Equipment & Tech

ALBANY, N.Y. — Bestpass, which provides a comprehensive payment platform with a focus on nationwide toll management for commercial fleets, has released two new transponder options for commercial fleets, Complete Pass Scout and Horizon Scout. Complete Pass Scout provides nationwide toll coverage, and Horizon Scout optimizes toll coverage for regional fleets. “Bestpass continues to drive innovation in the industry to offer our customers and our tolling partners simplicity and value across North America,” said Tom Fogarty, CEO of Bestpass. “Each of these devices enhances our toll management service for our customers, and Bestpass offers the most comprehensive coverage footprint along with flexible options to meet regional deployment needs.” Complete Pass Scout includes three different tolling technology protocols and covers 100% of major U.S. toll roads. Horizon Scout, which includes two toll technology protocols, offers regional coverage in California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, South Carolina and Washington state.

MONROVIA, Calif. — Double Coin and CMA, a tire manufacturer offering a comprehensive lineup of products, has expanded its warehouse network with the addition of their new warehouse and distribution center in Houston. The new state-of-the-art facility — Double Coin’s largest warehouse in North America — began operations on September 15. It includes office space, 29 dock doors and two drive up ramps. The warehouse will serve the growing demand for Double Coin’s comprehensive range of Truck & Bus Radial (TBR) and Off-The-Road (OTR)/Individual (IND) tires. “We are thrilled to open the Houston warehouse in such a key location,” said Tim Phillips, vice president of marketing and operations for CMA. “Double Coin constantly strives to provide our customers exceptional service, and through this new warehouse, we will have enhanced logistics capabilities that will greatly benefit our company and our valued customers. The warehouse is also just minutes away from the Houston docks, which will make shipping easier and quicker.” Double Coin’s Houston warehouse is located at 4300 Malone Drive, Pasadena, Texas. It will be one of seven warehouses operated by the company within North and Central America, Canada and Mexico. In addition to the four located in the U.S., other warehouse centers are located in Airdrie AB, Canada, Querètaro, Mexico, and San Josè, Costa Rica. For more information, click here.

GREENSBORO, N.C., and SAN FRANSISCO — Volvo Trucks North America has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Samsara to investigate providing an all-encompassing, single-source telematics service that includes compliance services, cameras, trailer sensors, safety, maintenance services and more available via Samsara’s platform. “We look forward to working with Samsara and their unique data systems. This opportunity allows us to explore how our customers can leverage Samsara’s integrated solutions for more efficient fleet management,” said Conal Deedy, director of customer productivity solutions for Volvo Trucks North America. “Volvo Trucks is at the forefront of connectivity, and we’re always looking to bring solutions to the market that help increase operational efficiency, safety and sustainability for our customers,” added Ashley Murickan, product marketing manager for Volvo Trucks North America. Samsara’s portfolio of complete IoT solutions combine hardware, software, and cloud to bring real-time visibility, analytics, and AI to operations. The company serves more than 15,000 customers across diverse sizes and industries, including transportation and logistics, field services, energy, construction and other sectors. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Volvo Trucks, particularly given our shared belief that driver safety and overall experience is of the utmost importance,” said Chris Mozzocchi, director of OEM integrations for Samsara. “(This) marks the beginning of a partnership that will eventually span numerous products and services so customers can run safer and more efficient fleets.”

PORTLAND, Ore. — Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has introduced new roadside assistance programs for both Freightliner and Western Star customers. Under the new programs, DTNA will utilize FleetNet America to provide emergency roadside-assistance services, including towing and recovery, mobile truck repair, tire repair and more. “While unanticipated breakdowns are an unfortunate reality of driving a truck, we want to give customers peace of mind that their issue is being addressed immediately and effectively,” said Paul Romanaggi, chief customer-experience officer for DTNA. “FleetNet’s vast resources and 24/7 availability will help maximize uptime and get trucks back on the road as fast as possible to help our customers keep the world moving.” The new programs are designed to give Freightliner and Western Star customers a seamless customer experience. In many cases, customers will be directed to the DTNA service network for root cause analysis and repair — or when necessary to ensure faster assessment and initial diagnostics, to the closest FleetNet America service provider selected by the customer. Through both of the purpose-built programs, real-time updates will keep customers informed of the status of their repair. Customers can opt to receive updates via the FleetNet app, online or through text and email, or they can set up a custom communications system to best fit their needs. In addition to the same features Freightliner and Western Star customers received from DTNA’s previous roadside-assistance management services, FleetNet will provide services such as Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards (VRMS) coding for all events and more efficient invoicing. Additional program enhancements will be announced at a later date. The new Freightliner and Western Star roadside assistance programs have replaced previous programs offered by DTNA. For more information about the Freightliner assistance program, click here; for Western Star, click here.

