Equipment & Tech

NEW YORK — Rosco is showcasing new safety technologies as well as popular flagship products this week at the Association for the Work Truck Industry (NTEA) Work Truck Week Show in Indianapolis. The Rosco D•CAMS — a Digital Monitor and Camera System — has been engineered to replace exterior rearview mirrors for increased safety and visibility. “Offering better visibility around the vehicle, Rosco’s D•CAMS covers views shown in both the flat lens and convex lens of rearview mirror heads,” a news release stated. “The aerodynamic design of the exterior cameras and housings helps with fuel savings and efficient operations compared to traditional rearview mirrors. At night and in low light conditions, D•CAMS delivers clear and bright images without reliance on external light sources and offers better views in all weather conditions.” Rosco is also showcasing the DV6 camera powered by RoscoLiveⓇ. Rosco’s DV6 is an HD Video recorder with DMS technology that captures and processes full HD footage of the driver and the road with local and cloud storage options. Other new products include the Dual-Vision DV440, and 360HD surround-view camera system.  

IRVINE, Calif. — CalAmp announced on March 3 its partnership with vehicle data expert Noregon® to deliver remote vehicle diagnostics and predictive maintenance capabilities to transportation, logistics and fleet operators. This partnership aims to blend real-time data insights from CalAmp iOn™ fleet management software, edge computing and cloud platform services with predictive algorithms in Noregon’s TripVision remote diagnostic software to enable preemptive alerts to vehicle issues before critical failures occur. “By integrating TripVision with iOn, operators gain not only a holistic view into their tractors, trailers and cargo but also advanced vehicle diagnostics to ensure fleet and driver safety, while preventing costly vehicle downtime that can significantly reduce productivity and profitability,” a news release stated. TripVision provides calculated health and safety scores for each vehicle — color-coded based on severity — along with recommended action plans to inform maintenance decisions that optimize fleet performance. Predictive health scores in TripVision can even estimate the mileage and time for when a fault will escalate. “This supports early issue detection, which can help reduce maintenance costs, prevent roadside breakdowns, and maintain vehicle uptime,” according to the news release. “Together, CalAmp and Noregon aim to empower more proactive, full visibility, fleet maintenance and operations.” “We are thrilled to work with the vehicle data experts at Noregon and to integrate TripVision’s predictive maintenance capabilities with our iOn and edge computing solutions,” said Jeff Clark, chief product officer for CalAmp. “Together, we can offer fleet operators unmatched fleet visibility and diagnostic intelligence in one unified view to ensure their trucks maintain optimal performance while enabling operational efficiency and profitability of the entire fleet.” “CalAmp stands apart in is its ability to triage the telematics data from the tractor to the trailer to the cargo inside. Through our partnership, Noregon will have the opportunity to incorporate new data on trailer components and contents in TripVision. We look forward to working with CalAmp to bring more visibility and diagnostics solutions to the transportation and logistics marketplace to help fleet operators make smarter decisions about vehicle and trailer health, safety, and performance,” said Bill Hathaway, chief executive officer for Noregon.  

