Equipment & Tech

DALLAS/FORTH WORTH and COLUMBUS, Ind. — Cummins Inc. and Rush Enterprises Inc. on June 29 signed a letter of intent for Cummins to acquire 50% equity interest in Rush Enterprises’ Momentum Fuel Technologies. Momentum Fuel Technologies offers the industry’s first complete compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system solution for Classes 6-8 trucks, according to a company statement. “This collaboration shows Cummins’ continued commitment to natural gas powertrains,” said Srikanth Padmanabhan, president of the engine business at Cummins. “This partnership will improve customers service for both compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable natural gas (RNG) through an improved support network. We are thrilled to expand our network of clean and reliable power solutions.” The proposed transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to completion of customary pre-closing activities and entering into mutually agreeable transaction documentation. The joint venture between Rush Enterprises and Cummins will produce Cummins-branded natural gas fuel delivery systems for the commercial vehicle market in North America. “The immediate environmental benefits of CNG and RNG, combined with upcoming regulatory requirements, will drive growth in natural gas vehicles for the foreseeable future,” said W.M. Rush, CEO and president of Rush Enterprises Inc. “This partnership will enable Rush Enterprises to continue to provide unparalleled support to our customers through our mutual, wide-ranging portfolio of Cummins’ and RushCare aftermarket solutions and keep trucks up and running across the country.” The joint venture will offer aftermarket support through Rush Truck Centers dealerships and Cummins distributors which will be able to service both the engine and the fuel delivery system. The partnership between Cummins and Rush Enterprises will benefit customers by providing them with access to an extensive CNG vehicle parts and service network. Both Cummins’ and Rush Enterprises’ respective networks, which together represent over 250 locations in the U.S. and Canada, will be equipped with certified technicians and access to a comprehensive CNG vehicle parts inventory.

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Autonomous truck technology developer Plus is partnering with Good Machine venture studio in a pilot project to transport equipment used in sustainability efforts. Supported by Schmidt Futures, Good Machine is a venture studio that works to address socio-ecological issues. As part of the pilot program, Plus’s automated trucks will help transport equipment used for Good Machine’s sustainability efforts to address wildfires, food insecurity, and illicit wildlife poaching and fishing. The partnership kicked off in mid-June, with Plus’s autonomous truck hauling equipment from Winnemucca, Nevada, to San Francisco to be used for a wildfire-detection project in California. The wildfire detection project aims to use stratospheric balloon technology to detect fires early and report them to relevant authorities to help reduce catastrophic damage. Additional hauls will take place over the next year of the pilot program. According to a statement released by Pilot and Good Machine, a key benefit of using semitrucks equipped with Plus’s autonomous driving tech is a 10% reduction in fuel consumption (compared to the most efficient driver), resulting in an equal decrease in carbon emissions. “Sustainability is part of the core mission for both Plus and Good Machine,” said Shawn Kerrigan, COO and co-founder of Plus. “By joining forces, we are creating a win-win-win for our companies and the environment. Plus is delighted to serve as an enabler of Good Machine’s inspiring sustainability efforts by using our fuel-efficient autonomous trucks to transport the equipment and supplies needed to launch these projects,” Good Machine has a broad portfolio of projects addressing global issues caused by climate change and marine pollution. ReefGen, an underwater planting robot, is being used to revive marine ecosystems and coral tourism around the world. Fresure is a shipping container outfitted with solar panel energy to keep perishable foods cold during handling and storage, which reduces post-harvest losses and increases the available food supply to address food insecurity. Good Machine and its portfolio companies work with a number of partners, including Johns Hopkins University, Minderoo Foundation, National Science Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, Schmidt Futures, Wildlife Conservation Society, WorldFish and others. “At Good Machine, we believe that solutions to the world’s most pressing problems need to be inventive, sustainable, and scalable,” said David Solomon, CEO of Good Machine. “We are excited to collaborate with a mission-aligned partner in Plus that is commercializing a sustainable commercial transportation solution which reduces the carbon footprint of our shipping needs.”

