Equipment & Tech

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Transportation Research Institute has launched an online survey to solicit professional driver input on preferences for data formats and delivery mechanisms of truck parking availability information. This data collection is part of ATRI’s 2019 top priority research topic to standardize truck parking information systems based on driver preferences. ATRI initially surveyed drivers on this topic at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky,last month where over 300 drivers completed surveys. The online survey launched today will provide drivers who were not able to attend MATS the opportunity to provide input on this topic. The lack of available truck parking continues to rank as a top industry issue in ATRI’s annual industry survey and in 2018 was the number two issue for drivers after the Hours-of-Service rules. ATRI’s research findings will provide states and private sector entities providing truck parking information with the driver-preferred data formats and methods of information delivery. ATRI is the trucking industry’s 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research organization. It is engaged in critical research relating to freight transportation’s essential role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.      

COLUMBUS, Miss. —  The 200,000th Paccar MX engine produced for the North American market at the Paccar Engine Co.’s engine plant in Columbus, Mississippi, was celebrated recently during a special presentation to UPS. The milestone engine is a Paccar MX-13 was installed in a Kenworth T680 Day Cab going into service in UPS regional haul operations. “It was fitting to recognize UPS with the 200,000th Paccar MX series engine. We have established an excellent collaboration with UPS over the years, aided by the strong support of MHC Kenworth – Atlanta and the Paccar Columbus engine plant,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president. “Paccar MX engines are known for outstanding fuel efficiency, exceptional reliability and durability, low ownership cost, high horsepower and torque ratings, and quiet operation. These important attributes provide tangible benefits to UPS and all our customers operating Paccar MX engines.” “We appreciate the selection of UPS to receive the milestone 200,000th Paccar MX engine for installation in our newest Kenworth T680. Our Kenworth T680s equipped with Paccar MX engines are performing well in UPS operations throughout the United States,” said Bill Brentar, UPS Senior Director of Maintenance and Engineering for Transportation Equipment at the company’s headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. “UPS maintains a productive working relationship with Kenworth and MHC Kenworth – Atlanta, and we look forward to our continued mutual success.” UPS purchased its first Kenworth trucks with Paccar MX engines from MHC Kenworth – Atlanta in 2012. Today, UPS operates more than 3,000 Kenworth T680s with the Paccar MX-13 engine. “Our collaboration with UPS is very important. UPS further optimized the Paccar MX-13 engine’s benefits by also making the Paccar 12-speed automated transmission standard for its T680s, beginning with last year’s 700-truck order of Kenworth’s on-highway flagship,” said Eddie Davis, MHC Kenworth vice president. During the special ceremony, Kevin Baney, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing, presented a special commemorative plaque to Brentar and Mark Collins, UPS director of maintenance and engineering for transportation equipment. Also participating were MHC Kenworth’s Eddie Davis, and Katie Guest, new truck sales, MHC Kenworth – Atlanta; Lance Walters, plant manager for the Paccar Engine Plant in Columbus, Mississippi; Kathie Falcone, Kenwoth director of sales operations; and Andy Manos, Kenworth national fleet service manager. The Paccar MX engine series is comprised of two engines. The 12.9-liter Paccar MX-13 engine provides efficiency and flexibility together into one, high-performance solution, and is available with ratings of 405 to 510 hp and 1,450 to 1,850 lb-ft of torque. The 10.8-liter Paccar MX-11 engine features superior performance, powerful and lightweight design, and offers ratings of 355 to 430 hp and 1,250 to 1,650 lb-ft of torque. Both the Paccar MX-13 and Paccar MX-11 offer a B10 design life of one million miles in line haul applications. This means 90 percent of Paccar Engines will log up to one million miles without a major overhaul. The Columbus factory began producing Paccar advanced diesel engines in 2010. Located on a 400-acre site in the Golden Triangle Industrial Park, the 450,000-square-foot factory employs more than 600 people, and produces 160 engines each day of operation, according to plant manager Walters. The plant has been a zero-waste-to-landfill facility since it was opened, and nearly 90 percent of material arrives at the plant in returnable containers. “Employees are critical to the plant’s success with the quality, innovation, technology and care they build into every Paccar MX engine produced here,” Walters said.

