Equipment & Tech

LONG BEACH, Calif. – United Pacific Industries has expanded its commercial truck parts line with its new Vibrant Color Series shift knobs, shift covers, shifter shaft extensions and other shifter accessories to customize cab interiors. The new products include: 13/15/18-Speed Gearshift Knobs for Eaton Fuller shift knob assemblies offered in a variety of high-fashion colors, including cadmium orange, indigo blue, electric yellow, emerald green, candy red, liquid silver and pearl white. A Stainless Gearshift Knob Cover, Chrome Range Selector Cover and Chrome Splitter Button for Eaton Fuller 13 speed shifters are also available. Lower Gear Shift Knob Covers designed to match the gear shift knobs described above in all of the same matching colors. Shifter Shaft Extensions designed to complement the gear shift knobs and lower knob covers, with easy thread-on installation (1/2” – 13 UNC, 1” long thread) in ¾” diameter thickness. They’re offered in the same variety of colors and come in four lengths: 6-, 9-, 12- and 18-inches. “United Pacific understands and celebrates the fact that trucks aren’t just the source of owners’ livelihoods, but a source of pride and a reflection of personal style,” said Jai Baek, marketing and creative director at United Pacific Industries. “That’s why we make it easy for truckers to customize their interiors with high quality chrome and candy colored shifters.  We think truckers will love it.” In addition to these brightly colored interior items, United Pacific offers a broad selection of additional products for most popular truck models, including lighting, collision parts, bumpers and grille guards, steps, toolboxes, door handles and grab bars, steering wheels, exterior mirrors, mud guards, interior trim and more. Most components are designed as direct replacements for factory items or easily installed accessories that help personalize a trucker’s pride and joy. ­For more information, visit UPtruckparts.com.

LOS ANGELES — Clean technology consulting firm and producers of the annual Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA) is authoring a report on the current and future adoption of clean and advanced vehicles across the nation’s on-road transportation industry. The State of Sustainable Fleets report is the first technology-neutral, comprehensive industry resource that examines five fuel and vehicle technologies across eight medium- and heavy-duty transportation sectors. The report will be released Tuesday, Aug. 11; a two-part virtual launch event is planned to share the report’s findings. The report will provide insights from on-road vehicle fleets into the current and future adoption of natural gas, propane, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles against a baseline of diesel and gasoline vehicles. The analysis includes public, private and for-hire fleets, including school, municipal/shuttle, urban delivery, refuse, utility, transit, short-haul and long-haul sectors. This first-of-its-kind report also offers insights into vehicle sale trends, anticipated vehicle development timelines, real-world infrastructure and fuel costs, and the growing adoption of renewable fuels. “The commercial transportation industry is at a critical inflection point. While diesel and gasoline have dominated the industry for decades, we are now approaching a new era where clean and advanced vehicle technologies can compete on performance, range, and an overall total cost of ownership—all while delivering significant environmental sustainability benefits,” said Erik Neandross, CEO of Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA). “Until now, there has not been a comprehensive, technology-neutral look at the adoption of sustainable fleet technologies today and the key trends driving the industry forward,” he continued. “Fleet managers, OEMs, technology providers, energy suppliers and other stakeholders will now have a single resource to help understand the state of these new technologies and evaluate future opportunities for economic and environmental sustainability.” Sourcing data from interviews and surveys with fleets across the U.S., the report incorporates and references leading sources of third-party research and data. To provide sector-specific insights into each fuel and technology, the report authors have partnered with industry trade associations to contribute forward-looking industry perspectives. The State of Sustainable Fleets report is produced with support from the report’s title sponsors — Daimler Trucks North America, Penske Transportation Solutions, Shell Oil Company and supporting sponsor Exelon Corporation. For more information, click here.

