Lesco Distributors Pro Show N’ Shine
Rosenau’s new Edmonton digs? The Aerotropolis
Swift Adopts FlowBelow Kits for Existing and New Tractors
<img width="150" src="http://www.automotive-fleet.com/fc_images/news/m-swift-aerokit-1.jpg" border="0" alt="
Swift will retrofit 40% of its 65,000 existing tractors with FlowBelow AeroKits and install them on new purchases. Photo: FlowBelow Aero Inc.
">Swift will retrofit 40% of its 65,000 existing tractors with FlowBelow AeroKits and install them on new purchases. Photo: FlowBelow Aero Inc.
">FlowBelow Aero Inc. says that Swift Transportation Co. will immediately begin deploying thousands of Tractor AeroKit systems in its fleet. They'll go on existing equipment and new purchases.
“Here at Swift we are laser-focused on implementing new technologies that are economical and proven to improve safety, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort,” said Bert Kinsel, vice president of heavy equipment procurement. “Over the years we have refined the specs of our trucks and trailers to optimize the air flowing around the vehicle and reduce drag as much as possible.
“Many aerodynamic products for trailers exist today, and we certainly utilize those that work well for us," he continued. "But because we operate over three trailers for every one truck in the fleet, meaning that our trailers are utilized approximately one-third as much as the tractors, the return on an investment for a trailer-mounted technology can take a lot longer than a comparable technology installed on one of our trucks. FlowBelow's system only needs to be installed on the tractor. The best thing about it is that it makes an impact on every mile we drive.”
FlowBelow kits improve fuel economy on Swift's tractors by a “solid 1.5%,” Kinsel said. The payback comes in 24 to 26 months, which is why retrofits will be done on tractors that have at least 30 months of service remaining in the fleet. They'll be bought on new tractors as well. Swift currently runs Freightliner, International, Kenworth, and Volvo tractors.
Swift first began testing Tractor AeroKits in 2014 and subjected them to an extensive evaluation process. After completing initial SAE fuel efficiency tests against a control vehicle, the fleet deployed ...Read the rest of this story
Blitz alert for truckers using I-94 this week
WorkWave acquires GPS Heroes, expands telematics offerings
WorkWave announced the acquisition of GPS Heroes, a GPS and telematics company serving small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With the acquisition of GPS Heroes, WorkWave said it expands its customer base, extends its telematics offering and “solidifies its place as the leading end-to-end platform for field service, last mile delivery and mobile workforce companies of all sizes.”
read more
...Read the rest of this story