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Good things are in store for the Class 8 truck market, according to ACT Research. In its Commercial Vehicle Dealer Digest, ACT reported that Class 8 net orders were soft in May, as full 2021 backlogs and fully opened 2022 order books constrained activity. “For Class 8, after a torrent of orders from October to March, orders moderated in April, before falling to a nine-month low in May,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “The order lines on the Dashboard graph illustrate the current rollover in the trend. A drop in the order trend preceded the opening of subsequent years’ orders in each of the last two cycles, with significantly higher orders booked ahead of the second year of the cycle. Given recent historical precedent, we would expect orders to rise materially in coming months.” Vieth noted that, although he expects orders to jump during the third quarter of 2021, there are two caveats. “First, through all but the most recent cycle, OEMs have typically not opened out-year order books until September-October,” he explained. “Second, at a recent conference, an OEM executive indicated that his company was at least contemplating some type of allocation system to best serve all of their customer constituencies in challenging market conditions.” In addition, ACT’s mid-year Transportation Digest indicates the economy, for freight, and for equipment utilization are “about as good” as the company’s analysts have ever seen. “Near term, volumes will be dictated by OEM and supplier capacity; the market will take as many trucks, tractors, and trailers as the manufacturers can make for this year and deep into next year,” Vieth said. “We’ve been on a wild 12-month return-to-near-normal ride, but having reached the ‘it’s as good as it gets’ stage, the next question company management and ACT’s clients are asking is, ‘When does it all end?’” The answer, Vieth said, pointing to the trajectory of ACT’s forecast, is “not any time soon.” “But even as a theoretical exercise, it’s worthwhile to run through the array of signals to watch for early, actionable signs of a pending change in direction,” he said. “Those include considerations like the yield curve, commodity prices, stock prices, purchasing managers’ surveys, spot freight rates, and ACT Research’s Class 8 Tractor Dashboard.”

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo VNR electric Class 8 trucks are making inroads in fleet use for local and regional routes. According to Volvo, the Volvo VNR Electric significantly reduces emissions, paving the way for decarbonized transportation, reduced CO2 emissions and cleaner air. In early June, Manhattan Beer Distributors, a New York City-based beer and beverage distributor, placed an order for five Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 trucks — the first zero tailpipe emission, battery-electric trucks to be deployed in the company’s fleet of more than 400 delivery trucks. The distributor plans to use the VNR Electric models to serve retail customers throughout metropolitan New York City, Long Island and surrounding counties from one of the company’s warehouses located in Hunts Point in the Bronx “As a bold first mover and leader in bringing battery-electric Class 8 trucks to New York, Manhattan Beer Distributors is demonstrating to the industry that environmental and economic sustainability can go hand in hand,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “This is an exciting milestone for both of our organizations, and we are honored they have continued to partner with Volvo Trucks to reduce their carbon footprint.” The five Volvo VNR Electric trucks purchased by Manhattan Beer Distributors are the first commercial sale of this model outside of California. “Manhattan Beer Distributors prides ourselves on implementing sustainable practices into all our operations and investing in the future because it’s the right thing to do,” said Simon Bergson, president of Manhattan Beer Distributors. “We are excited to offer a zero-emission delivery solution to our customers and look forward to putting more Volvo VNR Electric trucks into our fleet operations.” Also in June, Penske Truck leasing took delivery of two VNR Electrics from Volvo Trucks North America, expanding its fleet of battery-electric Class 8 models available in Southern California. Penske operates more than 333,000 trucks. “Our companies share a common mission of providing top-tier, comprehensive service to help fleets maximize uptime and reliability,” Voorhoeve said. “We look forward to seeing positive results with these first two battery-electric units and working alongside Penske to expand its VNR Electric fleet in the future.” Penske deployed the VNR Electric trucks as part of the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project, a collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and 12 other organizations to develop a blueprint to successfully introduce battery-electric trucks and equipment into the market at scale. “As early adopters, Penske Truck Leasing is helping lead the deployment of zero-emission trucks in Southern California through the Volvo LIGHTS project,” said Wayne Nastri, executive officer of South Coast AQMD. “By reducing emissions in the local freight logistics industry, we can help deliver cleaner air to the region.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas announced last week that it has taken a minority investment in Kodiak Robotics, a U.S.