Equipment & Tech

TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is installing cameras across the state that are designed to stop wrong-way drivers. In a news release, UDOT officials said they began installing 15 detection systems in February 2023, with eight now in the process of installment. That same month, the State Commission for Transportation approved a $2.5 million budget to install the system at 22 additional locations.  “It’s important that we continue to innovate and find ways to improve safety on our roads,” UDOT Traffic and Safety Director Robert Miles said. “One quick decision can lead to fatal mistakes. We hope this system can help people quickly realize they made a wrong turn and flip around before it’s too late.” As one of the most advanced wrong-way driver detection and warning systems nationwide, the system will “continue to improve safety by preventing drivers from going the wrong way and by speeding up the process of alerting UHP and UDOT when a wrong-way driver is detected,” according to the news release. Initial testing for the new system began last fall on the off-ramp from Legacy Parkway at the Interstate 15/Park Lane/U.S. 89 interchange heading northbound. The system detected and alerted 23 wrong-way drivers, all turning around and going the correct way.  In 2022, there were eight wrong-way crashes in Utah, which resulted in 10 fatalities. In 2023, 18 wrong-way driving crashes led to six deaths. This includes a fatal incident Wednesday night in Parley’s Canyon. Wrong-way crashes are more dangerous when combined with highway speeds, as they are typically head-on collisions. According to the release, “The detection system consists of a detector unit, which includes radar and high definition/infrared cameras, and a series of red “Wrong Way” warning signs equipped with solar-powered, high-intensity LED lights. When a wrong-way driver is detected by the radar or the cameras, the LED signs activate to alert the driver. If the vehicle continues going wrong, the system sends automated alerts to the UDOT Traffic Operations Center (TOC) and the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP).”

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — McLeod Software is releasing Version 23.1 of its PowerBroker, LoadMaster Enterprise and LoadMaster LTL software solutions. The release includes a transformed user experience for brokers and an enhanced mobile application for drivers, according to a news release. “With the release of Version 23.1, McLeod is introducing the highly anticipated PowerBroker//web product, included with the Version 23.1 upgrade for PowerBroker,” the news release states. PowerBroker//web is the browser-based version of the company’s traditional PowerBroker solution. It contains all of the tools needed to create and update orders and manage movements in one user-friendly web page with intuitive workflows. Users can find coverage for a movement, send offers to carriers, post to load boards and perform the common tasks brokers need to do in their daily work — all in one place. “The new guided workflow in Powerbroker//web makes it easier to bring users up to speed by taking them step-by-step through assigning a carrier, considering carrier qualifications, sending the rate confirmation, and initiating tracking in one simple planning screen,” the news release states. The streamlined dispatch workflow has been designed to increase productivity and efficiency, while also reducing the stress of communicating with carriers by allowing users to manage call-ins, arrivals and departures, and service incidents in one place. Additionally, PowerBroker//web gives users access to a rate index / distance calculator tool and offers the ability to issue carrier advances or wires. Also included in McLeod’s Version 23.1 release is an updated version of the company’s mobile application for drivers. McLeod used feedback from their customers to steer the design changes in Driver Sidekick — the next generation of McLeod’s mobile applications for drivers. The new version of the app is focused on displaying as much important information as possible on the app’s home-screen dashboard and reducing the amount of clicks for drivers to navigate to commonly used features. The driver’s dashboard displays current assignment details, most recent settlement amount, and links directly to document scanning and messaging, mileage, and home time requests. For back-office use, Driver Sidekick expedites billing and minimizes the amount of phone calls from the field. Location Ratings alert Dispatch to areas of driver concern, with questions that can be defined and customized. Driver Sidekick automatically links scanned documents to the current load to shorten the number of clicks and selections necessary to make sure documents are indexed correctly. An all-new permissions structure provides granular control over which features are enabled for each group of drivers the customer chooses to identify. Driver Sidekick is available on the Android operating system with Version 23.1 for LoadMaster, with an Apple iOS version to be included in a