Chevron introduces Delo 400 line, ISOSYN tech

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Truckers Post Available Capacity for Shippers on HaulHound

HaulHound is a free app that allows truckers to post their available empty capacity to shippers can find and fill empty trucks and transport their products.

Using HaulHound, truckers can post and edit their truck capacity from anywhere in real time. The app streamlines the information and updates posts automatically when they expire. In turn, HaulHound's online aggregation system allows shippers to search various logistics sources at once and refines their search results to compare availability and other information needed to fill empty trucks.

HaulHound was designed in collaboration between industry veterans and technology specialists, aimed at leveraging technology to eliminate the time and miles wasted by not being able to efficiently connect shippers and empty trucks.

“When we started the company, our goal was simple. We wanted to make the process of booking trucks as fast and easy as possible,” said Andrew Kim, president of HaulHound. “Our people have extensive experience in the industry and a wide range of backgrounds, so it was really important for us to meet the needs of both truckers and shippers.”

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Chevron Unveils New Delo 400 CK-4 and FA-4 Engine Oils

Photo: Chevron

Chevron unveiled its new line of Delo 400 engine oils meeting the American Petroleum Institute's new CK-4 and FA-4 heavy-duty diesel oil specifications, offering improvements in fuel economy and engine protection.

These new API specifications, which go into effect Dec. 1, were requested by engine makers to help them protect modern engines while improving fuel economy. FA-4 engine oils are designed to provide optimized fuel economy and protection for the newest engines. CK-4 engine oils are backward-compatible but provide better protection for current engines than the previous CJ-4 category.

Shawn Whitacre, Chevron senior staff engineer and chairman of the ASTM Heavy-Duty Engine Oil Classification Panel, called the rollout “one of the most significant new product introductions in our history, and the most extensive laboratory development program we've ever developed.

“On top of the very significant laboratory test program, we've added to what I would say is the most rigorous, varied and exhaustive field testing program we've ever undertaken.” The new oils have been testing in close to 500 Class 8 trucks, as well as a broad variety of off-highway equipment such as cement mixers, construction equipment, mining and agricultural equipment.

The oils feature what Chevron is calling Isosyn Advanced Technology, a combination of Chevron't premium base oils, formulation expertise and additive chemistry. Officials note that Chevron is unusual in that it has its own company making the chemical additives necessary for engine oils today. (In fact, Chevron says, it was the first company to start adding chemicals to base oils back during WWII, allowing submarines to run longer between maintenance.)

Chevron says the Isosyn Advanced Technology enables increased durability, through better oxidation control, anti-wear protection and piston control, while extending drain intervals compared to API CJ-4 oils.

“We are seeing some of the longest drain intervals and best engine protection in our company history,” said ...Read the rest of this story

Spot Truckload Rates Fail to Gain Except in Louisiana Flood Zone

A 0.9% decline in the number of available loads on the spot truckload freight market outweighed a 0.2% drop in truck postings for the week ending August 20, resulting in freight rates showing no improvements, except for areas in Louisiana affected by flooding, while fuel prices ticked higher.

New figures released by DAT Solutions based on its network of load boards show the overall load-to-truck ratio held at 4.2 loads per truck, with the company saying there are indications at least spot van rates may soon be on the rise.

The national average van rate slipped 1 cent from the week before to $1.60 per mile, although rates were stable on the country's top 100 van lanes. (All reported rates include fuel surcharges.)

The number of van load posts increased 1% and truck posts stayed the same, which yielded an increase in the load-to-truck ratio from 2.5 to 2.6 loads per truck, sometimes an indicator of higher freight rates to come.

Flooding in Louisiana led to higher rates on lanes heading into the New Orleans market, which includes Baton Rouge, according to DAT. Van loads from Dallas to New Orleans paid 18 cents better last week at an average of $1.79 per mile while Houston to New Orleans also added 16 cents to $2.10 per mile.

Increases were even more dramatic on lanes into the Shreveport market, which includes Alexandria. Ensler Field outside Alexandria is one of the staging areas for FEMA.

One consideration that needs to be taken into account, according to DAT Analyst Mark Montague, is that if you decided to haul FEMA loads, “You're almost certain to leave empty.” You can read more about inbound rates for loads related to Louisiana's flood relief on the DAT blog.

The number of reefer load posts increased 2% last week while capacity declined 2%. That ...Read the rest of this story

Cummins Adds 450-HP IS12 Ratings

Cummins Inc. announced the availability of two new 450-hp ISX12 ratings for linehaul and regional-haul truck markets.

The 450 hp with 1650 lb.-ft. of peak torque and 450 hp with 1450/1650 lb.-ft. of peak torque are the newest ratings for the ISX12. The 450 hp with 1650 lb.-ft. of peak torque provides performance on the same level as 15.0L and 13.0L engines but at a much lighter weight, which means more payload capacity, according to Cummins. The 450-hp 1450/1650 lb.-ft. SmartTorque rating is ideal for such applications as tank and bulk haulers that transport heavy material on the way out, but return with a light or empty load. SmartTorque technology modulates torque output to deliver the adequate amount of torque needed for the work being done.

Photo of ISX12 engine courtesy of Cummins.

Since its release in 2010, the ISX12 has performed well across a wide range of trucking applications, from regional-haul and bulk-haul to refuse and mixer. The engine, with its power take-off (PTO) capabilities, continues to benefit customers who demand more from their medium-bore engines.

The ISX12 has been a dependable product for many customers across North America since its release, according to Cummins. Williams Tank Lines, based in California, hauls petroleum products and operates predominately ISX12-powered trucks.

"The maintenance is a lot lower with the medium-bore ISX12, we've had [fewer] breakdowns, it's more dependable, more consistent. We have some that are approaching a million miles, and they haven't been overhauled," said Mike Williams, president of Williams Tank Lines.

Along with these new ratings for regional-haul trucks, Cummins is continuing to work on expanded ratings for vocational trucks, to provide even greater productivity in ISX12-powered cement mixers, refuse, and vacuum trucks.

The ISX12 will continue to be Cummins vocational and regional/bulk-hauling champion through 2017, and will be available through the end of 2018, with Cummins ...Read the rest of this story

ONE20: New mobile platform to connect, empower truck drivers

DALLAS. Citing the high prices, limited parking and long stretches away from family and friends that take a toll on professional drivers, trucking and technology industry veterans on Thursday launched ONE20, a free membership designed to empower the hard-working men and women in the industry to join a community, connect with the people and job-critical information, and save money.

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Fleets investing in more fuel economy tech (and it’s working)

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