Karen Smerchek voices no surprise at her rising to become owner and president of Veriha Trucking, a firm based in Marinette, WI, with over 250 drivers. But having the confidence to lead a company in what has historically been a male-dominated business took some time.
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...Read the rest of this storyKary Schaefer always envisioned a high-flying career, but it turned out to be grounded.
And she couldn't be happier.
As the general manager of product marketing and strategy for Daimler Trucks North America, Schaefer leads the Freightliner Trucks and Detroit marketing organizations in the launch of upcoming products, steering product strategy requirements, and implementing customer and dealer satisfaction initiatives.
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...Read the rest of this storyGayle Robertson began her career in the high-tech world of Silicon Valley. She worked for IBM, with a consulting firm, and eventually ended up in sales management. She initially didn't know anything about trucking or the transportation industry, but that didn't stop her from jumping right in.
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...Read the rest of this storyEverything was all set for John and Kari Rihm's retirement seven years ago. He was planning to sell Rihm Kenworth, a successful St. Paul, MN-based truck dealership, parts supplier and service shop that was founded by his grandfather in 1932.
They were still young, vital people; he 62, she 52. “We had a lake home we loved where we wanted to spend more time,” recalled Kari. “John loved to exercise, and I was ready to get more active physically. We planned to do a lot of volunteer work and to travel.”
Tragically, fate intervened.
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Purkeys has introduced the wireless Aware product, to make receiving audio alerts in truck cabs easier and more effective.
The Aware connects with the speaker system in a truck cab to route messages received from the telematics alert system, through the speakers. By using the truck's speakers, alerts are broadcast more clearly, instead of through the smaller speakers of the telematics system tablet.
The integrated wireless system makes it safer and easier for drivers to hear messages from the telematics system because there is no need to turn the radio down or for drivers to take their hands off the wheel. This makes hearing important alerts both simple and intuitive, according to Purkeys. Drivers can also receive messages through the truck speakers when the radio is off.
The Aware also allows for a wireless connection to a cellular phone for hands-free use. An optional mic, sold separately.
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BorgWarner's Smart Integrated Magnetic Switch has been integrated into the Delco Remy Genuine Products 39MT heavy-duty starter, enabling simpler aftermarket replacement without additional wiring required.
Smart IMS is designed for Class 6-8 on-highway trucks as well as off-highway agricultural, construction, and stationary power equipment. Featuring six electronic functions, the Smart IMS protects the starter from potential damage caused by system or operator error.
As a result, the 39MT starter with Smart IMS offers a robust warranty.
“With our new Smart IMS technology, the Delco Remy branded 39MT starter now offers protection for a wide range of potentially damaging system issues, drop-in replacement plus a more robust warranty," said Randy Andis, director, commercial vehicle aftermarket, BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems. "Our patent-pending technology is designed to improve overall durability and reliability by specifically preventing failures caused by the system or operator. With virtually zero click-no-cranks, Smart IMS delivers added value and improved customer satisfaction."
Six functions protect the starter from potential system failures, increasing the life of the starter and engine while improving a driver's experience, according to BorgWarner. In case of click-no-crank, an engagement monitor automatically retries the starter without operator intervention to avoid overheating the solenoid. Rapid re-engagement lockout prevents damage to the pinion and ring gear, running engine lockout averts failures from engagement with a running engine, and low-voltage lockout avoids overcranking and solenoid chatter. Time-limited crank also prevents overcranking, and auto-disengage at engine start avoids extended overruns.
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Shell Rotella has introduced its own Diesel Exhaust Fluid, designed for on-highway medium- and heavy-duty trucks as well as off-highway construction equipment and trucks.
Shell Rotella DEF is a high purity diesel exhaust fluid that meets the requirements of ISO 22241 and is API registered as a certified DEF. It also meets original equipment manufacturer requirements for diesel exhaust fluid used in SCR systems in diesel engine passenger cars, diesel pickups, commercial vehicles, and off-road equipment.
Shell's DEF is offered in a 2.5-gallon container and may be used by any vehicle diesel emission system using SCR technology, requiring DEF.
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