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Vanguard Truck Centers opens new Volvo Trucks dealership in Greater Austin area of Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — Vanguard Truck Centers, a Volvo Trucks North America dealer, has expanded its operations with the opening of a new location just north of Austin, Texas. The new dealership marks Vanguard’s eighth facility in Texas and brings the company’s total number of dealerships to 19 across six states. “Vanguard Truck Centers continues to be one of Volvo Trucks’ important dealer partners,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We are proud to be able to serve our customers at this new location in the fast-growing greater Austin area.” The new Vanguard Truck Center, located at 2144 Interstate 35 Frontage Road in Georgetown, Texas, rests on 6 acres and offers high visibility as well as easy access for drivers. The dealership offers 12 drive-through service bays — comprising 11,400 square feet of the 19,288 square-foot site — while another 5,300 square feet is dedicated to parts. Additionally, the new location is stocked with $500,000 in parts inventory, with plans to increase that investment. Vanguard Truck Centers first moved to the Austin area in 2007. The new Georgetown facility will be the first full-service Class 8 truck dealership north of Austin. “We’re proud of our reputation as a leading dealer group here in Texas and in the region surrounding Austin due to the hard work put in and investments made over the years,” said Russell Fields, Austin region manager for Vanguard Truck Centers. “Our ongoing relationship with Volvo Trucks means that our customer service and support meet the highest standards in the industry.” Designed by Oklahoma-based Fitzgerald + Associates, the new Georgetown facility has 16 full-time employees including three master service technicians, one mobile service technician and two master service advisors. The dealership and service center are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Penske Truck Leasing expands heavy-duty electric vehicle charging network

READING, Pa. — Penske Truck Leasing has opened its sixth heavy-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Southern California, the company announced Aug. 10. Penske’s latest EV charging station, located in Ontario, California, is equipped with an innovative battery energy storage system manufactured by Fluence Energy LLC a Siemens and AES Company. The energy storage system is designed to offset demand on the electricity grid during peak charging times. “We continue to expand our heavy-duty electric vehicle charging network while also challenging ourselves to test new solutions like the battery storage component,” said Drew Cullen, senior vice president of fuels and facility services at Penske Transportation Solutions. “We are committed to being on the leading edge of sustainability and technology advancements in transportation, and we look forward to putting our new charging facility to work for our customers and the industry.” Siemens provided the eMobility hardware and network software for the installation. To date, Siemens has delivered EV charging solutions in more than 35 countries and continues its focus on customers in the car, bus, fleet and truck market across North America. “With the recent ruling that all new trucks sold in California should be zero-emissions by 2045, this partnership represents our commitment to help Penske and the state meet its goals of electrifying transportation,” said John DeBoer, head of Siemens eMobility solutions and future grid business in North America. “Our focus on plug-to-grid solutions, including the Maxx HP charging stations and Fluence battery storage, will help Penske lower emissions and increase resiliency.” Penske’s latest station in the town of Ontario has six charging positions, bringing the total Penske heavy-duty commercial vehicle DC fast-charging positions to 21. Located throughout Southern California at Penske Truck Leasing’s facilities in San Diego, Chino, Anaheim, Temecula and La Mirada, Penske’s chargers connect directly to a commercial truck’s battery charging system, providing a DC fast-charging option for commercial electric fleets. Using 50 kW to 150 kW chargers, this charging infrastructure allows Penske to power an all-electric Class-8 tractor from zero to 100% charge in less than half a shift.

Autonomous milestone: Locomation, Wilson Logistics complete revenue-earning deliveries in on-road pilot program

PORTLAND, Ore. — Locomation, the world’s first trucking technology platform to offer human-guided autonomous convoying, announced yesterday (Aug. 12) the successful completion of its first-ever on-road pilot program transporting commercial freight. The pilot program, first announced at this year’s Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) annual conference in March, is the result of a partnership with Wilson Logistics, a family-owned transportation logistics company based in Springfield, Missouri. The pilot program is a significant step for both companies as they pursue the most direct path to delivering commercially viable autonomous technology to the trucking industry. In this phase of the deployment, two Locomation tractors, hauling Wilson Logistics’ trailers and freight, were deployed as an autonomous relay convoy (ARCTM) on a 420-mile route that stretched from Portland, Oregon, to Nampa, Idaho, along Interstate 84 — a route that offers some of the most challenging road conditions in terms of curvatures, grades and wind gusts. ARCTM is Locomation’s unique proprietary approach to autonomous trucking. ARCTM allows one driver to pilot a lead truck that’s equipped with technology augmentation, while a follower truck operates in tandem through Locomation’s fully autonomous system. This allows the follower driver to log off and rest during the drive time. Each ARCTM segment is engineered for maximum yield and utilization by Locomation’s business operations team. “The successful kickoff of this commercial agreement with Wilson Logistics is a significant milestone for our teams,” said Çetin Meriçli, Ph.D, CEO and the co-founder of Locomation. “Despite the threat of COVID-19, we delivered real-world results for the most advanced, efficient and safest solution to make commercial autonomous trucking a reality,” he said. “Most importantly, the pilot strongly proved that our autonomous technology can be integrated seamlessly and deployed within a real trucking operation in a sustained fashion.” Having seen the route for the first time during the initial, eight-day pilot phase, Locomotion’s ARCTM covered approximately 3,400 miles, operating autonomously roughly half of the time, and delivered 14 commercial loads. At all times during the pilot, each truck was staffed with a trained driver and a safety engineer who were tasked with monitoring vehicle and AV system performance, collecting more than two dozen key performance indicators that are vital to ensuring the successful deployment of autonomous vehicle technology. “This test pilot was critical for Wilson Logistics because it proved the true commercial viability of Locomation’s ARCTM technology,” explained Darrel Wilson, chairman and CEO of Wilson Logistics. “For our team, it’s the perfect combination of safety improvements, increased asset utilization, reduced cost per mile and — most importantly — a better driver experience.” At full commercialization, Locomation’s autonomous vehicle technology is expected to produce an estimated 30% reduction in operating cost per mile, including an 8% reduction in fuel consumption, and remove more than 40 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the air per convoy annually. Aon, Wilson Logistics’ risk-management consultancy, also participated in the pilot program in order to assess a range of metrics related to safety. “We congratulate Wilson Logistics and Locomation on a successful initial test phase,” said Mark Brockinton, CEO of Aon’s transportation and logistics practice. “We are thrilled with the performance of the pilot and its safe, on-time deliveries each day,” he continued. “We think Locomation’s platform points to a future for freight carriers where risk factors related to accident and loss are significantly lower.” The Locomation-Wilson Logistics agreement will initially operate more than 124 ARCTM-equipped tractors in two-truck convoys on 11 ARCTM segments throughout the U.S. at peak implementation. The next phase in the partnership anticipates delivering more than 1,000 two-truck convoys representing more than 2,000 ARCTM-equipped trucks operating on more than 68 ARCTM segments nationwide.

