What you can do to prevent accidents

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety just released a report, Leveraging Large Truck Technology and Engineering to Realize Safety Gains. It contained some startling statistics.

In 2015, large trucks were involved in more than 400,000 crashes, a 4% increase from 2014. Those crashes resulted in 4,000 deaths and 116,000 injuries.

While it is unlikely that there will ever be zero large truck accidents, there are things fleets can be doing to reduce the number of accidents and their severity, and to make their vehicles safer.

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TQL launches new web portal and mobile app for carriers

Total Quality Logistics, the nation's second largest freight brokerage firm, last week launched the TQL Carrier Dashboard, the company's new web portal and free mobile app exclusively for carriers.

The technology replaces TQL's Carrier Web Portal platform and adds features designed to simplify how commercial carriers search for loads and maximize their time.

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Senate bill on self-driving vehicles excludes trucks

Leaders with the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee announced they reached an agreement on legislation overseeing self-driving vehicles that excludes commercial trucks. The Senate bill is similar to one the House unanimously passed in September that would allow automakers sell thousands of autonomous vehicles, provided they demonstrate they are as safe as current vehicles with human controls.

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Truck maker Scania to appeal $1 billion fine over price fixing charges

Scania said it would appeal a decision by the European Commission to charge the truck maker with a 880.5 million euro ($1.03 billion) fine for fixing truck prices between 1997-2011.

“Scania strongly contests all the findings and allegations made by the European Commission, the company said in a statement. The company added it “has co-operated fully with the European Commission by providing it with requested information and explanations throughout the entire investigation period.”

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What’s Your Future Fleet Strategy?

The noise surrounding the development of autonomous vehicles is getting louder. We're being told what the future looks like, but without the ability to harness the technology now, it's easier to just turn down the volume. iStockPhoto.com/Karneg

Yet it's clear that the future we envisioned five years ago is not the future we see today. In this context, Bobit Business Media has launched a new event, Fleet Forward Conference.

“As intelligent transportation systems, shared and connected vehicles, and changing public policies converge on the path to autonomous vehicles, Fleet Forward will be the nexus between traditional fleet stakeholders and the smart mobility revolution,” says Chris Brown, conference chair.

“Through curated networking and high-level education,” Brown continues, “Fleet Forward will connect new technology vendors with fleet services providers and end users with the end goal to create more efficient fleets — for the future and today.”

While autonomy is still largely a concept, fleets should be aware of emerging initiatives now — from new safety technologies and telematics platforms to the automotive Internet of Things and the federal mandate to connect all vehicles.

Automakers are now mobility service providers, and they're developing programs that are not only for consumers but also businesses. Dealer groups are rolling out subscription-based vehicle acquisitions plans. Corporate and government fleets are harnessing carsharing technology to reduce fleet size while increasing efficiencies.

Fleet Forward is designed to educate fleet operators on how and when they can take advantage.
For some fleets, the changes will come sooner, for others, much later. Nonetheless, no matter the fleet size or type, in the words of Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, “Companies should start thinking about their autonomous strategy now.”

The inaugural Fleet Forward Conference convenes Nov. 7-8 at Hilton Miami Downtown. For more information, visit www.fleetforwardconference.com.

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Webinar Explores Ways to Keep Fuel Costs Under Control

Fuel is critical for operating a fleet, but it is not an expense that will disappear any time soon. Fleet managers are constantly looking for ways to better control their fuel costs. Thanks to advances in technology and strategic planning, there are now several ways to do so.

This free webinar, sponsored by U.S. Bank Voyager and moderated by Automotive Fleet editor and associate publisher Mike Antich, explores the many ways that fuel costs can get out of control and provides insights into how to stop it.

On Thursday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. West Coast/2 p.m. East Coast, we will look at costly mistakes fleets often make, discuss ways to fix them, and outline next steps to take in managing a fuel budget.

To register for the webinar now, click here.

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Michelin Is Selling More TCi Locations

Three months after selling 27 Tire Centers stores to an independent tire dealer in the southeastern United States, Michelin North America is planning to sell more TCi locations.

The buyer is T&W Tire based in Oklahoma City. Michelin did not specify how many locations are included in the agreement. T&W Tire has 15 combination commercial-retail outlets and two retread plants in Oklahoma and Texas. The company is part of the Michelin Commercial Service Network and is a Michelin Retread Technologies franchisee.

In response to Modern Tire Dealer's questions, Michelin provided the following statement:

“Tire Centers, a wholly owned subsidiary of Michelin North America, has reached an agreement in principle to sell certain commercial locations in Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas to T&W Tire of Oklahoma City. As part of its normal operations, TCi is constantly evaluating and evolving its footprint to better serve its customers.”

Snider Tire purchase of 27 commercial locations, including four retread plants, from Michelin's TCi subsidiary, was finalized on June 30, 2017. Financial details were not disclosed. Snider Tire, which goes to market as Snider Fleet Solutions, has grown from a single tire store opened in 1976 to 81 commercial tire and mechanical services locations today. The company is based in Greensboro, N.C. The acquisition extends Snider Fleet Solution's coverage into Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, and Louisiana, while also adding additional locations in Florida, Texas, and Tennessee.

This article originally appeared in HDT sister publication Modern Tire Dealer.

Related: Alignment and Balancing: Hassle, or Worth the Hustle?

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