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First 3G sunset date is fast approaching

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – As The Trucker has previously reported, cellular telephone carriers are shutting down their 3G networks. The first announced sunset date is set for Feb. 22, when AT&T will complete the shutdown of its 3G network. This means that many cellphones and other mobile devices relying on 3G technology will be unable to use data services. This may also impact motor carriers if their ELDs rely on a 3G network to record hours of service (HOS) data and transfer it to a safety official. Any ELD that requires 3G cellular connectivity to perform its functionality will no longer be in compliance with the technical specifications in the ELD rule after the 3G network it relies on is sunset, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). “When in an area that does not support 3G, a 3G device will register a malfunction,” an FMCSA news release stated. “In accordance with 49 CFR 395.34, the carrier has eight days to get the malfunction resolved, in this case by replacement, unless an extension is granted.” Motor carriers should be working with their ELD providers to upgrade or replace ELDs that rely on a 3G network, the FMCSA said. What actions do motor carriers need to take now? Confirm whether your ELD relies on a 3G network If you are unsure if your ELD relies on a 3G network, contact your ELD provider. If your ELD does not rely on 3G, and meets all minimum requirements, no further action is needed. Ask your provider for their upgrade or replacement plan If your ELD relies on a 3G network, ask your ELD provider about their plan for upgrading or replacing your device to one that will be supported after the 3G sunset, and to complete the necessary actions as soon as possible. FMCSA strongly encourages motor carriers to take the above actions as soon as possible to avoid compliance issues. See the announced dates listed below and plan accordingly to avoid service disruptions and compliance issues. Note that portions of carrier 3G networks will be unsupported in advance of the announced sunset dates. 3G sunset dates The announced sunset dates are below. AT&T 3G: Feb. 22 Sprint 3G (T-Mobile): March 31 Sprint LTE (T-Mobile): June 30 T-Mobile 3G: July 1 Verizon 3G: Dec. 31 Many carriers, such as Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk and several Lifeline mobile service providers utilize the AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile networks. Sunset dates are subject to change. Contact your mobile carrier for up-to-date information. Questions can be e-mailed to [email protected].    

UNIQ TMS aims to help ease supply chain woes

CHICAGO — UNIQ TMS is helping freight and logistics companies ease supply chain woes by getting paid faster with their new driver-facing app, UNIQ Driver. “Until now, companies were using patch-work apps for document transfers, but they did not directly integrate with industry payment and processing systems,” a news release stated. “This meant that companies often waited weeks to get paid, rather than being able to invoice and collect payment efficiently. These communication delays between drivers on the road and their home office can add up to thousands of dollars in lost revenue annually, compounding the cash flow problems that some trucking companies face.” MIT researchers told Congress in November 2021 that trucking fleets are losing 40% of their driving, or earning, hours every day. Outdated modes of communication are one of the many hidden causes of trucking company revenue loss. The UNIQ Driver App helps companies save time and accurately navigate hours of service within FMCSA guidelines, according to the news release. “Drivers shouldn’t be waiting around for the next load and dispatchers shouldn’t have to scroll through multiple windows to find an available driver to take a load,” Logistics Technology Advisor Terry Ivanov said. “Our app makes the process happen in minutes, not hours.” With the UNIQ Driver App, dispatchers and drivers can get loads scheduled and planned in a fraction of the time. Here’s how: View available hours of service and nearby drivers, then send them a load assignment notification with all the details they need Keep track of detention times with CHECK IN and CHECK OUT updates, helping you accurately plan for upcoming loads Use in-app document scanning to send dispatchers important documents like BOL/POD, receipts, scale tickets, and more to process invoices faster Keep track of past, current, and future orders to plan accordingly The UNIQ Driver app is a free extension of the UNIQ TMS platform. “UNIQ TMS is a user-friendly transportation management system that helps companies make better decisions and manage their business in less time,” the news release stated. “UNIQ TMS allows trucking and logistics companies to manage everything all in one place, including load planning, accounting, safety, maintenance, and driver records with powerful, insightful reporting.” “We believe that technology should make your life easier,” said Terry Ivanov. “That’s why we help you along the way, simplifying the implementation process.” More information is available at www.uniqtms.com .  

Daimler Truck, Siemens Digital partner on CO2-neutral transport project

PLANO, Texas  — Siemens Digital Industries Software announced Tuesday that Daimler Truck has adopted Siemens’ Simcenter™ STAR-CCM+™ software to develop next-generation, CO2-neutral vehicles. Daimler Truck plans to use Simcenter STAR-CCM+ to improve aerodynamic performance, as well as explore and optimize innovative e-mobility propulsion and energy management systems, including battery cooling and hydrogen technology. The software will also help support legacy combustion engine and exhaust system design and associated CO2 reduction. In addition to software, Siemens and Daimler Truck are to partner in the training of young engineers to create the high-level simulation specialists that will assist in ensuring Daimler Truck maintain its leadership in the market. “We are proud to have Daimler Truck as the newest member of our ever-expanding customer family,” Edwin Severijn, senior vice president and general manager of EMEA and Siemens Digital Industries Software, said. “Digitalization is critical to sustainable industrial innovation in the transportation sector and by providing insight into the real-world performance of products, Simcenter STAR-CCM+ can accelerate innovation for a better tomorrow.” Daimler Truck AG is the world’s largest truck and bus producer, with industry leading positions in Europe, North America and Asia, and with more than 35 main locations around the globe. With more than 100,000 employees, it unites seven brands under one roof: Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Mercedes-Benz, Setra, BharatBenz and FUSO.  