North Dakota’s Wallwork Kenworth-Williston moves to larger full-service facility on 8-acre site

WILLISTON, N.D. — Wallwork Kenworth has relocated its Williston, North Dakota, operation to a larger full-service facility to meet the growing demand for Kenworth trucks and services in the western part of the state. The new facility rests on 8 acres at 14058 James Drive, just north of U.S. Route 2 on State Highway 85. The new dealership is just 7 miles west from its previous location. The new 27,000-square-foot building features a 12,000 square-foot service department with 12 service bays and a 10,000 square-foot parts department. According to Curry Quenette, vice president of Wallwork Kenworth, the new dealership is nearly 40% larger than its previous location and offers double the number of service bays. “With increasing truck demands due to population and economic growth in Williston and surrounding areas, we simply outgrew our previous location,” Quenette said. “Now, we’re able to accommodate our customers’ service needs better than ever before with the additional service bays. Our parts department, which doubles previous parts storage space, enables us to stock more parts on-site for customers. We are excited to be in a location that provides this enhanced service to our customers and allows room for us to grow.” Wallwork Kenworth-Williston is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Wallwork Kenworth operates five Kenworth dealerships in North Dakota including locations in Fargo, Bismarck, Dickinson, Minot and Williston, as well as one dealership in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

CVSA sets previously postponed 2020 inspection blitz for Sept. 9-11

GREENBELT, Md. — This year’s International Roadcheck will be Sept. 9-11, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). The Roadcheck, initially set for May, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International Roadcheck is a 72-hour high-volume, high-visibility inspection and enforcement initiative in which CVSA-certified inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. conduct commercial motor vehicle and driver inspections at weigh or inspection stations, at designated fixed locations or as part of roving mobile patrols. During the three-day Roadcheck, law-enforcement personnel will inspect commercial motor vehicles for compliance with federal regulations and use the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria to identify critical inspection item violations. Each year, International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a category of violations. This year’s focus is on the driver requirements component of a roadside inspection. According to data from the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), of the approximately 3.36 million inspections conducted during the 2019 Roadcheck, 952,938 driver violations were discovered; 199,722 of those violations were due to out-of-service conditions. “Although the coronavirus pandemic, understandably, shifted priorities and personnel during the spring, the commercial motor vehicle law-enforcement community has reasserted its focus on the roadside inspection program and enforcement duties,” said CVSA President Sgt. John Samis with the Delaware State Police. “Jurisdictions are nearly back to their pre-pandemic capacity with a strengthened concentration on identifying and removing unfit vehicles and drivers from our roadways using federal safety standards and the out-of-service criteria.” In the U.S., commercial motor vehicle inspections are conducted to check for vehicle and driver compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, a compendium of rules and regulations applicable to the motor carrier industry. In Canada, inspectors use a combination of the National Safety Code and various provincial/territorial regulations to verify commercial motor vehicle and driver safety compliance. In Mexico, Normas Oficiales Mexicanas are the commercial motor vehicle regulations and standards established by the Mexican government. During International Roadcheck, CVSA-certified inspectors primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes two main inspection categories: an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. A third category, hazardous materials/dangerous goods, may also be part of a Level I Inspection. Depending on weather conditions, available resources or personnel, or other factors, inspectors may opt to conduct the Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection, Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection or Level V Vehicle-Only Inspection. Roadside inspectors will conduct vehicle and driver inspections following their department’s health and safety protocols and procedures in consideration of the challenges associated with the pandemic. During the driver portion of an inspection, the inspector will collect and verify the driver’s documents, identify the motor carrier, examine the driver’s license, check record of duty status and review periodic inspection reports. If applicable, the inspector will check the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate and the driver’s daily vehicle inspection report. Inspectors will also check drivers for seat belt usage, illness, fatigue and apparent alcohol or drug possession or impairment. Drivers found to be operating without the proper driver credentials; in possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol; operating while ill, fatigued or showing other signs of impairment; or in violation of hours-of-service rules may be placed out of service. The vehicle portion of an inspection includes checking critical vehicle inspection items such as: brake systems, 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, and windshield wipers. If an inspector identifies critical inspection item violations that meet the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria during a vehicle inspection, the inspector will render the vehicle out of service, which means that vehicle will be restricted from traveling until those violations are corrected. International Roadcheck is a CVSA program with participation by FMCSA, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada and the Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Ministry of Communications and Transportation) of Mexico.

J.B. Hunt makes first company delivery using the all-electric Freightliner eCascadia

LOWELL, Ark. — J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. announced Aug. 11 that it has completed its first delivery using the Freightliner eCascadia, an all-electric Class 8 truck produced by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). The transport, a 120-mile intermodal haul for Walmart, kicks off a three-month testing phase in which J.B. Hunt will integrate the eCascadia with its day-to-day fleet operations in Los Angeles. The eCascadia that J.B. Hunt is testing is part of the Freightliner Customer Experience Fleet, an initiative to provide DTNA customers with first-hand experience implementing electric vehicles within their operations. “J.B. Hunt is continually exploring innovative solutions such as the eCascadia to improve the sustainability of our fleet and operations,” said Craig Harper, executive vice president and chief operations officer at J.B. Hunt. “We are excited to test this vehicle and gain more hands-on experience with all-electric tractors.” With zero tailpipe emissions, the eCascadia is an environmentally friendly vehicle that can greatly reduce a fleet’s carbon footprint. On a full charge, the series-produced eCascadia is expected to have a driving range of up to 250 miles, making it ideal for local and regional distribution and drayage. The all-electric tractor has a 525-horsepower engine and can recharge as much as 80% in just 90 minutes. “Together with our great customers, we are leading the way to a future of CO2-neutral commercial transportation,” said Richard Howard, senior vice president of on-highway sales and marketing for DTNA. “The collaboration between vehicle manufacturer and transportation logistics experts is a necessity to develop these industry leading technologies, and we’re proud to share this journey with our important customers J.B. Hunt and Walmart.” Charging stations have been installed at J.B. Hunt’s Los Angeles terminal, and drivers are being trained on an ongoing basis to operate the eCascadia. “Walmart encourages and works with our suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their sustainability efforts,” said Jane Ewing, senior vice president of sustainability for Walmart. “This new pilot is reflective of J.B. Hunt’s commitment to maximizing the sustainability of their fleet, and we look forward to learning more as the company tests new innovations to help meet the demands of business in a more sustainable way.”

