Equipment & Tech

SAN DIEGO — Netradyne, a provider of artificial intelligence (AI) technology focusing on driver and fleet safety, has launched VisionPRO, a new integrated vision safety system that allows customers to choose up to eight different camera angles to capture and analyze greater visibility for driving events. Traditionally, vision-safety systems within commercial fleets have had difficulty capturing the back or side of a truck, in many cases leading to “mystery damages” should an accident occur. With VisionPRO, camera views are seamlessly integrated into the Driveri portal giving fleet managers the ability to access desired views from a given incident, according to Adam Kahn, vice president of fleet business for Netradyne. The further context protects drivers who may have been rear-ended or side swiped, which until now, would only be a speculative case for certain incidents due to a lack of visual evidence, he said. While Driveri’s current system captures and analyzes every minute of the driving day, allowing for more positive coaching between driver and fleet manager and providing increased litigation mitigation, the addition of VisionPRO takes it a step further. Different camera views mean increased opportunities for driver engagement and protection, as well as more protection in cases of false claims. “At Netradyne, we are continually looking for ways to improve Driveri to protect drivers and create opportunities for positive driving conversations,” Kahn said. “What we realized was most legacy camera systems out there had various blind spots that could allow for punitive measures to be taken without the full breadth of an event. With VisionPRO, drivers and fleet managers alike can rest easy knowing that nearly all angles of the truck are covered, protecting them from false accusations.” Netradyne’s Driveri is a vision-based driver retention and safety platform for commercial vehicles, which captures and analyzes every minute of every driving day. The platform uses a high-quality HD cameras to provide a complete view of the road along with advanced AI and Edge Computing technologies to analyze driver behavior and relay data to fleet managers immediately. For more information about Driveri or to inquire about commercial vehicle safety tools, please visit www.Netradyne.com. Founded in 2015, Netradyne has technology innovation centers in both San Diego and Bangalore, India, where teams are hyper-focused on launching a driver safety platform for commercial vehicles.  

HUNTINGTON, W. Va. — Blue Ink Tech, maker of the BIT ELD, has released the most recent addition to its BIT Full Service Platform. BIT Air Scale gives drivers access to real-time weight information on their phone or tablet using the BIT app. Utilizing two small, wireless sensors, BIT Air Scale self-installs in less than 15 minutes. “With time tighter than ever, BIT Air Scale frees drivers from the necessity of visiting an off-site scale to find out their weight,” said Mike Riegel, head of product development. “Anyone who hauls bulk, is paid by weight, or loads in locations without easy access to scales should be paying attention to this system.” Riegel said Blue Ink Tech had moved to solve one of the biggest friction points in trucking. “If a driver gets overloaded and doesn’t find out until they hit a scale 30 or 40 miles away, it really puts them in a tight spot,” Mike Riegel of Blue Ink Tech said. “They can either drive back to the shipper and correct the load, which could waste a whole day, or they can drive illegally. Either option ends up with the driver bearing the brunt of the problem, and the carrier potentially losing money.” Blue Ink Tech aimed to solve this problem by allowing drivers to get accurate, real-time, weight at the point of loading, he said. “We wanted to make something as simple as possible on the customer’s side. All the complexity, all the math, happens in the app. For the customer, it’s as simple as install sensors, calibrate, done.” Because the app delivers real-time updates on weight, a driver can monitor weight as the truck is being loaded. For anyone hauling irregular loads that need to be tied down before the truck moves, this can be a huge time-saver. Ensuring the load is in the right place and within legal limits, before you tie down can save hours, Riegel said. Blue Ink Tech has managed to make the process of installation and calibration easy. Sensors come mounted on DOT approved Tee-fittings. They install directly into the suspension airline, with no need for additional wiring. Once the sensors are in place, a driver weighs their truck twice, once empty and once full, and enters the weights into the app. After that, the system handles the rest. “With Blue Ink Tech’s app doing the heavy lifting, the system even calculates your steer axle,” Riegel said. “Air Scale provides a 99 percent accurate axle weight and gross combined weight. The system integrates into Blue Ink Tech’s web portal allowing carriers to see how much weight each of their trucks is carrying at any given moment. Those using Blue Ink Tech’s other systems, will see weight, location, tire pressure, and the driver’s available hours of service, all in one place.” Contact Blue Ink Tech for pricing and availability at www.blueinktech.com.  