ROCHELLE PARK, N.J. — ORBCOMM Inc. announced on Monday that it has added new feature enhancements to its data-driven truck telematics solution to improve the visibility, efficiency, safety and experience for fleets, drivers and their customers. ORBCOMM unveiled its innovative technology during a Press Conference at the American Trucking Association’s Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting on March 6 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The solution’s new features include: Cargo Camera Sensor: ORBCOMM is continuing to enhance its portfolio of camera and video intelligence solutions with the launch of its new Cargo Camera sensor. ORBCOMM’s latest camera technology enables fleets to immediately identify the status of a trailer with images that show load and unload progress, load shift, cargo or asset damage, dunnage and cleanout verification. The device can send images to the back office when the trailer’s door is opened or closed while paired with a door sensor as well as when the driver begins or ends a move for optimal visibility and security. Image capture can be triggered manually from the back office at any time so that dispatch can see the status of the trailer when needed. With its large storage capacity, the sensor can capture, store and transmit hundreds of images. As ORBCOMM’s Cargo Camera technology continues to evolve, the sensor will leverage state-of-the-art machine learning and artificial intelligence strategies that will help customers gain deeper insights about their operations, including how to maximize utilization of their trailer space, turnaround time and profitability. Tractor ID Sensor for Refrigerated Trailers: ORBCOMM’s new sensor integrates with ORBCOMM’s refrigerated trailer solution to address the costly industry pain point of incorrect tractor-trailer pairing. The ORBCOMM Tractor ID sensor ensures the tractor will connect to the desired trailer, while filtering out nearby trailers that could otherwise lead to inaccurate pairings, increasing driver efficiency and retention. By validating those drivers are transporting the correct refrigerated cargo to the correct location on time, ORBCOMM’s Tractor ID sensor helps to prevent the loss of revenue due to increased fuel usage from wasted driving hours and cargo spoilage leading to high insurance claims as well as improve customer satisfaction. Safety and Maintenance Integrations: ORBCOMM has completed a new integration with Bendix focused on fleet safety and collision avoidance. Bendix’s software collects and transmits safety data and video of severe events off the vehicle along with driver identification and transforms it into actionable information in real time. With Bendix, ORBCOMM customers can assess driving trends and develop targeted driver training to improve fleet safety and compliance. ORBCOMM is also partnering with Noregon to help customers achieve greater savings on vehicle maintenance and increase uptime with their TripVision software and is adding trailer maintenance to provide a complete picture of fleet health. “ORBCOMM is delivering innovative sensor technology and feature enhancements to provide the transportation industry with the most comprehensive, data-driven truck solution that extends from the asset’s nose to tail,” Chris MacDonald, ORBCOMM’s senior vice president of North America sales, said. “We are empowering our customers with deep insights about their operations to address their pain points, increase the efficiency of their fleet and their drivers and enable them to make more informed business decisions – all through one integrated platform.”

ORLANDO, Fla. –American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council, along with Old World Industries, announced Monday that they have partnered to offer a series of scholarships for students looking to pursue an education in heavy-duty commercial vehicle maintenance. The program — underwritten by OWI — will be called “The PEAK Performance Scholarships” and will support two students with up to $12,500 each for their education at a college or vocational school of choice. “OWI is excited to support students who are serious about establishing themselves in the heavy-duty transportation and maintenance industry,” OWI CEO Greg Noethlich said. “We remain committed to helping those passionate about truck maintenance develop the necessary skills to lead the next generation of heavy-duty experts into successful careers for many years to come.” To qualify for the scholarships, students must have a 2.5 or higher-grade point average and graduate from an accredited vocational, public, private, or parochial high school. Applications must be accompanied by a letter of 400 words or less explaining why applicants want to be involved in the commercial transportation maintenance field as a technician. “Finding innovative solutions to our industry’s ongoing technician shortage is a priority for TMC, and the Council is pleased to be able to partner with OWI to bring this scholarship opportunity to fruition,” TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell said. “The initiative, which adds to TMC’s existing portfolio of scholarship offerings, will provide greater choice for deserving scholarship-seeking students looking to prepare for a career as a commercial vehicle technician.” A complete list of scholarship rules is featured on the application and can be found on TMC’s website. Completed scholarship application packages must be received by the TMC office by April 15 and winners will be notified by May 15. “We want young people to continue their dream and be able to pursue their ultimate ambitions and goals,” Noethlich said. “We encourage everyone, including heavy duty truck organizations and individuals, to share the website and deadline with their friends, family and colleagues so interested students are aware and have ample time to apply.”

ORLANDO, Fla. — Volvo Trucks North America announced the launch of an all-new service tracking feature to its Volvo Action Service roadside assistance program at the American Trucking Association’s Technology and Maintenance Council event this week in Orlando. “The service tracker will enhance the customer experience during an unplanned stop through a digital, user-friendly platform,” a news release stated. “The company aims to have a portion of its vendors onboarded with the advanced feature beginning in Q2 of this year.” “Not only will the service tracker provide a convenient and modernized experience for our customers, but it will also help our highly trained Volvo Action Service employees be more efficient,” Ashley Murickan, product marketing manager of Volvo Trucks North America, said. “As nearly every form of communication is digital, we are going above and beyond to provide complete visibility and elevated roadside assistance for our customers.” The Volvo Action Service tracking feature offers operational advantages such as efficiency gains, automatic dispatching and enhanced insights for the preferred vendor network. For customers and roadside assistance vendors, the new connectivity features enable Volvo Action Service employees to expedite getting the driver back up and running by: Providing transparency through accurate, real-time updates throughout the breakdown event. Improved estimate time of arrivals (ETAs) for roadside assistance vendors by leveraging a digitized preferred vendor network. Modern service experiences with higher visibility and live tracking of the provider’s location via an interactive map – like ride share platforms. Less or shorter phone calls to customers with the option to communicate directly via text throughout the breakdown event. An added benefit of the feature demonstrates customer transparency and ensures safe and clear communications through connectivity, by offering visibility of the provider truck, name and contact information. The ETA is also updated with live traffic conditions and job progress for even further insights to both customers and the certified experts at the Volvo Uptime Center in Greensboro, North Carolina, which provides all Volvo Trucks customers 24/7 assistance across North America. “This new technology serves as a true milestone in our efforts to improve customer productivity and uptime,” Magnus Gustafson, vice president of aftermarket quality and operations at Volvo Trucks North America, said. “Volvo Action Service plays a critical role in keeping us ahead of the curve in the connectivity space, and this added tracking feature will enable Volvo Trucks to deliver on a high-quality customer experience.”