Nauto, Navistar announce distribution deal

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Nauto® and Navistar announced Tuesday a flagship distribution agreement to make Nauto’s predictive-AI vehicle safety solution available for new fleet vehicle purchases or as an upgrade for existing fleet vehicles throughout International Truck’s large network of more than 1,000 dealers. “Navistar has always been a pioneer in industry-leading aftermarket offerings and the AI driven Nauto camera system further builds on that legacy,” Chintan Sopariwala, group vice president of parts at Navistar, said. “With the addition of Nauto’s predictive-AI safety technology to our aftermarket parts portfolio, we are taking a significant step forward towards our commitment to safer roads through safer driving.” Nauto’s advanced AI technology tracks and analyzes risk in real-time. When it detects risks, it can provide preventative warnings which may give drivers extra time to respond. Nauto’s tech is trained on more than 1.3 billion AI-processed driving miles to make alerts more accurate, helping to eliminate issues around alert fatigue from false alerts. “Nauto’s partnership with Navistar is an important milestone in terms of commercial fleet industry adoption,” Stefan Heck, CEO of Nauto, said. “Our in-vehicle alerts and fleet safety reporting are designed to automatically help drivers be safer without manager involvement and help prevent collisions while respecting driver privacy,” “We enable our customers to benefit from an average 50%-80% drop in collisions and loss in just a few months and to exonerate their drivers.”

C.R. England’s fleet set for new technology options

SAN DIEGO — C.R. England and Platform Science announced Tuesday a new partnership to bring Platform Science technology to C.R. England’s fleet of 4,000 tractors. Platform Science says its transportation solutions make it easier for fleets to develop, deploy and manage mobile devices on their vehicles. “From its early days with a single Model T truck to more than a century later with a fleet of more than 4,000 trucks, C.R. England has been a transportation solutions leader, and we are grateful to partner with a company whose values align with ours,” Luke Wachtel, SVP of transportation and logistics at Platform Science, said. “C.R. England strives for greater efficiency in managing logistics and improving driver experience, and our unified, customizable platform will provide the company with the tools to accomplish their goals while allowing them to stay true to their family-owned roots.” C.R. England will equip its fleet with Platform Science’s platform to integrate Trimble MAPS, a commercial vehicle road network and routing engine, and Drivewyze Preclear, a mobile-based weigh station application. “As a family-owned operation, we put a premium on relationships and trust,” Chad England, CEO of C.R. England, said. “After getting to know the Platform Science team, we quickly realized this is a partner that shares our values and sees this collaboration as the start of a journey together,” For the first time in more than three decades, we are opening our cab up to a new partner in Platform Science whose innovative technology offers the flexibility our fleet needs. As we continue on this next century as a leader in transportation solutions, we look forward to working with Platform Science to elevate and transform our business.”

Cummins unveils new fuel-agnostic engines

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Cummins Inc.  announced Monday that it is expanding its powertrain platforms, leveraging a range of lower carbon fuel types. As the industry’s first unified, fuel-agnostic engines, these platforms will use engine blocks and core components that share common architectures and will be optimized for different low-carbon fuel types. “Getting to zero is not a light-switch event,” Srikanth Padmanabhan, president of Cummins Engine Business, said. “Carbon emissions that we put into the atmosphere today will have a lasting impact. This means anything we can do to start reducing the carbon footprint today is a win for the planet. We need to take action now “Having a variety of lower carbon options is particularly important considering the variation in duty cycles and operating environments across the many markets we serve. There is no single solution or “magic bullet” that will work for all application types or all end users.” Parts Commonality These new fuel-agnostic engine platforms will feature a series of engine versions that are derived from a common base engine, which means they have a high degree of parts commonality. Below the head gasket of each engine will largely have similar components and above the head gasket will have different components for different fuel types. Each engine version will operate using a different, single fuel. “This is a new way of designing and developing lower emission internal combustion powertrains that meet the unique needs of the transportation industry while leveraging the benefits of a common product architecture and footprint where possible,” said Jonathon White, Vice President of Engineering, Engine Business. “This unique technology approach will allow end users to more seamlessly pick the right powertrain for their application with the lowest CO2 impact.” Parts commonality means it will be easier for OEMs to integrate a variety of fuel types across the same truck chassis and there will be minimal costs to train technicians and re-tool service locations, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership for the end user. Reliability & Durability These fuel-agnostic platforms are designed and built-upon the learnings extracted from millions of diesel and natural gas engines manufactured and currently in-use. Today’s digital and connected technologies allow Cummins to extract insights specific to different engine duty cycles and leverage these to design reliable fuel-agnostic platforms. “Our customers can be confident in Cummins’ unmatched testing and evaluation process ensuring high-performance products,” White said. “No matter what type of work a fleet does, we’ll have an engine powered by lower carbon fuels with diesel-like performance to get the job done.” Destination Zero Two of the company’s environmental sustainability goals for 2030 goals include reducing lifetime greenhouse gas emissions from newly sold products by 25% and partnering with customers to reduce emissions from products in the field by 55 million metric tons. “Cummins is innovating at every level of the company to find new ways of working that use fewer of the world’s resources and the engine business is at the center of this exciting innovation,” Padmanabhan said. “We know that our planet cannot wait for the perfect solution to happen. Instead, our approach must be a combined effort of using zero emissions power where it’s available and using cleaner power where it is not. The planet cannot afford for us to hit pause in the meantime.”

