Equipment & Tech

GLEN ALLEN, Va. and ORLANDO, Fla. — Decisiv, Inc. announced earlier this month at the TMC Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition a series of new fleet-focused asset service management solutions integrated into the Decisiv SRM platform they already have in operation. “These new, connected service management solutions will be of immediate value to the thousands of fleets that are already using the Decisiv SRM platform,” Dick Hyatt, president and CEO at Decisiv, said. “With these new solutions and data driven insights, guided by our focus on Intelligent Service Management, fleets can complement and extend their ability to proactively manage internal and external maintenance and repair activities.” Decisiv SRM serves major commercial vehicle manufacturers, service networks and fleets. Last year, more than 74,000 fleets used the SRM platform under privately branded OEM-provided service management systems. Those SRM management systems for fleets operating across North America are in use by Volvo, Mack, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Western Star, Hino, Isuzu, and Michelin service networks. New fleet-focused solutions introduced by Decisiv include: SRM Discovery Service Priorities Monitor provides an actionable real-time asset service status and fleet performance dashboard. Based on a powerful analytics framework, Decisiv delivers insights into internal and external service operations. This solution provides fleets with a single point of control to better understand the service status of their assets at every service provider. Understanding asset availability and proactively managing service events improves uptime, generates additional revenue, and lowers costs. SRM Intelligent Maintenance gives fleets a solution to completely manage their maintenance needs. Fleets will streamline PM and repair processes by using this solution to build service calendars, create inspections, define standard repair operations, send service requests, and schedule work with outside service providers. Its connectivity with OEM-provided SRM platforms provides immediate access to all asset build, warranty, recall and diagnostic information. This new solution automates and clarifies the maintenance process and provides visibility into event status for PM currency and compliance. SRM Total Service Management enables fleets performing their own internal maintenance and repairs to take advantage of their integrated, OEM-provided service management platform that they currently use to manage external service events. It enables fleets to incorporate asset, diagnostics, warranty, recall and telematics information into every service event case and to automate communication between maintenance and operations personnel. In-context information streamlines processes, improves shop productivity, reduces downtime and costs, and enables fleets to prioritize and act on critical work in progress. “Decisiv SRM already provides measurable value for fleets, including a 25% reduction in downtime, a 71% reduction in triage time and a 90% fix it right the first-time rate,” according to a news release. “Fleets using the platform collectively realize more than 32 million hours of reduced downtime annually by saving more than 8 hours per service event, resulting in more than $3 billion in additional revenue due to improved asset availability.” The Decisiv SRM platform is the largest asset service management system in the industry. Ongoing adoption of the technology pushed platform use to a weekly average of 70,000 service events in 2021. “In the coming year fleets and service providers will manage more than 4 million service events on the Decisiv SRM platform,” Hyatt said. “Our commitment is to build on that foundation by delivering a broad range of fleet and service provider applications.”  

CHICAGO (PRNewswire) — OLIMP Freight, a Chicago based technology startup, announced the official launch of their mobile application. The online platform connects carriers and brokers with on-demand warehouses for cross docking, daily warehousing, pallet reworks and last-mile delivery – eliminating time consuming searches and costly delays when freight is rejected. Carriers, brokers and dispatchers can quickly search OLIMP’s nationwide network of trusted warehouses based on their location and services needed — comparing pricing, location and reviews to determine which warehouse best fits their immediate need. Users select a warehouse to book and pay online in just a few clicks. OLIMP has partnerships with over 1,400 warehouses across the United States and Canada. The warehouses offer no minimum storage requirements and can be scheduled on-demand for as little as one day, storing loads as small as one pallet. A variety of services can be selected including short term warehousing, pallet rework, local delivery, cold and frozen storage, food grade storage, hazardous materials storage and bonded warehouses. “For a variety of reasons, 5 to 12% of loads are rejected or delayed at the receiver. Brokers and truckers lose valuable time looking for a place where they can take the freight,” Igor Volchenko, OLIMP Freight founder, said. “Our mobile app simplifies the search and booking of real time warehouse services, saving time and money while letting truckers get on to the next job.”  

