Category: Trucking News

J.J. Keller Offers Multi-User Functionality for E-Logs

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Photo: J.J. Keller

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Photo: J.J. Keller

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J.J. Keller and Associates developed a method for allowing fleets to track hours of service data for multiple drivers on a single device within the J.J. Keller Encompass System.

With the new functionality, multiple mobile users can share a common device, reducing the cost to fleets and recurring monthly expenses to procuring, supporting and maintaining multiple devices.

The new functionality is particularly useful to industries with drivers who frequently transition from vehicle to vehicle, including hyrail, oil and gas, logging, utility and construction, according to J.J. Keller.

J.J. Keller has also expanded its electronic logging system to include the construction Hours of Service rule set. For drivers whose primary role is to maintain the supply of construction equipment, construction maintenance vehicles, or pavement materials to and from an active construction site, this exemption allows a 24-hour restart instead of 34 hours.

“Construction companies understand their business isn't like over-the-road truck operations. That's why they expect a flexible and compliant Hours of Service solution from their ELog provider that also takes advantage of operational efficiencies in line with FMCSA rules,” said Tom Bray, senior transportation editor for J. J. Keller. “Expanding the number of rule sets in our electronic logging system allows us to support the compliant use of exemptions by drivers in each specific segment of the industry.”

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Related: J.J. Keller Expands ELog Training for Drivers

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TruckSmart App Allows for Parking Space Reservations

TravelCenters of America has updated its TruckSmart Mobile App, allowing drivers to reserve and pay for an available parking space at any TA or Petro location up to 30 days in advance.

The feature is the mobile version of TA's Reserve-It! Parking program, designed to help truckers guarantee a spot to park at the end of a workday. Truckers can reserve a spot from within the app and make payment for it using a credit card.

“Reserve-It! was created by TravelCenters to help professional drivers increase their efficiency and productivity, and to help them ensure they can find truckstop parking at the end of their workday,” said Tom O'Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters. “Adding functions to our TruckSmart app makes Reserve-It! more convenient than ever before.”

TruckSmart also includes access to UltraOne account balances and recent transactions, fuel prices, show and parking availability, maintenance services schedule queuing, store specials and RoadSquad emergency roadside service.

TruckSmart is available for Android and iOS smartphones through the Google Play and Apple App Store.

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Hino Trucks Produces 50,000th Vehicle

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A 2017 model-year Hino Model 268A was the 50,000th truck produced by Hino Trucks. (PHOTO: HINO)

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A 2017 model-year Hino Model 268A was the 50,000th truck produced by Hino Trucks. (PHOTO: HINO)

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Hino Trucks has produced its 50,000th Hino truck. A ceremony to celebrate the milestone took place at Hino's plant in Williamstown, W.V., in front of it local and state officials, assembly team members, and Hino executive management.

The 50,000th truck is a 2017 Model 268A, which is part of Hino's lineup of conventional trucks. The milestone caps a record growth period for Hino in which the company has seen a 30% increase in two years. The growth in sales can be attributed to a combination of improved vehicle offerings including a fully connected vehicle platform that is standard across all Hino models, according to the truckmaker.

The Model 268A features a 25,950-pound GVW, achieves 230 hp 520 lb-.ft. of torque and is powered by a turbocharged, intercooled Hino J08E-WU engine (with an optional Hino J08E-VB that can achieve up to 660 lb-ft. of torque) with air brakes.

"It's gratifying for our sales team, our manufacturing team, and our production team to have reached this significant milestone in our company's history. This production level is testament to our trucks longevity and to the commitment of our customers to support a quality product," said Yoshinori Noguchi, chairman of Hino Trucks. "The Hino brand has risen from humble beginnings in the U.S. to become the premier leader in the medium-duty truck market. We have built a solid foundation on which we plan to build consistently and substantially with the help of an ever expanding portfolio of standard features."

Assembled in Williamstown and driven nationwide in a host of applications, the 268A is part of Hino's Class 6-7 conventional truck lineup. Current vocational markets that utilize the 268A include food and beverage, delivery, construction, towing, waste, sanitation, refined fuels, utility, and aerial.

Related: 10,000th Hino Truck Delivered to Penske Truck Leasing

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