Equipment & Tech Archives

Brake Safety Week now underway throughout North America

The Trucker News Staff - August 23, 2021

GREENBELT, Md. — The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) 2021 Brake Safety Week officially kicked off Sunday, Aug. 22, and continues through Saturday, Aug. 28. The vehicle safety initiative focuses on the inspection and identification of brake violations in commercial motor vehicles in North America. During the enforcement blitz, commercial motor vehicle law enforcement personnel in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will catalog and submit brake inspection and violation data to CVSA. The results will be released later in the year and will include the brake-related out-of-service rates for the week, along with data on chafing air brake hose/tubing violations, the focus area for this year’s Brake Safety Week. “Although inspection of a vehicle’s brake system and its components is always part of the roadside inspection process, Brake Safety Week aims to highlight the importance of brake systems and proper brake maintenance, operation and performance,” said CVSA President Sgt. John Samis with the Delaware State Police. Throughout Brake Safety Week, CVSA-certified inspectors will be conducting North American Standard Level I and V Inspections. When checking the brake system and its components, the inspector will: Check for missing, nonfunctioning, loose, contaminated or cracked parts on the brake system. Check for S-cam flip-over. Listen for audible air leaks around brake components and lines. Check for improper connections and chafing of air hoses and tubing. Ensure slack adjusters are the same length (from center of S-cam to center of clevis pin) and the air chambers on each axle are the same size. Ensure the air system maintains proper air pressure. Look for non-manufactured holes (e.g., rust holes, holes created by rubbing or friction, etc.) and broken springs in the spring brake housing. Mark and measure pushrod travel. Inspect required brake system warning devices, such as anti-lock braking system malfunction lamps and low air-pressure warning devices. Inspect the tractor protection system, including the bleed-back system on the trailer. Ensure the breakaway system is operable on the trailer. In addition to checking brake systems, inspectors may also check cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat (missing), exhaust systems, frames, fuel systems, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, van and open-top trailer bodies, wheels, rims and hubs, windshield wipers, etc. If no critical vehicle inspection item violations are found during a Level I or V inspection, the vehicle is eligible for a CVSA decal. Conversely, vehicles with critical vehicle inspection item violations may be placed out of service. Those violations must be addressed before the vehicle will be permitted to proceed. Brake Safety Week is a campaign of CVSA’s Operation Airbrake program, supported by CVSA member jurisdictions, the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators and Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transportation and the National Guard. To see results from the 2020 Brake Safety Week, click here.

Eco-friendly brewskis: Volvo delivers first electric Class 8 truck to New York beer distributor

The Trucker News Staff - August 19, 2021

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America has delivered the first of five Class 8 battery-electric trucks to Manhattan Beer Distributors in New York City. Manhattan Beer Distributors’ battery-electric trucks were the first Volvo VNR Electric models to enter full serial production at Volvo Trucks’ New River Valley manufacturing plant in Dublin, Virginia, which assembles all Volvo trucks sold in North America. Manhattan Beer Distributors commemorated the Aug. 12 delivery with a press event, co-hosted by the New York City Department of Transportation, at the company’s distribution warehouse in the Bronx. “Volvo Trucks commends Manhattan Beer Distributors for continuing two decades of leadership in bringing the most advanced and sustainable commercial trucks to New York City,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “By working together with customers like Manhattan Beer Distributors, that are dedicated to reducing their environmental impact, Volvo Trucks has been able to make meaningful progress on the path toward widescale commercial deployment of VNR Electrics from coast to coast.” The zero-emission regional-haul trucks are joining the beer and beverage distributor’s fleet of more than 400 delivery trucks, and will serve customers in New York City, Long Island and the surrounding counties. Manhattan Beer Distributors began building its low-emission fleet in the 1990s. Today, the company operates more than 160 Volvo VNR and VNL compressed natural gas (CNG) Class 8 trucks; with four more Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 trucks to be added soon. To support the charging of its battery-electric fleet, Manhattan Beer Distributors has installed three Level 3 DC fast chargers at its Bronx facility. These chargers can fully recharge the company’s Volvo VNR Electric trucks up to 80% in 70 minutes. “As one of the largest beverage distributors in the U.S., Manhattan Beer Distributors recognizes the broad sustainability impact that we can make by eliminating our fleet’s tailpipe emissions,” said Simon Bergson, founder, president and CEO of Manhattan Beer Distributors. “We look forward to gaining hands-on experience with our first five VNR Electrics and working with Volvo Trucks and local Volvo Trucks dealership Milea Truck Sales and Leasing to continue expanding our zero-emission fleet.” Milea Truck Sales, which serves New York City and the tri-state area, is Volvo’s first East Coast Volvo EV-certified dealer. The dealership installed heavy-duty-capable charging infrastructure onsite, and its service team has been fully trained and equipped to safely perform battery-electric truck maintenance and repairs. Manhattan Beer Distributors secured funding for the Volvo VNR Electrics from New York State’s Volkswagen settlement funds, through the New York City Department of Transportation’s NYC Clean Trucks Program. New York State’s Volkswagen settlement plan, Clean Transportation NY, was developed to reduce emissions in major transportation corridors, including Hunts Point, by funding zero-emission vehicles and equipment.

