Equipment & Tech

RENTON, Wash. — PACCAR Parts has opened a new parts-distribution center (PDC) in Las Vegas. The 250,000-square-foot facility, which includes a 20,000-square-foot small-parts mezzanine, became operational in May and has increased parts availability and uptime to dealers and customers. This PDC serves 95 Kenworth, Peterbilt and TRP locations in the Southwest U.S. and Northwest Mexico. “The new Las Vegas PDC features state-of-the-art technology that allows us to reduce the time between order placement and delivery. Ultimately, it is about getting our dealers the parts they need faster so we can maximize uptime for fleet customers,” said Jim Walenczak, PACCAR Parts assistant general manager-operations. The new distribution center offers three times the capacity of the facility it replaces and is the latest addition to PACCAR Parts’ global distribution network, which includes 18 PDCs with a combined total of more than 3.1 million square feet of warehouse space. PACCAR Parts uses advanced technologies and innovation to increase operational efficiency, including stock-picking equipment with built-in weigh scales, voice-directed picking technology and an automated banding conveyance system to boost order fulfillment. “The operations investment in the new Las Vegas facility will positively impact our dealers and customers,” said Tom Floyd, PACCAR Parts senior director-operations. “With a shipping accuracy of 99.98 percent and order fulfillment rate of 99%, the Las Vegas PDC will provide quality parts and service that is unmatched in the industry.” The Las Vegas PDC features an air-conditioned warehouse, a 300kW solar-panel system and reflective white roofing material to reduce building heat gain. There is also large training center for hosting educational and informational meetings with dealers, fleet customers, suppliers and PACCAR employees. “PACCAR Parts is dedicated to providing industry-leading uptime and outstanding aftermarket parts and service to our customers. We are very proud of our exceptional employees and their contributions to the opening of this world-class facility,” said David Danforth, PACCAR Parts general manager and PACCAR vice president.

BEAVER, Pa. — Beemac Logistics is now using Trucker Tools’ cloud-based applications and tools, and is leveraging the company’s mobile driver app to streamline communications and interactions with truckload operators. Trucker Tools, based in Reston, Virginia, provides trip planning, shipment visibility, predictive freight matching and automated booking solutions for the transportation industry. Beemac, which uses McLeod’s PowerBroker as its core transportation management system (TMS), has integrated its TMS with Trucker Tools’ real-time shipment tracking and digital document management offerings, and is using the Trucker Tools mobile driver app to improve carrier tracking compliance and accuracy. The real-time shipment tracking feature allows Beemac brokers and shippers to gain near-instant visibility to truckload moves in transit. Teaming the Trucker Tools mobile driver app with the embedded GPS features of a driver’s smartphone allows automated shipment location updates to be transmitted as frequently as every five minutes. Truckers moving Beemac loads can set tracking updates automatically; these Updates are sent directly into Beemac’s TMS, where they can be viewed by Beemac’s customer-service agents, as well as by shippers. The visibility app also provides updated ETAs and facilitates simple, direct communication with drivers. Truckers often struggle to get critical shipping documents to brokers and shippers in a timely, complete manner. With Trucker Tools’ digital document management, drivers can use their smartphones to scan key documents and transmit them electronically, where the information flows directly into Beemac’s TMS. This helps speed transaction processing and accelerates payment. In addition, because the transaction takes place over a secure, private, closed-loop network, truckers are protected against fraudulent activity such as “double-brokering.” Michael Ceravolo, chief commercial officer for Beemac, said partnering with Trucker Tools was consistent with the company’s overall technology strategy, which emphasizes cost-effective technologies that can boost efficiency, improve data quality and timeliness, and provide differentiated capability. “Trucker Tools had the functionality we wanted. It’s a proven platform, enjoys deep support both from brokers and carriers, and with the integration tools already built and available with McLeod, it was a no-nonsense plug-and=play deployment,” he said. “When you can acquire cutting-edge third-party technology that is proven and already has wide market adoption, and complements existing capabilities, it’s pretty much a slam-dunk decision.” Ceravolo described the Trucker Tools support team as “phenomenal,” adding, “They delivered on their commitments and now our operating team, customers and carriers are reaping the benefits.” He added that Trucker Tools’ mobile driver app, which features automated processes, intuitive workflows, and a 17 driver-focused features and functions, was the largest differentiator. “As the market has shifted and shippers demand more and more real-time tracking, truckers don’t want to download multiple apps that only do one thing,” Ceravolo said. “When we polled our network, the Trucker Tools app stood out as preferred because of its ease of use, and the many features that make drivers more efficient and life on the road easier for them. That’s critical, and will become even more so as capacity tightens.” Prasad Gollapalli, founder and chief executive of Trucker Tools, said the company is “excited to join Beemac as a key strategic technology partner. It’s a great fit of both culture and vision,” he continued. “We are focused on being innovative and responsive in support of Beemac’s mission, goals and objectives to profitably grow their business and create enduring value for their customers.”

