Equipment & Tech Archives

Daimler combating theft of controller modules

The Trucker News Staff - May 24, 2022

PORTLAND, Ore. – Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) announced Monday the launch of a broad company initiative to fight the pervasive theft of common powertrain controller (CPC4) modules from its vehicles. Reported thefts of CPC4 modules from parked trucks have been on the rise, with thieves seeking reprogramming and reinstallation on other trucks, according to a news release. In one theft in April, modules were reported stolen from 24 trucks waiting to be sold at an auction yard in Pennsylvania. A large number of other thefts have occurred at dealerships and customer terminals. Vehicles cannot operate without a CPC, which controls various engine and powertrain functions. In response, DTNA has instituted the following anti-theft measures: Asking all customers and dealers to report stolen CPCs to both local law enforcement and DTNA at 1-800-FTL-HELP. Recommending all dealerships, customers and repair facilities cross reference vehicle identification numbers from CPCs brought in for installation against the company’s database of CPCs to ensure the CPC hasn’t been stolen or illicitly sold. Providing tracking capability through DTNA Service Systems to detect any stolen CPC attempting to be installed on a different VIN. Asking any dealership or repair facility with a CPC confirmed stolen to report it to both their local police agency and DTNA. Recommending all fleets and customers password-protect their CPCs. DTNA is further collaborating with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation and prosecution of CPC theft. The company will additionally evaluate and pursue as necessary civil actions for software infringement against those involved in CPC theft and mismanagement. “The theft of CPC modules is a crime that threatens the livelihood of customers and disrupts our dealers’ operations,” Paul Romanaggi, chief customer experience officer of DTNA, said. “Daimler Truck North America is committed to doing everything in its power to protect our customers and dealers from this crime and will support prosecution of anyone found in participating in these thefts.”

Daimler Truck’s million-mile-tested electric Freightliner eCascadia enters production

The Trucker News Staff - May 23, 2022

PORTLAND, Ore. — After well over 1 million miles of testing in daily customer operations, Daimler Truck and its U.S. Freightliner brand recently unveiled the all-electric eCascadia that will enter series production in 2022. The new battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia is a zero-emission version of the Cascadia. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in 2022, the company said. “Comprised of more than 40 battery-electric Freightliner eCascadias and eM2s, the Freightliner Electric Innovation and Customer Experience (CX) Fleets have transformed the testing process by putting trucks into the hands of almost 50 customers, including leading U.S. fleets such as Penske Truck Leasing, NFI, Knight-Swift, Schneider, Ryder, J.B. Hunt and others,” a news release stated. Daimler says that the eCascadia is ideally suited for short-haul routes that allow for depot-based charging, examples of which include last mile logistics, local and regional distribution, and warehouse-to-warehouse applications. The eCascadia is driven by an eAxle integrated with an electric motor, transmission and specialized electronics within a compact unit. It is available with a dual motor (470 hp) or a single motor (320 hp). Customers can chose between three battery options for a range of sizes and average, zero-to-full charging times starting with 194 kWh (one and a half to three hours), 291 kWh (two to four hours), and 438 kWh (two to six hours). Key Facts: 320-470 hp Typical range of 230 miles or 370 km (depending on vehicle configurations) Multiple battery options and maximum capacity of almost 440 kWh Recharge of 80 percent in approximately 90 minutes Up to 82,000 pounds (37t) max GCW (Gross Combination Weight)

Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment becomes first Volvo Trucks certified EV dealer in Texas

Joseph Price - May 20, 2022

FORT WORTH, Texas — Volvo Trucks North America dealer Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment in Fort Worth is the first Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) Dealer in the Lone Star State. As one of the largest and oldest Class 8 truck dealers in the country, Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment officials say they will leverage their experience to assist customers in the region by helping to integrate the zero-tailpipe emission Volvo VNR Electric model into their operations. “Together with our dealership partner Brucker’s Truck & Equipment, we are proud to add another key state to the roster of Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealers,” Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, said. “Texas is home to several key trucking corridors, and Bruckner’s Fort Worth dealership is well positioned to service fleet operators involved in local and regional goods movement, an ideal application for the Volvo VNR Electric truck.” As a third-generation family operated business, Bruckner’s has more than 30 dealership locations across seven states, each of which is a Volvo Certified Uptime Dealer. In addition, Bruckner’s has 33 mobile service trucks. Bruckner’s is working to achieve the Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer status at its other locations beyond Fort Worth, with eight technicians across multiple locations already having been trained to perform battery-electric truck maintenance and repairs. “Since 1932, Bruckner’s has invested in our people to provide the highest level of service. This is done through continuous training and development of our team to ensure our customers receive the best service possible. We are demonstrating this approach by completing training to be a Volvo Trucks Certified EV dealership,” Scott Hall, general manager of Bruckner’s Fort Worth location, said. “The entire Bruckner’s team is committed to investing in the latest technology and equipment. We are adopting tools for up-to-date communication with our customers and becoming certified up-time centers at all locations to help fleets manage their downtime and lower maintenance costs.” In a news release, Volvo Trucks officials said they designed the Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer program “to help its dealers ensure technicians understand the proper safety procedures when servicing electric drivetrains and components. Service team are fully trained to safely perform maintenance and repairs for battery-electric trucks in operation and equipped with personal protective equipment for working with high-voltage systems.” Bruckner’s Fort Worth dealership will maintain a stock of key parts and components for the VNR Electric model; in addition, heavy-duty-capable fast-chargers have been installed at the dealership to support customers.