future release. Multi-company Accounting Enhancements McLeod Software’s multi-company processes have been refined in Version 23.1. Customers who work in a multi-company environment will continue to maintain the control necessary to meet accounting standards, while providing users with more efficient access to multiple company frameworks. The subsidiary journal posting process was enhanced to take advantage of the company’s respective General Ledger control file settings in regard to prior period posting. Users can focus in on specific company records in multiple places, as reports generated from the subsidiary journal posting program have been modified to display and sort by company code. Additional improvements include display of both the originating company code and the receiving company code on the subsidiary journal audit screen and applicable journal screens, accommodating more in-depth searches when the control file is configured to allow multi-company search. Identification of intercompany batch postings has been enhanced by including an inter-company checkbox on the batch code master file record. General Ledger Enhancements for Accounts Payable To make processes for accounts payable and general ledger management more efficient, a Division Code may be added to Vendor master files. Setting these Division Codes helps automate the selection of correct AP and cash account combinations. Enhanced Performance, Reliability and Scalability “Over the last few years, McLeod Software has invested heavily in the system platform and architecture that the LoadMaster and PowerBroker systems are built upon,” according to the news release. “This investment means that our customers’ systems will scale, perform faster and become more secure as the product functionality continues to grow. With the release of Version 23.1, we have made important security enhancements to ensure that every customer’s system is ready for the future and poised to grow with their company.” Security Enhancements With the release of Version 23.1, users will experience faster queries and advanced logging performance. LoadMaster and PowerBroker Scheduler Clients now support secondary servers. Additional layers of system security through Version 23.1 include Multi-Factor Authentication and running nightly vulnerability scans to identify known Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) New and Enhanced Integrations for LoadMaster and PowerBroker McLeod Software continues to welcome new Certified Integration Partners and expand existing integration solutions to give customers more choices. “We are excited to support two new Certified Vendor Partners for the McLeod Telephony Interface: Nextiva and Dialpad,” according to the news release. “These integrations reduce time spent looking up phone numbers and increase response time for CSRs. Instead of spending time clicking through screens to find information, incoming calls are immediately tied to useful data housed in the LoadMaster or PowerBroker system.” McLeod’s Data Export Interface with Truckload Wizard Export has undergone security enhancements by supporting the use of Secure File Transport Protocol (STFP) for uploads. STFP has become the most preferred file transmission method due to increased data security. Users of the WEX/EFS interface for fuel card management can now view a card’s fraud status in LoadMaster, if the status of the card is changed by the vendor. Additionally, McLeod now supports the WEX / EFS CrossRoads card. The following interfaces for LoadMaster Symphony Mobile Communications have been added and/or enhanced in Version 23.1: • McLeod Software now offers an integration from the LoadMaster Symphony Mobile Communications module to BlackBerry Radar to provide GPS position data for trailer-tracking purposes. • The ORBCOMM interface has been enhanced to help provide better customer service and reduce delivery delays by generating a tractor/trailer mismatch alert message to LoadMaster users via Rapid Alert Notification System (RANS). • The Motive (formerly KeepTruckin) integration has been enhanced to reduce the amount of time users spend inputting new information into the two systems by increasing automated updates, specifically relating to Yard Move and Personal Conveyance statuses with drivers. • The Platform Science dispatch integration has been enhanced to further automate order and stop records and communicate any updates to drivers more quickly. • The Trimble Driver ELD integration has been enhanced to automatically provide necessary FMCSA Forms and Manner data from LoadMaster to Trimble for visibility on the driver’s ELD for their active loads, cutting down on possible fines from drivers forgetting to update logs. • The Maven Machines integration has been configured to keep driver records between the two systems automatically updated. • The Samsara integration for dispatch and HOS have been enhanced by adding the ability to have shipping document IDs and trailer IDs sent from LoadMaster to the Samsara driver’s HOS log. With the Symphony Mobile Communications Service API, control settings can now be