PORTLAND, Ore. ― Enhancements to the Detroit DD15 engine and an expanded lineup of the popular Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission will benefit Freightliner Cascadia customers with better fuel economy, performance and durability. The DT12 transmission has evolved into the DT12 On-Highway Series to offer three purpose-built options to meet the unique needs of various on-highway applications; all options are now available to order. Engineered with fuel efficiency and performance in mind, the all-new DT12-HE debuts with enhanced features and robust capability, according to a statement released by Freightliner May 26. The DD15 Gen 5 engine has been completely updated and engineered to deliver the efficiency the market expects and is a perfect complement to the Cascadia tractor. The DD15 Gen 5 engine will be available with January 2021 truck builds. The Gen 5 advances the legacy of Detroit’s heavy-duty engine platform (HDEP), the most popular Class 8 heavy-duty engine platform sold in North America for the past five years, according to data from IHS Markit. “The addition of the DD15 Gen 5 and DT12 On-Highway Series to the Detroit portfolio is sure to add to the momentum we have built by delivering the most robust and fuel-efficient powertrain on the market,” said Kelly Gedert, vice president of On-Highway market development for DTNA. “With a rich heritage of innovative engineering, world-class manufacturing facilities and access to a global tool kit of cutting-edge technologies, our customers demand Detroit solutions because they are the best in the industry.” The new family of DT12 transmissions The DT12 On-Highway Series pioneers new features for the DT12 transmission line. The trifecta-topping Detroit DT12-HE transmission is an all-new DT12 option that unleashes ultimate performance, capability and efficiency, according to the manufacturer. Customer adoption is growing for downspeeding with faster rear axles ratios to achieve maximum powertrain fuel efficiency. In answer to this increasing demand, the DT12-HE transmission boasts higher overall ratios for improved downspeeding and an improved oil system design, both of which contribute to increased efficiency. The DT12-HE debuts with Cascadia production beginning in early 2021; additional model applications will be announced soon. Also included in the DT12 On-Highway Series, is the DT12-HL transmission, a lightweight carryover option that offers comparable efficiency and durability to the rest of the portfolio and is intended for weight-sensitive applications. Lastly, the DT12-H, a revised designation for the stalwart of the portfolio, retains the same characteristics that have made the DT12 a favorite of fleets of all sizes. Both the DT12-H and DT12-HL are now available for order in Cascadia builds. The DD15 Gen 5 Engine The new DD15 Gen 5 engine advances the legacy of the highly capable, real-world validated DD15 to bring enhanced performance, durability and fuel economy for the Cascadia. A complete rethink of the engine and the application of precision engineering principles combine to provide cutting-edge improvements for 2021, including increased downspeeding, better combustion and a new swirl piston design. With nearly 50% new componentry for the DD15 and fine-tuning by the global team of Detroit engineers, the DD15 Gen 5 brings up to a 3% improvement in fuel efficiency from propulsion alone. As an additional benefit of more efficient operation, the engine stands to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. A new ball bearing simple geometry turbocharger reduces friction and allows peak power and torque to be reached faster in the Cascadia. Peak horsepower is reached at lower engine RPMs of 1500 RPM versus the prior generation’s 1625 RPM, and peak torque is achieved at 900 RPM versus a previously rated 1075 RPM. Modified inlet ports in engine cylinders and a new piston bowl shape combine to create a swirl effect that creates a fuel-spray pattern for better atomization. Along with an ultra-high compression ratio, the new swirl design piston results in cleaner, more efficient combustion than the previous generation of the DD15. The durability of many key components is improved thanks to reduced design complexity and increased robustness. A new EPA GHG21-compliant aftertreatment system for the DD15 Gen 5 debuts a smaller unit design to reduce weight by more than 60 pounds while increasing nitrous oxide conversion and, dependent on duty cycle, allowing increased diesel particulate filter service intervals. The DD15 Gen 5 debuts ThermoCoasting, a new feature that prevents aftertreatment cool-down during a driving regen to keep the keep the system at the optimum temperature. To accomplish this, ThermoCoasting will engage engine brakes when necessary between 900 and 1500 RPM while the engine mimics coasting by maintaining zero torque at the flywheel to balance power delivery. Powertrain noise levels during ThermoCoasting are unobtrusive and parallel the decibel levels observed when in low engine brake setting. ThermoCoasting stands to benefit aftertreatment performance and is just one of many thermal management improvements made to the DD15 Gen 5, which also includes improved cooling circuitry and temperature distribution across cylinder heads. Equipped with a DT12 transmission and DD15 engine, the Cascadia is a technological powerhouse of the open road, specifically designed, engineered and assembled for optimal efficiency, maximum utilization and lowest real cost of ownership, according to Freightliner.