FedEx, Aurora expand autonomous trucking pilot in Texas ahead of schedule

The Trucker News Staff - May 20, 2022

PITTSBURGH — Aurora Innovation Inc. and FedEx Corp. have announced the expansion of their pilot program to autonomously move FedEx shipments on an additional commercial lane in Texas. In March 2022, Aurora’s next-generation autonomous trucks — based on the new Peterbilt 579 — began to transport FedEx shipments between Aurora’s new terminals in Fort Worth and El Paso. Aurora is making the 600-mile trip on a weekly basis with safety drivers on board and expects to increase the frequency of trips in the coming months. Aurora continues to move shipments for FedEx between Aurora’s South Dallas terminal and its new Houston terminal on a daily basis. Progress and momentum: FedEx and Aurora pilot snapshot Since the commercial pilot began in September 2021, Aurora’s deliveries of FedEx shipments between Dallas and Houston have been 100% on time. With each trip, the Aurora Driver (Aurora’s self-driving technology product) is providing thousands of FedEx customers with packages that were autonomously transported. Aurora moves trailers for FedEx during various weather conditions and all hours of the day and night, optimizing fleet utilization. Aurora completed daily hauls during the 2021 peak Holiday season, the busiest time of year for FedEx. To date, the companies have completed 60,000 miles with zero safety incidents. “Aurora’s performance throughout this pilot demonstrates the value proposition autonomous trucking offers for transportation and logistics providers as Aurora works toward the commercial launch of its autonomous trucks,” a news release stated. “In light of the headwinds facing the logistics industry — ranging from increasing demand for the quick transportation of shipments to a challenging labor market — the Aurora Driver, when integrated into existing linehaul operations, has potential to provide a reliable, efficient linehaul solution to help address such industry concerns.” Rebecca Yeung, corporate vice president of operations science and advanced technology at FedEx, said that innovation is in the company’s DNA. “Our culture drives us to think radically and differently, finding new ways to use technology to enhance safety, improve our operations, empower our team members and help our customers succeed,” she said. “Aurora has been a like-minded collaborator, helping us learn from and grow our autonomous trucking solutions,” she continued. “We look forward to our continued work together as we test further integration of autonomous technology into our operations to build a collaborative, robust network of solutions to respond to growing customer demand.” Sterling Anderson, Aurora co-founder and chief product officer, said that over the past six months of working with FedEx, Aurora has safely transported packages for tens of thousands of FedEx customers. “This lane expansion came ahead of schedule and we’re delighted to continue building the future of trucking with one of the country’s biggest and most important transportation companies,” he said.

New app promises less wait times, seamless check-ins at warehouses

The Trucker News Staff - May 19, 2022

DENVER – FreightSmith representatives say their new mobile app will help remove inbound delays and provide improved flow at warehouses across the country by allowing truck drivers to pre-check into slots. According to a news release, drivers can “check-in for their appointment at a convenient location eliminating the bottleneck at distribution centers and negatively impacting nearby local businesses and overall traffic flow.” “We are piloting the pre-check function in Southern California and remain very optimistic about the efficiency gains it will create for drivers and receivers,” Tim Wells, FreightSmith senior director of strategy, said. “I believe this solution will truly create a shipper-friendly experience which is long overdue.” The FreightSmith mobile application is available for download at the Apple App Store and Google Play. For more information, please visit https://www.freightsmith.net/.

Volvo’s new guidebook highlights key learnings from 3-year fleet electrification project

The Trucker News Staff - May 19, 2022

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Group North America (VGNA) has published a new book outlining what company officials call key insights into the testing of its battery-electric VNR model. The Lessons Learned Guidebook is designed to commemorate the end of the company’s three-year electric rig testing project though Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy-Transport Solutions), which began in 2019 and concludes in early Fall 2022. Volvo LIGHTS is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. The total project cost is $90 million, with a funding award of $44.8 million. Throughout the project, the trucks and equipment are estimated to have facilitated weighted emission reductions of NOx, ROG and PM by an estimated 3.57 tons per year. according to VGNA. Over 10 years, that equates to 35.7 tons of weighted emission reductions of these pollutants. Further, the project produced an estimated 1.86 million kWh of renewable electricity, the majority of which was used to charge the electric trucks and displace 207,000 diesel gallons equivalent of fossil fuel annually, VGNA officials said. This produced estimated reductions of 3,020 metric tons of GHG emissions annually or 30,200 metric tons of GHGs over a 10-year period. “By participating in the Volvo LIGHTS project, our team gained incredibly valuable experience that helped shape the comprehensive customer support model for our Volvo VNR Electric model, which was first commercialized in December 2020,” Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, said. “That said, we know that the transition away from diesel to electric power will involve far more than developing reliable truck technology. The Volvo LIGHTS project helped underscore the many areas in which public and private entities will need to collaborate to develop the ecosystem needed to support customers with successful battery-electric truck adoption – including the build out of public and private charging infrastructure, a robust dealer support network, incentives and strategies to reduce costs, a trained workforce of technicians, sales consultants, first responders and more.” The Volvo LIGHTS project, led by VGNA and South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), is a public-private partnership between 14 organizations aimed at transforming freight movement. Supporting project partners include NFI Industries, Dependable Highway Express (DHE), TEC Equipment, Shell Recharge Solutions (formerly Greenlots), Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, Southern California Edison, CALSTART, the University of California, Riverside CE-CERT, Reach Out, Rio Hondo College, and San Bernardino Valley College. Each of the Volvo LIGHTS project partners played an integral role in helping transform goods movement, as they worked together to design a blueprint to introduce zero-tailpipe emission battery-electric trucks and equipment into the market at scale. The Volvo LIGHTS Lessons Learned Guidebook, available for download from the project website at www.lightsproject.com, is organized into a series of short chapters: Establishing new partnerships Demonstrating Class 8 battery-electric vehicle innovations Advancements in warehouse equipment Reliable and cost-effective charging infrastructure Strategies to reduce total cost of ownership Cutting-edge job training needed Robust sales and service support “By publishing the Volvo LIGHTS Lessons Learned Guidebook, Volvo Group hopes to shine a light on the key considerations that public and private entities need to plan for to successfully support the introduction of heavy-duty electric trucks across North America,” Voorhoeve said. “Volvo Group, and Volvo Trucks with the VNR Electric offering, is committed to leading the commercial transportation industry’s transition to zero-emission solutions and looks forward to building on the success of this project as we work with other partners to accelerate the adoption of these vehicles in other states.”