Preliminary U.S. trailer January net orders match 2021’s year-end pace

COLUMBUS, Ind. – The new year started on a softer note, as preliminary reports show trailer net orders came in close to the December order pace. January’s volume of 24,100 net orders was just shy of the 26,400 number released Dec. 26, 2021, according to ACT Research. FTR reported preliminary trailer orders for January held firm at 26,300 units, up 1% month over month and down 13% year over year. Trailer orders for the past 12 months totaled 242,000 units. The first month of the year was also 17% below last January 2021’s activity, according to ACT Research. Final January results will be available later this month. “OEMs continue to carefully manage their order intake in an effort to control the length of their production commitments,” Frank Maly, director of CV transportation analysis and research of ACT Research, said. “January’s net order volume matching December’s intake is evidence of that effort. The industry backlog stretched through August, on average, at the start of the year. January reports point to a closing backlog that could extend into September, with dry van and reefer commitments likely reaching early into the fourth quarter.” Maly said this production environment means that fleets will continue to struggle to acquire equipment as they move through the year. “While we expect OEMs to ramp volume throughout 2022, the pace will be slower than both OEMs and fleets would prefer,” Maly said. “Component, material and staffing headwinds will continue to challenge any meaningful increase in production volume.” FTR reported that the industry is in a tight holding pattern, as supply chain shortages continue to prevent build rates from rising. OEMs have decided to maintain healthy backlogs, but not raise those levels much until there is a much clearer picture of future build rates. Preliminary net orders are expected to be moderately higher than production totals for the month. “The commercial trailer industry is remarkably steady right now,” Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles, said. “Production has basically flatlined for nine months and now January orders are equal to December.” Ake said that the supply chain failures have created one of the most stable environments in the history of the industry. OEMs are not confident about getting more parts and components in the future, so they are not yet booking all the fleet commitments into the backlog. “The longer the supply chain stays clogged, the more pent-up demand there is. Fleets are desperate for all types of trailers,” Ake said. “As freight demand grows, the lack of available trailers puts stress on carriers and shippers alike. Once they get more parts and components, OEMs will be pressed well into next year as they try to catch up with demand.”

ClearFlame Engine Technologies announces plant-based fuel breakthrough

GENEVA, Ill (PRNewswire) — ClearFlame Engine Technologies announced Thursday it has completed an on-road demonstration of its proprietary technology that enables a heavy-duty truck diesel engine to operate on 100% renewable plant-based fuels. “This demonstration proves the workability of our technology that takes the dirty diesel fuel out of heavy-duty trucks,” said BJ Johnson, ClearFlame CEO and co-founder. “The transportation sector is currently the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. Simply hoping that we get to net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050 is not good enough. If we want to get serious in the fight against climate change, we need more solutions that can enable swift decarbonization today, particularly for heavy-duty trucks, which are among the worst offenders.” The demonstration of ClearFlame’s engine technology was implemented by taking a Class 8 diesel truck running on a Cummins X15 500hp 15L heavy-duty engine, commonly used for long-haul truck and off-highway applications and converting it to run on renewable E98 ethanol. While the wide availability, cost-effectiveness, and lower emissions of ethanol make it the fuel of choice today for the engine, ClearFlame’s technology is fuel agnostic and can run on a range of renewable fuels. “Due to the incredible work and dedication of our engineering team we’ve taken a massive step in showing the world how our technology is a game-changer for decarbonization of the heavy-duty transportation sector,” Julie Blumreiter, ClearFlame’s co-founder and chief technology officer, said. “This vehicle is truly one-of-a-kind – the only Class 8 truck to run on 100% ethanol fuel without any additives and without any diesel fuel. Driving this vehicle today is actually less carbon-intensive than a comparable electric-powered truck. The ClearFlame-enabled engine meets the performance and efficiency requirements customers expect from their diesel trucks, while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs.” The trucks equipped with ClearFlame’s engine technology will reduce CO₂ emissions while lowering air quality emissions — particulate matter (soot) and Nitrogen Oxides (smog). Diesel engines release billions of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year, and projections suggest that even with a growing number of alternatives, only 25% of new heavy-duty trucks in 2035 will be zero emissions, which means the remaining 75% will overwhelmingly rely on fossil fuel — unless other alternatives are developed. ClearFlame’s technology can be used anywhere diesel engines are used today and leverage existing infrastructure — fuel production and distribution, engine manufacturing and remanufacturing processes, and the heavy-duty parts & services industry. The company is currently focused on heavy-duty markets that don’t have sufficient alternatives to liquid combustion. ClearFlame will continue testing its trucks under various operating conditions throughout Q1 2022, with customer beta testing underway by the end of 2022. In addition to long-haul trucking, the technology enables emissions reduction for hard-to-electrify applications in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, power generation, and other off-highway markets. ClearFlame is also working with John Deere on a pilot demonstration project for an off-highway engine platform, demonstrating the versatility of the company’s technology as a retrofit option or original equipment integration. The technological milestone comes less than four months after the company announced it secured $17 million in Series A Financing, led by Bill Gates-founded Breakthrough Energy Ventures, with participation from Mercuria, John Deere, and Clean Energy Ventures.

