Run On Less Drivers Average 10.1 mpg, Surpassing Goals

PepsiCo was one of the title sponsors and also one of the participating fleets. Photo: Evan Lockridge

ATLANTA – Despite the challenges of two hurricanes, on top of the normal trucking challenges of high elevations, heavy loads, and crosswinds, seven drivers over 17 days and 50,000 miles managed to average 10.1 mpg overall in the Run on Less fuel-economy road show that concluded this weekend in Atlanta at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show.

Run on Less, put on by the Carbon War Room and the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, proved that 10 mpg is possible using efficiency technologies that are available on the market today. The results exceeded the original 9 mpg goal set by CWR and NACFE.

Using a variety of commercially available technologies, including 6x2 axles, trailer and tractor aerodynamics, engine accessories, tire pressure systems, automated transmissions, low viscosity oils and others, they demonstrated that it is possible to save fuel in real world operations.

If the 1.7 million trucks on North American highways today achieved the same level of efficiency as the trucks in the Run, they would save 9.7 billion gallons of diesel fuel, $24.3 billion and 98 million tons of CO2 each year.

The 17-day event kicked off on Sept. 6. The trucks—from fleets Albert Transport, PepsiCo's Frito-Lay Division, Hirschbach, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Nussbaum Transportation, Ploger Transportation, and U.S. Xpress— saved 2,877 gallons of fuel and $7,193 compared to the national average of 6.4 mpg. The highest mpg achieved in a single day was 12.8, and three different trucks had days over 12.5 mpg. The lowest mpg from a truck was 7.1 on one of the days, and the average for all lowest mpgs throughout the Run was 8.8. The average gross combination weight over the Run was 55,498 pounds, with 31 of the 99 ...Read the rest of this story

Thermo King Says New Electric APU Runs Longer

ATLANTA – Thermo King is unveiling its new all-electric TriPac Envidia auxiliary power unit, which it claims has the longest run-time in the industry, at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta this week.

Thermo King says Envidia is an environmentally clean, reliable APU that delivers the longest run-time in the industry, without tractor startup.

Historically, battery-powered APUs provided insufficient run-time and limited power, with fleets and drivers complaining they do don't provide enough cooling for drivers' full rest periods, especially in hot climates.

Because there is no diesel engine, the TriPac Envidia not only runs clean, but it is significantly quieter and requires minimal maintenance.

“The introduction of this emission-free technology is a significant milestone for Thermo King, and it reaffirms our commitment to sustainability through innovation,” said Dane Taival, vice president and general manager, Thermo King North America.

The unit's simple in-cab controller allows drivers to select the desired function of the system – cool, fan or heat modes. The controller also indicates the battery charge level, and allows drivers to adjust the fan speed and cab temperature.

The Envida's patented battery management technology also provides:

Individual charging and discharging management for each batteryThree-stage charging profile to optimize performance and extend the life of its NXT dry cell technology batteryFull discharge of the auxiliary power-pack batteries before switchover, to minimize depletion of tractor batteries during HVAC operation

Whether supplementing with solar, or using power options like battery or shore power, the TriPac Envidia offers choices for drivers to tap into the power they need to stay charged.

The TriPac Envidia by Thermo King meets anti-idle and anti-emission regulations nationwide, including California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements. The all-electric APU will be available for purchase in early 2018.

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Working wearables are becoming a factor in the workplace

When it comes to working wearables, the technology has outpaced the law, according to Tawny Alvarez of Verrill Dana, LLP, attorneys at law speaking at a recent NationaLease meeting.

So exactly what are working wearables? The list includes:

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Are you creating a culture of safety?

You definitely want your drivers to operate in a safe manner. You make safety a key element of your new driver orientation, and you talk about it in driver meetings. Your supervisors constantly mention it. Your dispatchers may even bring it up to drivers from time to time.

You “think” you operate a safe fleet, but do you know for sure? Simply put, if you want to improve your fleet's safety you obviously need a good understanding of your current safety status.