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Ensuring load security is vital to all parties involved in a shipping transaction. To help drivers more easily secure their trailers, Konexial has partnered with Nokē to create the My20 Locking System, a keyless, high-security, digital smart-locking platform used to provide trailer and container security for My20 ELD and Fleet Management customers. The My20 Locking System is secured by Nokē’s smart-locking hardware and dual-layered encryption keys and is controlled from Konexial’s My20 software ecosystem. The system can lock, unlock, track and control all lock access from anywhere, through the My20 iOS or Android mobile application. “We are always looking for new partnerships and programs to help improve the lives of our truck-driving customers and fleets,” said Ken Evans, CEO of Konexial. “My20 Locking System with secure digital locks will significantly reduce and even eliminate the threat of trailer theft. With more drivers parking in remote areas, securing the back door of the trailer is a critical issue for drivers and their shippers,” Evans continued. “My20 makes this technology easy — no more lost keys, and the owner has a full digital record of who, when and where the lock was accessed.” The My20 Locking system is available in options, the HD Padlock and Lock Block. The HD Padlock is made of hardened steel, has a 10 mm shackle and boasts a water-resistance rating of IP67. The lock body is designed to withstand tough environments and extreme weather conditions, and houses sophisticated technology. The Lock Block is a heavy-duty, steel housing that offers additional protection for the HD Padlock to provide an extreme-security, tamper-resistant, keyless locking system. The Lock Block has a built-in interlocking shackle that drops into the removeable HD Padlock lock body, creating impassable security. Access to both types of physical locks are provisioned, customized, controlled and tracked in the My20 Tower, a web-based control tower for telematics. “Our team is thrilled that Konexial selected the Nokē Smart-Locking System to power their logistics security platform,” said Ramsay Henderson, director of international business development for Nokē. “Konexial’s leadership, support and innovative use of technology will boost and streamline their security access processes and raise the My20 ecosystem to the next level.”

OLATHE, Kan. ― Garmin now offers its dēzl over-the-road navigators with 7-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch screen options, allowing drivers to easily access vital information. “The new dēzl navigators offer over-the-road truck drivers exactly what they’ve been advocating for behind the wheel — extra-large navigation screens that clearly display the information that matters most to professional truckers,” said Dan Bartel, vice president of global consumer sales for Garmin. “These navigators also add slick new capabilities, such as highlighting routes on the display to show popular paths used by other truck drivers.” Garmin’s innovative truck-routing feature indicates routes commonly used by fellow truckers to help increase situational awareness in unknown regions. The new dēzl lineup also introduces industry-best load-to-dock guidance, allowing drivers to see specific loading zones and storage lots to bypass common public entrances when approaching their destination. The new dēzl series comes with several mounting options, including a powered magnetic mount with a heavy-duty suction cup, a screw-down mount and a 1-inch ball adapter with an AMPS plate that’s compatible with RAM mounting systems. The oversized navigators are loaded with core trucking features necessary for over-the-road truck drivers. Drivers can input the size and weight of their truck on the dēzl navigator to receive custom truck routing and take advantage of road warnings to see alerts for upcoming bridge heights, weight limits, sharp curves, steep grades and more. A preloaded directory of truck and trailer services helps drivers find preferred truck stops by brand or amenities. Truck-friendly parking information and timely break-planning notifications help truckers make the most of each stop. With built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and a revamped voice assistant option that simplifies startup commands to “Ok Garmin,” truckers can talk to their dēzl navigator unit while keeping their hands on the steering wheel. Drivers can also use the intuitive display to easily view TripAdvisor traveler ratings and to find popular places to explore by name with preloaded Foursquare points of interest. The dēzl series includes map updates of North America, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity makes it simple to keep maps and software up to date without using a computer. When the new trio of dēzl navigators are paired with the Garmin Drive mobile app, drivers can access live fuel prices, traffic and weather, as well as phone notifications and photoLive traffic-camera updates. Additionally, the GPS navigators can be paired with Garmin’s wireless backup cameras or third-party backup cameras to easily see behind a truck when reversing. The dēzl series also works with the Garmin eLog compliant ELD7 for subscription-free hours-of-service (HOS) recording. For more information and pricing, visit the Garmin website.