Drivewyze adds weigh station bypass service in Iowa

DALLAS – Drivewyze Inc. has announced the addition of weigh stations in Iowa for bypass opportunities. With seven Drivewyze-enabled weigh stations in Iowa, Drivewyze PreClear is now available in 49 states and provinces – providing bypass opportunities at more than 800 locations. The new sites in Iowa include: I-80 WB in Avoca, near Omaha, Nebraska. I-80 EB in Dallas County, near Des Moines, Iowa I-80 WB in Jasper County, near Des Moines I-29 NB in Fremont County, near Omaha I-35 SB in Worth County, between Albert Lea, Minnesota, and Mason City, Iowa I-380 NB & SB in Brandon, between Waterloo, Iowa and Cedar Rapids, Iowa Weigh-in-motion sensors, for weight screening, will be added by Drivewyze at these sites. “As a centrally located state and within a day’s drive to many major cities in the Midwest, Iowa experiences a lot of truck traffic from Iowa-based trucking operations serving regional markets as well as cross-country and cross-border operations,” Brian Heath, president and CEO of Drivewyze, said. “We’re excited to partner with the Iowa Department of Transportation to offer a service that will provide benefits to both drivers and Iowa law enforcement. Weigh station bypass is an important tool to improve safety and freight efficiency. Drivewyze will allow inspectors to bypass trucks that that meet the established threshold – based on their safety record – giving time to inspect trucks that do need inspecting.” According to Heath, the four new sites Drivewyze added along I-80 and I-29 are among the most frequented weigh stations in the state. With the I-80 sites in Iowa now online, Drivewyze PreClear customers will receive uninterrupted bypass coverage along the busiest highway in the state. “I-80 is key commerce interstate that starts in San Francisco and goes all the way to New Jersey,” Heath said. “With the three new I-80 sites in Iowa, Drivewyze customers can bypass more than 20 weigh stations along I-80, which is a tremendous time-saver for fleets and drivers that regularly travel on this interstate.” The I-29 weigh station site that was added is located just outside of Omaha near the Nebraska-Iowa border and is a major arterial that connects Kansas City and runs north to the U.S. – Canadian border. Drivewyze’s new I-35 bypass site in north-central Iowa is part of an interstate that stretches from Laredo, Texas to Duluth, Minnesota and connects major cities including Dallas, Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Minneapolis. Along I-35, Drivewyze customers can receive 16 bypass opportunities.

New Illinois permit route app provides audible turn-by-turn navigation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A new route guidance app for routine oversize and overweight permits is now available in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The app features audible turn-by-turn technology, which will enable truck drivers to hear directions while keeping their attention on the road. “Illinois is the country’s freight hub, with the safe and efficient movement of goods critical to our economy and the nation’s supply chain,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said. “By helping truck drivers reach their destinations faster, with more ease and fewer distractions, we are providing a valuable service to all motorists and the general public alike.” The app, which went live Dec. 1, 2021, provides verbal directions to the truck driver, similar to other GPS navigation programs, with the exception that the directions are specific to the permitted load and route. The audio directions let truck drivers know if they need to be in a specific lane, help them to not miss any minor turns and issues alerts if they are off the designated route. “IDOT works to improve safety and reduce distracted driving,” Permit Unit Chief Geno Koehler said. “However, in the permitting world, we require drivers to be distracted by reading permits on paper or their devices while driving. Because a permit requires drivers to take a specific route due to their load size or weight, they cannot just ask Siri for directions. The permit route guidance app is another tool to help the drivers stay on their route. This will reduce problems that occur when getting off route.” The app is part of an IDOT initiative to reduce the number of bridge strikes, with an overall goal of improving safety for all travelers. ProMiles is providing the app for free to the industry. Visit IDOT’s automated permits webpage for instructions on how to download and use the app.

