Fleet Equipment

Spec’d for service & resale • Top Green Fleet Award winner • SmartWay spec’ing

FEBRUARY 2013

Managing Equipment Assets

www.FleetEquipmentMag.com

Innovative solutions Dean Sexton President D&D Sexton Inc.

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47059

On the Inside

Vol. 39 | Number 2 | 2013

Feb.

Columns Editorial

4

Founded 1974. Copyright 2013 Babcox Media Inc.

CAROL BIRKLAND

Heavy-Duty News

26

6

DENISE KOETH

Fuels & Lubes

8

JOHN MARTIN

10

Light- & Medium-Duty SETH SKYDEL

Service & Support

12

D. MICHAEL PENNINGTON

Tires & Wheels

36

14

ASA SHARP

Post Script

56

Departments

32

16 ASE Finding the best training

20 Industry News Trailer orders strongest since March 2006, medium-duty truck orders best since 2008

Features 24

IT for Asset Management | Operations predictability

26

Equipment Management | Spec’d for service and resale

32

Special Report | Top Green Fleet Award winner

36

Before & After(market) | SmartWay Spec’ing

44

Fleet Profile | Innovative solutions

48 Truck Products Prestone unveils new heavy-duty coolants

49 Trailers & Bodies Mitsubishi Fuso offers sidemounted fuel tank option

50 Shop OTC offers portable DPF cleaner

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Steve Duley, Vice President of Purchasing Schneider National Inc.

David Foster, Vice President of Maintenance Southeastern Freight Lines

Bob Hamilton, Director of Fleet Maintenance Bozzuto's Inc.

Peter Nativo, Director of Maintenance Transport Service Co.

Darry Stuart, President & CEO DWS Fleet Management

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47003

PUBLISHER David Moniz, Publisher 330-670-1234, Ext. 215 dmoniz@babcox.com EDITORIAL Carol Birkland, Editor-in-Chief 952-476-0230 cbirkland@babcox.com Tom Gelinas, Editorial Director tgelinas@SBCglobal.net Denise Koeth, Sr. Editor 330-670-1234, Ext. 274 dkoeth@babcox.com Seth Skydel, Senior Contributing Editor 330-670-1234 tosskydel@gmail.com D. Michael Pennington, Senior Staff Writer 248-872-6760 mike@pennotesllc.com Asa Sharp Contributing Editor 330-670-1234 alcohn@psi-atis.com John Martin, Contributing Editor 330-670-1234 fleetquestions@lubrizol.com Paul Hartley, Contributing Editor 507-645-2200 hartley@addmedia.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Tammy House, Sr. Graphic Designer 330-670-1234, Ext. 256 thouse@babcox.com ADVERTISING SERVICES Kelly McAleese, Ad Services Manager 330-670-1234, Ext. 284 kmcaleese@babcox.com CIRCULATION SERVICES Pat Robinson, Circulation Manager 330-670-1234, Ext. 276 probinson@babcox.com Star Mackey, Circulation Assistant 330-670-1234, Ext. 242 smackey@babcox.com CORPORATE Bill Babcox, President Greg Cira, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Stankard, Vice President Beth Scheetz, Controller In Memoriam: Edward S. Babcox (1885-1970) – Founder Tom B. Babcox (1919-1995) – Chairman

Editorial

Equipment acquisition trends for 2013 CAROL BIRKLAND | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

he Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), which reports that it represents the $725 billion equipment finance sector, recently revealed its Top 10 Equipment Acquisition Trends for 2013. Given that every year U.S. businesses, nonprofits and government agencies spend in excess of $1.2 trillion in capital goods or fixed business investment (including software), financing more than half of those assets, these trends impact a significant portion of the U.S. economy. Businesses considering acquiring equipment this year will consider numerous end-user benefits while weighing continued uncertainty related to economic conditions and fiscal policies.

T

ELFA President and CEO William G. Sutton, CAE, said, “Equipment acquisition plays a critical role in driving the supply chains across all U.S. manufacturing and service sectors.

We have distilled recent research data, including the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s 2013 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook Report and U.S. Equipment Finance Market Study 2012-2013, industry participants’ expertise, and member input from ELFA meetings and conferences to provide our best insight for the top 10 Equipment Acquisition Trends for 2013.”

The following Top 10 Equipment Acquisition Trends for 2013 issued by the organization may help you plan for the year: 1. Corporate perceptions of the economic outlook will be a primary driver of business investment decisions.

2. Equipment investment will pick up in the second half of 2013. Equipment investment will grow this year, although the rate of growth will be hampered by fiscal uncertainty.

3. Pent-up demand will spur investment across varied equipment types.

4. A continuing low interest rate environment will enable companies to acquire the equipment they need and conserve cash.

5. A majority of U.S. businesses will use some form of financing for equipment acquisition.

6. Business size will impact equipment acquisition. Size will matter when acquiring equipment in 2013.

7. The gaining prominence of cloud computing will transform the way businesses pay for IT investments.

8. Credit market conditions will remain favorable for long-term equipment financing.

9. The one-year extension of bonus depreciation may provide incentives for businesses to acquire equipment.

10. Although the value of lease financing will remain, businesses will begin to adapt their equipment acquisition strategies to comply with long-awaited changes to lease accounting standards.

A new draft of proposed changes to lease accounting standards by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board should be announced this year, enabling businesses to begin to evaluate how their balance sheets, earnings and other financials will be affected by equipment financing agreements. /

4 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47005

Heavy-duty News

A

s usual, this year’s Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week, held Jan. 21-24 in Las Vegas, offered some valuable insight into the U.S. economy, trucking industry trends and more. Of particular interest was the Fleet Panel Discussion during the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialog, which preceded the event’s trade show.

The fleet representatives taking part in the panel discussion included Roy Svehla, senior manager of fleet maintenance for Republic Services Inc., the second largest refuse company in the U.S.; Jon Cain, maintenance manager for Las Vegas-based Ahern Rentals, which delivers rental equipment in 30 different states; and Paul Higgins, director of fleet maintenance for Prime Inc. Higgins also is a member of the equipment purchasing team for tractors, trailers and refrigeration units at Prime, which operates 500 trucks with refrigerated trailers and food grade tankers.

The panelists were in agreement when it came to one issue of sourcing parts—they all said they would rather pay more for quality.

“The value of the piece I purchase is offset by how long it lasts and how it performs,” Cain said. “We don’t look for the most expensive part, we look for ones that have the best quality. If we know it’s going to last, we will pay a premium.”

Higgins noted it’s important to recognize upfront price vs. total cost of ownership. Through the use of technology, including VMRS coding, Prime is able to track parts that need replacement before their warranted life.

“Look for (VMRS coding) to be the next big thing in helping truckers an-

6 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

Paying more for quality

BY DENISE KOETH | MANAGING EDITOR

alyze true lifecycles,” he noted.

“We’re willing to pay more upfront for a product as long as we see the increase on the residual side, so we have a better net cost of ownership,” Higgins said, noting that some comparisons are more difficult to make than others. “We’ve spec’d stainless rear frames on our trailers for a long time, because our image is important to us. We like having new equipment for our drivers and for our customers. I’ve not seen painted-steel frames look good for

as OE—is replacement “crash parts.” Higgins said, “Quality-wise, they are just as good as the OE parts—sometimes even better—and the prices are definitely better. We’ll never scrimp on safety-related items, but there are many alternatives out there that are worth looking at.”

When evaluating total lifecycle costs of both OE and replacement parts, downtime for repairs is a huge cost to factor in. To minimize downtime at Prime, Higgins said the fleet has taken control of its repairs at

‘We’re willing to pay more upfront as long as we see the increase on the residual side, so we have a better net cost of ownership.’ – Higgins very long after the trailer is in service.”

Another product Prime considers worth the premium acquisition price is LED lighting. “We love the ‘no maintenance’ life of those lights. We don’t want to see the trailer in our shops for light work, and we sure don’t want our drivers having lights repaired on the road.”

When purchasing equipment, Prime aims to spec parts that will last the vehicle’s lifecycle, “so we don’t have to replace during our ownership,” Higgins noted. These include long-life brake chambers, stainless rear trailer frames, LED lights and extended-warranty wheel ends.

One area in which the fleet saves money—finding that lower cost aftermarket parts perform just as well

outside shops, simply not allowing its trucks to sit.

“We meet weekly with our truck OEMs and discuss all trucks in shops, and we measure days of downtime,” he said. “We bought three wreckers and we’re not afraid to go get our equipment if we feel the repair is outside the capabilities of a shop on the road.

“We feel really good about our local dealers’ shops, so bringing a truck home is often the quickest and least costly answer,” Higgins added.

“These days, equipment down means our driver isn’t making money, and that means he’s looking for another job. Just like we all have to provide for our families, we want to treat our drivers the way we’d want to be treated.” /

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47007

Fuels & Lubes

A

lot has happened on the alternate fuels front lately. I’ll try to bring you up to date.

As part of the fiscal cliff bill, federal subsidies for biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol and other forms of renewable energy were reinstated through “earmarks.” I found two things very interesting.

First, federal subsidies for cornbased ethanol fuels were not reinstated. The ethanol crowd is furious!

They say the government doesn’t know what it is doing. I found it very encouraging.

Corn-based ethanol backers will get another chance when the longawaited farm bill comes up for a vote.