ROCHELLE PARK, N.J. (Globe Newswire) — ORBCOMM Inc. announced Tuesday the launch of its CT 3500 IoT telematics device, the next evolution in smart management of refrigerated containers and their cargoes, enabling end-to-end, remote visibility and control of containerized assets and shipments on land, rail and sea. ORBCOMM’s data-driven refrigerated container solution features enhanced functionality, analytics capabilities, connectivity options and interoperability with third-party telematics devices to help shippers and carriers around the world drive efficiencies in reefer container logistics. ORBCOMM’s solution provides customers with remote, two-way control of reefers to monitor critical parameters and take quick, corrective action to adjust temperature, humidity, Controlled Atmosphere settings, cold treatment and more, all from a centralized location. Customers can set customizable alerts that notify excursions to specified reefer temperature, humidity and Controlled Atmosphere levels, equipment malfunctions, route deviations and unauthorized door opening, helping to ensure cargo quality and compliance and mitigate costly claims. ORBCOMM’s new reefer container monitoring solution also helps reduce delays, save costs and optimize turn times by allowing carriers to run virtual pre-trip inspections of reefer containers. The device integrates seamlessly with ORBCOMM’s ReeferConnect and VesselConnect platforms to show real-time reefer location, status, alerts and other critical data insights through a single view for better decision making, business planning and service levels. The state-of-the-art device features ORBCOMM’s Global SIM for unmatched LTE coverage and supports a wide range of wireless technologies, including LoRa, Bluetooth 5 and NFC in alignment with DCSA standards. It has optional satellite IoT connectivity through ORBCOMM’s external satellite modem for uninterrupted, cost-effective communications. The device supports a variety of wireless sensors, which deliver additional actionable insights, including door, temperature and cargo status. The device’s powerful battery enables remote download of data logs even when the reefer is not on power. It can be installed quickly, either permanently or temporarily for monitoring guest reefers and single trips on a vessel, at a port or in the yard. In addition, customers have access to a user-friendly app to simplify installation, troubleshooting and provisioning of the device and additional sensors. “ORBCOMM’s latest innovation in reefer container telematics demonstrates our leadership in developing feature-rich technology solutions that meet the evolving needs of the shipping industry’s complex supply chains,” Al Tama, ORBCOMM’s vice president of container and port solutions, said. “The enhancements we’ve made to our refrigerated container solution deliver advanced temperature management capabilities and streamlined container operations to help customers make data-driven business decisions, while improving profitability and the customer experience.”