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) launched a new Commercial Routing Assistance (CRA) tool May 6 for truckers and other commercial drivers in the U.S. The free app incorporates coordinated data streams and plots multiple routing options so commercial operators can plan and manage vehicle movements across multiple states quickly in times of disasters or other restrictions. “The nation’s critical infrastructure and essential services rely on the ability to move goods along our transportation systems and disruptions can cause supply chain issues and ripple effects across the country. This app will help the trucking industry operate effectively and efficiently and prepare for emergency situations in order to ensure the delivery of goods and resources to government, industry and the American public,” said Bob Kolasky, who leads CISA’s National Risk Management Center. The app, funded by CISA and developed by INL in partnership with industry and government operational professionals, leverages coordinated data streams provided by the All Hazards Consortium (AHC) Sensitive Information Sharing Environment (SISE) to visualize and streamline commercial-vehicle movement across multiple states by combining documents, information and data relevant to the logistics industry in times of restricted operations. “Our capabilities are highly relevant to the missions of CISA and the Department of Homeland Security,” said Marianne Walck, INL’s deputy laboratory director for science and technology. “This technology is just one of the many products America’s national laboratories are developing during this time of need, and I couldn’t be more proud of their work.” To access to the Commercial Routing Assistance (CRA) tool landing page, visit cra.inl.gov.  

As the trucking industry rises to meet the critical needs of society during the unprecedented COVID-19 situation, both Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks continue to support customers and dealers with strong parts availability. “Mack customers and dealers can rest assured that we continue to have the critical parts available that keep trucks on the road rolling,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of North American sales and marketing. “Mack distribution centers are running at full speed as normal, and we plan to keep our parts well stocked for our customers.” Randall said Mack Parts Distribution Centers will continue to fulfill orders on a typical schedule, allowing customers and dealers to place orders as they normally would. Customers can also order parts through the Mack SELECT Part Store. The website provides 24/7 access to dealer inventory, offers pricing information and allows for safe, secure online orders. Customers should contact their Mack dealer to register for the online service. Mack parts available for order include HVAC, accessories, batteries, cabs, powertrain, electric, engine, filters and fluids. Mack dealers are also offering digital training for technicians to teach valuable skills during this time of social distancing. Some training is done through webinars, while other training is recorded so technicians can view the subject at a time that best suits their needs. “During an uncertain time, one thing you can be certain about is Mack and its dealers are here to support you,” Randall said. “We are dedicated to continuing to offer support for our dealers and customers at the same exceptional level they’ve come to expect from Mack Trucks.” Volvo Trucks North America also offers online parts service through the Volvo SELECT Part Store, making it easier for customers to order and receive parts without having to visit a store in person. The Volvo SELECT Part Store helps customers locate participating Volvo Trucks dealers and search and select from more than 500,000 parts for purchase and delivery. More than 53,000 registered customers already use the online-ordering service through 105 Volvo Trucks dealer groups across the U.S. and Canada. Available 24/7, the service secures parts for customers without the need to visit a dealership for pick up. “When the Volvo SELECT Part Store was introduced 10 years ago, it was an innovation we were proud to offer our customers enabling a faster, more efficient ordering experience,” said Todd Shakespeare, director of parts marketing at Volvo Trucks North America. “In this current environment, we’re glad that customers can take advantage of online ordering and direct delivery in addition to other price specials and parts promotions available to them.” Volvo SELECT Part Store allows around-the-clock access to look up parts, check inventory availability, verify pricing and place orders. Customer may register online or through a participating dealer. This fall, Volvo Trucks plans to introduce a next-generation e-commerce platform which will offer an expanded range of features, functionality and benefits to customers and dealers. Providing secure, remote access to parts, components and expert support, it will further reinforce Volvo Trucks North America’s industry leadership position in e-commerce, parts availability, safety and service. “We are always working to help our customers’ businesses be successful and continually look for new opportunities to offer the best, most efficient solutions for their needs,” Shakespeare said.  