PHOENIX — To help make trucks drivers aware of upcoming road hazards, work zones, available parking spaces and more, PrePass Safety Alliance has added more than 1,000 new alerts to its PrePass Motion weigh station bypass app. With the addition of the new alerts, which appear free of charge on the PrePass Motion app, carriers now benefit from 1,359 alerts that notify truck drivers of steep grades, gusty winds, runaway truck ramps, work zones, truck parking availability, rest areas, “no commercial” roads and brake check/chain-up areas. The app is available on Android and iOS powered devices, as well as in-cab telematics systems. “This expansion of the alerts system on PrePass Motion gives drivers very important information to keep them safe and on time as they travel down the road,” said Mark Doughty, president and CEO of PrePass Safety Alliance. “Working in collaboration with our state agency, enforcement and trucking industry partners, PrePass was the first bypass platform to offer these safety enhancements, and we expect more growth in the program soon.” PrePass Motion operates as a standalone app or in conjunction with the PrePass transponder for weigh station bypassing. The Motion weigh station bypass app is an enhancement that offers additional bypass sites and increased functionality, including Alerts. “PrePass Safety Alliance is the only weigh station preclearance provider that offers multiple bypass technology choices. When traditional transponders and MOTION are paired together, customers get the most complete and reliable bypass service available,” Doughty said. “Most importantly, PrePass Alerts provides information that can immediately and directly improve highway safety and efficiency.” PrePass Safety Alliance is the nonprofit provider of PrePass services, a data platform that allows states to preclear qualified commercial motor carriers to bypass inspection facilities at highway speeds and also provides driver safety alerts, electronic toll payment services and more.

LINCOLN, Neb. — According to new market data from Sandhills Global, used heavy-duty sleeper truck inventory on TruckPaper.com was down 22% in August compared to July. The used inventory numbers, which correlate with changes in key value metrics including asking price per mile and inventory sold, resulted in the largest month-to-month average price increase (up 2%) since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Used heavy-duty day cab inventory experienced a similar month-to-month inventory drop (down 20%) and average unit price increase (up 3%). Emerging from July, the truck market was poised for recovery, according to analysts at Sandhills Global. The charts shown here illustrate how quickly inventory levels have dropped in recent months for used heavy-duty sleeper trucks and day cabs. Based on these metrics, Sandhills would expect used truck pricing to continue to increase. Trends to note include: U.S. Class 8 Used Sleeper Truck Market: After supply peaked in the second quarter of 2020 with 38,154 listings, used sleeper truck inventory has dropped by more than 7,000 with used inventory down to 25,095. U.S. Class 8 Used Day Cab Truck Market: Used heavy-duty day cab inventory has dropped by nearly 4,000 listings—from 19,362 listings early in the second quarter of 2020 to 14,758 in August. Sandhills Global is an information-processing company that connects buyers and sellers in the construction, agriculture, forestry, oil and gas, heavy equipment, commercial trucking and aviation industries. Sandhills Used Price Index is a principal gauge of the estimated market values of used assets, both currently and over time, across the construction, agricultural and commercial trucking industries represented by Sandhills’ marketplaces.

