continuing in the most recent data from DAT amid lingering market overcapacity, for-hire carriers’ financial performance has been dismal,” shared Kenny Vieth, ACT’s President and Senior Analyst. He continued, “Entering the historically worst time of the year for orders at the bottom of tractor buyers’ profitability cycle is producing results in line with expectations. At the same time, the brightest spot in the economy has been consumer services spending, helping to support steady medium-duty truck demand.” Regarding medium duty orders, Vieth added, “Reflecting underlying service sector strength, NA Classes 5-7 net orders were 19,000 units in June, down 1.6% month-to-mont, but up an in-line 3.3% year-to-year.”

Walmart Canada puts hydrogen fuel cell trucks on the road

Bruce Guthrie - July 6, 2024

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Alternative fuel has been integrated into Walmart’s fleet. Walmart Canada’s new hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric semi-truck is now on the roads in Mississauga, Ontario A press release issued recently called the Walmart’s endeavor into the the hydrogen fuel realm as an “ambitious journey towards a 100% alternatively-powered fleet.” The release further boasts Walmart Canada as the first major retailer in Canada to introduce a hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck to its fleet. Operating with zero tailpipe emissions, the Nikola Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV Class 8 tractor has a range of about 800 kilometers and on average can avoid 97 metric tons of CO2 tailpipe emissions annually according to the manufacturer.* According to Nikola, Walmart Canada is also the first retail fleet to operate one of these trucks in North America. Walmart Canada says that the introduction of trucks powered by hydrogen fuel opens the door to longer-haul travel with alternative power, extending the range that’s currently possible with the fleet’s electric options. This first hydrogen FCEV was sourced by Etobicoke, Ontario-based ITD Industries Inc., an industry-leading transportation solutions provider, and will be deployed in Ontario for longer-haul trips. “We’re proud to be introducing Walmart Canada’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle as a major milestone on our journey to becoming a regenerative company,” said Gonzalo Gebara, president and CEO, Walmart Canada. “This is a first for a retailer in Canada and is an example of how we will continue to push forward, embrace new technology and spark change within the industry.” “At Nikola, we are incredibly proud to support Walmart’s sustainability initiatives and to be supporting their historic milestone of being the first retail fleet in Canada to operate a hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck,” said Steve Girsky, Nikola President and CEO. “This collaboration with Walmart Canada, a brand committed to a more sustainable future, aligns perfectly with our mission to drive innovation and environmental responsibility in the transportation industry. This achievement underscores our shared vision for a zero emissions future and the positive impact we can make together for our communities and the planet overall.” “As our government massively expands production of clean, reliable and affordable energy we’re creating an environment for businesses to invest and create new jobs,” said Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification. “It’s no surprise that Walmart has chosen to deploy its first hydrogen-powered semi-truck in its fleet here in Ontario. We’re rapidly building out Ontario’s hydrogen economy with new production projects that are going to help forward-looking businesses across the province transition to hydrogen vehicles and reduce their emissions.” “Walmart Canada has an ambitious plan to power 100% of our fleet with alternative power. We’re proud to be the first retailer in Canada to introduce a hydrogen fuel cell semi-truck to our fleet as a major milestone towards achieving that goal,” said Michael Buna, senior director, national fleet, Walmart Canada. “As we work to be more sustainable in our day-to-day fleet operations, embracing additional types of alternative power allows us to go further, faster.” The Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck carries high-pressure gaseous hydrogen onboard in specialized tanks, similar to how a conventional truck carries diesel. The hydrogen then runs through the fuel cell stack, which is converted to electricity by combining it with oxygen, with water vapor as the only byproduct. This electric power is transferred to the high-voltage power-net, which can charge the on-board batteries, and transfer power to the pavement via an e-axle with integrated electric motors. According to Natural Resources Canada, hydrogen is the simplest, lightest and most abundant element on earth, has the highest energy per unit of any fuel and plays a critical role in working towards a carbon-neutral future.

