MATS Returns this Week, Bringing Back Some Major OEMs

Photo: Mid-America Trucking Show

The Mid-America Trucking Show returns this week, going from March 23-25 in Louisville, Ky., and this year it once again features several major manufacturers and suppliers exhibiting new technology and equipment.

MATS is the largest annual heavy-duty trucking industry event. It typically draws more than 70,000 attendees and over 1,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services, according to show organizers. It is held each year at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

However, last year's event was notable for those that didn't show up, namely all of the major Class 8 original equipment manufacturers. In the months that followed MATS 2016, Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Mack announced a return to the show. Navistar, Volvo, and Daimler Trucks North America will be absent this year, though certain of their brand dealers will still have a presence.

Overall, this year's event will feature over 1,100 exhibitors spread out over 1.1-million square feet of floor space. There will also be educational seminars and special events, such as the PKY Truck Beauty Championship and a MATS concert.

This year's educational sessions will feature three seminars by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration covering driver training and the upcoming ELD Mandate and the American Trucking Associations will give an update on current trucking issues. There will also be several special sessions on important and useful topics such as a talk on “How to Get More MPGs Out of Your Truck” hosted by representatives from Shell Lubricants and the North American Council on Fuel Efficiency. A full schedule of seminars is available here.

Among the OEMs at the show, Peterbilt will show the company's latest products and services and new technologies. Its exhibit will feature 10 Peterbilt trucks, including the Model 579 Epiq, with its fuel economy enhancements and a new day cab configuration.

Cummins will be ...Read the rest of this story

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NTEA Names New President

Adam Keane, executive vice-president of Allied Body Works Inc. (Seattle, Washington), was installed as the 53rd president of NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry. He accepted this position from immediate past president Matt Wilson, chairman & CEO of Switch-N-Go, AmeriDeck & Bucks Divisions of Deist Industries Inc., at the President's Breakfast & NTEA Annual Meeting held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show® 2017.

“The work truck industry has so much to offer, and I'm extremely proud to be involved,” said Adam. “Taking on the role of 53rd Association president, I'm eager to work with the membership to keep NTEA's mission moving forward.”

KEANE

Keane joined Allied Body Works in 2004. In his current position, he bridges the gap between sales and operations, utilizing industry resources to find solutions when technical issues arise. He manages strategic alliances with business partners to expand company product lines. In 2010, he became chairman of NTEA's Young Executives Network (now known as Generation Next).

Founded in 1947 as a small garage shop, Allied Body Works is a fourth-generation, family-owned business, offering everything from light-duty truck accessories and cargo van interiors to medium- and heavy-duty flatbeds, dump bodies, contractor bodies, service bodies, van bodies, cranes, electrical and lighting accessories, liftgates, and more.

Also serving on the Board's Executive Committee are: First Vice President Todd Davis, vice president of Phenix Enterprises Inc. (Pomona, California); Second Vice President Ross L. Haith Jr., president of Masterack – A Division of Leggett & Platt Inc. (Decatur, Georgia); Third Vice President/Treasurer Peter Miller, executive vice president business development at Pro-Tech Industries (La Vergne, Tennessee); and Secretary Steve Carey, executive director of NTEA (Farmington Hills, Michigan).

Distributor Trustees are:

Two Peterbilt Models Eligible for HVIP

Image of Peterbilt Model 320 courtesy of Peterbilt. 

The Peterbilt Models 520 and 320 equipped with the Cummins ISL-G Near Zero engine have been granted eligibility for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP).

HVIP encourages the commercialization of low-emitting hybrid and zero-emissions trucks by assisting fleets with the purchase of these advanced technology vehicles.

Peterbilt introduced the Cummins Westport ISL-G Near Zero NOx emissions natural gas engine in the Models 520 and 320 in 2016. NOx emissions in the ISL-G Near Zero engine emissions are 90 percent lower than the current EPA limit.

The ISL-G Near Zero engine emissions are 90% lower than the current EPA NOx limit through the introduction of a three-way catalyst in the after-treatment, advanced engine calibration, and a closed crankcase ventilation system (CCV).

The new engine's performance and efficiency match the current ISL-G, with 320 hp and 1,000 lb.-ft. torque available. Industries that will most benefit from the new option include linehaul, vocational, and refuse applications.

Similar to the currently available ISL-G engine, the ISL-G Near Zero operates on 100% natural gas, which can be carried on the vehicle as either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). The new ISL-G Near Zero can also run on renewable natural gas (RNG).

“Peterbilt is a leader in environmentally-friendly solutions for the industry,” said Robert Woodall, Peterbilt Assistant General Manager of Sales and Marketing. “Eligibility for the HVIP voucher will allow customers participating in the program to benefit from the advanced technology and rugged durability of the Models 520 and 320."

The 2018 Models 520 and 320 will be eligible for HVIP when spec'd with the Cummins ISL-G Near Zero engine with a GVWR of 33,000 – 80,000 pounds.

For more details, visit https://www.californiahvip.org/.

Related: Peterbilt Reduces Weight on Updated Model ...Read the rest of this story

FR8Star Calculator Determines Heavy-Haul Costs on State Level

Image via FR8 Revolution

FR8 Revolution has developed the free, cloud-based FR8Star Heavy Haul Marketplace, which offers a rate calculator for oversize/overweight loads.

FR8Star's calculator tool provides oversize/overweight shippers with pricing estimates that include up-to-date state permit fees and escort costs, optimal shipping routes, and the ability to request quotes directly from the carrier.

The calculator tool also allows carriers bidding for loads to submit competitive and educated quotes.

Each state has its own permit structure, which can cause confusion when estimating costs and selecting optimal routes. Some states base fees on size and weight while others charge flat fees. FR8Star's calculator factors in these various fees to recommend the best routes and improve quote accuracy.

FR8Star is not a broker; instead it facilitates a transaction for a transparent fee. The shipper and the carrier must complete their contract directly with one another using the platform. Oversize/overweight freight can be defined by weight, length, width or height.

“We have a problem today because many brokers don't have a good sense of what the price of overweight or oversize freight should be, so they underbid to carrier or overprice to shippers. This causes inefficiency in matching shippers to qualified carriers and hurts carrier's profit margins,” said Matthew Kropp, FR8 Revolution CEO. “Ultimately, shippers end up paying too much while carriers struggle to turn a profit. It's time to level the playing field for carriers and shippers.”

For more information, click here.

Related: FR8 Revolution Launches Online Freight Management Platform

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Database tracks carriers compliant with UFSTP program