RESTON, Va. and SAN MATEO, Calif. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trucker Tools announced Monday that it is implementing a full-stack integration with Turvo. Underway this month, the integration will enable Turvo customers to utilize the full suite of Trucker Tools Smart Capacity® broker productivity, truckload capacity planning and execution, visibility and carrier relationship management tools. Turvo offers the world’s first modern, cloud-based TMS with a collaboration layer built-in to connect brokers, 3PLs, carriers, and shippers in a single social-media like network. Turvo helps unify systems, people, and processes to more efficiently plan, execute and settle, as well as provide complete visibility down to the end customer. On average, Turvo customers gain the ability to manage three times the freight, with a third of the headcount. With the integration of Trucker Tools, Turvo will be able to offer its customers access to three digital freight management offerings, focused on streamlining interactions and business processes for brokers with truckload freight providers. Those include: Predictive Freight Matching: Provides real-time capacity visibility and streamlined workflows to analyze, present and secure optimal load matches for participating carriers, dramatically reducing broker time and effort to cover a load. The software considers real-time factors and historical data to rank and present loads, considering the carrier’s profile and preferences, current or soon-to-arrive location and proximity to nearby loads. It also considers where the carrier is going next, using that intelligence combined with powerful algorithms to identify and rank future available reloads, enabling brokers to efficiently set up and manage multiple leg moves for carriers. Book it Now®: Automates the process by which a load is offered and accepted between carrier and broker. Carriers can view accurate, real-time available loads on their smartphone, including pricing, and if it’s a match for the trucker, do one-click load acceptance and confirmation. Manual booking, phone calls, emails, and texts with brokers are eliminated. Real-time Shipment Visibility:  Provides an automated, real-time feed of shipment tracking data to Turvo’s TMS via the Trucker Tools mobile app on the driver’s smartphone. Utilizing the phone’s embedded GPS capability, accurate location updates are sent as frequently as every five minutes. Turvo users see the information presented as a graphic, visual ‘bread crumb’ display, mapping the shipment in real-time from pickup to delivery, providing a continually updated estimated time of arrival. “In today’s digital freight environment, seamless integrations to best-of-breed technologies is critical to rapidly and immediately demonstrate value to brokers and 3PLs,” Ron Richardson, chief revenue officer of Turvo, said. “That is the power of Turvo, we offer point-and-click integrations to the industry’s most innovative software providers, and we’re excited to partner with Trucker Tools to offer our users modern, cloud-based TMS coupled with Trucker Tools real-time load tracking and predictive freight matching capabilities.” Richardson emphasized that incorporating Trucker Tools app-based visibility data provides a real-time visibility component “that is capable of meeting or surpassing the visibility consistency requirements of even the largest shippers and brokers.” “Users won’t have to toggle among screens to access and use them, customers can view the real-time location of trucks directly in the Turvo interface,” Prasad Gollapalli, founder and chief executive of Trucker Tools, said. Improving tracking compliance – how consistently and regularly truckers update in-transit location and delivery ETAs – is a recurring sore point with shippers and brokers, Gollapalli note. “Our experience, over hundreds of participating brokers and thousands of carriers, is that once a trucker activates our tracking feature, it’s like ‘fire and forget’; updates happen automatically, the trucker is removed of the burden of check calls and other manual work.” Gollapalli said. Gollapalli said that Trucker Tools research shows that once its tracking app is activated, brokers see trucker tracking compliance increase significantly, “from less than 50 percent, to over 90 percent. It’s a huge time-saver for both the broker and trucker.” Lastly, Richardson cited the benefit of Trucker Tools’ large user community. The mobile driver app, which has 17 of the most sought-after features truckers want for managing their business, has been downloaded by more than 1.7 million truckers. It is actively used as an engagement and business management platform by over 190,000 small truckload fleets operating 10 trucks or less. “Turvo customers gain visibility and access into an entirely new resource for capacity, already trained-on and familiar with a common app for doing business,” Richardson said. “In today’s capacity-constrained market that’s a major advantage. Offering carriers convenience and digital tools for finding the next load, booking it, and providing freight visibility only strengthens engagement with drivers.” The Trucker Tools mobile app is one of the top-downloaded apps in transportation every month. Some 90 percent of truckload market carriers are independent owner-operators and small fleets of 10 trucks or less.  

HOLBROOK, N.Y.  — Solo Advanced Vehicle Technologies has selected the uniqueEV® battery electric drive system from Unique Electric Solutions to power its first test trucks. To ensure Solo meets its goal of closed road testing in 2022, Unique Electric Solutions has repowered a Class 8 chassis, which is now powered by a high torque motor, 600volt lithium-ion phosphate batteries, and all associated drive electronics and software. This ground-up heavy truck platform will be compatible with any autonomous driving software, thereby solving the inefficiency of retrofitting today’s human-centric diesel trucks for autonomous driving. “Our test trucks are an essential component of our development process,” Graham Doorley, CEO of Solo, said. “The design and engineering of our earliest test vehicles will inform every choice we hone in on for our alpha truck, the SD1 Heavy. When we went about identifying partners to get us to testing in short order, UES delivered with a fast, cost-effective, and low risk method of repowering our chassis. We look forward to all that we’ll learn together and ultimately how that will determine the parameters for Solo’s production powertrain.” Unique Electric Solutions has seen dramatic growth in demand of electric conversions, also known as repowers. Repowering is the process of taking existing, in-service gas or diesel-powered vehicles and converting – or retrofitting – them to battery-electric powertrains. This provides all the benefits of a new, electric truck including zero tailpipe emissions, quiet operation, and dramatic reduction in operating costs. Repowering to electric is a faster, cheaper and easier way to go electric with commercial trucks and buses. “Solo is leading the way not only in building the world’s most advanced truck platform, but in the matter they are developed, designed, and tested,” Joe Ambrosio, CEO of Unique Electric Solutions, said. “We are pleased they have chosen us to partner on this initial test vehicle.”  