Hyzon, TTSI to launch customer trial of hydrogen-powered electric truck

The Trucker News Staff - August 18, 2021

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A hydrogen fuel-cell powered heavy-duty truck developed by Hyzon Motors Inc. will soon hit the road in California, marking the tech developer’s first customer trial in the U.S. Hyzon has signed a trial agreement with Total Transport Services Inc. (TTSI), a port trucking company in Southern California, to provide a Class 8 heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) to TTSI for a 30-day trial during the fourth quarter of 2021. The truck, built on a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia chassis, is expected to have 600 peak horsepower and a range of up to 400 miles, according to a statement from Hyzon. The truck is expected to haul up to 82,000 pounds gross combined vehicle weight (GCVW), a standard load for TTSI, and will take advantage of the public heavy-duty hydrogen refueling station in Wilmington, California. The trial will mark TTSI’s first experience with a zero-emissions vehicle capable of 400 miles range. “Deploying the truck in real operations was a key requirement for us,” said Vic LaRosa, president of TTSI. “TTSI’s trucks run 18 to 20 hours each day, hauling heavy loads. Hyzon’s FCEVs provide the quick refueling and high performance necessary to meet these operational needs.” During the trial, TTSI plans to run a full load from Long Beach to Sacramento before exhibiting the vehicle at the NorCal Fleet Academy & Expo Oct. 6-7. Before arriving at TTSI, the Hyzon Class 8 fuel cell truck is expected to be part of the Ride & Drive at the ACTExpo Conference in Long Beach, California, Aug. 31 – Sept. 1. According to TTSI, between 13,000 and 14,000 trucks operate at the Long Beach port every year, emitting about 2,600 tons of CO2. “TTSI has led the way in contributing to California’s clean-air initiatives by implementing new technologies ahead of the curve,” said Craig Knight, CEO of Hyzon. “Their use case — high utilization, heavy loads, focused around a central location — is very common and is precisely what Hyzon has been fulfilling internationally. Through this trial, Hyzon and TTSI will demonstrate how zero-emissions trucking in the U.S. can be achieved in the near-term.” TTSI plans to eventually operate a 100% zero-emissions fleet. Originally a fully diesel fleet, TTSI has been transitioning to liquid natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hybrid models.

Trailer orders continue downhill slide, preliminary reports show

The Trucker News Staff - August 17, 2021

While preliminary reports from both ACT Research and FTR show a continued downhill slide in net U.S. trailer orders, the lack of orders is not due to decreased demand — quite the opposite, in fact. As manufacturers continue to cope with materials shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, February’s polar vortex and other issues, the backlog of orders outweighs available units. Because of this, many OEMs are not accepting new orders. “Trailer orders remained low for the fourth consecutive month in July. The issue is certainly not demand related, as fleets remain bullish regarding equipment acquisition. With existing orderboards stretching through the end of Quarter 1, 2022 on average and well into Quarter 2, 2022 for dry vans and reefers, OEMs continue to limit order acceptance,” said Frank Maly, ACT’s director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research. Preliminary figures from ACT show trailer OEMs posted 7,100 net orders in July, roughly two-thirds of June’s volume and 63% less than the same month last year. “OEMs’ concerns regarding their supply chain, staffing availability, and pricing of components and materials are mainly responsible for the continued reluctance to accept further orders in the near-term, Maly said. “However, when the order season eventually opens, expect a surge of pent-up volume to flood in, likely resulting in a very significant commitment of available 2022 production capacity.” Analysts at FTR recorded orders of 8,200 units in July, down 32% from June and a 58% drop from July 2020. According to FTR, trailer orders for the past 12 months now total 354,000 units. “The orders are in for 2021 but the challenge remains to build the trailers,” said Don Ake, FTR’s vice president of commercial vehicles. “OEMs continue to struggle hiring factory workers. Suppliers are struggling to keep pace due to a shortage of manpower and imported parts and components. The supply chain is still experiencing disruptions and bottlenecks. Some improvement in production is expected this year, but there are indications some supplies will be restricted into next year.” FTR’s report described dry and refrigerated van orders as “paltry,” while noting that OEMs are booked full for 2021 and not entering orders yet for 2022. “Fleets are desperate for new dry vans to compensate for the shortage of new trucks and drivers in the current tight capacity environment,” Ake explained. “There is a growing amount of freight to be moved and the industry continues to struggle to deliver it on time. Spot loads and rates remain elevated.”

Prepare for inspections to avoid delays, violations during CVSA’s Brake Safety Week