SEATTLE — Zonar announced Monday the integration of bird’s eye-view from Continental’s ContiConnect Live Integrated tire pressure management system into Zonar’s web portal Ground Traffic Control®. This integration allows dispatch and technicians to see tire pressure and temperature alerts for every tire on every rig, whenever an issue is detected. With birds-eye view, they can also see status on the exact tire that is low. ContiConnect Live Integrated generates tire pressure alerts directly to the Ground Traffic Control web portal, creating a one stop shop for fleet management. Drivers also can view the vehicle’s current tire pressure on their in-cab tablet. With these insights in hand, fleet managers and drivers can make data-driven decisions to improve the safety and efficiency of their operations and ensure that all their tires are properly inflated. Underscoring the safety and efficiency of properly inflated tires, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studies have shown the following: 70,584 tire-flat and/or audible air leak inspection violations in 2020 – FMCSA 69,656 tire depth violations in 2020 – FMCSA 612 deaths in 2019 from tire-related crashes – NHSTA Additionally, according to the NHTSA, vehicles driving on tires underinflated by more than 25% are three times more likely to be involved in a crash related to tire problems than vehicles with proper inflation. Additionally, tires underinflated up to 25% run the risk of overheating, leading to failure, and at the very least adversely affecting handling and tread life. “If a tire’s pressure is off, it causes the vehicle to burn extra fuel and puts the vehicle at risk of an accident,” Mike Byington, vice president and general manager of the after-channel market at Zonar, said. “This integration between ContiConnect Live and Zonar will enhance our customer’s safety and increase their ROI through a longer tire lifespan.” Zonar will be showcasing the ContiConnect Live integration with Ground Traffic Control along with FaultIQ™, its predictive maintenance platform and MobileCommand™, its driver workflow platform, at ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting, March 7-10, at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando in booth 446.  

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America is introducing two new technology tools to help operators introduce Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 tractor models into their fleet operations. The new route planning and connected technology tools are designed to help customers maximize performance capabilities and benefits of the zero-tailpipe emission Volvo VNR Electric model, according to a news release. The announcement was made at the American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2022 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition, in Orlando this week. In January 2022, Volvo Trucks announced enhancements to its Volvo VNR Electric model, including a six-battery package option with an increased energy storage of up to 565 kWh and an operational range of up to 275 miles. The next-generation Volvo VNR Electric, which will enter production in Q2 2022, is available in multiple configurations, including a 6×4 straight truck, 6×4 tractor, 6×2 tractor, 4×2 tractor, and single-axle straight truck. “To help customers identify the ideal Volvo VNR Electric configuration to support local and regional distribution routes, Volvo Trucks has designed a route planning tool, the Electric Performance Generator, as an extension of its connectivity platform,” the news release stated. “The EPG application enables fleet managers to simulate real-world routes for their VNR Electric trucks, taking into consideration the vehicle configuration and battery capacity, environmental factors such as terrain and ambient temperature, and specific route details, including traffic patterns. Based on estimated energy consumption, the EPG tool will indicate if an opportunity charge would be required, allowing the fleet manager to either adjust the route or plan for a charging event.” Fleet operators that are interested in utilizing the EPG tool to evaluate ideal routes to deploy the Volvo VNR Electric can work with the local sales representatives at Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealerships, currently available in the U.S. in California, New York, Virginia, and additionally in Quebec, Canada, with dealerships in several additional states finalizing their certifications throughout 2022. Volvo Trucks customers who are currently operating VNR Electrics will be able to access the EPG tool, which leverages Volvo Trucks’ connectivity platform to integrate with its Remote Diagnostics and battery health monitoring services, to plan for optimized daily operation of their Volvo VNR Electric trucks. Volvo Trucks has also introduced connected technology solutions from leading telematics provider Geotab, to provide fleet managers with full visibility into the real-time performance of their Volvo VNR Electric fleet. Via cloud integration, data from each truck is migrated to the MyGeotab platform using the Volvo Telematics Gateway that comes factory installed in every Volvo VNR Electric. Fleet managers will have access to the data through the online portal where they can: View the current location of their Volvo VNR Electric fleet on a map, including whether the vehicles are driving or parked (within pre-set geofence locations) Receive notifications for truck departure and arrival, including the odometer and state of charge Set alerts to notify the fleet operations team of the vehicles’ current state of charge, including warnings for low charge Monitor the vehicles’ charging status, including whether it is connected to the charger, actively charging, completed charging, or if charging is interrupted Energy consumption reports and measurement charts “Introducing battery-electric trucks into a fleet can come with a steep learning curve for both the fleet manager and drivers as they work to navigate the difference in range and fueling time compared to their diesel fleet,” Andy Brown, product marketing manager at Volvo Trucks North America, said. “These new tools enable fleet managers to find the sweet spot for how to incorporate Volvo VNR Electrics into their operations today and as their battery-electric fleet grows.”  