Sysco, Daimler announce partnership plan to deploy 800 electric rigs

The Trucker News Staff - May 19, 2022

HOUSTON and PORTLAND, Ore. – Foodservice distribution company Sysco Corporation and Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) jointly announced on Thursday a letter of intent (LOI) to deploy up to nearly 800 battery electric Freightliner eCascadia Class 8 tractors serving Sysco customers by 2026. The first eCascadia delivery is expected to arrive at Sysco’s Riverside, California site later this year, according to a news release from Sysco. “Sysco is committed to making meaningful investments to support achievement of our climate goals, including those that encourage the development of electric tractors and trailers. We are eager to partner with a like-minded industry leader like Daimler Truck North America to deploy battery electric trucks nationwide,” said Marie Robinson, Sysco’s executive vice president and chief supply chain officer. “This investment shows our commitment to sustainability and growing responsibly and will ultimately help us meet our goal of reducing our direct carbon emissions by 27.5 percent by 2030.” According to the news release, Sysco “aims to power more of its tractor fleet with alternative fuels, and the deployment of Freightliner eCascadias along with refrigerated trailers will play a significant role in achieving its science-based climate goal to electrify 35 percent of its U.S. fleet by 2030. Sysco Riverside continues to build its charging infrastructure to support additional battery electric truck deployments, including additional solar capacity.” DTNA recently unveiled its production-ready, all-electric Freightliner eCascadia at the ACT Expo in Long Beach, California. “At Daimler Truck North America, we are proud to enter into a new era of sustainable, safe and efficient commercial transportation with our friends at Sysco,” said DTNA Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing David Carson. “Industry transformation requires leadership and collaboration, and a shared vision for the future of the supply chain. Together we are sustaining our mutual momentum toward a brighter future for us all.”

Detroit’s new Active Side Guard Assist aims to improve safety

The Trucker News Staff - May 19, 2022

DETROIT – Heavy-duty equipment manufacturer Detroit has announced the addition of Active Side Guard Assist (ASGA) to the Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems to improve safety in low-speed, passenger-side turns. Planned for production beginning Sept. 1, ASGA detects moving objects in the path of a right-hand turn at speeds below 12 mph and applies the brakes, which improves safety at intersections and in truck yards and freight terminals, according to a news release. Detroit Assurance with Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA 5) uses always-on, fused radar and camera technology to monitor the road and mitigate potential collisions. ASGA is the first feature of its kind available in the industry. “Detroit Assurance with ABA 5 is the most comprehensive suite of safety systems available in the industry and we are constantly looking for ways to make it even better,” Mary Aufdemberg, general manager of product strategy and market development, said. “By alerting drivers to blind spot hazards and braking to mitigate collisions, Active Side Guard Assist adds another layer of protection for drivers and the public.” The Side Guard Assist option was originally launched in 2020 to detect and warn the driver of moving objects along the length of the passenger side of the truck, but does not provide braking. With ASGA, when the side-mounted radar detects a moving object, such as a pedestrian or bicyclist, along the length of the passenger side of the tractor, the driver receives a yellow warning triangle in the right side A-pillar. If the driver sets a right-hand turn signal or begins a right-hand turn, the yellow warning triangle turns red, an audible alarm sounds and braking engages. ASGA is an option on Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star trucks equipped with Detroit Assurance with ABA 5, including the newly released Freightliner eCascadia. Detroit Assurance with ABA 5 is the industry’s most comprehensive suite of safety systems and includes features such as Active Speed Intervention, Active Brake Assist 5, Brake Hold Mode, Adaptive Cruise Control to 0 MPH, Active Lane Assist and others.

US Hybrid debuts near-zero-emission natural gas powertrain

The Trucker News Staff - May 18, 2022

LONG BEACH, Calif. — US Hybrid has announced the launch of near-zero-emission natural gas-powered parallel hybrid powertrain technology to be used for drayage and long-haul Class 8 trucks. After six years of research, development and testing, US Hybrid’s new vehicle-agnostic technology “will deliver more power, increased range and a more efficient powertrain than diesel-powered engines or other compressed natural gas (CNG) or renewable natural gas (RNG) alternatives,” a news release stated. The technological advantages being touted by US Hybrid include: More Power — 640 hp combined power and 1770 lb-ft maximum torque from the natural gas-powered engine. The electric motor enables uphill acceleration with superior performance compared to its diesel engine alternatives. Less Fuel — A smaller 8.9 liters Near-Zero NOx engine will operate more efficiently, resulting in double fuel economy than a standard 15-liter engine and reducing fueling costs. Better Range — Preliminary testing suggests this fuel-efficient technology can deliver up to 1,000 miles of range per fuel fill, doubling range, power and torque for similar CNG/RNG trucks. Increased Efficiency — The improvement in CNG engine performance paralleled with the electric motor, with appropriate controls, for transient load uptake results in lower NOx emissions and lower fuel consumption Near Zero-Emission — US Hybrid says its technology emits lower than 0.02 g/bhp-hr of nitrogen dioxide and will significantly improve the air quality of neighborhoods near ports and warehouses. Zero-Emission Port and Harbor Transportation Operations — The company says its technology delivers a lower HSE (Health, Safety, and Environmental) impact on port operations and the surrounding communities. In addition, the new CNG/RNG parallel hybrid powertrain features optional vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging technology. US Hybrid says the technology, which is an “industry first, will add near-zero-emission road-side charging assistance to standard long-haul fleet operators, offering versatility and convenience to fleet customers.” “We have reached another milestone on our path to accelerate the transition to commercial electrification across the transit and transportation value chain,” Macy Neshati, Interim CEO of US Hybrid said. “US Hybrid spends years perfecting our technology before it is brought to market. Our pathway to commercialization delivers a proven solution backed by data. Fleet customers can feel confident in the performance and reliability of US Hybrid’s new powertrain. Attendees at the ACT Expo will see firsthand, end-user benefits: increased vehicle range, less fuel requirements, and the reduced total cost of ownership, said Robin Mackie, president of mobility at Ideanomics.