FleetUp, RoadFlex partnering with integration software

Bruce Guthrie - July 5, 2024

NEW YORK — FleetUp and RoadFlex have individually built solutions that help fleets save time and money, according to a recent media release. The integration between these two companies is “an additional step in helping fleets achieve 360-degree vehicle data connectivity and leverage cutting-edge reporting and analytics,” according to the release. Fuel fraud and theft accounts for over 10% of costs for businesses nationwide. If that is true for your fleet card spend, then how much money are you losing? With the new integration, you can eliminate the risk of fraudulent card purchases. Together, the companies have automated fleet expense management and fuel management, from data collection to reporting. “Fleet owners and administrators won’t have to worry about fraudulent purchases,” the release stated. “Customers who use FleetUp and RoadFlex’s integrated solution will be able to streamline fleet operations through comprehensive fuel risk management, savings automation, and real-time vehicle analytics.” The RoadFlex software offers fleet managers complete visibility into every purchase, with customizable spending controls tailored to different employees and titles. An example cited in the release paints a picture of a fleet manager of a trucking company that could set limits for different merchant categories that their drivers are allowed to spend on, as well as specific spending limits for each. If a driver tries to make a transaction outside of the spending limits or merchant categories, the transaction would be automatically blocked and the fleet manager would receive an alert in real-time. The combined solution verifies purchases by ensuring the card is used by the appropriate employee and vehicle, while also blocking and flagging suspicious transactions for immediate review in real-time. This is done by combining real-time vehicle telematics data with level 3 fuel transaction data. Additionally, the combined solution blocks purchases that would exceed a vehicle’s fuel tank capacity and alerts fleet managers if the wrong fuel type is purchased for a specific vehicle. “By integrating our fleet management platform with RoadFlex’s fuel management tools, we provide a comprehensive solution to prevent fuel fraud and streamline operations. FleetUp and RoadFlex are committed to delivering essential technology that helps users and their fleet operators stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market,” said Ezra Kwak, CEO of FleetUp. “Connected fleet operations are more important than ever. An integration with FleetUp helps our mutual customers make more intelligent decisions. This is the new era of fleet automation. Customers save an average of over 10 hours weekly by automating fleet expense management and other administrative tasks,” said Dennis Chang, CEO of RoadFlex. “As the complexity of managing fleets increases, technological solutions will become increasingly important,” the release stated. “That’s why solutions that streamline operations through automation and analytics — like FleetUp and RoadFlex’s automated fuel management offering — are rapidly becoming essential purchases.”

WIT names PACCAR’s Megan Junker member of the month for July

Erica N. Guy - July 3, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) recently announced Megan Junker as its July 2024 Member of the Month. Junker serves as the product director for electric vehicles at PACCAR Parts, a division of PACCAR. A release issued recently stated Junker fully immersed herself in the industry’s operations, from the trucking fleets to product marketing. “Her journey in the trucking industry is a testament to its possibilities and growth,” the release stated. “She has poured her heart and soul into her career in outside sales, fleet and dealer support, and product marketing, demonstrating a genuinely inspiring passion. Her enthusiasm for learning anything she could about the industry led her to dedicate herself to participating in the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) and the TMC Leaders of Tomorrow Program. She feels the field is infectious because of the products she represents and their crucial economics.” WIT said in its release that Junker” also loves that what she’s doing is making a difference, not only within the trucking industry but also by inspiring women who aspire to be in the industry or are already in it. Junker wants women interested in the trucking industry to know that, in her personal experience, women are a robust support system.” “Perhaps because we are not always the majority in the room, we understand what it is like not to be the majority. Therefore, we really support each other by bringing each other into the middle. We have the empathy to support each other,” Junker said. “What has made this industry so successful is its ability to adapt and evolve. Electrification is a new opportunity to continue that evolution.” Junker’s advice to women aspiring to join the trucking industry is simple yet powerful, encouraging them to stay true to themselves, believe in their abilities, and never let anything hinder their passion. This emphasis on support and mentorship will reassure and comfort the audience. “The Women In Trucking organization is not just a supportive network, but a lifeline of professionals who are rooting for each other’s success,” she said. “It truly highlighted how impactful having a female mentor benefited me. Her being there for me has inspired me to be there for other women.” Junker holds a BA in marketing from St. Bonaventure University and an MBA from Ohio University. She enjoys spending time with her fiancé and doing service work in her spare time. She is enthusiastic about outdoor activities such as gardening, backpacking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Transflo adds to its technology portfolio, acquires RMJ Technologies’ telematics assets