MAUMEE, Ohio — Dana Inc. Wednesday released Rhombus TireAnalytics Version 3.0 with new capabilities to help large fleets reduce tire costs. The third generation of the technology provides new cost-per-mile (CPM) analysis capabilities and best practice solutions that enable commercial-truck owners and fleet maintenance managers to make better data driven decisions for each application, according to Mark Wallace, president of Dana Commercial Vehicle Driveline Technologies. Rhombus TireAnalytics, introduced in 2017 and adopted by a broad range of North American fleets, is a cloud-based platform that allows fleets to establish best practices for their tire maintenance programs and ensure these practices are adhered to by tracking compliance across all terminals. Additionally, the platform allows fleet managers to identify and predict maintenance issues to minimize downtime and maximize the life of their tires. Wallace said the CPM tire comparisons, which can be determined by application or by axle type using the fleet’s actual miles-per-tire (MPT) data and tire cost, provide situational analyses utilizing a fleet’s real-life data. The new release also includes enhanced user authentication for stronger security and more flexibility in how users secure access to the platform. In direct response to customer feedback, Rhombus TireAnalytics 3.0 also includes a new install and rotate capability for the mobile application, which is quickly accessible for technicians servicing a vehicle anywhere in the terminal. This feature saves technicians significant time recording more complex patterns that involve, for example, rotating a set of tires while matching pairs of dual tires at the same time. “Rhombus TireAnalytics directly addresses one of the top expenses for a fleet, and this latest version continues our mission to provide data-driven solutions, allowing fleets and truck owners to predict and optimize tire spend in order to maximize a vehicle’s operational effectiveness,” Wallace said. “This enhancement also takes into consideration critical customer feedback, allowing maintenance professionals to better assess their tire management strategies and ensure operational efficiency for this critical area of maintenance.” Dana will present Rhombus TireAnalytics 3.0, as well as a comprehensive lineup of Spicer Electrified systems, traditional driveline technologies, and other solutions for commercial vehicles, in booth 2801 at the upcoming TMC Annual Meeting March 18-21 in Atlanta. Dana is a provider of highly engineered solutions for improving the efficiency, performance, and sustainability of powered vehicles and machinery. Dana supports the passenger vehicle, commercial truck, and off-highway markets, as well as industrial and stationary equipment applications. Dana employs nearly 36,000 people in 33 countries on six continents. For more information, please visit www.dana.com.  8          

LISLE, Ill. — To simplify the process of spec’ing a vehicle for optimal fuel efficiency, International Truck has introduced powertrain packages to its International LT Series MPG Fuel Efficiency Packages. Powertrain Packages are now available for the International A26 and Cummins X15 engines in direct-drive and overdrive offerings. The MPG fuel efficiency powertrain packages combine exceptional engine ratings with the lightweight Eaton Endurant transmission, predictive cruise control, high efficiency rear axles, and rear axle ratios as low as 2.15 for optimal fuel economy, according to Jim Nachtman, director, heavy-duty, marketing, Navistar. “Improving fuel efficiency is a major opportunity for a fleet to reduce its Total Cost of Ownership,” Nachtman said. “We took a holistic approach when developing the MPG powertrain packages — from the engine and transmission, to the rear axles and lubricants  to easily maximize fuel efficiency.” The MPG fuel efficiency packages will soon include a second aerodynamic option available for the International LT Series day cab, 56-inch hi-rise and 73-inch hi-rise/sky-rise cab models, which will be available for order this spring. The new highest-efficiency spec incorporates proprietary and supplier-provided enhancements included in the first aerodynamic package, as well as predictive cruise control and aerodynamic drive wheel fairings. “With so many fuel-efficient technologies available, the spec’ing process can be daunting,” Nachtman said. “Through our MPG fuel efficiency aerodynamic and powertrain packages, we’re making it easier than ever for fleets to enhance performance while reducing Total Cost of Ownership.” The International LT Series MPG fuel efficiency packages, including the new aerodynamic package, will be displayed at the International booth #623 at ATA’s TMC 2019 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition, March 18-21, 2019, in Atlanta. Learn more about International Truck fuel efficiency at www.InternationalTrucks.com/LTSeries.      