-based self-driving truck company. According to a June 16 statement, this will allow Bridgestone to integrate its smart-sensing tire technologies and fleet solutions into Kodiak’s Level 4 autonomous trucks. In addition, the two companies plan to pilot future autonomous and smart tire technologies to further enhance vehicle intelligence. “Automated vehicles offer a number of benefits to commercial fleet customers and society, including safer roads with fewer unexpected incidents, and upwards of 20 percent savings in fuel and efficiency,” said Paolo Ferrari, who serves as global chief solutions officer for Bridgestone Corp. and president and CEO of Bridgestone Americas. “Advancements in tire-centric technologies are critical to unlocking greater innovation in mobility, while also delivering significant sustainability benefits,” he continued. “This investment will enable Bridgestone and Kodiak to work together to co-develop advanced mobility solutions with speed and precision that will revolutionize commercial trucking.” Kodiak’s fleet of Level 4 self-driving long-haul trucks, with a safety driver on board, move freight autonomously in the state of Texas, and the company plans to deploy driverless trucks in the next few years. Full vehicle intelligence is vital to safe, efficient and sustainable autonomy, according to a prepared statement from the two companies. The statement also notes that Bridgestone’s cloud-based technologies use connected vehicle data to help predict tire health and maintenance and to optimize tire lifespan. Together, Bridgestone and Kodiak plan to link vehicle-based, smart-sensing tire technologies to improve safety and efficiency in the next generation of autonomous trucks. “After an extensive diligence process, Bridgestone has chosen Kodiak as an autonomous trucking partner,” said Don Burnette, co-founder and CEO of Kodiak Robotics. “Bridgestone’s investment is a huge moment for Kodiak and a great validation of our industry-leading autonomous system.” As part of the partnership, Nizar Trigui, chief technology officer and group president of solutions businesses for Bridgestone, will join Kodiak’s board of directors as an observer.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — According to preliminary reports from ACT Research, trailer OEMs posted 8,800 net orders in May, down 39% from April, but almost 170% better than the COVID-impacted level last year. Final May volume will be available later this month. “The sequential decline in net orders was no surprise, as the impact of supply and staffing headwinds overcame continued strong market demand,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis at ACT Research. “With industry backlogs for dry vans and reefers extending well into next year, OEMs are reticent to continue to book orders that would further extend their delivery horizons. Some fleets may be unwilling to extend their commitments, as well. The combination of those concerns generates headwinds to additional order placement and accentuates the seasonal softness that normally occurs in late spring and early summer.” ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report provides a monthly review of the current U.S. trailer market statistics, as well as trailer OEM build plans and market indicators divided by all major trailer types, including backlogs, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders and factory shipments. “While these early reports indicate that OEMs did improve production rates in May, the increase was not as strong as they would prefer,” Maly said. “Until meaningful increases in build rates can be attained, expect order acceptance by OEMs to remain somewhat restrained.”

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — The Port of Los Angeles and its partners on June 7 announced the launch of five new hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), along with the grand opening of two hydrogen fueling stations. Under the $82.5 million Shore-to-Store (S2S) project, more than a dozen public and private sector partners have teamed up for a 12-month demonstration of zero-emission Class 8 trucks. The project will be expanded to include five more hydrogen-fueled heavy-duty trucks, two battery-electric yard tractors and two battery-electric forklifts. The large-scale, multiyear demonstration is designed to advance the Port’s Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) goals and help California achieve statewide climate change, air-quality improvement, and sustainability targets for reducing greenhouse gases and toxic air emissions. The project will assess the operational and technical feasibility of using FCEVs in a heavy-duty setting, as well as expand infrastructure to support hydrogen-fueled vehicles throughout the region. “Transporting goods between our port and the Inland Empire is the first leg of this next journey toward a zero-emissions future,” said Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. “This project is a model for developing and commercializing the next generation of clean trucks and cargo-handling equipment for the region and beyond. Just as the air we breathe extends beyond the port’s footprint, so should the clean air and economic benefits we believe this project will yield.” The port’s technology development partners include Toyota Motor North America, which designed and built the powertrain’s fuel cell electric power supply system; Kenworth Truck Co., which designed and built the Class 8 trucks powered by Toyota’s fuel cell electric system; and Shell Oil Products, which designed, built and will operate the project’s two new high-capacity hydrogen fueling stations in Wilmington, California, and Ontario, California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is supporting the project with a matching grant of $41.1 million. Project partners will contribute the remaining $41.4 million in financial and in-kind support. “For generations, neighborhoods located next to high-volume traffic corridors have experienced disproportionately high rates of air pollution and pollution-related illness, particularly in the greater Los Angeles region,” said Craig Segall, deputy executive officer for CARB. “We are working steadily to change this trajectory by helping to fund, support and promote comprehensive efforts like the Port of L.A.’s Shore-to-Store Project that will run cleaner and quieter trucks that will substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower smog-forming emissions as well. It’s a sizable investment in a project with the potential to radically transform how we move freight in one of the most populous regions in the U.S.”   