GILBERT, S.C. — Diesel Laptops and American Diesel Training Centers (ADTC) have formed a strategic partnership designed to address the diesel technician shortage and on-going career development that is essential to improving employee retention. Diagnostic skills and accompanying use of technology are critical in attracting new entrants into the field of diesel repair and maintenance, according to JB Ryan, senior vice president of strategic initiatives at Diesel Laptops. He said advancing those skills with more in-depth training and use of the most modern technology and services available ensures that technicians stay current with market-place needs, which effectively services customers and provides a strong return on investment for their employers. All American Diesel Training Center facilities will be outfitted with all relevant Diesel Laptops hardware and software products for integration into the 300-hour ADTC Training Curriculum. That includes diagnostic testing and hardware kits and cross-platform online repair information. Diesel Laptops and ADTC will also jointly produce and distribute training in other modalities, including live webinars and instructor-led training that will be offered through ADTC’s rapidly growing footprint of shop-based training facilities across the U.S. “ADTC and Diesel Laptops essentially have the same mission, to provide the industry with the workforce, knowledge, and technology to most effectively keep the United States moving and growing. We’re completely aligned in mission and shared values,” said Timothy Spurlock, president and co-founder of American Diesel Training Centers. “It is no secret that there is a real shortage of techs coming into the industry. Combining resources with ADTC addresses this problem head-on while educating them on the most critical parts of diagnostics and troubleshooting,” Ryan said Diesel Laptops, founded in 2014, provides specialized diesel diagnostic equipment for the commercial truck, construction, automobile, agriculture, and off-highway markets. Diesel Laptops is the industry leader in diesel diagnostic tools and repair information. The team there prides itself in being the diesel diagnostic experts and providing customers with world class customer service. For more information, visit www.DieselLaptops.com. American Diesel Training Centers, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest producers of diesel technicians in the United States. Founded in 2017, it uses an innovative “sharing model” where it partners with shops, dealers and fleets to deploy its recruiting and 300-hour entry level technician training system. Graduates of its program work for more than 100 U.S. companies.

MAUMEE, Ohio — Dana Inc. has added premium aftermarket differential carrier bearing kits to its Spicer Select all-makes drivetrain portfolio. The kits cover a wide range of drive axle carrier assemblies serviced in the North American commercial-vehicle aftermarket and are inclusive of premium bearings, sealant, and adhesive. “The Spicer Select line provides an extensive collection of replacement solutions that are designed for aging commercial vehicles,” said Bill Nunnery, senior director, Global Aftermarket Sales and Marketing for Dana. “These new differential carrier bearing kits have been vetted through our comprehensive development and manufacturing process and offer customers a highly reliable product designed for long life on the road.” The new Spicer Select kits are designed to fit Meritor drive axle carrier rebuilds and are a cross to an extensive lineup of competitive offerings. Available through traditional aftermarket channels, Spicer Select offers a practical replacement alternative for aging vehicles. Spicer Select drivetrain products are Dana-engineered and -tested aftermarket products manufactured by a network of carefully selected partners. The comprehensive development and manufacturing process ensures that products provide proper fit, function, and reliable performance. For specific part numbers, ordering, and availability of the Spicer Select differential carrier bearing kits, visit DanaAftermarket.com.      

ELYRIA, Ohio — In its pursuit of safe operations, including a goal of zero injuries, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems adopts an attitude of no compromise. In 2018, that unified mindset helped Bendix achieve the safest year in its nearly 90-year history. Bendix plants across North America experienced a 30 percent reduction from 2017’s injury rate. Preventive and corrective safety programs are at the heart of the results, which Bendix is working to build upon in 2019. For its best-ever performance, the company also cites processes that empower employees to improve safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a recordable accident as a workplace injury that requires medical attention beyond first aid. Workplace safety performance is measured annually by TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate), which is the total number of recordable injuries per 100 workers per year. In 2018, Bendix’s TCIR of 0.48 marked the lowest in company history. The injury rate for similar manufacturing facilities was 3.0 in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “This is a world-class safety milestone, and it’s a wonderful commentary on the men and women who come to work day in and day out at Bendix absolutely committed to performing their jobs safely,” said Carlos Hungria, Bendix chief operating officer. “Uncompromising safety plays a critical role in the success of our company. Our goal of zero injuries drives us. And our values and safety rituals direct the way we complete each task to ensure the safety of each employee, every day.” Of Bendix’s 18 North American locations, nearly all achieved significant safety milestones in 2018. Twelve sites surpassed the one-year mark without a recordable injury. Other noteworthy milestones for length of time free of recordable injuries include five years at Plant 2 on the Huntington, Indiana, campus; the remote members of the sales and service team; and the locations in Irvine, California, and Sparks, Nevada. The locations in Mexico City, Mexico, and Vancouver, Canada, surpassed the 10-year injury-free mark; and the Montreal, Canada, site continued to lead the way at over 15 years of safe operations. Bendix has implemented mature safety processes, which continue to drive noticeable improvement in year-over-year safety results. Part of the long-term strategy of the Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) team, these processes range from a 24-hour incident notification and containment policy, to lessons learned from incident sharing across all of Bendix’s plants to identify and eliminate similar risks. In addition, engagement opportunities through the Safety STARS (Safety Top Achievement Recognition System) program enables employees to take on a key role in identifying unsafe conditions, unsafe behaviors, and safety improvements. Key to the success of the safety program has been the integration with the Knorr Production System (KPS) quality, productivity, and continuous improvement culture. KPS is practiced worldwide throughout the Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse Group, of which Bendix is a member. KPS tools and rituals have helped quantify improvement activities, increase visibility to safety losses, escalate safety concerns, and drive team-level ownership of safety. In 2018, Bendix employees closed 120 read-across actions (elimination of similar risks at other locations), reported and fixed over 2,000 unsafe conditions, and identified and implemented over 2,500 safety Quick Kaizens (improvement ideas). “It is very impressive and rewarding to be able to quantify the impact the program is having,” said Maria Gutierrez, Bendix director of corporate responsibility and sustainability. “At the same time, Bendix realizes that the safety metrics, including TCIR, are not just numbers – they translate into real people and real lives being impacted. At this point in the Bendix safety journey, zero is the only acceptable number and it represents our vision, starting with the senior leadership and permeating through the workforce.” With its goal of zero injuries firmly embedded in the company culture, Bendix continually finds innovative ways to showcase safety as a core value, while consistently challenging the organization to recommit to safety, Gutierrez said. “Company leadership understands that safety is still driven by personal choices on a daily basis. For that reason, employees are encouraged to take the HSE pledge, in which they commit to choose safety — each day, every day, one day at a time.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Coldtainer USA, providers of portable containers that can be used for precise temperature control in any transportation application, said the container for transporting perishable goods is now available at 32 locations nationwide. “Expanding the number of locations that offer Coldtainers makes the portable refrigerated containers an option for more companies that need temperature control for some portion of their loads,” said Terry Koerner, general manager at Coldtainer USA. “It also allows us to better serve the growing and wider range of clients that don’t need to refrigerate the entire vehicle if they deliver both dry and refrigerated goods, including grocery, prepared meal, vending machine, pharmaceutical and other products.” Simple to operate, Coldtainers can use vehicle battery and AC power sources at facilities. For flexibility, the units have the ability to pre-cool and/or maintain temperature on 110V power and then seamlessly move to 12V operation when the vehicle is in transit or is being used on site. Koerner said Coldtainer portable containers are a highly reliable and versatile solution available in a variety of options depending on a customer’s needs. The units are offered in cooling, freezing and heating front opening or top loading models in a range of sizes. Equipped with refrigeration units designed to withstand vibrations related to vehicle use, Coldtainer stand-alone containers are made from highly durable molded polyethylene and food-grade materials, are easy to clean and are in compliance with health and safety standards, he said. All Coldtainer temperature-controlled models feature an integrated battery monitor and a user-friendly digital display to view temperature and status, and for precise temperature set point control. The portable cooling containers also record temperatures and have a mobile Bluetooth capability for downloading data to meet recordkeeping requirements. Click here for a complete list of locations offering Coldtainer portable refrigerated containers. For more information, visit www.coldtainerusa.com      