PACCAR issues recalls for 2018-20 trucks with Dana D-Series axle steer arm fasteners

The Trucker News Staff - May 18, 2022

LITTLE ROCK — PACCAR is recalling 17,641 of their 2018-2020 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks. The recall covers Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks produced from Aug. 1, 2017-May 31, 2019. The trucks have been recalled due to a defect in the Dana D-Series axle steer arm fasteners. The fasteners attach the steering arm to the steering knuckle and may fail. The involved component is the Dana Integrated Air Disc Brake D-Series steer axle, part number B05-6051. Failure of both fasteners can result in a loss of steering control, which could increase the risk of crash or injury. The reported failures have occurred during low-speed maneuvering operations when steering forces are highest. The cause of the failure is still under investigation. The following models are covered: Kenworth T270 T370 T440 T470 T660 T680 T800 T880 W900 W990 Peterbilt 330 337 348 365 367 389 520 567 579 The planned notification date is June 24, 2022.

Wabash announces new parts distribution network

The Trucker News Staff - May 17, 2022

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Wabash announced Tuesday, May 17, the creation of a new tech-enabled Wabash Parts distribution network. The network is designed to unify and expand Wabash’s parts distribution capabilities across all product lines, according to a company statement. “As an end-to-end solutions and service provider, we’re able to offer customers the convenience of working with a one-stop-shop through the entire product lifecycle,” said Nick Adler, vice president of Wabash Parts and Services. “We’re excited to bring our customers best-in-class parts and services, including a simplified experience, an extensive selection of well-stocked parts and faster deliveries — all through Wabash.” The single channel distribution network will, over time, include the entire Wabash aftermarket portfolio as well as a wide range of transportation parts, with increased inventory and faster shipping. Wabash Parts distribution will leverage the company’s network of equipment dealers’ service capabilities, as well as the infrastructure of partners of national wholesale distribution for aftermarket heavy-duty truck and trailers parts, utilizing multiple distribution centers across the country. “This new distribution offering from Wabash really simplifies things for us. In a time of supply chain challenges around us, we appreciate being able to count on Wabash having parts in stock that we need and getting them to us quickly to keep our customer’s equipment on the road,” said Jamey Vaughn, president of Twin State Trailers. Wabash Parts and Services distribution capabilities currently serve van trailer and truck body customers and dealers. Parts distribution for other Wabash product lines will phase in throughout 2022. “We are excited to be a part of the Wabash Parts distribution network. The new capabilities that Wabash is developing create new growth opportunities for their dealer partners like us and help us better support our fleet customers,” said Mark Hall, general manager at Stoops Freightliner — Quality Trailer. “Wabash is connecting across the transportation ecosystem to facilitate interactions and improve operations,” Adler said. “The new Wabash Parts distribution network is leveraging the power of Wabash’s unique position at the intersection of suppliers, dealers and customers, while increasing the distribution capabilities needed to enhance speed and availability to market.”

Loadsmith plans to become to fully autonomous trucking company

The Trucker News Staff - May 12, 2022

DENVER — Loadsmith, a third-party capacity-as-a-service (CaaS) logistics platform for shippers and carriers, has formed a partnership with Mastery Logistics that will help Loadsmith transition into the first fully autonomous trucking company. To power its nationwide CaaS platform, Loadsmith will use Mastery’s MasterMind cloud-based transportation management system, a move it says will create new freight capacity for shippers and more rewarding driving jobs, and boost supply chain resiliency. According to MasterMind, the system creates more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly transportation network that can help offset current overwhelming demand, bolster against future supply chain disruptions and enable more sustainable operations. “In meeting our technological needs, Mastery offers an out-of-the-box approach to solving optimization and workflow challenges that no one else even comes close to,” said Brett Suma, CEO of Loadsmith. “Their platform makes it easy to integrate all the moving parts required for building a next-generation autonomous transportation network, allowing us to deliver better service and execution to our customers—both shippers and drivers.” As part of its fully autonomous strategy, Loadsmith recently secured 350 autonomous trucks through TuSimple and plans to further expand its autonomous fleet. Using the MasterMind system, Loadsmith can allow shippers to track freight and monitor and optimize their transportation strategies in real time. The platform also integrates directly with the Loadsmith carrier mobile app, making it easy for drivers to find and book loads on demand, according to a statement issued by Loadsmith. “Partnering with Loadsmith gives us the opportunity to help pioneer the autonomous transportation future but also stretch and strengthen the capabilities of our product,” said Jeff Silver, CEO of Mastery Logistics. “We thrive on solving these complex challenges and look forward to the insights and efficiencies that will emerge from this partnership over time.” With a prolonged driver shortage projected to maintain its impact on the trucking industry, some drivers are hesitant to take over-the-road jobs that keep them away from home and their families. Loadsmith’s strategy aims to accelerate growth in jobs that offer a better quality of life for drivers by eliminating the long haul. “OTR jobs are extremely hard, and drivers deserve options. They might want to be home nightly, present with their families or have more consistency — they may want first- and last-mile jobs,” Suma said. “Our network design and optimization combined with the autonomous middle mile provides the ideal solution for both shippers and drivers as we evolve truckload transportation.”