Partners operating the trucks include Toyota Logistics Services and UPS, along with trucking companies Total Transportation Services Inc. and Southern Counties Express. Gas and technology leader Air Liquide is also participating as a fuel supplier. The Port of Hueneme will partner on drayage runs and serve as the site for testing the zero-emission yard tractors. Other public sector partners include the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), serving as a project advisor; the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which will collect and analyze project data; and the Coalition for a Safe Environment, representing the community. The vehicles’ duty cycles will consist of local pickup and delivery and drayage near the Port of Los Angeles and short regional-haul applications in the Inland Empire. Project partners will study the technical feasibility of hydrogen-fueled tractors and battery-electric cargo-handling equipment operating in the southern California market. At the same time, it will measure the reduction of nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as other pollutants. The Port of Los Angeles S2S Project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. The demonstration is moving forward with a $41.1 million grant from CARB’s zero and near zero emissions freight facilities (ZANZEFF) program, paired with financial or in-kind support from participating partners. Planning for S2S began in 2018. The project is one of 16 demonstrations underway at the port to accelerate near-zero and zero-emissions solutions for moving cargo.

IRVINE, Calif. — Getac Technology Corp. and Pedigree Technologies recently announced a joint ELD (electronic logging device) solution that combines Getac’s rugged Android Tablet and dock (Model ZX70) with Pedigree’s Cab-Mate ELD and other in-cab solutions. According to the two companies, the resulting next-generation in-cab system is designed to provide long-term reliability to trucking fleets that may have been challenged with tablet failures, missing data or inconsistent connectivity. “A significant chunk of our ELD business comes from enterprises who were disappointed with their early ELD investment,” said Wade Wilson, CEO of Pedigree. “Customers told us about consumer tablet issues including USB connector failures, short-lived batteries and inconsistent Bluetooth connectivity. This is why we’re excited to join Getac in providing the most robust ELD solution on the market.” The joint solution is directly connected with the truck to address connectivity delays and missing data often seen with BYOD (bring your own device) offerings. “As soon as the truck is turned on and moves, ELD data is logged, regardless of connectivity. Keeping to our commitment of strict adherence to the ELD mandate while keeping it as easy as possible, Pedigree aims to make the ELD bulletproof,” Wilson said. Powered by Android, the ZX70 supports Android’s standardized Google Play applications and is available with various docks and mounts for in-cab deployment in all sizes of trucks. According to Getac, the ZX70 tablet and dock is engineered to survive 6-foot drops, shocks, rain, vibration and dust. It operates at extreme temperatures, from minus 6 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and will work after being submerged in 1 meter of water. The ZX70 also offers optional certifications for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. “An extra-rugged device is important. Whether the device is dropped or exposed to really bad weather, it’ll work. We’re so confident that the ZX70 can handle extreme environments we offer a bumper-to-bumper, three-year warranty including accidental damage,” said Joe Martin, director Getac’s director of Product Solutions division. Verified by Google as an Android Enterprise Recommended Rugged Device, the ZX70 can also be used for out-of-truck mobile productivity. Along with one-handed operation, the 7-inch display features Getac’s sunlight-readable touchscreen technology, LumiBond 2.0, with better contrast and crisper colors. The ZX70 comes with a hard-tip stylus and supports touch, glove or pen modes, and it provides best-in-class battery run time. Pedigree’s ELD Cab-Mate offering was developed with customer feedback, including budget and application requirements. Built on the OneView platform, the ELD Cab-Mate supports a full suite of tools, from ELDs, International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA) records, DVIRs (driver vehicle inspection reports) and work orders to equipment health and driver safety solutions, including cameras.