Safety app for drivers debuts in flood-plagued Virginia city

NORFOLK, Va. — The sun was shining when Kim Williams hopped in her Honda Odyssey to visit a friend at a nursing home. But an unexpected downpour on the drive back left her trapped in a maze of flooded streets. Williams made turn after turn to avoid rising waters in a century-old neighborhood in Norfolk before shutting off her minivan. “I knew that I would kill the car if I kept driving,” Williams said of the storm from a few years ago. “I called the tow company and they said, ‘We’ll get to it when we can. We’ve got a very long list.’” The increasing threat of sea-level rise on Virginia’s coast means that an afternoon rainstorm can strand drivers for hours, delay parents from picking up children and damage cars beyond repair – all without a tropical storm on the radar. The city of Norfolk is trying to do something about that: Officials have partnered with the tech firm FloodMapp and the Waze traffic app to warn residents of flooded roadways in real time. The project is being launched at a time when cities around the world are trying to adapt to climate change. And it’s an example of how new technology will likely play an increasing role. The pilot program in Norfolk went live this month after two years of development. FloodMapp CEO Juliette Murphy said the firm’s modeling has proved to be “incredibly accurate” along the streets of this low-lying city on the Chesapeake Bay. FloodMapp feeds data from rain forecasts, tide gauges and Norfolk’s terrain into an algorithm. Drivers are warned on Waze when at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) of water has likely pooled on a specific roadway. New flood information is updated every 15 minutes. Kyle Spencer, who is helping Norfolk adapt to sea-level rise as its acting chief resilience officer, said a single storm can strand hundreds of vehicles. The plan is for Waze to eventually reroute drivers when a road floods with 12 inches (30 centimeters) of water. The app’s accuracy will improve, Spencer said, because drivers will validate Waze’s warnings. “It’s kind of like a living thing,” Spencer said. “The feedback loop can help make these models even better.” Norfolk, a city of nearly 250,000 people, is an ideal testing ground. It’s more threatened than any other place on the Atlantic Coast by the combination of sinking land and rising seas, said Molly Mitchell, a Virginia Institute of Marine Science professor. Water levels have risen by about 1.5 feet (.5 meters) since 1928. They’re projected to rise by close to another 1.5 feet by 2050 — or more depending on the Earth’s rising temperatures. The Chesapeake Bay and the Elizabeth River form a crescent of water around three sides of the city, while other tributaries flow into its interior. During high tides, rains can overwhelm sewers and have nowhere to go but low-lying streets. Flooding affects truck traffic heading to and from port terminals. And it impedes the ability of U.S. Navy sailors to quickly reach the world’s largest naval base, where piers are lined with aircraft carriers. Marc Rabinowitz, a now-retired psychoanalyst, lost his Saab in a nor’easter several years ago. Floodwaters blocked his commute to work. He turned down a one-way street the wrong way because it looked clear. “I got about halfway down, and water just starts filling up the car,” he said. “The car clogs. It stops running. Luckily, a colleague who was walking to work starts pushing me off to the side.” Drivers also face unpredictable “rain bombs,” which can dump an inch of water in 30 minutes on an isolated area. Marc Vigeant, a project manager for a marine construction company, was caught in one in 2020 when he left work. Water pooled around him. He searched Google Earth for higher elevation and quickly drove his Toyota Corolla to a nearby parking lot. “By that time, I was trapped in there,” Vigeant said. Williams, the driver stranded after a nursing home visit, said Norfolk’s flooding can scuttle impromptu, but important plans. “There have been times when I’ve thought to visit my mother, but it’s raining,” she said. “I drive one or two blocks and the water is high. And I forgo the trip.” The project in Norfolk shows how new technologies can help people adapt to climate change but it fails to address the root causes, said Jesse Goldstein, a Virginia Commonwealth University sociology professor who studies the green economy. “It’s allowing the fossil-fuel-burning economy to try and hold on a little bit longer,” Goldstein said. “The economy that makes Waze possible is creating the flooding. And now Waze is helping us adapt,” Goldstein continued. “I don’t say that to be holier than thou. It’s just that we’ve got a deeply entrenched problem.” More than half of all flood-related deaths in the U.S. in recent years happened in motor vehicles, said Andrew Stober, head of public partnerships for Waze, which has 140 million monthly users worldwide. “Making sure that people can steer clear of flooding is saving lives,” Stober said. FloodMapp was recruited to Norfolk by city officials and RISE Resilience Innovations, a Virginia-based nonprofit that finances climate-related technologies with federal and state dollars. RISE gave FloodMapp a $300,000 grant following a contest that challenged companies to tackle the problem of navigating flooded roads. “A lot of people say, ‘Well, why hasn’t this been done before?’ But it’s not a simple task, it’s not easy,” said Paul Robinson, the executive director of RISE. Robinson said Norfolk is a fitting place for FloodMapp to work out any problems before entering “big markets like Philadelphia and Boston and New York.” FloodMapp, which was founded in Australia, said it’s already expanding in the U.S. and plans to sell its services to transit agencies, delivery companies and utilities. “We’re seeing floods become more frequent and more severe,” said Murphy, the firm’s CEO. “Unfortunately, this is only getting worse.”

Axicle’s new fifth wheel design aims to save lives

LOS ANGELAS, Calif. — A new trailer attachment plate designed to prevent injuries and deaths has been developed by a California company. Axicle says its sensor-loaded fifth-wheel plate is built to quickly jettison a tipping trailer, allowing the trailer to detach instead of causing the truck pulling it to roll over too. As a tractor’s roll angle increases at a critical roll rate, the trailer is unrecoverable and must be decoupled to prevent damage to the tractor and injury or death of the driver, according to a statement from Axicle. The tractor and its occupants account for more than 75% of the total insured value of atractor-trailer. The company said the root cause of most rollovers is the trailers instead of the truck or the driver. Axicle’s fifth wheel contains two independent latching mechanisms that secure a trailer to the tractor at an optimal distance. The company’s website says a series of built-in sensors monitor the roll angle and rate of the tractor every millisecond. Axicle said this algorithm can detect the trailer’s threshold limits and whether a rollover event is unrecoverable with 99.99% accuracy, based on a “feed-forward physics-based control algorithm.” After an imminent rollover is detected, the electronics initiate an actuator to decouple the trailer, allowing the tractor to safely evade danger. This method can be executed without any increased risk to the public. Axicle said this is analogous to a launch-escape system for a spacecraft riding atop a lower rocket stage. The clamping systems only release when their corresponding actuators are triggered during an unrecoverable rollover condition. From that point, gravity separates the trailer from the vehicle. The Axicle TARS fifth wheel can either fully detach, or remain attached on one side. The company says that the fifth wheel will never prematurely jettison a trailer. Axicle demonstrated the fifth wheel’s capability by having a Boeing 777 engine blast a truck and trailer with air. When the winds became insurmountable, the trailer detached, falling on its side. The truck, though, remained upright. The company says that preventing rollovers could prevent more than 9,000 injuries and deaths caused by the incidents. They said that $3.5 billion is paid each year by insurance due to rollover incidents. Below is a video of the demonstration.