Cliff Abbott - August 16, 2021

GREENBELT, Md. — The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) would like drivers to stop in for an inspection of their vehicle’s braking system. If you can stop, that is. The CVSA will be conducting its annual Brake Safety Week Aug. 22-28. Inspectors will be conducting North American Standard Inspections of commercial motor vehicles, with a focus on braking systems and components. Just like the 2020 Brake Safety Week, the focus will once again be on brake hoses and tubing. According to CVSA, “Brake system and brake adjustment violations accounted for more vehicle violations than any other vehicle violation category, accounting for 38.6% of all vehicle out-of-service (OOS) conditions, during last year’s three-day International Roadcheck inspection and enforcement initiative.” The release noted that more than 5,200 of the 43,565 commercial vehicles inspected in the 2020 event were placed OOS for brake-related violations. That’s 12% of the total violations. Inspection violations find their way onto the CSA records of both the carrier that owns the truck and the driver. In the driver’s case, those violations show up on the Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) report that prospective employers may review. Each violation is assigned a score that some employers use in their driver hiring decisions. Sadly, many of those failed brake inspections would have been preventable with just a little attention from the driver. For example, violations such as “brake hose or tubing chafing or kinking under vehicle” (FMCSR 393.45(b)2) are generally easy to observe. When hoses rub together, wear (or “chafing”) occurs. A variety of springs and retention devices exist to keep hoses from rubbing together or coming into contact with catwalks, the ground or other objects. Those devices sometimes require attention or readjustment to make sure they’re still doing the job. Hoses under the trailer are another culprit. As trailer tandems are slid back and forth, springs holding air lines off the ground can kink or become weakened. These lines aren’t as accessible; the driver may have to crawl under the trailer and may need a flashlight to inspect them properly. Picking up a preloaded trailer from a dark lot at a customer location doesn’t present a good opportunity for inspection, and drivers are often surprised when they find damage later — or when they fail an inspection. During the 2020 inspection week, nearly 21% of hose or tube chafing violations were severe enough to earn an OOS order. Hoses must be worn completely through the first ply with damage to reinforcement fibers to warrant OOS. Those violations are unfortunate, because it really isn’t difficult to check brake hoses. The hoses that connect the tractor and trailer are easily accessible. If the driver hooks up to different trailers, the hoses may be handled often. Light wear can occur relatively quickly and isn’t an OOS condition; it’s when the wear has been going on long enough to compromise the integrity of the hose that the condition becomes evident. Because the brake lines are under pressure, any leaks usually produce an audible “hiss” that can be detected with a simple walk-around check. It’s never a bad idea to shut the truck off and walk around it when stopping for a rest break or other purpose. A common violation that’s harder to keep up with is “clamp or roto brake out of adjustment.” Since 1994, new trucks and trailers have been required to have brakes that automatically adjust. Most drivers do not check the adjustment of their brakes — and wouldn’t know how to adjust them, anyway. Many carriers don’t allow their drivers to adjust brakes. One OOS violation that drivers deal with is “BRAKES OUT OF SERVICE: The number of defective brakes is equal to or greater than 20% of the service brakes on the vehicle or combination” (FMCSR 393.53b). The math is pretty easy. A five-axle tractor-trailer combination has 10 brake assemblies, either drums, discs or something else. Each brake assembly that is out of adjustment represents 10% of the total, so it only takes two for the vehicle to be placed OOS. There’s another issue with violations related to brakes that drivers should be aware of. Brakes that are out of adjustment often receive TWO violations for the same problem, one for being out of adjustment and a second for the automatic slack adjuster not working properly (failing to keep the brake in adjustment.) Each violation is valued at four points by CSA, so the double whammy of just one out-of-adjustment brake shows up as eight points against the driver’s PSP. To be sure, it isn’t accurate to assume that the 12% of vehicles placed OOS in last year’s event represents 12% of all trucks on the road. That’s because different jurisdictions use a variety of criteria in deciding which trucks to inspect. Some may inspect at random, pulling in the next truck that comes into the scale when an inspector becomes available. At many inspection sites, however, the selection is anything but random. At some locations, inspectors observe trucks as they are pulling across a scale at slow speeds, picking trucks that are older or appear to be in poor repair for inspection. Other jurisdictions might focus on trucks serving a particular industry, such as logging or intermodal. Some focus on large carriers, while others may target owner-operators. Some inspectors utilize the Inspection Selection System (ISS), which assigns a numerical score to each carrier based on past inspection results and other factors. Under this system, trucks that are more likely to have mechanical violations are selected for inspection. Some inspectors utilize infrared camera technology to identify truck wheels that are hotter or colder than other wheels on the truck, indicating a potential brake malfunction. And sometimes, inspections are just a matter of luck. It’s always a good idea to thoroughly inspect braking systems and make sure everything is in proper working order. During Brake Safety Week, too many drivers will be issued citations or placed OOS for issues that could have been found in a pre-trip inspection. Being prepared helps the driver avoid delays and provides the added benefit of making the roads safer for everyone.

Drivewyze expands weigh station bypass service to Wyoming

Linda Garner-Bunch - August 13, 2021

DALLAS — Drivers will soon be able to take advantage of the Drivewyze PreClear weigh station bypass service in Wyoming. With the addition of Wyoming, PreClear now operates in 48 states and provinces. “The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and Highway Patrol are strong advocates for safer highways and supporting industry,” said Brian Heath, president and CEO of Drivewyze. “We are excited about the benefits this partnership will bring to the motor carrier industry.” Two weigh station sites, one on Interstate 25 and the other on Interstate 80, will be activated by the end of August. Three more sites within the state are planned for future activation. Added K. Luke Reiner, Wyoming’s DOT director: “We welcome Drivewyze to Wyoming and look forward to working with them as they provide a service to the freight industry,” said K. Luke Reiner, director of WYDOT. With the expansion, Drivewyze PreClear customers will now receive uninterrupted bypass coverage along I-25. Drivewyze’s first Wyoming site is along northbound I-25 in Cheyenne, a major port of entry for those entering the state from northern Colorado. I-25, which starts in New Mexico and goes north to Buffalo, Wyoming — where it intersects with I-90 — connects Denver, Colorado Springs and Albuquerque. Drivewyze has also added the I-80 weigh station in Evanston, Wyoming, just 80 miles east of Salt Lake City. “I-80 is a major artery connecting California, going all the way through to New Jersey,” Heath said. “More than 6,500 trucks travel I-80 through Wyoming each day. We’ve got I-80 well covered coast-to-coast, so drivers originating in San Francisco could have up to 32 bypasses during their round trip.”