RICHMOND, Va., and NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Estes Express Lines has announced it will add to its fleet 50 new trucks fueled with Clean Energy Fuels Corp.’s Redeem renewable natural gas (RNG), bringing the company’s total of RNG-powered trucks to 71. “Switching to trucks fueled with ultra-low carbon fuel is vital to improving air quality and fighting climate change in the regions that we serve,” said Rob Estes, president and CEO of Estes. “Clean Energy’s Zero Now program has enabled us to switch to cleaner fuel and engine technologies that make financial sense, so it’s a win on several levels.” Estes, the nation’s largest privately owned freight transportation carrier, is acquiring the Class 8 natural gas trucks, which are equipped with the Cummins Westport ultra-clean ISX12N engine, for its California fleet, and is expected to use an approximate 2.8 million gallons of RNG over the seven-year contract. Clean Energy’s Redeem was the first commercially available RNG vehicle fuel, derived from capturing the biogenic methane produced by the decomposition of organic waste from dairies, landfills and wastewater treatment plants. According to Clean Energy, Redeem reduces climate-harming greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70%, and even up to 300%, depending on the source of the RNG. “By adding 50 clean, sustainable natural gas trucks to its fleet, Estes demonstrates their leadership in the drive to lower the carbon footprint by the heavy-duty trucking industry,” said Brett Lindsay, vice president of Clean Energy. “With the support of our Zero Now program, Estes has been able to easily and quickly switch a growing number of their trucks to RNG, significantly decreasing the environmental impact of their operations.” Estes purchased the trucks through Clean Energy’s Zero Now program, which brings the price of a natural gas truck on a par with a diesel truck — while offering a guaranteed fuel discount for the duration of the agreement. For Estes, this represents a geographical expansion of its current fleet of 21 ultra-clean trucks, also fueled by Redeem, that are operating out of Texas. “Transitioning to natural gas has allowed Estes to set a new standard for the trucking industry on how to be operationally successful,” said Mike Palmer, vice president of fleet services for Estes. “The trucks are performing well.”

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah-based Kenworth Sales Co. has expanded its network of dealerships with the addition of Truck Enterprises Inc., which is headquartered in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The expansion adds eight Kenworth truck dealerships — located in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia — to Kenworth Sales Co.’s 23 existing dealerships in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington state and Wyoming. Both companies are family-owned businesses that gained customer loyalty and respect as they grew across their respective regions. The Treadway family opened the first Kenworth Sales dealership 75 years ago in Utah. Nearly 60 years ago, the Hartman family opened the first Truck Enterprises dealership in Virginia. “Our vision is to strengthen the commitment our founders had to selling ‘The World’s Best’ trucks and to providing superior service to the trucking industry. Together, we will continue the shared tradition of fair dealing, friendship, and honesty with our customers,” said Kyle Treadway, third-generation dealer principal for Kenworth Sales Co. “In order to leverage the reputation built over six decades with customers and within the community, the Truck Enterprises name will not be changed, and I am pleased Truck Enterprises Dealer Principal Jim Hartman will be staying as chairman of the board,” Treadway continued.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Eleos, which provides a custom workflow app platform for trucking companies and their drivers, has expanded its platform by teaming with Drivewyze to offer an easy integration with PreClear weigh station bypass. “We’re known for working with fleets to customize apps for their specific use. As part of that, we integrate with industry-leading providers to bring all the tools the driver needs into a single unified driver workflow app,” said Kevin Survance, founder and CEO of Eleos. “That’s where Drivewyze PreClear comes in — enabling drivers to see bypass notifications from Drivewyze right inside their company’s app increases driver and fleet efficiency,” he continued. “PreClear weigh station bypass provides drivers with the opportunity to log more drive time, and in trucking, that’s the name of the game.” Drivewyze PreClear is the largest weigh station bypass service in North American, with more than 800 locations in 47 states and provinces. With this partnership, Drivewyze joins the list of integrations available within the customizable Eleos workflow platform, which can help drivers and carriers with a variety of tasks, including trip planning and navigation, payroll, dispatch communications, document scanning and on-the-go training. “Eleos has created a unique business model that allows fleets to give drivers company-specific apps using best-in-class pre-built components,” said Brian Heath, president and CEO of Drivewyze. “This allows fleets to economically tailor apps and information to improve their day-to-day operations. The growth in their customer base is a testament of their success. We’re excited to be aligned with Eleos.” No transponders are required, so activation of Drivewyze on the Eleos platform can be done in minutes, with bypass information displayed on smartphones or tablets. Once integrated, Drivewyze transmits safety scores, registration and IFTA tax compliance information to the weigh station, which then calculates the information against the bypass criteria established by its state. If the carrier and vehicle pass the criteria, at one mile out, the driver receives permission to bypass the site. The better the fleet’s safety score, the more bypasses typically granted.