Carrier Transicold’s new thin-profile Vector HE 19 unit delivers sustainability, efficiency, capacity for intermodal transport

ATHENS, Ga. — Carrier Transicold, part of Carrier Global Corp., has introduced a sleek new high-efficiency Vector HE 19 unit that the company says will deliver the greatest cooling and freezing capacities of any domestic intermodal container refrigeration system in its thin-profile class. “The Vector HE 19 unit is trim and high-performing, delivering more BTUs of cooling per hour per RPM than any model in the thin-profile class — as much as 36% more efficient than its competition,” said Bill Maddox, senior manager of product management for Carrier Transicold. “With its modern new design, the Vector HE 19 unit delivers 16% greater deep-frozen capacity and 20% more refrigeration capacity than its class competitor.” The Vector HE 19 unit is Carrier Transicold’s first North American transport refrigeration system that exclusively uses the next-generation refrigerant R-452A. Developed for lower environmental impact, R-452A has a global-warming potential about half that of the refrigerant traditionally used in transport applications. About 40% thinner than a traditional intermodal refrigeration unit, the Vector HE 19 unit is well suited for 53-foot domestic intermodal containers because it optimizes space utilization within, improving shipping efficiency over both rail and highway. Up to 7% more cargo can be carried — 15 pallet rows rather than the usual 14. As with other models in the Vector platform, the new unit features patented E-Drive technology developed by Carrier Transicold. With E-Drive technology, a high-output generator is direct-coupled to a diesel engine to power a uniquely all-electric refrigeration system. Intelligent controls automatically activate individual components, such as the compressor and fans, running only what it needs, precisely when needed, so components run less and last longer than traditional counterparts. The simplified refrigeration architecture eliminates many routine-maintenance parts used in conventional transport refrigeration units, such as vibrasorbers, clutches, shaft seals, alternators, drive belts and pulleys. The Vector HE 19 unit has integrated electric standby, enabling the unit to be plugged into a power source when parked. This helps eliminate emissions and noise from the refrigeration unit engine, conserve fuel and reduce operating costs. E-Drive technology delivers the unit’s full rated refrigeration capacity when on standby, unlike add-on standby systems that add weight and complexity without delivering full capacity. The Vector HE 19 unit can be coupled with Carrier Transicold’s eSolutions telematics system for remote monitoring of system operation and container temperatures, and for enhanced capabilities, such as remote software updates, data downloads and system diagnostics.

Volvo Trucks North America’s Voorhoeve slated as keynote speaker for launch of ACT Virtual online series

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Organizers of ACT Virtual, a four-month online event series covering innovations in advanced vehicle technology and clean fueling infrastructure for fleet operators, announced that Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, will deliver a keynote presentation for the launch event on Aug. 18. Voorhoeve will provide insight into how one of the world’s largest truck manufacturers is driving global transportation electrification and increasing uptime and safety through connected technologies. “Volvo Trucks is making major investments around the globe to support cities and our customers in developing a safer and more sustainable transportation sector,” Voorhoeve said. “ACT Virtual provides a great opportunity for our team to digitally connect with these stakeholders to help them navigate the evolving transportation ecosystem and source the latest advanced vehicle technologies.” In his presentation, Voorhoeve will cover Volvo Trucks’ dedication to electromobility and how the company is working to invest in and drive the development of zero-emission vehicles globally and in North America, according to a spokesperson for Volvo Trucks North America. He will also provide updates on the Volvo LIGHTS project in Southern California, a project aimed at the development of heavy-duty electric trucks and the necessary ecosystem for wide-scale operations. Voorhoeve has led Volvo Trucks North America since 2018, working as part of the overall Volvo Group global effort to provide a full range of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses to customers. Before that, he led Volvo Group Australia; during the last 20 years he has held several senior management positions in the areas of aftermarket support, supply chain management and parts logistics within the Volvo Group. A lineup of more than 130 transportation industry leaders will join Voorhoeve during 19 days of ACT Virtual programming, presenting through keynotes, executive panels, and breakout sessions. Featured speakers include: Jay Craig, CEO and president of Meritor Inc. Craig Harper, executive vice president of operations and chief operations officer for JB Hunt Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Boris Kort-Packard, chief engineer of global vehicles for FedEx Express Patty Monahan, commissioner of the California Energy Commission Darryl Spencer, senior assistant vice president of engineering for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Marc Bedard, president and founder of The Lion Electric Natalia Swalnick, senior director of the Electrification Coalition Michael Linse, founder and managing director of Linse Capital Banny Allison, director of fleet operations support for Aramark Dustin Grace, chief technology officer for Proterra Inc. Patti Earley, fleet fuel operations specialist for Florida Power & Light Rustam Kocher, eMobility ecosystem lead for Daimler Trucks North America Lena Luna, facility and energy manager for the El Monte Union High School District Dan Gilbert, general manager of engineering and maintenance for Canada Post Lisa Arellanes, senior manager of business development and partnerships eMobility for Southern California Edison Thomas Lawson, president of the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition ACT Virtual speakers will spotlight the latest trends, policies and technologies that can help fleet operators reduce operating costs and emissions, meet tightening regulations, improve employee working conditions, and achieve economic and environmental sustainability goals. Attendees can design their own agenda by selecting from five advanced transportation modules: Module 1: The Main Stage Module 2: Deep Dives on Battery Technology, Connected Tech & Natural Gas Module 3: Advanced Transportation Investor Summit Module 4: Staying Plugged In: ACT’s Annual EV Charging Workshop Module 5: Ultra Clean HD Vehicle Summit Beyond the event sessions, ACT Virtual provides a collaborative space for attendees, speakers and sponsors to interact through chat rooms, video networking discussions, a virtual exhibit hall, technology demonstrations, press conferences and more. “We are thrilled to bring together the boldest and most innovative organizations in the clean transportation in this virtual environment,” said Erik Neandross, CEO of Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA), the clean transportation and energy consulting firm that is producing the online event series. GNA launched the ACT Virtual event following the postponement of this year’s Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, North America’s largest advanced transportation and clean fleet event, which was celebrating its 10-year anniversary. “While we missed coming together with the clean transportation industry at the Long Beach Convention Center earlier this year, our team has been hard at work, collaborating with the industry’s top suppliers and most progressive fleets to design a robust and information-packed ACT Virtual program,” Neandross said. “We are so excited for the kick-off of ACT Virtual on Aug. 18, and for Peter Voorhoeve to deliver what is sure to be a dynamic keynote presentation.” ACT Virtual will kick off at 10 a.m. PST on Tuesday, Aug 18. This event will be followed by 19 days of programming spaced out through Nov. 19. For more information and to register, click here.