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Volvo Group’s Hagerstown powertrain manufacturing facility received $1,180,400 in rebate incentives from Potomac Edison for a number of energy efficiency upgrades made at the site since 2016, which has saved the equivalent of 9,158,862 kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to power 759 average homes for a full year. “Becoming more energy efficient is part of our DNA here in Hagerstown, and it is incredible to see our progress in recent years,” said Pierre Jenny, Volvo Group vice president of powertrain production. “We are proud to work together with Potomac Edison to cut our energy usage and in turn reduce our environmental footprint.” Jenny said since 2016, the Hagerstown facility has upgraded plant lighting to more efficient LED lights. More than 2,700 inefficient fixtures have been replaced with highly efficient LED fixtures and lighting controls. The facility also upgraded equipment used to manufacture engine crankshafts, including crankshaft grinding machines that require less energy. New induction hardening equipment, which is used to heat the crankshafts to optimize their hardness during the production process, was also installed and not only reduces energy consumption, but also delivers faster heating and reduced cycle times. The rebates are part of the EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program that offers rebates to Maryland-based commercial and residential customers that upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment. A one-time rebate is awarded to the customer to offset the cost of the upgrades they have completed at their residence or business. “Potomac Edison is committed to helping organizations make a meaningful impact on the environment through energy efficiency,” said Todd Kirkpatrick, manager of commercial and industrial energy efficiency programs for FirstEnergy. “The energy savings accumulated by the Hagerstown facility since 2016 are substantial, and we are pleased to have played a role in making it a reality.” Jenny said the Volvo Group’s Hagerstown facility has been working to improve its energy efficiency for a number of years. In 2014, the site was named a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Superior Energy Performance Platinum-Certified Partner, the highest level in the program. The Hagerstown facility also participates in the DOE’s Better Buildings, Better Plants program, which has a target to reduce energy intensity by 25 percent over a 10-year period. In 2015, the site installed a 1.3 megawatt, 5,000-panel parking lot solar canopy, one of the largest solar canopies on the U.S. East Coast. The site also installed a 2.2 megawatt ground mount solar array in 2016.          

