Equipment & Tech

PORTLAND, Ore. — Nine days after Daimler Trucks North America said it was getting ready to deliver to customers the first Freightliner aCascadia models, they said they had done it. On August 12, the company reported in a news release that it had produced two eCascadias that were to be shipped soon. On Wednesday, August 21, DTNA said the fete had been accomplished. The customers were Penske Truck Leasing of Reading, Pennsylvania, and NFI of Camden, New Jersey, were the customers. The trucks are part of Freightliner’s Electric Innovation Fleet and both customers will use their vehicles to test the integration of battery electric trucks into large-scale fleet operations. “Co-creation is the cornerstone of DTNA’s strategy to rapidly develop and deploy battery electric trucks. DTNA’s partnerships with customers like Penske and NFI provide valuable feedback for the final design of our trucks, as well as the design of the surrounding e-mobility ecosystem,” said Roger Nielsen, president and CEO of DTNA. “DTNA’s holistic approach is vital to advancing viable transportation solutions from which society as a whole will benefit.” Nielsen said the Freightliner Innovation Fleet is supported by a partnership between DTNA and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) which focuses on improving air quality in the South Coast Basin and partially funded the Innovation Fleet with a nearly $16M grant. Freightliner eCascadias and medium-duty electric Freightliner eM2s from the Innovation Fleet are operated within the South Coast AQMD jurisdiction. “We are excited to be a part of this groundbreaking project that will directly impact local Southern California communities, especially those disproportionately impacted by air pollution,” said Wayne Nastri, South Coast AQMD’s Executive Officer. “We hope to see large scale deployments of similar zero emission trucks that will have significant environmental and health benefits across the entire state.” Penske and NFI are the first to deploy battery-electric commercial vehicles from Freightliner to their operations. Penske Truck Leasing will run eCascadias in daily delivery operations within California’s Inland Empire while NFI will employ eCascadias in drayage operations at both the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. “We’re pleased to continue our collaboration with Freightliner and be among the first companies putting the eCascadia to work,” said Brian Hard, president and CEO of Penske Truck Leasing. “Our first eCascadia will be used by our subsidiary Penske Logistics to make multiple, daily store deliveries on a dedicated route. Our in-house maintenance technicians are trained and well prepared, and our recent investments in charging infrastructure in the South Coast Air Basin will play an important role as we operate these cutting-edge vehicles on their delivery routes.” “NFI’s partnership with Daimler is a testament to our commitment to social responsibility, supporting the California ports, and driving innovation within our industry,” said Sid Brown, CEO of NFI. “As the premier drayage provider in Southern California, we are excited to be one of first to deploy the eCascadia into our operations, accompanied by the installation of electric charging stations. We look forward to continuing to invest in new technology and equipment to operate more efficiently, and to do our part in creating cleaner communities.” Nielsen said the Freightliner eCascadia is built on the proven foundation of the Cascadia, the best-selling Class 8 on the market and was first revealed in June 2018 along with the medium-duty eM2. The planned start of series production for both models is late 2021. In preparation for their introduction, Freightliner has established multiple avenues for co-creating with customers. Freightliner’s Electric Vehicle Council, a collective of 38 customer companies works to address the total e-mobility ecosystem. Freightliner’s Innovation Fleet provides customers with the opportunity to fully test the eM2 and the eCascadia in real world use. In total, Penske and NFI will receive 30 battery electric trucks. The Freightliner eCascadia and eM2 are part of Daimler Trucks’ global electrified truck initiative, joining the company’s Thomas Built Buses all-electric Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley school bus, the FUSO eCanter, and the Mercedes-Benz eActros and eCitaro. To date, there are more than 100 electrified trucks and buses from Daimler Trucks & Buses on the road globally.              

COLUMBUS, Ind. —  Trailer industry net orders continued the year-over-year slide that begin at the end of 2018 and that is now negative for seven consecutive months with preliminary July data showing that trend continuing. So says this quarter’s issue of ACT Research’s Trailer Components Report, which, however, also notes that manufacturers continue to produce trailers at near-record levels. “Through June, trailer net orders are down more than 43% year-over-year, and the order board horizon has remained in the November/December timeframe this entire year,” said Frank Maly, director–CV transportation analysis and research at ACT. “Additionally, fleets were clamoring to order additional trailers earlier this year for 2019 delivery, frustrated by a lack of available production slots and OEMs’ unwillingness to accept orders for 2020. After the early-year enthusiasm, the recent opening of OEM order boards has been met with a dramatically lackluster response by fleets, catching most OEMs by surprise. And, high cancellations have also churned industry backlogs for the latter part of the year, indicating that 2019 may well close weakly and provide little support for the beginning of 2020.” Maly also noted that despite the dramatic order weakness, OEMs continue to produce at near-record levels, and lacking any turnaround in order volume as the year closes, OEMs could reduce those rates further, attempting to stretch existing backlogs until the fleet order pace rebounds. Regarding trailer components specifically, the report said that while some component issues have caused higher red-tag/incomplete issues in late 2018 and early 2019, there has been less mention of component challenges as this year has progressed. “The potential impact of tariffs is the only possible headwind to relatively benign component constraints occurring mid-year,” Maly said. ACT Research is a publisher of commercial vehicle truck, trailer and bus industry data, market analysis and forecasts for the North America and China markets. ACT’s analytical services are used by all major North American truck and trailer manufacturers and their suppliers, as well as banking and investment companies. More information can be found at www.actresearch.net.                                