I’m against approval, because cornbased ethanol produces: 1. greater emissions 2. higher food prices 3. poorer vehicular fuel economy 4. increased fuel system maintenance The Renewable Fuels Association CEO recently stated, “The wolves are at the door,” claiming that Big Oil thwarted their efforts to get a tax credit passed. Oh yes, ethanol production was down last year.

Corn-based ethanol was never intended to be the end-all, do-all of alternate fuels. Scientists realized early on that the use of corn—based ethanol (which actually dates back to the 1920s) was only an initial attempt.

They prophesized that second generation ethanol products would be produced from plant fibers (cellulosic).

The problem with cellulosic ethanol is that production costs are still much higher than corn-based ethanol, but they will come down with additional development work.

The second item of interest was that

8 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

Alternate fuels update

BY JOHN MARTIN | CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

the government will now subsidize the use of algae to produce biofuels.

Algae is a late entry to the alternate fuels game, but it makes the most sense because algae can be grown practically anywhere, and it contains up to 70% oil content.

Oils are necessary to produce biofuels. Unlike corn-based or sugar canebased ethanol, algae does not interfere with the world’s food supply.

Natural gas has now overtaken coal as the second largest producer of U.S. energy requirements.

Let’s hope that algae production makes some significant strides forward.

The public also is growing disenchanted with electric passenger cars.

After all of the initial elation, many end-users were faced with very high battery replacement costs. I don’t think the average motorist has a clue how to maximize battery service life—I know I don’t!

That big battery technology breakthrough hasn’t materialized even though the federal government has heavily financed several companies

such as A123 Systems. Many of these companies are now bankrupt. Racers have some interesting lightweight carbon fiber batteries, but these batteries cost 20 to 30 times as much as conventional lead-acid or gel batteries.

Besides, with the use of coal-fired power plants, emissions reductions aren’t that great, and over 35% of America’s power is still produced by coal. And I don’t believe the “clean coal” myth any more than you do. As an aside, power generation still consumes more fuel than transportation.

At the moment, the bright spot is natural gas. With the perfection of fracking, oil experts have now identified sufficient natural gas reserves to meet the U.S. fuel requirements for more than 100 years. Production has grown 327% in 4 years. We are now exceeding 40-year-old production records (when the U.S. was the world’s energy king) for petroleum.

Supply is so great that prices should remain low for at least a decade.

Forecasters are now stating that there will be over 1 million natural gas-fueled trucks on the road by 2020 (these predictions are worth every penny you paid for them).

Natural gas has now overtaken coal as the second largest producer of U.S. energy requirements. Only liquid petroleum is higher, but with the support of vehicular producers and infrastructure providers, I see natural gas’s contributions going significantly higher. Many power generation plants are now switching to natural gas to appease their environmentally conscious customers. Natural gas is going to make the U.S. more energy independent than any other fuel source. /

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47009

Light & Medium-Duty

F

leets looking for an alternative fuel option can now order 2013 model year bi-fuel pickups from GM, and some have already taken that step to help control fuel costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

“At Chesapeake Energy Corp. we are converting our fleet of more than 5,000 vehicles to run on natural gas,” said Nate Pumphrey, director of fleet operations. “Following our full conversion, we will save $11 million to $12 million annually on fuel costs.

The stable price of natural gas is a benefit that helps me budget more accurately, and the fuel’s reduced emissions align with our commitment to environmental excellence.”

GM recently began producing GMC Sierra 2500 HD and Chevrolet Silverado HD bi-fuel models. Meeting all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions requirements, the manufacturer’s Vortec 6.0L V8 engine, rated at 360 HP and 380 lb./ft. of torque, runs on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) and seamlessly switches between the two fuels. The combined fuel range of the vehicles is 650 miles.

Bi-fuel GMC and Chevrolet pickups are ordered from the factory, sent to the OEM’s Tier One supplier IMPCO for installation of the CNG bi-fuel delivery and storage system, and then delivered to the dealer or an upfitter.

Included in the installation is a Type-3 single-tank CNG system that has been designed to retain more bed space.

The bi-fuel pickups, along with other Sierra and Silverado models for 2013, are available in standard and

10 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

Choosing fuel options

BY SETH SKYDEL | SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

long-box, two- or four-wheel drive, and regular, extended and crew cab versions. Overall, there are 10 2500HD models and eight singleand dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models.

On larger 3500HD chassis cab models, a B20 biodiesel capable Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo-diesel rated at 397 HP and 765 lb./ft. of torque also is available. The engine features Selective Catalytic Reduction with a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection system that has a range of about 5,000 miles between refills. Combustion and aftertreatment on the engine have been optimized to provide about 700 miles between diesel particulate filter (DPF) regenerations, a 75% improvement over the previous system.

Vortec bi-fuel engines in GM and Chevrolet trucks are mated to a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax diesel is matched with an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic that features tap up/tap down shifting.

Other features of the GMC and Chevy pickups and chassis cabs include fully boxed steel frames with hydroformed front sections. There is a two-stage leaf-spring suspension on 2500HD models and a three-stage design on 3500HD models, all with three-inch wide springs. The trucks also have a smart exhaust brake and trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake control, hill start assist, automatic grade braking, and intelligent brake assist systems. The framemounted hitch for conventional trailers supports up to 18,000 lbs.

Along with a full range of GMC and Chevrolet truck models, General Motors Fleet and Commercial Sales

(www.gmfleet.com) is offering fleet buyers the GM Business Choice program. The offering includes oil changes and other standard maintenance.

The two-year/30,000-mile Business Maintenance Plan, which covers lube, oil and filter changes; tire rotation;

‘Following our full conversion, we will save $11 million to $12 million annually on fuel costs.’

– Pumphrey

and a 27-point inspection, is available to Business Choice customers. Eligible vehicles include cargo, passenger and cutaway vans, chassis cabs, 1500, 2500 and 3500 model pickups and the Chevrolet Avalanche. Small fleets with more than one vehicle for workrelated purposes may be eligible for the program.

For light-duty fleets, GM’s growing range of choices is making alternative fuel and other options readily available. /

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47011

Service & Support The total cost of ownership should be the primary concern of fleet managers as they plan battery replacement for the entire fleet.

“That cost should include the direct costs (battery purchase price) and also the opportunity or indirect costs associated with factors such as vehicle downtime and replacement of ancillary items like battery cables and trays,” said John Kim, director of technical marketing for EnerSys, manufacturer of Odyssey batteries.

…proper charging is the single most important action in ensuring long life for the battery.

Kim suggested fleets need better battery maintenance procedures, both in use and in storage, to extend the battery’s service life and ensure the warranty can be enforced.

Technology in batteries is changing so fast. Look at the new AGM-type versus the maintenance-free batteries. They have better charge retention, more reserve capacity, and help fleets meet cranking power requirements plus hotel load usage, he added.

More smart service suggestions include: when refilling a conventional flooded battery, avoid contamination

12 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

Got power?

BY D. MICHAEL PENNINGTON | SENIOR STAFF WRITER

by using only distilled water. Absorbed glass mat, valve-regulated lead acid (AGM-VRLA) batteries are sealed, which eliminates the need to add water or electrolyte.

According to Kim, proper charging is the single most important action in ensuring long life for the battery. If the battery will be stored for a prolonged period, it should be fully charged before placed in storage.

Storing an only partially charged battery may cause permanent damage, preventing the battery from recovering to its full capacity, even when charged prior to reinstallation.

The deep-discharge recovery capabilities of an AGM-VRLA battery can tolerate storage better than conventional AGM batteries.

Additionally, proper charging (of an Odyssey battery) is the only way to break up internal sulfation and prevent its accumulation in the battery.

Chronic undercharging will cause sulfation to reach a point where a normal recharge will not break it down, and the battery eventually will fail.

With thin plate pure lead technology, the unit charges two to three times faster, depending on the charger. Another tip with thin plate: it can be stored outside in the cold, simply take off the negative cable.

A reliable digital voltmeter will measure the battery’s open circuit voltage (OCV) and determine its state of charge (SOC). Wait at least six to eight hours after the battery has been charged before measuring the OCV. Again, batteries should be fully charged prior to storage. The electrolyte in an acid-filled battery may freeze if the temperature gets low

(generally in an unheated environment). Determine the lowest temperature at which the electrolyte will remain fluid; that is the temperature at which the battery can be stored.

Thin-plate, pure-lead (TPPL) AGMVRLA batteries can be stored for two years, or until the OCV drops to 12 volts, at temperatures of 25 degrees C (77 F) or lower. The lower the temperature, the longer the storage time.

More electronic devices on new trucks can cause parasitic loads when the engine is inactive for a period of time. Parasitic loads will drain the battery to discharge; it simply can’t maintain a high enough voltage. If the battery is discharged to less than 70% of its capacity, it may be unable to turn on the engine.

Connecting the battery to a trickle charger can prevent excessive discharge when the vehicle has been inactive. The amp-hour (Ah) capacity of the battery determines the length of time needed to keep the battery connected to a trickle charger.

Odyssey suggests if fleets follow the correct recovery procedure (on its website) and are still experiencing failure, the battery should be returned to the place of purchase.

Are improvements on the horizon?

EnerSys’ Kim said they include different additions to improve cycling, maybe a different plastic for higher strength, and also possible leaded nickel and zinc technologies.

One fleet manager summed it up: “look at the total cost of ownership, not just low cost, and fully understand the vehicle’s load, seek a longer warranty than 12-18 months, and look for national support rather than regional. Proper servicing really goes without saying—it’s a must!” /

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47013

Tires & Wheels Proper tire storage is a topic worth discussing and probably needs serious follow-up by many fleet managers.

