Mentorship panel named for Trucking HR Canada event




Cooper Tire & Rubber's Roadmaster RM332 WB is a commercial tire line available in a wide-base steer tire for mixed service applications.
The RM332 is now available in size 385/65R22.5 in load range L, in addition to size 425/65R22.5 in load range L. The tire has a 23/32nds tread depth for extended tread life in severe, high scrub applications and a cut and chip resistant compound designed for the performance requirements of mixed-service applications.
The tire has a rib-type tread pattern to withstand different applications like heavy-haul, on- and off-road, while providing long tread life and even wear. The RM332 WB tire includes a protective curb bar on both sidewalls and stone protector ledges in four circumferential grooves to resist stone penetrations.
These features help preserve the casing for retreading and with four heavy-duty, full-width steel belts, the tire promotes durability in heavy-haul applications.
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As the economy goes, so goes the medium-duty truck business. Sales numbers show continuing healthy growth of Class 3 through 7 commercial trucks, if you know how to read the data.
On their face, sales took a downturn in July and could finish the year 1.8% under 2015's pace. But they should pick up again in 2017's second quarter, according to an IHS forecast cited by Steve Latin-Kasper of the National Truck Equipment Association.
However, Latin-Kasper, NTEA's director of market data and research, notes that the IHS figures are taken from Ward's Automotive data, which includes Class 3 pickup trucks and vans, and pickup sales are expected to decline in this year's second half — which would account for the downturn. Take out Class 3, as NTEA does, and the prognosis is more rosy — up 3.6% in 2016 and another 5.4% next year for Class 4-7 sales in the United States. Canada's projections are similar and Mexico is in a boom, up an estimated 32.1% this year and 21.1% next year.
“The medium duty market has been stable and healthy, and we anticipate a consistent growth rate in all segments,” says Mary Aufdemberg, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. Others we talked with agree.
Diesel developmentsMedium-duty diesels have been updated to deliver more fuel efficiency that will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which must be reduced by direction of Phase 2 emissions regulations.
Daimler Trucks North America moved further down the path of vertical integration by introducing a new Detroit DD5, a 4-cylinder midrange diesel available for order now for its M2-106 trucks. It will first come from Daimler's plant in Mannheim, Germany, then production will move to Detroit's Milford, Mich., plant in 2018. At that time, engine ratings and options will be introduced for other applications beyond the pickup and delivery specs ...Read the rest of this story
Photo: Great Dane
">Photo: Great Dane
">Great Dane is introducing several new features designed to improve the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and the food transported in its Everest refrigerated trailers.
The Everest reefer features a void-free insulation foaming process, premium liners, and modular panel construction with no wood in the trailer. These features provide improved thermal efficiency and a safer, more sanitary cargo container.
Great Dane's ThermoGuard– made with a proprietary barrier layer to reduce cooling run time and help maintain excess cooling capacity – helps maintain insulation performance for the life of the trailer. ThermoGuard helps reduce fuel consumption and is more efficient at maintaining the right cargo temperature.
The Everest roof system is constructed of lightweight features connected through a bonded process to provide durability and better thermal efficiency. An aluminum roof sheet is supported by extruded aluminum roof bows and is secured to the top rail using a rolled edge design to seal the perimeter against moisture intrusion.
The floor design protects cargo from underneath and helps ensure proper temperatures. The 16,000-pound-rated aluminum duct floor is automatically welded to seal out moisture, and the composite floor sills are engineered for better durability and defense against moisture intrusion.
The Everest is available with multiple side door heights, widths and locations. Great Dane's unique blade lock side door design holds the door securely closed so cold air stays in. The blade lock exerts constant pressure along the full height of the door, ensuring that the efficient dual-compression seals prevent air loss around the perimeter of the door.
Great Dane and ASA Electronics have also introduced a small wireless camera system powered by auto-pairing technology. The rear-mounted camera features an embedded microphone and gives drivers increased awareness of the action behind their rigs on the road, in parking lots, and during docking maneuvers.
Drivers see detailed images for a minimum of ...Read the rest of this story