NFI Expands zero-tailpipe emission fleet with Order of 60 Volvo VNR Electrics

The Trucker News Staff - May 12, 2022

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America customer NFI Industries is increasing its investment in electromobility solutions with its latest order of 60 Volvo VNR Electric trucks. The battery-electric freight trucks will be deployed in NFI’s Ontario, California, fleet throughout 2022 and 2023, in support of its goal of operating the first 100% zero-emission freight logistics fleet in the nation. “Volvo Trucks is proud to continue partnering with NFI on its electromobility journey as the company truly demonstrates its leadership and commitment to supply chain sustainability,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “NFI’s order of 60 Volvo VNR Electrics is a testament to the positive results fleets are experiencing with Volvo Trucks’ electromobility solution, and a signal to the market that local and regional freight transport can be reliably accomplished with zero-tailpipe emissions.” NFI started its electromobility journey with Volvo Trucks as part of the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project that began in 2019. NFI started piloting two Volvo VNR Electric trucks in its commercial operations, demonstrating the ability for battery-electric trucks to transport goods under a variety of operating conditions. “Our experience with the Volvo LIGHTS project was a major factor in NFI’s decision to purchase VNR Electric trucks for our drayage operations,” said Bill Bliem, senior vice president of fleet services at NFI. “NFI started our electrification transition because we are committed to sustainability initiatives across our operations, and we are continuing to invest in Volvo Trucks because of the proven viability and success we have had operating the Volvo VNR Electrics in our real-world routes.” The 60 trucks ordered by NFI are the next-generation enhanced Volvo VNR Electric model with a six-battery-pack configuration, which provides an operational range of up to 275 miles. The enhanced Volvo VNR Electric, which began production in Q2 2022, also reduces the required charging time; the state-of-the-art 250kW charging capability provides an 80% charge in 90 minutes. Twenty of the trucks will be deployed as part of the Joint Electric Truck Scaling Initiative, or JETSI, project. Led by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) and jointly financed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC), the JETSI project will help significantly advance market penetration of zero‐emission heavy‐duty trucks and pave the way for freight logistics fleets to achieve emission reductions at scale. Thirty of the trucks will be deployed with funding support from California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The HVIP project was launched by CARB as part of California Climate Investments to accelerate commercialization of battery-electric trucks by providing first-come first-served incentives to make advanced vehicles more affordable. Ten of the trucks are part of the SWITCH-ON project, a grant to Volvo Trucks to deploy battery-electric trucks in Southern California for regional freight distribution and drayage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Targeted Air Shed Grant Program is providing the funding, supplemented by the South Coast AQMD for charging infrastructure, to improve air quality in the region. The infrastructure to support NFI’s zero‐emission fleet is being developed by Electrify America as part of the announcement made with NFI at ACT Expo 2021 to build the nation’s largest heavy-duty electric truck charging infrastructure project. The project will provide 19 350 kW ultra-fast chargers with 38 dispensers to support NFI’s growing battery-electric drayage fleet that serves the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Freightliner debuts production version of battery-electric eCascadia

Joseph Price - May 11, 2022

PORTLAND, Ore. – Freightliner Trucks, a division of Daimler Truck North America LLC, (DTNA) unveiled the production version of its Class 8 eCascadia Monday at the ACT Expo in Long Beach, California. Built on a heavy-duty truck platform in North America, the new battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia is a zero-emission version of the Cascadia. The company said that “extensive development and rigorous testing through several prototypes and customer-tested trucks, resulted in a powerful and efficient battery-electric truck with multiple battery and drive axle options, providing a typical range of 230 miles (depending on vehicle configurations).” The eCascadia will be used primarily for short-haul routes that allow for depot-based charging, examples of which include last-mile logistics, local and regional distribution, drayage and warehouse to warehouse applications, according to the company. TRUCK FEATURES 320-470 hp Typical range of 230 miles (depending on vehicle configurations) Multiple battery options and maximum capacity of almost 440 kWh2 Recharge of 80 percent in approximately 90 minutes Up to 82,000 lbs max GCW (Gross Combination Weight) Available with single or tandem eAxle 116-inch day cab configuration John O’Leary, president and CEO of DTNA, said that “the introduction of zero-emission trucks and all their needed support systems is truly a game changer. By developing electric vehicles, investing in charging infrastructure, and offering eConsulting services, we are determined to do our part to make commercial transportation emission-free.” There are several companies whose fleets will include the new electric tractor. Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning at Penske Truck Leasing, said, “We remain committed to being at the forefront of the electric vehicle movement and the eCascadia has been a terrific option for our customers ready to incorporate EVs into their fleets. We look forward to continuing to work with Daimler Truck to help our customers meet their sustainability goals now and in the future.” At Schneider, Rob Reich, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, said that “all of our drivers who tested the eCascadia thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We see great value in adding electric trucks to our fleet and are excited about taking the next step with DTNA.” Read more about the premier of the eCascadia and its specs here.