Kenworth, Cummins partner to offer low-emission natural gas engine on Next Gen T680

The Trucker News Staff - August 10, 2021

KIRKLAND, Wash. — The Kenworth T680 Next Generation tractor is now available with the Cummins Westport ISX12N near-zero emission natural gas engine. The T680 Next Gen offers the 12-liter Cummins Westport ISX12N, which has ratings up to 400 horsepower and 1,450 lb-ft of torque. The engine can operate on compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable natural gas (RNG). The ISX12N engine features a closed crankcase ventilation system, a maintenance-free three-way catalyst, on-board diagnostic capability and engine control module with excellent durability. The ISX12N engine is certified by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB). The engine meets CARB’s optional low NOx standard of 0.02 g/bhp-hr. “The Cummins Westport ISX12N provides an excellent, near-zero emissions solution for fleets and truck operators that order the Kenworth T680 Next Generation for service in line haul, pickup and delivery, and regional haul applications,” said Genevieve Bekkerus, Kenworth marketing director. Available in day cab, 40-inch, 52-inch and 76-inch sleeper configurations, the T680 Next Gen is standard with the proprietary PACCAR Powertrain featuring the 2021 PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 drive axle.

TuSimple to use Ryder terminals for autonomous freight network

The Trucker News Staff - August 9, 2021

SAN DIEGO — Autonomous driving tech developer TuSimple will use Ryder System fleet terminals to expand its autonomous freight network. TuSimple announced the partnership July 29. According to a release from TuSimple, the two companies will work together to select existing Ryder facilities to serve as terminals along the TuSimple autonomous freight network. The partnership will allow TuSimple to expand its network without building new facilities. Currently, TuSimple’s fleet of more than 50 Level 4 autonomous trucks transport freight across Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Later this year, the company plans to expand operations to the East Coast with a freight route between Phoenix and Orlando, Florida. “The trucking industry is on the verge of a massive disruption, and we’re seeing strong demand for access to reliable autonomous capacity from shippers, carriers and fleets,” said Cheng Lu, president and CEO of TuSimple. “The partnership with Ryder will enable us to grow our operational footprint to continue to meet these needs and set the pace for industry adoption.” Initially, the partnership will focus on Ryder’s facilities in the Southern U.S. However, with Ryder’s nationwide network of more than 500 maintenance facilities, the partnership has the potential to rapidly scale, according to the two companies. “With this partnership we believe Ryder is positioned to become a leader in the servicing of autonomous trucks,” said Karen Jones, EVP, CMO and Head of New Product Innovation at Ryder. “Ryder is focused on how to best leverage our vast location footprint, maintenance operations, and visibility tools to lead in the future world of autonomy. Partnering with TuSimple will help bring autonomous operations to market more quickly, while also providing Ryder access to new and emerging revenue streams.”

HOS violations account for almost half of driver out-of-service orders during CVSA’s International Roadcheck

The Trucker News Staff - August 5, 2021

GREENBELT, Md. — The results are in for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) 2021 International Roadcheck, conducted May 4-6, and most vehicles passed inspection. According to CVSA, out of more than 40,000 vehicles inspected in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, about 83.5% had no out-of-service violations. However, 6,710 vehicles and 2,080 drivers were placed out of service, a 16.5% vehicle and 5.3% driver out-of-service rate. In addition to commercial trucks and tractor-trailer combinations, CVSA-certified inspectors checked motorcoaches and buses. While comprehensive inspections were conducted, the focus of this year’s roadcheck was on vehicle lighting and driver hours of service. There were 1,378 out-of-service lighting violations, accounting for 14.1% of the vehicles placed out of service. The following are the Top 5 vehicle out-of-service violations: Brake systems: 2,564 vehicles (26.5%) Tires: 1,804 vehicles (18.6%) Lights: 1,367 vehicles (14.1%) Brake adjustment: 1,203 vehicles (12.4%) Cargo securement: 1,192 vehicles (12.3%) CVSA’s second focus area, driver hours of service, was the most cited driver out-of-service violation, accounting for 41.5% of the 2,809 drivers placed out of service in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, inspectors conducted vehicle-only inspections, so there is no driver out-of-service rate to report. The Top 5 driver out-of-service violations were: Hours of service: 1,203 drivers (41.5%) Wrong class license: 565 drivers (19.5%) Other (could include operating without required operating authority, expired or no medical certificate, driving while ill or fatigued, or driving while prohibited by the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse): 482 drivers (16.6%) False logs: 427 (14.7%) Suspended license: 132 (4.6%) For a complete list of the 2021 International Roadcheck results, click here.

New SelecTrucks center opens in Minneapolis-St. Paul area

The Trucker News Staff - August 4, 2021

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, Minn. — Prospective truck buyers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area have a new source for used vehicles. SelecTrucks of the Twin Cities, a member of the I-State Truck Center family of dealerships, is now open at 11152 Courthouse Blvd. in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. “The entire SelecTrucks team has a passion for helping customers succeed, and SelecTrucks of the Twin Cities is driven to help customers make the best decisions for their business,” said Mary Aufdemberg, president and general manager of Daimler Trucks Remarketing. “We are extremely pleased to partner with I-State Truck Center, and even more excited about our shared commitment to making our customers’ dreams a reality.” SelecTrucks of the Twin Cities offers used day cabs and sleepers from national fleets, along with warranty packages, financing options and business support for its customers. “Pride in service is the promise we uphold, and the standard we share with SelecTrucks,” said Kirk Lewis, executive vice president of I-State Truck Center. “That promise starts with the tenacity of our people, who are dedicated to our customers’ success, and finding the right solutions for their business to help them get the most out of their investment.” SelecTrucks of the Twin Cities is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and by appointment on Saturday. The Twin Cities location is the 37th dealership in the SelecTrucks network. SelecTrucks is brand of Daimler Trucks North America LLC.