Nacarato Truck Centers becomes first Volvo trucks Certified Electric Vehicle dealer in Virginia

Volvo Trucks North America has expanded its network of Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) Dealers into Virginia. Volvo announced that Nacarato Truck Centers’ Roanoke dealership has completed the required training and certification program. Nacarato Truck Centers has been instrumental in introducing Volvo Trucks’ VNR Electric model in the state, as it is supporting three trucking carriers that are using the zero-tailpipe emission model to transport inbound parts and components to the Volvo Trucks New River Valley Assembly Operations (NRV) in Dublin, Virginia. “As the first Volvo Trucks dealership in Virginia to become certified to provide sales and service for our VNR Electric model, Nacarato Truck Centers is a key partner as we strive to improve the sustainability of our own supply chain,” Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America, said. “We look forward to collaborating with them to maximize uptime for the VNR Electric trucks that are a part of our logistics routes at NRV, as well as for our other fleet customers that operate throughout the region.” Founded in 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee, Nacarato Truck Centers operates a network of Volvo Trucks dealerships and service centers throughout Tennessee, Virginia, Southern Kentucky, Maryland and Georgia. Its location in Roanoke, Virginia, is the first to receive the Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer designation. The dealership group is also in the process of certifying its Hagerstown, Maryland; and Nashville, Tennessee, locations with the intent to complete the certification at all eight of its dealerships. “Completing the Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer program at each of our dealerships is a key goal, as we increasingly receive inquiries about the Volvo VNR Electric from fleets throughout our customer base,” Pat Daily, chief operating officer, Nacarato Truck Centers, said. “Our certified locations will be fully prepared to help guide our customers on the Volvo VNR Electric model that best suits their operating needs. In addition, we intend to make a Volvo VNR Electric truck available in our leasing and rental fleet so that multiple customers can get firsthand experience operating the truck on their daily routes.” Nacarato Truck Centers currently has a total of six technicians fully certified to perform maintenance and repairs on the Volvo VNR Electric model, with two technicians each at its Roanoke, Hagerstown, and Nashville dealerships. All three locations have also installed charging infrastructure to support the battery-electric trucks. As part of the Volvo Gold Contract, Volvo Trucks’ premier service offering for the VNR Electric, each of the Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealers maintain a stock of key parts and components for the VNR Electric model to minimize service times and quickly get customers back on the road. To ensure peak vehicle uptime, performance and productivity, the Volvo Gold Contract includes scheduled and preventative maintenance, towing and vehicle repair, including the vehicle’s lithium-ion batteries and the complete electromobility system.

Cargo Transporters transforms fleet with Platform Science’s virtual vehicle technology

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Cargo Transporters Inc., a North Carolina-based truckload carrier, and Platform Science, a leading connected vehicle platform, announced a new partnership on Jan. 27 to outfit Cargo Transporters’ fleet of nearly 500 tractors with Platform Science technology. Cargo Transporters will equip its fleet with Platform Science’s Virtual VehicleⓇ, which was developed in collaboration with Daimler Truck North America. Virtual Vehicle is the first open original equipment manufacturer platform that enables fleets to access telematics, software solutions, real-time vehicle data and third-party applications directly from their vehicles. This allows fleet operators to make changes to their software solutions without needing to change any telematics hardware inside the truck. “Cargo Transporters has a long history as an innovation leader, and we are proud to partner with them to elevate their fleet’s capabilities,” Luke Wachtel, senior vice president of transportation and logistics at Platform Science said. “We are powering the future of logistics by providing choice, configurability, and simplicity to both drivers and fleet operators.” Cargo Transporters has an ultra-modern tractor-trailer fleet and specializes in dry van, truckload transportation in a contract, dedicated or expedited mode, with 48-state intrastate and interstate common and contract authority. “We always strive to provide our drivers with the best tools to make their jobs easier while leveraging data in our back-office applications,” John Pope, chairman of Cargo Transporters, said. “Platform Science delivers the technology solutions we need and provides flexibility to customize the driver workflow experience. The Virtual Vehicle platform is ideal for our fleet, which is 100% Freightliner, and we are excited to equip our trucks with this cutting-edge capability.”