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming will soon receive National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula funds to use to facilitate electric vehicle infrastructure development, especially charging stations, around the state. The funding is part of the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is allocated $3.9 million this year and expects $5 million each year for the next four years for a total of $23.96 million for EV infrastructure over five years. In preparation to execute NEVI funding and other program incentives, the state has developed a Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy and will circulate the strategy over the next month to allow the public and interested parties to provide comments and feedback. “These stations will not only be powered by Wyoming energy, but will help facilitate tourism around the state,” Director Luke Reiner said. “We want drivers who choose EVs to have safe and reliable ways to charge their vehicles as they drive in our state. This has been an inter-agency effort to maximize available resources for our residents and visitors.” Wyoming’s interstates have been designated as “Alternative Fuel Corridors” and under the NEVI program must have infrastructure installed first. Corridor infrastructure must adhere to guidelines set by the NEVI Program Joint Office for charger efficiency, location, and accessibility. Once the interstate corridors are complete, remaining funding can be spent along other key routes to popular destinations like Yellowstone National Park and Devil’s Tower National Monument. No state funds will be used to build, maintain or operate EV charging infrastructure through the NEVI program. Instead, the company who bids on the corridor will pay the required match amount to the Federal funds. In addition to the NEVI funding, the BIL outlined $2.5 billion in discretionary grants available to eligible applicants, including state and local governments, special purpose districts, tribes and other groups or entities. The state also has VW settlement funds that will be used to provide additional funding for EV infrastructure development in areas not along the alternative fuel corridors. WYDOT and other state officials have scheduled public meetings around the state in early April to gather public input as well as feedback from potential bidders and other interested parties. Each meeting is expected to have a virtual component so viewers can attend any meeting and see the proposed plan and make comments. The schedule is as follows: Cheyenne, April 4, 1-3 p.m., WYDOT Auditorium, 5300 Bishop Blvd. Casper, April 5, 9-11 a.m., WY Oil and Gas Commission Hearing Room, 2211 King Blvd. Cody, April 5, 5-7 p.m., Park County Public Library Grizzly Hall, 1500 Heart Mountain St. Riverton, April 6, 1-3 p.m., Riverton City Council Chambers, 816 N. Federal Blvd. Jackson, April 7, 9-11 a.m., Ordway Auditorium, Teton County Library, 125 Virginian Lane Rock Springs, April 7, 5-7 p.m., WYDOT District Office, 3200 Elk St. Rawlins, April 8, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.,  Rawlins Family Recreation Center, 1616 Harshman St. Gillette, April 11, 2-4 p.m., Campbell County Library, 2101 S 4-J Rd. Sheridan, April 12, 10 a.m.–noon, Sheridan County Fulmer Library, 335 W Alger St. Those interested in making a public comment can also email [email protected]. For more information, visit our website: https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/planning_projects/zero-emission-vehicles/national-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-(nevi)-program.html  