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Great Dane Tuesday said it had established three new flatbed trailer distribution centers located across the United States. The new locations include Trudell Trailers in Milwaukee, Minnesota; Northeast Great Dane in Florida, New York; and Crossroads Trailer in Denver, Colorado. “We are excited to welcome these three new locations to our roster of distribution centers, so that we can provide even better and faster service in these key areas of the country,” said Keith Monroe, Great Dane’s director of flatbed product sales. “With the increase in U.S. oil production and construction spending over the past few years, the demand for flatbed trailers has increased exponentially. In order to meet that need, we expanded our flatbed stock program and are continuing to add more distribution centers across the country.” In addition to the three new locations, Great Dane also has five other distribution centers. These include Crossroads Trailer in Albert Lea, Minnesota; Great Dane’s flatbed manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Tennessee; and Great Dane’s corporate-owned branches in Dallas; Columbus, Ohio; and Atlanta. Great Dane’s stock flatbed program features Freedom flatbed trailers constructed of steel, aluminum or a combination of both in various configurations, including: Freedom SE all-steel flatbeds available in 48- or 53-foot models with extendable options to 80- or 90-feet. Freedom LT steel-aluminum combination flatbeds available in 48- or 53-foot, straight or drop deck models. Freedom XP all-aluminum flatbeds available in 48- or 53-foot models and backed by the industry’s only 10-year warranty. A range of additional specifications are also available to choose from, including toolboxes, tire inflation systems, coil packages, cargo restraints and more. Great Dane spreads its stock throughout its branches, dealerships and distribution centers. Officials said the company also has the unique ability to pull stock from any location across its nationwide network in order to meet a customer’s specific needs. “In the flatbed world, customers want to be able to see, touch and purchase trailers right on the lot, so having stock on the ground is a top priority for Great Dane,” Monroe said.

WOODRIDGE, Ill. — Hendrickson has released updated Truck Suspension Systems Parts Catalog. The full line of Hendrickson parts, including front and rear suspension kits and service parts, can be browsed in one catalog (SP-100 Rev. H). This update features 25 additional exploded views and an additional 84 pages to help simplify identification, specification and selection of Hendrickson truck suspension systems parts. This publication works well as a companion tool with the Hendrickson website. “Equipment uptime is our top priority.  Providing a comprehensive Truck Systems Parts Catalog with accessible selection guides, schematic diagrams, service kit options, and much more, is key to ensuring that our customers can easily find the right part the first time,” said David McCleave, director aftermarket for Hendrickson. For additional information or to order a Truck Suspension Systems Parts Catalog, visit our Literature Request Form page at www.hendrickson-intl.com/Litform or contact Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems, 800 South Frontage Road, Woodridge, Illinois, 60517-4904 or call 866-755-5968. Hendrickson, a Boler company, is a global manufacturer and supplier of medium- and heavy-duty mechanical, elastomeric and air suspensions; integrated and non-integrated axle and brakes systems; tire pressure control systems; auxiliary lift axle systems; parabolic and multi-leaf springs; stabilizers; bumpers; and components to the global commercial transportation industry..

PORTLAND, Ore. — Daimler Trucks, a division in the Daimler Group, the world’s largest manufacturer of heavy and medium trucks, and Torc Robotics, a pioneer in autonomous driving solutions, are joining forces in a one-of-a-kind combination to commercialize highly automated trucks (SAE Level 4) on U.S. roads. Going beyond an OEM/supplier relationship, the companies signed an agreement Friday for Daimler AG’s subsidiary Daimler Trucks and Buses Holding Inc., to acquire a majority stake in Torc Robotics for an undisclosed sum. Closing of the acquisition is subject to approval from U.S. authorities. Michael Fleming, CEO of Torc Robotics, Martin Daum, member of the board of management Daimler AG, responsible for trucks and buses, and Roger Nielsen, CEO of Daimler Trucks North America, announced the strategic move at Torc headquarters in Blacksburg, Virginia. “With the ever-rising demand for road transportation, not the least through e-commerce, there is a strong business case for self-driving trucks in the U.S. market and I believe the fastest path to commercialization for self-driving trucks is in partnership with Daimler Trucks, the OEM market leader,” Fleming said. “This move is in line with our mission of saving lives and represents another major milestone for Torc since crossing the finish line in the DARPA Urban Challenge 12 years ago.” “Bringing Torc Robotics within the Daimler Trucks family creates a unique and powerful team of innovators to put highly automated trucks on the road. Daimler Trucks and Torc Robotics complement each other perfectly in terms of resources, expertise, and skill sets. We are forming the ideal combination between Torc’s expertise on agile software development and our experience in delivering reliable and safe truck hardware,” Daum said. “Together, we will provide a sustainable way for our customers to meet the ever-growing freight demand and benefit both the economy and society,” he said. “Torc is not a start-up, but one of the world’s most experienced companies for vehicle automation. Torc takes a practical approach to commercialization and offers advanced, road-ready technology, plus years of experience in heavy vehicles. Torc’s Level 4 system has been shown to operate well for both urban and highway driving in rain, snow, fog and sunshine,” Neilsen said. As part of the overall agreements, the Torc team will work closely with Daimler Trucks’ developers, particularly with the research and development team of Daimler Trucks North America in Portland. Torc will continue to develop its Asimov self-driving software and testing at its Blacksburg facility. At the same time, DTNA will focus on further evolving automated driving technology and vehicle integration for heavy-duty trucks at its Automated Truck Research & Development Center in Portland. The DTNA team is working on a truck chassis perfectly suited for automated driving, particularly the redundancy of systems needed to provide the maximum level of reliability and safety, Daum said. Under the agreement, Torc will remain a separate entity retaining its name, team, existing customers, and facilities in Blacksburg. The partnership with Daimler Trucks will enable Torc to expand significantly its team, engage into the trucking market and service its growing customer base in other markets. In 2015, Daimler’s Freightliner Inspiration Truck obtained the first-ever road license for a partially automated commercial vehicle and the world premiere of the Mercedes-Benz Actros with Highway Pilot took place on public roads. With Active Drive Assist and Detroit Assurance 5.0 with Active Lane Assist (Freightliner Cascadia), Neilsen noted that Daimler Trucks is the first to bring partially automated driving features (SAE level 2) into series production. The new system can independently brake, accelerate and steer. Unlike systems that only work above a certain speed, Active Drive Assist / Detroit Assurance 5.0 make partially automated driving possible in all speed ranges for the driver, also another first in a series production truck. This revolutionary active lateral and longitudinal assistance package is powered by a new state-of-the art radar and camera fusion system.      