New features for C.H. Robinson’s Freightquote offer first-in-industry tech solutions for small business shippers

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — C.H. Robinson, one of the world’s largest logistics platforms, on Aug. 4 announced a series of tech enhancements that delivers first-of-its-kind digital transformation to small business shippers. As small businesses face increased challenges, enhancements to the Freightquote by C.H. Robinson, the company’s self-shipping tool, further automate and simplify the shipping experience for small business owners while providing instant shipping options and real-time visibility to track shipments across all modes. Small business owners have already reported saving half the time and cost when booking their shipping through Freightquote by C.H. Robinson, according to the Aug. 4 announcement. From a single online portal, business owners have access to more shipping options than any other shipping provider offers, for shipments ranging in size from a single package to a full truckload (and everything in between). These additional shipping options provide needed flexibility for B2B small businesses focused on e-commerce as they face increased pressure to fulfill greater numbers of online orders. “We designed Freightquote by C.H. Robinson with easy-to-use technology and are pleased that we are now unlocking even more automated opportunities to meet the shipping needs of our small business customers,” said Mac Pinkerton, president of C.H. Robinson’s North American surface transportation division. “We know that many small business owners today face unprecedented challenges,” he continued. “That is why we built these new digital enhancements using our unmatched scale, information advantage and technology built by supply chain experts to make it easier than ever to meet their unique shipping needs today and in the future.” The self-service shipping tool automatically provides new enhancements, including terminal pick-up and drop-off to reduce costs; an interactive map that helps avoid additional charges; and even an option to hire a “Tasker” through a first-of-its-kind partnership with TaskRabbit. Freightquote’s integration with TaskRabbit utilizes “Taskers” — independent contractors that offer their services via the TaskRabbit platform — to assist small business customers in ensuring shipments are ready for pick-up by correctly packaging or palletizing shipments, moving shipments to a convenient location for carrier pick-up, or helping with moving and unpacking shipments. This is TaskRabbit’s first integration with a shipping partner in the B2B market. By ensuring that shipments are packaged correctly for transportation, small business owners avoid the risk of losing time and money because of damaged goods or a rejected pick-up that was not properly prepared. “We saw a real opportunity to drive value for small businesses through our partnership with C.H. Robinson,” said Diana Rothschild, director of strategic partnerships at TaskRabbit. “We’re thrilled that they are our first shipping partner and look forward to working together to maximize TaskRabbit’s capabilities for small businesses as we continue to grow our services in the B2B space.” In addition to the partnership with TaskRabbit, C.H. Robinson has added the following new features to support small business customers: Full spectrum of shipping options Since its introduction, Freightquote by C.H. Robinson has allowed shippers to book less-than-truckload (LTL) or truckload freight. Now, with the addition of small parcel shipping and temperature-control shipping, small business customers have a full spectrum of digitally driven shipping options, including the new ability to: Compare small parcel and LTL rates side by side and book the best option with one click of a button; Access new, cost-effective options for shipping packages less than 150 pounds, which can be instantaneously priced and booked within the tool; and Leverage temperature-control truckload options and get instant quotes for shipping fresh produce, flowers and other goods sensitive to climate conditions. Terminal pick-up/drop-off for shipments Small business shippers can now select the option to pick up or drop off LTL shipments within an easy-to-access online portal that provides real-time insights on the most cost-effective and geographically favorable terminal locations, which can save time and money. Interactive map and location recommendation service Freightquote by C.H. Robinson’s new location service enhancement saves small business customers time and money by preemptively confirming carrier service to an area as residential or commercial, in addition to reducing the chances of a surprise service issue or additional charge while the shipment is in transit. And with an interactive map feature, users can quickly view a satellite image and validate their location.

Fleet Advantage industry benchmark survey shows impact of older trucks on safety, repair costs, fuel economy

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Fleet Advantage, a provider of truck fleet business analytics, equipment financing and lifecycle cost management, released results of its latest fleet industry benchmarking survey in late July. The survey shows the impact new safety technologies have had on transportation fleets, how many fleets are still driving older-model trucks, and the leading reasons motivating upgrade decisions. The survey also shows that demand for electric and autonomous trucks remains low. Fleets with newer trucks benefit from more advanced safety features. According to the benchmark survey, 71% of transportation fleets have implemented blind-spot mirrors as advanced safety features, while 66% have implemented front and rear disc brakes. The survey also showed that 11% of transportation fleets estimate they have saved more than $1 million in crash avoidance by upgrading to newer trucks that offer advanced safety features. These advanced safety technologies have led to safer roads for drivers, passengers and other motorists, and have lowered accident costs for carriers. This is especially important because trucking fatalities recently reached the highest level in the past 30 years, with the average cost of each heavy-duty truck crash reaching $17.5 million. Additional statistics show that new safety technology aids in roadway safety, reduces accidents and improves Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) scores. Sixty-one percent of newer truck models offer forward-facing cameras, and 53% have lane-departure warning systems. While forward-facing cameras may not specifically prevent an accident from happening, the technology helps lower the overall costs involved in accidents and litigation. A University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute study found that car drivers were assigned contributing factors in 81% of crashes involving large trucks, versus only 27% for professional drivers. Forward-facing cameras help offer critical evidence that protects truck drivers in these instances. Maintenance and repair are significant factors in deciding to replace older trucks. The bottom line continues to drive many truck-upgrade decisions, and fleet executives are paying closer attention to the costs associated with servicing an aging vehicle. Fifty-five percent of fleets said escalating maintenance and repair costs (M&R) is a leading motivating factor for upgrading to newer trucks, and 47.3% of fleets said improved fuel economy was a leading factor. Other factors included driver retention and improved corporate image. “There remains a distinct correlation between aging trucks resulting in higher service and repair costs, as well as reduced fuel economy,” said John Flynn, CEO of Fleet Advantage. “This survey tells us that many fleets see these as critical areas in not only operating their fleets, but also the impact they have on an organization’s bottom line.” Full-service leasing remains an unpopular option. Fleets continue to procure trucks in a variety of ways, including unbundled leasing or financing of new equipment as well as used vehicles, but only 8% of buyers are entering into a full-service lease agreement for their trucks. Electric and autonomous trucks remain on the sidelines. While there has recently been much discussion of electric and hydrogen fuel cell Class-8 trucks, 30% of respondents said they do not envision such vehicles being in wide use for another 10 years. (A year ago, 36% said they would not be widely used for another 10 years.) Another 62% pointed to the same time frame for autonomous trucks. In fact, only 3% of survey respondents believe autonomous trucks will be widely used by fleets within the next three years. Companies need to replace older trucks in a financially responsible manner. Despite all the advanced technology included in new trucks, the survey showed that roughly 50% of fleets utilize 2017 and older models, and some fleets have as many as 3,000 trucks older than 2017 models. “These latest trends are an indication that more fleets are in need of innovative, flexible, and reliable programs that can help them replace their aging trucks with newer units,” Flynn said. Click here to see the full infographic.