INDIANAPOLIS — Palmer Trucks, a third-generation, family-owned commercial truck sales, parts and service provider, has announced plans to expand operations in the Indianapolis area. In addition to upgrading the existing Kenworth of Indianapolis-West facility at 2929 S. Holt Road, the company has planned a new venture, Kenworth of Indianapolis-East, at 9704 E. 30th St. Kenworth of Indianapolis-East will be housed in a 140,000-square-foot facility and will be home to a diesel technician training center, a parts warehouse, a body shop and corporate offices, in addition to a full-service Kenworth dealership. The facility will serve as an extension of Palmer Trucks’ existing Kenworth dealership on Holt Road. In addition to the new facility, the company’s $17 million capital investment project will feature upgrades to the existing Kenworth dealership on Holt Road, including alterations to accommodate Palmer Power & Truck Equipment, the fabrication, hydraulic power and truck equipment division of Palmer Trucks. Currently located on Thompson Road, moving Palmer Power & Truck Equipment to the Holt Road facility will allow the company to increase efficiency and output. “Despite the pandemic, we have remained safe and operational to serve our customers. Our economy depends upon trucks to keep moving forward, and this expansion project will enable us to keep more trucks on the road, ultimately increasing customers’ truck uptime,” said John Nichols, CEO of Palmer Trucks. When announcing the development of the new and upgraded state-of-the-art facilities, Palmer Trucks executives also noted that the projects will increase service levels for Indiana’s trucking industry and create as many as 220 jobs by 2022. “We are here for our customers and community,” Nichols said. “This investment will allow us to better serve the trucking industry for not only the Indianapolis market, but all trucking customers across the region,” he continued. “We’re excited for this opportunity and the positive impact to the Indianapolis community through job creation and skills training.” Work to facilitate the project will begin immediately with the grand opening of the 30th Street facility expected to take place late this fall. Palmer Trucks plans to welcome the community and trucking industry to a 55-year-anniversary celebration at the new facility, as COVID-19 restrictions allow. Additional updates and announcements will be posted in the coming weeks on the company’s website, palmertrucks.com.

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Wabash National, harnessing eNow solar power and Carrier Transicold all-electric refrigeration technologies, have teamed up to offer customers what the company describes as the most thermally efficient, eco-friendly refrigerated haul available on the market. First shown as a zero-emission trailer at the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) meeting in February, the Wabash MSC refrigerated trailer with solar-electric TRU is now commercially available as a road-ready solution. Although solar-electric solutions aren’t new to the trucking industry, they haven’t been widely adopted because no manufacturer has been able to demonstrate real viability of a roadworthy solution. “We haven’t seen high demand for zero-emission trailers for refrigerated hauls due to the location and size of batteries,” said Robert Lane, vice president, product innovations for Wabash National. “This is the first time a major trailer innovation has been coupled with a major TRU (transportation refrigeration unit) innovation that results in breakthrough customer value in a sustainable format. Our molded structural composite (MSC) technology provides a unique platform for electric powered TRUs,” he continued. “The large gain in thermal efficiencies allow a customer to either downsize the batteries required to haul cargo or increase the run time on a battery setup.” The cost to operate and maintain a diesel reefer system can total hundreds of millions of dollars for U.S. fleets. With Wabash National, eNow and Carrier Transicold, customers can get a zero-emission refrigerated transportation solution that’s more energy efficient and has a lower operating cost. According to Wabash National: – The Wabash National MSC Refrigerated Trailer is the most thermally efficient, lightest and most durable reefer on the road. The company’s proprietary MSC technology sets new standards in efficiency with significant thermal performance, maximized payload capacity, corrosion resistance and the industry’s highest standard floor rating. – The eNow Rayfrigeration System is a solar-electric power system that enables a full 12-hour route duration without employing a diesel engine to power the TRU. It can cut operating costs by more than 50% compared to diesel reefers. – Carrier Transicold’s engineless Vector 8100 unit is a highly efficient, uniquely all-electric trailer refrigeration system that brings the benefits of reduced maintenance and noise, while eliminating emissions and fuel consumption associated with traditional diesel TRUs. “We are excited about our partnership with Wabash,” Jeff Flath, president of eNow. “Our combined technologies should have a major impact in reducing operating cost.”