PHOENIX — Nikola, the designer and manufacturer of hydrogen-electric CMVs, electric drivetrains and energy storage systems for heavy-duty commercial trucks, has signed a $16 million order to buy equipment for the next phase of its fuel cell development lab, the company said today. Noting that the order is part of an overall investment representing “several hundred million dollars,” Nikola Motor Company President Mark Russell said more about the deal will be revealed April 16-17 in Scottsdale, Arizona, at a “Nikola World event.” “It is critical that we move fast and have the best equipment as part of our truck development process,” said Russell. “By creating our own facility, Nikola will be able to test and validate its fuel cell components in half the time it would take other OEMs and third-party labs.” According to a Nikola news release, the fuel cell lab will be “the most advanced fuel cell research and development facility in the world,” enabling the company to validate and test its entire fuel cell system, test components independently, and “set a new benchmark for heavy-duty fuel cell systems.” Registration information for the Nikola World event is at www.nikolamotor.com.

WOODRIDGE, Ill. — Hendrickson said customers can now locate Lift Axle parts information through the PLUS+ Parts Look Up System. “We are excited to offer our customers this added feature. Until recently the PLUS system only offered Hendrickson trailer and truck suspension components and assembly information,” said David McCleave, director of aftermarket at Hendrickson. McCleave said PLUS provides three benefits: It allows a customer to place a competitor, or OEM part number, in the system to obtain the matching Hendrickson part number. It allows a customer to look up a part number to ensure it is a valid number or provides an updated part number. It allows the customer to view the bill of materials for an assembly, ensuring the customer gets all the correct parts for the job. Registration is easy, McCleave urged customers to register all parts and service personnel. Go to www.hendrickson-intl.com Click on PARTS & SERVICE on the top menu Next to the PLUS icon select VIEW PLUS+ Select NEW USER? and follow the prompts from that point forward. Within 24-48 hours, customers will be registered, notified and ready to sell Hendrickson Genuine parts. “PLUS is an excellent on-line resource to get immediate part number information allowing an expedited customer service process and improved equipment uptime,” McCleave said. Hendrickson, a Boler company, is a global manufacturer and supplier of medium- and heavy-duty mechanical, elastomeric and air suspensions; integrated and non-integrated axle and brakes systems; tire pressure control systems; auxiliary lift axle systems; parabolic and multi-leaf springs; stabilizers; bumpers; and components to the global commercial transportation industry. For more information, visit www.hendrickson-intl.com.