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Michelin North America Inc. is launching two pre-mold retreads to broaden its lineup of tire retread technologies. According to Michelin, the X Multi T-SA Pre-Mold Retread is designed to address the scrub and stresses in spread axle and tag axle applications while also providing mileage performance in regional and super-regional operations. The Michelin X One Line Energy T2 Pre-Mold Retread is designed to lower the total cost of ownership for the line-haul market through trailer tread wear and fuel savings. “Fleet managers are under pressure to have well-managed tire programs, yet some managers may be pressured into selecting low-priced tires instead of high-quality retreads,” said Adam Murphy, vice president of business to business marketing for Michelin. “The smart money is on retreads. Retreading plays the central role in delivering the lowest total tire program cost and creates the greatest return on a fleet’s tire investment. In addition, manufacturing a retreaded tire requires 15 gallons less oil and approximately 90-100 pounds less total material than a new tire, so the environment also benefits.” The Michelin X Multi T-SA Pre-Mold retread tire is designed for regional and super-regional operations. A rubber compound enhances scrub resistance and wear rate while the rounded, solid shoulder provides resistance to aggression, the manufacturer said. This retread provides maximum tread-to-shoulder adhesion in high scrub applications and provides up to 25% more mileage. Groove-bottom protectors defend against stone drilling. The Michelin X Multi T-SA retread is available with a deep 16/32-inch tread depth in six tread base width/tread width with wings including 185/225, 195/235, 205/245, 215/255, 225/265 and 245/285. The Michelin X One Line Energy T2 Pre-Mold Retread, which will be available July 1, is designed for better wear compared to the Michelin X One Line Energy T Pre-Mold Retread it replaces. For line-haul applications, the Michelin X One Line Energy T2 Pre-Mold Retread provides outstanding handling and has a solid shoulder to help reduce irregular wear. This trailer-position retread offers fuel savings through its advanced compound tread for a lower total cost of ownership. A winged tread provides shoulder adhesion to the casing, while waved grooves help prevent stone drilling and wide grooves promote improved water evacuation. This retread meets SmartWay requirements and offers tire technology in a retread. There is a 375/425 tread base width and a tread width wings size with a 13/32-inch tread depth. Tread widths with two measurements have wings. The first number is tread base width in millimeter. The second number is the overall width, wing tip to tip. As a part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Program, the retread has demonstrated incremental fuel savings when low rolling resistance tires are used just on the tractor and/or just on the trailer. Actual results may vary, and may be impacted by many factors, to include road conditions, weather, environment, combination of steer and drive tires used, driving habits, tire size, equipment, and maintenance.

PULASKI, Va. — It may soon be possible for trucking executives to convert their diesel fleets to battery electric power without replacing existing tractors. A diesel to electric (D2E) driveline conversion program for electrifying existing Class 7 and Class 8 diesel trucks is currently being developed by Trova Commercial Vehicles (TrovaCV), an engineering and manufacturing firm. “Over the past year, we’ve developed our rolling chassis as a ‘skateboard’ solution for converting existing heavy-duty trucks to electric power at a much lower cost than buying a new EV,” said Patrick Collignon, TrovaCV founder and CEO. “Our D2E package combines the latest electric driveline technology with a completely new chassis thoughtfully designed from the ground up specifically for EV components.” TrovaCV is developing a prototype vehicle and engineering processes for the conversion program, with rollout planned in late 2022. “It is simply not possible to reach lofty zero emission targets without transforming existing diesel trucks in one way or another,” Collignon said. “We are aiming at a population of 400,000 Class 7 and 8 vehicles in North America that are excellent candidates for conversion to battery electric power through our D2E program.” Each conversion will ride on TrovaCV’s new proprietary rolling chassis, which is purpose-built to accommodate battery-electric driveline components. With this method, a truck’s battery packs can be packaged within the chassis rails. According to TrovaCV, central mounting increases battery-pack durability compared to side-rail mounting, helps to improve vehicle stability and increases the safety of both the batteries and vehicle in major side-impact crashes. The conversion process will be conducted in a factory. Before the arrival of the original truck to be converted, a new rolling chassis will be equipped with a brand-new electric driveline. Once the truck has been cleaned and all liquids drained, the bumper, hood and cab will be removed and prepped for reassembly. Next, the original axles, fifth wheel and brake system from the existing truck will be transferred onto the new chassis. Finally, the cab, hood and bumper will be reassembled. A statement from TrovaCV promises the process will be engineered to the highest quality-assurance standards and will incorporate a thorough component inspection prior to reassembly. While the truck is being converted, fleet personnel will be educated on the use and maintenance of their new battery-electric vehicle. The environmental benefits of the TrovaCV D2E Program extend to putting the recovered components, such as the diesel engine, transmission, and cooling module, into a reman process to extend their life cycles. In addition, the old chassis will be reconditioned and reused if possible; otherwise, it will be recycled.