KBX Logistics partners with Transflo to offer automated, touch-free eBOL, ePOD solutions

TAMPA, Fla. — KBX Logistics, an independent Koch Industries company, is partnering with Transflo, a supplier of point-of-delivery solutions for the transportation industry, to expand its expanding its electronic bill of lading (eBOL) and electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) solutions. This strategic collaboration will deliver digitized end-to-end automated document workflow solutions between KBX Logistics and its partners including drivers, carriers, shippers and receivers, according to a statement released Aug. 4. Designed with the help of Transflo’s customer advisory board and several major Koch companies, the new eBOL and ePOD solutions provide multiple ways for shippers affiliated with KBX Logistics to provide necessary documents to drivers. For example, documents may now be uploaded electronically and scanned through the Transflo Mobile+ app, which currently has more than 1.6 million users. For Georgia-Pacific, a Koch company that has extensive operations across the U.S., this new solution has proven to be highly successful. Without having to change many processes, Georgia-Pacific can now quickly and efficiently move from a nearly 100% manual BOL process to the new KBX eBOL solution for transactions and storage. “This KBX Logistics solution allows the entire supply chain to move to a completely touch-free, electronically stored bill of lading that achieves greater efficiency and safety, accessibility, storage, and compliance needs — all while reducing operational costs for everyone involved,” said Ron Traub, senior director of manufacturing logistics at Georgia Pacific. “This solution is a critical upgrade to Georgia-Pacific’s current manual application, especially in the current environment with COVID-19, where we try to limit interactions between personnel along all aspects of the shipping cycle.” Most of KBX Logistics’ carrier partners already use Transflo tools and will have immediate access to the new paperless solutions. In addition, the new eBOL and ePOD solutions can be integrated with those not currently on the Transflo platform. KBX shippers, carriers and receivers have exclusive access to the electronic solutions, which allow each user to electronically sign and view shipping documents from their own device. This real-time access to forms with date- and time-stamped entries will promote further administrative efficiencies. Documents will be indexed and stored within the Transflo document cloud and can be accessed by any of the respective parties associated with a given shipment, allowing all parties access to the documents. Users can organize paperwork digitally at any point of the lifecycle of the load, which increases efficiencies, enhances workflow and improves safety and compliance to COVID-19 guidance. “We are excited to partner with Transflo, the clear innovation leader in visibility and communications between freight brokers, carriers, drivers, and shippers. Our solution is safe, efficient, and is driving efficiencies well beyond the shipping and receiving dock,” said Paul Snider, president of KBX Logistics. “Together with Transflo, we will be able to accelerate the adoption of this touch-free application across the industry.” Frank Adelman, CEO and president of Transflo, said he is also excited about the partnership. “We are thrilled to partner with a world class organization like KBX Logistics and Koch Industries to leverage one of the strongest digital platforms in the transportation supply chain,” Adelman said. “This partnership is a significant step in driving additional efficiencies and safety-conscience solutions to the market today.” The Transflo Mobile+ suite of solutions also includes document scanning, freight visibility and truck navigation, plus image optimization and digital workflow-management tools. The suite incorporates telematics and the Transflo T-Series ELD, which is connected to both the vehicle and Transflo Mobile+ on driver’s mobile devices.

A. Duie Pyle grows Northeast presence with expanded distribution center in Massachusetts

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — A. Duie Pyle (Pyle), a provider of asset and non-asset based transportation and supply chain solutions in the Northeast, has expanded its Westfield Integrated Distribution Center, adding a new accessory transfer and distribution center to the current location at 66 Ampad Road in Westfield, Massachusetts. The expansion includes a 35,500-square-foot service center and an 8,800-square-foot fleet maintenance facility. The distribution center now features 53 less-than-truckload (LTL) cross-dock doors, and the fleet maintenance facility has a three-bay shop and truck wash. The additions were built on Pyle’s existing 67-acre campus, which is already home to three warehouses comprising more than 820,000 square feet. The updated facility reopened July 27. “We’re excited to increase capacity and services at our Westfield Integrated Distribution Center, as it provides us with additional capacity to better meet the needs of our LTL, warehouse and dedicated customers,” said John Luciani, chief operating officer of LTL solutions at Pyle. “Pyle’s first commitment is always our customers, and this expanded facility gives us an opportunity to make significant strides in improving transit times while providing greater operational flexibility for the western Massachusetts communities we service.” As shipping demands surge and travel restrictions ebb amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Pyle’s expansion helps shorten transit times for essential and nonessential goods. “A. Duie Pyle has been a great partner to the Westfield community, and it’s a pleasure to see their continued success and expansion,” said Westfield Mayor Donald Humason. “Despite the difficult year this has been for us all, we truly believe that Pyle’s Westfield Integrated Distribution Center will have a positive impact on our community and help us continue to regain momentum.”

