So insurance giant State Farm recently conducted an online survey of about 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 18 or older regarding their “attitudes” towards autonomous vehicles (AVs) – and what behaviors they might engage in if driving wasn't a primary responsibility when behind the wheel.
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...Read the rest of this storyOn Tuesday, September 20, ExxonMobil will introduce the new product line and details of its Mobil Delvac™-branded CK-4 and FA-4 commercial vehicle engine oils on its website, mobildelvac.com.
These new oils are designed to meet the American Petroleum Institute's (API) Proposed Category 11 (PC-11) lubricant specification, set to go into effect on December 1st.
“ExxonMobil has played a key role in the development and advancement of specifications and testing parameters of the upcoming PC-11 lubricant specification,” said Simon Watson, global product offer advisor - commercial vehicle lubricants, ExxonMobil.
Since 2011, ExxonMobil has applied its robust research and testing capabilities toward the API's PC-11 lubricant specification.
To date, ExxonMobil has accrued more than 30 million miles of testing for its range of CK-4 and FA-4 formulations, by working closely with major commercial vehicle manufacturers, engine builders and fleets.
To learn more about the new specification, check out our “PC-11: Overview of the upcoming API specification change” video at understandpc11.com.
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...Read the rest of this storySource: EIA
" >Source: EIA
" width="250" height="346">The average price of diesel fuel last week remained relatively flat after a small increase in the week before, according to the latest numbers from the Energy Department.
The price of on-highway diesel fuel fell by a very small margin overall, dropping by 0.2 cents for the week to $2.407 per gallon at the pump. Prices are almost even with last year's levels and are only 12.7 cents cheaper than in the same week of 2015.
Prices fluctuated across the country, with the largest decrease in prices coming to the Lower Atlantic region at 0.6 cents per gallon. The largest increase in prices was recorded in the Rocky Mountain region at 1.7 cents.
The average price of regular gasoline was also down for the week, falling 1.4 cents to settle at $2.223 per gallon. The price is still 21.4 cents cheaper than it was in the same week a year ago.
The largest price decrease for gasoline was in the Midwest region with a drop of 4.7 cents for the week. The largest increase in prices was in the Central Atlantic region, jumping 0.5 cents per gallon.
Crude oil prices saw a small boost on Sept. 9, thanks to a recent agreement between Saudi Arabia and Russia to stabilize the oil market, according to a report in CNN Money.
Although the details are slim on the deal, Russia and Saudi Arabia are some of the top oil producers globally, and any collaboration could influence other nations to follow suit and freeze production. Skeptics of the deal point out that even if countries freeze production at current levels, crude oil output would still outpace oil demand and may not address the problem of oversupply.
Related: Next-Generation Freightliner Cascadia Emphasizes Fuel Economy, Connectivity, Drivers
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...Read the rest of this storyBrenny
">Brenny
"> At first, my thoughts about the millennial generation were like most: They just don't work as hard as “we do.” They are entitled and expect more from their jobs than “we did.” Really? Is there that much of a difference when we compare ourselves to our parents' or grandparents' generation? I don't think there is as much of a difference as we like to believe there is. So, who is entitled now? (That was supposed to make you giggle.)If we continue to focus on what millennials don't do, rather than what they can do, we may as well blame ourselves for their lack of success. Please choose to take these young adults under your wing. I advise you to put them in the jump seat and teach them trucking!
Millennials want to know what is expected, they want boundaries, and God forbid, they do not want to get embarrassed! They want to be trained. But why do millennials appear to be brats? Because they have been allowed to be, mostly by their parents. And some of their parents are you and me!
Every human needs and wants boundaries. Boundaries provide a safety net, which helps us develop self-confidence. Millennials are searching for expectations and the boundaries that go with them. Millennials hate, I mean they hate to be embarrassed. We must train them before letting them fly… or drive. That's right, I said “train them.” If you think you have a good training program now, I am going to challenge you by saying it is not good enough for training millennials.
For example, you must first spell out in very detailed order what you expect from your new, 21-year-old driver. Explain to him/her what the consequences will be should they not live up to expectations. Then train them step by step on ...Read the rest of this story
PC-11 (Proposed Category 11) is a new API specification taking effect on December 1, 2016, that will create two distinct lubricant categories: CK-4 and FA-4.
CK-4: CK-4 replaces CJ-4 and current engine oil standards.
FA-4 represents low-viscosity engine oils intended for modern and future engines.
Why PC-11?
Compared to current CJ-4 formulations, both CK-4 and FA-4 oils will help:
Reduce carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions;Maintain engine durability while improving oxidation resistance, shear stability and aeration control.Compatibility
CK-4 oils - will be available in XXW-40 and XXW-30 viscosities and will be suitable for new and old on-highway engines.
FA-4 oils - will have more limitations on backwards compatibility than their CK-4 counterparts. However, fleets with engines that fall within the “backwards” compatibility set by OEM may be able to use FA-4 oil across the entire fleet.
OEM Requirements
Fleets operating newer trucks with advanced engines should consult their OEMs for recommendations on using both CK-4 and FA-4 formulations. While some OEMs may factory-fill newer engines with FA-4 oils, they may not require fleet managers to fill with FA-4 oils, therefore working closely with OEMs will be important as you select the right product for your engines.
Considerations for Converting to PC-11 Compliant Oils
The PC-11 change will not affect every business the same way. Whether businesses choose to use CK-4 or FA-4 oils, they should reach out to their lubricant suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure the best results.
When considering lubricant options, it's helpful to note how leading fleets like Schneider, Pride Transport, H&W Trucking and DOT Transport, have had success using low-viscosity oils preceding the upcoming diesel engine oil category. In fact, these and other industry leaders rely on low-viscosity oils to help reach their sustainability and money-saving goals. The advanced specifications of PC-11 can help build upon these improvements.
The Fumoto DEF Valve is a drain valve designed to improve the ease of draining diesel exhaust fluid from a diesel-powered vehicle.
The drain valve is constructed of stainless steel, allowing it to last longer in the presence of DEF which can corrode other metal types. The valve's internal Teflon seals and Viton O-ring are DEF safe as well.
Diesel exhaust fluid can be prone to freezing and opening a valve on a frozen DEF-tank can cause damage. The Fumoto DEF valve features a red indicator that becomes exposed when the valve is frozen, warning against operating the valve. This also provides room for the fluid to expand which can help prevent damage to the valve or tank.
The valve is currently made in the M14-1.5 size and will fit most DEF tanks, according to Fumoto. Other sizes will be made available soon.
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New Pig Corporation's Pig Static-Dissipative Absorbent Sock is a spill clean-up device that also dissipates static and is designed for fuels and solvents.
The absorbent sock makes cleaning up volatile organic spills safer by reducing the risk of electrostatic discharge around flammable liquids and vapors.
The Sock meets NFPA 99 standards for static decay and surface resistivity, making it safer for response in low-humidity environments, confined spaces and other areas where static is a concern. Flame resistant, polypropylene material won't burn immediately and is UV-resistant for up to 12 months.
The Sock floats on water and absorbs and retains oil-based solvents and fuels including acetone, benzene, gasoline, toluene, xylene, mineral spirits and jet fuels, but will not absorb water.
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