First, tires wear much longer these days and therefore are exposed to longer lifecycles as original treads are consumed. More importantly, casings have become more durable, and many line haul tires reach total mileages of 750,000 to 1 million miles with multiple retreads.

Proper tire storage should be an integral component of all good tire asset management programs. Normal tire usage, with flexing under load, causes anti-aging chemicals contained within the tire sidewalls and tread areas to migrate to the exterior surfaces, where they do battle with routinely encountered service conditions.

Storage recommendations for tires mounted on vehicles that are parked or otherwise not “exercised” (flexed under load) in frequent service have specific inflation and deflection issues to minimize premature deterioration.

These are addressed separately.

Once dismounted, casings are typically stored (or simply sit) unattended awaiting processing or return to service. Exterior sidewalls have many additives (noted above), including anti-oxidant and anti-ozone chemicals to protect the rubber from moisture, sunlight, ozone (from the natural atmosphere and especially concentrations from electric motors) and other environmental effects. Tire interiors, however, become vulnerable to deterioration without the protection of being mounted and inflated. At

14 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

What tires and mushrooms have in common

BY ASA SHARP | CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

this point, tires can become quite sensitive to their storage environments.

Cool, dark and dry conditions are always preferred for tire storage.

Moisture, sunlight (especially any direct exposure), and hot temperatures should be avoided.

Since electric motors can generate tire-damaging concentrations of ozone when running, tires should not be stored near compressors, fans, furnaces, A/C units, pumps or other

erwise, they may be stored flat (horizontally), but never stacked more than 4½ to 5 ft. tall.

Don’t forget that any retread suppliers, tire repair and service vendors, truckstop/remote storage facilities, or others who may hold any portion of your tire inventory off-site should be routinely monitored to ensure “tirefriendly” storage conditions.

Truck tires are chemical composites that naturally deteriorate slowly over time—with or without use on vehi-

Proper tire storage should be an integral component of all good tire asset management programs.

electric powered devices. Also, proximity to any chemicals, especially petroleum products (such as oil, grease, gasoline, diesel fuel, solvents, etc.) should be avoided and direct contact should NEVER be allowed.

Tires should never be stored directly on asphalt or other heat-absorbent surfaces. No highly reflective surfaces should be nearby. Uncovered outdoor storage of used tires or casings must be avoided to minimize tire lifecycle costs.

Generally, tires may be stored in an upright position, preferably on tire racks designed for that purpose. Oth-

cles. Therefore, when removing tires from storage for use, first-in/first-out inventory management is highly recommended.

Tire interiors should then be inspected to ensure that the air chamber is free of any debris, dirt and moisture. Any remaining debris, even very small particles, can enter the valve sealing surfaces and cause slow leaks.

Also, any trapped moisture can later permeate the casing, creating oxidation of the steel ply and belt cords, which can compromise tire strength and long-term casing durability. /

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47015

Training Techniques Finding the best training

BY TONY MOLLA | ASE’s VP OF COMMUNICATIONS

T

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47016

hose responsible for training heavy-duty technicians are finding aftermarket training resources a challenge. While the OEMs do a pretty good job of providing training to their largest customers, establishing an ongoing training process that involves using aftermarket training providers requires a bit more effort.

Aftermarket training resources are out there, but aren’t as numerous as those aimed at the light vehicle market. Some involve adult education classes at local post-secondary schools that have heavy-duty programs, and you can find a list of these accredited programs at www.natef.org. Suppliers also can be a valuable resource for aftermarket training, along with tool and equipment manufacturers, industry organizations like the Technology and Maintenance Council, ATMC members and some independent training providers—trade shows are another potential source of some great training opportunities.

Some operations find that creating an in-house training program is the most effective way to address the issue. If you decide to go this route, Milne offered some advice on what you need to consider when selecting your training information and/or provider. Begin with an evaluation of your technical staff on training needs by identifying knowledge gaps.

There are several ways to do this, not the least of which is to have them take an ASE certification test, if they haven’t already. The score report from ASE will show areas where an individual would benefit from additional training.

You also should consider input from supervisors, other technicians or an assessment test from one of your existing training providers, if they have one. Reviewing job performance evaluations usually will provide clues

16 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

as to where some focused training will do the most good. Once you’ve determined what training needs exist, you can then start the process of finding the right training curriculum for your operation.

According to Milne, good training is based on good science and generally accepted principles. There are some common elements to look for to determine if a training program will be effective and ensure you get a reasonable return on that investment.

A good training program will incorporate the following elements: • Program Overview explaining the subject, target audience, delivery method(s), projected class size (if appropriate), the expected results, and any innovations.

• Needs Analysis outlining why this training is necessary.

• Learning Objectives clearly defining the knowledge and skills that the trainees will learn as a result of this training • Program Materials or take-aways associated with the instruction, i.e.: Powerpoint slide reproductions, workbooks, job aids, online resources, etc.

• Training Program Delivery Methods with available choices on whether the training is instructor-led, hands-on, online, or self-study.

• Measurement of Program’s Intended Outcomes to quantify the results of the training against the intended outcome.

These are some general tips on how to choose the right training for your needs, regardless of whether it’s in-house or external. It is likely that you will use some combination of the above, based on your own, specific training needs. But the first step to building a successful training process is to identify your own specific needs.

After that, it’s just a matter of finding what works best. /

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47017

Timely Tips Caring for torque wrenches

A

ccording to the tool experts at Snap-on, a torque wrench is a precision instrument designed to apply a specific amount of force to a fastener.

Whether tightening head bolts on an engine, lugs for tire and rim installation or inspecting fastener tolerances on high-performance equipment, it is extremely important that proper care is used.

Guidelines typically are provided noting acceptable torque ranges, the order in which specific fasteners are tightened and the number of times a fastener must be tightened and loosened to ensure uniform torque application. Failure to properly torque fasteners can lead to equipment damage, personal injury or worse. With proper care, a high-quality torque wrench should provide accurate measurements for many years.

It is important to follow acceptable maintenance and use practices, like: • Safety glasses or goggles should be worn at all times when using any hand tool.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding torque direction, proper force, torque pattern/sequence, use or non-use of lubrication on fasteners and torque “tighten/release” cycles.

• Do not exceed the recommended working range of the torque wrench.

Reliable measurements are based on a percentage of the working range. In general, most mechanical wrenches have a useable range from 20% to 100% of full scale. Most electronic wrenches have a useable range from 10% to 100% of full scale.

• Do not use accessories or handle extensions unless specifically allowed by the torque wrench manufacturer.

• Take time to inspect the tool and

18 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

check for worn or cracked sockets.

Properly lubricate and replace worn parts.

• Avoid dropping or sliding a torque wrench. Dropping a torque wrench on a hard surface can cause the instrument to lose reliable calibration. If you suspect that a wrench has been dropped, have the tool inspected by the manufacturer or reputable calibration service.

• Always store a torque wrench in a protective case and/or location when not in use.

• Avoid exposure to temperature extremes, high humidity, fluid immersion and corrosive environments.

• If using a click-type torque wrench, always store it at the lowest level on the scale.

• Avoid marking, etching or placing labels on torque wrenches.

• Use a torque wrench to apply a specific torque value during the final assembly process. Do not use a torque wrench as the primary means of tightening or loosening fasteners.

• As most torque wrenches are length specific, always grasp the torque wrench in the center of the handle. If two hands need to be used, place one hand on top of the other.

• Apply torque in a slow, methodical manner and avoid sudden, “jerking” movements.

• When the wrench signals (by clicking, beeping or lights) that a specific torque has been reached, stop pulling immediately.

After 5,000 cycles or up to one year of use, whichever comes first, have your torque wrench inspected and recalibrated by the manufacturer or reputable calibration service.

For more information, contact: Sara Scarlato 262-656-5350 or sara.scarlato@snapon.com. /

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47019

IndustryNews

Trailer orders strongest since March 2006, medium-duty truck orders best since 2008

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47020

Following a modest pullback in November, the trailer industry closed 2012 on a strong note: December saw new orders rise to a multi-year high, while cancellation activity remained at modest levels.

New orders rose 38% month over month from November to 31,586 units. Trailer shipments for the full year were up almost 13%. This update on industry performance was reported in the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers, published by ACT Research Co. “The fact that orders strengthened in the face of the fiscal cliff speaks to the strength of underlying trailer demand and the ongoing health of trucking fundamentals,” said ACT’s Frank Maly, directorCV Transportation. “We believe rising consumer and business confidence will bode well for continued strength in

20 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

trailer demand in 2013.” ACT also reported that medium-duty vehicle demand ended 2012 on a strong note.

“The last time Classes 5 to 7 net orders were as high as they were in Q4 was in Q1 of 2008,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “Strength was broad-based throughout trucks, buses, RVs and step vans. As for Class 8, orders above the level of build allowed the backlog to rise for a third consecutive month in December.” For more information, visit www.actresearch.net.

Marangoni Tread North America wins President’s Award Marangoni S.p.A. has announced that its North American division, Marangoni Tread North America, has been awarded the President’s Award for 2012 based on

excellence in sales, manufacturing and market development performance. The division’s accomplishments in several categories included an increase in unit tread sales of 15% over the previous year, the addition of two new Ringtread dealers and 12 additional Unitread dealers for a total of 42 Marangoni authorized retreaders.