COLUMBUS, Ind., and BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — According to analysts at ACT Research and FTR, preliminary figures for May show a 32% drop in Class 8 order for May 2021. According to data from ACT, Preliminary North American Class 8 net orders for May totaled 22,900 units, down 32% from April — but 242% higher than May 2020. Demand for Classes 5-7, with orders at 24,800 units, slipped 14% from April. Analysts at FTR reported that preliminary North American Class 8 net orders cooled off in May to 23,600 units. “As we have been tracking for several months, medium- and heavy-duty backlogs for the remainder of 2021 were essentially filled with April’s orders,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “With 2022 order books not yet opened, it is not particularly surprising that orders for both segments fell to levels last seen in August 2020. We reiterate that the order pullback aligns with expectations, driven by the supply of open build slots in 2021, rather than demand for equipment.” FTR reports that Class 8 orders are returning to a pace more in line with seasonal trends. May orders were down 32% month over month but still up 16,800 units year over year from the anemic level of May 2020. Class 8 orders now total 420,000 units for the previous 12 months. “Most fleets have ordered all the trucks they need for 2021,” said Don Ake, vice president of commercial vehicles for FTR. “They are getting frustrated because production is unable to keep up with demand. Carriers need more trucks on the road now, but semiconductor and other component shortages continue to restrict production.” The drop-off in May does not represent a weakening of demand, as freight growth continues to be robust and spot rates are hitting all-time highs. Build slots for delivery this year are filling up, and OEMs are not yet booking for 2022. “There is tremendous pent-up demand being generated in this market,” Ake said. “Freight is growing at a brisk pace, but the supply chain bottlenecks slow the flow of new trucks coming off the production line. This, in turn, is keeping the spot market overheated.”

KIRKLAND, Wash.– Kenworth now offers a 52-inch flat-roof sleeper specifically for Class 8 crane, pump, car hauler and other applications that may require a low roof. With the addition of the 52-inch flat roof sleeper and the Kenworth AG400L rear suspension’s new 6.5-inch ride height (2 inches lower than previously available) Kenworth has created a perfect combination for low-roof applications. The new specification and sleeper are available for the Kenworth T680, T880 and W990 models. To support the new application, the W990 model now has a right-hand side horizontal tailpipe beneath the DPF/SCR to match the current T680 and T880 offering. An under rail DPF/SCR exhaust system is also available on the T680 and T880 models. To further reduce overall truck height, the set forward front axle Kenworth W990 and T880S models have a 5-inch drop front axle option that lowers the front of the truck by 1.5 inches over the standard 3.5 inches drop. Kenworth low-profile tire options include 275/80R22.5 front tires and 255/70R22.5 rear tires, 295/60R22.5 front and rear tires. The smaller 22.5-inch diameter fuel tanks allow for maximum ground clearance. The 52-inch flat roof sleeper model is equipped with a 2.1-meter wide cab. Key features include a fully trimmed premium interior, 56-inch interior cab height, a triple-sealed door for a quieter ride, and a 15-inch digital display. Kenworth SmartWheel is available with cruise and radio control on the steering wheel, and an under-door light which illuminates the steps and ground. Also available are the latest driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation. In addition, remote PTO controls are available from the factory for upfit, and a full truck kit provides air and light lines to the end of the frame. “Truck height is extremely critical in many low-roof operations,” said Laura Bloch, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “The 52-inch flat roof sleeper, plus the other supporting options, will help our customers specify their trucks to meet the needs of their low-profile applications.” For more information about the new Kenworth 52-inch flat-roof sleeper, contact a local Kenworth dealer.