setup to activate listeners on the order, movement and stop tables. The fields correlate to fields that are included in outbound dispatch data sent to drivers. Brokerage Tracking Enhancements New tracking enhancements for Version 23.1 provide more automated and up-to-date load tracking within the PowerBroker system, which means less toggling between applications and more accurate ETAs for call-ins. Status updates can now be configured to display tracking from FourKites, MacroPoint and project44 within the Brokerage Tracking Control screen. Digital Freight Matching API Enhancements “McLeod’s enhancements for Digital Freight Matching (DFM) API empowers users to make better, data-driven decisions on accepting or rejecting offers,” the news release states. “A carrier’s available tractor can be automatically created at a load’s destination location, which allows more advanced utilization of continuous moves and finding additional available loads for that carrier. Brokers who receive email notifications for carrier offers submitted through McLeod’s DFM API will now receive more detailed information on those emails, including the carrier’s MC number and/or DOT number.” New Carrier Onboarding and Monitoring Integration A new integration for PowerBroker with Highway helps reduce the amount of time it takes to onboard new carriers and monitor existing carriers, as well as cut down on fraud by verifying carrier identity, according to the news release. New carriers are automatically added to the PowerBroker system when their profiles have been completed on Highway’s website and all documentation has been submitted to become one of Highway’s connected carriers. This interface allows users to track certificate of insurance information for more than 100,000 carriers and obtain the latest insurance status of existing carriers. Any insurance changes are reported as soon as a carrier registers, as well as the carrier’s profile, safety ratings, SMS safety data and authority statuses. Highway updates carrier insurance information in near real-time (including policy numbers, underwriters, limits, expiration dates, safety ratings, authority status and operational data) through alerts. LoadMaster LTL Enhancements New Permission Options Customers can set controls in LoadMaster for which users have permission to access the LTL drag-and-drop screens (such as “Route / Plan My Bullpen”), as well as the “Undo” button. Loads with Partner Deliveries The process of moving loads that include partner deliveries is now faster and easier to finish in the system. An “arrive” option has been added to auto-clear partner deliveries at end-trip locations. Grouped and Combined Stops Users have two new stop-consolidation options in the system that provide clearer load visibility, better decision making, and faster processing: Grouped Stops and Combined Stops. Combined is an option in the bullpen section that consolidates by a specific location code. Grouped is an option in the movement section that allows users to consolidate multiple selected icons / stops into one icon/card for viewing and processing. Dispatch – Pick Up Entry A system configuration enhancement has been made for dispatchers — they now have the “Pick Up Entry” option available under the “New Order” button. Users may control this configuration based on personal preferences.

SAN DIEGO — Cheema Freightlines, a 17-year-old family owned-and-operated dry truckload transportation company, and Platform Science have announced a partnership to roll out Platform Science’s Virtual Vehicle platform to Cheema’s fleet of more than 500 trucks servicing the Western United States. According to a news release, “Virtual Vehicle provides Cheema with a flexible, consistent, real-time, open software platform connecting vehicles to all parts of a fleet’s logistics ecosystem. Through Virtual Vehicle, Cheema vehicles are placed at the center of a dynamic tech hub, with real-time data, ease-of-use, full automation, sensor integration and advanced safety features, as well as a developer platform for fleets and third-parties.” Virtual Vehicle also allows ongoing configurability, an integrated experience and tier-one support for the entire solution. “Virtual Vehicle replaces the need for aftermarket hardware with a light-weight operating system that provides simplicity, consistency and cost effectiveness,” said Harman Cheema, president and CEO of Cheema Freightlines. “We want to provide our drivers with the best experience and provide our customers with the best truckload services and Platform Science’s Virtual Vehicle is the ideal solution to meet these goals.” Cheema’s drivers will now be able to access telematics, software solutions, real-time vehicle data and third-party applications directly from their vehicles, the news release noted “Cheema is a leader in the industry for its commitment to safety and forward-thinking use of technology to deliver the best driver experience,” said Gerald Choung, chief revenue officer at Platform Science. “We’re honored to partner with Cheema on its implementation of Virtual Vehicle to help grow its business.”

WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Logistics giant DHL Supply Chain has announced deployment of their first Class 8 electric trucks in North America. According to a news release, this marks “a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to clean and efficient trucking operations.” The company currently has two trucks in operation in California and, in the coming weeks, will take delivery of an additional 11 units to be deployed across Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and California. “The deployment represents a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to decarbonizing the transportation sector, one of the largest global contributors to greenhouse gas emissions,” the news release states. By 2030, 30% of DHL Supply Chain’s North America fleet will be zero or near-zero emission vehicles, company officials said. The electric trucks’ capabilities include: Zero tailpipe emissions — Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered zero-emission technology (ZET), which means they do not produce any tailpipe carbon dioxide (CO2e) or nitrogen oxide emissions. Each EV that replaces a diesel truck saves, on average, 100 tons of CO2e annually. Energy conservation — A six month DHL Supply Chain-led pilot of a class 8 EV truck revealed that the truck consumed on average 50% less energy for the same job compared to its diesel counterpart. Extended range — The EV trucks get up to 250 miles on a single charge, covering the needs of many regional haul routes. Right-sized charging — Equipped with fast-charging technology and remote monitoring capabilities, the EV trucks enable turnaround times that are aligned with the operational requirements. Powerful performance — The EV trucks deliver superior horsepower and torque to their diesel counterparts, ensuring seamless integration into existing operations. Improved driver satisfaction: During the pilot drivers shared a preference for EV over diesel due to its ‘quietness’ and low to no vibrations, leading to less fatigue. “Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond reducing our environmental impact. We see electric trucks as a strategic investment that offers numerous advantages for our company and the communities we serve. From improved efficiency and a better driving experience, to reduced air and noise pollution, electric trucks are the future of transportation,” said Jim Monkmeyer, president of Transportation for DHL Supply Chain.

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt is expanding the standard collision mitigation features on its Model 579, which also features the Bendix Fusion safety system. The Fusion Stop and Auto-Go function aids drivers in heavy traffic situations with active cruise and braking to 0 mph if needed, a news release stated. If the truck is set in cruise control, this functionality will halt the model in place after the automatic braking is activated. It will then automatically resume acceleration, with a safe following distance, to the pre-set cruise control speed set without the driver having to intervene. The alerts for the feature are displayed on a 15-inch digital display and are accompanied by audible warnings to improve road safety.  “The Model 579 is the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient truck on the road today. The integration of these new advanced safety system features and functionality enhance the driver’s experience and convenience,” said Jake Montero, Peterbilt’s assistant general manager of sales and marketing. More information on the safety features mentioned above or the additional safety features on the Model 579 can be viewed by clicking here. 

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration announced the first of many coming federal investments in computer chip production, saying Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, that it would provide $35 million for BAE Systems to increase production at a New Hampshire factory making chips for military aircraft, including F-15 and F-35 jets. This would be the initial allocation of incentives from last year’s bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which provides more than $52 billion to boost the development and manufacturing of semiconductors in the U.S. The Commerce Department’s choice of a military contractor instead of a conventional chip manufacturer reveals the national security focus of the law, as more and more weapons systems depend on advanced chips that could be decisive in both preventing and fighting wars. “We can’t gamble with our national security by depending solely on one part of the world or even one country for crucial advanced technologies,” said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who called the investments a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to advance our national and economic security and create a thriving, long-lasting domestic semiconductor manufacturing industry.” “Over the coming year, the Department of Commerce will award billions more to make more semiconductors in America, invest in research and development capabilities to keep America at the forefront of new technologies,” Biden said in a statement. President Joe Biden signed the computer chip production incentives into law in August 2022, partly out of concerns that a military attack on Taiwan could deprive the world of advanced computer chips and plunge the U.S. into a recession. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the fragility of computer chip supplies as a worldwide shortage curbed U.S. auto production and pushed up prices around the start of Biden’s presidency. Also impacted were manufacturers of smartphones, electronic devices, medical equipment — and semi-trucks. Production at many facilities ground to a stop. Partially finished tractors sat untouched on assembly lines as manufacturers awaited shipments of these tiny components. Biden also said the incentives his administration is providing have already led to more than $230 billion in planned investments in semiconductors and electronics. The Democratic president has gone to a planned Intel factory in Ohio and a new Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. plant in Arizona, as well as touted investments by IBM while in New York. Biden has made these financial commitments part of his pitch to voters ahead of the 2024 elections, saying his policies have energized the U.S. economy. Government officials said the investment in the BAE Systems’ facility will ultimately save money for taxpayers. The money being paid out as the company hits benchmarks will help quadruple the plant’s production capacity, helping to halve the price of making the chips and leading to net savings for the federal agencies buying the chips. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said NATO allies and partners in Asia also will benefit from the increased capacity. But he stressed that an expanded manufacturing base was essential to protect the U.S. “We do not want to be in a position where critical national security needs are dependent on faulty foreign supply chains,” Sullivan said. “We do not want to be in a position where another country can cut us off in a moment of crisis.” By Josh Boak, The Associated Press. The Trucker News Staff contributed to this report.

LEESBURG, Va. — Anyone who may want to enter the world of heavy-duty mechanics will first need proper education. Enter the ASE Education Foundation, which says its ASE Entry-Level certification program can benefit not only the career seeker but an employer as well, especially when they inquire if the potential candidates have attained the ASE certification. When the career seeker has this credential, it gives the employer confidence and assurance that they are selecting an individual with what it takes to succeed in their roles and responsibilities, whether at entry-level or higher-level positions, according to a news release. “ASE Entry Level certification gives employers confidence that they are hiring individuals with the knowledge and the ability to succeed in entry-level roles and the potential to become high-performing employees,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation. “Employing ASE Entry Level certified candidates also communicates a commitment to service excellence to customers and provides repair facilities with a competitive edge in the marketplace.” The certification tests are in the following areas: automobile, collision repair/refinish, and medium/heavy-duty truck segments. The tests are the first step in building career credentials as a service professional. So far, over 50,000 students have taken the ASE Entry-Level certification test. “Students who have earned an ASE Entry-Level certification are signaling to prospective employers their commitment to a career in the industry,” Coley said. “Many states now require industry credentials for students, so employers should be able to find students in their community with ASE Entry-Level certifications. These individuals are also inclined to pursue additional ASE certification tests, broadening their expertise and enhancing their value as employees.” For more information about ASE Entry-Level certifications, visit https://www.ase.com/entry-level.

LEAWOOD, Kan. — Murphy-Hoffman Company (MHC) has announced the opening of its newest location in Fort Mill, South Carolina. According to a news release, the new MHC location supports and serves the growing customer base in the greater Charlotte area. The location, now in operation, expands MHC’s footprint to 19 states. MHC Kenworth-Charlotte is located at 3361 Highway 21, near the intersection of Interstate 77 and Highway 21. MHC invested $26 million into the new dealership, which is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and offers Kenworth and Isuzu new truck sales. It is also the only dealership in the area that offers customers award-winning services for all makes and parts, according to the news release. The state-of-the-art facility is 90,000-square-foot and features the only facility with a temperature-controlled service in the region and an expanded parts warehouse. “The area has experienced rapid growth, and we understand the importance of keeping up with the strong commercial vehicle demands of our customers,” said Regional Vice President and General Manager David Blankenship. “We are proud to be part of the community and provide a state-of-the-art facility that is unmatched by any other in the area. Our customers can continue to expect award-winning, high-quality service from our team to keep their businesses thriving.” The facility also offers 33 service bays, compressed natural gas service capabilities, DPF cleaning, alignment, mobile truck maintenance, certified support for PACCAR, Cummins and CAT engines, Eaton drivetrain and Allison transmission. A lounge with an 86-inch flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer and dedicated restrooms and showers — all for professional drivers who are waiting for services to be completed on their trucks. The facility employees and customers will also experience modernized breakrooms, separate men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers and a large training room. The expansion in Fort Mill is one of the four newly constructed locations by MHC this year. The other newly constructed locations include dealerships in Englewood, Colorado, and El Paso, Texas, as well as an MHC Truck Leasing facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fort Mill’s dealership joins 10 other MHC dealership locations and six MHC Truck Leasing locations serving North and South Carolina. MHC Kenworth-Charlotte will host an open house during the first quarter of 2024 for customers to explore the new dealership and learn more about MHC’s all-makes capabilities.