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt will showcase two new models this week at the 2022 American Trucking Associations (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) annual meeting this week in Orlando, Florida. The show runs through Thursday. Peterbilt will have on hand the latest on-highway 579 model, equipped with the EPIQ MAX aerodynamic package, alongside a zero-emission, battery-electric Model 579EV at the  “The TMC annual meeting is a great opportunity for us to connect with many loyal customers and showcase our latest products and services,” Robert Woodall, Peterbilt assistant general manager of sales and marketing, said. “Fleet executives and their teams attend TMC to learn the latest industry insights in fleet performance and uptime, and those conversations enable us to highlight how our current portfolio delivers excellent performance and can contribute to greater profitability for their businesses.” The new model 579, which features the EPIQ MAX package, that’s on display is the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient Peterbilt as a result of the new exterior design, PACCAR MX-13 engine and PACCAR TX-12 transmission, according to a news release.  The 579 features include a 15-inch digital dash display, digital vision system, tire pressure monitoring system, as well as advanced driver assistance systems, including collision mitigation, lane departure warning and predictive cruise control. Also on display is the Model 579EV, which features an all-electric powertrain. “When used in conjunction with a recommended DC fast-charger, the state-of-the-art, high-energy, density battery packs recharge in as quick as 3.5 hours,” the news release stated.  Visit Peterbilt at booth No. 205 at TMC.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Motion Intelligence, a producer of distracted-driving prevention solutions, has released the patent-pending Evvy Multi-Passenger feature as part of its flagship Evvy App. The Evvy App prevents distracted driving by managing a driver’s device by limiting access to distracting apps. When multiple Evvy users enter a vehicle, the driver can use Evvy Multi-Passenger to identify as the driver to allow passengers the freedom to use their mobile devices while ensuring the driver’s device is safely managed across every mile. Evvy Multi-Passenger serves team drivers in long-haul commercial trucking, to allow off-duty drivers full access to their devices and to keep drivers safely connected while on duty. Local last-mile delivery and crew-based enterprise fleets can also benefit from Evvy Multi-Passenger, which is designed to be easily adjusted for any driver in any vehicle at any time. “We have been working with our fleet customers to hear their needs and respond with upgrades to our existing product,” Sue Spradley, Motion Intelligence CEO, said. “We are excited to add Evvy Multi-Passenger into our suite of features available with our Evvy App and MotionIQ Evvy Manager Dashboard, joining our recently released Evvy Scoring and Rewards Program to incentivize policy compliance and team competition for better safety outcomes.”    