PLOVER, Wis. – The Women In Trucking Association recently endorsed a health insurance and employee benefits portfolio of options now available to members with two or more employees. The organization is working with insurance broker OneDigital Health and Benefits, a provider of employee benefits and human resource solutions to provide sales and service for its members. Services include highly rated, well-recognized insurance carriers and includes group life, dental, vision, local doctors and hospitals, as well as additional options for voluntary benefits. Payroll administration options through Zenefits are now available as well to all interested WIT member companies though this relationship. “We know that many of our members do not have access to affordable insurance providers and others are looking for a resource that offers many options in one place. We’ve spent three years looking for ways to offer these benefits working with our insurance broker-consultants Aon, who led us to a nationally recognized insurance platform and industry leader OneDigital,” said WIT President and CEO Ellen Voie. The Women In Trucking Association will now offer its members a resource to provide viable employee benefits and related administrative options at a high-quality level. “Women In Trucking Association is not in the insurance business, we are in the member representation business. We see employee insurance benefits solutions like this as a direct way to help our members succeed.” Voie said. Member companies have the option at any point in the year to learn more about these new benefits by requesting a quote from One Digital. WIT will also be hosting a free webinar on the topic on September 19 at 11 a.m. CDT. Register at https://www.womenintrucking.org/wit-webinar-series. For more information about the Women In Trucking insurance benefits options contact Cheryl Blake at [email protected] or Joe Simon at [email protected].            

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America is introducing the next generation of its Turbo Compound technology, providing up to an additional 3% improvement in fuel efficiency over the current 13-liter Turbo Compound engine, the D13TC. This new engine delivers up to 11% fuel savings overall compared to model-year 2015 trucks. Other improvements include enhanced efficiency over a wider range of applications, more engine ratings and a new EE Extra Efficiency drive mode, according to John Moore, product marketing manager at Volvo Trucks North America. The new D13TC will be available for order in the fourth quarter of 2019 and go into production at the end of the first quarter of 2020. “We developed our first generation of the Turbo Compound engine in 2017, and since then almost 300 million miles have been logged, validating the up to 8% fuel-savings benefits,” Moore said. “This new D13TC builds upon this game-changing engine technology, further increasing fuel efficiency by up to 3% over the current D13TC engine, saving approximately $1,200 per year per truck, based on the average fuel price and 125,000 miles per year.” Volvo Trucks’ new D13TC offers three individual drive modes, Dynamic Torque, an additional 405 horsepower rating, and the next evolution of the Volvo Trucks’ patented wave piston design. These updates enable further-increased fuel efficiency over a wider range of loads, vehicle speeds and engine RPMs. This offers a broader use of applications compared to the first generation of the D13TC engine, which was designed specifically for over-the-road, long-haul applications for trucks loaded at 80,000 pounds. The three individual drive modes available with the new D13TC engine are extra efficiency, economy and performance. Moore said these modes will allow the driver to better optimize fuel efficiency for the vehicle with desired performance, depending on application, topography and driving conditions. This new engine also features a wider RPM efficiency band, which enables top fuel efficiency for longer periods of time. Dynamic Torque is an incremental torque system designed to provide the right torque at the right time. Rather than operating in silos of high-torque and low-torque modes, Dynamic Torque automatically sets a torque level dependent upon the weight of the truck, the grade and the road conditions at any given time. Dynamic Torque also features an automatic 12th gear lockout on heavy loads with Adaptive Gearing engine ratings. A kick-down switch along with performance drive mode allow access to full torque for customers requiring it on demand. This simpler, more effective system on the new D13TC engine will provide an even more consistent improvement in fuel efficiency across different applications, enabling customers to cut costs on a wider range of operations. The new engine also features a revised wave piston, designed and patented by Volvo Trucks. The improved design optimizes wave technology to evenly distribute the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder, burning the fuel more consistently than a traditional piston. Volvo’s design increases the compression ratio from 17:1 to 18:1 while maintaining up to a 90% reduction of soot in the cylinder, further improving fuel efficiency in the engine. “The individual drive modes allow drivers new heights in fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. We are also taking it to the next level with a simpler torque package that delivers the right torque at the right time,” Moore said. “Not only is it cutting edge when it comes to sustainable use of diesel in the transportation industry, but it is the most fuel-efficient Volvo engine on the market for our customers, with trucks running cleaner at a reduced cost.”              