FENTON, Mich. — Webasto North America announced the introduction of its new SmarTemp 3.0 and SmarTemp 3.0 Bluetooth controllers Tuesday. The new devices control both Webasto fuel-operated air heaters and fuel-operated coolant heaters, all from a single unit. The SmarTemp 3.0, part number 5013873A, and SmarTemp 3.0 Bluetooth, part number 5013874A, will be displayed to the industry for the first time in the Webasto booth, No. 11228, at the Mid-America Trucking Show, from March 24-26, in Louisville, Kentucky. Initially introduced in 2013, the compact, all-in-one temperature management system became popular among fleets and owner-operators alike. Like their predecessor, the rotary dials of the SmarTemp 3.0 and SmarTemp 3.0 Bluetooth Controls allow air heater users to dial in the temperature they desire, and the device does the rest. Standard comfort adjustments are as easy as turning the dial right for higher temperatures and left for lower temperatures. Once set, bunk temperature is precisely maintained, allowing drivers to focus on getting the rest and relaxation they need between shifts. “With the introduction of the SmarTemp 3.0 and SmarTemp 3.0 Bluetooth controls, Webasto is excited to bring new features to this well-respected product line, allowing users to easily adjust and enjoy the experience of an engine-off heating and coolant preheating system — all while reducing idle time,” Don Kanneth, director of Aftermarket Sales for Customized Solutions, Webasto North America, said. “Anyone who has experienced the SmarTemp 2.0 is going to love the enhanced functionality of the SmarTemp 3.0 and the powerful, convenient app-based features and connectivity of the SmarTemp 3.0 Bluetooth.” The SmarTemp 3.0 is designed to work exclusively with Webasto air and coolant heaters. Fully programmable within a seven-day period, the SmarTemp 3.0 makes air and coolant system run times easily adjustable. The unit’s large backlit LCD screen is easy to read and brightens while in use, automatically dimming itself a few moments after interaction. Users can easily toggle between menu options with just the push of a button, and once in the chosen menu, use the dial to scroll up or down to the desired listing. Main menu preferences allow quick selection of air or coolant heating and a ventilation mode is available in air heating mode. Integrated panels glow red when in heating mode, blue when in ventilation mode and blink to indicate diagnostic alerts and heater fault codes. The SmarTemp 3.0 supports English, French and Spanish languages, as well as Fahrenheit or Celsius temperature scales. Main menu options allow users to select and customize timed run times, low voltage disconnect thresholds, password protection and includes automated preventive maintenance reminders to start the heaters every 30 days. If the unit ever loses power, it still keeps its previous program settings, but now also retains date and time settings, eliminating the time-consuming task of reentering data. “For all that the advanced SmarTemp 3.0 has to offer, the SmarTemp 3.0 Bluetooth takes air and coolant temperature control to a whole new level,” Kanneth said. The SmarTemp 3.0 Bluetooth offers all the features and functionality of the SmarTemp 3.0, but when paired with a Bluetooth-enabled mobile device running the Webasto app, it puts significant power in the hands of fleet managers, owner-operators and users of all kinds. Now, fleets will not only see the big picture surrounding their Webasto fuel-operated heaters, but they will also totally control it. Fleet managers can define system settings and preferences, can control individual heater functions when in range and can universally “mob” program an entire fleet’s heater settings and everything in between via the Webasto app. Managers can program and control their whole fleet through one phone and grant specific permissions to others on their service team, allowing them to help manage multiple vehicle profiles in multiple cities, states and geographic regions. A parking brake input feature disables air and coolant heating functions when a vehicle’s parking brake is released. The feature allows the heaters to perform their intended duties while a vehicle is idle but prevents unnecessary fuel use while it and its operator are on duty. Enriched diagnostic capabilities built into the Webasto app enable users to actually access information that resides in the electronic control units in Webasto heating devices and communicates directly with the device. Users can design and print customized diagnostic reports, which can be used for a variety of measurements and purposes, including warranty service. Troubleshooting capabilities built into the app take users to TechWebasto.com, where they can access installer/user manuals, FAQs and other technical support assets. When necessary, the site can even locate and direct drivers in the field to the closest Webasto dealer or authorized service center. For those who already have SmarTemp 2.0 devices in the field, updating their systems to the SmarTemp 3.0 is easy. The purchase of an optional wiring harness will give them full functionality right out of the box. “Anyone familiar with the SmarTemp 2.0 is going to love the rich new functionality and ease of use of the new SmarTemp 3.0,” Kanneth said. “And the new SmarTemp 3.0 Bluetooth gives everyone the ease and convenience of managing their system on a mobile device.”

AURORA, Colo. — Wagner Equipment Co. announced Tuesday the arrival of its first Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle zero-emission, Class 8 semi-truck. Wagner Equipment Co. represents Colorado and New Mexico within Nikola’s national sales and service dealer network. As part of Wagner’s offerings, the Nikola Tre BEV will now be available for sale and demonstration, along with the Nikola Mobile Charging Trailer, intended to be deployed with the Tre BEV to facilitate charging at customer facilities. Beginning in 2023, Wagner will also include the Nikola Tre hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles as part of its portfolio of trucks. “Wagner, founded in Colorado in 1976, has a proven track record of selling and servicing a wide range of industry leading products including Caterpillar construction equipment, power generators, solar panels, Metso crushing and screening products, Genie aerial lifts, and SmithCo trailers, to name a few,” Bruce Wagner, Wagner Equipment Co.’s president and CEO said. “Trucking customers interested in transitioning their fleet to electric now have an option in Colorado and New Mexico with the Nikola Tre BEV. With all of our products, Wagner’s 1,400 employees and 11 full-service locations are committed to keeping our customers on the road hauling loads.”  