Dana Guthrie - July 3, 2024

TAMPA, Fla. – Transflo has announced its acquisition of RMJ Technologies’ telematics assets. “Transflo is excited to acquire a business growing at double-digits annually and that provides leading telematics technology solutions to the government sector,” said Transflo CEO Renee Krug. “We continue to grow organically and through acquisitions to provide innovative solutions focused on customer priorities today and into the future.” RMJ Tech specializes in fleet optimization services and is a fast-growing technology company serving government agencies and public companies in North America. Transflo will acquire RMJ Tech’s telematics business, allowing the company to expand its footprint in the private and public sectors of transportation. This strategic acquisition aligns with Transflo’s ambition to expand the reach of its industry-leading technology into markets such as the government sector, while continuing to deliver service and solutions to its existing customers. Over the years, both Transflo and RMJ Tech have been successful in serving both the private and public sectors due to their ability to provide innovative telematics solutions that address the unique and complex challenges faced by fleets. According to both companies, these solutions enhance operating efficiency, improve safety, increase fleet visibility and minimize environmental impacts. “As RMJ Tech has grown, we sought a partner that will take the business, and our customers, to the next level,” said RMJ Tech CEO Jerome Toliver. “Transflo has proven to be the ideal acquirer, given their strong executive team, long-standing market leadership, and commitment to customer driven innovation.”

Martin Brower expands VNR electric fleet to help advance McDonald’s global net zero GHG emissions goals

Dana Guthrie - July 1, 2024

MONTREAL, TORONTO, Canada — Volvo Trucks North America customer Martin Brower is taking delivery of 10 additional Volvo VNR electric vehicles that will support food and beverage deliveries to select McDonald’s restaurants in the greater Montreal and greater Toronto areas. “It’s exciting to see a powerhouse brand like McDonald’s working with their partners to help decarbonize the transportation of goods,” said Matthew Blackman, Volvo Trucks North America’s managing director for Canada. “It’s a testament to the performance and reliability of the Volvo VNR electric that these global leaders are choosing to scale their trial of battery-electric vehicles where feasible.” As a key distributor for McDonald’s global operations, Martin Brower has partnered with the restaurant to help reduce its carbon footprint in Canada with the expansion of alternative-fuel vehicles in Martin Brower’s supply chain fleet in two of its distribution centers. The battery-electric vehicles used for deliveries to select McDonald’s restaurants in the greater Montreal and greater Toronto areas will expand on the trial of the first zero-tailpipe emission tractor that was deployed in 2022 to Martin Brower’s Baie d’Urfé distribution center to support deliveries to McDonald’s restaurants in the Montreal area. The first Class 8 Volvo VNR Electric tractor to service McDonald’s restaurants in North America was part of a trial in the Montreal area, to assess the heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle’s ability to handle routine routes and large product loads. Following this initial trial, McDonald’s Canada and Martin Brower collaborated to deploy ten more Volvo VNR Electric vehicles. Seven of these vehicles will operate in the greater Toronto area, while the remaining three will be domiciled at the Montreal distribution center in Baie-D’Urfé and operate in the greater Montreal area. “After two years with the battery-electric Volvo VNR tractor on the road, we are pleased to see more electric vehicles added to the fleet serving McDonald’s restaurants in the trial areas, as we work towards our global pledge to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” said Hope Bentley, head of supply chain for McDonald’s Canada. “Even though customers won’t notice any difference in their favorite order, McDonald’s is taking action behind the scenes to help make an impact in the communities we serve, for the planet we share.” Martin Brower is a long-time service provider for McDonald’s, partnering since 1956 to deliver food and beverage products to founder Ray Kroc’s first restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois. Both companies have pledged objectives relating to GHG emissions reduction, with McDonald’s aiming to achieve net-zero GHG emissions globally by 2050 and Martin Brower targeting a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 from a 2018 baseline. “McDonald’s has been a like-minded collaborator for many decades with aligned goals,” said Julie Dell’Aniello, president of Martin Brower Canada. “Together, our companies share similar commitments to test alternative-fuel vehicles.” Martin Brower worked with Vision Truck Group, a local Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle Dealer, to spec the ideal truck configuration based on the routes and application monitored during the Montreal trial. Vision Truck Group utilized the electric performance generator (EPG) tool to identify the preferred Volvo VNR Electric configurations for Martin Brower to best service McDonald’s restaurants in the test market. The EPG takes into consideration specific route details, including traffic patterns and environmental factors, such as terrain and ambient temperature. The electric vehicles based in the Baie d’Urfé distribution center will be serviced by Camions Volvo Montreal, which assisted Martin Brower with its first 6×4 configuration Volvo VNR Electric tractor during the initial trial. The electric vehicles operating in the greater Toronto area will be serviced by Vision Truck Group.