Michelin redesigns fuel-efficient trailer tire for dry-van, reefer and tanker segments

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Michelin North America Inc. announced Aug. 3 that it is launching the fuel-efficient Michelin X One Line Energy T2 tire for the North American line-haul market. The tire is Michelin’s most fuel-efficient trailer tire to date, the company says, based on internal rolling resistance tests using comparable line-haul trailer tires in tire size 275/80R22.5 LRG for the Michelin X Line Energy T and 445/50R22.5 LRL for the Michelin X One Line Energy T2 tire The SmartWay-verified X One Line Energy T2 is targeted for the dry-van truckload, refrigerated truckload and tanker segments. According to the American Transportation Research Institute, fuel ranks first in vehicle-based costs, above repair and maintenance, insurance and other costs. The X One Energy T2 can increase fuel savings through an 11% lower rolling resistance when used in the trailer position, based on third-party rolling-resistance tests, and can increase revenue by carrying up to 287 more pounds of payload, Michelin states. “The trailer-wheel position is a challenging position for long-haul tire design. The free-rolling wheel position is subject to variable loads, less maintenance and irregular wear,” said Adam Murphy, vice president of B2B marketing for Michelin North America. “Michelin is committed to investing in our X One technology,” he said. “This new Michelin X One Line Energy T2 product delivers both improved tread wear while providing fuel and weight savings, lowering the total cost of ownership for fleets, especially during this economically challenged time in the trucking industry.” According to Michelin, the X One Line Energy T2 features a tread design that helps prevent irregular wear and incorporates compounds designed to improve resistance to late-life tire aggression. The dual-compound tread consists of a mileage top layer that controls tread stiffness and stress to reduce irregular wear and a fuel-efficient bottom layer that minimizes internal casing temperatures for low rolling resistance. The tread incorporates directional micro-sipes, resulting in a directional tire for the first half of tire life. Located along the center ribs, matrix siping with zigzag walls interlock for squirm resistance. The X One Line Energy T2 comes with the Michelin X One Total Satisfaction Guarantee. Click here for details.

Drivewyze adds new weigh-station bypass locations in Montana, Illinois

DALLAS — Drivewyze has bolstered its PreClear weigh-station bypass service with 12 new locations in Montana and Illinois. The new sites expand the company’s weigh-station services in both states to offer drivers even more bypass opportunities. Montana now has 12 active Drivewyze sites, while Illinois has 17 bypass locations. According to Brian Heath, president and CEO of Drivewyze, the expansion in both states, further streamlines freight movement. “Not having to stop for inspections saves both time and money — weigh station bypass is the low-hanging fruit for fleets and owner-operators to keep on the move,” he said. “It’s one of the best ROIs (return on investments) in the industry.” In Montana, new weigh-station bypass locations will help truckers through Clearwater Junction, a truck corridor about 30 miles east of Missoula, and through Lima, a busy route that connects Montana, Idaho and Utah. In Illinois, one of the busiest states in the country for truck traffic, the new Drivewyze locations will help keep traffic moving past often-congested weigh stations. Carlock is on the main route between Peoria and Bloomington, while Brownstown is the main thoroughfare between St. Louis and Indianapolis. Peotone, just south of Chicago, takes drivers right into Chicago. “But the big ‘win’ for our customers is they can now bypass up to nine inspection sites going from Chicago to the Kentucky border, five sites from Indiana to Missouri, and four sites from Chicago to St. Louis,” Heath said. Based on an industry average of five minutes for a normal inspection — or sometimes up to an hour, depending on the level of inspection — drivers can save substantial time through weigh-station bypass. “The trip from Chicago to Kentucky alone could take around five hours with Drivewyze and uninterrupted driving. You’d have to tack on at least 45 more minutes, at bare minimum, if the driver had to pull in at inspection sites,” Heath said. “That’s a huge time savings with Drivewyze PreClear.” The new locations include: Montana Lima, Interstate 15, northbound and southbound; Cameron, U.S. Highway 287, northbound and southbound; Clearwater Junction State Highway 200/83, eastbound and southbound; and Clearwater Junction State Highway 200, westbound. Illinois Brownstown, Interstate 70, eastbound; Carlock, Interstate 74, eastbound and westbound; and Peotone, Interstate 57, northbound and southbound. With the Drivewyze PreClear weigh station bypass service on their Drivewyze-enabled electronic logging devices (ELDs), telematics devices, smartphones or tablets, customers can receive bypass opportunities at more than 800 locations in 47 states and provinces. Drivewyze PreClear weigh-station bypass service, and the Drivewyze Safety Notifications service (which provides safety notifications for high rollover areas, mountain corridors, and low bridges, as well as parking availability), are available to carriers on supported ELDs and other in-cab telematics devices, through the Drivewyze partner network.

Trucker Tools partners with TVC Pro-Driver to provide drivers with access to legal services

RESTON, Va., and OKLAHOMA CITY — Trucker Tools has announced a new partnership with TVC Pro-Driver that will provide access to legal representation and other services for independent truckers directly through the Trucker Tools Mobile Driver App. Oklahoma City-based TVC Pro-Driver provides truckers with comprehensive, subscription-based support services including legal counsel and representation, fuel, shopping and equipment discounts, roadside assistance, and other benefits throughout the U.S. and Canada. Focused on helping professional drivers and fleets stay on the road and earning, TVC Pro-Driver has provided CDL legal protection for more than 30 years. Trucker Tools features real-time shipment visibility, trip planning, freight matching, digital document management and automated booking tools for freight brokers, independent owner-operators and small-fleet truckload carriers. Trucker Tools’ flagship mobile app for truckload drivers is a popular smartphone-based digital management resource that includes 17 of the most sought-after features and functions drivers want for managing their business while on the road. “Our members want to be on the road, not in a courtroom. Our goal is to help truckers keep rolling, providing lawyers where needed throughout North America to ensure truckers have proper representation and can keep earning their living,” said Jon Russell, TVC Pro-Driver’s chief executive. “We have been providing trucker-focused legal services for 30 years with a 90 percent success rate defending drivers against violations, removing or reducing fines and points as well as having citations dismissed.” TVC Pro-Driver, a licensed motor club, maintains a network of more than 7,000 attorneys across the U.S. and Canada, and for subscribers, can quickly engage the services of an attorney in the jurisdiction in which a violation occurred. In addition to legal services, members of TVC Pro-Driver can take advantage of fuel discounts that allow them to put money in their pockets rather than in their tanks. Beyond professional coverage for the driver, personal passenger-vehicle coverage and other services may extend to the driver’s spouse at home. “Truck drivers today want apps that provide them with useful services to operate more efficiently, reduce downtime and help them manage various issues that can impact their livelihood,” said Prasad Gollapalli, founder and chief executive of Trucker Tools. “We are pleased to add TVC Pro-Driver to the portfolio of services and support available to users of the Trucker Tools Mobile Driver App.” Trucker Tools will soon feature a “TVC Pro-Driver” button in its mobile driver app, offering drivers more information about TVC services including how to sign up, how to submit a ticket, the benefits of being a member of TVC Pro-Driver and more. The Trucker Tools mobile app has been downloaded by nearly 950,000 independent truckers and is used by approximately 140,000 small fleet operators. The multifunctional, GPS-enabled multiparty mobile app is available for both Android- and Apple-powered smartphones and is provided free of charge to independent truckers and small fleets.