BOWIE, Md. — SemaConnect, a provider of electric vehicle charging amenities to the North American commercial, residential and fleet markets, recently announced a new statewide intergovernmental cooperative purchasing agreement (ICPA) with the State of Maryland for electric vehicle charging stations and equipment. The new ICPA contract streamlines the purchasing process for the state and other eligible government entities who are looking for new workplace, public and fleet EV charging stations, according to a company news release. Maryland-based SemaConnect manufactures and is a network provider for electric vehicle charging stations with more than 15,000 Level 2 stations installed nationwide. A level 2 charger allows for charging an electric vehicle five-to-seven-times faster or up to 3 times faster for a plug-in hybrid compared to a level 1 charger. Five Level 2 commercial models – the Series 5 Personal, Series 6 Commercial/Shared, Series 7 Fleet, Series 7 Plus High-Powered Fleet, and Series 8 Retail – and DC fast charging stations are included in this non-exclusive purchasing contract. Now, public entities can choose from SemaConnect’s 30-80amp portfolio and buy EV charging stations at a standardized bulk price. In addition, qualifying agencies can apply for the statewide Charge Ahead Grant Program to receive funding for up to 60% of total purchase and installation costs. “Maryland governments are looking for the best electric vehicle charging stations,” Tony Sargent, vice president of sales at SemaConnect, said. “SemaConnect’s new ICPA contract simplifies the purchase process to help public entities save time and money on premium products. We look forward to supporting Maryland’s electrification goals and helping more Maryland drivers stay charged.” SemaConnect charging stations are now available for Maryland public entities using Sourcewell contract 042221-SEM. For more information, visit semaconnect.com.  

COLUMBUS, Ind. – According to ACT Research’s latest State of the Industry: NA (North American) Classes 5-8 Report, while the economic set-up remains favorable, considerable friction and uncertainty have been added, with many more loose ends in the economic story than there were a month ago. ACT’s State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 report provides a monthly look at the current production, sales, and general state of the on-road heavy and medium duty commercial vehicle markets in North America. It differentiates market indicators by Class 5, Classes 6-7 chassis and Class 8 trucks and tractors, detailing measures such as backlog, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders and retail sales. Additionally, Class 5 and Classes 6-7 are segmented by trucks, buses, RVs and step van configurations, while Class 8 is segmented by trucks and tractors with and without sleeper cabs. This report includes a six-month industry build plan, backlog timing analysis, historical data from 1996 to the present in spreadsheet format, and a ready-to-use graph package. A first look at preliminary net orders is also published in conjunction with this report. “Despite the economic uncertainty and considerable inflationary friction, North American commercial vehicle markets continue to perform at status quo levels.” according to Kenny Vieth, ACT Research’s president and senior analyst. “Persistent supply-chain constraints are still limiting the industry’s ability to raise production levels to align with demand. As a result, backlogs remain long, and order volumes remain constrained due to ‘within 12 months’ order reporting ground rules. Until build rates find traction, orders are expected to largely mirror production levels. It’s also important to remember that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine did not occur until Feb. 24. Hence, we do not believe there is any impact on February’s market statistics.” “After high-side beats in December and January, Class 8 production moderated to in-line with expectations in February. Classes 5-7 build stayed choppy, with a rebound to trend build rates in February, after sharply lower production activity in January,” Veith said.  