MARIBEL, Quebec — Canada’s Lion Electric Co. March 11 presented its all-electric Class 8 urban truck, the Lion8, which will be delivered this fall. The vehicle has a range of up to 250 miles on a single charge and boasts “zero emissions” as well as “no noise pollution.” Lion also says the truck has an 80 percent energy cost reduction and a 60 percent reduction in operational costs. Another cost-saving attribute, says the company, is “oil-free operation,” with few moving parts and brakes that last longer because of a regenerative braking system. It’s also built to withstand Canadian winters and punishing road conditions. According to Lion, the company has already taken orders for the truck from committed buyers. Assisting in unveiling the new truck was Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, a Kansas City Chiefs football player and Lion “ambassador.” Lion is a manufacturer of zero emission vehicles, including all-electric school buses, paratransit minibuses and urban transportation and commercial trucks. It’s first vehicle will be delivered to the Société des Alcools du Quebec later this year.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Pilot Flying J has launched its new virtual maintenance system, Fleet Center, as part of the company’s Truck Care service platform. Available in April, Pilot Flying J’s Fleet Center allows Truck Care technicians to focus on providing the best and fastest service to get drivers back on the road, according to Dave Latimer, vice president of shop strategies and operations for Pilot Flying J Truck Care. The portal provides fleets 24/7, real-time visibility and flexibility to manage their equipment – reducing downtime, increasing speed of service and improving account management for fleets and professional drivers. “With the launch of Fleet Center, we are eager to dramatically change how fleets do business with our truck care service,” Latimer said. “By providing a centralized portal, Fleet Center will make it easier and faster for fleets to manage the service of their trucks. Our goal is to remove the stress and complexity of managing fleet service and get drivers back on the road as quickly as possible by providing our customers a window into their Truck Care account at the touch of a button.” The virtual maintenance system will provide fleets with access to time-saving features such as: Service management: no phone calls, just easy business when it comes to scheduling services, generating and authorizing work orders, and receiving detailed cost of repair estimates. Real-time notifications: receive immediate status updates for in route, on-site and roll times. Live chat: users can live chat with Truck Care representatives for quick customer service needs. Service records: fleets will benefit from reduced paperwork and improved accuracy of records with full access to service history and transaction details. Rolled out in 2017, Latimer said Pilot Flying J Truck Care continues to grow with 24 service centers and more than 135 roadside assistance vehicles in 36 states to provide professional drivers with maintenance needs on and off the interstate. With state-of-the-art facilities and certified technicians available 24-hours-a-day, Pilot Flying J Truck Care is dedicated to getting drivers back on the road quickly and safely, he said. As part of its commitment to quality service, the company is now offering a simplified, competitive pricing structure for preventative maintenance services. Backed by a nationwide limited warranty, the new flat price for a full preventative maintenance service with conventional oil is $299.99 for all engine types. For more information about Pilot Flying J Truck Care and to find service center locations, visit www.pilotflyingj.com/truck-care.  

WASHINGTON — One of the biggest challenges in the future facing state departments of transportation when it comes to the broader deployment of connected and autonomous vehicles or CAVs is how to integrate them and their needs with the non-CAV population. “The good news is that there are a ton of things going on and a ton of information out there regarding CAVs. The bad news is that there are a ton of things going on and a ton of information out there regarding CAVs,” said Jennifer Cohan, secretary of the Delaware DOT during a “Knowledge Session” held at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 2019 Washington Briefing recently. “The challenge for state DOTs is to have a plan for a [transportation] system that can manage new autonomous vehicles operating alongside a 1965 pickup truck,” she said. “We have seen a lot of states get out in front with legislation only to go back and make changes to it. Handling the deployment of CAVs and developing the public policy that guides them is the hard part.” Cohan’s comments were included in a recent article on the briefing as reported in the Journal, AASHTO’s official publication. Kirk Steudle, vice president of transportation for Econolite and a former director of the Michigan DOT who moderated the discussion, echoed Cohan’s point about the public policy difficulties. “One of the biggest issues is keeping legislation correct; while it is hard to get legislation passed, the truly hardest thing is to get legislation corrected,” he said. “Good advice here is to slow down and learn what is happening. For it is hard to plan for something we don’t truly understand yet.” Laurie Berman, director of Caltrans, noted that one result of her agency’s focus on “keeping one foot in today, managing the current system, while incorporating the needs of future technology” is the use of a new striping material for California’s roadways. “It benefits today’s users because at night it offers better reflectivity,” she said. “But that works for autonomous vehicles, as well, so they can ‘see’ the road markings better.” Russell McMurry, commissioner of the Georgia DOT, agreed with Caltrans’ Berman, noting that getting “back to the basics, with good signs, good stripes, and no potholes” benefits CAVs and non-CAVs alike. But there are other technologies involved with CAVs that state DOTs need to incorporate as well, such as dedicated short range communications or DSRC that allow CAVs to tap into traffic signal data, among other information. “Don’t get stuck in ‘paralysis by analysis’ because there are so many technology forks in the road” CAVs may follow, McMurry said. “To me, it’s about how we can be ‘technology agnostic’ about our future with CAVs. From our perspective, we need to be ready for anything.” And the amount of data generated by CAVs is another challenge state DOTs need to prepare themselves for, said Tim Weisenberger, project manager/technical programs for SAE International. “We’re talking about whole terabytes of data here. How will you be able to just find what you need? It is a tremendous challenge” where CAVs are concerned, he said. Ed Bradley, program manager for Toyota, added that not only will there be “so many facets to CAV technology” that state DOTs will need to be thinking about, but how to help everyday motorists be accepting of them. “There will need to be significant consumer education and acceptance [of CAVs] before we start building them in greater numbers; they need to be aware of their capabilities and liabilities,” he emphasized. “They will have to work for everyone in all conditions, all of the time.” As to when “greater numbers” of CAVs will appear on U.S. roads, Bradley noted that it won’t be anytime soon. “I don’t have an answer on a timeline; some say a decade, others two decades,” he said. “We envision higher levels of automation will deploy first in smaller fleets in certain domains.”