SelecTrucks opens new used-truck center near Chattanooga, Tennessee

FORT MILLS, S.C. — Monday, Aug. 3, marked the opening of SelecTrucks’ newest location, SelecTrucks of Chattanooga. This location is the third SelecTrucks center to open this year and the 29th store in the company’s network. SelecTrucks is a brand of Daimler Trucks North America LLC and one of the largest retailers of used trucks in North America. SelecTrucks of Chattanooga is positioned to conveniently serve customers who are traveling along the Interstate 75 corridor. The group specializes in selling off-lease used day cabs and sleepers from major national fleets and is a member of the Premier Truck Group family of dealerships. The center offers a wide selection of used trucks, industry-leading comprehensive warranty packages, flexible financing terms and business support. “Premier Truck Group has a long-standing relationship with Daimler Trucks Remarketing, with SelecTrucks Centers in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Fort Worth and two locations in Dallas,” said Rich Shearing, president of Premier Truck Group. “We’re excited to take our partnership to the next level with the opening of SelecTrucks of Chattanooga. The Premier Truck Group principles of providing the industry’s best business solutions to meet our customer’s transportation requirements, align perfectly with the values of SelecTrucks,” he said, adding that the company’s sales, finance, parts and service personnel is focused on providing “unparalleled” customer support. “All of our SelecTrucks team members have a passion for helping customers make the best choices for their business, and the team at SelecTrucks of Chattanooga is driven to help its customers succeed,” said Mary Aufdemberg, president and general manager of Daimler Trucks Remarketing. “We’re thrilled about our partnership with Premier Truck Group and even more excited about our shared dedication to bringing our customers’ dreams to life.” SelecTrucks of Chattanooga is located at 137 Gateway Drive in Ringgold, Georgia.

New BlueDEF Platinum helps reduce harmful deposits in trucks’ exhaust systems, manufacturer says

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Old World Industries LLC, the manufacturer of BlueDEF, has launched a new premium product, BlueDEF Platinum, which the company describes as a “breakthrough innovation” in diesel exhaust fluid. Ten years ago, the federal government tasked manufacturers with reducing the emitted nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels of diesel vehicles, which resulted in the development of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems that use diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Since the inception of SCR, there have been issues with deposit build-up especially with low-quality DEF, which can lead to back pressure, resulting in increased fuel consumption as well as reduced engine power. Because these deposits cannot be removed and can lead to costly repairs, the industry has been looking for a breakthrough for the past several years until now. BlueDEF Platinum is a mixture of high-purity synthetic urea, deionized water and a proprietary formulation featuring Old World Industries’ new Advanced System Shield Technology, which significantly reduces harmful deposits that commonly build up in modern diesel-exhaust systems with SCR. With regular use of BlueDEF Platinum, these harmful deposits can be significantly reduced, providing optimum fuel economy, saving money on costly repairs and sustaining the life of the system. “Ever since we launched BlueDEF a decade ago, consumers have come to trust the brand to deliver the highest quality of DEF, giving them peace of mind” said Old World Industries CEO Charles Culverhouse. “BlueDEF Platinum provides added peace of mind by using a proprietary advanced formula to significantly reduce the formation of deposits so that consumers get more out of their SCR systems.” BlueDEF Platinum is manufactured under ISO 22241 guidelines to ensure the highest product quality and is API registered, meeting or exceeding OEM specifications for diesel exhaust fluid.

Freightliner’s battery-electric fleet logs more than 300k emissions-free miles in real-world use

PORTLAND, Ore. — Freightliner’s Innovation Fleet of 30 battery electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks has accumulated more than 300,000 miles of real-world use by customers, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced July 31. The fleet’s purpose is to test integration of battery electric technology into large-scale commercial transportation operations. “Co-creation with our customers is a cornerstone of Freightliner’s unique approach to the market,” said Richard Howard, senior vice president of on-highway sales and marketing for DTNA. “The knowledge and expertise our logistics customers have in fleet operations with their thousands of trucks is invaluable as we design and engineer the zero-emissions future of the commercial vehicle,” he continued. “Crossing the threshold of 300,000 miles of testing, then one million miles, then more — together — before we begin series production of battery electric trucks will ensure we deliver the performance and reliability our customers count on and which has made Freightliner the undisputed leader in commercial trucks.” The Freightliner Innovation Fleet is supported and partially funded by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), which focuses on improving air quality in the South Coast Basin of Southern California. The fleet includes 10 eM2s and 20 eCascadias that are being tested in a variety of applications, including drayage, regional and local delivery, food distribution and parcel delivery. The 300,000 local emissions-free miles logged by the fleet represent the equivalent mileage to complete: 5660 one-way trips between the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to the warehousing centers of California’s Inland Empire; 2500 trips to complete the average local distribution run; 41 trips to travel to all 10 DTNA parts distribution centers located in North America; and 12 trips to circle the globe. Freightliner first unveiled the concept eCascadia and eM2 in June 2018, announcing the Innovation fleet and naming Penske Truck Leasing and NFI as partners for the fleet’s deployment. Daimler Trucks established its global E-Freight Mobility group to consolidate electric vehicle research and development the same month. In October 2018, Freightliner convened the first meeting of the Electric Vehicle Council to collaborate with customers interested in fleet electrification. Two months later, in December, Freightliner’s first 3M2 was delivered to Penske. In August 2019, the first eCascadias were delivered to Penske and NFI. In March 2020, Freightliner announced the formation of a customer-experience fleet, along with plans to add six eCascadias and two eM2s to a pre-series testing fleet for rotational use by 14 customers. Last month, in July, the Innovation Fleet reached a milestone of 300,000 miles of real-world use. Freightliner plans to begin series production of the eCascadia by mid-2022 and the eM2 by the end of 2022.

