Test Drive: Volvo’s Not-So Vanilla VNL

The Volvo VNL 640 tractor tested by Jack Roberts featured a 70-inch high-rise sleeper, a 424-hp D13 Volvo engine with compounded turbocharger and predictive cruise control. Photos: Jack Roberts

Volvo's original VNL tractor, which debuted in 1996, was a cutting-edge design that set a standard for Class 8 aerodynamics still in place today. Which is one reason the company's first new Class 8 on-highway design in 20 years bears more than a passing resemblance to its predecessor; why fix something that ain't broke, after all?

But, exterior styling aside, a lot of other developments have occurred over the past two decades. And it's obvious that even more are rapidly approaching. This new VNL reflects many of those current and future trends. Volvo took everything it has learned about tractor aerodynamics, powertrains and driver comfort and safety over the past 20 years and distilled those lessons into this new truck. And the results are impressive.

Volvo is, of course, synonymous with safety. So it's no surprise to be greeted by wide, serrated steps and generous, tactile-coated grab handles when you climb up into the VNL cab and into the plush driver's seat. Entry into the cab is made easier by the fact that Volvo's new, Position-Perfect steering wheel is pivoted up and almost entirely out of your way. Once you're settled in, simply depress a foot pedal to the right of the steering column. All the way down and you can quickly set the reach and height of the steering wheel. Pressing the pedal halfway down allows you to tilt the angle of the wheel just so, for a comfortable and safe drive.

Out in front, the VNL offers an impressive, panoramic view out over its sharply dropped front hood. The narrow, dramatically sloped hood is great for both forward visibility and aerodynamics. ...Read the rest of this story

Southeast Ports Shutting Down Ahead of Hurricane Irma

In a move that will ripple through the supply chain, ports in the Southeast U.S. are shutting down ahead of Hurricane Irma.

As the Journal of Commerce reports, ports from Miami to Charleston are in the massive hurricane's projected path, many in mandatory evacuation zones, and are closing their gates.

In Florida, with reports of fuel shortages amidst the massive evacuation, fuel distribution is being expedited at all phases of delivery. The governor has arranged for military vessels to escort fuel ships to the docks and law enforcement escort of fuel trucks to stations.

Motor carriers are being encouraged to continue moving as much freight as possible out of the Southeast before the storm hits, JOC reports. Several trucking companies told the paper that their capacity is spread thin, especially so soon after Hurricane Harvey, with equipment having been sent to the Gulf Coast for relief efforts.

Larry Gross, a senior transportation analyst at FTR, told JOC that if the damage is confined to South Florida, it won't be as bad as Hurricane Harvey shutting down the Houston ports was. But if the storm hits the ports of Jacksonville, Savannah, and Charleston, the orerall supply chain impact will be worse.

Florida and Georgia have both issued evacuation orders for areas east of I-95, where major ports are located, and an evacuation order in South Carolina is likely Saturday.

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Rotary Lift expands mobile column lift line-up

Rotary Lift announced it has introduced the Mach 14 Flex powered by RedFire, a wireless, remote-controlled mobile column lift with a rated lifting capacity of 14,000 lbs.

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Swift stockholders approve Knight merger

Swift Transportation Company announced that its stockholders approved a merger with Knight Transportation Inc. during a recent special meeting.

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Wildfires Prompt States to Declare State of Emergency

A member of the Oregon National Guard firefighting team assigned to the Horse Prairie Fire, near Camas Valley, Ore.  Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jason Van Mourik / 173rd Fighter Wing/ Public Affairs

A number of large wildfires burning in the West and Upper Midwest have caused the governors of each state to declare an official State of Emergency in Oregon, Washington, California, Montana, and the Dakotas

Unusually hot and dry conditions in the Northwest have caused major fires in Oregon, where a state of emergency was declared in the state. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has also temporarily suspended certain trucking regulations in the state to speed up transportation of supplies equipment and people into and from the state and provide necessary relief.

The suspended regulations include those concerned with hours of service, inspection, repair, and maintenance, hazardous materials transportation, driving, parking, and other health and safety standards.

Similar declarations have been made in states in the Gulf region and Eastern U.S. as a result of the devastation and potential devastation from Hurricane Harvey and Irma.

In Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, an emergency suspension of certain transportation rules was made due to massive wildfires and severe drought conditions affecting livestock, property, and people. More details are available here.

The states of Washington and California have also declared emergency situations as a result of large wildfires, however there has been no suspension of rules or regulations affecting transportation companies in the area, as of yet.

With both the fire and hurricane season peaking this month, it is a good idea for trucking companies to stay up to date the latest emergency declarations which could be affecting their fleets. The FMCSA publishes all emergency declarations by state, with effective dates

International Takes New A26 Engine on Tour

Photo: Navistar

International Truck is taking its new A26 12.4L engine on the road to dealers throughout the North America with the launch of the International A26 Mobile Training Tour.

The tour is scheduled to visit more than 100 International Truck dealer locations to provide an up close and personal opportunity for sales, parts, and service personnel, and customers to experience the newly designed engine. Trainers will be on hand to demonstrate the increased fuel efficiency, reduced noise, lower weight, and focus on uptime as they teach the ins and outs of the engine. The tour consists of two trailers and is scheduled to run through the spring of 2018.

"Since its introduction, the International A26 engine has continued to impress with its outstanding fuel economy and light weight while providing the highest level of uptime for our customers," said Michael Cancelliere, president, truck, and parts. "We are excited for our dealers and customers to learn just how impressive this engine is firsthand."

Unveiled at the Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting in February, the A26 started shipping in new trucks in late June.

The mobile tour will spend two days at each dealer location and provide a series of training sessions, which will include hands-on engine disassembly and component identification. Many dealerships will also be holding A26 engine customer training events concurrent with sales training.

Related: Navistar Rising - A26 Engine Signals New Chapter

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Volvo: Timing could not be better for VNL introduction

GREESNBORO, NC. A sustained surge in Class 8 orders this year, alongside projected growth in the long-haul sector of the trucking market, has the executives at Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) thinking the OEM's overhaul of its VNL tractor family – especially the addition of a 70-in. sleeper model – could not have come at a better time.

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