BOISE, Idaho — Truckstop introduced a new app feature accessible to customers with the Load Board Pro subscription on its Truckstop Go mobile app. The new Load Alert Notifications feature allows its carrier and broker customers to access freight and capacity in a more efficient way, according to a news release. “Adding to the already most trusted freight marketplace, Load Alert Notifications proactively delivers high-paying and current freight loads that match a specific carrier’s preferences right to their phone when the loads are live in the marketplace,” the news release stated. Carriers aren’t the only ones who benefit from the new app feature, the company says. Truckstop’s broker customers also benefit from the feature as it increases the speed of finding a legitimate, quality truck and expands their reach to create an opportunity to build capacity and buying power. “We have been incredibly pleased by the value Load Alert Notifications — a powerful new feature that lets highly relevant loads come to you — has delivered to our beta users and look forward to the impact it will have on our entire carrier and broker network,” said Julia Laurin, chief product officer, Truckstop. “Our carrier customers will get load alerts even when they’re not in the app, so they can be the first to access the highest quality, relevant loads.” For more information about Load Alert Notifications, please visit here.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Vanguard Truck Centers recently achieved Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) status at several of its locations, including in Phoenix, making it the first Mack Certified EV dealer in Arizona, according to a Mack news release. Vanguard locations in Austin, Texas, and Houston are also certified. This certification enables Vanguard to service and support the Mack LR Electric refuse truck, Mack’s first fully-electric Class 8 vehicle, and the Mack MD Electric medium-duty vehicle. “Mack applauds Vanguard Truck Centers for demonstrating their commitment to building a more sustainable future,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “The investments made in becoming EV certified enhances our service network and helps customers transition toward a zero-tailpipe emission future.” EV certification requires dealerships to complete a comprehensive sales and technician training program. Facility upgrades are often necessary to accommodate the certification. Vanguard met regularly with the Mack team to ensure they fulfilled the stringent infrastructure, safety, charging and tooling requirements to be EV-certified. Two dedicated EV-certified technicians have been appointed for each of Vanguard’s three newly-certified locations to service and maintain Mack LR Electric and Mack MD Electric vehicles. Vanguard converted one service bay per location to be dedicated to battery-electric vehicles. The Austin location offers $1.4 million in parts inventory, and dealerships in Phoenix and Houston each offer $3 million in parts inventory. “We are very excited with the response from our customers regarding Vanguard’s commitment to Mack’s investment in electric vehicles,” said John Thomas, Vanguard executive vice president of new truck sales. “Additionally, these electric vehicles have resulted in ongoing discussions with conquest customers who have never purchased a Mack truck in the past.” Vanguard Truck Center’s Austin dealership financed a portable charger with Mack Financial Services. Founded in 1989, Vanguard Truck Centers serves the transportation industry with 26 facilities spanning Texas, Arizona, Missouri, Illinois, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. Currently, nine locations are Mack Certified Uptime Dealers with additional Vanguard locations actively engaged in implementing procedures and process to become Certified Uptime Dealers. Available at Vanguard Truck Centers, the Mack LR Electric refuse model “combines power, dependability, and ruggedness with zero emissions for more sustainable and eco-conscious refuse and recycling collection,” the news release stated. The LR Electric offers 42% more energy and a standard 376 kWh total battery capacity for extended range. With its twin electric motors, the Mack LR Electric delivers 448 horsepower and peak output torque of 4,051 pound feet from zero RPM. A copper-colored Bulldog on the cab symbolizes the LR Electric’s drivetrain, which is powered by four NMC (nickel manganese cobalt oxide) lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are charged from a 150kW SAEJ1772-compliant charging system, which not only propels the vehicle, but also supplies power for all the accessories on board through 12V, 24V and 600V circuits. The LR Electric incorporates a two-stage regenerative braking system that helps recapture energy during the countless stops it makes throughout the day, especially with an increasing load. New to Vanguard’s electric line up, the Mack MD Electric is available in Class 6 and Class 7 ratings like its diesel counterpart. The Class 6 model has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 25,996 pounds, and the Class 7 model has a GVWR of 33,000 pounds. Both models are exempt from the 12% Federal Excise Tax. The MD Electric utilizes Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Oxide lithium-ion batteries to power its three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor and accompanying on-board accessories. These batteries come in either a 150kWh or 240kWh configuration. Charging options include both AC and DC charging units. The vehicle features a regenerative braking system that efficiently recovers energy from the frequent stops made during daily operations.