In addition, the company cited the introduction of the Performance Specific Ringtread line, which includes the Energeco line for fuel economy, RDG 100 for high mileage and traction and the RDA One and RTA One line for wide base tires.

Meritor builds 10 Millionth trailer axle Meritor recently celebrated its 10 millionth trailer axle made in North America at its Frankfort, Ky. manufacturing facil-

ity. “This is an important milestone that underscores Meritor’s long heritage of providing innovative, market-leading products,” said Pedro Ferro, vice president and president, Aftermarket & Trailer. “Our experience in designing and manufacturing trailer components puts us at the forefront of axle innovation.”

Today, the company has more than 50 different axles for use in a broad range of trailer applications. Meritor’s lightweight, durable and highly serviceable portfolio of trailer axles includes straight, drop and crank product offerings that can be customized for each customer’s specific trailer application needs.

“We are proud that Meritor trailer axles are produced using American-made steel, formed into American-made tubing and fabricated into finished axles in our Frankfort, Ky. plant,” said Craig Frohock, general manager, North America Aftermarket & Trailer. “Since we opened our first facility dedicated to trailer products in Kenton, Ohio, in 1948, Meritor has taken great pride in its American heritage, as well as in offering the most complete commercial axle portfolio with a wide breadth of solutions for global

trailer applications.”

The milestone axle will be installed on a trailer manufactured by Wabash National and will ultimately become part of the Werner Enterprises fleet. Meritor axles are standard equipment on all Wabash trailers.

Rush Enterprises expands nationwide dealer network With the acquisition of certain assets of MVI Group, which operates commercial truck and bus dealerships in Ohio, Rush Enterprises Inc. said it has expanded its North American network to 78 Rush Truck Centers in 15 states. Acquired from

MVI by Rush subsidiaries are Miami Valley International, Center City International, CCI North Coast and Buckeye Truck Centers. The acquisition includes International, IC Bus, Isuzu and Idealease franchises and locations in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Findlay and Lima, Ohio.

Onspot celebrates 25th anniversary Onspot of North America Inc. said it is celebrating its 25th year in business. The manufacturer supplies its automatic tire chain systems through more than 200 OEMs as a factory-installed option, and

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47021 www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 21

IndustryNews through more than 1,400 dealers throughout North America. Models are available for most vehicles from pick-up trucks to tractor-trailers.

Volvo Trucks expands support capabilities in southeast Investments by Volvo Trucks dealers throughout the southeastern U.S. have resulted in a nearly 21% increase in work capacity in that region since January 2010.

During this time, the dealer network added 214 service bays and 230 Volvo-certified technicians while expanding parts inventory by more than 20%.

Vanguard Truck Center in Adairsville, Ga., expanded with the addition of a new full-service dealership. The satellite location, which joins Vanguard’s primary facility in the Atlanta suburb of Forest Park, can simultaneously service seven trucks in its oversized bays, which are staffed by six Volvo technicians, three of whom are Volvo master technicians. On-site parts inventory in Adairsville now exceeds $200,000 and the location can

quickly access the parts warehouse in Forest Park. Vanguard in Adairsville also offers a complimentary pickup and delivery service.

Nacarato Volvo in La Vergne, Tenn. recently opened a new full-service dealership.

Located just outside Nashville, the 80,000sq.-ft. facility houses 28 service bays staffed by 32 Volvo technicians, including eight Volvo master technicians.

Nacarato Volvo also features a body shop with 18 bays and a two-bay paint booth. Additional facilities include steam cleaning and wash bays and an FSX Diesel Particu-

late Filter cleaning system. The environmentally-friendly facility utilizes a waste oil heating system and solar energy roofmounted panels on the service and body shops.

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47022

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co., a manufacturer of refrigerated trailers , dry freight vans, flatbeds and Tautliner curtainsided trailers, announced it has exceeded a production milestone, manufacturing over 200,000 reefer trailers at the company’s Clearfield, Utah, manufacturing facilities.

Utility’s first Clearfield plant opened in 1965 and closed in 2001. A new, larger facility adjacent to the area opened in January 2000 and recently reached the milestone of producing its 100,000th reefer trailer. The 100,000th reefer trailer was produced for Utility’s longtime customer Stevens Transport of Dallas, Texas, which was founded by Steve Aaron in 1980. He was later joined by his son Clay Aaron, president. Combining the production from both the old and new Clearfield manufacturing plants, Utility has exceeded the milestone of producing over 200,000 reefer trailers in Utah.

22 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

Thermo King offers rebate for maintenance program Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control systems for a variety of mobile applications and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, has announced a rebate program which may entitle customers to a rebate of up to $500 if those customers combine the company’s premier maintenance program, Thermo Gard Assurance, with the TracKing Telematics system.

Implementing both services for a new trailer unit allows fleets to combine the synergies of a customized maintenance program with a sophisticated Telematics solution that offers easily accessible asset utilization information. Real-time trailer information enables fleet managers to make more informed decisions to help ensure maximum up-time. The combined programs allow users to cut fuel and operational costs while managing maintenance costs.

Truckstops join nationwide electric plug-in network

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47023

Shorepower Technologies has announced that eight more truckstops have added electric plug-in power pedestals at their locations. Connections providing 480-volt power for hybrid refrigerated trailers also are being installed at four of the eight facilities.

The eight truckstops are among 50 locations around the country being outfitted by Shorepower through the Department of Energy’s Shorepower Truck Electrification Project (STEP), administered through Cascade Sierra Solutions, a non-profit organization.

The eight new truckstops now offering shorepower for trucks and 480-volt power for hybrid refrigerated trailers include: • Pilot Travel Center, Dunnigan, Calif.; 24 plug-ins, five reefer unit connections • Ports to Plains Travel Plaza, Lamar, Colo.; 20 plug-ins • Parma Travel Center, Parma, Mich.; 24 plug-ins • Russell’s Truck and Travel, Springer, New Mexico; 24 plug-ins and four refrigeration unit connections • Dukes Travel Plaza, Canton, Texas; 24 plugins and five refrigeration unit connections • Eagle’s Landing/Flying J, Beaver, Utah; 24 plug-ins and four refrigeration unit connections • Eastgate Travel Plaza, Evansville, Wyo.; 24 plug-ins • Little America, Wyoming; 36 plug-ins and five refrigeration unit connections / www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 23

IT For Asset Management How fleets are leveraging information technology to streamline the business process and increase efficiencies

BY SETH SKYDEL | SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Operations predictability W

e’ve been hearing a lot about “Predictive Analytics” as part of the latest jargon in trucking circles. In actual trucking operations, though, what data and just how much of it is of real value? How does predictive analytics work and how does it benefit a fleet operation?

“There are a lot of claims about predictive analytics for safety data,” says Steven Bryan, founder and CEO of Vigillo LLC, a provider of data mining software designed to organize fleet safety information. “There are very powerful and sophisticated things you can do with this science to drive sales and improve efficiency. Our concern is that much data is inconsistent and thin, especially in the safety arena, and that there is not enough information to build a true predictive model.”

Consistent and sufficient data can facilitate the effective use of predictive analytics for fleet operations

Bryan cites an example: “CSA data on an average driver may reveal two violations in a three-year period. Even if you could aggregate sufficient data on thousands of inspections and violations for a carrier, you still wouldn’t be able to base an accurate risk profile for an individual driver on either a few data points or mass behavior. If that information is used to discipline, fire or not hire a driver, it can be unfair.”

Predictive analytics can work in other data environments, notes Ken Manning, president of Transportation Costing Group (TCG), supplier of profitability management tools and activity-based costing models. “We use data to create costed traffic databases at the shipment and load level. These systems have the predictive analytics facility to forecast the future profitability of all traffic segmented into customers, lanes, commodity, etc. based on historic patterns of operations, productivity and profitability.”

Manning also provides examples.

“Data can be used for fuel cost analysis and modeling,” he says. “By appropriately allocating fuel cost to each load based on actual movement and service characteristics, you can gain a credible understanding of the risks of changing fuel costs and fuel surcharge schedules.

“Similarly, carriers struggle with the need to fully and accurately understand the actual impact of possible changes in customer freight flow,” he adds. “If you discontinue doing business with one customer, how will that affect your overall operation? Will it be more or less profitable? What will you need to do to reduce your cost structure proportionately? These are critical

questions, but they can be answered.”

Fleet data can provide an accurate understanding of operations and costs, says Thomas Fansler, president of Vusion, a data integration and analytics company that is a division of PeopleNet. “When data is properly organized and integrated, fleet management has a clear picture of where things stand and is better prepared to answer difficult questions. Analytical tools can turn data into predictions that can be used to improve monitoring, reduce costs and enhance overall fleet performance.”

Fuel management is one arena where Vusion is focusing its statistical analysis capabilities to benefit its customers. “Looking at fuel economy for a truck or driver is just one part of the equation, and is often a lagging indicator,” Fansler relates. “Starting with integrated data sets, we measure and model how different variables, such as loaded and empty miles, distance, topography, idle rate, aerodynamics, vehicle age, driver behavior and other factors affect fuel economy. These data models produce highly informed predictions, which serve as a precise reference point for performance monitoring. Is an asset performing at its potential? Which assets should we buy or trade? Data models and predictive analytics allow fleet managers to answer these questions.”