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America plans to showcase the Volvo VNR Electric 4×2 tractor and Volvo VNL 760 model in its booth (No. 1005) at the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council 2022 Spring Meeting March 7-10 in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. A cutaway of the latest-generation D13 Turbo Compound engine and the new Volvo VNR Electric motor are also planned to be on display. “Volvo Trucks’ booth showcasing our sustainable transport solutions at the TMC event this year will allow attendees to catch a glimpse of the latest advancements firsthand,” Andy Brown, product marketing manager at Volvo Trucks North America, said. “These best-in-class innovations demonstrate Volvo Trucks’ commitment to providing intelligent, energy-efficient solutions to our customers – without compromising on safety, high performance and drivability.” On display in the Volvo Trucks booth will be the first-generation Volvo VNR Electric model. Produced at the Volvo Trucks’ New River Valley manufacturing facility in Dublin, Virginia, the first-generation Volvo VNR Electric provides decarbonized transport solutions for customer applications and driving cycles with local and regional distribution ranges. “Volvo Trucks continues to lead in the deployment of sustainable Class 8 zero-tailpipe emission vehicles for the North American trucking industry as the company announced earlier this year that production of the next-generation Volvo VNR Electric model will begin in Q2 2022,” according to a company news release. This next-generation VNR Electric model features an improved battery design resulting in a 40% battery capacity increase, a six-battery pack option capable of up to an 85% increased range of up to 275 miles, faster charging resulting in a 15% reduction in charging time and more configurations for heavy-duty transport, the news release stated. A VNR Electric motor will also be on display in the Volvo Trucks booth for attendees to inspect. Another planned highlight in the Volvo Trucks booth at the TMC event will be the company’s flagship VNL 760 model featuring the Xceed fuel efficiency package and the FlowBelow AeroKit®. The next-generation D13TC engine, now standard in all Volvo VNL models, will also be showcased as a cutaway. The Volvo D13TC provides optimized performance, efficiency and cost savings, delivering up to 6% fuel economy improvements over the Volvo D13 VGT engine, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Volvo Trucks’ TMC conference exhibit highlights include: Volvo VNL 760 Volvo D13TC engine, XE Economy 425 HP and 1750 pound-feet of torque 13,200 pound front axle 40,000 pound rear axle Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) 2.0 Xceed fuel efficiency package FlowBelow AeroKit aerodynamic package First-Generation Volvo VNR Electric 4×2 Tractor 455 HP and 4,051 pound-feet of torque I-Shift automated manual transmission, two-speed 12,500 pound front axle 23,000 pound rear axle VADA 2.0 Further innovative Volvo Trucks North America news will be announced at the TMC show.

DENTON, Texas ­— Peterbilt Motors Company announced Tuesday that its lineup of electric vehicles (EVs) are eligible for the 2022 Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP)by the California Air Resources Board . HVIP is program for California-based EV customers with many utilizing the HVIP program to add Peterbilt EV Models to their fleets. HVIP 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. Vouchers available for Peterbilt EV models include: Up to $150,000 for Model 579EV drayage applications Up to $120,000 for Model 579EV non-drayage applications Up to $120,000 for Model 520EV refuse applications Up to $85,000 for Model 220EV pickup and delivery applications Up to $85,000 for Model 220EV regional haul applications “Peterbilt understands the benefits and the need for the expansion of commercial battery electric vehicles, and that’s why we are leading the charge with three EV models uniquely designed for applications that maximize the benefits created by the battery electric powertrain,” Jason Skoog Peterbilt, general manager and PACCAR vice president, said. Utilizing HVIP and adding a Peterbilt EV to your fleet is a great way to see those benefits for yourself.”. Peterbilt customers looking to add Peterbilt EVs to their fleets using incentive programs in the U.S. and Canada may contact Peterbilt’s dedicated EV grant writer at [email protected] for more information and assistance. For more information regarding HVIP and the eligible Peterbilt models, contact your local Peterbilt dealer and visit the CARB HVIP website. For a direct link to the eligible Peterbilt models click here. Customers should be working with their Peterbilt dealer now as 2022 HVIP funding is expected to open soon. PACCAR Parts electric vehicle (EV) charging stations maximize coverage over a full range of Peterbilt electric vehicles, with output power from 20 kilowatts to 350 kW.

