Motiv to Deliver Electric Refuse Trucks by Early 2018

Image courtsy of Motiv

Motiv expects to deliver two fully electric refuse trucks to the City of Los Angeles by early 2018, the company announced.

The electric refuse trucks are a continuation of a demonstration project funded by the California Energy Commission. The Class 8 electric refuse vehicles will use the Motiv All-Electric Powertrain to drive a Crane Carrier chassis, with an automated side-loader body built by Amrep.

The trucks will bring the total of Motiv's electric refuse trucks operating in North America to four, three of which are in California.

"Fossil-fueled garbage trucks emit about 20 times the carbon of the average U.S. home. They achieve just two to three miles per gallon, and stick to standard routes, making them ideal electrification targets for LA's sustainability program," said Jim Castelaz, Motiv CEO. "We're proud that our all-electric refuse trucks will help the city achieve its cleaner air goals, as well as save on operational and maintenance costs."

Similar to Motiv powered electric refuse trucks on the road in Sacramento, the Los Angeles trucks will have a payload capacity of nine tons and 1,000 pounds per cubic yard of compaction. All Motiv ERVs are equipped with 10 battery packs, expandable to 12 packs if needed for future route expansion. With up to 212 kWh of power, Motiv's electric powertrain supplies enough electricity to efficiently move the truck and power the electric hydraulics throughout the day, according to the company. Using the Motiv universal high power charger, the ERV batteries reach a full charge overnight.

Motiv's electric powertrain is scalable for different applications from Class 4 through Class 8. Motiv says that it is suited for public works and city service vehicles and will contribute to the City of Los Angeles's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The use of a single electric powertrain system for ...Read the rest of this story

Ruan Evaluates Boreas Nitrogen Trailer Cooling System

The Boreas nitrogen cooled trailer went on repeated routes from Austin to the Dallas metropolitan area, transporting grocery cargo set at 35 degrees Fahrenheit, with up to 4 stops per route. Photo: Boreas Nitrogen Cooling Systems

Ruan Transportation Management Systems partnered with Boreas to use its Nitrogen Cooling System for refrigerated trailers over the summer, running regular routes from Austin to Dallas.

The Boreas trailer went on repeated routes from Austin to the Dallas metropolitan area, transporting grocery cargo set at 35 degrees Fahrenheit, with up to 4 stops per route. With outdoor temperatures reaching 96 degrees, the three-day demonstration maintained consistent temperature control within the entire trailer, according to the company.

“Ruan is always looking for the best available technology to serve our customers,” said Brad Gehring, Ruan director, asset management. “The Boreas Nitrogen Cooling System offers state-of-the-art technology that many industries could benefit from.”

The Boreas Nitrogen System is designed to emit zero pollutants during operation and is quiet. The system use nitrogen as the direct cooling source, allowing for performance benefits and cost savings. The system is plumbed to flow liquid nitrogen to spray nozzles in the cargo space of the trailer. Once the liquid nitrogen hits the warmer air of the trailer, it is turned into a cold gas.

The Boreas Nitrogen Cooling System was one of Heavy Duty Trucking magazine's Top 20 Products of 2017.

“We have been working on this technology for quite some time and are excited to offer our system to the industry,” said Fred Norvell, managing member for Boreas. “Progressive customers such as Ruan will see our system exceeds their market needs and provides environmental sustainability, all while reducing costs.”

Related: HDT Top 20 Products of 2017

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Sprinter Vans Recalled for Fire Risk

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.

Daimler Vans USA is recalling 109 2016-model year Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans so dealers can address a fire risk issue, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Daimler Vans manufactured the vehicles without a driveshaft catch strap, allowing a loose driveshaft to strike the fuel tank. If the tank is punctured, a fuel leak might result and increase the risk of fire, NHTSA said.

DVUSA dealers will install the missing catch strap for the driveshaft. There will be no charge for this service. Van owners can reach DVUSA customer service at (877) 762-8267.

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Emerging Leaders Nomination Deadline Extended to October 13

The nominations deadline for Heavy Duty Trucking magazine's Emerging Leaders honor has been extended an additional week to Oct. 13, 2017.

HDT's Emerging Leaders is a group of young trucking industry leaders who are already making a difference in his or her fields. We're looking for young professionals who are influential, innovative and successful, who can point to outstanding accomplishments and leadership qualities, and who have a passion for the trucking industry.

Emerging leaders will be under 40 years of age and work for a for-hire, private, government or vocational fleet. The award nomination is open to those employed in any aspect of a fleet's business and all levels, whether management, maintenance, sales, marketing, safety, IT, training, or elsewhere.

Whether a person is in the top management position of a company, a shop foreman or the IT person who led a key data transition, as long as they are making a difference in the trucking industry they are eligible for nomination.

Leaders honored as an HDT Emerging Leader will be featured in an article in our December print magazine issue. The nominee must be under 40 years old as of Jan. 31, 2017, self-nominations are also being accepted.

To nominate an Emerging Leader, fill out our online nomination form here.

Check out our feature from last year on the 2016 Emerging Leaders

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CarriersEdge hosts driver-training, e-learning webinar

CarriersEdge is hosting a webinar for safety/risk/HR managers who are interested in or considering implementing an e-learning training program. The webinar will be held at 1 p.m. ET on Oct. 10. The hour-long program, which includes the opportunity for audience questions, looks at the “Five ways to build company-wide support for online training.”

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