Fleet operations generate large amounts of data. If there is a sufficient amount of reliable, accurate and consistent information available, it can be used effectively to predict performance, and to take meaningful steps to improve all aspects of a motor carrier’s business and its operation. /

For more information: Vigillo: www.vigillo.com TCG: www.tcgcis.com Vusion: www.peoplenetonline.com/vusion-analytics 24 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47025

Equipment Management

BY TOM GELINAS | EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Spec’d for service & resale While many medium-duty trucks are commonly purchased “off the lot,” detailed specs to increase vehicle productivity, longevity and resale value should be considered

T

ime was when fleets wrote detailed specifications for over-the-road power units but purchased mediumduty trucks that were spec’d by a truck salesman or put together by a body builder on a chassis delivered by a preferred OEM. This was true for highway tractors even after several heavy-duty truck manufacturers tried their best to greatly limit options offered to buyers. Managers of such fleets demanded, and usually got, what they believed worked best in their operation. And, because most over-the-road operations are similar in nature, wellmaintained, upscale highway tractors have always commanded a good price in secondary markets.

Until rather recently, however, most fleet managers were either unable or unwilling to do the kind of analysis required to put together detailed specs for medium-

26 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

duty power units. This was often the result of the belief, frequently justified, that a “plain jane” truck would serve the fleet as well as something demanding a higher price tag. Paul Wachter, president of Taylor & Martin Inc., one of the country’s largest truck auction companies, said about delivery vehicles, “In general, creature comforts are minimal because their trucks are not designed to have a driver in them all day long. Drivers are in and out of them on a regular basis all day long. Engine sizes are tied almost exclusively to the type of work for which the truck was originally specified. A city delivery operation simply does not require a high horsepower vehicle.

Fleet managers in such operations typically specify down rather than up.”

Penske sells about 8,000 medium-duty trucks annually

Perfect fit, built for performance The Mitsubishi Fuso Canter FG4x4 work truck (pictured left) has been fitted with an optional snow plow.

The Canter FG4X4 offers a 134.4-in. wheelbase and a variety of 12- to 15-ft. bodies, as well as the plow kit.

The FG is a 4-wheel-drive cabover with a turning diameter of just 44.2 ft., so maneuvering through narrow urban streets, tight industrial centers and crowded parking lots is no problem. The cabover design allows the driver to see the ground closer to the front of the plow blade than is possible with an equivalent Class 4 conventional truck, so operating safety also may be enhanced. Moreover, a Fuso FG4X4 has no rear fenders to dent or crush if the truck should inadvertently slide into a snow bank.

Available plow kits include mounting system, light harness and harness adapters, as well as a choice of blade configuration—covering 8.5-, 9.0-, 9.5-, 10.0- and 10.5-ft. blade widths—in steel, poly/steel, and/or stainless steel, from a variety of manufacturers. According to Mitsubishi Fuso, the 4P10 diesel engine offers better fuel economy than competitive trucks, and the Duonic automated manual transmission makes plowing easier while allowing the driver to keep a hand available to operate the plow-blade controller.

The cab design and driving position adjustments make it comfortable for the driver who has to spend the day (or night) behind the wheel, the truck maker said. A digital display gives the operator real-time data on the status of important operating parameters. Doors include internal crush bars to help increase frontalimpact protection, and the dash-mounted shifter keeps the floor clear so the driver can enter and exit the vehicle from the passenger side nearly as easily as from the driver’s side.

that are either coming off lease or out of its rental fleet. It seems only reasonable that the company is retiring trucks with relatively popular specifications, weighted, of course, toward the lighter weight classes because of its rental operation. Jack Mitchell, vice president of remarketing for the company said, “Half to 60% of the units in any given year are non-CDL automatics. That’s the most popular vehicle we sell. As far as engines go, horsepower is something like to 185 to 225. Most of our rental trucks have lift gates on them.

These are platform lift gates that are larger than standard. They all have

logistics tracks inside the box and translucent roofs. 24- to 26-ft. boxes are most popular. Most have side doors and bench seats. All, of course, are air conditioned.”

Specialized work trucks This certainly is not true for fleets needing highly specialized trucks.

Consider, for example, utility companies with their need for digger-derricks, outriggers and bucket trucks.

As Darry Stuart, president and CEO of DWS Fleet Management Services, said, “In most cases, people who spec utility vehicles are a step above many other fleet managers because

www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 27

Equipment Management they know what they need and what specs are necessary to provide a long service life.”

Wachter said, “If a truck is going to be used on- and off-highway, for example, in aerial construction with bucket trucks, you’re going to see some big specs—heavier full locking rear ends and higher horsepower, big block engines ahead of multispeed transmissions. Such trucks are a lot more complicated. Those buyers are not nearly as price conscious as common midrange city delivery buyers are. They’re much more concerned about properly spec’ing the truck to avoid mechanical failures in

applications.” While many fleets involved in city delivery operations are still buying trucks off a lot, others have begun looking into medium-duty specs that will provide greater productivity, longevity and energy efficiency. Bob Johnson, director of fleet relations at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), said, “Many fleets are paying more attention to drivetrain efficiency, that is, matching engines and transmissions to vehicle weights and duty cycles. One fleet I work with, simply from better specifications, was able to improve its fuel economy by 28%. This was a relatively high mileage fleet that delivers con-

While a medium-duty truck built to “standard specs” will likely provide acceptable performance, fine tuned specifications might well deliver a

the field.” While such highly focused specifications can make these trucks less desirable in the secondary market, they still can demand a good price, often entering the secondary market through specialized dealers.

struction materials. They even wrote out their own shift schedule for the automatic transmissions. They also went with low rolling resistance tires and took weight out of their vehicles.”

Still addressing energy efficiency, Johnson mentioned that his organization also is seeing fleets paying increased attention to reducing excessive engine idling. He said fleets are addressing this problem using both improved driver training programs and the application of technological solutions like idle control devices.

The NTEA also has recorded an increased interest in the use of both compressed natural gas and propane for city fleets that have their trucks return to a home base every night where they can be fueled. Johnson said, “CNG has the edge in fuel economy and cost but comes with a very high cost for a fueling infrastructure. As far

more productive and longer-lived vehicle. Johnson said, “To improve vehicle longevity, we’re seeing a lot more interest in making sure that vehicles are not overloaded and that they are properly spec’d for the application. That will decrease maintenance costs over a lifetime. We’re also seeing a lot more interest in corrosion prevention in both bodies and electrical systems. Currently, we’ve noticed fleets are keeping their vehicles two to three years longer than they have some years ago.”

An increased use of onboard material handling equipment, along with low floors and lift gates that make loading and unloading cycles shorter, are increasing fleet productivity. There also is a growing use of telematics to decrease travel times in P&D applications.

The expected service life of a truck plays a critical role in the specs in-

Changing city specs What might be called “standard specifications” will result in a medium-duty truck that will serve most operations satisfactorily. Stuart said, “There’s not too much in the way of original specs included with an eye for resale. Today, essentially all straight trucks are air conditioned and equipped with automatic transmissions behind engines in the neighborhood of 200 HP. Original specs often include things like rub rails to make them durable enough for the time fleets operate them.

Such specs will serve 95% of all P&D 28 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

as cost goes, propane is about halfway between natural gas and diesel, but fueling infrastructure costs are very low, and market availability for propane is a lot better than for natural gas.” How will a dedicated alternate fueled truck be looked at in the secondary market when a fleet is ready to dispose of it?

Likely quite favorably, since the interest in alternate fuel engines continues to grow by fleets in many vocations.

Other spec’ing goals

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47029

Equipment Management cluded for a new medium-duty truck purchase. Johnson said, “If I’m going to keep a truck for 10 years, I’m not going to worry about the value that truck will be or what people will be looking for 10 years from now. I’m going to be concerned with the productivity of that truck while I have it.

Any specs I add to a truck to improve its resale value will be of negligible value 10 years from now. Trying to second guess the market 10 years from

now is not going to be worth my time.

At the same time, everything I do to make that truck last for 10 years will likely increase its resale value when it enters the secondary market. However, if I know that I’m going to keep it for only three years and then get rid of it, resale value would be a big concern.

The shorter the time you’re going to keep a vehicle, the more important resale value becomes. The tipping point is a truck life of five to seven years.”

A “plain jane” truck, which is purchased off a dealer’s lot, will likely be less expensive than one specified for a particular application—even a routine city delivery application. But you need to decide if it will it offer the lowest cost of ownership over its lifetime?

Be sure to consider the value of detailed specifications—vehicle longevity, operational productivity and resale when it enters the secondary market. /

Good foundation

Building a work truck? Hino Trucks offers a 120,000 PSI frame, which the company notes is strong and stiff enough for the high torque loads utility bodies demand.

The company goes on to say that the clean frame rails and under-step battery box and air tank make it easier (and more economical) for upfitters and body builders to meet special needs. Maneuverability is essential in the service/utility vocation, and Hino notes that the truck’s tight turning radius is yet another advantage that makes it perfect for urban environments.

The 33,000-lb. GVW Hino 2013 model 338 features a Hino J08E series 8-liter diesel engine producing 260 HP and 660 lb./ft. of torque, which the truck

30 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

maker states is an improvement over previous models. Standard equipment on the Hino 338 includes an Allison automatic transmission and an exhaust brake.

Options for 2013 include a clean cab-to-axle and an Allison 2500 transmission with Shift Energy Management, along with a 14,000-lb. front axle, a front frame extension and a 120,000 PSI frame.

According to the company, Hino medium-duty utility trucks, box trucks, dump trucks or Hino flatbed rollbacks offer a versatile solution for urban delivery, service, transport and towing operations that demand industry leading fuel economy and dependability, and reduced operating expenses.

