WABCO opens new U.S. air brake manufacturing plant

WABCO Holdings Inc. is localizing production of its air disc brakes (ADBs) for commercial vehicles for the very first time in the U.S. at a new facility located in North Charleston, SC.

The 145,000 sq.-ft. facility will employ 230 and represents a $20 million investment, according to the company. WABCO said it is “relocating” current production to this new factory, which represents an increase of its manufacturing footprint by more than 60%.

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Transfix Launches Digital Job Booking System for Carriers

Photo via Transfix

Transfix has launched an online load booking and rate negation platform for carriers, allowing truckers and carriers to find desirable loads and book them instantly, or expedite a negotiating rate.

The new features allow carriers to accept and book a load, or counter offer to negotiate a higher rate from a mobile phone, tablet or laptop through the Transfix website. This can reduce deadhead miles, wait times, and time spent searching for and negotiating a load, according to Transfix.

"The traditional process of finding, negotiating and booking loads is extremely time-consuming and frustrating for carriers and there's little transparency built into the process," said Drew McElroy, co-founder and CEO of Transfix. "Since trucking is part of our team's identity, we're able to provide the answers to the questions we know all carriers ask up-front, simplifying the booking process and helping them to make the load and rate decisions that are best for their business."

Transfix uses data and technology to match carriers to loads based on several factors including frequently driven routes, equipment type, or the carrier's current or headquarters position. Carriers that work with Transfix receive daily email notifications on available loads that match their profile. The notifications link to a page that displays necessary information, including the rate, pickup and delivery locations, appointment times, trailer type, and required loading and unloading equipment.

In addition to carriers, dispatchers and booking representatives can use Transfix to streamline workflows. Dispatchers can book loads that are relevant for drivers and negotiate loads in just a few steps, with the ability to work in advance in order to optimize revenues and time.

"When Drew and I started Transfix, one of our goals was to enable carriers to use some of the most advanced tools technology has to offer, including machine learning, to make growing and managing ...Read the rest of this story

DTNA appoints Roger Nielsen as president, CEO

Kenworth Makes Bendix Wingman Advanced Standard for T680

Photo: Kenworth

Ahead of the upcoming Mid-America Trucking Show, Kenworth has announced that the Bendix Wingman Advanced collision mitigation system will be standard on the T680, beginning July 1. MATS is taking place on March 23-25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.

The radar-based collision mitigation system delivers adaptive cruise control with braking, along with autonomous emergency braking to help drivers avoid or mitigate rear-end collisions.

“Bendix Wingman Advanced is already a popular fleet option on Kenworth Class 8 on-highway trucks, and now this proven technology will benefit customers purchasing new Kenworth T680s,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “Kenworth continues to adopt technologies at a rapid pace that create a safer work environment for drivers.”

Using a radar sensor mounted to the front of the vehicle, Bendix Wingman Advanced both warns drivers and actively intervenes. The system provides following distance, impact and stationary object alerts, which are always available whether or not cruise control is engaged.

When drivers engage cruise control and set speed, the system will actively intervene to help them maintain a safe following distance behind a forward vehicle by reducing throttle, engaging the engine retarder, or, if necessary, applying brakes. Bendix Wingman Advanced builds upon the full-stability technology of Bendix ESP (Electronic Stability Program) to provide fleets and truck operators with a system that can help drivers avoid potential collisions, rollovers, and loss-of-control situations.

Bendix ESP is designed to help stabilize the vehicle during loss of control situations on dry, wet, snow and ice-covered roadways.

“Earlier this year, Kenworth also made the Bendix ESP Electronic Stability Program standard on the flagship on-highway Kenworth T680 and vocational workhorse T880 models,” said Swihart. “In 2016, Kenworth introduced the Bendix Wingman Fusion driver assistance system as an option for the Kenworth T680 and T880, and added Bendix Wingman Advanced as an option for Kenworth ...Read the rest of this story

Daimler Trucks North America Names New President and CEO

Roger Nielsen Photo: DTNA

Roger Nielsen has been named president and chief executive officer of Daimler Trucks North America and its affiliated companies, Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, and Freightliner Customer Chassis Corporation.

The appointment is effective as of April 1 and he will succeed Martin Daum who recently became a member of the board of management of Daimler AG, responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses.

“Roger Nielsen brings a rock solid product, manufacturing and sales background to this position paired with a razor-sharp focus on technology, quality and customer service. He has an excellent track record as an influential leader in the industry,” said Daum. “Having worked closely with Roger for so many years, I am certain that DTNA, its people and all its brands are in the best hands.”

Nielsen has been the chief operating officer since 2001, responsible for the DTNA manufacturing network and all levels of operations in quality, supplier management, logistics, and custom application engineering. He has overseen Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, and DTNA's continuous improvement programs.

Nielsen joined DTNA as an industrial engineer in 1986 and held various positions at DTNA in the US as well as at Daimler's Commercial Vehicles Divisions in Germany.

“I am honored and proud to head up this great organization that I have been part of for over 30 years,” said Nielsen. “I look forward to building on the outstanding success achieved by the DTNA team under Martin's leadership. Together, we will continue our dedication to delivering the best products and services to our North American customers.”

Related: Daimler Taps Daum to Head Global Truck & Bus Business

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