DENSO expands PowerEdge starter line to cover most Class 8 trucks

The Trucker News Staff - August 3, 2021

LONG BEACH, Calif. — DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. has expanded its PowerEdge brand of starters for the heavy-duty trucking industry. With the addition of two new 39PE part numbers, the aftermarket line covers more than 90% of all Class 8 trucks on the road today. The new part numbers extend coverage to commercial trucks with Cummins ISX12 G, Volvo DD13 and Mack MP8 engines. PowerEdge’s full line of 39PE and 42PE series starters covers models built by Freightliner, International/Navistar, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, Sterling, Western Star, Volvo and Autocar. “PowerEdge starters give companies the muscle they need to keep their trucks in motion,” said Otto Jun, product manager of DENSO Heavy Duty Product Management. “We’re delivering for our customers so they can deliver for their customers.” According to DENSO, advantages of the 39PE and 42PE include: Rugged design, powerful performance and unmatched durability. Precision testing to ensure every unit meets factory-original standards. Over Crank Protection (OCP) continuously monitors internal temperatures to prevent thermal damage to the starter. Integral Magnetic Switch (IMS) reduces voltage drop and ensures the solenoid receives maximum voltage under all starting conditions (39PE). All units are 100% new with no core charge. All PE starters are backed by a one-year/unlimited miles warranty. DENSO’s PowerEdge program offers starters, alternators and diesel aftertreatment products for Class 8 truck aftermarket. DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc. is an affiliate of global mobility supplier DENSO Corp.

University students help Kenworth engineers optimize truck weight, improve navigation

The Trucker News Staff - July 30, 2021

KIRKLAND, Wash. — Kenworth is enlisting the aid of computer science students at Seattle University to predict the effect of various options and specs on a tractor’s overall weight. “We often have large customers that have regional preferences for truck specs,” said Reid Nabarrete, assistant chief engineer for Kenworth. “They might run in a mountainous area, so they’ll spec a bigger engine and different transmission, maybe even a different sleeper. Then, another terminal might run the Midwest, where they don’t need as much horsepower and require different specs,” he explained. “We know the main weight difference between major components, but when spec’d, they have a cascading impact on all the subcomponents. That’s when the challenge begins in calculating weight.” For Nabarrete and the Kenworth engineering team, calculating those weights typically means hours of work, with the results being accurate to within plus or minus 2%. The idea of using artificial intelligence (AI) to do these calculations could both speed the process and provide greater accuracy. That’s where the students enter the equation. For more than 30 years, Kenworth has worked with Seattle University on real-world Captstone projects. Through the Capstone program, senior-year mechanical and electrical engineering students from the school’s computer science department work with local companies to put their academic knowledge to work on tangible projects that could one day be commercially produced. In the past, Kenworth has partnered with students to streamline the weight-optimization process. In this latest endeavor, four students built on the work of other Seattle University students who tackled the issue in previous years. “The current team learned from the past, and during their school year were able to develop code, as well as AI learning code, to figure out weight from the thousands of trucks Kenworth built every year. With so many options that Kenworth offers to customers, there was a lot of data to process,” Nabarrete said, adding that ultimately, the students came back with “incredibly accurate” predictive modeling. “When we audited their predictions, we found they were within 1% of our manual calculations — and those were consistent calculations,” he said. “So, a customer with a ‘standard’ truck weighing in at 16,000 pounds, for example, could give us a list of spec changes, and the students could come within 160 pounds of the actual true build weight — and they could do it in minutes, not hours. While this year’s team of university students have now graduated, their work continues to move forward at Kenworth. “We plan to take what they’ve produced and refine it further,” Nabarrete said. “I fully expect we will be using AI in weight calculations with our customers or a regular basis in the very near future.” While those students were working on weight calculations, another group comprised of mechanical engineers, under the leadership of Kenworth engineer Stan DeLizo, were looking ahead to the future and exploring how to predict and compensate for handling while driving — something that could be used for driver assist automation, and eventually in autonomous vehicles. This project’s goal was to emulate how a professional driver handles turns. “This project was especially challenging since the four students couldn’t collaborate in person; they had to interact via Zoom meetings,” DeLizo said. “We had a unique challenge for them, and they came through with a scale model prototype that could easily be translated into a full-scale Kenworth … and that’s where we will go next with their findings.” According to DeLizo, who has worked with Seattle University students on projects for a decade, the enthusiasm and ability of “young minds” to look at ideas without “tunnel vision” is always inspiring. “Humans see, anticipate and have an understanding of road conditions. If the road is slippery, or if there is gravel or something on the road ahead, they’ll make adjustments when cornering,” he said. “We’re trying to do that same thing through optical sensors surrounding the vehicle and trailer. Those sensors use image recognition and edge detection to inform the system of the truck’s actual location on the turn-path. Then, through mathematical modeling, which uses the vehicle’s known attributes, we’re able to predict the minimum radius turn path in each direction.” The project is designed to allow a Kenworth truck to automatically — and with a minimum turning radius — navigate a corner, or turn, safely. Upon completion of a 1/10th scale model, equipped with sensors and cameras, the students provided an actual demonstration for Kenworth engineers. “To say we were very satisfied with their results and efforts would be an understatement,” said DeLizo. “What these students came up with is almost ready for bolting onto a full-size truck.”