Mike McDaniels, maintenance team leader

On behalf of CITGO, congratulations to Gordon Trucking of Indianapolis, Indiana!

It is successful businesses and professionals like you who are our industry leaders.

Thank You!

Brett Terchila, area vice president of operations

Top

Fleet specs Tractor/trailers 2,000 Freightliner Cascadia tractors 6,100 Wabash National trailers Maintenance shop 5-acre facility 5 service bays 12-14 technicians 7-day workweek from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

32 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

fleet Fleet Equipment magazine and CITGO Lubricants announce the 2012 Top Green Fleet Award: Gordon Trucking of Indianapolis, which demonstrates green initiatives in the shop and on the highway

G

ordon Trucking Inc. (GTI) of Indianapolis has been selected as the 2012 Fleet Equipment and CITGO Petroleum Corp. Top Green Fleet Award winner based on the fleet shop’s excellent initiatives to build and maintain an environmentally-efficient trucking fleet and maintenance facility.

GTI Indianapolis noted that it takes pride in continuously looking for ways to ensure that it takes an everyday approach to the protection of its environment and community. As an operating point with Gordon Trucking, the company stated that it takes tremendous pride in being part of an organization that is constantly executing established initiatives and looking for new ways to reduce its carbon footprint.

According to Brett Terchila, area vice president, “Fuel economy is a priority for our fleet and we specify our vehicles for optimum results. We purchase Freightliner aerodynamic tractor cabs and spec APUs, fuel-efficient tires and

equip trailers with belly fairings.”

The fleet currently runs mostly model year 2010 to 2013 tractors.

GTI’s fuel saving initiatives are based on reducing idle time and managing road speed. The company equips tractors with Thermo King TriPac auxiliary power units and governs vehicle speed at 63 MPH for solos and 65 MPH for teams. This is done through the use of driver incentive programs for people who manage fuel well.

Those who demonstrate shifting and driving techniques to meet engine specific MPG goals are rewarded with speed increases up to 63 MPH or 65 for teams.

“We have metrics providing performance feedback to the people who drive for us,” notes Terchila.

“Using our Qualcomm onboard systems, we collect driving data that notes driving performance such as RPM, speed, MPG and idle time on our trucks. We use this information to encourage better driving habits to increase fuel economy. It is now part of a four-

www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 33

Top Green Fleet

The winning entry form Gordon trucking is a member of the SmartWay Partner program and is compliant with CARB requirements. The qualifying factors for the Top Green Fleet Award are: • 63% of GTI’s trailer fleet (6,100 trailers) are outfitted with aerodynamic belly fairings and 100% of the trailing equipment has SmartWay certified fuel-efficient tires.

• The fleet was awarded the 2009 SmartWay Environmental Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which it also received in 2008.

• Emissions reductions efforts have led to the elimination of 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide, 1,500 tons of particulate matter and 560 tons of nitrous oxides in our skies each year. This is accomplished by a few of the items noted below: a. APU units installed on tractors to eliminate idle, keep the driver comfortable and extend battery life b. Freight wings installed on trailing assets c. Speed management d. Extended oil drains e. Bunk heaters f. Aerodynamic cab designs • All waste oil is recycled by a reputable partner.

• Oil filters are drained, crushed and recycled.

• Parts washer is a complete recycling system, generating only about a cup of waste every three months.

• Compressed air system is inspected monthly to ensure leaks are controlled, reducing run time of compressor.

• All metal is recycled.

• All paper and cardboard is recycled.

• Tire casings are recycled as retreads.

• Brake clean and penetrating oil are dispensed by reusable “Sure-Shot” air pressured dispensers.

34 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

Brett Terchila, area vice president of operations (right), and Mike McDaniel, maintenance team leader (left).

cent per mile incentive for drivers. Once our over-the-road drivers qualify for the program, which is done by reaching a quarterly mileage goal and meeting certain safety and service criteria, they become eligible to participate.”

In addition to saving fuel, the fleet concentrates on lubricants. It specs an extended life lubricant and utilizes used oil analysis to set its drain cycles for optimum performance.

Waste oil is collected from crushed filters and burned to heat the building.

Terchila adds, “Most of our green initiatives are applied to help us reduce cost, save fuel and lubes and protect the environment. Everything we do fits within the fleet’s core values of sustainability, service and safety.” /

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47035

&

Before

After(market)

BY SETH SKYDEL | SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

SmartWay Spec’ing

TIRES & RETREADS SmartWay, the public/private collaboration between the EPA and motor carriers, works to further its goal of reducing fuel consumption in freight transportation operations, lowering harmful emissions in the process, and helping participating fleets reduce costs.

A key part of achieving those objectives is the SmartWay Technology Program, a testing, verification and designation initiative that identifies equipment, technologies and strategies that have the potential to save fuel and reduce greenhouse gases and other air pollutants from freight transport. The program establishes performance criteria and reviews test data on vehicles, equipment and technologies.

Through grants, cooperative agreements, emissions and fuel economy testing, demonstration projects and technical literature review, EPA has evaluated the fuel saving benefits of various vehicles, systems and components. The result is a continually updated list of SmartWay Verified Technologies, including tires and aerodynamic devices.

36 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

EPA has determined that certain tire models can reduce NOx emissions and fuel use by 3% or more on Class 8 tractors and trailers in linehaul operations. The following tires and retreads are SmartWay verified:

Bridgestone/Bandag Bridgestone offers a variety of SmartWay-verified tires. Bandag retread products on the list of verified retreads include the B710 FuelTech, the B197 FuelTech and the B135 FuelTech wide base trailer retread. In addition, Bandag expects its FCR Trailer retread to be added to the SmartWay list. www.bridgestonetrucktires.com

Continental Continental’s ContiEcoPlus HD3, a new long-haul highway drive tire, became SmartWay verified in February 2013. The ContiEcoPlus HD3 offers improved rolling resistance, a premium belt package and other features designed to enhance retreadability. www.conti-na.com

Double Coin Double Coin’s OptiGreen Series includes the FR605, FD405, FT105, and two super wide trailer position tires, the FT425 and FT125. Included is a seven-year limited casing warranty on select OptiGreen products. www.doublecoin-us.com

Goodyear/Dunlop Eight Goodyear Fuel Max truck tires have received SmartWay verification. Recently, three Goodyear retread tires received SmartWay verification: the G316 AT Fuel Max, G572 LHD Fuel Max and G305 ATS Fuel Max. Three Dunlop tires also are SmartWay Verified Technologies. www.goodyeartrucktires.com

Verified Low Rolling Resistance Tires Brand Advance Aeolus Arisun Atlas BFGoodrich Bridgestone

Continental

Double Coin Dunlop Falken Firestone General Geostar Goodride Goodyear GT Radial Hankook Hercules Kumho Leao

Linglong

Long March Michelin Milever Roadmaster (Cooper) Roadone Roadpro Sailun Samson Sumitomo Sunny Toyo Triangle Westlake Yokohama Wanli

Steer GL283 L.E.T. HN267 CR989, AS600 STRD09e+, AP100e+, APW09e+ (315/80R22.5 only) ST244, ST230 R280, R287, R287A, R283 Ecopia M710 Ecopia, S803Z, S718WZ, and S718YZ HSL1 Coach, HSL2 (replaces HSL), HSL2 Eco Plus, HSR, HSR1, HSR1 Eco Plus, HSR2, HSR2 Eco Plus, HSR2 SA FR605 SP384 FM RI109 Ecorun, RI128 Ecorun FS507 Plus S371, S580, S581 G300, G305SW CR989 G399 Fuel Max, G662 Fuel Max, G572 Fuel Max GSL213 FS AH24, AL07+, AL11 H-802, H502 KLS02e, KRS02e LLF16e+, F816e+, LFE823 (11R22.5 only), LLF02e+ (315/80R22.5 only), LLA08e+ (11R22.5 only), AFE823, LLA18e+ (385/65R22.5 only), LDE822 (11R22.5 only), LAL800e+ (11R22.5 only) F816e+, LLF16e+, LFE823 (11R22.5 only), LLF02e+ (315/80R22.5 only), LLA08e+ (11R22.5 only), LLA18e+ (385/65R22.5 only), LDE822 (11R22.5 only), LAL800e+ (11R22.5 only) LM120 (11R22.5 only), LM 216 (11R22.5 only) X Coach XZ, XZA3, XZA3+, XZA2, XZA1+, XZA2 Energy SFR03 (11R22.5 only), SAH01 (11R22.5 only) RM180, RM185 LLA08e+ (11R22.5 only) S180 FS S605 EFT GL283A L.E.T. ST778SE SFR03 (11R22.5 only), SAH01 (11R22.5 only) M137 TRS01 CR989 RY617, RY023, 103ZR, 101ZL SFR01 (315/80R22.5 only), SFR03 (11R22.5 only), SAH01 (11R22.5 only)

Drive GL283 L.E.T. HN308+ CM983, AD737 DRV09e+

Trailer N/A HN808 CR915, AT500 TR09e+

ST244 M720, Greatec M835 Ecopia, Greatec, Ecopia, S197

TR144 Greatec R135 Ecopia, R195, R197

HSL1 Coach, HDL Eco Plus, HDL2 Eco Plus, HDL2 DL Eco Plus, HDR, HDR1 Eco Plus, HSR, HSR1, HSR1 Eco Plus, HSR2, HSR2 Eco Plus, HSR2 SA, Eco Plus HD3 FD405, FD425 SP456 FM BI887 Ecorun FD695 Plus D660, S371, S580, S581 N/A CM983 G305 Fuel Max AT, G392 SSD, DuraSeal, G394SST GT669+ FS AH24, DL11, Z35A H-702 (size 11R24.5 only) KLD01e, KLD02e LLA08e+ (11R22.5 only), ADE 822, LLA18e+ (385/65R22.5 only), LDE822 (11R22.5 only), LAL800e+ (11R22.5 only), LLD37e+