IRVINE, Calif. — Albertsons Cos. in late May made the nation’s first commercial zero-emission grocery delivery using a Class 8 Volvo VNR Electric truck. This inaugural delivery, made to a LEED-certified Albertsons store in Irvine, California, is an exciting step toward achieving Albertson’s sustainability goals, according to a company statement. Albertsons Companies, the second-largest grocery chain in the U.S., recently took delivery of two Volvo VNR Electric trucks. The VNR Electric models from Volvo Trucks North America are the first zero tailpipe emission, battery-electric Class 8 trucks to be deployed in Albertsons’ company-wide fleet, and will be serving Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions stores. Albertsons paired electric-powered transport refrigeration units from Advanced Energy Machines (AEM) with the two Volvo VNR Electrics. “We are thrilled to continue our long-term partnership with Albertsons Cos. as they begin their journey toward fleet electrification and achieve this momentous accomplishment of a fully zero-emission grocery delivery,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Albertsons’ commitment to corporate sustainability is demonstrated by the steps it is taking to reduce its carbon footprint in its stores and fleet. We are confident that the Volvo VNR Electrics Albertsons is deploying in southern California will enable the company to not only reduce its emissions, but to make reliable daily deliveries to its grocery stores throughout the region.” Albertsons operates 1,400 Class 8 trucks nationwide, all of which are certified under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program as meeting high transportation sustainability and efficiency standards. Albertsons’ Southern California fleet, which is made up entirely of tractors manufactured by Volvo Trucks, covers 335 stores in the region, running from the Central Coast to the California-Mexico border. A company statement notes that Albertsons works to maintain sustainability goals in all sectors of its operations, including energy use, plastics and packaging, and recycling and waste reduction. In April, the company committed to setting a science-based target to reduce carbon emissions in its direct operations and value chains to support the goals of the United Nations’ Paris Agreement and prevent the worst impacts of climate change. To meet these climate goals, Albertsons Cos. will utilize innovative technology, such as electric trucks, and continue to implement expansive energy-efficiency projects and produce renewable energy. “The partnership Albertsons has built with Volvo Trucks has enabled our fleet to be on the forefront of innovation and to demonstrate our leadership in sustainable transportation,” said Tim Burke, vice president of transportation for Albertsons. “We look forward to operating Volvo VNR Electric trucks in our southern California routes, as they will not only help improve air quality in the communities in which we operate, but the quiet motors will also provide a better working environment for our drivers and grocery store staff.” The Volvo VNR Electric trucks Albertsons acquired are part of the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project, a collaboration between Volvo Trucks North America, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), and 12 other organizations to develop a robust support ecosystem to successfully introduce battery-electric trucks and equipment into the North American transport industry at scale. “By taking this major step, Albertsons has demonstrated the viability of a sustainable, zero-emission goods delivery future,” said Lisa Bartlett, Orange County supervisor and South Coast AQMD governing board member. “South Coast AQMD commends Albertsons and the Volvo LIGHTS project for helping us reach this milestone, paving the way for future fleets to improve air quality throughout the South Coast Air Basin.”

