Hendrickson Launches Suspension and Axle Solution for Terex T110 Truck Crane

Hendrickson Commercial Vehicle Systems has announced the availability of a 48,000-pound tandem front air suspension and axle system and a 60,000-pound capacity tandem rear air suspension for the Terex T 110 Truck Crane.

The new front suspension and axle system is designed and manufactured to meet the specific needs of the truck crane market. The system includes the Steertek NXT fabricated axle, designed to achieve durability, rigid strength, and weight efficiency when compared with traditional axles. Steertek NXT's box-shaped cross section resists horizontal, vertical, and twisting forces while providing significant weight savings.

The air suspension is designed to improve vehicle handling while using high volume air springs that can increase driver comfort and equipment protection. This suspension and axle combination saves hundreds of pounds as compared to current industry solutions, according to Hendrickson.

Hendrickson's new rear air suspension reaches capacities of 30,000 pounds per axle with overall weight savings of up to 300 pounds compared to typical suspensions. This suspension features Hendrickson's leaf spring technology in conjunction with air springs and shocks to achieve a tuned suspension system for improved roll stiffness and comfortable ride characteristics.

The system is designed to provide predictable handling when performing maneuvers. The suspension design also allows for lower maintenance with the elimination of the transverse torque rod and a Quik-Align feature for easier alignment.

“We identified an opportunity for a purpose built air suspension and axle system that saves weight and improves the performance, addressing the unique needs of the crane market,” said Gerry Remus, business unit director for Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems. “Delivering improved ride quality and driver handling are a direct result of listening closely to customer needs while applying the ride and handling expertise that Hendrickson is known for in the industry.”

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5 Ways to Avoid Late Load Payments

There is nothing fun about not getting paid for the loads you have hauled. Unfortunately, every small trucking company and owner-operator will eventually encounter clients who take 45, 60 days, or even longer to pay.

This can create a strain on your time and cash flow because you have already prepaid for items like fuel and insurance and now you must follow up with your clients for payment. It is always hard to seek funds you are rightfully owed. But there is also the possibility that you could hurt your relationship with your clients by having to ask for the payment more than once. This all adds up to something you would love to avoid.

Fortunately, there are a few solutions to help you eliminate or lessen the need to chase late payments. These solutions include things you can quickly and easily do yourself and others that require you to find a trusted partner to help.

It helps to set expectations with your clients from the start. Clearly define if payment is due on receipt, within 30 days, or whatever terms work best for your business.

What if you had a crystal ball and could predict when your clients were going to pay? Conducting credit checks on prospective clients and brokers before you haul the first load is the next best thing. You can obtain a sense for how long they have taken to pay other suppliers in the past. This won't guarantee how they will handle your payment, but it can provide some insight and allow you to pass on the load if their history does not match with your business needs.

You might be thinking, “But there will be a cost to doing a credit check?” ...Read the rest of this story

Onboard Diagnostics Pitched as a Leveler for Natural Gas Trucks

Agility Fuel Solutions has introduced Blue iQ, a proprietary technology developed with Cummins to optimize fuel consumption and uptime through on-board diagnostics.

Blue iQ integrates with Cummins Connected Diagnostics, Insite service tool and QuickServe support to connect vehicles, drivers, managers, and technicians for real-time management, diagnostics, and service. The company said this technology will help natural gas vehicle operators keep up with current diesel engine standards for on-board diagnostics and fuel efficiency data.

Blue iQ has access to Cummins proprietary engine data. Its Smart Gauge dashboard has a Vehicle Range Monitor to determine how far drivers can go with the fuel on board, EcoMode to help avoid unplanned refueling at low fuel levels, and Limp Home Mode to get drivers safely out of traffic at extremely low fuel levels. There's also a Cold Start Logic feature to eliminate downtime on cold mornings.

By allowing customers to more precisely manage fuel efficiency, maintenance, and downtime, natural gas vehicles can now better compete with diesel equivalents, according to Agility.

“The best path to a sustainable planet is to make sustainability good business,” says Kathleen Ligocki, CEO, Agility Fuel Solutions. “Blue iQ allows natural gas vehicles to operate on a level playing field with diesel, but with lower fuel costs, quieter engines, and less emissions.”

Agility Fuel Solutions is a provider of natural gas fuel systems and Type 4 cylinders for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles in local, regional and long-haul applications.

Related: What You Should Know About Today's CNG Fuel Systems

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Sharp increase in load-to-truck ratios: DAT

Echo Chairman & CEO Doug Waggoner Named to 2017 “Pros to Know” by Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Spot Truckload Rates Rise as Volume Soars

Spot truckload freight volume jumped 17% for the week ending March 4 compared to the previous week while rates responded with the first week-over-week increase in national averages in more than a month, according to DAT Solutions and its network of load boards.

Load-to-truck ratios were up sharply for all three equipment types:

Despite several weeks where freight volume was up 100% year-over-year, spot truckload rates have been depressed by the number of trucks contract carriers were putting onto the spot market, particularly in the Southwest and West, according to DAT. The overall number of available trucks fell 4% last week while the national average cost of diesel was unchanged at $2.58 per gallon.

Outbound van load volume on the spot market increased 21% while truck posts closed the week down 4%. Prices rose on 56 of the top 100 van lanes last week, led by Memphis at $1.90 per mile, up 6 cents, and Atlanta, at $1.89 per mile up 4 cents. The national average van rate was up 4 cents to $1.66 per mile.

In Chicago and Los Angeles, big increases in the number of available van loads this week may send rates higher, said DAT.

After seven consecutive week-over-week declines, the national average reefer rate increased, picking up a penny to settle in at $1.88 per mile. The number of spot reefer load posts was up 24% against a 14% drop in the number of available trucks.

One market to watch is Miami, “where reefer volumes are surging perhaps because of an early growing season or imports from South America. Usually when there's an uptick in loads and rates out of Miami, it means that the inbound rate goes down,” said DAT. However, that wasn't the case last week on the ...Read the rest of this story

Titans of Tulsa-Themed SuperRigs Contest Set for May

Photo: Shell Rotella

The 35th annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs meet will be held May 18-20 at the Exchange Center Expo Square in Tulsa Okla., with the theme of "Titans of Tulsa."

The Shell Rotella SuperRigs competition is a truck beauty contest for actively working trucks. Owner-operator truckers from across the U.S. and Canada will compete for cash and prizes in excess of $25,000. Twelve of the drivers will be selected to have their trucks featured in the 2018 Shell Rotella SuperRigs calendar.

SuperRigs contestants and attendees will have the opportunity to see the event's famous custom trucks and experience a variety of activities in the evening on Thursday and Friday nights. The event will feature fun and entertainment for drivers and their families, including a variety of vendors, a scavenger hunt, prizes, games, the Rotella Road Show as well as the Rotella T6 BBQ Pitt.

Attendees may also watch a Tulsa Drillers Minor League Baseball game and explore nearby flea markets and fairs in downtown Tulsa. The annual truck parade will return along with a fireworks show and live entertainment.

Judging for the SuperRigs competition will take place between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, May 18 and 19, and between 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 20. Judging takes about 20 minutes per truck and contestants do not need to be present to win.

Trucks entered in Shell Rotella SuperRigs are judged by industry professionals who work for major trucking publications or broadcast companies. Judges score the rigs on exterior appearance, design, detail/finish, originality, and workmanship.

In total, 24 working trucks will receive awards for categories such as Best of Show, Tractor, Tractor/Trailer Combination, and Classic.

For updates about Shell Rotella SuperRigs and Shell Rotella products, visit Rotella.com.

Related: SuperRigs Winner Takes Home $15K for Best in Show

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