COOLIDGE, Ariz. — Nikola Corp., a Phoenix-based alternative-energy vehicle design and manufacturing company, broke ground on a new manufacturing facility in Coolidge, Arizona, yesterday, July 23. The 1 million-square-foot 4.0 designed facility will be constructed an approximately 430-acre parcel off U.S. Highway 89 at East Houser Road and Vail Road. The plant is expected to generate more than 1,800 new full-time positions and result in approximately $600 million in new capital expenditures. The ceremony featured speakers from Nikola’s executive team, including Trevor Milton, Nikola’s founder and executive chairman; Mark Russell, CEO; and Mark Duchesne, global head of manufacturing. Also joining the celebration were Coolidge Mayor Jon Thompson along with business leaders Chris Camacho, CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council; Jackob Andersen, CEO of Saint Holding; and, via video, Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “This has been an incredible journey for Nikola Corporation. We started in our basement six years ago and now we are kicking off this 1 million-square-foot manufacturing facility,” Milton said. “The residents of Coolidge will be a huge part of the Nikola story, and without the help of Gov. (Doug) Ducey and the Arizona economic development teams, this project would not have been possible in Arizona,” Milton continued. “These next 12 months will be even more exciting as we see this facility go up and as we add more Arizonans to the Nikola team.” The new manufacturing facility will incorporate the latest technology to increase connectivity 24/7 throughout the building and equipment to optimize overall energy, productivity and quality. “The reason our company exists is in support of a sustainable future, so everything we do in our manufacturing process and our building site will be done to ensure the smallest environmental footprint possible while making the highest quality, high tech products that will impact the sustainability of the planet,” Duchesne said. The first phase of construction is scheduled for completion in late 2021, with the second phase projected to be complete during the following 12 to 18 months. The U.S.-based facility represents a capital investment of approximately $600 million and will initially produce the Nikola Tre and Nikola Two Class 8 commercial trucks. At full production, the facility will reach approximately 35,000 units annually, running two shifts. The first Nikola Tre trucks will be produced in Ulm, Germany with partner IVECO, followed shortly after with trucks produced at the Coolidge facility. “Arizona is the best state in the nation for cutting-edge companies to make their mark,” Ducey said. “Nikola’s new plant in Coolidge will produce its zero-emissions Class 8 semitrucks and create thousands of new jobs. Congratulations to the Nikola team on breaking ground. I look forward to the continued success.” Coolidge Mayor Jon Thompson officially welcomed Nikola Corp. to the city. “Nikola Corp. will be a welcomed addition to Coolidge, providing thousands of jobs while manufacturing environmentally friendly vehicles,” he said. “We’re proud to be a part of this history-paving future in transportation.”

COLUMBUS, Ind. — U.S. and Canadian retail sales of Class 8 natural gas trucks fell 22% from January through May compared to 2019, according to AFQ: Alternative Fuels Quarterly, a report released July 21 by ACT Research. “Sales of natural gas-powered vehicles as reported by the six major truck OEMs, who account for approximately 60% of the heavy-duty natural gas market, were almost uniformly weaker in the March to May time period,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research. The AFQ report provides insight and analysis, along with trends regarding alternative fuel/power adoption for the U.S. heavy- and medium-duty commercial-vehicle markets. The report details considerations such as fuel prices; fuel and charging infrastructure development; equipment prices, products and technological developments; and regulatory changes. Truck sales data and a forecast for new natural gas adoption are included. “While the year started strong, year-over-year loses since February have resulted in a year-to-date decline of 22%. Through the first five months of 2020, reporting OEMs have sold about 1,100 natural gas-powered Class 8 units,” Tam said. “It is important to note for comparison that total U.S. Class 8 sales were down 38% for the same time period.”

PORTLAND, Ore. — Freightliner has updated its Smart Source app to provide an improved user experience for professional drivers with a new design, personalized notification options and enhanced product-support features. The Smart Source app helps drivers stay connected with Freightliner for up-to-date product news, training videos and support information. The new features expand on the app’s versatility and help drivers quickly find the information they need to efficiently operate their Freightliner truck. “Drivers are more connected than ever before, and we are dedicated to providing them with useful information about their vehicles delivered in a familiar and easily accessible format via their mobile device,” said Kelly Gedert, vice president of on-highway market development for Daimler Trucks North America. In addition to a more intuitive design, updates to the Smart Source app include: An expanded library of VIN-based training videos, which allow users to enter the last six digits of their VIN directly into the app to access product training that’s relevant to their specific truck. Links to online driver and maintenance manuals by model. Quick access to the Freightliner Roadside Assistance Program. Optional push notifications so users can be instantly alerted when new training videos, news or additional product information is added. The Smart Source app can be downloaded free on the Apple App store or Google Play.