OMAHA, Neb. — Taking a step in toward the company’s goal of growth and expansion, Truck Center Companies (TCC) has acquired Harrison Truck Centers, making TCC the third-largest Freightliner/Western Star dealer in the U.S. “The vision for Truck Center Companies has always been to grow. The addition of Harrison Truck Centers’ locations is a great fit with that vision,” said Trey Mytty, CEO of TCC. “We’re excited to continue to provide great service to their customers and bring their employees into our family.” Currently, TCC has 10 Freightliner/Western Star dealership locations and offers sales, leasing, and rentals of trucks, as well as parts and service, throughout Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa. Harrison Truck Centers has eight Freightliner/Western Star sales and service locations throughout Minnesota and Iowa. “It was extremely apparent early on in this process that our cultures and values are well aligned, as TCC also takes pride in taking care of employees and focusing on customer experience,” said Brian Harrison, CEO of Harrison Truck Centers. “We are confident that there is no better dealer organization to join for the future of Harrison Truck Centers.” According to a statement from TCC, the current Harrison ownership group will remain with the company in a managerial capacity.

AUSTIN, Texas — Overhaul, which provides supply chain visibility and risk management technology, has announced an Affinity Partnership with the Texas Trucking Association (TXTA). Overhaul’s software platform offers real-time visibility for supply chains with proactive, automated risk management. In addition, the company is launching TruckShield, an app-based risk management solution for North American trucking. The app is designed to help bridge the gap between driver safety, freight security and insurance. The primary component of Overhaul’s new Affinity Partnership with TXTA entails using the new TruckShield solution to help protect professional drivers and the freight they’re hauling utilizing existing hardware and technology to protect professional drivers and freight. Overhaul describes TruckShield as “an easy to set up and use solution” that features three key elements: LoadLock allows a stationary shipment to be locked in place, automatically alerting the driver if the truck moves. If theft is confirmed, TruckShield utilizes LE Connect, an extensive network of law enforcement and recovery partners, to get ahead of the stolen cargo and recover it successfully. Finally, Claims Buddy, a post-accident claims management tool, offers guidance and simple information gathering to aid the driver after an incident. “Overhaul is excited to partner with TXTA, as they work tirelessly to provide support for professional drivers,” said Barry Conlon, CEO and founder of Overhaul. “We look forward to driving greater innovation in the trucking industry.” TXTA describes itself as a trade organization dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of its members by advocating sound public policies, providing excellence in education, training, and information, and promoting a safe, dependable, and cost-effective motor transportation system to better serve the people of Texas. “Overhaul is a leader in the field of technology that is helping the trucking industry become even more safe and effective,” said John D. Esparza, president and CEO of TXTA. “TXTA is proud to partner with such an innovative company that will allow us to provide these essential benefits to our member companies.” Overhaul will offer TXTA members early access to TruckShield, before a general market launch in 2021. “With early access to TruckShield, TXTA members will be able to support their drivers, protect freight, and speed up insurance claims,” said Pat Stoik, chief risk officer for Overhaul. “This partnership is an important step in our innovative technology that reduces friction between the trucking industry and insurance providers.”

IRVING, Texas — FleetPride Inc. has acquired the assets of Triple K Fleet Services. Triple K is based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and has two additional locations, one in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and one in York, Pennsylvania. The acquisition gives FleetPride a total of seven branches in Pennsylvania. “We are thrilled to join FleetPride,” said Rod Coupal, owner of Triple K. “This will give us the ability to expand our assortment of parts and service options for our customers throughout southern Pennsylvania. It also creates new growth opportunities for our employees.” Triple K, which first opened in 2006, is named for Coupal’s three children — Kellie, Kyle, and Kaitlin. All three Triple K locations offer repair and maintenance. “The addition of Triple K expands our ability to reach new customers in all three markets,” said Mike Harris, senior vice president of sales and branch operations for FleetPride. “Triple K offers extensive maintenance and repair for truck, trailer and body, as well as a significant towing operation. We welcome Rod Coupal and the employees at Triple K to the FleetPride team.” Formed in 1999, FleetPride operates more than 280 locations in 46 states, including more than 40 service centers that employ more than 300 trained technicians. By expanding FleetPride’s service centers, the company provides value to local customers, regional fleets and national accounts through a fully integrated parts and service experience, Harris noted. “Being in the service business is important to us, and we continue making significant investments in it,” he continued. “Recently, we completed the implementation of Karmak Fusion as a new service management system across all FleetPride Service Centers, and it will be added to all three Triple K locations.”