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America has added powertrain innovation with the Volvo I-Torque. Now available as an option with the latest D13 Turbo Compound engine, I-Torque is designed to achieve best-in-class fuel efficiency, without compromising performance, drivability and productivity. The Volvo I-Torque is a powertrain solution enabling the truck to operate optimally with up to a 31% increase in fuel efficient speed range, achieving up to an amazing 8.5 miles per gallon at 85 mph. I-Torque comprises the D13 Turbo Compound engine, the I-Shift with overdrive features, adaptive gear shift strategy, a new map-based version of the predictive cruise control Volvo I-See, and exceptionally low rear axle ratios as low as 2.15. The overall functionality of the I-Torque configuration is that it uses Volvo Trucks’ 13-speed I-Shift feature with crawler gear, and combines the fuel efficiency advantages of direct drive with the performance and flexibility of overdrive. By incorporating I-See, low rear axle ratios and load sensing software – at highway speeds, the truck’s system will select either direct drive or overdrive to maximize fuel efficiency without forfeiting performance or productivity. I-Shift together with the new version of the I-See technology, which employs real-time map-based data and GPS positioning, manages speed and gear-shifting in the most fuel-efficient way on any route or terrain and generates up to an additional 1% in fuel savings. Further enhancing the VNL driving experience, its lower engine RPMs during operation creates a more pleasurable driving experience with a quieter cab environment and reduced engine vibration. “In today’s demanding and quickly changing transportation business environment, that requires a high degree of flexibility and adaptable truck performance on various terrains and routes, I-Torque is the solution for our customers who need to stay competitive with a truck where fuel economy and optimized performance is taken to the next level without any compromises,” Johan Agebrand, director of product marketing at Volvo Trucks North America, said. “The current business environment is a perfect example, where diesel prices are pacing well beyond $4 per gallon and the pressure on transportation is high. We are proud to help boost customer productivity and savings with this industry-first technology, and further Volvo Trucks’ mission to bring a solution that’s driven by our sustainability goals, further decreasing our trucks’ CO2 emissions.” Volvo Trucks says it is optimistic that fleet owners and drivers will see the immediate value and competitive advantages that come with adding the I-Torque option to the D13TC engine, which is already standard in all VNL sleeper models. Moreover, the company is setting new industry benchmarks, working with its entire North American dealer network to build awareness and provide education on key areas and spec’ing opportunities that have an impact on fuel efficiency throughout a truck’s life cycle. “When we deploy this dynamic powertrain combination, maximizing drivability and productivity, the results are a quiet cab and responsive, powerful ride that drivers will love,” Agebrand said. “As the only offering of its kind, I-Torque is a solution that demonstrates our core value of sustainability by providing best-in-class fuel efficiency. We also deliver on our promise to customers and drivers by enhancing truck performance and productivity.” To learn more and see a demonstration of I-Torque, see the YouTube video.  

NEWMARKET, Ontario — CarriersEdge unveiled its new dashcam integration system that allows carriers to automatically assign and track required training-based on dashcam captured events and behaviors. Designed as an open system, the functionality will work with camera systems from multiple leading providers. “Dashcam systems have evolved into powerful driver improvement tools, with a range of coachable behaviors being captured all the time,” Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge, said. “Integrating with those systems allows our customers to support their coaching efforts with automatic assignments and tracking of all activities. With customized rules and support for different providers, fleets can tailor a program that suits their specific needs and fits into their existing risk management programs.” The dashcam integration system enables carriers to create and assign personalized programs for each driver. Using a simple drop-down menu, administrators can create as many rules as needed, specify the type of driving behavior, and set trigger thresholds and periods. The integration system allows for cascading levels of training intervention based on the number and frequency of driver events. Rules are customer configurable and can be changed at any time. According to Jazrawy, assignments can be a combination of content including classroom, online courses, surveys, even policy documents, allowing for flexible learning and progressive interventions that match behavior severity and frequency. Once drivers complete the assignments, details are mailed directly to administrators and managers, providing updates on training scores and completion status. “The ability for our DriveCam Event Recorders to be seamlessly supported by the extremely valuable online driver training programs provided by CarriersEdge is a huge win for everyone,” Jeff Engle, channel sales director at Lytx, said. “Combining our industry-leading machine vision and artificial intelligence technology with the world’s largest driving database, we are thrilled to offer more current and aspiring drivers the opportunity to improve their skills and help make the roadways a safer place.”  