CHICAGO — Truck Parking Near Me has opened overnight and monthly truck parking for commercial trucks in Gary, Indiana, and Bellwood, Illinois. Truck Parking Near Me President Mike Sicuro said his company did a survey and determined that the Chicagoland/Gary area is in the top five areas of the country where overnight truck parking is at a crisis level. “Our surveys of major trucking companies and over the road drivers confirm that there is a need beyond crisis levels within a 40 mile radius of the Chicagoland area and we have chosen to expand here, where the need is the greatest” Sicuro said.  “In 2017, the Indiana Department of Transportation reported that almost 38,000 trucks traveled daily near our Interstate 94 location and the same year the Illinois DOT reported that 6,000 trucks used the I-290 daily near our Bellwood/Chicago parking location. This information was influential in our decision to build truck parking in the area to accommodate the overnight parking need.” In the same report, the U.S. Department of Transportation analysis of the area estimated that the Illinois and Indiana portions of the Chicago Metropolitan Area (which includes Gary) shipped and received about 427 million tons of freight worth $723 billion via truck in 2017. The US DOT reports that the tonnage has increased slightly since 2017. Sicuro said recent surveys by the American Transportation Research Institute reported that the average over-the-road driver spends over one hour a day searching for overnight parking. This translates into $5,000 a year in lost revenue for a single OTR driver. Take $5,000 per driver per year, he said, with 48% of 1.9 million long haul truck driver losing one hour of driving time, this number translates into almost $5 billion per year, which is the 0.5% of the total transportation cost across the United States. “Truck Parking Near Me has strategically found parking to meet the demands of the trucking industry and will be looking for other opportunities outside the Chicagoland area to expand,” Sicuro said. The Gary parking facility is located at 1500 North Colfax Avenue. Approaching from State Road 912, take the 15th Street exit and go east on Western 15th Avenue to Colfax Street. Approaching from I-94, take the Burr Street exit, go north on Burr Street to West 15th Avenue, turn west onto Colfax Street and go to West 15th Avenue.  A driver needing to get to downtown Chicago for a pick up or delivery, the Colfax location is only 40 minutes from downtown Chicago. The parking lot is lighted, gated and requires a reservation for daily parking or contract for monthly. The Chicago parking facility is near Chicago O’Hare at 220 North 25th Avenue, Bellwood, Illinois, and like the Gary location, requires a reservation. The Chicago location is also lighted, gated and requires a reservation for daily parking or contract for monthly. Sicuro said Truck Parking Near Me is adding parking facilities throughout the Gary and Chicago area with a priority on locations where it is often most difficult for truckers and trucking companies to find overnight parking. Drivers can reserve their daily space at www.truckparkingnearme.com or call Mike Sicuro directly at 708-426-4511 for monthly parking.      

ATLANTA — UPS Thursday said its venture capital arm UPS Ventures has made a minority investment in autonomous driving company TuSimple. Together, both companies are testing self-driving tractor trailers on a route in Arizona to determine whether the vehicles can improve service and efficiency in the UPS network. This is an extension of the ongoing commercial relationship between UPS and TuSimple in which UPS has purchased transportation services from TuSimple, according to Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Scott Price. The work with autonomous driving company TuSimple began with the goal of helping UPS better understand the requirements for Level 4 Autonomous trucking in its network, Price said. L4 Autonomous means the vehicle’s onboard computer is in complete control at all times, eliminating manual intervention. Currently, however, laws regulating L4 Autonomous driving require a driver in the vehicle at all times to take over operation if needed. Throughout the ongoing tests, UPS has been providing truckloads of goods for TuSimple to carry on a North American Freight Forwarding route between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. The company initiated self-driving service in May 2019, with a driver and engineer in the vehicle. TuSimple and UPS monitor distance and time the trucks travel autonomously, safety data and transport time. “UPS is committed to developing and deploying technologies that enable us to operate our global logistics network more efficiently,” Price said. “While fully autonomous, driverless vehicles still have development and regulatory work ahead, we are excited by the advances in braking and other technologies that companies like TuSimple are mastering. All of these technologies offer significant safety and other benefits that will be realized long before the full vision of autonomous vehicles is brought to fruition – and UPS will be there, as a leader implementing these new technologies in our fleet.” Founded in 2015, TuSimple’s mission is to bring the first self-driving truck to market, to increase safety, decrease transportation costs and reduce carbon emissions. TuSimple develops technology that will allow shipping companies to operate self-driving class 8 tractor-trailers – those that exceed 33,000 pounds and typically have three or more axles. UPS contracts with third-party trucking companies during its peak shipping season. TuSimple believes it could cut average purchased transportation costs by 30%. “We are honored by UPS’s strategic investment and their vote of confidence in TuSimple, this proves their commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation,” said TuSimple’s Founder, President & CTO, Xiaodi Hou. “TuSimple is confident that it can accelerate bringing the first self-driving truck to market to increase road safety.” UPS’s tests with TuSimple are part of an advanced technology evaluation for vehicles in the UPS Global Smart Logistics Network. UPS is investing in Internet of Things (IoT) technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics to increase fuel efficiency and improve customer service to ensure that UPS remains the shipper of choice.

RACINE, Wis. — Mack Trucks Thursday introduced dynamic maintenance, a connected vehicle service focused on proactive vehicle maintenance planning and fleet operations efficiency. “Mack is focused on providing customers options to improve their total cost of ownership through connected vehicle services. Enhancing maintenance planning utilizing existing vehicle telematics and data analytics is yet another way in which we accomplish this. Vehicle technology and data provide us the capability to ‘customize’ planning so that it’s specific to a vehicle and its operation,” said David Pardue, vice president of connected vehicle and contract services for Mack Trucks. “This enables customers to optimize planned downtime.” Mack’s dynamic maintenance service further expands the partnership with Noregon, an IoT (Internet of Things) company specializing in connected vehicle solutions. Mack’s unique approach utilizes the Noregon platform to enhance the dealer user interface and brings the decision-making process closer to the customer through the dealer. Dynamic maintenance leverages data intelligence from vehicle data analytics, combined with enhanced software features from Mack GuardDog Connect telematics, the Noregon platform, and Mack’s ASIST service communications process to more accurately reflect planned maintenance needs and replace traditional ‘set mileage scheduled’ plans. Currently, dynamic maintenance is targeted to powertrain-related maintenance services. “This is just another step forward in our connected technology journey,and will help our dealers prepare for changing and future vehicle maintenance opportunities,” Pardue said. For more information, please visit a Mack dealer or www.macktrucks.com.        