TAMPA, Fla. — Transflo has increased inventory of its T-Series ELD to meet added demand in anticipation of 3G sunsetting. With many of the major wireless carriers sunsetting 3G in Q1 and Q2 this year, making many of the ELDs currently being used obsolete, “there will be a last-minute rush for compliant 4G replacement units,” Doug Schrier, Transflo’s senior VP of Strategy, said. “We’ve been preparing for the rush and have sufficient inventory for our customers who will sunset our legacy Transflo T7 and G7 ELDs. And, we have enough ELDs for new customers wanting to make the switch to Transflo. Orders can be expedited quickly so fleets and owner operators can have sufficient time to swap out units.” According to Schrier, the switch to Transflo’s T-Series from an existing Transflo ELD only takes seconds. “The unit is plug-and-play, so once you disconnect the old and replace with the new, you’re halfway there,” Schrier said. “The next step is simply going to our customer Transflo telematics portal, identifying the correct truck, and inputting the serial number of the new ELD. This ensures there is no loss of IFTA reporting data, or other information generated by the old serial number. It’s a seamless transition.” For those switching from another brand, the process in nearly as simple. Schrier said ELDs that are not hardwired can be easily replaced and then registered with Transflo,” said Schrier. “It’s very simple – even for fleets that want to have their drivers make the change on the road,” he said.

GLEN ALLEN, Va. — Decisiv, Inc. announced Thursday the SRM Connector for Cummins Guidanz. The new solution is being made available across North American fleet and service provider networks using the Cummins Guidanz servicing technology suite. Following successful beta testing, Guidanz is now fully connected to Decisiv’s SRM Case service event management application. General availability is scheduled for the second quarter. The integration of Cummins Guidanz in the Decisiv platform incorporates critical asset repair and diagnostic information into a service event in the SRM Case management application. It enables a seamless and consistent workflow, improving shop productivity, and provides technicians with real-time access to proven Cummins expertise delivered through SRM at the point of service. The connected solution also captures and shares key information about service work, improving data accuracy for reporting. “More than 5,000 service provider locations and 40,000 fleets across North America now have access to the SRM Connector for Cummins Guidanz through the Decisiv Marketplace,” Dick Hyatt, president and CEO of Decisiv, said. “With in-context information and by providing seamless operation across the two systems, the result of this collaboration between Decisiv and Cummins is a streamlined process for the maintenance and repair of the manufacturer’s engines. With Cummins engines powering more than 40% of commercial vehicles in operation today, access to genuine expertise in a single location at the point of service is extremely valuable for improving efficiency and maximizing uptime.” A beta test user of the Cummins Guidanz and Decisiv Case integration was Pape Truck Leasing. Wes Sage, vice president of service operations at Pape, explained, “We were very pleased to see the level of integration between Decisiv and Cummins. The ability to give our technicians real time, immediate access to the Guidanz system will improve their productivity and help streamline the repair process, reducing downtime for our customers.” “The connectivity and integration between Decisiv and Guidanz will improve technician performance, speed the repair process and accelerate customer trucks being returned to service,” Ryan Kikendall, executive director at Cummins Digital, said. “Based on the response to Cummins Guidanz by our service providers and the broad scope of the Decisiv SRM platform, we expect very strong interest in this integration.”  

ATHENS, Ga. – Carrier Transicold is now making telematics a standard feature on its most popular trailer refrigeration units. “Each year since its introduction, our telematics solution has been helping a rapidly increasing number of refrigerated fleets manage and monitor mission-critical data from their trailer assets,” David Brondum, director of telematics at Carrier Transicold, said. “By offering telematics as standard for our X4™ series and Vector™ 8000 series trailer and rail refrigeration units, it is easier than ever for customers in the United States and Canada to benefit from the considerable advantages provided by the industry’s premier IoT solution.” The web-based interface of the telematics solution provides continuous visibility of cold chain assets via a centralized data stream that shows trailer temperatures, location and movement. The platform can also enable remote control of refrigeration unit settings. Connected fleets can improve operations by optimizing refrigeration equipment usage, achieving greater efficiency and helping to manage refrigeration unit maintenance. Depending on configuration and service plan, customer benefits include: Trailer temperature monitoring and control for compliance and accountability; Automatic notifications as trailers arrive and depart from geofenced areas; Real-time alerts if a warning condition occurs on a unit in service; Refrigeration unit performance monitoring for fuel efficiency and product protection; Labor-saving wireless data transfer for remote setpoint management, pre-trip diagnostic routines, hands-free trailer precooling and more; Fuel level monitoring, helping to avoid low-fuel incidents requiring emergency callout service; and Door switch monitoring to track deliveries and identify potential theft situations. Improved refrigeration unit uptime made possible by continuous analytic and diagnostic information about refrigeration units. “The system’s unit analytics provide a unique advantage for Carrier customers,” Brondum said. “No other telematics solution provides as much insight about Carrier Transicold units, because it was developed and qualified specifically for Carrier Transicold equipment.” For fleets to take advantage of their built-in telematics systems, commissioning by an authorized Carrier Transicold dealer is required along with selection of a data plan. Three plans are available: 1) Monitor, 2) Two-way Monitor and Control and 3) Monitor and Enhanced Control, adding exclusive capabilities for data downloads, remote software updates and adjustments to Carrier Transicold IntelliSet™ control configurations. Standard hardware includes the 4G LTE communications module, antenna and wiring harness. Optional peripheral components such as fuel sensors, temperature probes, door switches and solar panels can be specified as needed. For additional details about the telematics platform turn to the experts in Carrier Transicold’s North America dealer network.  