GREEN BAY, Wisc. — Schneider, a provider of trucking, intermodal and logistics services, has announced a collaboration with Mastery Logistics Systems Inc., developers of a new SaaS technology solution led by industry veteran Jeff Silver, to further leverage the expertise Schneider has invested in the Quest ecosystem. Mastery brings to market MasterMind, a cloud-based SaaS technology solution for large, complex organizations, that’s built to fuel automation, visibility and productivity within the supply chain. MasterMind provides modern connectivity to Schneider’s supply chain and its supply chain partners, enabling better management, decision making, resource allocation and overall visibility of goods and processes across the organization, across transportation modes and across work streams. “Our customers rely on us to provide the capacity they need when and where they need it, regardless of whether it is a dedicated solution, one-way trucking, brokerage or supply-chain management,” said Mark Rourke, CEO of Schneider. “MasterMind will help us accelerate the blending of our asset and non-asset worlds for the benefit of our customers and will provide us a highly flexible and automated solution that will allow our associates to deliver what our customers need.” As part of this new relationship, Schneider will make a strategic investment in Mastery Logistics Systems, providing capital and expertise to allow both companies to leverage shared resources when working together in the future, similar to Schneider’s investment last year in Platform Science. MasterMind will integrate with Quest and Schneider’s various other externally provided systems to support the proprietary business intelligence, reporting and other key technology tools built by the Schneider teams. “Partnering with an industry visionary like Jeff Silver will help accelerate our efforts to build next generation freight technologies. This partnership enables the creation of an industry leading TMS that benefits Schneider, our customers and the industry at large,” said Shaleen Devgun, executive vice president and chief information officer for Schneider. “MasterMind not only brings significantly enhanced efficiencies to Schneider, but it will also become the TMS (transportation management system) of choice for large, complex shippers, carriers and logistics service providers.” Mastery was launched in 2019 by Jeff Silver, CEO, and his team. In his previous roles with American Backhaulers and Coyote Logistics, Silver leveraged his technology vision and his team’s capabilities to drive his own businesses. This time, Silver has turned his attention to working with very large, scaled enterprises to help them grow their capabilities and efficiencies. “The industry needs a system that brings value while still allowing a company to benefit from the use of their own secret sauce,” Silver said. “MasterMind is meant to be collaborative in every sense. We are building a strategic partnership within the Mastery and Schneider teams to achieve operational excellence, speed, and optimal resource allocation for the Schneider network,” Silver continued. “Schneider is an incredible company with great people. I love their vision and am looking forward to working with them as they continue to be a prominent leader in this space.” Mastery initialized a phased implementation with Schneider beginning with its brokerage division. With this new partnership, Schneider will continue to explore ongoing opportunities that will accelerate the convergence of its asset and non-asset capabilities.

SALT LAKE CITY — EKA Solutions Inc., a provider of cloud-based freight management and end-to-end supply-chain platforms for small and midsize carriers, brokers and shippers is significantly expanding its strategic collaboration with Transflo. This strategic collaboration, announced July 15, will deliver transformational end-to-end digital and automated transportation document workflows solutions between shippers and carriers. “EKA is excited to continue to strategically partner with Transflo, the leader in digitizing transportation workflows, to deliver smart electronic documents solutions, like electronic bill of lading (eBOL), that results in reduced physical contact, fewer labor hours, higher document accuracy, improved cashflows to its customers, all with high level of safety, searchability and security. Digitizing BOL is just one important step of going contactless,” said JJ Singh, founder, investor and CEO of EKA Solutions Inc. In addition to using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and other tech solutions to enhance the supply chain, Singh said digitizing document workflows between shippers and carriers could result in six-figure savings for customers. “Innovation across the transportation chain is accelerating, and most of it comes from software and technology,” said Frank Adelman, president and CEO of Transflo. “We’re excited to work closely with the experienced and talented supply-chain leadership team at EKA Solutions Inc. to accelerate the delivery of innovative end-to-end digital and automated document and mobility solutions.”