ATLANTA —FleetDrive 360 has joined the Truckstop Partner Marketplace. Company officials made the announcement in a news release issued on Nov. 30. “Managing compliance to ensure driver qualifications is critically important,” said Nic Salis, COO at FleetDrive 360. “There is not only a legal obligation to comply with the Code of Federal Regulations for driver fitness and avoid penalties, fines, and potential legal and financial liability; there is a responsibility to ensure safety.” Listed under the compliance and safety, background screening and process automation product categories, the FleetDrive 360 consolidated system allows users to access and maintain the following: Driver qualification files. Drug and alcohol clearinghouse. Vehicle maintenance documents. Accident reports. The system also integrates application programming interface connections with transportation management systems and human resource platforms. More in-depth information about the added feature can be viewed on Truckstop’s website by clicking here. 

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America customer Tim Hortons — Canada’s largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry with nearly 4,000 restaurants across the country — recently took delivery of its first two Volvo VNR Electric trucks to transport food and beverage products from two of Tim Hortons’ distribution centers to Tims restaurants. The zero-tailpipe emission vehicles are the first Class 8 battery-electric trucks in Tim Hortons’ fleet and will support the company’s sustainability targets, operating out of the distribution centers in Guelph, Ontario and Langley, British Columbia, a news release stated. “Today, as we celebrate the deployment of these cutting-edge electric vehicles into the company’s fleet, we are confident that the positive impact on both its drivers and employees will be felt for years to come,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “This marks a significant stride towards a sustainable future, and we are honored to be a part of Tim Hortons’ commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.” Tim Hortons’ Class 8 Volvo VNR Electric trucks will service 93-125 mile daily routes from two of the Tims distribution centers to local stores and restaurants. The trucks feature a six-battery pack configuration, which can cover up to 273 miles on a single charge and obtain an 80% charge in as little as 90 minutes, according to Volvo. To support the battery-electric Volvo VNR Electric trucks, Tim Hortons installed DC fast chargers at each distribution centre. “As part of our Tims For Good sustainability platform we’re always working on developing better solutions for how we serve our millions of guests each and every day,” says Axel Schwan, president of Tim Hortons. “We’re really excited to now have one of the first electric transport trucks of its kind on the road here in Canada and another coming very soon. Each electric truck is expected to travel up to 100,000 kilometres per year while producing zero tailpipe emissions and reduce our use of more than 25,000 litres of diesel fuel per vehicle annually.” The Volvo VNR Electric truck deployed in Guelph will be supported by Expressway Trucks in Ontario — the first Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer in Ontario. The Volvo VNR Electric truck deployed in Langley will be supported by Pacific Coast Heavy Trucks Group — the first Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer in B.C. Both Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealerships worked with Tim Hortons to identify the ideal Volvo VNR Electric configuration and routes to ensure the battery-electric truck would meet the needs of its daily operations.