ELYRIA, Ohio — There was a time when the North American market for commercial vehicle air disc brakes was a little less crowded – and a lot less complicated. Things are much different these days, and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake (BSFB) says it is helping an ever-growing number of fleets and owner-operators using air disc brakes understand what their aftermarket choices mean for safety, uptime, and return on investment as they navigate a sea of suppliers, components, and replacement friction. “When Bendix introduced the ADB22X air disc brake in 2005, it was a new brake system for North America, which meant few others gave any thought to providing replacement pads or remanufactured components,” said Keith McComsey, BSFB director of marketing and customer solutions, Wheel-End. “Now, air disc brakes are on more than 25 percent of all air-braked Class 6-8 tractor wheel-ends and nearly 15 percent of trailers – and we expect those numbers to increase, approaching one-third of all Class 6-8 air brake installations within the next couple years. “With the Bendix ADB22X equipped on about 85 percent of wheel-ends in the market today,” McComsey said, “we feel a responsibility to make sure second and third owners of air disc-braked tractors and trailers are well-informed about aftermarket options and their long-term impacts.” Performance, quality, and value are critical in selecting an air disc brake (ADB) friction, no matter where a vehicle is in its life cycle. As adoption of ADBs has grown, friction has evolved to account for varying fleet factors, including application, tractor/trailer brake combinations, and duty cycle. For line-haul tractors and trailers, an increase in wearable volume over typical pads, coupled with a revised formulation for longer life make the Bendix BX276 genuine OEM replacement pad Bendix’s highest-performing air disc brake friction. Vehicles that undergo a high frequency of brake usage – refuse, school bus, and pickup/delivery, for example – can benefit from a severe-duty friction like the Bendix® BX283™. The BX283 pad is designed to handle higher temperature conditions, so it offers longer life in these harsh applications. Earlier this year, Bendix added the BA235 air disc brake aftermarket pad kit to its expanded air disc brake pad portfolio. The company recognizes that as the ADB market has matured, many ADB-equipped trucks are now in the hands of second or third owners, who may have different business needs than the original owner. The BA235 pad provides a lower-cost replacement pad option while still meeting all Bendix requirements for FMVSS-121 wear performance. In addition, the pad kit includes OEM hardware, which supports customers’ ability to maintain their Bendix warranty. Like the Bendix BX276 and BX283 pads, the BA235 pads can be used as replacement friction for both the ADB22X™ and the ADB22X™-LT trailer air disc brake. Proper friction selection matters on two key levels: Maintaining safety and protecting return on investment. In Bendix testing, several aftermarket frictions displayed inferior performance in both stopping distance and park-hold. These longer stopping distances either bring the vehicle to a drum brake level of performance and/or extend performance out beyond 250 feet, which can put a vehicle out of compliance with FMVSS-121 requirements and may increase the potential for rear-end collisions and the risk for a vehicle rollaway. The wrong friction can not only offset the performance advantages gained by investing in air disc brakes, but it can actually wind up costing more in vehicle repairs and downtime as well. For example, ongoing Bendix testing has shown that use of other aftermarket pads may lead to accelerated wear, including stress cracking of the rotor, which is costly to replace. “Bendix designs a friction couple – which is the friction and rotor together – to provide optimal performance,” McComsey said. “Anybody can design a brake pad for long life, but fleets need to consider the impact these aggressive pads have on rotor life. And if that friction causes stress cracks, now you’re looking at the potential costs of rotor replacement, more downtime, and even risk of CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) violations if the crack exceeds the out-of-service requirements.” Beyond the friction itself, aftermarket air disc brake kits and components also vary widely – again, with serious implications for safety and performance. All Bendix pad replacement kits include the complete OEM hardware kit – that includes pad retention springs, retainer bars, and shear adaptors. While they may seem like unimportant accessories, these pieces play an important role in proper ADB function and service life. Some aftermarket pad kits do not include the retainer bar, requiring the customer to reuse a part that was not designed to be reused. Other AM pad kits also use weak pad springs. These two conditions introduce the risk of retainer bar failure and/or damage to the caliper and carrier. Since these kits don’t use the OEM shear adaptor, on average they shear at a torque that is 1.5 times higher, which can damage the adjuster mechanism, necessitating a replacement of the entire caliper. Remanufactured parts continue to occupy a significant portion of the aftermarket landscape, and the right supplier can offer value and quality while highlighting the importance of looking beyond the lowest price. Bendix recently announced its own remanufactured air disc brake caliper, providing a high-quality alternative to new calipers from unproven sources in the expanding air disc brake aftermarket. “More than ever, it’s important to understand where your parts are coming from, and how your suppliers handle process and quality,” McComsey said. “There’s no guarantee that these ‘new’ or reman calipers entering the market – some from overseas – will deliver the same quality as true new or remanufacture by a genuine OE supplier like Bendix. The cost of one failed part more than offsets what you might save in a lower-price component.” The road-proven and time-tested advantages of air disc brakes, along with the importance of reliable, stable stopping power in an age of ever-advancing higher-level safety systems like full stability and collision mitigation, means ADBs are here to stay. Bendix, which has produced nearly 3 million air disc brakes, will continue driving the technology forward in pursuit of safer trucks and roads. Its parent company, the Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse Group, is the worldwide leader in air disc brake production, at over 40 million. Strengthening return on investment and lowering total cost of ownership, BSFB delivers safety, reliability, and stopping power to fleets and owner-operators. BSFB wheel-end solutions are backed by unparalleled post-sales support and are part of an overall safety equation aimed at improving vehicle and highway safety across North America. For more information about Bendix air disc brake pads, call 1-800-AIR-BRAKE or visit www.foundationbrakes.com.    