WARMINSTER, Pa. — Havis, a Zebra Technologies PartnerConnect Alliance Partner, has announced the introduction of a new suite of docking stations for Zebra’s ET5X 8- and 10-inch tablets. The DS-ZEB-100 and DS-ZEB-200 series docking stations support Zebra’s ET5X tablets in rugged applications such as waste management, material handling, and work trucks. These docking stations work with both Android and Windows operating systems and offer multiple port replication and internal power supply options. In-demand features include LED power indicators for troubleshooting and a pivoting connector that aims to make one-handed docking and undocking easier. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to release a dock for Zebra’s ET5X line of tablets,” Chris Bernert, vice president of sales at Havis, said. “We’ve designed a solution that will be ideal across multiple industries now and in the future.” Both standard and advanced input/output port replication options are available with the DS-ZEB-100 and DS-ZEB 200 docking stations, and a spring-loaded docking connector maintains a consistent connection in high vibration environments. A lightweight and flexible design with rounded edges offers end users increased comfort, and safety and an integrated VESA 75-hole pattern ensures straightforward mounting. “These new docks address the unique needs of a diverse sector of the market,” Sam Barall, Havis’s national sales manager of enterprise, said. “By offering a range of port-replication options as well as isolated and non-isolated power supplies, we’ve created a versatile suite of products for any ET5X user.”  

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. — Phillips Industries has introduced two new dual tracker spring kit designs with enhanced features for better performance on big rigs. Springs that perform well are unobstructed in their ability to expand and retract without interference. While performance can be hindered by improper spring selection or improper installation, the design of a dual spring kit versus a single spring kit creates an added challenge. Dual spring kits can become “tangled or knitted” together at the bottom section of the springs during extension while exposed below the protective cover. The newly designed Qwik-Change™ 16″ dual tracker spring kit with Qwik-Snap™ (17-420) now includes an unbreakable composite spring separator to the top and bottom of the springs. This new design keeps the springs separated from one another as they extend and eliminates the need for a two-carbineer attachment to the tracker bar. The result is overall improved performance. For added selection, a new QWIK-CHANGE 16″ dual tracker spring kit (17-425) with the additional benefit of the spring separators is now available with the QWIK-CLAMP™ hose holder (17-180). Both kits are available from Phillips authorized dealers throughout North America.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Two North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) programs combined to be the first in the nation to launch an innovative technology pilot with their safety service patrol that should improve safety on North Carolina roadways. The statewide Incident Management Assistance Patrol (IMAP) program and the Division of Aviation’s Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program recently helped develop and deploy the operation of tethered drones from select IMAP vehicles. This helps responders assess incidents, provide situational awareness to the NCDOT Statewide Transportation Operations Center (STOC) and Traffic Management centers (TMCs) and assist with overall traffic management of the incidents. The deployment of this technology was realized because of a federal innovation grant received in 2020. “Along our interstates, where our IMAP patrols operate, there are gaps in camera coverage, so we don’t have perfect situational awareness,” State Traffic Operations Engineer Dominic Ciaramitaro said. “Our tethered drones will help us fill those gaps.” Traditionally, traffic operations staff views video feeds at the STOC/TMC through traffic cameras or they receive reports from responders in the field.  Tethered drones safely offer another method to provide more information in real time, with higher quality video, and for long periods of time. IMAP trucks are equipped with multiple specialized tools to assist stranded motorists or scene management with first responders. The tethered drones will be just one more resource in their toolkit. The drone can fly up to 150 feet to take video and livestream it to the STOC/regional TMC as well as to emergency management personnel at the incident. This instant information can provide a safer environment for those on scene or approaching an incident and allow the centers to better manage traffic and share more accurate traveler information to the public. The systems are highly portable and can be quickly launched and recovered. The IMAP team has two tethered drone systems they will be testing as part of the pilot. The UAS program and IMAP program team trained the first IMAP supervisor in January. IMAP used it within days of the training to survey a crash near the U.S. 13 and Interstate 95 interchange in Fayetteville as its first operation in the field. The drone was in the air for nearly five continuous hours. IMAP is managed through the divisions and is supported statewide by NCDOT’s Traffic Operations section, which is part of the Transportation Systems Management and Operations unit. The Division of Aviation advised and supported the unit with procuring, testing and training of the tethered drone systems as part of its work to expand beneficial drone use across NCDOT. The NCDOT’s Traffic Operations section will consider future deployment of tethered drones upon completion of the pilot’s evaluation. Please see video from the final training here and see more of the Fotokite drone in action here.​  

