Federal Grants Fund Green Tech Despite Uncertain Future

Photo: TransPower

While U.S. Department of Energy grants are still funding electric vehicle and alternative fuel technologies, it is uncertain how the Trump administration could affect this funding in the future, according to ACT Research's North American On-Highway Commercial Vehicle Engine Outlook.

According to DOE, five firms will split $18 million in grants to advance plug-in electric technology for cars and heavy-duty vehicles. The EPA has also approved a pathway for isobutanol to be used as an advanced biofuel under the Renewable fuel Standard Program.

Isobutanol uses starch from feed corn to produce alcohol and when used along with fossil fuels, the biofuel could achieve a 50% or greater reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This would qualify it for the advanced D5 Renewable Identification Number.

These projects are aimed at advancing the development of green technologies while also reducing engine emissions.

"The money is meant to improve energy security, reduce emissions, and enhance local and regional economies, according to information released on December 22," said Tom Rhein, president of Rhein Associates. "Funding from the department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is directed to projects that advance development and deployment of efficient and renewable technologies, as well as market-based innovations to enhance energy security."

However, given the Trump administration's stance on reducing regulations, particularly in the energy sector, some of the latest advancements pushed forward by the Obama administration's GHG Phase 2 Rule may be in limbo. Those rules took effect on Dec. 17, 2016 and will determine emissions and fuel efficiency standards through 2027. Fleets and manufacturers will have to adjust in the long term if they are rolled back, according to ACT Research.

“We know the concerns and regulations from our last engine outlook article, but we don't know the White House factor. It is obvious that the new administration opposes regulations that ...Read the rest of this story

Melton Truck Lines Adds Stepdeck Trailers

Photo: Melton Truck Lines

Flatbed carrier Melton Truck Lines has added 53-foot stepdeck trailers to its fleet to allow the company to meet a broader scope of customer needs, the company announced.

The company now has 200 all-aluminum stepdeck trailers that are lightweight and able to scale a 48,000-pound payload. The upper deck is 11 feet in length and able to accommodate loads of up to 8 feet, 5 inches high. The lower deck is 41 feet, 6 inches long and is able to accommodate loads of up to 10 feet high.

The stepdeck trailers will expand the over-dimensional service offerings of Melton Truck Lines. The company's Special Services Department orders all permits and provides specific routing for over-dimensional loads. With the addition of stepdecks to its company-owned equipment, Melton is now able to handle a wider variety of customers' open-deck shipping needs.

With sliding tandem axles, the stepdeck trailers are specifically designed to travel throughout North America, including California, Canada, and Mexico.

“We are excited to respond to our customers' requests for stepdeck trailers and add them to our service offerings at Melton Truck Lines,” said Dan Taylor, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “These stepdeck trailers will benefit many of our customers that ship commodities that are too large to fit on a standard flatbed trailer.”

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Vipar’s President Baer Named CEO

Chris Baer Photo: Vipar Heavy Duty

Vipar Heavy Duty has successfully completed its leadership succession plan with the board of directors naming company president Chris Baer as the new CEO, effective immediately.

Baer assumed the duties of president of Vipar late last year. He replaces former president and CEO Steve Crowley, who retained his role as CEO during a transition period. After serving 16 years with Vipar, Crowley has officially retired.

“The board adopted a strategic succession plan nearly three years ago to ensure the long-term success of the organization,” said Bill Nolan, Vipar chairman. “By building upon the talent and experience of our existing leaders, we were able to execute the transition while continuing to invest in the development of our team. Assuming the role of CEO was a natural progression for Chris, who has proven to have the experience and vision necessary to succeed in the ever-changing aftermarket and to strategically position Vipar Heavy Duty and its family of companies for growth both now and into the future.”

In January, Baer introduced a new management structure and new leadership roles to help the company achieve its aggressive growth goals. Before joining Vipar Heavy Duty, Baer was with Chicago Rawhide/SKF for 17 years in a variety of sales management roles, including director of automotive aftermarket sales.

Baer also served as a member of the AWDA Young Executive Society (YES) committee and earned the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) designation from the University of the Aftermarket. He is a 2014 recipient of the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award. Baer is a graduate of North Park University in Chicago.

“I appreciate the board's confidence in my leadership and the talented individuals that support our organization on a daily basis,” said Baer. “As we kickoff ‘G3,' the third phase in our history, our entire team ...Read the rest of this story

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Mack Takes Upfitting Online with Body Builder Portal

The Mack Granite dump model. Photo: Mack Trucks

Mack Trucks has introduced the Mack Body Builder Portal, which brings all of the company's body builder resources together in a single online location.

The Body Builder Portal acts as a one-stop shop for body builder needs, giving customers, body builders and dealers the tools they need for a body upfit process. Resources available through the portal include wiring schematics and links to industry associations, such as the American Concrete Pumping Association, as well as contact information for Mack's Body Builder Support Team and Mack's concrete pumper support line.

In 2015, Mack created its Body Builder Support Team, including a body builder order manager position focused on ensuring effective collaboration among body builders, dealers, and customers during the body ordering process.

Also included are revised body builder manuals for all Mack models, which have been updated with simpler navigation. A custom-designed PTO pump speed calculator is also available.

“Mack's strong reputation for application excellence is built on delivering trucks that meet our customers' specific needs, which in many cases includes body modifications from body equipment manufacturers,” said Jonathan Randall, senior vice president of sales, Mack Trucks North America. “With the new Mack Body Builder Portal, we're making it even easier for customers and body builders to easily access the information they need to best modify their vehicles.”

The company also recently announced that the Mack Granite model is the top selling heavy-duty conventional straight truck in the U.S., based on IHS Markit U.S. new commercial vehicle registrations.

“Mack is proud to have earned the trust of customers who chose the Granite model more than any other heavy-duty straight truck in 2016,” said Jonathan Randall, senior vice president of sales for Mack Trucks North America. “We look forward to continuing to meet the needs of our customers' applications.”

For more information ...Read the rest of this story

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