DUBLIN, Va. — As conditions related to COVID-19 persist, Volvo Trucks North America is offering existing and potential customers the opportunity to participate in live video walk-arounds of pilot trucks, providing a high-definition look at the design and engineering details of truck models. The Volvo Trucks Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia, the only facility in North America dedicated exclusively to the Volvo Trucks brand, is conducting live virtual presentations of new Volvo Trucks models via video conference due to physical distancing and travel restrictions caused by COVID-19. These virtual walk-arounds offer a new, immersive visual experience for customers who want an up-close review of Volvo’s new models. Customers are provided with an exclusive first-hand look at truck details and the opportunity to provide input, even making requests or changes to their specification. “This has been incredibly beneficial in allowing customers to have an in-depth and up-close discussion of how they can use our trucks and services to benefit their business, even when they aren’t able to physically be here,” said Rob Simpson, director of the Volvo Trucks Customer Center. “We also found that the camera’s small size and high definition let the customer get a close look at components and installations that are not easily accessible. So even with live customer visits, we will still use this technology to help them see more of our trucks.” Recently, Ozinga Bros. Inc., a national concrete and materials company, participated in a virtual walk-around to get a bumper-to-bumper look at Volvo Trucks’ new vocational VHD model for ready-mix concrete. While product experts presented features and advantages of the truck, live images were shared from a high-definition webcam showcasing the truck’s exterior and interior, as well as providing close-up undercarriage, powertrain, and suspension views that are very difficult to see in person. “This was a great opportunity for us to pay a virtual visit to the Volvo Trucks facility and enjoy a presentation that we otherwise would not have been able to schedule under the current pandemic circumstances,” said Jeff Bonnema, vice president of fleet management for Ozinga Bros. Inc. “The video experience and remote discussion with the Volvo team allowed for an up-close and personal view of the truck.” Another recent video walk-around was attended by a dealer sales representative in Illinois and the dealer’s customer, Volvo Trucks corporate executives located in Greensboro, North Carolina, a Volvo Trucks product expert who was working remotely, and the team at the Volvo Trucks Customer Center. Another pilot review included 60 attendees, with 50 participating virtually from across the U.S. “As states are relaxing their restrictions on group gatherings, we know there will be more customers and prospects wanting to visit the Volvo Trucks Customer Center,” Simpson said. “For now, the use of virtual digital technology allows us to stay connected safely and show new trucks as they come off the factory line.” Currently, the Volvo Trucks Customer Center is open at a very limited capacity for in-person vehicle reviews. Volvo Trucks encourages customers to contact their dealer sales representative to request a virtual walk-around or a hybrid presentation, which includes both online and on-site, socially distanced attendance, for a unique look at new trucks or models not available in their area. The Volvo Trucks Customer Center is able to utilize whatever video conferencing platform is preferred.

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn University’s GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory (GAVLAB)is planning the addition of a sophisticated new autonomous vehicle research facility at Auburn’s National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) test track. The facility is expected to provide a garage with multiple bays and lifts for commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, office space for researchers, a conference room and an observation area overlooking NCAT’s 1.7-mile oval test track. The building, estimated to cost approximately $800,000, will be one of the few autonomous research facilities in the nation attached to a test track. Currently, much of the work done by researchers in the university’s GAVLAB — such as debugging algorithms, installing sensors and running data analyses — is done outdoors, subject to sweltering summer sun, pop-up thunderstorms and other weather-related elements. “The fact that we’ll have our own test track where we can run autonomous vehicles and autonomous testing attached to this facility, I think will be an unbelievably unique asset,” said David Bevly, the Bill and Lana McNair Distinguished Professor of mechanical engineering. Bevly serves as co-director of the GAVLAB, along with assistant research professor Scott Martin. Since Bevly joined the Auburn engineering faculty in 2001, the GAVLAB has built a strong reputation in autonomous vehicle navigation and developed a broad sponsored research portfolio, with projects ranging from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Federal Highway Administration to private industry partners. With various sponsors visiting each month, the facility’s planned observation area will give the GAVLAB team a high-quality space to demonstrate its research. Bevly’s group has also conducted demonstrations for legislators and the Alabama Department of Transportation. “I think it will be a great facility for us as a team, but also to showcase our work,” Bevly said. With a growing research thrust in transportation engineering, the autonomous research facility also demonstrates Auburn University’s commitment to supporting these research initiatives. “Dave and his GAVLAB team are one of our top research groups on campus, and their work has elevated Auburn to an internationally prominent position in navigation and vehicle dynamics for autonomous vehicles,” said Jeff Suhling, the Quina Professor and department chair for mechanical engineering. “Our department is proud to commit resources, along with the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, to support high-impact researchers,” Suhling continued. “We think this facility will really help set us apart from other universities in autonomous vehicle research.”

