DataLink 2 Monitors Refrigeration Unit Temperature

Carrier Transicold's DataLink 2 recorder uses up to three independent temperature sensors, providing an added layer of verification beyond the refrigeration system's built-in recording ability in a refrigerated trailer.

The DataLink 2 is designed for single- or multi-temperature applications, from refrigerated trailers to refrigerated straight trucks. A thermal printer lets drivers produce numerical and graphical trip reports for receivers and the data can also be downloaded into a computer for electronic logging.

The device helps fleets monitor trailer temperatures for temperature-critical goods like pharmaceuticals, perishable and frozen foods. The DataLink 2 recorder helps food distribution fleets track and manage information for compliance.

The DataLink 2 recorder can also be used as an analytical tool when connected to a Carrier Transicold refrigeration unit's control system. Temperature data captured from its own sensors can be correlated with activities recorded by the control system, helping to identify potential sources of temperature problems.

The DataLink 2 recorder auto-detects which Carrier Transicold controller it is connected to, whether an APX or Advance controller or the standard microprocessor. Setup is done through a “soft menu” system keyed to four buttons located just below the device's backlit display screen. Two recorder styles are offered: body-mount models that attach to either a truck or trailer cargo area, and an in-dash DIN-mount version for straight truck applications.

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Jumper Cables Designed for Extreme Temperatures

Clore Automotive's Jump-N-Carry booster cables are designed to work with commercial vehicles and equipment and work in extreme temperatures.

The booster cables are offered in five commercial grade models and cover a wide range of boosting applications, according to Clore. Models range from a 12-foot, 10-gauge cable set to a 25-foot set.

All models are designed for all-weather use with TPR cable jackets that are designed to remain flexible in extreme temperatures and feature an operating temperature range from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.

Each cable set is mated with its corresponding clamp pair for better power transfer to the disabled vehicle with clamp amp ratings increasing with the cable gauge. All clamps also provide strong biting force to penetrate corrosion on battery terminals.

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Why U.S. Xpress is Getting Help With Fuel Economy Testing

U.S. Xpress is one fleet using the Pit Group's fuel economy testing services. Photo: Jack Roberts

"Spec'ing a truck today is a science," Dwayne Haug says bluntly. "If you just go to a dealer and pick one off the lot, you're doing it wrong."

Haug ought to know what he's talking about. He's a Technology & Maintenance Council Silver Spark Plug honoree who started at a small, Midwestern fleet in 1972 and eventually spent 26 years at Werner Enterprises. Today, Haug is a private fleet consultant who is helping The Pit Group, a Canadian-based engineering and consulting firm, make its first inroads in the U.S. Pit is working with American fleets to test and verify emerging powertrain, fuel efficiency and safety technology, as well as trucking-specific best practices both in the shop and in the cab.

"We're on the cusp of a whole new era in trucking," Haug explains. "Everything is changing. And nothing can be taken for granted. Fleets need good, hard data verifying that new technologies or procedures are going to benefit their bottom line. And the Pit Group are specialists when it comes to helping its fleet members identify ways to run better and boost their bottom line."

"Fleets need good, hard data verifying that new technologies or procedures are going to benefit their bottom line"

"You have to remember that fuel is $4 a gallon in Canada today," explains Yves Provencher, director of the Pit Group. "Many U.S. fleets became very technology focused a decade ago when prices shot up suddenly."

Provencher says that, to a degree, that interest faded over the past few years as fuel prices fell to more manageable price points. "But in Canada, $4 is our everyday reality," he notes, explaining that Pit goes back to 1975. "In 2008 the Canadian trucking industry asked ...Read the rest of this story

Wabash National expands dealer network with Florida location

Wabash National Corp. has added Maudlin International to its dealer network. Maudlin has six locations in Florida.

Maudlin is authorized to sell and service Wabash National dry and refrigerated van trailers, dry and refrigerated truck bodies, and Transcraft and Benson brand platform trailers throughout north, central and south Florida.

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TravelCenters of America rolls out tire network

TravelCenters of America has announced the TA Truck Service Commercial Tire Network.

Operators of the TA and Petro Stopping Centers travel center brands, TravelCenters' TA Truck Service technicians are distinguished by more than 2,000 ASE certifications. The network includes 243 truck service facilities, 1,079 repair bays, nearly 3,000 technicians, more than 1,600 RoadSquad Connect emergency roadside assistance vehicles and a growing fleet of OnSITE mobile maintenance vehicles.

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Con-way Acquisition Boosted XPO’s 3Q16 Transportation Revenues