Ministers discuss ELDs, systems to protect “vulnerable” road users

Two-truck platooning could deliver 4% average fuel savings

Platooning could potentially deliver a 4% average savings over two trucks in real-world operating conditions, according to Trucking Efficiency's most recent Confidence Report. That is after accounting for traffic, terrain and time when equipped trucks will not be operating in a platoon, explained Michael Roeth, North American Council for Freight Energy (NACFE) executive director.

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EPA Testing Results on Propane Autogas Ford Transit

In a recent Environmental Protection Agency emissions test, the Ford Transit showed dramatic reductions of harmful emissions while performing on propane autogas when compared to the same engine operating on gasoline.

What is the Significance of EPA Testing?

EPA testing is required for any alternative vehicle fuel system operating in the United States. Without this complex certification process, alternative fuel manufacturers and vehicle operators would be liable for emissions tampering on vehicles, which can result in significant fines. Not only does this process look at tailpipe emissions directly, but also builds in emissions deteriorations factors to 120,000 miles, meaning the emissions standard will be met for the entirety of a typical vehicle's lifecycle.

The Results

Through this rigorous EPA testing protocol, propane autogas has clear, proven benefits over gasoline:

Why Should This Matter to Your Fleet?

With more and more companies mandating sustainability goals for their companies, fleets can be confident that propane autogas is a measurable and legal way to comply with these initiatives. This, compiled with the addition cost savings of operating on propane autogas, make it a viable alternative fuel that fleets can take advantage of right now.

As Stuart Weidie, President of Alliance AutoGas, notes, “Propane autogas helps company owners and fleet managers produce immediate results for their sustainability programs – and reduces operating costs at the same time.”

For more about Alliance AutoGas visit www.allianceautogas.com.

Related: The All-New Propane Autogas Ford F-750

* Emissions testing conducted on a 2015 Ford Transit equipped with 3.7L port fuel injected engine. Testing conducted at Roush Laboratories at average temp 76.15 °F, April 2, 2015 with an odometer reading of 2,088 miles.

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TMW Introduces Mobile Applications for Innovative IES

Photo: Jim Beach

Mobile apps designed for TMW Systems Innovation IES Access and Access Plus truck management systems were introduced at the PeopleNet TMW in.sight User Conference in Nashville Sept.27.

IES Mobile Dispatch allows fleet managers to review ending EDI tenders and key information such as customer, load-at location, consignee and bill-to information from their Android or iOS mobile devices.

The app also lets managers search and review available loads, match those loads to drivers and equipment and then dispatch the load from the same interface. It offers quick access to customer account information and also allows them to review stops and advance funds to s driver.

IES Mobile Driver enables drivers to review and manage trip details, messages and other information using their smartphone. Both Android and iOS devices are supported.

Once drivers log into the app, they can see details on their trips, hours of service and other information. The app's driver hours tab shows a breakdown of the drivers current-day hours-of-service, hours driven in the past eight days and hours available for the current week. Drivers can also use the app to view maps, load characteristics and ETA for each stop.

Related: TMW Systems, PeopleNet Hold First Joint User Conference

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PeopleNet and TMW Recognize Innovators at User Conference

PeopleNet and TMW Systems recognized the winners of their 2016 Innovator of the Year awards at their joint in.sight User Conference in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 27.

The awards are presented to customers from each company every year to recognize those that have made the most innovative use of technology in their businesses.

A joint award was presented to Solar Transport. The carrier achieved improved fuel mileage and enhanced driver safety by implementing technologies from companies.

The recipients of the PeopleNet awards were selected from three tiers, based on fleet size. Plus, a Canadian fleet was recognized. PeopleNet 2016 Innovators of the Year included OrTran Express (less the 100 vehicles), Solar Transport (100-500 vehicles), DOT transportation (more than 500 vehicles) and Grimshaw Trucking (Canadian Innovator).

TMW Systems recognized fleets in specific categories and the recipients included OrTran Expres (truckload), Liquid Freight (non-asset), Grimshaw Trucking (less-than-truckload, intermodal and specialty), Western Refining, Inc., (energy), Master Fleet (maintenance), Nebraska Furniture Mart (private) and Royal Trucking Co. (business intelligence).

Related: TMW Systems, PeopleNet Hold First Joint User Conference

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West Virginia trucks haul flood relief to Louisiana

The severe 1,000-year flooding that struck Louisiana back in August left a trail of devastation in its wake – devastation that continues to be set right, however, by shipments of donated supplies to affected areas. Earlier this month West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) soldiers loaded five of their tractor-trailers with much-needed donated goods and headed down to the Pelican state. (All photos by Sgt. Zoe Morris of the 153rd Public Affairs Detachment)

Economic Watch: Business Investment Increasing, Consumer Confidence Soars

A preliminary report shows new orders and shipments for big-ticket manufactured durable goods lost steam in August. Inside the report, however, is some evidence that business investment for the long term is increasing.

Commerce Department figures show the level of new orders for items designed to last at least three years was nearly unchanged from the month before, following a downwardly revised 3.6% increase in July. The performance was better than a consensus estimate by analysts who were expecting a 1.5% drop.

Shipments of manufactured durable goods fell 0.4% in August from the month before, following two consecutively monthly gains, while the July performance was revised slightly lower. This most recent drop was led by a 1.1% drop in shipments of transportation equipment.

Compared to August 2015, new orders last month fell 0.6% while shipments declined by 0.9%.

New orders for non-defense capital goods excluding aircraft, an indicator of business investment, improved a surprising 0.6%, the third straight monthly improvement, while such shipments fell 0.4%. These new orders are down 4% from a year ago while shipments are 5.1% lower.

Weak business spending has been a major factor behind the economy's subpar growth in recent years, according to the Wall Street Journal, and has been a mystery to economists. It reports, “Some of the weakness is tied to depressed energy prices, which have led to a decline in drilling and exploration, but other factors appear at play.”

Overall, manufacturing in the U.S. remains below where it was earlier in the current economic recovery, with the Institute for Supply Management reporting early this month the sector contracted in August following five consecutive months of expansion. However, a separate report from IHS Markit shows manufacturing is still expanding, but at a slower rate than it was in July.

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