Fleet Equipment News
Commercial freight transportation is a machine-based business. Highly technical equipment and advanced engineering are at the center of supply chain and require constant innovation. Transport Topics equipment coverage focuses on the machines and other physical assets that make delivery possible. It looks closely at available truck, trailer, and chassis models, developments in the engineering space, and maintenance innovations and best practices.
In Typical Roadside Tire Emergencies, It’s Often Tire Makers to the Rescue
Roadside tire emergencies typically strike without warning, despite the best-laid preventive maintenance programs of fleet and maintenance managers.
More Fleets Turn to EC Transmissions
In less than five years, electronically controlled, or EC, transmissions have gone from a “maybe” option for a few fleets to the majority spec in new trucks.
Truck Techs Keeping Busy With Aftertreatment Issues
In the wake of federal clean-air mandates in 2007 and 2010, maintenance technicians are working furiously to keep the aftertreatment systems of their fleets’ trucks operating.
Cab Seat Technology Addresses Driver Health Concerns
Driving a truck for hours on end day after day takes its toll on the body, but the engineers of today’s cab seats are doing more than ever to address driver health and comfort concerns. These seats offer an array of features that soothe body aches and pains, reduce vibration and accommodate the range of body sizes.
Female-Friendly Equipment Prevents Injuries, Improves Ease of Use, Drivers, Suppliers Say
To help attract and retain female drivers, a number of fleets and manufacturers are adding specialized equipment to help reduce injuries and minimize the amount of strength needed to complete certain tasks, which contribute to a better life on the road.
No Gender Gap in Today’s Class 8 Trucks, Tractors
When it comes to differences in average height, weight and strength of male and female Class 8 truck drivers, those differences challenge truck designers to build a vehicle that can be easily used by both genders. Those physical differences can make it difficult for drivers — male or female — to reach the pedals while seeing over the hood, or to open a hood and be able to add engine oil or clean a windshield without having to climb atop a tire.
Another 9,000 Trailers Recalled Due to Bendix Defect
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall of more than 9,000 additional trailers because of a defect with the Bendix SR-5 spring brakes that the manufacturer believes could affect up to 194,410 trailers in total.
Achieving ‘360° Driver Awareness’
When it comes to personal safety, the time-tested adage “know your surroundings” is sound advice. Whether it’s walking down a dark street or driving in heavy traffic, the more you know about what’s around you, the more quickly you can react to changing conditions.
Driver-Focused Designs
The annual National Truck Driving Championships kicked off Aug. 10 in Indianapolis. To coincide with Transport Topics’ coverage of the “Super Bowl of Safety,” this edition of Equipment & Maintenance Update features stories focused on drivers’ needs and concerns, including those related to comfort, safety and health.
Letters: Mandate Technology, A Modest Proposal
Mandate Technology That Boosts Collision Avoidance
August 8, 2016