PORTLAND, Ore. — Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) said Monday it has built the first two Class 8 battery electric Freightliner eCascadias for customers at its research and development center in Portland. The trucks are part of Freightliner’s Electric Innovation Fleet and built to test the integration of battery electric trucks into large-scale fleet operations, according to Roger Nielsen, president and CEO of DTNA. Penske Truck Leasing of Reading, Pennsylvania, and NFI of Camden, New Jersey, are both members of the Freightliner Electric Vehicle Council and will be the first companies to employ the revolutionary eCascadia in their commercial operations. The eCascadias are destined for the Southern California operations of both companies and will arrive later this month. Additional deliveries of the Freightliner Electric Innovation Fleet will continue throughout 2019. “This milestone in electric is important as both today and tomorrow’s technology is progressing. Our purpose is resolute — we build for our customers,” Nielsen said. “Our team is incredibly proud to be leading the way for the industry, but prouder still to be working with our customers in a process of co-creation to make real electric trucks for real work in the real world.” Nielsen said the eCascadia is built on the proven foundation of the Freightliner Cascadia, the best-selling Class 8 heavy-duty truck on the market. The initial customer shipments are the first heavy-duty additions to the 30-vehicle Freightliner Innovation Fleet. Real-world use of the Innovation Fleet and continuing feedback from the members of the Freightliner Electric Vehicle Council will inform the final production versions of both the eCascadia and the medium-duty Freightliner eM2 in a process of co-creation. Co-creation is the central tenet of DTNA’s approach to electrifying the future of commercial vehicles and a key enabler to the widespread adoption of battery electric trucks, Nielsen said. The Electric Vehicle Council brings together 38 Freightliner customers to identify and address all potential hurdles to large-scale deployment of commercial battery electric vehicles. Issues at the forefront of the discussion include charging infrastructure, partnerships with other parties in the e-mobility value chain, vehicle specifications and vehicle use case. The Freightliner Innovation Fleet is supported by a partnership between DTNA and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) which focuses on improving air quality in the South Coast Basin and partially funded the Innovation Fleet with a nearly $16 million grant. The first of the medium-duty electric Freightliner eM2s began service earlier this year with Penske Truck Leasing and are operated within the South Coast AQMD. “This is an exciting time for the future of zero-emissions trucks, said Wayne Nastri, South Coast AQMD’s Executive Officer. “As we work towards meeting air quality standards, it is imperative that truck manufacturers accelerate the commercialization of these technologies that will help clean our air and protect public health.” The Freightliner eCascadia is a Class 8 tractor designed for local and regional distribution and drayage. Both the eCascadia and the medium-duty eM2 are currently planned to enter series production in late 2021. The Freightliner eCascadia and eM2 are part of Daimler Trucks’ global electrified truck initiative, joining the company’s Thomas Built Buses all-electric Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley school bus, the FUSO eCanter, and the Mercedes-Benz eActros and eCitaro.    

KENLY, N.C. — Kenly 95 Petro has opened its new six-bay TA Service Center. The new facility is fully climate controlled with air conditioning and heat in all six service bays with all new state-of-the-art equipment. The service center is 26,000 square feet and boasts new DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) cleaning equipment. “This new shop will allow our ASE Certified Technicians to serve our customers in a much more efficient manner,” said Ernie Brame, general manager. “We are excited to now be able to offer DPF cleaning in addition to our current service offerings.” Kenly 95 Petro is located at I-95 & Exit 106 in Kenly, North Carolina, and is part of the Iowa 80 Group, based in Walcott, Iowa.      

ATLANTA — NexTraq, a Michelin Group company, is launching the new NexTraq MobileBlock ─  in partnership with SafeDrivePod ─ a solution that ensures drivers’ smartphone and tablet screens are locked during driving. This new tool is a great for managers to help enforce policies restricting unauthorized use of company-issued tablets and smartphones limiting distractions. “NexTraq’s MobileBlock helps to stop smartphone-based distractions behind the wheel,” said Todd Hanna, vice president of sales for NexTraq. “In many states and municipalities, using smartphones and tablets while driving is against the law. It can be dangerous. MobileBlock is a solution that can keep the driver and crew safe while at work.” Available in the United States and Canada, MobileBlock is a small, self-adhering pod that is mounted in the vehicle. An app is downloaded from the App Store or Google Play to the tablets or smartphones used by drivers of the vehicle. The software shuts off all access to apps while driving.  Emergency call and navigations apps are still usable with the tool installed. NexTraq, a Michelin group company, is a part of Michelin’s Global Services and Solutions business line. The group boasts over 2,000 employees, serving more than 70,000 customers, with over 850,000 vehicles utilizing telematics solutions, worldwide. From tracking and reporting to routing and scheduling, NexTraq is more than just a provider of vehicle and asset tracking solutions. The company is a valued GPS fleet and mobile workforce management partner for its customers.    