LAS VEGAS — DriverTech has unveiled DT Mobile, an Android and iOS application for smartphones and tablets that provides drivers with visibility to their hours of service information, access to time-sensitive communications from dispatch, specific instructions from customers and more. The App also streamlines a range of out-of-the cab operations such as completing vehicle inspection reports or capturing critical delivery information, according to DriverTech officials, who displayed the new product at the annual Truckload Carriers Association Convention Sunday. “With the launch of DT Mobile, DriverTech’s ELD platform provides the best of both worlds,” said CEO Mark Haslam. “With our flagship product, the DT4000, fleets maintain the reliability and driver safety benefits of an in-cab fleet management system. With DT Mobile, the driver is free to perform a variety of operations away from the truck while still remaining connected to the fleet and aware of their hours of service information.” Built natively for Android and iOS, the DT Mobile app can be downloaded by drivers through Google Play or the Apple store. Haslam said once installed, drivers gain access to feature such as: Hours of Service Anywhere. Regardless of where they are, DT Mobile keeps drivers informed on their Hours of Service information. Synchronized with their DriverTech in-cab ELD, drivers can view all their critical hours of service timers and alerts. Mobile Workflow and Imaging. Drivers receive detailed trip information and work instructions on their mobile device, enabling them to capture critical information while away from the truck. It also enables mobile imaging using the smartphone’s camera to take pictures of documents or damaged goods. Feature seamlessly connects to DriverTech’s network of transportation management software integrations. Two-Way Messaging. This feature extends DriverTech messaging capabilities to outside the cab or at home. Drivers receive and respond to messages on their mobile device. Drivers are alerted when new messages arrive ensuring quicker and more efficient communications. Mobile DVIR. This feature ensures drivers thoroughly conduct their pre and post trip vehicle inspections by adding tools to document potential issues while they walk around the truck. DT Mobile enables drivers to capture pictures of vehicle or trailer defects and then transmit those directly to maintenance team members. Haslam said during testing and roll-out, DriverTech paid careful attention to feedback obtained from drivers.  With drivers being at a higher premium than ever, designing products that are beneficial to the driver and allow for a better work/life balance were important considerations. “Beyond the on-duty efficiency benefits of mobile workflow and DVIR, DT Mobile helps drivers to better manage their valuable off-duty hours,” Haslam said. “DT Mobiles lets drivers view their available hours or get updates from dispatch on where they may be headed next. Having this information at your fingertips lets drivers better coordinate with their families and get the most out of their home time.” DT Mobile is available now for DriverTech clients. For more information call 801-468-0999 or email [email protected].

LISLE, Ill. — Navistar has signed a service partnership agreement with Love’s Travel Stops which adds more than 315 Love’s Truck Tire Care and Speedco locations and more than 1,000 technicians to Navistar’s International service network. The exclusive partnership, which will be fully operational in the second half of 2019, authorizes most Love’s and Speedco service locations to handle a wide array of work covered by a Navistar-issued new-product warranty, as well as the company’s extended warranties and used truck warranties. All applicable Love’s and Speedco service locations will be authorized to perform warranty work with service repair times of three hours or less for all International Class 6 through 8 trucks. “Uptime is critical to our customers, and this exciting partnership with Love’s will enhance our customers’ uptime in multiple ways,” said Michael Cancelliere, president, Navistar truck and parts. “It will expand customers’ access to same-day service for a wide array of light mechanical repairs, adding more than 315 service locations, more than 1,000 technicians and more extensive operating hours. It will also provide our customers with increased repair velocity, enabling more customers to get their trucks repaired the same day. Love’s locations will also accept Fleet Charge cards, the industry’s premier parts purchasing program that guarantees customers consistent nationwide parts pricing. We look forward to collaborating with Love’s to deliver these added dimensions of customer service, convenience and uptime.” The partnership between Navistar and Love’s creates the commercial transportation industry’s largest service network, bringing the International service network to more than 1,000 locations in North America, in many cases with more convenient locations and hours of service for our customers throughout the United States. “We are very pleased that moving forward, Love’s and Speedco will be a service network partner of Navistar,” said Tom Edwards, executive vice president of tire care for Love’s. “Both organizations have a strong commitment to providing trusted maintenance service that enables our Customers to manage their equipment and get back on the road quickly.” “Navistar and the International Truck Dealers Council collaborated on this agreement to deliver industry-leading uptime to our customers. The expansion of our channel capability to more than 1,000 service locations will give fleets and owner operators another reason to choose the International brand and dealer network to meet their transportation needs,” said Steve Hill, chairman, International Truck Dealers Council. More information about the partnership is available at www.internationaltrucks.com/Loves.        

