Thermo King Introducers Smarter, Efficient Refrigeration Unit

Thermo King introduced the SLXi platform of single and multi-temperature trailer refrigeration units, developed with a focus on unit intelligence, communication, fuel consumption and temperature management.

“Innovation goes beyond simply creating new products,” said Karin De Bondt, vice president and general manager for truck, trailer and ubs at Thermo King in Europe, Middle East and Africa. “It is about addressing unique customer needs through connectivity, data-driven intelligence, real-user insights, and the ability to merge new and emerging technologies later based upon customer needs.”

The SLXi range includes tailorable operational parameters dependent on application and ambient conditions to better meet customer needs. The customized profile conditions create better performance and fuel savings of 10%-20% compared to previous models, according to Thermo King.

The SLXi is also fully telematics-enabled, giving fleets full visibility of the unit and load condition through Thermo King's TK BlueBox communication device and Bluetooth. The TK BlueBox collects and stores unit data which can be accessed through a free smartphone app. This enables real-time unit management and access to critical data. Users can manage defrost, pre-trip, set point and additional operating mode settings remotely.

The unit's SR-3 temperature controller allows set point control and temperature displays to provide more accurate temperatures in increments of 0.1 degrees Celsius. It is capable of greater temperature control and more optimized fuel efficiency due to more flexible and broader temperature bands in Cycle Sentry mode.

In multi-temperature models, Precision Temperature Control reduces temperature deviation by up to 80% over previous technology and will maintain compartment temperature within around 0.15 degrees Celsius, dependent on operating conditions. PTC provides an automatic pre-set of the capacity modulation and the temperature control to secure an optimum environment in the center and rear trailer compartments, where 95% of customers transport fresh products.

The SLXi range is also designed to be more environmentally ...Read the rest of this story

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Low Cancellations Help Class 8 Truck Orders Hit 3-Month High

Net Class 8 truck orders rose to a three-month high in August, helped by cancellations which fell to a near three-year low, according to the latest numbers from ACT Research.

Class 8 orders totaled 14,200 units for the month, which was the best order month since March at 16,000 units. This is also significant jump from July's total of 10,358 units, one of the weakest totals since the first quarter of 2010.

“While down in August against traditional comparisons, Mexico remains the bright spot in the market as freight generation continues to benefit from peso weakness,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT's president and senior analyst. “A proposed emissions mandate at the start of 2018 is likely adding to market strength as truckers think strategically.”

Medium-duty Class 5-7 truck orders also increased in August, jumping to 17,100 units ordered for the month. This is in-line with the order trend that has been in place since April.

“With the consumer economy hitting on most cylinders, and without any irrational demand activity cycle-to-date - maybe a few months of peakiness early in the year as new products were ramped-up - there is good consistency in MD demand and steady-as-she-goes expectations remain in place,” said Vieth.

Related: August Sees Boost in Trailer Orders

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