Nikola founder Trevor Milton to face securities fraud charges

The Associated Press - July 29, 2021

NEW YORK — The founder and one-time executive chair of Nikola Corp. surrendered Thursday, July 29, in New York to face charges alleging he lied about the electric and hydrogen-powered truck startup, duping some financially struggling novice investors looking for income during the pandemic. Trevor Milton resigned from Nikola in September 2020 amid allegations of fraud. At the time, Milton said he would defend himself against accusations that the company made false claims about its vehicles, allegations Nikola rejects. In an indictment unsealed Thursday in Manhattan federal court, prosecutors charged Milton with two counts of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud. He pleaded not guilty and was released on $100 million bail, which was secured by two Utah properties, including one that a prosecutor said was recently assessed at $36 million. Milton’s lawyers issued a statement saying Milton was not guilty of the charges and would be exonerated. The statement called the case “a new low in the government’s efforts to criminalize lawful business conduct. Every executive in America should be horrified.” “Trevor Milton is an entrepreneur who had a long-term vision of helping the environment by cutting carbon emissions in the trucking industry. Mr. Milton has been wrongfully accused following a faulty and incomplete investigation in which the government ignored critical evidence and failed to interview important witnesses,” the statement read. Milton was accused in the indictment of making false and misleading statements from November 2019 through last September through social media and television, print and podcast interviews about the company’s product and technology development. The indictment said the claims were aimed at retail investors who did not have professional experience in the securities markets. Shares of Nikola Corp., headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, tumbled 7% before the opening bell Thursday. The indictment said retail investors harmed by the misleading statements included people with no prior stock market experience who began trading during the coronavirus pandemic to replace or supplement lost income or to occupy time during the lockdown that resulted from the health crisis. Some of them, it said, suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses, including the loss of retirement savings or funds they had borrowed to invest in Nikola. Meanwhile, Milton was motivated to mislead investors to “enrich himself and elevate his stature as an entrepreneur,” the indictment said, noting that the value of his interest in Nikola rose as high as $8.5 billion at one point, moving him closer to his dream of being listed among the world’s 100 wealthiest people. Milton was described in the indictment as a “serial entrepreneur from Utah with no formal background in engineering” when he started Nikola in 2015. After Nikola announced in March 2020 that its stock would be publicly listed, Milton “became increasingly preoccupied” with its stock price and keeping it high, the indictment said. The indictment cited numerous public statements Milton made as false and misleading, including his claims that the company had early success at creating a “fully functioning” semitruck prototype known as the “Nikola One.” Milton knew the prototype was inoperable, it said, and was missing key parts, including gears and motors. Last year, a report from Hindenburg Research said Nikola’s success was “an intricate fraud” and based on “an ocean of lies” including a video showing a truck rolling downhill to give the impression it was cruising on a highway, and stenciling the words “hydrogen electric” on the side of a vehicle that was actually powered by natural gas. The video was included in the indictment, along with Milton’s explanation that the truck did not drive under its own power because motors and gears were removed for safety reasons and that Milton “never deceived anyone.” Milton also misled investors when he said Nikola had engineered and built an electricity- and hydrogen-powered pickup truck known as “the Badger” from the “ground up” using Nikola’s parts and technology when he knew that wasn’t true, the indictment said. The indictment alleged he misled investors as well when he said Nikola was producing hydrogen at a reduced cost “when Milton knew that in fact no hydrogen was being produced at all by Nikola, at any cost.” It said he also told investors that the company had developed batteries and other important components itself when Milton knew Nikola was acquiring those parts from third parties. In addition, Milton allegedly claimed that reservations made for future delivery of Nikola semitrucks were binding orders representing billions of dollars in revenue, when most of those orders could be canceled at any time and were for a truck Nikola had no immediate plans to produce. By Larry Neumeister, The Associated Press

Columbus Kenworth adds new parts and service dealership in Zanesville, Ohio

The Trucker News Staff - July 23, 2021

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Expanding its support to fleet and truck operators in central Ohio, Columbus Kenworth has opened a new parts and service dealership in Zanesville, about an hour east of Columbus. Kenworth of Zanesville, a division of Columbus Kenworth Inc., is positioned located along Interstate 70, one of the longest interstate highways in the U.S. In addition to serving customers passing through on I-70, Kenworth of Zanesville will support the local market, which features agriculture, gas and oil businesses. The 24,000 square-foot building is situated on 25 acres with plenty of room for drivers to park their trucks. The facility features 12 service bays and a 1,100 square-foot parts retail display area. There is also a 10,900 square-foot space allocated to bulk storage, allowing for ample parts availability. Kenworth of Zanesville is located at 3925 All American Way in Zanesville; the phone number is 740-487-4295. Hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. In addition to Kenworth of Zanesville, Columbus Kenworth Inc. operates Kenworth of Ashland and Columbus Kenworth. Hissong Kenworth Inc. operates two dealerships — Kenworth of Canton and Kenworth of Richfield. Columbus Kenworth Inc. and Hissong Kenworth Inc. are owned by the Hissong Group Inc.

More than 1,200 vehicles removed from North American roadways during surprise brake check