Used truck prices lower in weakened freight market; Class 8 sales slow for third month

Dana Guthrie - July 1, 2024

COLUMBUS, Ind. – According to the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks by ACT Research, the used Class 8 average retail sale price ebbed 1.5% lower month-over-month to $58,400 in May. “On a year-over-year basis, used retail prices were 15% lower,” said vice president at ACT Research, Steve Tam. “We anticipate the price outlook will soften in our next update, owing to a weaker than expected freight market. Prices are expected to remain stable through most of 2024, transitioning to year-over-year growth in Q4. Sequential growth most likely will take place at the end of 2024.” Regarding volumes, Tam added that same dealer Class 8 retail truck sales slowed for a third consecutive month in May. “The 3.9% decline matched the seasonal drop indicated by history,” Tam said. “May is typically about five percentage points below average. Wholesale activity shrank by 11% m/m. The only volumes growth segment for May was auction sales, which added 36% month-over-month. Combined, the total market same dealer sales volume rose 11% month-over-month in May.”

PITT OHIO plans to add 4 Mack MD electric tractors to its regional fleet

Dana Guthrie - June 29, 2024

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Mack Trucks has announced PITT OHIO recently ordered four Mack MD Electric models for use in regional deliveries in both Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Based in Pittsburgh, PITT OHIO offers LTL and supply chain Services in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. “Mack Trucks is proud to support PITT OHIO in its emissions reduction efforts,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “We look forward to continuing to work with PITT OHIO and our other battery-electric vehicle (BEV) customers as they navigate the sustainability journey by offering a total ecosystem of support.” Once the MD Electric models are added to its fleet, PITT OHIO will have 10 BEVs. PITT OHIO’s fleet currently has 930 diesel-powered Class 8 tractors, the majority of which are Mack, in addition to 475 Class 7 straight trucks. PITT OHIO’s Harrisburg terminal is being upgraded to include the proper infrastructure to support a partial site electrification of the fleet; the project is expected to be completed in Q1 2025. PITT OHIO acquired grants through the state of Pennsylvania as part of their MD HD ZEV Fleet Demonstration Project for all of the vehicles. “We have a long-standing partnership with Mack on the conventional vehicle side,” said Taki Darakos, vice president of vehicle maintenance and fleet services at PITT OHIO. “We had anxiously been anticipating the work they did as it pertained to electrification. Our early steps in electrification came out of our relationship with Mack.” Developed specifically for medium-duty applications, the Mack MD Electric is built with the same focus on reliability, durability and productivity customers have come to expect from a Mack truck. Designed with the heavy-duty quality of its diesel-powered counterparts, the MD Electric is available in 4×2 configurations featuring a sharp wheel cut for enhanced maneuverability in tight urban settings. “We believe that this order will help jump-start our electrification activities, and we’ve really allowed the technology to come to us rather than force it,” Darakos said. “We believe the Mack MD Electric vehicles will provide the best range and payload from a value standpoint. We are excited that the current capabilities should be able to mimic 85% of our conventional box truck fleet in terms of range and payload.” PITT OHIO’s Mack MD Electric vehicles will be serviced and supported by TransEdge Truck Centers in Pittsburgh. The MD Series cab design features a short bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) measurement of 103 inches. Similar to the diesel-powered Mack MD Series, Mack matched the bold look and styling of the Mack Anthem, Mack’s highway model, as a basis for the MD Electric grille and hood design. The MD Electric will meet the needs of trucking applications requiring dry van/refrigerated, stake/flatbed and dump vocations. The MD6 model does not require a CDL to operate for non-hazardous payloads.