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Preliminary used Class 8 volumes (same dealer sales) grew 54% month over month in June, according to the latest preliminary release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks published by ACT Research. For the longer term, volumes rose 6% compared to June 2019 but were flat when measured against the first six months of last year. Other data released in ACT’s preliminary report included month-over-month comparisons for June 2020, which showed that average prices were down 4%, while average miles and average age of used Class 8 vehicles each increased, up 4% and 1%, respectively, compared to May. Year to date, average price, miles, and age were all lower — down 13%, 3%, and 8%, respectively — compared to the first six months of 2019. ACT’s Classes 3-8 Used Truck Report provides data on the average selling price, miles and age based on a sample of industry data. In addition, the report provides the average selling price for top-selling Class 8 models for each of the major truck OEMs: Freightliner (Daimler), Kenworth and Peterbilt (Paccar), International (Navistar), and Volvo and Mack (Volvo). This report is used by professionals throughout the trucking industry, including commercial vehicle dealers, to gain a better understanding of the used truck market, especially as it relates to changes in near-term performance. “The fact that no one buys a truck that is not needed calls into question why so many used trucks are currently being sold, given all the negative news about the economy,” said Steve Tam, vice president of ACT Research. “The simple truth is that, fingers crossed, the worst of the global pandemic is behind us. Even though new cases are at or near record highs in the U.S. and deaths are on the rise, we are no longer in uncharted territory,” he continued. “The first wave of COVID-19 came out of the blue, but now businesses are much more prepared to deal with the virus, and citizens of this country are nothing if not resourceful and ready to move past this disaster.”

FRANKLIN, Tenn., and BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — QuikQ LLC, a provider of fuel cards and cardless fueling solutions, now features an upgraded interactive interface with McLeod Software’s LoadMaster Enterprise dispatch software. “QuikQ understands the importance of automation and efficiency,” said Dean Troester, CEO of QuikQ LLC. “I have seen firsthand how an interactive interface creates better vision, control and accuracy for fleet operations.” In addition to the current batch interface, fleets can now manage their QuikQ fuel-purchasing program directly in their LoadMaster screens. This centralized interactive interface allows fleets to update critical information in LoadMaster and QuikQ in one simple step. In addition, checks and cash advances can be seamlessly issued through the interactive interface. “We are pleased to provide QuikQ’s unique solution into our interactive fuel product portfolio to offer customers further innovative solutions for their fleet management needs,” said Robert Brothers, vice president of product development for McLeod Software.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – McLeod Software has chosen a virtual approach for both its second annual Information Technology Security Summit as well as its fourth annual Transportation Accounting & Finance Conference. McLeod Software has made it a priority to make these events a valuable asset to their customers’ ongoing success and moving these events to virtual settings will allow for more people to participate. McLeod Software’s second annual Information Technology Security Summit is planned as a two-day, virtual conference July 22-23.  The company has pulled together experts in different fields of the larger cyber security community for this online, educational event to help attendees formulate or adjust their plans based on a deeper understanding of the risks, best practices and strategies that can be put in place at their company. The two-day event will feature sessions on prevention, stopping an attack, recovery, insurance and justifying the return on investment of a cyber security strategy. The cost to register is $95 at ITSS.McLeodSoftware.com. The company’s fourth annual Transportation Accounting & Finance Conference will be held as three-day, virtual event July 28-30. McLeod Software has partnered with Indianapolis-based accounting firm, Katz, Sapper & Miller (KSM) on this year’s conference. The event includes two training tracks as optional training classes for McLeod Software customers, on Financial Systems Training and on McLeod IQ Business Intelligence Finance Training. Conference attendees will qualify for 9.5 CPE credits. The cost to register for the event is $195 at FinanceConference.McLeodSoftware.com.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America is extending the coverage period for its Volvo Trucks Uptime Services support bundle at no cost through the end of the year or for a minimum of three months (whichever is longer). The program extension is retroactive and is available on all Volvo Trucks North America models with Uptime Services packages that expire between May 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2020. The coverage on approximately 20,000 VINs will be automatically and seamlessly extended; no customer action or in-person contact is required. “Our customers are providing essential services that are keeping our economy moving under extraordinary conditions,” said Conal Deedy, director of customer productivity solutions for Volvo Trucks North America. “We are dedicated to supporting them with solutions that go beyond saying ‘thank you,’” Deedy said. “By extending Volvo Trucks Uptime Services support bundle, we hope to ease some of the financial burden that many are currently experiencing.” The Volvo Trucks Uptime Services bundle includes: Volvo Trucks Remote Diagnostics powertrain package: Monitors Volvo engine performance, Volvo I-Shift transmissions and aftertreatment systems. Web-based ASIST service communications platform: Provides digital access to dealers for electronic estimates, repair orders and approvals. 24/7 roadside support from Volvo Action Service (VAS): Customers have access to Volvo Trucks’ Uptime Center experts, located at the company’s headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, to manage emergency service, schedule repairs and assist with any issues that happen on the road. Remote Programming updates (available on model-year 2018 trucks and newer: Enables direct connectivity with the Volvo Trucks Uptime Center for remote system upgrades using the Volvo Trucks telematics platform. Customers with questions about specific trucks and their service package expirations, extensions or renewals should contact their local Volvo Trucks dealer for information. “The Volvo Trucks Uptime Services program is one of the most important benefits we offer to our customers across the U.S. and Canada,” Deedy said. “We appreciate and value our customers’ loyalty to the Volvo Trucks brand and are always looking for ways to strengthen the service and support we’re able to provide, particularly in these difficult times.”

