Truck Fuel Calculator Compares Diesel to the Alternatives

Screenshot via ACT Research

ACT Research's Truck Fuel Calculator now covers operating cost comparisons between diesel, natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell and electric drive train options to help fleets compare and determine the best fit for the application.

The Truck Fuel Calculator can help fleets measure power selection and vehicle cost, fuel and performance, and maintenance over a set time period or trade cycle.

“Electric vehicle technology continues to make strides as it further penetrates the various vehicle classifications with Class 8 on the docket,” said Ken Vieth, senior partner and general manager at ACT Research. “All viable commercial vehicle power alternatives must now be considered to accurately measure potential cost savings for fleets as we look to the future.”

Go to ALT Fuel Calc on ACT Research's website to use the tool for free.

Related: Is There Still a Case for Greener Trucks?

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Downsped SmartAdvantage Powertrain Offers Improved Fuel Economy

Photo: Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies

The Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies joint venture has added a new downsped overdrive model to its range of Eaton and Cummins SmartAdvantage Powertrains.

The powertrain's 1,550/1,850 lb.-ft. torque rating is compatible with rear axle ratings down to 2:47:1, enabling engine cruise speeds as low as 1,075 RPMs – lower than some direct drive transmissions, according to Eaton Cummins. The model is designed to optimize performance and fuel economy in linehaul applications.

Available through North American original equipment manufacturers in October 2017, the FAOM-18910S-EC3 offers more options for gradeability, improved downspeeding, and the potential for higher resale value, according to the company.

“This new SmartAdvantage model is capable of the lowest cruise RPMs in the trucking industry for best in class downspeeding,” said Alex Stucky, product strategy manager, heavy-duty linehaul transmissions, Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies. “It's our most downsped SmartAdvantage Powertrain, and it has been validated in field tests across a wide range of duty cycles. When paired with the 1,850 lb.-ft. rating, fleets can maximize fuel economy without sacrificing performance.”

The SmartAdvantage Powertrain combines the X15 engine and Fuller Advantage Series automated 10-speed transmissions. It offers customers the choice of small-step overdrive or direct-drive gearing and improved fuel economy. Fleets running 2010 model year trucks can expect to see 20% better fuel economy with the current X15 SmartAdvantage Powertrain versus the 2010 ISX15 powertrain, according to the Eaton Cummins joint venture.

Related: Automated Transmissions Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

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Ryder partners with EV newcomer Chanje on service, sales

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Trump Appointee Sworn In as NTSB Chairman

Robert L. Sumwalt III (left) sworn in as the National Transportation Safety Board's 14th Chairman during a brief ceremony held at NTSB headquarters on August 10, 2017. NTSB Board Member Bella T. Dinh-Zarr (center) NTSB Acting Managing Director Dennis Jones (right). Photo: NTSB

Robert L. Sumwalt III was sworn in as the National Transportation Safety Board's 14th chairman for a two-year term - a position nominated by President Trump.

Sumwalt has been serving as the acting chairman since March 31, 2017. He has been with the NTSB since 2006 when he was appointed as the 37th member of the board. President George W. Bush designated him as vice chairman for a two-year term, and President Obama reappointed him to an additional five-year term as a board member in 2011.

The NTSB is an independent federal agency charged with determining the probable cause of transportation accidents, promoting transportation safety and assisting victims of transportation accidents and their families.

“The NTSB is commemorating 50 years of making transportation safer yesterday, today and tomorrow and I am humbled and honored to have the privilege of guiding the dedicated men and women of the NTSB as we take on the challenges of transportation safety in the 21st century,” said Sumwalt. “Transportation technologies continue to advance and the NTSB must continue to increase the breadth and depth of our knowledge and understanding of transportation innovations such as autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, commercial space transportation, hyper-speed rail, solar-powered planes, and new recording technologies. That knowledge enables us to craft safety recommendations that leverage technology to prevent accidents and save lives.”

The NTSB has five board members, each nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate to serve five-year terms. By statute, the President designates a chariman with Senate confirmation. The President also designates a board member as vice chairman without ...Read the rest of this story

Navistar Hit With $30.8 Million Judgment in Prostar/Maxxforce Lawsuit

A jury has awarded $30.8 million to Milan Supply Chain Solutions in its suit against Navistar Inc. Photo courtesy Milan Supply Chain Solutions

Navistar Inc. disputes allegations that it didn't thoroughly test its MaxxForce EGR engines – allegations that surfaced in a lawsuit where a jury last week awarded $30.8 million in damages – including testimony about the engine program by former executive Jim Hebe that the company "did not test s**t".

The Tennessee jury found that Navistar committed fraud and violated the Tennessee Consumer Practice Act in connection with the sale of 243 Navistar International ProStars with MaxxForce engines to Milan Supply Chain Solutions. It awarded $10.8 million in actual damages and $20 million in punitive damages.

Tennessee-based Milan alleged that Navistar misled them, saying the truck maker failed to disclose that the MaxxForce 13L engine, which used exhaust gas recirculation to meet 2010 emissions standards rather than the selective catalytic reduction being used by other truck and engine makers, was launched with “serious known defects.”

Milan also alleged that Navistar, while touting the quality of its testing program, knew that the testing had serious flaws, was incomplete at launch, and put the trucks into customers' hands knowing that the customers would end up becoming the de facto test fleet for Navistar's new 2010 year model engine.

In a statement, Navistar said it is disappointed in the jury's verdict and is evaluating its options to challenge it, noting it has successfully defended similar claims in several jurisdictions, including dismissal of claims of fraud in courts in Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Alabama, and Illinois.

“Navistar tested the MaxxForce 13 engine consistent with industry standards,” the company said in a statement. “They were tested for 12 million miles prior to launch under rigorous conditions, in test cells and on the road. At the time of the product ...Read the rest of this story

Jury awards trucking company $30 million in Navistar engine case

A Tennessee jury has awarded a trucking company more than $30 million in a case involving Navistar's older generation of trucks and engines.

On Aug. 10, the jury in Jackson found Navistar violated the Tennessee Consumer Practice Act and provided Milan Supply Chain Solutions $10.8 million in actual damages and $20 million in punitive damages. The trucking company sued after purchasing 243 Navistar 2011 and 2012 International Prostars with Maxxforce engines.

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The pace of technological change is accelerating in trucking

NASHVILLE. The demand for faster, cheaper and more accurate delivery of goods is only increasing, according to two top transportation technology executives speaking here at the 2017 PeopleNet and TMW Systems in.sight user conference and exposition.

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