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt Motors Co. announced June 1 that the manufacturer’s Model 567 is now available in an UltraLoft sleeper configuration. The workhorse of the Peterbilt product lineup, the Model 567 can be used for virtually any application, from vocational to on-highway and regional haul configurations. With the addition of the UltraLoft sleeper, the Model 567 now offers a more spacious, integral sleeper option with traditional signature pod-mounted headlamps, a Metton hood and a stainless-steel grille. By optimizing the space available, the UltraLoft sleeper provides 70 cubic feet of overall storage, along with 8 feet of headroom for added comfort. The UltraLoft also gives drivers upper and lower bunk mattresses and best-in-class headroom in both bunks, as well as space to accommodate the industry’s largest microwave and enough room to fit a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Interior updates to the Model 567 are highlighted by the class leading 15-inch digital display with a fully customizable user interface that delivers information and full PTO integration so operators can personalize the display information. The Model 567 UltraLoft also provides new driver comforts, including more cabin storage, two cup holders and options for 12V or USB charging ports. The Model 567 is available with the latest advanced driver-assistance systems fully integrated into the digital display, including lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with auto resume, speed sign recognition, side object detection, safety direct integration, multilane emergency braking and highway departure detection. “The launch of the Model 567 UltraLoft is another example of Peterbilt’s drive to continually innovate our product line to deliver industry leading comfort and performance for our customers and truck drivers alike,” said Jason Skoog Peterbilt, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “There is no question that 2021 has been the most exciting year for Peterbilt and our customers, with more new products hitting the road than ever before.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Bridgestone Americas on June 1 expanded the company’s fuel-efficient Ecopia commercial truck tire line with the introduction of the all-new Bridgestone R213 Ecopia tire. According to a company statement, the new tire is engineered to reduce operating costs by delivering ultra-high fuel efficiency — the highest ever offered on a Bridgestone long-haul steer tire — in addition to significant improvements in wear performance. “Today’s fleets are running their trucks longer and farther, making it critical to get maximum performance out of every tire purchase,” said Kyle Chen, brand manager of truck and bus radial tires for Bridgestone. “The new Bridgestone R213 Ecopia tire harnesses major innovations in both materials and design to deliver smarter, more sustainable tire performance. This translates to a better bottom line through the tire’s exceptional wear life and outstanding fuel efficiency.” The Bridgestone R213 Ecopia tire delivers one of the industry’s strongest combinations of wear and fuel performance, providing more miles and a lower total cost of ownership, according to the company’s June 1 statement. Featuring directional edge sipes to resist scrub and offer up to 15% longer mileage, the Bridgestone R213 Ecopia outperforms the previous-generation Bridgestone R284 Ecopia tire. In addition, a redesigned tread pattern, paired with an innovative compound, reduces tire weight, improving rolling resistance and fuel efficiency by 6%. ​ Key engineering improvements and innovations in the Bridgestone R213 Ecopia tire include: A four-rib tire design with patented NanoPro-Tech polymer to limit energy loss and enhance stiffness for optimum fuel efficiency. An Intellishape sidewall design containing less bead filler volume to reduce tire weight without compromising durability. Center rib sipes to evacuate water and improve traction on wet surfaces more effectively. Directional stress relief sipes to absorb shoulder edge forces in the footprint for even longer wear. A redesigned defense side groove to better resist irregular wear, helping improve fuel efficiency and durability over the long haul. The Bridgestone R213 Ecopia tire, which is EPA SmartWay verified, will be offered in eight variations — with four sizes and two load ranges per size — at Bridgestone authorized dealers in the U.S. and Canada.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Werner Enterprises received the first Kenworth T680 Next Generation production truck during a special ceremony held May 21 at the Kenworth manufacturing plant. According to a manufacturer’s statement, Kenworth’s T680 Next Gen on-highway flagship expands on the success of the classic T680 model, raising the bar for fuel efficiency, class-leading performance and bold aerodynamic styling. Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president, presented the keys, along with a plaque commemorating the delivery of the first production T680 Next Gen, to Werner Enterprises executives Scott Reed, senior vice president of equipment purchasing and maintenance, and Tony Wahl, director of equipment purchasing. “We are a company built by a driver for drivers, and our drivers are passionate about the Kenworth T680s that have served as an integral part of our fleet for many years,” Reed said. “The T680 Next Gen’s excellent comfort, styling and performance is highly anticipated among our drivers, and we are all eager to see the new model join our fleet.” The Kenworth T680 Next Gen provides drivers with a customizable 15-inch digital display, the next-generation Kenworth SmartWheel, additional advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), signature LED headlamps, a comfortable cab and sleeper, and a sleek aerodynamic design. “Kenworth and Werner Enterprises have shared a strong relationship over the years,” Baney said. “It is very fitting for Kenworth to deliver the first T680 Next Gen production truck to such a great customer. On behalf of Kenworth and the Kenworth Chillicothe team building the World’s Best trucks, we thank you for your business. We look forward to delivering more T680 Next Gens in the days ahead.” The Kenworth T680 Next Gen is designed to optimize performance in line haul, pickup and delivery, and regional haul operations. 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. “It’s always gratifying for our Kenworth Chillicothe employees to launch a landmark first production truck. Our team worked diligently and enthusiastically to produce this milestone Kenworth T680 Next Gen equipped with a 76-inch sleeper for Werner Enterprises,” said Chris Davis, Kenworth Chillicothe plant manager.