Refuse Trucks Driving Up Natural Gas Fuel Use

ACT Research analysts indicate that refuse is the lead market segment in converting heavy-duty vehicles to natural gas. Photo: Mack Trucks

An increase in heavy-duty natural gas use is being driven by the refuse industry, which has been adding new natural gas-powered trucks in significant volumes, according to ACT Research.

In its latest On-Highway Commercial Vehicle Engine Outlook, ACT Research analysts indicate that refuse is the lead market segment in converting heavy-duty vehicles to natural gas. The refuse industry is intent on furthering a progressive, green image, according to ACT.

Mega refuse hauler Waste Management operates more than 6,000 natural gas-powered trucks and has 100 refueling stations across the country, 25 of which offfer public access.

“They [WM] have established natural gas fueling stations, allowing for cost-effective overnight refueling and making refueling available to other natural gas users,” said Tom Rhein, president of Rhein Associates. “They are also strongly focused on using renewable natural gas to further reduce vehicle emissions by using landfill gas, a significant fuel savings.”

In the report, ACT analysts also see increased interest in electric vehicles by commercial fleets, with medium-duty applications likely to be the first to enter service. ACT noted trhat companies like Workhorse are offering a commercial chassis for walk-in type vans for package delivery companies.

“At the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta, Navistar and Volkswagen Truck & Bus Group announced plans to develop an electric-powered, medium-duty vehicle for launch in U.S. and Canada in 2019, using VW Group's chargE concept,” said Rhein. “In November, Navistar announced an electric powertrain using the chargE concept for its IC school bus, also available in 2019.”

To read ACT Research's full report, go to ACTResearch.net

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A preview of the new “holistic” Sprinter van

Third-Gen Sprinter Van to Focus on Mobility, Connectivity

Photo of one of four dashboards offered on the 2018 Sprinter courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will add a gasoline engine, optional factory telematics offering, and more than 1,000 configurations to provide a "holistic mobility solution" when it debuts in February the head of the company's van division told journalists in Stuttgart, Germany.

Mercedes-Benz is launching the third generation of its Sprinter first introduced in the U.S. 1995 and updated in 2010.

"The Sprinter is the flagship of our commercial fleet and embodies our approach toward an integrated system solution," said Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. "Comprehensive industry-specific know-how, a vehicle that is adaptable to different transport requirements and innovative networking services add up to a fully-integrated product offering."

Mornhinweg's van unit provided general information about the new full-size van at Sprinter Innovation Campus, which focused on six aspects of the vehicle, including its versatility, possible electrification, telematics capabilities, and features suited for grocery delivery, passenger hauling, and service fleets.

The 2018 Sprinter will provide versatility with its three wheelbases, four body lengths, three roof heights, four engine powers, and four dashboards. Commercial buyers can configue many of the interior features around the van's storage compartments, shift lever, head units, and climate controls.

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Photo of Volker Mornhinweg courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz is also shifting the van's drive train to a front-wheel orientation — the van now offers standard rear-wheel drive or a 4x4 option — to lower the load floor to help drivers load cargo.

Mercedes-Benz hopes to offer a battery-electric model now known as eSprinter in the U.S., as well as an all-electric eVito (the mid-size van known as the Metris in the U.S.), but the "demand has to be there," Mornhinweg said.

When the 2018 Sprinter arrives in late 2018 or early 2019, Mercedes will offer a manufacturer telematics system known ...Read the rest of this story

Canadian Trucking Alliance Wants More Accountability for Medicinal Pot

Source: Wikimedia Commons

In a letter, the Canadian Trucking Alliance told Health Canada, the country's national system of healthcare, that it should not make exceptions for commercial truck drivers using medicinal marijuana while on the job.

The CTA is calling for more oversight from the medical community when prescribing the drug to workers in safety sensitive positions. The CTA reiterated its stance that there should be a zero tolerance policy when it comes to driving under the influence of marijuana.

“As we understand it, many prescribing physicians are unaware of what their patients do for a living,” said Stephen Laskowski, CTA president. “In turn, some people who are medically authorized to use marijuana might believe this somehow exempts them from impaired driving laws. Obviously in the case of safety sensitive work, such as trucking which shares its workplace with the motoring public, this can be of serious concern.”

CTA is asking the Canadian government to follow the U.S. approach of not differentiating between recreational and medical use of pot among drivers. The CTA suggests that physicians should sign-off that they are aware of what their patient does for a living and affirm that marijuana is the most appropriate treatment for the conditions.

“If the true goal is public safety for all road users then it shouldn't matter whether it's being used for recreational or medicinal purposes,” said Laskowski. “Commercial drivers are already held to the highest standards of safety and this shouldn't be any different.”

CTA also echoed statements it made to other government agencies that motor carriers need more legislative support to implement zero tolerance and random testing policies without being at risk of human rights challenges. While there may be opposition toward zero tolerance and random testing requirements for prescribing physicians, CTA's Laskowski stressed that safety should be the number one priority ...Read the rest of this story