HTL Eco Plus, HTL1

FT105, FT125 SP193 FM RI119 Ecorun FT455 Plus ST250 N/A CR915 G316 LHT Fuel Max, G316 Fuel Max GT979 FS TL 01 N/A KLT02e ATE821, LTE 821 (11R22.5 only), T810e+

LLA08e+ (11R22.5 only), LLA18e+ (385/65R22.5 only), LDE822 (11R22.5 only), LAL800e+ (11R22.5 only), LLD37e+

LTE 821 (11R22.5 only), T810e+

N/A XDA Energy, XDA3, X-One XDA, Energy, X Multi Energy D, X Line Energy D SFR03 (11R22.5 only), SAH01 (11R22.5 only) RM851

N/A XTA Energy, XT1, X-One XTA, X-One XTE N/A RM871

LLA08e+ (11R22.5 only) R610FS S768 EFT GL283 L.E.T. ST938SE SFR03 (11R22.5 only), SAH01 (11R22.5 only) M657 TRD01 CM983 703ZL, TY517mc2, TY577, TY517 (445/50R22.5 only) SFR03 (11R22.5 only), SAH01 (11R22.5 only)

N/A R910FS N/A N/A Trailer ST710SE N/A Trailer M157 N/A CR915 RY407, RY587, RY587mc2 N/A

www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 37

Before

After(market)

Verified Low Rolling Resistance Retread Technologies Brand

Drive

Trailer

Bridgestone/Bandag

B710 FuelTech (precure), B135 FuelTech (precure)

B197 FuelTech (precure), B135 FuelTech (precure)

Continental

HDL Eco Plus (precure), HTL Eco Plus (precure)

HTL Eco Plus (precure)

Goodyear

G305 ATS (precure), G572 (precure)

G316 AT (precure)

Marangoni

N/A

Ringtread RTA-E (precure)

Michelin

XDA2 -AT (precure), X One XDA HT (precure)

XT1-AT (precure), X One XTA (precure) ULP (precure)

Oliver

TIRES & RETREADS

CONTINUED

Hankook Hankook SmartWay approved products include the AL11 and AL07+ steer tires with new casing and tread technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency. Also offered are the AH24 all-position regional haul, DL11 and Z35A drive tires and the TL01 trailer tire. www.hankooktireusa.com

Marangoni Tread North America Marangoni’s splice-less Ringtread SmartWay verified product is the Energeco trailer RTA-E, 12/32-in., 4 rib model with advanced compounding and tread designed to maximize fuel efficiency. Energeco drive RDA-E 25/32-in. and wide base Ringtreads soon will be verified . www.marangoni-na.com

Michelin Michelin SmartWay verified tires and retreads include XZA3+ Evertread, XZA1+, XZA2 Energy and X Coach XZ steer tires; XDA Energy, XDA3, X One XDN2 , X One XDA Energy, X Multi Energy D and X Line Energy D drive tires; and XTA Energy, XT-1, X One XTA and X One XTE trailer tires. Retreads include XDA2 19 and 23, and X One XDA-HT drive, and XT-1 AT and X One XTA Pre-Mold trailer models. www.michelintruck.com

Yokohama The SmartWay verified 709ZL drive tire from Yokohama employs the company’s Zenvironment technology, which combines the latest in casing, rubber compounding and tread design. Set to debut in March are the 445/50R22.5 TY517 ultra low profile wide base drive tire and the RY407 wide base trailer tire. www.yokohamatire.com

38 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

TRAILER AERODYNAMICS Regulations that took effect in California at the beginning of 2013 have placed added emphasis on the use of trailer aerodynamic devices. As of the beginning of this year, all 2011 and newer 53-ft. or longer dry and refrigerated van trailers that operate on California highways must comply with the Air Resources Board TractorTrailer Greenhouse Gas regulation.

With certain exceptions, fleets must ensure their trailers are equipped with EPA SmartWay Verified aerodynamic equipment.

According to EPA, trailer technologies including side skirts and rear fairings used in combination with one another (or, in a few cases, when used alone) have the potential to provide an estimated 5% or greater reduction in fuel use when used in conjunction with an aerodynamic Class 8 long haul tractor in highway operations. EPA has verified the following categories of aerodynamic technologies:

TRAILER AERODYNAMICS Trailer Gap Reducers (should be used with side skirts) — estimated fuel savings of 1% or greater: • Carrier Transicold Gap Fairing • FreightWing Gap Reducer • Laydon Composites Gap Reducer • Nosecone “Nose 3-D” Gap Reducer (consists of top and side units sold as one piece of equipment) Trailer Boat Tails (should be used with side skirts) — estimated fuel savings of 1% or greater: • Aerodynamic Trailer Systems (ATS) dual lobe boat tail • AeroVolution inflatable boat tail • ATS SmartTail • Kodiak Innovations Bumper Bullet • Solus Air Conqueror Package SP: 4.9 (WheelCover/AftSkirt/Tail1) • Solus Air Conqueror Package SP: 3.6 (WheelCover/AftSkirt/Tail2) • Solus Air Conqueror Package SP: 3.4 (WheelCover/AftSkirt/Tail3) • Solus Air Conqueror Package SP: 2.4 (WheelCover/AftSkirt) • Transtex rear trailer fairing Trailer Side Skirts (should be used with a gap reducer or boat tail) — estimated fuel savings of 4% or greater: • Carrier Transicold Belly Fairing • Fleet Engineers Extended Air Slipper • FreightWing belly fairing Trailer Skirts • Kodiak Innovations AirPlow • Laydon Composites Trailer Skirts 6 or 7 panel CONTINUED • Ridge Corp. GreenWing RAC0002

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47039 www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 39

Before

After(market)

TRAILER AERODYNAMICS CONTINUED

Alcoa Wheels: Current and future innovations Alcoa states that it invented the first forged aluminum wheel in 1948, and its position within the market as a key supplier continues to be as a market segment leader. The company’s innovative spirit is one of the reasons why it leads the marketplace. Knowing that overall lifetime operating savings is the primary goal of its customers, Alcoa reminds that it has launched numerous products over the past 10 years to contribute to this savings, including Dura-Bright, LvL ONE, Wheel Torque Solutions and its most recent advancement—new Wide Base wheels.

Alcoa’s 14-in. wide base aluminum wheels are not only the lightest on the market, weighing just 58 lbs. per wheel, but they also offer enhanced image, as well as solutions to achieving sustainability goals. Simply switching single steel 22.5.in wheels and tires to 14.in. wide base Alcoa aluminum wheels and tires reduces the weight of an 18-wheeler by nearly 1,400 lbs. The upgrade takes advantage of this significant weight reduction coupled with the increased savings from lower resistance wide base tires to further improve fuel efficiency.

Alcoa wheels’ strength, durability and low weight deliver environmental advantages to complement their financial benefits. With larger payloads due to the weight savings, trips are reduced, and, since Alcoa wheels are infinitely recyclable, they’ll never see a landfill.

Alcoa said it is hard at work at bringing new innovations to further increase fuel efficiency, payload, enhanced appearance and ease of maintenance. New products will soon be on the market. Alcoa’s number one priority is to design, engineer and manufacture unique wheel products, finish options and other advancements that its customers prefer. Alcoa is proud and excited about advancing future innovations and looks forward to continuing to serve its loyal customers and lead the market.

40 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

• Silver Eagle mid-length skirt • Silver Eagle mini-skirt • Solus Air Conqueror Split Skirt SSR I (12-0-6) • Solus Air Conqueror Split Skirt SSR II (12-2-6) • Solus Air Conqueror Split Skirt SSA I (12-4-6) • Solus Air Conqueror Split Skirt SSA II (14-2-6) • Transtex Trailer Skirts • Utility Trailer Utility Side Skirt 120 Advanced Trailer End Fairing (used with or without other fairings) — estimated fuel savings of 5%: • ATDynamics TrailerTail rear trailer fairing • ATDynamics TrailerTail Trident • ATS Integrated Automated System (WindTamer with SmartTail) • Avantechs Inc. VorBlade Wing (with Crosswinds Mitigator subsystem) • SmartTruck UT-1 • SmartTruck UT-6 Advanced Trailer Skirt (used with or without other fairings) — estimated fuel savings of 5%: • Aerofficient Aero-slide side fairing system (with rearmost telescoping panel) (model ASFS) • Aerofficient Fixed side fairing (with landing gear wrap panel) (model FFGW) • Aerofficient Fixed side fairing (with landing gear toe in panel) (model FFTI) • Airflow Deflector • American Trailer Skirts American Trailer Kit (Advanced Trailer Skirt cont.)