ELYRIA, Ohio —  The technologies on display are highly complex, but the reason Bendix hosts demonstrations to showcase them couldn’t be more simple: to give fleets, drivers, dealers, and other industry professionals an unparalleled, firsthand view of these advanced systems. In that spirit, Bendix launches the 2019 season – the 14th consecutive year – of its popular regional ride-and-drive demos March 12-14 at Houston Motorsports Park in Houston. Bendix will follow with nine other regional demonstrations – part of a larger overall demo agenda – at locations throughout the United States and Canada into November, while also delivering a slate of customer-specific “at your door” demos. Dates and locations of those demonstrations will be announced later. Check thetrucker.com as those dates and locations are announced in the future. The 10 regional demos provide OEM-specific sessions, and any fleets and dealers in the demo area are welcome, as well as drivers and driver trainers. At these events, participants experience advanced technologies in action – in real-world scenarios that drivers encounter daily. “Nothing equals these in-person demos for delivering impact and understanding,” said Fred Andersky, Bendix manager of marketing demonstrations and customer interactions. “Literature, videos, and talking to salespeople all have value in conveying the technology, but until you’re actually in the seat of a truck cab, you can’t truly appreciate the power and performance that these technologies can deliver – or their limitations.” As part of its long-standing commitment to help the industry understand new technologies and support driver training initiatives, Andersky said Bendix has been refining the demo experience for the last decade. Since 2014, the busy Bendix demo team – which travels nearly every week to destinations around the U.S. and Canada – has conducted close to 400 demos for almost 7,000 participants. In 2018 alone, the team hosted 83 events, in 16 states and three provinces in Canada, for in excess of 1,300 participants. These also included demos developed specifically as an information resource for groups that support or regulate the trucking industry. “Bendix demos are designed to offer value on a number of levels. They help fleet managers and owner-operators determine if technologies being considered for purchase are right for their operations,” Andersky said. “Then, once new technologies are added, the demos help the customer get the most out of their safety technology investment by training the fleet’s drivers – and driver trainers – on the systems, a critical step that is too often overlooked.” Driver training and education – a popular session the company offers at its regional demos – sets Bendix’s demo program apart, Andersky pointed out. Last year, the company expanded its training by adding a half-day session devoted to it at the regional demos. The training opens with a classroom segment in which the demo team reviews the technologies, using video support, and answers questions. Then they move to the track, where participants log a couple of hours in the trucks – including behind the wheel – with Bendix demo drivers. A question-and-answer period closes the session. Bendix’s technology experts are on hand throughout, and attendees also can make use of interactive displays. Bendix places a premium on offering drivers and driver trainers a well-rounded educational experience, punctuated by the time in the truck. “Allowing drivers and driver trainers to experience the technology in real-world situations – with coaches available to aid understanding – helps them comprehend what the technology alerts mean and what to expect when the system intervenes,” Andersky said. “Most importantly, demo training shows how to make sure the system doesn’t intervene – in other words, driving in their normal safe and alert mode.” Bendix shows the full spectrum of its safety technologies at the demos, including the flagship advanced driver assistance system, Bendix Wingman Fusion; and the industry-dominating Bendix ADB22X air disc brake. The company shows trailer technologies as well. This year will also showcase the accessibility and scope of the new Bendix® Retrofit Upgrade Program, air dryer technologies including the PuraGuard oil-coalescing air dryer filter, as well as the Bendix Intellipark automatic parking brake technology – and, expected to join the demo program mid-year, steering control. Driver training at the demos works in concert with other Bendix driver-support tools, such as the “driving with” videos – spotlighting driver assistance technologies – on the Bendix YouTube channel, along with operator’s manuals, FAQs, and quick-reference documents. At every demo, company representatives emphasize that advanced safety technologies are designed to complement safe driving practices, and that no commercial vehicle safety technology replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques. The drivers behind the wheel – supported by proactive, ongoing driver training – are vital to highway safety, and maintain responsibility for the safe operation of any vehicle at all times. To learn more about Bendix regional demos, contact your local OEM truck dealer, call  800-247-2725), or visit www.bendix.com or www.safertrucks.com.      

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Class 8 engine production is expected to continue its growth trend into 2019, and diesel is still the dominate power source, but changes in demand for straight trucks and tractors will impact the type of diesel engines ordered. That’s the primary takeaway from the recently released N.A. Commercial Vehicle On-Highway Engine OUTLOOK published by ACT Research and Rhein Associates, “Tractors continue to be more impacted by cyclical demand than vocational trucks, said Tom Rhein, president of Rhein Associates. The truck share of Class 8 fell to just below 27 percent in 2018, and is forecast to reach a similar level in 2019. Rhein said average truck production from 2019-2023 is expected to increase nearly 8 percent over the average of the past five years, while average tractor production is forecast at almost 3 percent below the past five-year average. “Diesel power is under attack long-term for use in on-highway commercial vehicles,” said Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT Research. “Alternative power is being developed, tested, and refined, even as diesel engines are transitioning to become more fuel efficient and clean. Emission regulations are one of the main drivers of alternative fuel adoption, which is why the Engine OUTLOOK includes a section on the commercial vehicle regulatory environment.” The latest North American On-Highway Engine OUTLOOK published by ACT Research and Rhein Associates highlights power-source activity for CV GVWs 5-8, including five-year forecasts of engines volumes and product trends. The Engine Outlook ties to the detailed NA CV vehicle forecasts published monthly by ACT in the NA OUTLOOK. Rhein Associates is a supplier of powertrain information to worldwide clients. For more information visit http://www.rheinreport.com/ ACT Research is a publisher of commercial vehicle truck, trailer, and bus industry data, market analysis and forecasting services for the North American and China markets. For more information, visit www.actresearch.net.            