SEATTLE — A new technology partnership between Convoy, a digital freight network, and KeepTruckin, a provider of fleet-management technology, is designed to help carriers simplify daily tasks and grow their businesses. The partnership will integrate Convoy’s digital freight network with KeepTruckin’s freight-visibility API (application programming interface) to access location data for en-route shipments (generated by consenting carriers in its network that use KeepTruckin’s electronic logging devices, or ELDs) to provide enhanced visibility and eliminate the need for additional driver check-in calls. Carriers will have total control and must provide consent before their data will be shared between the two companies. Carriers on a Convoy shipment turn on their mobile app prior to pick-up, enabling GPS to identify their location throughout the trip and communicate progress to help ensure an on-time delivery. However, if the carrier’s mobile phone loses battery or if the driver enters an area with poor cell reception, GPS is unable to send precise location information to Convoy’s platform, requiring check-ins with the carrier to confirm the shipment’s estimated arrival time. Convoy and KeepTruckin’s freight-visibility integration will provide a secondary location proof point to augment Convoy’s shipment-tracking capabilities using data from the carrier’s KeepTruckin ELD. As a result, carriers in Convoy’s network that consent to share KeepTruckin data with Convoy will benefit from enhanced shipment tracking. This will eliminate the need for check-in calls and give carriers the ability to easily manage their Convoy integration through the KeepTruckin platform. “We are excited to kick off a strategic, multifaceted partnership with a fellow industry leader in KeepTruckin, starting with the integration of their freight visibility API and offering discounts on critical fleet management products,” said Brooks McMahon, vice president of partnerships for Convoy. “Ensuring carriers in our network have access to high-quality ELD devices, and powerful fleet management tools at reasonable pricing, is core to our commitment to help carriers earn more with less hassle.” This partnership also lowers costs for carriers by offering a 15% discount on KeepTruckin’s ELDs and other fleet-management technology. KeepTruckin’s Electronic Logbook App and ELD system have more than half a million users nationwide. When compared to other fleet management vendors, carriers can use the newly offered discount to save up to $1,000 per year on each truck in their fleet. “At KeepTruckin, we have a relentless focus on driver experience — it’s in our DNA,” said Jairam Ranganathan, senior vice president of product for KeepTruckin. “We’re excited to create a best-in-class experience for carriers in Convoy’s network that gives them complete control over their data. We envision many opportunities in the weeks and months ahead to help carriers leverage their data to grow their businesses with a platform they’re already using to be compliant and with information that is already being generated,” Ranganathan continued. “Now drivers can use that data for a competitive advantage — without any additional work besides opting in — to eliminate headaches, access more load opportunities, and make more money.” For more information about the Convoy-KeepTruckin partnership and the 15% discount, click here.