TAMPA, Fla. — In an effort to keep supply chains moving during crisis situations, such as the current C0VID-19 pandemic, Transflo is partnering with American Trucking Associations (ATA) on the Driver Assist Task Force platform and mobile app, a suite of free digital tools to provide truck drivers and fleets with a trusted platform with health and safety information. “We are dedicated to doing everything we can to get word out to the driver population in response to COVID-19 related updates,” said Frank Adelman, CEO and president of Transflo. “And by partnering with ATA, we can expand upon this.” ATA now contributes content and updates to the Driver Assist Task Force platform, a feature within the Transflo Mobile+ app that currently has more than 1.4 million downloads. The Driver Assist Task Force platform also exists as a new stand-alone mobile app that is free to download in the Google Play and Apple app stores. ATA and Transflo have a shared goal to give professional drivers critical up-to-date information they need while on the road during challenging times. Driver Assist offers three main resources for drivers and fleets: Task Force: An online resource center where drivers and fleets can ask questions and get detailed answers about how to limit the potential spread of the coronavirus, keep freight flowing and streamline business processes without disruption. Social sharing platform: A social channel where drivers can engage with each other and share advice from the road. This platform is moderated to keep advertising and driver recruiting off the channel. Driver Assist mobile app: The Driver Assist mobile app integrates health tips, industry news, a messaging platform for drivers and fleets, details about document scanning, and truck stop locations onto subscribers’ mobile devices. Driver Assist utilizes Transflo Mobile+, a freight-industry workday-management platform with a network of 60,000 carriers. For existing Transflo Mobile+ users, Driver Assist resources have been added as a feature within the existing app interface, so there is no need to download Driver Assist separately. Fleets and drivers who are new to Transflo should download the free Driver Assist app in the Apple or Google Play store; then follow the instructions within the app to set up their fleet. “We have a responsibility to help carriers and drivers during this time,” Adelman said. “So, Driver Assist is free of advertising and exists solely to help with information and resources for industry professionals.” Transflo Mobile+ integrates navigation, weigh-station bypass technology and other features with Transflo’s document scanning, image optimization, and digital workflow management tools. It also incorporates telematics and the Transflo T-Series ELD, which is connected to both the vehicle and Transflo Mobile+ on driver’s mobile devices. For information about Transflo’s Driver Assist Task Force, the social sharing platform, and the Driver Assist Mobile App, email [email protected] or call 866-980-126

CLAIR, Mo. — ATRO Engineered Systems Inc., a manufacturer of parts for heavy-duty trucks, has expanded its distribution capability with a new warehouse facility in Atlanta, Georgia. The new facility joins ATRO’s existing distribution centers in St. Clair, Missouri; Dallas; Portland, Oregon; Carlisle, Pennsylvania; and Ontario, Canada. “We are excited to announce our growing distribution network,” said Will Gregerson, ATRO president. “The new warehouse in Atlanta, Georgia, is essential in meeting the growing demand for superior ATRO polyurethane parts in the Southeastern area of the United States. We are continually looking for ways to improve the speed and efficiency of delivering products to our customers.” ATRO was founded in 1987 by George Sturmon, an engineer who realized truck torque rods had a quality problem because the rubber bushings were failing. The heavy-duty trucking industry requires equally heavy-duty parts, so Sturmon set out to engineer a better solution. He designed a way to replace rubber with a custom blend of polyurethane to create torque rod bushings that lasted longer and performed better. Since then, ATRO has grown to a team of more than 100 employees and from producing a handful of parts to more than 1,000 different parts — including torque rods, of course. ATRO engineers custom design the urethane for each product based on the purpose served by the part — load bearing, dampening, transmission, shock absorption or stabilization — to maximize performance and longevity. Orders for the Atlanta, GA facility can be placed through ATRO’s website or by contacting the company’s customer-service center; call 800-325-6114, fax 866-920-2005 or email [email protected]. Same-day shipping is guaranteed for all orders placed by 3 p.m. CST, and will-call orders placed by 3 p.m. CST can be picked up same day. ATRO maintains an extensive local sales and aftermarket distributor network throughout North America and has more than 3,000 distribution locations worldwide. The new warehouse will provide faster delivery of parts to the company’s Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina distributor partners.