GALESBURG, Mich. — Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies has expanded the Endurant automated transmission portfolio to include a new dual Power Takeoff (PTO) version of the 12-speed model. The new dual PTO option of Endurant provides customers with two PTO mounting locations: an 8-bolt bottom mount and a 4-bolt rear mount with a combined 95 horsepower capability.  A single PTO model with an 8-bolt bottom mount location also is available, giving fleets enhanced flexibility in the secondary market. “We’re very excited to put our award-winning Endurant in the hands of more fleets,” said Charles Masters, general manager, Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies. “The dual PTO model will allow more fleets to experience the many industry-leading features of Endurant.” Since the launch of the 12-speed overdrive model in late 2017, the Endurant portfolio has expanded to include an 11-speed direct-drive model with calibrations optimized to meet the needs of linehaul and regional fleets typically operating at lower cruise speeds and on flatter terrain. Having overdrive and direct-drive models gives fleet managers the choice to select the best ratio for their application and route, Masters said, adding that all Endurant transmissions have a variety of features designed to reduce maintenance and increase uptime: Internal electrical system routing that minimizes exposure and corrosion to wires and connectors for improved reliability. A smart prognostics feature provides clutch replacement notification to better plan maintenance scheduling. An industry-exclusive transmission fluid pressure sensor notifies drivers of low oil levels to provide burn-up warranty coverage. Smooth and intuitive shift strategies that enhance the operator’s driving experience. Predictive shifting using look-ahead technology to execute shift decisions that improve fuel efficiency and provide additional driver comfort. A maintenance-free 430 mm self-adjust clutch that requires no greas. An industry-leading 750,000-mile lube change interval in linehaul applications. Endurant requires only 16 pints of lubricant, about half the amount of competitive models. A replaceable input shaft sleeve allows for affordable and quick repair, while competitive transmissions require a costly and time-consuming full teardown. Capable of maximum 510 horsepower and 1,850 ft.-lbs. of torque. Like all automated transmissions from the Eaton Cummins joint venture, Endurant is available with IntelliConnect, a telematics capable system that provides near real-time monitoring of vehicle fault codes, prioritizes critical events and provides accurate and comprehensive action plans by technical experts at Eaton, Masters said. The primary objective of IntelliConnect is to increase a fleet’s uptime by reducing unplanned downtime and providing quicker repair diagnostics through remote communication with a vehicle’s transmission. The joint venture’s components are backed by Eaton’s Roadranger network of more than 180 drivetrain professionals who provide solutions, support and expertise to fleets and dealers. For more information visit www.eaton.com/roadranger, where the latest product information is available, as well as service, parts and training assistance, 24 hours a day. Experts are available in the Roadranger Call Center by dialing 800-826-4357 in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, dial 01-800-826-4357. To learn more about Endurant, visit www.eatoncumminsjv.com/endurant.        

BELLEVUE, Wash. —  With truck sales strong, and backlogs growing, PacLease Monday said those looking to get into new trucks right away can avoid the wait through a full-service lease with PacLease. “The trucking industry had the strongest sales in over a decade for Class 8 and medium duty vehicles in the US and Canada,” said Michelle Harry, PacLease’s director of marketing. “And this year, predictions are for another strong year. But, while that’s good news for the truck OEMs, it’s meant long lead times for those purchasing trucks. And, they’re getting longer. Some truck OEMs have reported that build slots are all taken for the remainder of the year.” According to Harry, the long lead-time has also impacted many offering trucks on a full-service lease as well, especially if a customer wants a custom spec’d truck. “Others in our industry are not immune to long waits,” she said. “But at PacLease — thanks to our affiliation with Kenworth and Peterbilt — we have build slots already in place for both Class 8 and medium-duty trucks. They’re held for customer orders, which means instead of hoping to get a new truck by the end of the year, our customers can get a new leased truck quickly – often under a few months from order to delivery. In addition, we can provide a late model rental truck, with attractive rates, to bridge the gap between order and delivery. This way our customers can start making deliveries with little or no downtime.” The expedited orders also include those operating straight trucks with bodies. “We have agreements with our body manufacturing partners and have ordering processes in place that help alleviate bottlenecks,” said Harry. “If someone a truck soon, PacLease is the source for providing a custom-spec’d Kenworth or Peterbilt in the shortest amount of time.” PacLease has independent and company-owned full-service leasing locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. PacLease provides customized full-service lease, rental and contract maintenance programs designed to meet the specific needs of customers.

