Even when everything is running smoothly, maintaining a fleet of high life-cycle heavy duty trucks is no easy or inexpensive task.
However, with the API [American Petroleum Institute] category change from CJ-4 to CK-4, high life-cycle heavy duty rigs using CK-4 oils can stay on the road longer by reducing the amount of costly downtime, extending oil drains and, most importantly, enhancing fuel economy.
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...Read the rest of this storyFleets are faced with a myriad of options when it comes to spec'ing their new vehicles. In addition to products that are currently in use, products are updated and new ones come on the market all the time.
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...Read the rest of this storyI'm known as a technologist. Indeed, I do love technology and all it can do to improve business and the lives of people. But, I also know how hard change can be. All of you have seen how difficult it is for drivers to accept changes in the cab of the vehicle. Simple things like choosing a new seat manufacturer when you buy new trucks can be a source of frustration and complaint for many.
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Kick back this Labor Day Weekend and take a look back at HDT's hottest videos shot over the lazy, hazy crazy days of summer that are now slipping away from us all for another year.
Start with our first look at Cummins' new all-electric daycab tractor beating Tesla to the punch with its demonstration vehicle dubbed the Urban Hauler EV.
We also showed you an anti-terrorism presentation from the Fleet Safety Conference where the Department of Homeland Security demonstrated possible threats that exist for the trucking industry and what fleets can do to mitigate the risk.
We also took you for a ride in Volvo's latest truck models including the VNR 300, VNR 640 and new VNL. So if you're in the office today, take a break from the heat and watch some of our cool videos.
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...Read the rest of this storyPhoto: J.J. Keller & Associates
">Photo: J.J. Keller & Associates
">The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Brake Safety Day is set to take place on Thursday, Sept. 7 across North America.
Law enforcement agencies will conduct inspections on large trucks and buses to identify out-of-adjustment brakes and brake system and anti-lock braking system violations, as part of CVSA's Operation Airbrake Program.
This year's Sept. 7 Brake Safety Day follows up on CVSA's May 3 unannounced Brake Safety Day and replaces the seven-day Brake Safety Week campaign from previous years.
The goal of Brake Safety Day is to reduce the number of accidents caused by poorly maintained brakes on commercial vehicles by conducting roadside mechanical fitness inspections and identifying and removing vehicles with critical brake violations from the road.
The event will also feature outreach and educational efforts by inspectors, carriers, and others. Brake Safety Day activities seek to educate drivers, mechanics, owner-operators, and others on the importance of proper brake maintenance, operation, and performance.
On Brake Safety Day, inspectors will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, which is a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of both driver operating and vehicle mechanical fitness requirements.
Ahead of Brake Safety Day, J.J. Keller has published a free whitepaper to help carriers prepare for the event, The Importance of Brakes: Key Components, Inspection, and Maintenance.The whitepaper explains how air brakes function and details necessary measures to keep brake systems in good condition.
Bendix has also offered a series of tools and tips to prepare for Brake Safety Day.
Pre-Trip Readiness: Walk around the vehicle daily to visually inspect brake components and listen for audible air system leaks. Examine wheel-ends to make sure that the air chambers, pushrods, and slack adjusters are not damaged or hanging loose. Once or twice a week, get under the vehicle to check air disc brake rotors for ...Read the rest of this storyPhoto via Blue Tree Systems
">Photo via Blue Tree Systems
">Transportation telematics provider Blue Tree Systems has appointed Christopher Burruss, former president of the Truckload Carriers Association, to its North American sales team.
As National Accounts Manager, Burruss will spearhead the strategy to implement electronic logging devices/hours of service, reefer monitoring, driver performance scoring, and fuel economy products in some of the country's largest fleets. Burruss will focus on working with North American fleets to promote Blue Tree's platform, which offers solutions for trucks, reefers and dry trailers.
Having previously served for more than ten years as president of TCA, Burruss has more recently managed national accounts at Bose Corporation. He has also served as president and CEO of the Tennessee Trucking Association and the North American Transportation Management Institute, and as vice president of the Missouri Trucking Association. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
"Chris' deep wealth of knowledge and experience has made him a key addition to Blue Tree Systems,” said Tim Van Cleve, vice president sales, Blue Tree Systems North America. “We are delighted that he has taken the opportunity to help us realize the potential for Blue Tree in the North American market."
Related: Truckload Carriers Association President Steps Down
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...Read the rest of this storyArkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson speaking about the SAF-Holland Dumas facility expansion.
Photo: SAF Holland
">Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson speaking about the SAF-Holland Dumas facility expansion.
Photo: SAF Holland
">SAF-Holland has announced that is expanding its operations in Dumas, Ark., opening a new facility to accommodate increased demand from current customers.
The expansion takes place as part of an ongoing restructuring of SAF-Holland's North American plant network. The network is currently being centralized and placed closer to the customer base of the trailer and truck industry to strengthen long-term competitiveness. Internal logistics processes are also being streamlined to improve lead-time responsiveness.
“Our investment in Dumas will enable SAF-Holland to expand the North American business as we prepare for increasing market demand also in the mid-term,” said Bjoern Meyer, vice president of operations, Americas. “It allows SAF-Holland closer proximity to our OEM customers and enhances our level of service to our distributors and fleet customers. Ultimately, the location provides a means to expand our distribution network to not only support existing customers but result in additional customers.”
SAF-Holland has increased its Dumas staff by over 40%, creating 60 new jobs to date with plans to end up at approximately 65 total new positions, according to the company. As budgeted, it will invest approximately $4 million in the facility for additional manufacturing and warehousing space, paint line, robotic welding cells, and other new technology and equipment to step up the group's capacities in axle and suspension systems in the Americas region.
SAF-Holland currently employs 143 in Dumas where it manufactures trailer suspension and axle systems for commercial vehicles including Wabash National and Great Dane trailers.
“We appreciate the continued confidence SAF-Holland has in our workforce that led to this expansion,” said Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The jobs being created are the advanced manufacturing jobs that spur economic development and raise the quality of life for employees and their families.”
Related: SAF-Holland Unveils More ...Read the rest of this story