BOSTON — LinkeDrive Inc., a provider of driver performance management (DPM) solutions for the transportation industry, has released the LinkeDrive app, continuing the company’s efforts to improve the end-to-end driver experience and empower drivers with the information needed to succeed. The LinkeDrive app provides clear, visual, intuitive communication of organizational goals and driver performance and has been hailed by early adopters as the “driver’s go-to hub that makes a difference,” according to LinkeDrive. The app is available for IOS, Android and laptops. “We are thrilled to launch the LinkeDrive app, completing our vision of enabling a self-regulating driver. With this new application, we are empowering our drivers with all (and only) the data, insights and coaching that is needed, when and where they need it,” said Jeff Baer, CEO and founder of LinkeDrive. “For our drivers, it is a one-stop shop, with easy access to intuitive, visual performance details. For our managers, it means that winning results can be driven with little to no effort in the office,” he said. “With LinkeDrive, drivers are much more engaged and happier — and we know that happier and more engaged drivers are more productive, fuel efficient, and safe.” Primary features of the LinkeDrive app include: LinkeDrive reporting: Daily MyDrive, Monthly MyScore, 30/60/90-Day Trends. Leaderboards: Easily extensible to any data set to create customized leaderboards (e.g., safety leaders, number of customer “likes” and PedalCoach Score) and flexible reporting on fleets, regions, business units and companies. Driver coaching: Complete with personalized driver coaching, infographics and video training support, including coaching review and engagement adherence scoring. Training and onboarding: Full suite of onboarding and training materials, spanning tips, infographics and videos. Configuration tuning and customization for drivers: Drivers and managers can personalize their accounts and report delivery preferences, as well as the look and “feel” of the app. Other functionalities: Star and create a favorite MyDrive list, easily share MyDrives and add truck specs to reports. “These days, drivers — and for that matter, society as a whole — have greater expectations on the information that’s available to them in their personal lives, as well as at work. Apps showing progress against goals and performance are more and more commonplace in individuals’ daily lives,” said Tibor Ivanyi, vice president of engineering at LinkeDrive. “The transportation industry in many cases, however, has lagged in these modern approaches to provide the needed information to drivers in a fair and positive way that truly scales,” Ivanyi continued. “By combining the latest in flexible, web-based and mobile technologies, with Nobel prize-winning approaches in behavioral science, we’re truly creating a best-in-class experience for drivers with the LinkeDrive app. The focus of our design is to provide a streamlined interface making it easy for drivers to see the good work they are doing out there every day.” LinkeDrive’s patented DPM solution begins in the cab with real-time coaching, followed by daily, weekly and monthly engagements with drivers, each attuned to organizational goals and objectives. An operationally streamlined, mobile-friendly portal is available to management.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Equipping large trucks with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems could eliminate more than two out of five crashes in which a large truck rear-ends another vehicle, according to a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Eric Teoh, director of statistical services for IIHS, examined data on crashes per vehicle mile traveled from 62 carriers operating tractor-trailers and other trucks weighing at least 33,000 pounds. He found that trucks equipped with forward collision warning had 22% fewer crashes, while trucks with AEB had 12% fewer crashes than those without either technology. Forward collision warning and AEB reduced rear-end crashes, the specific type of collision they’re designed to prevent, by 44% and 41%, respectively. Although drivers of large trucks crash less often per mile traveled, these trucks can be especially deadly because they can weigh 20 to 30 times as much as passenger vehicles. U.S. crashes involving large trucks have risen by nearly a third since hitting an all-time low in 2009, with 4,136 people killed in 2018. Among those fatalities, 119 deaths resulted from large trucks rear-ending passenger vehicles. Overall, Teoh’s study covered about 2,000 crashes that occurred over more than 2 billion vehicle miles traveled during 2017-2019. The analysis excluded incidents that weren’t serious enough to result in injury or significant property damage. “This study provides evidence that forward collision warning and AEB greatly reduce crash risk for tractor-trailers and other large trucks,” Teoh said. “That’s important information for trucking companies and drivers who are weighing the costs and benefits of these options on their next vehicles.” Front crash prevention systems use cameras, radar or other sensors to monitor the roadway ahead. Some include only forward collision warning, which alerts the driver to obstacles in the roadway. AEB systems go further, automatically applying the brakes to prevent the collision or reduce its severity. The European Union has required AEB with forward collision warning on most new heavy trucks since November 2013. In the U.S., neither truck nor passenger-vehicle manufacturers are required to equip vehicles with any kind of front crash prevention. However, 20 automakers that account for 99% of the U.S. market are moving toward making AEB standard on virtually all new passenger vehicles by Sept. 1, 2022, under a voluntary commitment brokered by IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For passenger vehicles, studies conducted by IIHS and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) have documented significant benefits from AEB. An IIHS study of police-reported crashes showed that front AEB cuts rear-end crash rates in half and reduces the number of rear-end crashes involving injuries by 56%. Meanwhile, HLDI has found that AEB cuts property-damage liability claims, as well as claims for injuries to people in other vehicles. The number of large trucks equipped with AEB is increasing, but there have been few studies of its effect on crash rates. In the large-truck study, Teoh compared trucks from the same carriers that were equipped with forward collision warning alone, AEB and no front crash prevention at all (AEB systems generally include forward collision warning too). For the first time, the IIHS drew on data compiled by SmartDrive Systems, a video-based safety program for commercial fleets. SmartDrive was able to determine which trucks were equipped with forward collision warning and AEB and collect detailed information about crashes. Using data collected by a third party helped to minimize data differences among carriers that might have influenced the results. “The transportation intelligence we’ve gathered over the past 15 years provides unique and deep insights on the trucking industry,” said Jason Palmer, chief operating officer of SmartDrive Systems. “We’re proud to put this data to use to support IIHS with this important and timely study of the benefits of front crash prevention.” The similar benefits of forward collision warning and AEB that Teoh observed for rear-end crashes were unexpected, since studies of passenger vehicles have shown AEB to be much more effective than systems that only issue warnings. These findings could reflect differences in how and by whom trucks and passenger vehicles are driven; or the differences could be connected to variations among the specific systems used by each carrier. The study indicated that AEB and forward collision warning are both likely to have benefits beyond the reduction in crashes. Some crashes that aren’t prevented by the systems are made less severe, thanks to a reduction in impact speed. This is true whether it’s the automated system applying the brakes or a human driver who has more time to react because of a warning. In reviewing the trucks that rear-ended other vehicles, Teoh found that either system resulted in speed reductions of more than 50% between the warning or automatic braking and the impact. “The potential benefits are great enough that these crash avoidance systems should be standard equipment on all new large trucks,” said IIHS President David Harkey.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Fortistar and Arizona’s Paloma Dairy on Aug. 31 announced the beginning of construction on a dairy digester renewable natural gas (RNG) facility, the Sunoma Renewable Biofuel Project, in Gila Bend, Arizona. The facility, which will convert organic waste into RNG, is projected to produce 1.6 million gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) of vehicle fuel annually for the Class 8 trucking sector — enough fuel to move 10 million miles of freight. Paloma Dairy is owned by the Van Hofwegen family, a fourth-generation dairy farm family in Gila Bend, Arizona. The farm relies on the latest radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology that helps to provide its distinctive black and white Holstein cows with individualized care and provisions. Paloma Dairy keeps track of the complete health record of each cow via its signature RFID technology, which also allows employees to check on the health of each cow daily. In addition to the care of over 10,000 animals, the farm produces cow feed via alfalfa, corn silage, wheat and barley across 7,000 acres of farmland. “This one project will help provide solutions for two important American industries. We are using our expertise to create new revenue streams for dairies while capturing methane and repurposing it to decarbonize the transportation sector,” said Mark Comora, president of Fortistar. “We are excited about partnering with the Van Hofwegen family on the Sunoma Renewable Biofuel Project to create the lowest carbon transportation fuel on the market.” In addition to the community environmental benefits and cost savings for fleets that use the fuel, the project will boost the local economy with 50 construction jobs and six permanent positions in Gila Bend. TruStar Energy, a Fortistar portfolio company and developer of natural gas fueling stations, will market and deliver the RNG fuel. “The decision was easy,” said Robert Van Hofwegen Sr., patriarch of the Paloma Dairy family business. “We saw a great environmental and economic opportunity in the management of our manure and emissions. The key was finding a partner that could execute and unlock the potential value. We believe we found that partner in Fortistar, and we look forward to working with them on this most exciting project.” Montrose Water and Sustainability Services, a division of Montrose Environmental Group, completed design and engineering for the project as well as equipment procurement. Montrose’s subject-matter experts will provide construction oversight, along with startup and commissioning support for the project. Industrial Services Company (ISC) will lead the building of the system. The Sunoma Renewable Biofuels Project is the third of 12 new Fortistar RNG projects totaling nearly $500 million in capital that Fortistar expects to begin over the next year. These projects will help produce 120 million GGE of RNG over the next three years and reduce U.S. transportation emissions by 2 million metric tons of CO2 annually, which is the equivalent of taking approximately 424,628 passenger cars off the road.