The Trucker News Staff - July 23, 2021

GREENBELT, Md. — During an unannounced Brake Safety Day held May 26, commercial motor vehicle inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. conducted 10,091 inspections and placed 1,273 vehicles out of service for brake-related critical vehicle inspection items. Inspectors tracked and reported data collected during the one-day inspection and enforcement initiative to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). “Inspectors conducted their usual inspections and reported brake-related data to CVSA for Brake Safety Day,” said CVSA President Sgt. John Samis with the Delaware State Police. “We are sharing the results to call attention to the importance of CMV brake safety.” According to CVSA, brakes are one a commercial vehicle’s most important systems, but brake-related violations are one of the top culprits when vehicles are placed out of service. Brake system violations was the top vehicle out-of-service category during the 2020 International Roadcheck. On Brake Safety Day each year, CVSA-certified inspectors conduct inspections, focusing on the vehicle’s brake systems and components, and remove commercial vehicles that have brake-related out-of-service violations from roadways. Here are the results from May 26: Six jurisdictions from Canada, 42 U.S. jurisdictions, and Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and National Guard participated in the initiative. Inspectors conducted a total of 10,091 inspections and placed 1,273 vehicles out of service for brake violations. The brake-related out-of-service rate in North America was 12.6%. The U.S. brake-violation out-of-service rate was 13.3%. In Canada, the rate was 11.4%, and in Mexico, the rate was 2.9%. In Canada, 946 inspections were conducted. In Mexico, inspectors conducted 487 inspections, and in the U.S., 8,658 inspections were conducted. Fourteen vehicles were removed from roadways in Mexico for brake violations. In Canada, 108 vehicles were placed out of service for brake violations, and in the U.S., 1,151 vehicles were removed from roadways because of brake violations. Brake hoses/tubing were the focus area for this year’s Brake Safety Day. Canada, Mexico and the U.S. reported a total of 1,725 brake hoses and tubing violations from the initiative. Canada reported 251 chafing violations, Mexico reported 186 and the U.S. reported 1,288. Brake hose/tubing chafing violations are divided into five categories according to the severity of the damage or wear and tear: Category 1: Brake hose/tubing wear that extends into the outer protective material. Thirty-eight percent, or 664, of brake hose chafing violations were rated as Category 1 (not an out-of-service condition). Category 2: Wear has extended through the brake hose/tubing outer protective material into the outer rubber cover. Thirty percent, or 509, of brake hose chafing violations were Category 2 (not an out-of-service condition). Category 3: The reinforcement ply is visible, but still intact, due to brake hose/tubing wear. Sixteen percent, or 275, of brake hose chafing violations were Category 3 (not an out-of-service condition). Category 4: The reinforcement ply is visible and the ply is completely frayed, severed or cut through. Ten percent, or 169, of brake hose chafing violations were Category 4 (out-of-service condition). Category 5: Brake hose/tubing wear extends through the reinforcement ply to the inner rubber layer. Six percent, or 108, of brake hose chafing violations were identified as Category 5 (out-of-service condition). “Brake hoses and tubing are essential brake system components and must be properly attached, undamaged, without leaks and flexible,” Samis said. “We chose to focus on brake hoses/tubing this year in an effort to reduce deaths and injuries as a result of CMV brake-system failures from pressure or vacuum loss due to brake hose/tubing deficiencies.” As part of the vehicle inspection process, some jurisdictions in the U.S. use performance-based brake testers that assess a vehicle’s braking performance. On Brake Safety Day, 68 of these tests were conducted; 4% of tested vehicles were placed out of service for insufficient brake performance. Brake Safety Day and Brake Safety Week (scheduled for Aug. 22-28) are part of CVSA’s Operation Airbrake program, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators and Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and the National Guard. The goal is to reduce the number of highway crashes caused by faulty braking systems on CMVs by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, owner-operators and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation.

NHTSA probes overheating brakes that could cause fires in 500,000 semis

The Associated Press - July 20, 2021

DETROIT — U.S. highway safety regulators have opened an investigation into about a half-million semis with brakes that can catch fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says in documents posted on its website July 20 that it has received 11 complaints about brakes made by Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems, including seven fires. No injuries have been reported. The complaints say problems occurred mostly on Kenworth and Peterbilt tractors. The agency is investigating brakes on model year 2015-2020 semis. NHTSA says the investigation covers certain Haldex Gold Seal brake chambers, which convert compressed air into a mechanical force that stops the trucks. It says a spring can fracture, puncturing a diaphragm and causing air loss. That can make the brakes drag without warning to the driver and eventually cause fires. The fires caused extensive damage to the trucks, and in some cases the cargo, the agency says. NHTSA says it has learned multiple truck fleets were having issues with the brake chambers. It says Haldex has replaced brake chambers on some vehicles in the fleets. NHTSA says it will determine how often the problem happens and what models it affects. An investigation can lead to a recall. Messages were left July 20 seeking comment from Haldex, which has its U.S. headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.

June trailer orders up slightly from May but down year over year

The Trucker News Staff - July 20, 2021

Preliminary reports from industry analysts show June’s net trailer orders up month over month but down year over year. According to ACT Research’s “State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers” report, trailer OEMs posted 11,100 net orders in June, 20% above May orders but 19% below June of 2020. “While the sequential increase in net orders was certainly welcome, a full response to actual fleet demand would have generated higher order volumes,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research for ACT. “Some OEMs, due to their extended backlogs, continue to be unwilling to book meaningful order volumes at this time.” June’s year-over-year drop in net orders was the first since May 2020, which Maly describes as the “tail-end” of last year’s COVID-depressed order activity. “These preliminary results point to a backlog that still extends into late Q1 of next year on average, with dry van and reefer backlogs extending into Q2 of 2022 at current production rates. While total production did improve last month, the gains came from additional days in the production schedule,” he explained. “Preliminary analysis indicates OEMs were not able to achieve any significant increase in build rates during the month, as headwinds from material and component supplies, as well as staffing challenges, continue.” FTR reported similar preliminary figures with 11,000 units sold in June — 16% above May and 24% below last year. According to FTR, trailer orders for the past 12 months total 364,000 units. Analysts at FTR noted that most OEMs are not taking additional orders for 2021 delivery. “The market is in a holding pattern until ordering for 2022 shipments begins,” noted Don Ake, FTR’s vice president of commercial vehicles. “Demand for trailers remains robust, as fleets attempt to move an increasing amount of freight during a shortage of Class 8 trucks. Fleet capacity is extremely tight. Trailer production is also constrained by supply chain disruptions and labor shortages.” Ake predicts trailer orders for 2022 will set records once the order boards are opened. “Trailer demand is expected to be sturdy throughout next year. However, the actual demand for trailers will not be ascertainable until the supply chain problems dissipate,” he said. “The production situation for early 2022 could be complicated if OEMs cannot build all the orders currently on the books in 2021.”