BLOOMFIELD, Conn. — Jacobs Vehicle Systems, a worldwide manufacturer of heavy-duty diesel engine retarding systems and valve actuation systems, has entered into a collaboration with internal combustion controls company Tula Technology. The two businesses will work closely together to enable Jacobs to further develop cylinder deactivation technologies, which reduce engine fuel consumption and emissions, according to Robb Janak, director new technology, Jacobs Vehicle Systems Jacobs introduced its Cylinder Deactivation (CDA) technology for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle engines in 2018. Tula, unusual among engine technology businesses in having headquarters in Silicon Valley, has licensed its Dynamic Skip Fire (DSF) technology onto  major automotive OEM gasoline applications. The new working partnership between the two companies will utilize Tula’s DSF controls technology to support Jacobs’ expertise in diesel deactivation hardware development. “Jacobs is very excited to partner with Tula to progress cylinder deactivation technology by combining our companies’ strengths,” Janak said. “Vehicle manufacturers are looking for new and improved technologies to comply with stricter legal limits on CO2 and NOx emissions. New test measures, such as Real Driving Emissions and CARB Low Load Cycle for heavy duty trucks are encouraging the adoption of smarter technologies that address these requirements. Cylinder deactivation is a great solution, technically proven and cost effective.” With Jacobs’ CDA, Janak said cylinder deactivation mechanisms originally designed for the company’s High Power Density (HPD) engine brake are used in the valvetrain to disable the opening of the intake and exhaust valves. The hydraulically-activated mechanism is integrated in a collapsing valve bridge system for overhead camshaft engines or with a collapsing pushrod system for cam-in-block engines. When this is combined with disabled injection in selected cylinders, multiple cylinders can be deactivated as needed. At low engine loads with three of six cylinders deactivated, fuel consumption can be improved by up to 20%. Janak said Jacobs’ CDA reduces emissions by achieving higher exhaust temperatures by maintaining after-treatment temperatures for optimal efficiency of SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems, even when the engine is in idle or low load operation. CDA also enables faster warm-up after engine start-up of the after-treatment system and minimizes cooling of after-treatment during coasting. CDA additionally reduces camshaft friction, reduces pumping losses in part-load conditions, and can reduce or eliminate use of the intake throttle, all of which yields overall improvements in fuel consumption while simultaneously increasing exhaust temperatures. “Tula is pleased to support our industry partner Jacobs Vehicle Systems in its development of Dynamic Skip Fire-enabling hardware for the diesel engine marketplace,” said John Fuerst, senior vice president of Engineering at Tula. “Tula has developed an infinitely variable cylinder deactivation system, integrating advanced digital signal processing and software with sophisticated engine control algorithms. This technology reduces fuel consumption of gasoline engines by 6-15% on real world drive cycles; the collaboration with Jacobs aims to enable Jacobs to develop and demonstrate deactivation hardware required for diesel engines.”      

LISLE, Ill. —  The doors of Navistar International Corp.’s latest parts distribution center (PDC) will open Monday, August 26 in Olive Branch, Mississippi, to help cater to the growing demand for parts and quicker maintenance turnaround times. The 300,000 square foot facility serves regional dealers with stock and emergency orders. It also enables Navistar to deliver parts the next day to over 95 percent of its dealers’ service locations because of its centralized location and proximity to the FedEx World Hub in Memphis, Tennessee. This helps to assure that Navistar’s International service network, the largest in North America, will have even more expedited access to parts needed for customer repairs, according to Josef Kory, senior vice president, Parts, Navistar. “The physical location of our new Memphis PDC allows for industry-leading cutoff times with extremely quick turnaround for next-day parts delivery,” Kory said “Dealers can order as late as 11 p.m. Eastern time and still have the part arrive the next morning. Quicker parts turnaround means faster maintenance repair times and less downtime for fleets.” The extended hours of the facility also offer customers more options when members of a fleet go down outside of typical business hours. “Not every parts service emergency is going to happen during an average 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday,” Kory said. Filling the time-sensitive gap of parts delivery is our main goal and Memphis is the key to getting there.” The Memphis PDC is Navistar’s seventh in the United States and 10th in North America.      

OKLAHOMA CITY — Professional truck drivers can now better plan where to take showers while on the road thanks to an update to Love’s Travel Stops mobile app. The Love’s Connect app has a new feature called the “busy times” graph. It shows shower traffic based on historic data that each Love’s location typically receives for every hour of the day. Love’s is the only travel stop network with this mobile app feature. “Planning an efficient route is of utmost importance for our customers, which is why we developed this new app feature,” said Jerry Hamm, senior manager of customer technology and innovation. “This is an exciting piece of technology that we believe will improve our customer’s experience as they drive across the country.” The busy times graph idea came from feedback Love’s received from drivers who said they wanted a better way to plan when to stop for a shower. The app already allows drivers to check in for a shower at a Love’s location and skip the fuel desk. Drivers can download the Love’s Connect app here. Other current app features include: Ability to view Love’s and Speedco store details. Enhanced route planner. An improved roadside assistance screen that links to nearby Love’s Truck Tire Care locations. Fuel pump activation from your truck with Love’s mobile pay. Management of My Love Rewards account. Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is a travel stop network with more than 490 locations in 41 states. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company remains family-owned and operated and employs more than 25,000 people. To learn more, visit loves.com.