SmartDrive introduces new driver-assist offerings to deliver added protection, safety for truckers

SAN DIEGO — SmartDrive Systems, which specializes in video-based safety and transportation intelligence, has released SmartSense for Speeding for Conditions and SmartSense for Sitting Duck, offering never-before-available capabilities to support and protect drivers. Tested by nationally recognized fleets, these intelligent driver-assist offerings represent an expansion of SmartDrive’s intellectual property portfolio. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued patents in June 2020 for the technologies, which help fleets alert drivers so they can avoid driving too fast for poor weather or road conditions; the tech also assists drivers who may be parked in unsafe locations. “With insurance premiums, nuclear verdicts and everyday driving risks skyrocketing, fleets must be able to identify hidden dangers and proactively address them,” said Steve Mitgang, CEO of SmartDrive. “When the country’s leading fleets came to us with these concerns, we knew we had to challenge the status quo to find a solution,” Mitgang continued. “Building on our track record of technology innovation, we’ve developed two new features to alert drivers concerning weather and safe parking. We know these solutions will not only save fleets money but, more importantly, save lives.” Speeding for Conditions and Sitting Duck are the latest in the SmartDrive SmartSense line of intelligent driver-assist sensors that alert drivers to potentially dangerous situations before a catastrophic event occurs. By combining purpose-built sensors with computer vision, engine telematics and accelerometer data, the SmartSense suite enables new levels of accurate risk identification and collision mitigation. SmartSense for Speeding for Conditions Driving faster than the posted speed limit is not the only speeding problem facing fleets. Driving too fast for road or weather conditions, which can change rapidly and unexpectedly, accounts for 23% of truck crashes, according to a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Additionally, the severity and cost of collisions significantly increase in adverse weather conditions, often resulting in nuclear verdicts. The Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) notes that 70% of the nation’s roads are located in regions that receive more than 5 inches of snow annually. Vehicles require 10 times longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement, so it is imperative that fleets monitor and notify drivers of unsafe conditions. SmartSense for Speeding for Conditions addresses these challenges by: Measuring vehicle speed versus a recommended, or fleet-specified, standard for safe driving in inclement weather conditions; Providing real-time data to assess the severity of driving too fast for conditions – particularly in fog, rain, or snow; and Alerting drivers of the risks within minutes and recommending the appropriate speed for the conditions. “From tropical storms and tornado warnings to icy roads and flooding, weather changes quickly and is normally very local in nature. As a result, commercial drivers often must deal with less than ideal conditions as they ensure essential goods are delivered,” said Brett Sant, senior vice president, safety and risk management for Knight-Swift Transportation. “SmartSense for Speeding for Conditions allows us to proactively notify and remind drivers of these fast-changing weather conditions and recommend safe driving practices to help ensure they are operating safely in these changing environments,” Sant noted. “As a result, we have more drivers adapting safely and proactively to challenging weather conditions.” SmartSense for Sitting Duck The lack of available truck parking along some of the country’s busiest roadways, along with frequently full truck stops and rest areas, creates a dangerous and costly dilemma for drivers who are often forced to park in undesignated and unsafe locations. Between mandated driver breaks, other necessary stops and maintenance issues, fleets are often faced with “sitting duck” situations that put both drivers and the motoring public at risk. SmartSense for Sitting Duck addresses these situations, which have continued to increase in recent months due to frequent, uncertain COVID-19 closures. SmartSense for Sitting Duck: Detects and reports vehicles that have stopped, parked or stalled in a potentially hazardous location; Provides real-time data to assess the incident so immediate corrective action can be taken; and Delivers video insight into why and where the driver is stopped or parked. “Many times, drivers find themselves in circumstances where they need mechanical assistance or need to stop in a heavily-traveled area,” Sant said. “SmartSense for Sitting Duck technology helps us protect our drivers by alerting management that they may need help. We can then quickly advise our driver on how to handle the situation and, if necessary, provide support — or send assistance — and get them back on the road safely.” The new SmartSense features operate on the SmartDrive Transportation Intelligence Platform, a platform capable of true data convergence; as a result, intelligent data alerts can be integrated with a fleet’s existing telematics messaging system. SmartSense features enable drivers to get alerts prior to entering an area impacted by weather so they can slow down for conditions, and the tech also alerts drivers who have been parked longer than necessary to contact dispatch. Manager notifications are triggered if corrective action is not taken. The real-time interactive dashboards provide at-a-glance data so fleet managers can quickly identify trends and intervene before issues become widespread. “Thanks to our open, extensible platform architecture, SmartDrive is positioned to combine data from multiple sources — the operating environment, driver behavior and vehicle diagnostics — and deliver actionable insights that improve fleet safety and efficiency,” Mitgang said. “These patented, leading-edge capabilities are the latest example of how we are leveraging the unparalleled compute-power of our system to innovate today’s most advanced video-based safety capabilities.”

Fyda Freightliner Pittsburgh to launch mobile repair service program Aug. 1

PITTSBURGH — Fyda Freightliner Pittsburgh Inc., at 20 Fyda Drive in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, will launch a new Mobile Repair Service (MRS) program Monday, Aug. 3. The service will be available during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and emergency call-out is available 24/7. Fyda Pittsburgh’s MRS program is designed to create a better partnership with customers by offering additional services to support their businesses. “We feel that mobile service will add value and convenience for our customers. We expect MRS to be an extension of our shop capabilities and that our customers will find this to be another great option to reduce downtime,” said Brian Conkle, service manager. The core of the MRS program is the service vehicle itself, a 2020 Freightliner M2 106 with a customized service truck body that’s fully equipped for a full range of truck repair and preventative maintenance services. MRS will literally bring the truck repair shop to customers on site, offering scheduled warranty repairs, recalls, product bulletins, diagnostic and repair services, and contract preventative maintenance services. MRS will also provide 24/7 emergency and roadside assistance repairs. Services will be performed by factory trained and certified repair technicians. Fyda Freightliner Pittsburgh is an Elite Support Certified full-service dealer of new Freightliner and Western Star trucks and Freightliner Sprinter vans, and carries a large inventory of all-makes of pre-owned vehicles. Serving the Pittsburgh transportation hub since 1996, Fyda Freightliner offers full vehicle repair and maintenance in the 55-bay service department and body shop, in addition to the new MRS program. The dealership also includes a professional heavy-truck detail shop, a parts department that stocks more than $1.6 million in OE and all makes of commercial truck parts, and new and used truck sales. Fyda Pittsburgh MRS will be available to perform warranty repairs for: * Freightliner, Western Star and Freightliner custom chassis vehicles; * Detroit, Cummins and CAT diesel engines; * Detroit DT12 and Eaton transmissions; * Detroit, Eaton and Meritor axles; and * Wabco and Bendix ABS systems. Fyda Freightliner Pittsburgh’s MRS program is not limited existing customers. “We welcome the opportunity to partner with new customers that have been too distant from us to use our services in the past. We plan to eliminate the challenge of getting dealer quality service on site through our mobile repair service,” Conkle said. Customers may schedule service by calling 724-514-2055, emailing [email protected] or filling out a request for service online at www.fydafreightliner.com (available Aug. 1). After-hours requests will be available soon.