Groupe Morneau deploys first Volvo VNR Electric in Québec City

EASTERN CANADA — Volvo Trucks North America’s customer Groupe Morneau took delivery of its first Volvo VNR Electric to operate on freight logistics routes in eastern Canada. The zero-tail pipe emission Class 8 truck was delivered to Groupe Morneau this week during a key handover event with the local Volvo Trucks dealership Paré Centre du Camion. The Volvo VNR Electric is the first heavy-duty battery-electric Volvo truck operating in Québec City and the first Volvo VNR Electric tandem rear axle configuration in Canada. “We commend Groupe Morneau for its leadership in deploying the first Volvo VNR Electric truck in Québec City and for its commitment to improve the sustainability of its fleet,” Paul Kudla, managing director for Canada for Volvo Trucks North America, said. “As one of Canada’s largest transportation and logistics companies, Groupe Morneau will have the opportunity to integrate the Volvo VNR Electric into a wide variety of distribution routes and serve as an example for other area fleets that are considering their electromobility options.” Groupe Morneau operates an extensive freight network across Québec and is a leader in TL and LTL goods movement services. With six lines of business, a network of 23 terminals located in 17 sites strategically located across eastern Canada, 1,300 employees, and 1,500 pieces of equipment. Groupe Morneau purchased the Volvo VNR Electric trucks through Paré Centre du Camion which is currently finalizing its requirements to become one of the first Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle Dealers in Canada. “This first Volvo VNR Electric truck will be our way to familiarize ourselves with battery-electric vehicles. We want to get as much data as possible regarding its capacity in terms of charge and its behavior under severe temperatures,” said Catherine Morneau, executive vice-president and general manager of Groupe Morneau. “Our goal is to be the electromobility leader in the industry, helping us to reduce our environmental footprint as we transition to a more sustainable supply chain for our local deliveries.” The dealership’s sales team, supported by Volvo Trucks electromobility team, consulted with Groupe Morneau to determine ideal routes for the Volvo VNR Electric, based on vehicle range, ideal charging opportunities and duty cycle. Paré Centre du Camion will also support Groupe Morneau with maximizing vehicle uptime by performing all scheduled maintenance with specialty trained technicians and maintaining an inventory of parts and components.

Carrier seeks to strengthen electric transport refrigeration through ConMet alliance

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Carrier is further expanding its electrification capabilities through a new alliance with ConMet by adding wheel-based power generation that captures energy that otherwise would be wasted during braking events. The alliance advances Carrier’s broader zero-emission transport refrigeration solutions, with the availability of electric options for trailer, truck and light commercial vehicle customers before the end of 2022.  This comes as news emissions regulations are on the horizon. “Teaming with ConMet allows Carrier to deliver more sustainable solutions to its customers, helping companies green their fleets and supporting their Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) goals,” Tim White, president of refrigeration at Carrier, said. “By the end of this year, we will have electric options for customers in trailer, truck and light commercial vehicle refrigeration applications and new technologies such as this wheel hub power generation solution for trailers that can help further address environmental regulations.” ConMet is a manufacturer of wheel hubs, structural plastic, aluminum casting components and advanced transport technologies for the commercial vehicle industry. ConMet’s eMobility division has developed the PreSet Plus eHub system, an in-wheel electric motor application that repurposes energy from coasting and braking, providing electric solutions for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicle markets. When paired with a Carrier Vector unit, this technology can deliver a zero-emissions transport refrigeration solution. Carrier Global Corp. is a provider of innovative healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. Carrier’s ability to reduce its customers’ carbon footprint by one gigaton as part of its 2030 ESG Goals is strengthened through this strategic alliance. “We see this alliance as a great strategic fit; Carrier and its customers are in a position to best leverage this electric hub system application and add scale,” John Waters, president of ConMet, said. “Our technology helps expedite the adoption of clean transport refrigeration solutions that will eliminate the need for diesel fuel engines.”

PACCAR recalling certain 2022 Peterbilt 579 tractors due to safety risk

BELLVUE, Wash. — PACCAR Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022 Peterbilt 579 tractors due to an issue with the chassis fairing step assembly that could lead to injury. The National Highway Safety Administration found that the bolts that hold the chassis fairing step assembly in the closed position may loosen and fracture the latch attachment, causing the fairing assembly to flex. The partially unsecured cab step can be dangerous due to unexpected movements while drivers or passengers enter or exit their truck’s cab. Drivers with the partially unsecured cab step on their trucks risk injury. Dealers will add new fasteners and a bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 19. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at (940) 591-4220. PACCAR’s number for this recall is 22PBA. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888)  327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

ZETA report highlights opportunities, challenges of electrifying fleets

Washington, D.C. – The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) published a report Wednesday analyzing the opportunities and challenges to electrifying public and private vehicle fleets in the U.S. “Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles represent only 4% of the vehicles on the road, but they are responsible for nearly a quarter of all pollution from the transportation sector — which is the most polluting sector in the U.S.,” Leilani Gonzalez, the report’s lead author, said. “It is imperative that the federal government follows ZETA’s recommendations to facilitate the electrification of these vehicles as expeditiously as possible. After all, because of their long lives, gasoline- and diesel-powered fleet vehicles that roll off the production line in 2030 will still be polluting communities for the next two decades and beyond.” The report also makes recommendations to policymakers, utility companies, charging companies and fleet managers to accelerate the electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. ZETA recommends that federal policymakers amend the tax code to allow businesses to receive tax credits for purchasing commercial medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles and installing electric charging infrastructure. ZETA also encourages federal regulators to collaborate with utility companies and charging companies to modify the electrical grid to accommodate emerging technologies like managed charging practices and discounted time-of-use rates to incentivize EV charging during off-peak hours. The report shows that electrifying the country’s medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets will provide fuel and maintenance cost savings for fleet operators, improve public health and minimize environmental damages by significantly reducing the emission of toxic pollutants, increasing domestic energy production and ensuring energy security. The report also states that electrifying fleets will generate new jobs in the vehicle manufacturing, charging installation and trucking industries. “As these vehicles travel throughout the country, individuals living near roadways, railyards, and ports — who are often disproportionately low-income and people of color — experience the worst health and environmental impacts,” Gonzalez said. “Electrifying the United States’ medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets will create more environmental equity for the United States’ frontline communities by boosting public health and mitigating environmental degradation. And, these fleet transitions will create jobs and save fleet operators money, too.”