Transportation Insight, Nolan Transportation open new headquarters in Atlanta

Dana Guthrie - June 28, 2024

ATLANTA — Transportation Insight (TI) and Nolan Transportation Group (NTG) have announced the opening of a new headquarters in Atlanta. “We are incredibly excited about our new headquarters in Atlanta and the opportunities for the future of our business,” said CEO Ken Beyer. “We have complementary businesses that are well-positioned to deliver fully integrated port-to-porch logistics solutions to our customers. Atlanta’s vibrant business community and skilled workforce make it the perfect place to invest in our long-term growth.” This state-of-the-art facility at the newly reimagined Campus 244 will serve as the nexus for the companies’ operations to drive rapid growth and expand partnerships with customers and transportation providers. The decision to establish a new headquarters in Atlanta reflects TI and NTG’s commitment to the region and position as a leading logistics hub. This new headquarters consolidates five TI and NTG locations in the metro Atlanta area, including locations from previous acquisitions Platinum Circle Technologies, acquired in 2021; Spend Management Experts, acquired in 2020; and Transportation Specialist’s Group, acquired in 2019. It will allow the companies to attract Atlanta’s diverse talent pool and take advantage of the city’s strategic location, which provides excellent transportation connectivity and access to major markets. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, Mayor of Dunwoody Lynn Deutsch and over 300 customers, carriers, partners and employees attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 26. “We’re proud that Transportation Insight and Nolan Transportation Group are investing further in Georgia and wish them many years of success in communities across the state,” Kemp said. “Our reliable infrastructure network connects companies and travelers with markets in every corner of Georgia and across the globe. We’ll keep working to maintain that strength and know partners like Transportation Insight and Nolan Transportation Group will play a valued role in that mission.” According to TI and NTG the companies have already made significant investments in expanding operations, hiring over 180 new employees since the start of the year. The new headquarters was designed to accommodate up to 1,250 employees, providing substantial career opportunities and contributing to the overall growth of the region. Along with the investment in people, TI and NTG continue to invest in Beon, the proprietary AI-enabled digital logistics platform that powers both brands and seamlessly connects shippers and carriers within the Beon ecosystem. The new headquarters in Dunwoody, Ga. marks an important milestone in the next phase of growth for TI and NTG. The building was developed by The Georgetown Company, RocaPoint Partners and Beacon Capital Partners. “Campus 244 exemplifies the mixed-use atmosphere companies desire in this new era of collaboration and innovation, and we welcome TI and NTG,” said RocaPoint Principal Patrick Leonard. “Once complete, all Campus 244 employees and visitors will be able to experience restaurants, a hotel and wellness features right outside their doors. The new headquarters will support the strategic objectives of TI and NTG while enhancing the economic vitality of the region.”

Kenworth announces 2024 Service Council members

Dana Guthrie - June 27, 2024

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Kenworth Truck Company has named its 2024 Kenworth Service Council members. Leading Kenworth service managers in the United States and Canada serve on the council and help promote service and product enhancements for The World’s Best trucks. The council works in partnership with Kenworth to support The World’s Best customer experience throughout the Kenworth dealer network in the United States and Canada, primarily through the Kenworth PremierCare program. Members of the 2024 Kenworth Service Council include: Chair – Jeff Minter, CSM Companies (Windsor, Wis.) Brett Duarte, Papé Kenworth (Seattle, Wash.) Dan Mills, Sioux Falls Kenworth (Sioux Falls, S.D.) Dan Ray, Kenworth Northeast (Rochester, N.Y.) Jerome Wasilieff and Inland Kenworth (Burnaby, British Columbia) Jude Becnel, Kenworth of Louisiana (Gray, LA) Jason Welborn CIT Kenworth (Normal, Ill.) Zach Newton, MHC Kenworth (Leawood, Kan.) Richard Williamson, Truckworx Kenworth (Birmingham, Ala.) Ryan Dicken, GreatWest Kenworth (Calgary, Alberta) Sean Warren, Kenworth Truck Centres (Toronto, Ontario) Tony Wiser, Kenworth of Pennsylvania (Carlisle, Penn.) Kenworth Dealer Council representative Bill Kozek, CSM Companies (Windsor, Wis.) Kenworth PremierCare Gold Certified dealers help fleets and truck operators maximize productivity by offering a full stock of parts and accessories, expert factory-trained and certified technicians, and mobile roadside assistance. To further maximize uptime, Kenworth PremierCare Gold Certified dealers offer a range of premium services, including ExpressLane availability, extended operating hours, well-stocked PACCAR MX engine parts inventories, dedicated Kenworth TruckTech+ personnel, comfortable driver lounges and roadside assistance. The PACCAR Parts 365 Customer Support Center (1-800-KW-ASSIST) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available to registered fleets. The service requires no registration fee for emergency roadside assistance and is available to any truck brand. The Customer Center handles emergency roadside assistance calls and schedules service for preventive maintenance customers, among other services.