PORTLAND, Ore. — Detroit Connect, Daimler Trucks North America’s suite of connected vehicle services, said Tuesday it has taken the connected vehicle experience to the “next level.” Third party telematics service providers can now be integrated into the Detroit Connect platform. The proprietary Detroit Connect platform, exclusive to the Freightliner new Cascadia, was designed to allow the services of third-party providers to be supported via the platform, providing customers the flexibility to work with the partner of their choice as well as eliminating the need to install additional hardware. Another added benefit is the integrated services will also be factory installed, which should help reduce the time it takes customers to in-service their vehicles, according to Jason Krajewski, director of connectivity for Daimler Trucks North America. “Integrating the services of third-party providers onto our Detroit Connect platform is a real game-changer,” Krajewski said. “It provides us the ability to expand our capabilities and push the bounds of the connected vehicle experience.” Krajewski  said Detroit Connect has collaborated with Zonar to deepen the connectivity services offered on the Detroit Connect platform. Zonar will be the first telematics service provider integrated onto the Detroit Connect platform, further strengthening the partnership between Detroit Connect and Zonar. Starting in April, Zonar offerings will be available on the Detroit Connect Platform allowing customers to access Zonar’s patented telematics technologies, including Ground Traffic Control (GTC), Zonar’s web-based fleet management solution without having to install additional hardware on the vehicle. “Our long-term relationship with Zonar has already led to significant advancements in the connectivity solutions we offer,” Krajewski said. “Through our partnership, we’ll continue to develop services that will blend our vehicle expertise with Zonar’s proficiency in fleet management solutions.” DTNA and Zonar’s partnership began in 2011, when the companies collaborated to bring Detroit Connect Virtual Technician to market. In 2015, DTNA became a minority investor in Zonar to continue its industry leadership in telematics services. “We are honored to have jointly developed Zonar products on the Detroit Connect platform,” said Gary Schmidt, vice president of business solutions at Zonar. “We will continue to collaborate on future telematics services, through our ongoing partnership, toward a joint vision of providing fleets with connected systems that deliver actionable insights, and improve safety, maintenance, and efficiency throughout the trucking industry.” The Detroit Connect suite of connected vehicle services also includes Detroit Connect Virtual Technician, Analytics and Remote Updates, which now includes firmware over-the-air updates. “Ultimately, our goal is to drive new solutions that will help shape and evolve the way customers’ interact with the vehicle while at the same time enhancing the customer experience,” Krajewski said. For more information on Detroit Connect, go to www.DemandDetroit.com. For more information on Zonar, go to www.zonarsystems.com.    

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R. I. — Howes is rolling out a new look. For almost a century, Howes has provided its customers with additives that are designed keep up with changing fuels, engines and injector systems. Now, Howes is updating its look to match. The new brand look is centered around clarity and improved messaging, making it easier for customers to quickly purchase the Howes product that best suits their needs, according to new employee Phil Colacchio, vice president of marketing, who has spearheaded the initiative. Unique and creative, the Howes brand platform will flow from the packaging on shelf all the way through to its new, easy to navigate website that will be launched this month, he said. “The Howes family was ready to shake things up. Joining the team and helping to improve customer satisfaction has been a wonderful opportunity, and an effort that we are intent on continually improving,” Colacchio said. “We’re thrilled with our new brand look and how it clearly identifies each individual product and communicates what each product does and how to use them. By using distinct colors to differentiate the products and helpful icons to point out their features and benefits, the new branding offers a very simple purchasing experience.” Best known for its flagship product, Howes Diesel Treat, Howes offers a complete line of additives and lubricants for diesel fuel, gasoline, and even oil. “We want our customers to know that we are more than just a winter additive company and that we offer the best performing products for all of your additive needs,” said Howes President Robert Howes. “Products that work in trucks, tractors, RV’s and even home heating oil. Plus, we still carry my great grandfather’s original secret formula; a Multi-Purpose Lubricating and Penetrating Oil that, to this day, surpasses all other products in its class. In short, we make the most reliable performance fluids for moving parts and vehicles and we want to help you easily find the one that you need when you need it.” The new branding effort brings more than just a new visual identity for Howes. It highlights the family’s core values and culture. For many years, Howes has used the tagline “Professional Grade Performance Since 1920.” Accompanying the new brand effort, Howes has chosen to help portray its identity through a new St. Bernard logo which will serve as the new brand mark and represent the strength, loyalty, dependability and trust that form the foundation of the company, Howes said. “Never releasing a product with which we are completely satisfied, we tirelessly test and test again, until every product we make is proven safe and effective, according to Rob Howes II, vice president of strategic development. “All of our products are safe to use and contain absolutely no alcohol or harmful solvents. Our products are tested in and out of the lab by experts, by us personally, as well as by our customers,” Rob Howes said. “We refuse to release any product that is merely average, we strive for excellence. If it’s a Howes product, it’s a reliable product. We make sure of it. You don’t even have to take our word for it. Ask a friend, ask a colleague, ask anyone who has used it and they’ll tell you, this stuff works.” As a fifth generation, family owned and operated company, Co-Owner Deb Howes said the company is committed to providing its customers with not only the best products, but with the ultimate in industry knowledge and customer service. “This is not just a business to us. This is our legacy,” Deb Howes said. “This is our family, and that extends beyond our office doors to our employees, our distributors, our customers. They are all family to us. Their success is our success and vice versa. That’s why we put 100 percent into every product we make, and why we stand behind each one whole heartedly.” Howes earns trust not by just the superior products they put out, but by really being there when they are needed, said Vice President of Business Development Erika Howes. “We answer our phones when someone calls, you aren’t greeted by machines and recordings,” commented Erika Howes, vice president of business development. “We are out in the field, we are talking face to face with people and we listen to what they have to say. We are always looking to learn all we can about people’s needs. It’s one of the things that make this change so exciting. We saw that our customers needed more, and in our commitment to excellence, we’re dedicated to giving them just that.” The new brand will be unveiled at the Mid-America Trucking Show March 28-30 in Louisville, Kentucky.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota motorists would be required to use hands-free devices when talking on the phone while driving under a bill that passed the state House on Monday night, after sponsors said the measure will cut down on distracted driving and save lives. The House approved the bill 106-21 with bipartisan support, though a few critics said it doesn’t go far enough because it doesn’t include tougher penalties for texting while driving, which is already illegal in Minnesota. “There’s clear evidence from other states that these types of laws save lives,” Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman said at a news conference earlier in the day. “We’ve heard so many heart-wrenching stories from Minnesotans about family members they’ve lost because people are on their smartphones instead of focusing on the road.” A similar bill working its way through the Senate exempts the manual use of GPS navigation systems. The House bill would limit GPS use while moving to one-touch, voice-activated apps such as Google Maps. The bill’s chief House sponsor, Rep. Frank Hornstein, said he’s confident the differences will get worked out in conference committee, adding that Gov. Tim Walz has indicated that will sign the bill. Drivers would not need vehicles with built-in Bluetooth wireless systems, Hornstein said. For older cars, he said, hands-free mounts that comply are available online for as little as $9. The Department of Public Safety says that at least 27 of Minnesota’s approximately 380 traffic deaths last year were related to distractions of all kinds. Experts testified during committee hearings that cellphone use is the fastest-growing distraction, causing a rising number of deaths and injuries. Assuming the bill becomes law, Minnesota would become one of 18 states plus the District of Columbia that require drivers to use hands-free devices while phoning. A separate bill to toughen the state’s existing penalties for texting while driving is working its way through the committee process in the Senate. Hornstein said that bill may get heard in the House later. Hornstein, a Minneapolis Democrat who chairs the House transportation committee, acknowledged that hands-free does not make phoning while driving completely distraction-free. But he said it would be a “major step forward.” He sponsored a similar hands-free bill last year, but Hortman said Republican leaders who controlled the House back then would not allow a floor vote because it didn’t have enough GOP support. Democrats won control of the House with the November elections and Hortman became speaker in January. Karin Ilg, of New Prague, recalled to reporters how her husband, Phil Ilg, was killed when he was struck on his bicycle from behind by a 16-year-old driver who was focused more on her phone than on the road. Ilg said she has been cutting up his bike and handing out small pieces — like one that she held up — to every 16-year-old she can “as a reminder not to text and drive. … The time is now for us to get this going and to have this as law.”