SOUIX CENTER, Iowa — Link Manufacturing Ltd., a producer of specialty-engineered suspensions, now offers aftermarket kits for its ROI Cabmate Semi-Active Cab Suspension for popular sleeper cab makes and models, including the Freightliner Cascadia, the Kenworth T680, the Peterbilt 579, International’s LT series, and the Volvo VNL and VNR series. The kits are designed and engineered to replace original factory-installed cab suspensions with Link’s intelligent cab suspensions that feature the company’s Road Optimized Innovation (ROI) technology. Unlike traditional cab suspensions that are tuned to deliver a specific quality of ride only within a narrow range of surface and load conditions, the ROI Cabmate adapts to whatever it encounters, according to the manufacturer. The ROI Cabmate’s electronic control unit (ECU) uses proprietary algorithms to interpret a constant data stream from an accelerometer that monitors the motion of the cab, and a position sensor that measures the position and velocity of the cab relative to the frame. The system responds at speeds beyond human perception, adjusting shock absorber stiffness with computer-controlled precision. The result is optimized ride comfort, improved cab stability and an overall reduction in noise and vibration. “The contrast between traditional passive spring and damper cab suspensions and Link’s new ROI Cabmate is the difference between the analog and digital worlds,” said Eli DeGroff, product manager of Road Optimized Innovations for Link Manufacturing. “Our state-of-the-art ROI Cabmate suspension sets a new benchmark, responding to changing conditions in real time, making hundreds of adjustments per second and delivering an ultra-premium driving experience that simply wasn’t possible before and isn’t available with any other cab suspension.” A vehicle that’s retrofitted with the ROI Cabmate will operate in a constant state of dynamic dampening to produce an optimal ride for drivers and passengers, improving alertness and reducing fatigue, according to Link Manufacturing. Regardless of what a vehicle’s wheels encounter, the ROI Cabmate responds instantaneously, with the ideal stiffness, to control and reduce cab motion and vibration. The system also counteracts the effects of wind shear as well as turbulence from other vehicles. While developing and refining its aftermarket kits, Link logged more than three million miles of field-testing data for the system. Among the participating fleets were C.R. England, Ploger Transportation and Valley Transportation in the U.S., as well as XCF Transporte Carga Consolidada in Mexico. “I drove more than 130,000 test miles with Link’s new ROI Cabmate, and I would characterize it as nothing less than the gold standard in cab suspensions,” said Joel Morrow, senior driver and head of research and development for Ploger Transportation. “I recently received a new vehicle without the ROI Cabmate suspension, and the contrast in ride quality is remarkable. I’ll be ordering and installing one of the new ROI Cabmate aftermarket kits as soon as possible.” Link’s ROI Cabmate Semi-Active Cab Suspension System also has an electronic height control feature that does not fill or exhaust air in response to suspension motion, minimizing air consumption compared to standard height control valves. The entire ROI Cabmate system operates on less than 10 watts of power and is designed to be ready for CAN bus integration in an OEM factory installation scenario. The system also features built-in stand-alone diagnostic capabilities. “Over the last 40 years, Link has built its reputation as the largest and most respected cab suspension supplier in the industry, with more than two million OEM-installed and aftermarket units produced,” DeGroff said. “Our new ROI Cabmate aftermarket kits now put a best-in-class driving experience within reach of fleets and owner-operators alike.” All ROI Cabmate aftermarket kits include hardware and installation instructions. The kits are available now and can be ordered through local OEM dealers.