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Driver Sustains Over 11 MPG for 5,600 Miles

Driver David Gooch was able to sustain 11.21 miles per gallon over 5,599 miles during the #Raceto10mpg challenge put on by Cumberland International and Sharp Transport.

To achieve the high mileage figure, Gooch made extensive use of cruise control in order to stay in top gear as often as possible. He managed to keep cruise control on 83% of the time, allowing the truck to stay in top gear 89% of the time. During the time the vehicle was in top gear, it averaged 12.34 mpg.

Gooch stayed in communication with personnel at Sharp Transport throughout his run for day-to-day telematics reports. These reports helped him tweak his driving habits and routines to maximize his overall fuel economy during the nearly 6,000-mile run which took him through 10 states.

Gooch was one of two Sharp Transport drivers given Cumberland International's C10 LT demo truck. The C10 is a truck spec'ed by the Tennessee dealership with the best fuel-saving options it has to offer. Cumberland allows fleets to try out C10 trucks for free to see how the spec works in their operations.

Related: The Race to 10 MPG

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Gauging the Tech that Will Drive the Future of Trucking

Volvo's Lars Stenqvist says the technologies set to most potently change trucking are connectivity, electromobility and automation.  Photo: David Cullen

Lars Stenqvist sees the potential for a chicken-or-egg dynamic to slow down how quickly smart trucks and smart highways can be integrated to fully leverage their potential to boost trucking efficiency.

Stenqvist, appointed executive Vice President of Volvo Group Trucks Technology and chief technology officer of Volvo Group last year, held a roundtable discussion on technology and trucking with industry editors on Sept. 18 at the Swedish embassy in Washington, DC.

An industrial engineer by training, Stenqvist's prior experience includes a stint as head of Research & Development and CTO of Volkswagen Truck and Bus. Before that, he held a range of R&D, production, and engineering executive positions with truck maker Scania, which is owned by VW.

Stenqvist said the three technologies that have the greatest potential to change trucking are data connectivity, electric power and autonomous driving. He pointed out that even though each of these are being developed independently to a large degree, their real power will be realized when the three converge to benefit trucking and overall society by increasing highway safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing the quality of life.

“I don't know what the future will look like,” Stenqvist said, “but I have a clear view of where it's headed.” He explained that what will really drive trucking forward will be the work that enables both smart trucks and a “smart infrastructure” to work hand-in-glove.

He did allow, however, that there is a danger that research and development work as well as the practical engineering of “smart” solutions could be hampered if transport operators, industry suppliers and government agencies get too hung up on the “chicken vs. the egg— that is do they build the smart truck ...Read the rest of this story

Four Former Pilot Executives Plead Guilty to Rebate Fraud

Four former Pilot employees pleaded guilty to mail fraud and wire fraud. Photo: Evan Lockridge

John Freeman, former sales VP of Pilot Flying J, pleaded guilty alongside three other former Pilot employees of mail fraud and wire fraud, making millions of dollars through fraudulent diesel rebates, reports the Knoxville News Sentinel.

The other individuals who plead guilty include former Pilot Regional Sales Manager John Spiewak, former Pilot Director of Inside Sales Vicki Borden, and former Regional Sales Representative Katy Bibee, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Freeman came up with the plan to give trucking customers one diesel rebate, while surruptitiously charging them a different price, according to published reports. Spiewak oversaw the rebate contracts, while Borden monitored profits from the fraudulent rebates. Bibee negotiated the rebates with customers, the Knoxville News Sentinel reports. An investigation by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service found that the plan to commit fraud began as early as 2008, and possibly earlier.

In October, former President Mark Hazelwood, former VP of National Sales Scott Wombold, and former regional sales representatives Heather Jones and Karen Mann will stand trial in Chatanooga, Tennessee. The guilty pleas open the possibility of Freeman, Spiewak, Borden, and Bibee testifying at October's trial, alongside 10 other former employees who also pleaded guilty, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.

The FBI found that Pilot defrauded 5,500 customers of over $56 million. Pilot reached a settlement with authorities and customers in 2014 for $92 million and $87 million, respectively.

Related: Former Pilot Flying J Execs Take Plea Bargain in Fuel Skimming Scandal

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