Eaton Cummins announces new, high-tech transmissions

GALESBURG, Mich. — Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies (ECATT) has released specifications for its new Endurant XD series transmission, which will include Endurant XD and Endurant XD Pro models. The Endurant XD series are purpose-built, high-performance, automated transmissions designed for on-highway applications with high gross combined weight ratings (GCWR), such as double and triple trailer trucks, along with severe-duty on/off highway applications. Production of the Endurant XD series will begin in the third quarter of 2022, according to an ECATT news release. Truck manufacturers are expected to announce availability of Endurant XD series at a later date. According to the news release, “the Endurant XD series features a twin-countershaft design with helical gearing and large bearings optimized for higher engine torque. A new 18D ratio set with 20.5:1 overall ratio with small, even steps ensures smooth shifts and excellent performance in all driving conditions. It’s packaged in a clean, contained design with internal wiring and sensors to minimize exposure and corrosion for improved reliability.” Overall, its design is 225 pounds lighter than comparable UltraShift PLUS models. A new input shaft driven Power Takeoff (PTO) system delivers power to an eight-bolt bottom mount and four-bolt rear mount that can operate independently of the transmission gear. The four-bolt rear mount features an external pressurized lube port and a large center distance. Total combined PTO capacity is 160 horsepower or 610 pound-feet of torque. ECATT designers said that in order to mitigate maintenance costs, “we designed the Endurant XD series to be the most efficient, heavy-haul transmission we’ve ever produced. The highly efficient design features a Precision Lubrication system for up to 2 percent better fuel economy than UltraShift PLUS. Additionally, smart features such as new internal oil temperature and fluid pressure sensors help protect the transmission from damage.” New for the Endurant XD series are performance goals, which combine transmission shift points and clutch calibrations with new software. Endurant XD is rated for engines with a maximum torque rating of 1,650 to 1,850 pound-feet and is designed for on-highway applications up to 166,000 pounds GCWR. “Endurant XD delivers a pleasant driving experience with improved skip shift ability and smoother shifts compared to previous 13- and 18-speed automated transmissions,” said Ken Rocker, Endurant XD series product manager for ECATT. The company touts in its news release that the Endurant XD Pro adds “even more capability and unique features for severe service applications. It has an unlimited GCWR, best in class PTO functionality and the longest maintenance intervals in its class. For long reversing distances and deep axle ratios, the Endurant XD Pro can be configured with up to six reverse gears. Endurant XD Pro can be paired with the most powerful engines, including the Cummins X15 series, with torque ratings from 1,650 to 2,050 pound-feet.” Additionally, “Endurant XD Pro utilizes Eaton’s Extreme Duty clutches, which feature robust components designed for increased durability, improved noise and vibration, in addition to higher thermal capacity for enhanced low-speed maneuverability,” the news release stated. Software features to the Endurant XD Pro include Rock Free, which helps avoid getting stuck in sand, mud or snow by using the accelerator to rock the vehicle free, and the off-highway performance goal, which is an optimized calibration for operation on natural rolling terrain and soft soil. “Endurant XD Pro has the right mix of hardware and intelligence to give drivers more confidence in the most challenging applications such as construction, heavy haul, towing & recovery, and logging,” Rocker said. “No other automated transmission can match its combination of capability, efficiency, and maintenance requirements.”

Volvo touts increased range in its new Class 8 electric tractor

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America has announced that its Class 8 electric tractor — the VNR — now features an increased range of up to 85 percent, along with faster charging times and more configurations for heavy-duty transport. Production on these newest models is expected to begin in the second quarter this year. The new VNR has a 275-mile range, and the energy storage system can be charged to 80% in 60 minutes in a four-battery configuration and 90 minutes in a six-battery configuration — both times were clocked using a 250kW charger. Both CCS1 & CCS2 connectors are available. “It is a testament to Volvo Trucks’ leadership that in a continuously evolving industry we are bringing the enhanced version of our VNR Electric to the market a year after sales of the VNR Electric first started,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Volvo Trucks is at the forefront in the industry, always innovating and improving, while upholding the highest standards in design, construction and safety. Our team is proud of its role, together with dealers and customers, in accelerating the shift to electromobility and a more sustainable future.” Volvo first began taking customer orders for its first Volvo VNR Electric model in December 2020, with commercial production starting in quarter two 2021 at the company’s New River Valley manufacturing plant in Dublin, Virginia. Volvo has added two new configurations to its VNR Electric lineup — a six-by-four straight truck and a six-by-four tractor — joining its three existing models: a four-by-two tractor, six-by-two tractor and a single-axle straight truck. “The enhanced Volvo VNR Electric’s true power lies in the improvements made in the battery – technology, design, management and package offering,” according to a Volvo news release. “Improvements in battery design have resulted in an up to 40% increase in storage capacity for each battery.” Each Volvo VNR Electric configuration is designed for applications and drive cycles with local and regional distribution ranges, including food and beverage, drayage and pick-up and delivery routes. “Volvo Trucks is continuing to expand the capabilities of the VNR Electric to make it more efficient, satisfy our customer demands for expanded range, and provide a better driving experience,” said Andy Brown, Volvo Trucks’ product marketing manager for electromobility. “The electric driveline featuring a two-speed I-Shift transmission provides best-in-class, powerful, and smooth acceleration. Innovations such as Volvo Active Driver Assist and Dynamic Steering make driving effortless and precise, while at the same time improving safety.”