Rastrac, Magellan Partner on Fleet Telematics

Austin, Texas-based telematics provider Rastrac is partnering with Magellan on a system that vehicle tracking and reporting, including Hours of Service (HOS) compliance through an electronic logging device (ELD), according to the company.

Magellan's ELD will interface with Rastrac's GPS-based fleet tracking system. Magellan would provide real time mapping for a fleet's drivers, and the Rastrac system would provide historical GPS information including reports.

The mapping on the Magellan device is independent of Rastrac's system. The Magellan device provides HOS and interfaces with Rastrac hardware for tracking and reporting.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued HOS regulations aimed at managing the working hours of anyone who operates a commercial motor vehicle in the U.S.

Since 1938, these were recorded manually in paper logs and difficult to verify. In 2015, FMCSA added the Final Rule, which requires the use of an ELD that monitors engine hours, vehicle movement, miles driven, and location information. All paper logs need to be transitioned to ELDs no later than Dec. 18, 2017.

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GO More—STOP Less

In my last post, I mentioned the fuel savings that could be realized by driver assistance features, such as cruise control with braking and stop/start capability. This is where a vehicle uses its radar system, brakes, and driver assistance cruise controls to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, even when the vehicle slows down to a crawl. Only if it stops (in my 2010 Mercedes vehicle) do I have to touch the accelerator pedal to restart the vehicle. I'd like to take this thought a couple of steps further.

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Used Truck Sales Fall but Are Trending Upward Overall

Used Class 8 truck same-dealer sales volumes were down in July but still on an upward trend overall this year, according to an ACT Research report.

Sales volumes in July saw an 8% drop from June's numbers, with year-over-year and year-to-date comparisons also seeing similar drops. However, last month saw a 15% increase in sales volumes, so July's drop may not be as bad as it seems.

Dealers have been reporting an increase in customer traffic, but much like last month, this has failed to translate to a surge in actual sales.

“Despite the volatility month to month, the overall trend is on an upward trek, with year-to-date volumes only 7% off last year's numbers,” said Steve Tam, ACT's vice president-commercial vehicle sector. “Year-to-date declines over the last several months have been fairly consistent, possibly signaling a stabilization in volumes.”

ACT provides data on used truck sales based on a sample of industry data for each major truck OEM, including Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, International, Mack and Volvo. For more information, click here.

Related: More Options For Buying Used

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Bendix Wheel-End Package Available on International Trucks

The Bendix ADB22X air disc brake. Photo: Bendix

A full wheel-end portfolio from Bendix, consisting of the Bendix ADB22X air disc brake, Bendix EverSure Spring Brake, Bendix Versajust LS Slack Adjuster and Bendix foundation drum brakes, is now available on a range of International Trucks medium- and heavy-duty models.

By making the component bundle available, International Trucks will be able to offer fleets and owner-operators the benefits of a complete wheel-end package designed by a single provider.

Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes are available as an option on all Class 6-8 platforms where air disc brake technology is available. Bendix foundation drum brakes are an option on all Class 5-8 air-braked vehicle platforms. New as an option on International's entire lineup of Class 5-8 air-braked tractor, truck, and bus platforms is the Versajust Slack Adjuster with the EverSure spring brake standard on the same vehicle set.

“Navistar is making it possible for fleets and owner-operators to realize the value of a comprehensive wheel-end package engineered by a single provider,” said Scott Burkhart, Bendix vice president – sales, marketing, and business development. “Combine that with the uptime benefits of being able to turn to one OE post-sales support team for their entire wheel-end, and the advantages become even clearer.”

The Bendix component package now available at Navistar starts with foundation brakes and also includes chambers and automatic slack adjusters.

Related: Bendix Offers Maintenance Pointers Ahead of CVSA Roadcheck

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Southbound trucks roll on Anzalduas International Bridge in McAllen, Texas

Mack Trucks appoints manager for Lehigh Valley plant

California Toughens Greenhouse Gas Emission Rules

California is set to approve even tougher air-quality controls that would further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, after the state Legislature passed Senate Bill 32 on Aug. 24.

Gov. Jerry Brown has indicated he will sign the measure, which passed the state Senate Aug. 23, after passing the state Assembly on Aug. 22. Related legislation, Assembly Bill 197, that passed on Aug. 22 would tighten state oversight of the California Air Resources Board.

The legislation requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas levels to 40% below their 1990 levels by 2030. The state has already passed legislation that requires greenhouse gas levels to return to 1990 levels, reports the Sacramento Bee.

"I look forward to signing this bill and AB 197 when they land on my desk," Brown said in a statement. "With these bills, California's charting a clear path on climate beyond 2020 and we'll continue to work to shore up the cap-and-trade program, reduce super pollutants and direct more investment to disadvantaged communities."

Related: Calif. Exceeding Zero-Emission Vehicle Goal

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