CHICAGO — The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) has issued a statement outlining its concerns about regulations approved Aug. 26 by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that will affect heavy-duty trucks sold in California. The Omnibus Low-NOX Rule includes a 90% reduction in tailpipe NOx emissions, plus nine additional regulatory requirements on new heavy-duty truck and engines. Those additional requirements include a 50% reduction in particulate matter emissions, stringent new low-load and idle standards, a new in-use testing protocol, extended deterioration requirements, a new California-only credit program, and extended mandatory warranty requirements. “CARB’s far-reaching Omnibus Low-NOx Rule is not technologically feasible or cost-effective,” said Jed Mandel, president of EMA. “In addition, the requirements starting in 2024 fail to provide the statutorily required minimum lead time for manufacturers to develop the technologies.” The regulatory requirements in the Omnibus Low-NOX Rule will first become effective in 2024, at the same time as the Advanced Clean Trucks regulations CARB approved in June. The Advanced Clean Trucks rule mandates that manufacturers convert increasing percentages of heavy-duty trucks sold in California to zero-emission vehicles. “The compounding and overlapping nature of the two regulatory mandates that CARB approved this summer threatens California’s commercial truck market. Instead of purchasing expensive, complicated and unproven new vehicles in California, truck operators and freight shippers are likely to maintain old trucks longer and seek solutions outside the state,” Mandel said. “We fear that jobs, the economy, and the environment all will be at risk as truckers buy vehicles out of state, dealers lose sales and the state loses jobs and tax revenue.” A fact sheet from CARB regarding the regulations notes that heavy-duty trucks generate 31% of all NOx emissions in the state of California, along with more than 25% of the state’s total diesel particulate matter emissions. CARB also states that the Low-NOx Omnibus regulations would “dramatically reduce NOx emissions by comprehensively overhauling exhaust emission standards, test procedures and other emissions-related requirements for 2024 and subsequent model year California-certified heavy-duty engines.” According to EMA, CARB has underestimated the costs associated with implementing the Omnibus Low-NOx Rule and overestimated the potential environmental benefits, as stated in a 342-page document containing EMAs technical research and comments on the proposed rulemaking. According to EMA, the Omnibus Low-NOX Rule will result in increased fuel consumption, placing the regulations in conflict with CARB’s greenhouse gas standards. In addition, EMA says, “Effective and implementable alternatives exist to the cost-prohibitive and unworkable Omnibus Low-NOx regulations” approved by CARB. CARB states in its rulemaking documentation that any increased in upfront costs associated with producing and operating lower-emitting engines “are assumed to be passed on to the engine/vehicle operators, i.e., fleets.” CARB also notes that several proposed elements “are not expected to have a cost impact,” including powertrain test procedures, heavy-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) tractor auxiliary power units (APU) certification amendments, Phase 2 GHG cleanup amendments and on-board diagnostics (OBD) requirements. Under the new NOx and PM emission standards, NOx standards would be cut to 75% below current standards beginning in 2024 and drop to 90% below current standards in 2027. “We recognize the significant ozone and air-quality challenges in California. In response, we proposed a national low-NOx program to CARB that would have resulted in meaningful NOx reductions in California at significantly less cost than the Omnibus Low-NOX Rule,” Mandel said. “Unfortunately, CARB rejected our ideas and has adopted a package of expensive and impracticable, California-only regulatory mandates that will only affect a small portion of the heavy-duty trucks operating in California and therefore will not achieve meaningful NOx reductions.” When testifying to CARB about the Omnibus Low-NOx Rule, Mandel stated, “EMA and its members stand ready to work with CARB and its staff to implement a credible NOX reduction program.” Following CARB’s Aug. 26 decision, Mandel said that “a workable and implementable heavy-duty NOx program is attainable — one that addresses California’s environmental needs while preserving the availability of new commercial vehicles that trucking fleets in the state need to move goods in California. Unfortunately, the rule CARB adopted today is not it.”

READING, Penn. — The Penske Truck Leasing center in Norwalk, Ohio, has moved into a new facility, at 92 S. Old State Road. The expanded site allows the center to offer full-service truck leasing and contract truck fleet maintenance. “Conveniently located between the Cleveland and Toledo transportation corridor, this new location provides our customers and prospects a convenient place for service while on the road,” said Mike Pritchard, senior vice president for Penske’s North Central region. “We are looking forward to serving existing Penske customers from our new facility and also welcoming new customers.” Just south of the Turnpike/Interstate 80 in Norwalk and right off the Route 250 exit, the new facility 6,500-square-feet rests on 1.4 acres. The center is equipped with two drive-through truck-service bays and one preventive-maintenance service bay that doubles as a wash bay. The new facility is also outfitted with Penske’s proprietary fully digital, voice-directed truck fleet preventative maintenance process and connected fleet solutions. These resources help customers address issues and options related to onboard technology systems, such as electronic logging devices (ELDs), telematics, onboard cameras and more. Penske has plans to hire at this facility as business increases in the region.