DALLAS — Omnitracs has revealed the latest in the company’s line of mobile communication and management devices aimed at enabling drivers to work anywhere, anytime using the latest LTE connectivity, the company said in a news release. The new Omnitracs Active Mobile Gateway with Communications (AMG-C) provides commercial transportation companies with more opportunities to empower their drivers, according to Paul Nagy, chief product officer at Omnitracs. As drivers take on additional duties, ranging from customer service tasks to order reconciliation, they now need more flexibility to get work done, he said, adding that with connection options and a dedicated cellular connection for vehicle tracking independent of the driver, the AMG-C is an advanced bring-your-own device (BYOD) solution that combines the best features of the current hardware lineup to offer more computing power and durability. The AMG-C joins the Omnitracs Intelligent Vehicle Gateway (IVG) in-cab device, that has been recently enhanced with new usability updates to offer even more device options to customers. Features available with the AMG-C include: BYOD device pairing that enables drivers to use Android phones or tablets to access the Omnitracs One fleet management platform and suite of applications Flexible connection options that includes Wi-Fi, 4G-LTE, secure Bluetooth, and mobile hotspot that extend to the driver’s hand-held devices using the Omnitracs One mobile application Management simplicity that offers fast, easy 15-minute install and over-the-air updates Updates to the IVG device include: Operation on the enhanced performance and reliability of 4G LTE networks Enhanced touchscreen that provides a better user experience, is more sensitive, and more durable Improved Wi-Fi connectivity Backwards-compatible cabling – no need to rewire existing connections to the Omnitracs Intelligent Vehicle Gateway (IVG) in-cab device “Commercial transportation operations face different challenges, and our customers want flexible device options to accommodate an ever-increasing variety of needs,” Nagy said. “The new IVG in-cab device and AMG-C will offer the most advanced mobility experience on the market for companies looking to maximize driver productivity both inside and outside of the cab.” Nagy said the introduction of AMG-C gives Omnitracs the broadest array of device options on a single platform. Customers can access the same set of applications using the Omnitracs Telematics Gateway (TG), which offers basic LTE GPS tracking and driver performance monitoring with no in-cab display; the Intelligent Vehicle Gateway (IVG), a durable dedicated in-cab solution that’s hard-wired to the vehicle’s engine control module for maximum security; along with the AMG, a cost-effective in-cab device that uses the phone or tablet’s connection to transmit vehicle and driver data. For more information, visit www.omnitracs.com.  8

WAYNE, Neb. — Great Dane’s Wayne, Nebraska, manufacturing facility revealed the production of its 125,000th refrigerated trailer during a commemorative celebration held at the plant. Attendees of the celebration included Wayne’s Mayor Cale Geise, Schuster Company President Steve Schuster and Jim Hawk Truck Trailers President Jim Hawk III. Great Dane’s President Dean Engelage, along with representatives from the Wayne facility and the company’s corporate offices in Chicago, Illinois, and Savannah, Georgia, were also in attendance. The 125,000th trailer to come off the line at the Wayne plant was a new Everest Single-Temp reefer designed exclusively for Schuster Company of Le Mars, Iowa, a customer of Great Dane’s since 1988. “We’re extremely proud to reach this historic milestone here in Wayne,” said Lee Byers, plant manager. “It’s a clear testament to the high quality of the product we produce and to the spirit of the hundreds of hard-working craftsmen who build these best-in-class trailers for our valued customers.” The Wayne manufacturing facility produces Great Dane’s premier Everest Single-Temp refrigerated trailers, which are primarily used for long-haul truckload operations. This 257,000-square-foot, 83-acre facility began operations in 1986 with two production lines and has since undergone five building additions. Today, the Wayne plant employs nearly 700 people and builds 5,000 trailers per year for some of the nation’s largest fleets, including Schuster, Walmart, IWX, JFI, Marten Transport, Decker, Freymiller, Van Wyk, Interide, California Overland, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Sargento and more. For more information. Visit Great Dane online at www.greatdane.com.    