LOS ANGELES — Kenworth Truck Company announced on Feb. 16 that Jack Khudikyan, owner of AJR Trucking and MDB Transportation, has ordered 15 Kenworth T680E and 10 Kenworth K270E battery electric vehicles from Inland Kenworth-Montebello. It marks the largest Kenworth battery electric vehicle order placed to date. AJR Trucking is a leading United States Postal Service contract carrier based in Los Angeles, and MDB Transportation provides transportation services including dedicated, port and rail, LTL and full truckload. According to Khudikyan, this order is a major step forward for both companies to significantly reduce its emissions. In 2016, AJR Trucking and MDB Transportation began adding compressed natural gas powered Kenworth T680s to reduce carbon emissions. Combined, the two companies operate more than 80 natural gas-powered trucks and continue to phase out its diesel trucks as operations allow. “Several years ago, we made the decision to begin adding trucks that run on alternative fuels to reduce our carbon footprint and to better assist our customers in meeting their sustainability goals,” Khudikyan said. “It’s important to do what’s right for the environment, and we’re on a mission to one day achieve net zero emissions between the two companies. This order of Kenworth Class 6 and Class 8 battery electric vehicles will assist us in meeting that goal.” AJR Trucking will use the K270Es to provide regional postal services in the greater Los Angeles area. The T680Es will operate in MDB Transportation’s drayage operations at the Port of Los Angeles. To offset the cost of the Kenworth T680E and K270E battery electric vehicles, the companies qualified and received voucher incentives through the California Air Resources Board Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project . HVIP 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. “Jack and his team at AJR Trucking and MDB Transportation are real leaders when it comes to addressing the impacts of climate change,” Charles Peterman, Inland Kenworth vice president of new truck sales, said. “We applaud his commitment to operating in a more sustainable way as his companies will become some of the first to put these new trucks into real-world service.” “This is a significant milestone for Kenworth, AJR Trucking, and MDB Transportation,” Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president, said. “We take pride in Jack’s commitment to invest in Kenworth’s battery electric models and be an early adopter of this new technology.” Designed for pickup and delivery, regional haul and drayage applications, the T680E is available as a day cab as either a tractor or straight truck in a 6×4 axle configuration. The new model is offered in 54,000 pound and 82,000 pound gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR), features 536 hp continuous power and up to 670 hp peak power and 1,623 lb.-ft. of torque, and has a top speed of 70 mph. The zero emissions vehicle has an estimated operating range of 150 miles, depending on application. The T680E uses the industry standard SAE CCS1 charge port and can be fully charged in approximately three hours. Kenworth’s Class 8 battery electric vehicle features Meritor’s Blue Horizon 14Xe™ tandem electric powertrain with smooth shifting and operation. The Class 6 K270E and the Class 7 K370E cabovers are designed for pickup and delivery, as well as short regional haul operations. The electric powertrain is available with high-density battery packs of 141kWh, 209kWh and 282kWh that deliver up to 100-, 150- and 200-mile range, respectively, with zero emissions. The Kenworth battery electric vehicles utilize a DC fast-charging system capable of fast re-charge in as quick as one-hour. Regenerative braking in stop-and-go city conditions recharges the batteries and extends brake life. The K270E and K370E offer two direct-drive motors rated at 355 hp and 469 hp, depending on the application. The design provides enough torque to start the load from a stop on a 20 percent grade and the power to maintain 40 mph on a 6 percent grade while fully loaded. In addition to the comprehensive Kenworth battery electric vehicle lineup, new EV charging stations are available through PACCAR Parts.