International Trucks opens flagship Used Truck Center

International Truck announced the grand opening of the new flagship Used Truck Center in Melrose Park, IL.

While the current Used Truck Center is also located in Melrose Park, the four block move will bring it in the same building as Navistar's Melrose Park Plant; occupying previously unused space on the land. In addition, it will finish off a consolidation effort which brings engine testing, the Used Truck Reconditioning Center, certified technicians and used truck sales all in a single location.

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Volvo Tests Self-Driving Refuse Truck in Urban Environment

Photo: Volvo Group

Volvo Group is working with Swedish waste and recycling company Renova to test an autonomous, self-driving refuse truck in an urban environment.

The project will explore how an autonomous refuse truck can be used in a busy environment to improve traffic safety, working conditions and reduce environmental impact.

“There is amazing potential to transform the swift pace of technical developments in automation into practical benefits for customers and, more broadly, society in general,” said Lars Stenqvist, chief technology officer, Volvo Group. “Our self-driving refuse truck is leading the way in this field globally, and one of several exciting autonomous innovations we are working with right now.”

Volvo's autonomous refuse truck is designed to make driving safer in built-up areas and while backing up. Sensors on the vehicle will monitor the vicinity and stop the truck immediately if an obstacle suddenly appears in its path. The route is pre-programmed and the truck drives itself to each location.

The driver, who walks ahead of the vehicle, can focus on refuse collection and does not have to climb in and out of the cab every time the truck moves to a new collection bin.The autonomous truck also offers environmental benefits, according to Volvo. Gearchanging, steering and speed are constantly adjusted for low fuel consumption and emissions.

“One important benefit of the new technology is a reduction in the risk of occupational injuries, such as wear in knee joints – otherwise a common ailment among staff working with refuse collection,” said Stenqvist.

The joint project with Renova will continue through the end of 2017. The autonomous truck is fitted with a sensor system for identification, navigation and monitoring of the vehicle's vicinity. Most of the technology is also used in Volvo's autonomous mining truck that the company unveiled in 2016. The mining truck is undergoing tests in the ...Read the rest of this story

BCTA wants to move these beautiful books

E-Hook Helps Store Awkward Cargo

Kinedyne's E-Hook brand wall mounted freight loading storage solution is designed to store tubes, pipes, beams, cables and other hard to stow cargo.

The E-Hook helps solve the problem of securely stowing long and unwieldy cargo and keeping it off the floor in trailers, box trucks, service vehicles and light-duty trailers. It has a working load limit of 300 pounds and multiple hooks can be mounted to accommodate longer cargo.

The hooks can be installed at different heights along a wall to support freight with contoured shapes. The device is also designed with an eye-loop at its outer end, enabling cargo securement products to be hooked in for additional cargo stability and security. It is made of clear zinc-plated steel with a slip-resistant coating of orange vinyl in its cradle area.

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Global oil rises ahead of U.S. inventory data

Oil prices strengthened on Wednesday ahead of U.S. crude inventory data that could give investors a clue as to whether an OPEC-led output cut is making progress in reducing a persistent global supply overhang. Brent crude was up 50 cents at $52.15 per barrel by 1330 GMT. U.S. light crude rose 39 cents to $49.05.