Charge while you roll: Indiana DOT, Purdue University plan to create highway capable of charging ECVs

The Trucker News Staff - July 15, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and Purdue University on July 1 announced plans to develop a contactless wireless-charging concrete pavement highway segment capable of charging commercial electric vehicles (CEVs). The location of the stretch of electrified pavement has yet to be determined. The project will use magnetizable concrete, developed by German startup Magment GmbH, that can enable wireless charging of electric vehicles as they drive over the surface. “Indiana is known as the ‘Crossroads of America,’ and we’re committed to fortifying our position as a transportation leader by innovating to support the emerging vehicle technology,” said Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb said. “This partnership to develop wireless charging technology for highways sends a strong signal that Indiana is on the leading edge of delivering the infrastructure needed to support the adoption of electric vehicles.” The project is part of the Advancing Sustainability through Power Infrastructure for Road Electrification (ASPIRE) Initiative, an engineering research center funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). It involves the collaboration of universities, government laboratories, businesses and other stakeholders developing next generation charging technologies for the electrification of transportation vehicles of all classes. “As electric vehicles become more widely used, demand for reliable, convenient charging infrastructure continues to grow, and the need to innovate is clear,” said INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness. “We’re excited to partner with Purdue and Magment to explore incorporating wireless charging technology into highway infrastructure.” The project will include three phases and is expected to begin later this summer Phases 1 and 2 of the projects will feature pavement testing, analysis and optimization research conducted by the Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP) at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. In Phase 3, INDOT will construct a quarter mile-long testbed at a location yet to be determined, where engineers will test the innovative concrete’s capacity to charge heavy trucks operation at high power (200 kilowatts and above). Upon successful completion of testing of all three phases, INDOT will use the new technology to electrify a yet-to-be-determined segment of interstate highway within Indiana. “The field of transportation is in the midst of a transformation not experienced since the invention of the automobile,” said Nadia Gkritza, professor of civil, agricultural and biological engineering at Purdue University. “Through this research, we envision opportunities to reduce emissions and near-road exposures to pollutants, coupled with other transportation innovations in shared mobility and automation that will shape data-driven policies encouraging advances.”

Bendix safety systems now factory option on some Volvo trucks

The Trucker News Staff - July 14, 2021

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America is offering the fifth generation of the SafetyDirect Processor (SDP5) from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems as a factory-installed option on Volvo VNL, VNR and VHD models. The SDP5 Full processor features a driver-facing camera, added digital video recorder (DVR) storage and internal battery backup to help prevent data loss. The SafetyDirect system is fully integrated with Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA), leveraging the flagship collision mitigation technology on select Volvo Class 8 models. “Customer safety continues to be at the forefront of Volvo Trucks’ core values, and we are committed to offering the latest in-cab safety technology,” said Ashley Murickan, product marketing manager for Volvo Trucks North America. “By leveraging data in near real time, the SafetyDirect system and its family of SDP5 processor technology enables fleet managers to assess driving trends and develop targeted training that addresses the actual issues taking place on the road.” The SDP5 driver-facing camera produces a high-resolution color image, supported by infrared technology for better visibility in low light conditions. Forward-facing and driver-facing cameras record continuously for up to 145 hours. The two camera angles help fleet managers better assess what has happened in front of the vehicle, as well as inside the driver cabin. “One of the advantages of the newest generation processor, the SDP5 Full, is certainly the driver-facing camera,” said TJ Thomas, director of marketing and customer solutions for Bendix. “The camera’s wide field of view helps capture the adjacent cab environment for a more complete analysis of what happens inside the cab during an event — including driver behavior and decision making or the presence of a passenger — providing critical information that aids in driver coaching.” In 2020, Volvo Trucks made the SafetyDirect SDP5 Base processor with Wi-Fi connectivity and DVR storage available on Volvo VNL, VNR and VHD models, and it remains a factory-installed option. The SDP5 Base processor can record up to 83 hours of video. The new SDP5 Full option increases that capacity by 70 percent, provides additional DVR storage and adds the driver-facing camera, all supported by the internal battery backup.

Transflo Lite offers free version of workflow tools app for drivers

The Trucker News Staff - July 14, 2021

TAMPA, Fla. — Transflo will soon offer a free mobile version of its cloud-based platform designed for company drivers and owner-operators. Transflo Lite, a free suite of workflow tools that can be used on mobile smartphones and tablets, will be available in late July. Using the Transflo Lite app, drivers will be able to scan, send, and receive workflow documents, including electronic bills of lading (eBOL) and proofs of delivery (ePOD). These contactless document transfers will help ensure driver safety and limit time spent at shippers and receivers, according to Transflo. In addition to document management, Transflo Lite provides free access to the Transflo Social Network, weather reports, driver emergency assistance, a location finder for truck stops, and express document scanning. Transflo Lite also integrates the CAT Scale, Pilot Flying J, Love’s, and TA and Petro apps, consolidating applications on drivers’ phones and tablets. “In today’s world of contactless paperwork, it’s imperative that trucking companies of all sizes, including single-truck owner-operators, have a trusted platform for document management,” said Michael Southworth, president of Transflo. “With Transflo Lite, we’re giving owner-operators access to the market leading Transflo platform at no cost, helping integrate and consolidate other applications and workflow tasks into one simple app.” Transflo Lite, available within the Transflo Mobile+ app, will be available on all iOS and Android devices via the App Store and the Google Play market by the end of July.