Embark Trucks completes industry-first autonomous testing in winter conditions

The Trucker News Staff - May 10, 2022

SAN FRANCISCO — Embark Trucks Inc., a developer of autonomous technology for the trucking industry, announced Monday, May 9, that it has successfully completed on-road testing in snowy conditions in Montana. The testing, which Embark announced earlier this year, was conducted to demonstrate the performance of Embark’s patent-pending Vision Map Fusion (VMF) technology in regions that experience severe winter weather. According to a statement from Embark, results from the testing demonstrate that in about 90% of runs through the snowy conditions under study — which could result in delays for HD map-based autonomous driving systems — VMF should operate successfully or pause and resume travel within acceptable shipper delivery windows. Beginning in February, the company’s testing in Montana utilized Embark-powered trucks traveling on a 60-mile round trip route on public roads between Clinton and Missoula in varying winter weather situations. In addition to on-road testing, Embark developed a comprehensive weather model using more than8 billion historical weather data points, dating back over 10 years on all major U.S. routes, to analyze the impact of snow at a lane level across the U.S. The testing and weather analysis show significant technical and commercial promise, according to Embark. The company’s testing and performance review indicated VMF worked within tolerance thresholds for safe operation in snowfall rates up to 1/6 inch per hour and with snow accumulation of 1 inch on the road over three hours — conditions that cover most of the snowy weather based on Embark’s analysis. Embark plans to continue to study the impact of snowy conditions on other elements of the Embark Driver. Combining these performance results with historical weather patterns and typical shipper delivery timelines, Embark was able to estimate expected delivery performance. On northern lanes — those starting or ending outside of the Sunbelt — historical data shows that roughly one in five runs will experience some snowy conditions. Embark estimates its VMF system will operate within acceptable shipper delivery windows approximately 90% of the time on such runs. Embark will look to refine these initial findings in time through additional modeling and partner insights to account for associated considerations such as ice formation, sleet and heavy winds. According to the company statement, Embark’s proprietary, patent-pending VMF technology has enabled this progress by moving beyond lidar-centric mapping and localization solutions. By relying heavily on the camera-based sensing modality in snowy conditions, while also understanding and accounting for the degraded states of lidar returns and map conditions, VMF is able to fill in the gaps and mitigate the uncertainty created by accumulating snow on the roadway, unlocking critical shipping lanes and increasing uptime in areas where inclement weather can hamper operations. Embark plans to expand its autonomous driving capabilities and continue its northward national expansion following its anticipated Phase I Sunbelt rollout in 2024. Throughout the testing process, Embark worked with various partners to better understand the impacts of inclement weather on truck uptime and dispatching, gaining a deep appreciation for the difficult driving conditions that truck drivers must navigate on a regular basis during U.S. winters. “When we set out to develop our autonomous truck solutions, we planned to create a system that is capable of operating safely across America in all kinds of road conditions, broadening our scope to serve parts of the country that may be limited by snow or inclement weather,” said Alex Rodrigues, CEO of Embark. “While we continue to focus on our existing commercialization timeline, the validation of our VMF technology for use in northern states and regions that regularly experience seasonal snowy weather will prepare us for long-term deployments and growth and help us provide the most flexible solution possible for our carrier partners.”

Foley RIG360 expands truck center service, support at Olathe location

The Trucker News Staff - May 10, 2022

OLATHE, Kansas — Foley RIG360 Truck, which operates a network of on-highway truck service centers across Kansas and Western Missouri, has opened a new full-service, on-highway truck center in Olathe, Kansas, with easy access to Interstate 35 and U.S. 69. “Our on-highway truck centers help support our customers with all their truck needs,” said Michael Swartz, general truck service manager for Foley RIG360 Truck Centers. “(Offering) everything from general service and preventive maintenance to financing large repairs or engine rebuilds, Foley RIG360 Truck Centers are ready to help our customers find solutions.” The new Olathe location has a streamlined layout, new tools and additional parts capacity to allow Foley RIG360 to increase customer uptime and provide enhanced support. With the addition of Olathe, Foley RIG360 now operates 12 truck centers across Kansas and Western Missouri. Foley RIG360 is a member of the nationwide RIG360 Truck Service Network, which has more than 65 locations across 12 states in the US. Foley RIG360 is also a partner of HDA Truck Pride and can offer competitively priced parts for all on-highway truck makes and models, including Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, International, Mack and more. The Olathe facility also houses Foley Equipment’s new and used construction equipment sales, machine service, parts center and rental store. The FoleyRIG360 Truck Center is at 19968 W. 157th Street in Olathe, with easy access from 157th and 159th Streets, just two blocks from U.S. 169.

PrePass now available on Pedigree Technologies’ Cab-Mate ELD

The Trucker News Staff - May 10, 2022

PHOENIX — PrePass Safety Alliance announced Tuesday, May 10, a new partnership with Pedigree Technologies that brings PrePass, North America’s leading preclearance program, to the OneView platform. With the technology, drivers receive notification on the Cab-Mate ELD to either bypass or pull into a weigh station, all while the truck travels at highway speed. In addition, fleets receive real-time driver safety alerts for work zones, traffic congestion, dangerous slowdowns, available truck parking, traffic incidents, rest areas, gusty winds, steep grades and “no commercial vehicle” areas. Drivers access this information directly on the Cab-Mate ELD tablet, eliminating the need to switch between apps or devices. “PrePass Safety Alliance is thrilled to provide PrePass on the Pedigree Technologies OneView Platform,” said Mark Doughty, president and CEO of PrePass Safety Alliance. “This partnership between two trucking technology leaders will help fleets become more efficient and improve safety while saving time, fuel, and money. Our goal with this integration is to provide technology that helps motor carriers deliver their goods safely and on time. Something more important now than ever.“ The PrePass app works with an optional RFID transponder to support electronic toll payment as a bundled service. Customers also receive access to INFORM Safety software to help assess safety performance and improve safety scores. INFORM supplies inspection, violation, and weigh station bypass data dashboards available only through PrePass.

