Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

One Major Fleet’s Experience Testing Electric Trucks

Fleets that have been at the forefront of testing electric trucks are gaining insights into how these new vehicles perform in real-world freight operations.

John Baxter | Special to Transport Topics
April 24, 2020
Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

Diagnostics Could Ease Adoption of Electric Trucks

The advance of diagnostic programs has improved maintenance and uptime for diesel trucks, and it appears the same will be true for electric-powered vehicles.

John Baxter | Special to Transport Topics
April 24, 2020
Business, Technology, Equipment

Rear Axle Ratios Are Still Moving Downward

Downspeeding saves fuel, and with aerodynamics and tires continuing to improve, truck manufacturers are experimenting with still lower rear axle ratios.

John Baxter | Special to Transport Topics
January 24, 2020
Technology, Equipment

Avoid Aftertreatment Woes With Routine Preventive Maintenance

Heading off engine exhaust aftertreatment headaches can be as simple as doing preventive maintenance by the book, representatives of fleets and truck and engine makers said. Diesel particulate filtersand selective catalytic reduction systems have helped Class 8 trucks cut emissions of particulate matter, or soot, and nitrogen oxide compounds.

John Baxter | Special to Transport Topics
October 25, 2019
Business

Trucking Market Is ‘Hot,’ Says SVP of Mack Trucks

A sales executive with Mack Trucks expressed optimism about the trucking industry during a recent briefing with the press in Portland, Ore., and Seattle.

John Baxter | Special to Transport Topics
July 25, 2019
Business, Equipment, Fuel

The Upside of Downspeeding

Industry experts and fleets tell us that engine downspeeding is a great way to save fuel at highway speeds and that it affords additional benefits.

John Baxter | Special to Transport Topics
April 26, 2019
Technology, Equipment, Safety

Diesel Engine, Drivetrain Spec’ing Prove Crucial

Careful attention to diesel engine and drivetrain spec’ing is essential to ensure that Class 8 trucks have the highest productivity and lowest cost per mile for their specific applications.

John Baxter | Special to Transport Topics
January 25, 2019
Business, Technology, Equipment

Don't Skirt Proper Maintenance on Trailer Aero Devices, Experts Say

Trailer side skirts and various types of air deflectors, which are intended to boost a tractor-trailer’s aerodynamic efficiency, will save motor carriers more fuel with frequent inspections and proper repairs.

John Baxter | Special to Transport Topics
November 9, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment

Electric Trucks Are Promising, but Industry Must Understand Full Energy Needs

It’s time to start discussing electric trucks in light of the reality that they only handle part of the energy required for propulsion, leaving important aspects of energy production to external power sources.

John Baxter | Special to Transport Topics
September 21, 2018
Business, Equipment, Safety

Tire Safety Starts With the Pre-Trip Inspection

Ensuring that thorough tire inspections are part of every pre-trip checklist can extend tire life and help ensure that truck drivers make it to their destinations safely, tire experts said.

John Baxter | Special to Transport Topics
August 8, 2018