WASHINGTON — The Americans for Modern Transportation Coalition is continuing its effort to allow twin 33-foot trailers on the nation’s highways. The standard for tandems currently is twin 28-foot trailers. In a letter to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., and ranking member Sam Graves, D-Mo., the coalition identified longer trailers as a way policymakers can leverage technologies and efficiencies developed by the private sector to create “the infrastructure system of the future.” In the letter, coalition Executive Director Randy Mullett said years of underinvestment and a lack of attention to the nation’s infrastructure has left American families in harm’s way, spurred economic inefficiencies, and put undue stress on the environment. “At no cost to taxpayers, Congress can act to modernize trucking equipment and increase the national twin trailer standard from 28 feet to 33 feet,” Mullett said. He listed what he called “immediate and meaningful improvements,” such as: Reduced congestion because gains from twin 33-foot trailers would mean fewer trucks on the road and 53.2 million hours saved due to less congestion Improved safety because twin 33s “perform better than many other truck configurations on four critical safety measures, including stability and rollover.” Research shows that the adoption of twin 33-foot trailers would result in 4,500 fewer truck accidents annually, Mullett maintains. Economic benefits because 33-foot trailers can move the same amount of freight with 18 percent fewer truck trips, allowing consumers and businesses to realize $2.6 billion annually in lower shipping costs and quicker delivery times Longer life cycles for roads and bridges because use of the longer trailers would result in 3.1 billion fewer truck miles traveled each year, and Environmental gains because these trailers would equate to 255 million fewer gallons of fuel and 2.9 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions. “The private sector continues to make investments in our workforce, new technologies, and existing equipment to ensure that our fleets are as efficient, sustainable, and safe as possible,” Mullett wrote. “We need the same forward-looking effort from our partners in federal, state and local governments so that all Americans have access to the full promise enabled by a modern transportation system. We look forward to working with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to seize this opportunity to usher the country into a new era of safety and infrastructure investment.” Among the members of the coalition are FedEx and UPS, two companies that have vigorously fought to get Congressional approval of the longer trailers. However, twin 33s continue to have their detractors, among the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) being among them. “Advocating for a vehicle configuration that only benefits a small segment of the trucking industry would only exacerbate current industry problems such as truck parking, the driver shortage and overall vehicle safety,” said TCA vice president of government affairs David Heller in response to the coalition’s letter. “Distracting from the much larger congressional conversation of infrastructure reform, which would correct the shortfall of funding to the Highway Trust Fund and repair our deteriorating roads and bridges, would be irresponsible of an industry that is clamoring for a fix.  Constructive conversations regarding productivity should center around the growing issue of detention time, that in a new world of ELDs, has proven itself to be a data-proven problem with a solution that may actually make a difference on many issues that impede the productive delivery of this nation’s freight. “TCA will continue to support a position of no changes to truck size or weight,” Heller said.      

COLUMBUS, Ind. — ACT’s preliminary estimate for January 2019 net trailer orders is 25,800 units. Final volume will be available later this month. ACT said its methodology allows it to generate a preliminary estimate of the market that should be within +/- 3 percent of the final order tally. “While the industry had the weakest January order volume since 2016, it was still sufficient enough to generate very minor orderboard growth,” said Frank Maly, ACT’s Director of CV transportation analysis and research. “January net orders were off 7 percent versus December and 35 percent down year-over-year. Slower dry van and reefer trailer volume contributed to the declines. Indications are lower orders were not the result of weak fleet demand, as some OEMs report unwillingness to accept additional orders that would extend orderboards that, according to some reports, already fill available 2019 build slots.” Maly also noted that the slight gain in the orderboard means that January was the third consecutive month that the industry posted an all-time record backlog, although the pace of improvement is beginning to wane. “With backlogs extending through the year for dry vans and reefers, OEMs would likely need to quickly open 2020 orderbooks to allow for further backlog growth in the near-term,” he said. “Also, although the industry reported the highest monthly cancellations since August 2016, the rate of cancellations versus the orderboard remains well within acceptable limits.” ACT Research is a leading publisher of commercial vehicle truck, trailer, and bus industry data, market analysis and forecasting services for the North American 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.    

FORT MILL, S.C. — BestDrive, a commercial tire dealer and retreader focusing on Continental tire offerings, opened locations in Houston, Los Angeles and Little Rock, Arkansas, in the fourth quarter of 2018. The openings included the retailer’s first stores in California and Arkansas. Established in 2010, BestDrive now has 31 commercial tire centers across 17 states. “BestDrive is committed to serving fleets across the U.S. with new tires, retreads, and tire monitoring technology,” said Sonny Simpson, managing director of BestDrive. “We continue to add locations to support our goal of delivering the lowest overall driving cost to local and national fleet customers.” BestDrive commercial tire centers offer total fleet tire management with Continental, General Tire, and AmeriSteel brand products, as well as other supplemental tire brands, Simpson said. The dealerships equip fleets with new tires and ContiTread retread solutions as part of the ContiLifeCycle program, designed to lower costs and prolong the life of a Continental tire. In addition to new and retread tires, BestDrive can help fleets select and implement innovative technology such as ContiPressureCheck tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ContiConnect® remote digital tire monitoring, ContiPressureCheck Solo trailer TPMS, and Continental’s VDO Roadlog for ELD Mandate compliance. These solutions will help businesses reduce tire-related breakdowns, eliminate manual tire pressure checks, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of tires and casings. Services available at all BestDrive outlets include commercial tire mounting, dismounting, and balancing, 24-hour service, wheel refinishing, new and used wheels, air-up programs, commercial truck alignments and fleet checks. The stores also offer passenger, light truck, material handling, and OTR tires. For the most up-to-date list of locations, please visit bestdrivetire.com.