LISLE, Ill. – Navistar has standardized its factory-installed telematics devices on all new builds of the complete Class 6-8 International Truck and IC Bus vehicles, including electric models. This standardization allows access to actionable vehicle data, enhanced capabilities with industry partners and further improved integration for upfitting capabilities with truck equipment manufacturers. The factory-installed and warranted telematics device broadcasts data to OnCommand Connection, Navistar’s connected services platform, which aggregates vehicle health and performance data and turns that into actionable information. OnCommand Connection has more than 30 telematics partner integrations that allow for the platform’s unique open architecture to integrate with all makes and models of vehicles on the market. “Our goal is to provide a seamless customer experience,” Scott Renier, vice president and general manager at connected services and analytics, said. “We first made OnCommand Connection standard on our Class 8 on-highway vehicles in 2018, providing those customers access to a full suite of connected products that help to improve uptime and lower their total cost of ownership. Extending the technology to all Class 6-8 International vehicles means we can now provide that same valuable service to all customers, regardless of fleet type or size.” The standard OnCommand Connection service package provides customers access to the following: Over-the-air programming vehicle software updates for approved engine calibrations and performance parameter updates to improve customer uptime by keeping vehicles on the road; Vehicle health monitoring that can help identify issues and allow customers to take the appropriate action; GPS and geofencing functionality that allows for asset tracking and protection. Access to the International 360 service communications platform that streamlines the service scheduling process and allows customers to customize routine maintenance intervals based on vehicle usage. The data insights gathered are viewable through the OnCommand Connection and the International 360 portal via desktop or tablet and will be available through a mobile phone app to be released later this year. The app will make the technology more accessible to smaller customers across all market segments. “Traditionally, people think connectivity and data analytics are only for big, over-the-road fleets,” Mark Stasell, vice president of vocational trucks, said. “That’s not the case. Navistar believes connected technologies benefit everyone. Connectivity is our future – it will drive numerous innovations near and longer term. There’s invaluable benefit to making data available to customers of all sizes and across all market segments.” The factory-installed telematics device is covered through a nationwide warranty and includes a five-year subscription to OnCommand Connection, providing customers access to actionable data and streamlined subscription services with Navistar’s gateway integration partners.

WEYERSHEIM, France — Haldex has signed a long-term agreement with KRONE Commercial Vehicle Group for the supply of the fourth generation Electronic Brake System (EBS) platform for trailers. The new generation EBS, the EB+4.0, brings parking brake control into electronic management and offers a new modular and customizable approach to customer-specific functions. “With this product offer, Haldex contributes to improved road safety and an increased level of digitalization of the industry,” a news release stated. “As a multi-voltage platform that can be used as both ABS and EBS, and with a significant weight reduction and an estimated CO2 footprint reduction of up to 30% compared to the previous generation, this new platform is aligned to market needs.” Stephan Kulle, executive vice president EMEA, said that with the agreement, Haldex “has taken a step forward to extend our position within the trailer market. Our collaboration with KRONE is developing at a new promising stage, which strengthens the confidence in our ability to continue innovating to meet market needs and exceed customer expectations.”  

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — TruckLabs announced Tuesday the launch of the third generation of its flagship product TruckWings — an active aerodynamic device that automatically closes the gap between the cab and trailer at highway speeds to reduce drag and save what the company claims is 4% to 6% on fuel. Better truck aerodynamics from TruckWings is an “all of the above” approach, improving the efficiency of trucks across all fuel sources of diesel, natural gas, hydrogen and electric. Diesel trucks benefit from lower fuel costs and lower emissions. Alternative fuel trucks decrease their cost per mile but also benefit from significant range extension, which is a critical barrier for electric truck adoption. Fleets can trust TruckWings’ performance because each unit has live telematics tracking uptime and flagging any exceptions. Through automated reporting, fleets can track exact fuel and carbon savings by truck or route. This reporting enabled TruckLabs to combine learnings from 500 million miles with countless hours of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) input and collaboration back into this Third Generation Product including: Installation time has been reduced from eight hours to two hours by lifting a pre-assembled system directly to the back of the cab. This modularity also enables TruckWings to be quickly transferred from one truck to another as fleets upgrade or even switch OEM. Sensors and wire harnesses have been repositioned and hardened to IP67 standards OEM-level shaker plate test of over 1.3 million miles validated the mount system strength Side hinges have been doubled and spaced to distribute high crosswind loads more evenly New, flexible edges allow for minor contact without damage The hinge units now allow for quick-service with a sub-10-minute installation. Hinge service is recommended at 300,000 miles, which helps TruckWings remain effective for one million miles or more. “TruckWings have achieved millions of gallons of fuel savings for our customers to date,” Daniel Burrows, CEO of TruckLabs, said. “With the release of our third-generation platform, we’re excited to extend these fuel savings to any fleet, any tractor, and any fuel type. We have significantly decreased TruckWings’ installation time and total cost, and enhanced durability and longevity so that fleets can realize fuel savings benefits faster and longer. Through TruckWings and our other product TripDynamics, a fuel-saving driver engagement technology, we’re delivering on our goal to innovate the trucking industry through technology, helping to create a more sustainable future for the commercial transportation industry.” TruckWings’ third-generation platform is now available for pre-order from a truck dealer for installation at a chosen modification center. To learn more, visit TruckWings.com or TruckLabs.com.