State of Sustainable Fleets Report finds fleets are accelerating use of clean vehicles

Joseph Price - May 10, 2022

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — According to the third annual State of Sustainable Fleets Market Brief, released this week, transportation fleets continued to report a resounding trend: The use of clean fuels and advanced vehicle technologies is rapidly progressing. Report author and leading clean technology consulting firm Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA) unveiled the findings at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, a four-day conference that drew a record number of attendees. Report title sponsors are Daimler Truck North America, Penske Transportation Solutions and Shell Oil Company. Cummins Inc. is a supply chain sponsor of the report. “We are seeing an incredible acceleration in the investment being made from all sides of the alternative fuel vehicle market driven by increasing commitments to environmental sustainability and carbon reduction and to find more cost-effective transportation options given today’s record-breaking gasoline and diesel fuel prices,” said Erik Neandross, CEO of GNA, the firm that compiled the report. “Again, our survey results confirm — in every sector, fleets are increasingly turning to a spectrum of advanced clean vehicle technologies and low carbon fuels to not only meet their sustainability goals but improve their fleet’s bottom line.” Carlos Maurer, executive vice president of sectors and decarbonization for Shell, noted that “Shell has long provided solutions enabling fleets to operate more efficiently and cost- effectively, and now we are guiding fleet customers along their own unique decarbonization journeys.” “We recognize that navigating the many pathways to fleet decarbonization can be overwhelming, so Shell is pleased to support the State of Sustainable Fleets report to help equip fleet managers with the latest research and insights to keep their fleets on the road and moving toward a net- zero future,” he continued. Report authors surveyed nearly 250 U.S.-based fleets that have used clean fuels and vehicles, including propane vehicles, compressed natural gas vehicles, battery-electric vehicles and fuel-cell electric vehicles. Among that group, nearly 85% report that their use of clean vehicle technologies will grow over the next five years. “Commercial transportation is entering an exciting transformation that impacts not only our industry, but the communities in which we all operate,” said Mary Aufdemberg, general manager of product strategy and market development for Daimler Truck North America. “While change can sometimes bring uncertainty, studies like the State of Sustainable Fleets report help all stakeholders understand and navigate the critical trends so they can plan for their future success. At Daimler Truck, we share our customers’ sustainability goals and are proud to serve as their trusted advisors to help provide the right solution to suit their needs.” A key to increased adoption of near- and zero-emission transportation across the public and private sectors, including accompanying fueling and charging infrastructure, is record-setting government funding and legislative support at both the state and federal levels, the 2022 report confirms. While California continues to lead in vehicle and infrastructure funding as well as progressive zero-emission regulations, five other states are following suit with regulations of their own. Oregon, Washington, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts have all adopted rules based on California’s that require automakers to sell increasing numbers of zero-emission trucks. In terms of funding, the report finds that available public incentives for the clean fuel and vehicle market will increase to approximately $20 billion annually across more than 230 programs over the next few years, a nearly sevenfold increase from the previous average of $3 billion. Much of the funding growth is due to the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Other findings in this year’s State of Sustainable Fleets report include: Diesel fuel prices are at an all-time high, further improving economics for alternatives. National average prices at the pump were 19% higher in 2021 than in 2020. Demand for battery-electric vehicles is ramping up despite supply chain delays and high costs. The report finds that scheduled medium- and heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle deployments will go from dozens to hundreds during 2022-23. Fleets are placing record-setting orders, and certain sectors are already seeing early scale, including nearly 1,800 battery-electric school buses ordered or deployed by more than 350 school fleets in the U.S. to date. A few hundred more grant-funded Class 8 battery-electric vehicle orders from major manufacturers were placed in 2021 and early 2022. Orders still far outpace vehicle deliveries and battery prices remain stubbornly high. An emerging trend in this space is that vehicle manufacturers are becoming more involved in the battery-electric ecosystem by providing value-add services to fleets as they learn to operate in this new and unfamiliar space. When compressed natural gas fuel is priced just right, vehicle sales grow. Among surveyed fleets, 79% report that fuel cost savings is a primary advantage for deploying natural gas units. Transit buses, straight trucks (including refuse), and Class 8 tractors are the dominant sectors driving CNG vehicle sales, leading growth in registrations of natural gas vehicles by 3% from 2020 to 2021. Most fleets that have piloted or purchased CNG trucks in the past two years additionally reported equal or better performance on emissions (96% of fleets), noise (87%), fuel supply (67%), and total cost of ownership (57%) as compared to diesel. Renewable diesel growth is very strong. Production capacity for renewable diesel increased from 600 million to 800 million gallons per year between late 2020 and mid-2021. By 2025, U.S. production capacity is forecasted to exceed 5 billion gallons annually, a six-fold increase from 2021. The annual survey found that renewable diesel adoption is highest among government fleets, with nearly half of state, county, or municipal fleets reporting renewable diesel usage. Propane fuel is easy and affordable at a cost of less than $2 per gallon. Among the more mature clean vehicle platforms highlighted in the report, four states — California, Florida, Michigan and Texas — accounted for roughly 30% of national demand for propane vehicle fuel. Propane-powered trucks are most often used by state, county and municipal fleets (43% of such fleet types in the survey). Its usage is also common among smaller fleets with 35% of propane users in the survey representing fleets with 101 to 500 vehicles. Hydrogen vehicles are on the horizon, with larger grant-funded demonstrations beginning now. The report found that total hydrogen heavy-duty vehicle purchases in the U.S. were just under 150 orders in 2021. There were no public hydrogen stations opened outside of California in 2021, but an additional 57 stations, primarily for light-duty hydrogen vehicles, are planned for California, Ohio, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Dozens of grant-funded fuel cell electric tractors are now on order by leading fleets. “The State of Sustainable Fleets report provides valuable insight into the industry’s views on transportation sustainability and can provide practical, technology neutral guidance for fleets searching for solutions. We are very proud to once again sponsor this leading publication,” said Drew Cullen, senior vice president of fuels and facility services for Penske Transportation Solutions. For more information about the report, visit www.StateofSustainableFleets.com.