TULSA, Okla. —  In a special ceremony at Melton Truck Lines, company Chairman and CEO Bob Peterson received the keys to a new 2020 Kenworth T680, representing the 5,000th milestone Kenworth truck purchased by Melton Truck Lines. “The number 5,000 is daunting when you consider that truck No. 1 – a Kenworth T600 – was delivered to Melton many years ago,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing, who presented the new T680’s keys to Peterson. According to Peterson, the historic milestone truck is a little hard to believe for someone who began his career as a company truck driver for CFI in 1985 – behind the wheel of a Kenworth T600. CFI was the first fleet to take a T600 delivery that year. “I don’t think I could have dreamed that I’d be standing here – nearly 35 years later – with the 5,000th Kenworth under my ownership,” Peterson said. “But, I knew back then I wanted to become a fleet owner. I went to work for CFI and Glenn Brown, who was the CEO. He was my mentor and good friend. I started as a driver to understand the business, and in 1989 I formed GlasTran and was the proud owner of a glass hauling company with 30 leased trucks. The first trucks I bought were Kenworth T600s – 10 of them from MHC Kenworth.” Peterson purchased Melton Truck Lines in 1991 and continued to grow with Kenworth and MHC Kenworth. Melton Truck Lines has been a leader within the flatbed industry for 65 years, serving customers from coast-to-coast, as well as in Canada and Mexico. “Over the years, we’ve operated all the Kenworth fuel-efficient, aerodynamic models – such as the 1,400 Kenworth T680s we run today – and they’ve kept improving,” Peterson said. “The positive way our drivers have viewed Kenworth has never waned. We have always spec’d the trucks nicely and the fleet age averages less than two years old. I would not have our drivers in a truck that I wouldn’t want to drive myself.” The 5,000th Kenworth T680, spec’d with a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, features the complete PACCAR Powertrain with a PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 hp, PACCAR 12-speed automated transmission, and PACCAR 40K tandem axles. The T680 is specified with Kenworth TruckTech+ Remote Diagnostics and driver comfort features include the stowable upper bunk, auxiliary bunk heater, drawer-style refrigerator and freezer, and television installation package. Melton was among the first fleets to put the fuel-efficient T680 to the test upon its introduction, and the T680 quickly proved itself to the company’s management and drivers. “It is a special honor and exciting to be assigned to this milestone truck,” said Sam Hill, who has been a driver with Melton Truck Lines for nearly 10 years and is nearing 1 million miles driven for the company. “I love Kenworths and I’m looking forward to getting this new Kenworth T680 out on the road.” Peterson said the relationship with Kenworth is a symbiotic relationship, which has led to so many years of history with Kenworth. “We’re important to each other,” he said. “And that’s the way it should be. But ultimately, you also have to look at the metrics, and we do. It’s the sales price and resale value, fuel economy and vehicle weight, cost of maintenance, and how drivers respond to the truck. If Kenworth didn’t come out at the top of the class, we wouldn’t be here to celebrate this milestone.”      

The evidence is in. Every driver needs a camera system in the truck. And, if your truck has a camera system that is purchased and installed by your carrier, buy a second one. Disclaimer: the author owns and utilizes a dash camera in every personal vehicle, including rentals. The majority of large carriers, 5 trucks or more, have elected to go with in-cab camera systems. The reason is simple, they save dollars. In crashes where the driver isn’t at fault, video is used to dissuade a claimant from filing a lawsuit, or to convince judge and jury when one is filed. When the driver IS at fault, carriers can offer settlement quickly, saving legal fees and court time. Some are as simple as one camera pointing out over the hood while others have multiple cameras that record video of everything from the space around the vehicle to the driver – you. Although the devices are referred to as “cameras,” video isn’t the only data that’s recorded. Some record audio as well, adding any comments you make to the radio station you listen to and other sounds to the evidence saved. Additional data is provided by collection devices built right into the device. GPS data is used to determine speed as well as location. Accelerometers record sudden starts and stops and sometimes abrupt movement from side to side (swerving.) Some devices add data collected from the engine control module and other computerized systems, recording speed, RPMs, gear selection and other data. A key difference in brands and models is in how the data collected is saved and transmitted. Some connect through the vehicle’s telematics system, transmitting video data along with speed and other vehicle data, including GPS location. Some transmit through cellular networks on a periodic basis, like once per day. Some store data until it can be downloaded at company locations, while others store data on memory cards, usually micro-SD type cards. Regardless of how data is stored and transmitted, one fact remains. The data is owned by the carrier, not the driver. That may not be an issue in most cases, but issues can arise when the driver wants to access or use the video. That’s why it’s important to have a personally-owned recorder, too. It’s possible that data from a personally owned camera could be requested by law enforcement personnel at the scene or even subpoenaed later, but at a minimum the owner can legally contest such actions and has at least some choice. In cases where video exonerates the driver, it can be provided voluntarily but at least the driver has some amount of choice. Garmin’s DEZLCAM offers a dash camera built into a GPS unit that also provides features such as traffic updates and commercial vehicle routing. However, a selection of stand-alone dash cameras can be found at most truck stops, box stores and, of course, the Internet. When selecting a camera, choose one with a resolution of at least 800 X 480 pixels at a minimum. Higher resolutions not only provide clearer videos at night or when visibility isn’t the best, but can also provide a digital zoom, allowing photos or video to be magnified when necessary to identify important details, like license plate numbers. While many cameras have internal data storage, many record on mini or micro SD cards. This type of storage allows removal of the memory card, which can ease data retrieval and transfer when it’s desirable to save or transmit images or video. Instead of downloading video through a cable, the card can be inserted directly into a laptop or desktop computer and saved. Of course, playback through the device is necessary as well so that video can be reviewed on site and shared with law enforcement officials as necessary. Some cameras allow the owner to select the amount of data stored with the video. For example, internal devices that record speed, location and other data may be disabled so that video only is recorded. For units that also record sound, many devices allow the owner to disable this as well. In these days of heightened safety awareness by carriers, law enforcement and government agencies, as well as Interstates lined with billboards advertising legal services from attorneys “specializing in personal injury,” dash cameras provide an added measure of security for every driver.