ELYRIA, Ohio — Video information and other data captured by today’s commercial vehicle systems is both valuable and vital as fleets and drivers aim to improve safety on the roads. A new mobile device application from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems will deliver quicker access to that information, pairing with Bendix’s leading-edge hardware and its SafetyDirect system to enhance fleet safety and driver training efforts. “The app is called SafetyDirect Mobile. It is fully compatible with our powerful new fifth-generation SafetyDirect processor and our AutoVue LDW 5G platform, and it has been developed to enhance the new features provided by our new hardware,” said TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions – controls. “It means when you are standing next to the vehicle, you will be able to directly connect to the SafetyDirect processor – using Wi-Fi – and stream SafetyDirect video directly to the app. That’s a very powerful tool – and an industry first.” Bendix expects to launch the app in the third quarter of this year. SafetyDirect by Bendix CVS is Bendix’s user-friendly web portal that provides fleet operators with comprehensive feedback on their fleet and drivers, along with videos of severe events, Thomas said. SafetyDirect, the only fleet camera system available as a factory-installed option at all major truck manufacturers, gives fleets key insights into common driving behaviors and trends across their operation. It wirelessly transmits the driver performance information and event-based data – video, vehicle, and sensor information from a vehicle’s J1939 network – to a secure web portal, providing fleets the necessary tools to help enhance their safety program. In addition to enabling full SafetyDirect access, the forthcoming SafetyDirect Mobile app will also allow drivers to securely identify themselves in the vehicle, Thomas said. The app is part of a phased introduction of new features and advanced functionality expected to occur throughout 2019. Because no advanced driver assistance technology can replace the need for safe and alert drivers practicing safe driving habits, Bendix stresses the importance of comprehensive, proactive driver training, and providing fleets with actionable information and tools to support their safety efforts. “Informed fleets and drivers help enable safer fleets and drivers,” Thomas said. “The easier we can make it to reinforce good driving, sharpen training programs, and support the men and women behind the wheel, the safer our highways become.” Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, develops and supplies leading-edge active safety technologies, energy management solutions, and air brake charging and control systems and components under the Bendix brand name. For more information, visit www.bendix.com.