Edison Energy partners with Sawatch Labs to guide organizations on vehicle electrification for fleets

The Trucker News Staff - May 9, 2022

IRVINE, Calif. — Global energy advisory Edison Energy has partnered with Sawatch Labs to help corporate fleet owners save money and more quickly achieve Net Zero goals as they choose which vehicles to switch from gasoline and diesel to electric power. Companies with fleets from 10 vehicles to tens of thousands can benefit from a new level of detail in telematics data, thanks to Sawatch’s minute-by-minute analysis. The ultra-granular data will help Edison Energy clients better budget, track, and time their conversion to EVs. Sawatch Labs, a Denver-based firm dedicated to fleet electrification and optimization analytics, has helped a broad spectrum of clients — from small towns to Fortune 50 companies — identify electric vehicle replacement strategies. Additionally, Sawatch currently supports Xcel Energy’s Fleet Electrification Advisory Program and the U.S. Department of Energy’s EVWATTS program and has partnered with Verizon Connect. “We can make feasibility assessments and charging decisions easier as you work to meet an organization’s carbon and financial goals, while ensuring drivers’ needs are met,” Meghan Weinman, managing director of transportation electrification at Edison Energy, said. Sawatch and Edison recently worked together for one of the largest private-sector fleets in the country, on a program that will result in multiple millions in fleet savings. Weinman said they are making their partnership official to provide a seamless experience for clients with any size fleet who want to make sure they are optimizing their investments in EVs. “At Sawatch, we’re able to do a deep dive on real-time data and help clients optimize decision making on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis,” Matthew Helm, CEO and founder of Sawatch Labs, said. “Edison then provides a much broader analysis and can incorporate our results into a sustainability strategy and charging infrastructure implementation in order to meet transportation goals. They really take the client from simple vehicle recommendations to the ins and outs of an action plan. That’s a wonderful part of what we are now offering together.” “The implications for carbon reduction are far-reaching,” Weinman said. “When you convert your fleet to EVs, you go from Scope 1, direct gasoline emissions, to Scope 2, electricity consumption. What many organizations want to do, and what we can do with Sawatch, is to be able to track the amount of reduction that you’re seeing between those two sources of carbon. Having better analytics, better visibility, and a better idea of what kind of reduction you’re getting is going to be crucially important to organizations across the board in mitigating carbon emissions.” Transportation accounted for 27% of carbon emissions in 2020–the most of any sector. With commutes to in-person workplaces increasing after pandemic shutdowns, it will remain an important way for companies to reduce emissions. More than 2.5 million EVs have been sold in the U.S. since 2010, their exponential growth fed by record-high gasoline prices and SEC’s proposed requirement that companies disclose their carbon footprint. “Electricity prices are stable,” Weinman said. “Meanwhile, gas prices remain wildly variable. As companies like GM and Ford commit to a fully electric future, now is a great time for companies to plan and analyze so they can get their purchasing aligned and make the necessary preparations.” Sawatch Labs and Edison Energy will both be attending the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo and Conference this May 9-12 in Long Beach, California.

Mastery Logistics Systems announces deployment of cloud-based Mastermind TMS with Werner Enterprises, Inc.

The Trucker News Staff - May 9, 2022

CHICAGO — Mastery Logistics Systems announces the deployment of its MasterMind TMS with Werner Enterprises, one of the nation’s largest transportation and logistics companies. MasterMind TMS, a cloud-based transportation management system from Mastery Logistics Systems Inc., is designed to manage complex transportation needs for shippers, carriers and logistics service providers. It is the first cloud-based transportation system for Werner in company history and supports Werner’s business units and operations. “The implementation of MasterMind across our logistics network is a big step forward for Werner’s Cloud First, Cloud Now strategy,” Daragh Mahon, executive vice president and chief information officer of Werner, said. “Utilizing this new TMS, Werner will gain more technological agility across its tech stack, providing efficiencies for our associates, drivers and customers.” Built by supply chain and logistics experts, MasterMind TMS provides Werner with control and collaboration across its business units and customers. The system helps deliver significant industry enhancements, including visibility, information and operational efficiencies, allowing Werner to meet customer capacity needs and continue delivering exceptional customer service. The MasterMind TMS also proves to be a great fit in furthering the company’s Werner EDGE initiative. “As part of our Werner EDGE initiative, we are committed to becoming the first transportation and logistics company fully leveraging the cloud,” Mahon said. “This collaboration with Mastery is another milestone in that journey. In addition to benefitting our own technology advancement, this partnership also provides an opportunity for both Mastery and Werner to accelerate supply chain automation, visibility and productivity across the entire transportation and logistics ecosystem.” Werner initially announced the strategic partnership with Mastery in November 2020, including an equity investment and ongoing strategic advisement by Werner to drive continued product development, all while improving standardization within the organization and the industry at large. “Seeing Werner teams celebrating the MasterMind launch is a milestone for every team member at Mastery. We are thrilled with the implementation and deployment progress,” Alycia Klocke, vice president of implementation at Mastery Logistics Systems, said. “The collaboration between our teams has been phenomenal,” Jeff Silver, Mastery CEO, said. “It has allowed us to implement and launch MasterMind® with enhancements to support the complex operations of one of North America’s largest transportation providers. We love Werner and the people we work with there and are ecstatic to be able to play a role in their success.”