How much do you want to pay for fuel? While there isn’t much that can be done about the price posted at the truck stop, you have a lot of control over how many gallons you’ll need to purchase, and how many dollars will become a minus on your business budget and a plus on someone else’s. The numbers are telling, and can have a tremendous impact on an annual business budget. At 100,000 miles a year, not a lot for a hard-running owner, the difference between five and six miles per gallon is 3,333 gallons of fuel purchased. At the average U.S. price per gallon of $3.04, reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on June 24, that’s a difference of $10,132 per year in cost. Increase your mileage to seven MPG, and your annual savings climbs to $17,371. Granted, increasing fuel efficiency by a full MPG, or even two, is a tall order. Or, is it? The only question is, how much potential savings do you want in your pocket instead of run through your truck’s fuel pump? Your equipment has an impact on fuel consumption, of course. How your truck is spec’ed, from engine size to transmission, axles, gear ratios, tire size and type, and even your engine oil can make a difference in fuel consumption. Unfortunately, it isn’t quite as easy as big engines burning more fuel than small ones. Depending on gear ratios, load hauled and terrain, a smaller engine may work harder than a large one to get the job done, burning more diesel in the process. Auto-shift transmissions get credit for saving fuel, but drivers who know how to shift manual transmissions for maximum fuel economy can do as well or, in some cases, better. It’s important that the truck be spec’ed for the intended job. Driving technique still has a tremendous impact on fuel economy. Every time you push down on the throttle, you’re spending money. Speed raises your fuel costs, but reducing speed also increases driving time. It’s a tradeoff that every truck owner has to decide on their own. In these days of electronic logging and tight dispatches, it is sometimes necessary to drive as fast as legally, and safely, possible. On shorter trips or trips with a lot of time built in the dispatch, however, some drivers may elect to save some fuel. In stop and go traffic, another floor pedal has an impact on fuel consumption. Each time the brake is used, fuel must be burned to regain the speed that was lost. Cycles of hard braking followed by pedal-to-the-metal acceleration waste a lot of fuel. Increased following distance allows for gentler braking and fewer miles per hour to make up. It reduces driving stress, too. Idling is still a huge fuel waster.  Visit any truck stop and you’ll find trucks idling on the fuel island or in spaces when the driver will return after a short period. Often this is done to keep the interior at a comfortable temperature, but it comes at a cost. Turn the truck off when you can. Idling during the driver’s rest period may be necessary for comfort and effective sleep, but it’s expensive. At a gallon of fuel per hour, a 10-hour rest period can cost well over $30 in fuel. Night after night, the cost adds up. Many truck owners consider an auxiliary power unit (APU) to reduce the cost. Diesel and electrically powered options exist. Other options, like bunk heaters that use small amounts of fuel, as well as battery-powered options like fans and mattress heaters, are available. More aerodynamic options are available than ever, too. Trailer skirts, scoops, spoilers and tails claim fuel efficiency gains of four or more percent, and a combination of two or more can easily add a half MPG to your fuel mileage. Tractor options like flow-through mudflaps, fairings and hubcaps, can add more. If you’re buying, the cost of each must be weighed against the expected return. If you’re leased to a carrier that provides the trailer, fuel efficient trailers can knock a nickel per mile or more from your fuel costs, effectively raising your per-mile compensation by that amount. There is no single solution to high fuel costs, but by being aware of the options and driving to save fuel, truck owners can add substantially to the bottom-line of their business. The website for the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s fuel price report, issued every Monday, is www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel.          

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Kenworth now offers the new Alcoa Dura-Black Wheels with bold, alternative styling for Kenworth heavy and medium duty conventional truck models, including Class 8 tractors. According to Alcoa, the Alcoa Dura-Black wheels provide the same advantages as all lightweight Alcoa forged aluminum wheels, making them lighter and stronger than steel wheels to improve payload and fuel efficiency while increasing resale value over the life of the vehicle. Both sides of the wheels are treated for flexibility of mounting in steer or drive position. The two-tone rim flange and mounting surface provide a premium appearance and enhanced protection during mounting and while in use. Beyond the surface, each wheel rim flange and mounting surface appears bright, and in contrast to the wheel’s matte black face. The wheels also feature a color-matched valve stem and Alcoa one-piece hub cover system, and a precision laser-etched logo. Alcoa Dura-Black Wheels are available in popular sizes, including 22.5 inches by 8.25, 9 and 12.25 inches, and 24.5 x 8.25 inches. To learn more about Alcoa Dura-Black Wheels, visit www.alcoawheels.com/durablack.

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Trimble says its TMW.Suite and TruckMate transportation management system (TMS) solutions are now available via a cloud-based subscription model. TMW.Suite and TruckMate are two of Trimble’s flagship TMS solutions, which enable transportation and logistics providers to better manage their transportation operations and improve efficiencies throughout their organization, according to James Langley, general manager of Trimble Transportation Enterprise. Built on decades of experience, Trimble’s TMW.Suite and TruckMate have been carefully bundled and backed by a prescriptive implementation and training options, he said. The cloud-based options provide an ideal solution for both asset and non-asset based companies of all sizes looking to implement a scalable TMS without the need for on-site servers or extensive IT oversight—saving money and improving outcomes. On-premise options will continue to be available as well. “Cloud-based TMW.Suite and TruckMate combine the proven quality of Trimble’s leading software solutions with the lower capital costs and faster return on investment that come from subscription-based models,” Langley said. “With this new platform, carriers of all sizes can take advantage of the process improvements found in order to cash dispatch solutions available in TMWSuite and TruckMate, enabling operational efficiencies.” The cloud-hosted versions of TMW.Suite and TruckMate are offered as scalable, subscription-based platforms designed to fit fleets’ precise needs and adapt as their business grows. Trimble-managed upgrades also allow fleets to take advantage of new software releases via managed updates, eliminating the need for carriers to upgrade their systems manually. In addition to these new cloud-based subscriptions, Trimble offers subscription-based versions of its other TMS solutions, including Innovative Access, Access Plus and TL2000. Asset maintenance modules for Trimble’s SQL and IBM i platforms are also available via subscription. “By implementing a cloud-hosted TMS platform, fleets can focus on what they do best – running their companies – rather than managing their servers,” Langley said. “This new option is just one of the ways Trimble is continually evolving to meet customers’ needs through a diverse and flexible portfolio of solutions.” For more information on Trimble Transportation’s cloud-based TMS solutions, visit: https://transportation.trimble.com/transportation-solutions/transportation-management/ . Trimble Transportation is multi-modal and provides solutions for the long-haul trucking, field service management, rail and construction logistics industries to create a fully integrated supply chain. In trucking, Trimble provides enterprise and mobility solutions focused on business intelligence and data analytics; safety and regulatory compliance; navigation and routing; freight brokerage; supply chain visibility and final mile; transportation management and fleet maintenance. For more information about Trimble Transportation, visit:  www.trimble.com/transportation-logistics.      

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt Motors Co., along with Decker Truck Line, celebrated a relationship spanning six decades with the delivery of the transportation company’s 2,500th Peterbilt truck purchased from JX Truck Center. Decker runs a mix of Peterbilt vehicles, including the Model 579 UltraLoft, for both its refrigerated and flatbed operations. The company also runs Peterbilt’s Model 389 which is awarded to Decker’s most senior drivers. “Decker purchased its first Peterbilt truck more than 50 years ago starting a relationship that has continued to grow stronger through many decades of doing business together,” said Robert Woodall, Peterbilt’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “I am proud of the relationship Peterbilt has with Decker and I congratulate them on a long history of industry leadership.” “Over the years of purchasing Peterbilt trucks, I have enjoyed working with numerous Peterbilt general managers, sales executives, the JX Truck Center management team and various levels of support staff,” said Don Decker, president and chairman of the Board, Decker Truck Line, Inc. “The partnership has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding relationships I have experienced. I think it speaks for itself how impressed we are with Peterbilt and JX as we take delivery of our 2,500th Peterbilt from JX Truck Center.” The 2,500th truck, a custom 2019 Peterbilt Model 389, will be awarded to Decker’s 2018 Grand Champion Driver of the Year Steve Alliger. Since joining Decker in 1997, Alliger has accumulated more than 3 million miles of safe driving, and in 2018 alone he made more than 160 deliveries covering more than 150,000 miles. “Out of all our professional drivers, Steve was chosen to receive our 2,500th Peterbilt because he is dedicated to getting the job done right the first time and every time. Steve was chosen as our Grand Champion Professional Driver of the Year in 2018 because of his impeccable driving record,” Decker said. “He has driven more than 3.3 million safe miles, has nearly a perfect Driver Scorecard, no CSA violations or service failures and has been recognized for the dedication and pride he puts into his profession every day. Steve is just one of  those Drivers who is a shining example of a true “professional driver and we are very proud to have him represent Decker Truck Line and the trucking industry.”    

PORTLAND, Ore. — With the recent addition of new retail locations and more value-based parts to its portfolio, Alliance Parts is fulfilling Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA)’s vision of a one-stop solution, providing exceptional customer experiences and parts to customers when and where they need them. The growing parts portfolio, increasing retail footprint, and ability to deliver parts in 24 hours or less will benefit customer uptime. Alliance Parts has added more than 11 new value product lines to its portfolio. The addition of the new parts – which includes items ranging from diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) filters and air brake compressors to slack adjustors – broadens an already expansive portfolio of products available at dealerships, as well as stand-alone Alliance Parts retail locations. Alliance Parts has also recently opened 13 new stand-alone retail stores in North America, in locations including Hartford, Conn., and St. Cloud, Minn., and has also expanded retail areas at 22 different dealerships. “We set aggressive goals to expand our retail footprint and value-based product offerings to meet our long-term objective of creating superior experiences that will help our customers get back on the road,” said Brad Williamson, director, Alliance Parts and Detroit Reman Marketing & Sales. “We’re proud of the strides we’ve already made with our new products and retail locations, and we’re continuing our push to be the customers’ first choice for value parts.” Go to www.AllianceParts.com for a complete list of Alliance Parts locations and available products.