• ATDynamics-Transtex Trailer Side Skirts • Atlantic Great Dane AeroGuard Side Skirt (AGD400-43) • Brean Marketing Inc. ArrowShield • Carrier Transicold Aeroflex Fairing • FreightWing Aeroflex Trailer Skirt • Kodiak Innovations AeroCurtain • Laydon Composites Trailer Skirt 8 panel • Laydon Composite Classic 7-Panel Trailer Skirt, product code TRSK700SA • Laydon Composites Curve • Laydon Composites Hybrid 248 (Intermodal) Trailer Skirt • Laydon Composite Hybrid 259 Trailer Skirt, product code TRSK710SA • Ridge Corp. GreenWing RAC0003 • Ridge Corp. GreenWing RAC0012 • Silver Eagle Aero Saber • Solus Air Conqueror Performance Split Skirt SSP I (14-0-6) • Solus Air Conqueror Performance Split Skirt SSP II (16-0-6) • Solus Air Conqueror Performance Split Skirt SSP III (18-0-6) • Strehl Model 715 • Sweet Bottom Trailer Skirt • Transfoil Systems Transfoil • Transtex MFS Trailer Side Skirts • Utility Trailer Utility Side Skirt 120A • Utility Trailer Utility Side Skirt 160 • Wabash National Advanced Trailer Side Skirt, DuraPlate AeroSkirt — Standard • Wabash National Advanced Trailer Side Skirt, DuraPlate AeroSkirt — Angled • Windyne Flex-Fairing

TRAILER AERODYNAMICS Regulations that took effect in California at the beginning of 2013 have placed added emphasis on the use of trailer aerodynamic devices.

Aerofficient Aerofficient offers multiple SmartWay verified products engineered for fuel savings. SmartWay Advanced trailer fairings from the company include a line of hinged side fairings, a refrigerated trailer optimized fairing, slider systems and non-hinged fairings. www.aerofficient.com

ATDynamics

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47041

ATDynamics offers two SmartWay approved Advanced Trailer End Fairings, the standard TrailerTail and the shorter, three-sided TrailerTail Trident. Both products are compatible with swing door equipped dry van, refrigerated, drop-frame and curtainside trailers. www.ATDynamics.com

www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 41

Before

After(market)

Fleet Engineers

Ridge Corp.

Air Slipper trailer side skirts from Fleet Engineers now feature a flexible lower extrusion to prevent damage from obstacles. Designed with 16 gauge, ribbed aluminum, the skirts fit most trailers by clamping to crossmembers, eliminating the need to drill holes in the frame. Included are zinc support hardware and stainless steel attachment hardware. www.fleetengineers.com

Green Wing side skirts from Ridge Corp. feature a heavy-duty hem, which improves impact protection and reduces fairing weight by 15%. The side skirts also are designed with a Ground Clearance Arc, which allows a trailer to travel over obstacles such as railroad tracks and sunken docks without incurring skirt damage. www.ridgecorp.com

Freight Wing

Transtex Composite Freight Wing offers SmartWay verified side skirts, which have been SAE/TMC fuel economy tested. The AeroFlex Composite, which is designed to maintain its flat panel shape, joins Freight Wing’s AeroFlex DMP, constructed of heavy-duty Dense Matrix Polyethylene. www.freightwing.com

Transtex trailer skirts include the C160 made of a glass-reinforced thermoset composite material. The Flex Skirt model’s glass-reinforced thermoplastic composite has a glossy finish and a higher puncture rating.

The matte finish Maximum Flex Skirt model also features high impact resistance, as well as glass-reinforced cross-weaved thermoplastic panels that provide for maximum inward flexibility. www.transtexcomposite.com

Laydon Composites

Resources Two of the seven SmartWay approved aerodynamic devices for trailers offered by Laydon include the Trailerskirt TS225 center-mounted and TS248 two-sided models. Both products use the company’s patent pending flexible mono strut, which allows the panels to bend inward and outward. The TS225 comes with black or white thermo set panels from Crane Composite and the TS248 has Crane ArmorTuff panels. www.laydoncomp.com

42 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — SmartWay Equipment: http://www.epa.gov/smartway/technology/ California Tractor Trailer Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measure Fact Sheet: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/hdghg/fact_sheets/HDGH G_Genl_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Editor’s Note: EPA SmartWay Verified Technologies lists are current as of Jan. 1, 2013. /

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47043

&

Specs Fleet Profile

BY SETH SKYDEL | SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Innovative solutions D&D Sexton is adopting technologies that are reducing idle time and fuel costs

N

ot too long ago, the D&D Sexton Inc. fleet was averaging 5.5 MPG, notes Dean Sexton, president of the Carthage, Mo.-based refrigerated carrier. “Today,” he says, “our average is approaching 7 MPG, and we have some vehicles and drivers that are getting 8 MPG on a consistent basis.”

Sexton credits a number of equipment and specification initiatives for the improvement in fuel economy at the company he established in 1981 and has seen grow from a single truck into a 48-state carrier with 155 tractors and 350 refrigerated trailers. “We continually research and implement inno-

Dean Sexton President D&D Sexton Inc. 44 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

vative, environmentally responsible solutions that reduce idle time and save fuel,” he says.

One of the latest moves made by D&D Sexton was to specify 40 Freightliner Cascadia Evolution tractors. “We waited for these models to become available before placing an order,” Sexton relates. “After evaluating their design and specifications, we became convinced that the Evolution’s aerodynamic enhancements will provide the 5% improvement in fuel economy over our current Cascadia models that the manufacturer claims.”

D&D Sexton also closely evaluated APUs before deciding to outfit its fleet with Thermo King TriPac Hybrid Idle Reduction and Temperature Management Systems. “We put off that decision for a long time because we had some early experience with on-board generators years ago that left us with a negative impression,” Sexton states.

“As fuel prices continued to climb, however, we knew it was time to look at the latest APU technologies.”

Currently, there are 23 late model D&D Sexton tractors that have been retrofitted with TriPac units by Thermo King’s Springfield, Mo., dealer. All 40 of the new Cascadia Evolution tractors that will join the fleet will be equipped with the APUs, as well.

Fuel savings “We trade tractors every four years,” Sexton relates, “so it will take another year or two before the entire fleet has TriPac units. On the vehicles we have already outfitted, though, we’ve seen engine idle time drop from as high as 50% to less than 10%. Burning about two-tenths of a gallon per hour compared to one gallon per hour at idle, the APUs will pay for themselves very quickly in fuel savings alone.”

Ed Boes, terminal manager at D&D Sexton, who works closely with Dean Sexton on specs, points to several other fuel saving choices that have been adopted. “Our new tractors are spec’d with Eaton UltraShift Plus automated two-pedal transmissions,” he relates. “Over the years, we changed our specs from overdrive transmissions to direct drive models coupled with faster axle ratios. We now believe the UltraShift Plus will help us further improve fuel efficiency. We’re also specifying Cummins engines on new tractors to evaluate this drivetrain combination.”

D&D Sexton, Boes says, is equally focused on fuel saving trailer technologies. Standard on Utility reefers, the fleet has been spec’ing Thermo King SB-230 SR refrigeration units. “We handle everything, including deep

D&D Sexton Tractor Specifications

frozen loads, so the Thermo King unit’s OptiSet features give us the flexibility of continuous run and modulated temperature settings for improved efficiency,” he states.

“Additionally, we’re using Thermo King TracKing temperature management systems to ensure proper temperature settings and save as much as 15% in reefer fuel costs.”

The web-based TracKing solution provides D&D Sexton with the ability to remotely monitor and track refrigeration units. Door switches connected to the system can uncover frequent openings, identifying an opportunity to reduce fuel costs, and fuel sensors enable accurate fuel consumption monitoring.

Positive improvement D&D Sexton also is improving fuel economy by installing trailer tails and side skirts on its fleet. Included are Green Wing side skirts from Ridge Corp. and TrailerTails supplied by ATDynamics. “We’re retrofitting trailers in our shop,” Boes says, “and have finished about 80% of the fleet. So far, we’re already seeing a positive fuel economy improvement compared to trailers without the aerodynamic devices.”

Fuel savings at D&D Sexton also are

being realized from a change to wide base single tires. “We switched to Michelin X One singles from duals on drive axles several years ago to save fuel, and we’ve now converted about half of the trailer fleet,” Boes reports.

“What we’ve found is that while we give up a little bit of tread life compared to duals, we make up for it in fuel cost savings.

“We’re actually in the process of testing three different wide base single tires on trailers to evaluate tread wear,” Boes continues. “At the same time, we are looking at these tires as a weight saving specification. With the addition of APUs on tractors, which add 450 to 500 lbs., and the heavier weight of newer engines and emissions systems, weight has become an issue.”

Boes goes on to relate how D&D Sexton is cutting weight from its tractors in other ways. For instance, wheelbases have been shortened by three inches—which also provides an aerodynamic improvement by closing the tractor-trailer gap—and dual 100gal. fuel tanks have been spec’ed on Cascadia Evolution tractors.

“With that change,” Boes adds, “we cut tank weight and the weight of 50 gal. of fuel. However, we only made the change after determining

Model: Freightliner Cascadia XT Wheelbase: 225 in.

Engine: Detroit DD15; 455 HP, 1650 lb./ft.

Clutch: Eaton SOLO Advantage; 15.5-inch, self-adjusting Transmission: Eaton Fuller FR-15210B Direct Drive Driveshafts: Meritor RPL25, RPL20 Front Axle: Detroit, 12,000-lb.

Front Suspension: Freightliner Power Steering: TRW THP-60 Rear Axle: Meritor MT-40-14X Dual Trac; 40,000-lb., 2.47 ratio Rear Suspension: Freightliner Airliner Wheel Seals: SKF Scotseal Plus XL Brakes: Bendix ADB-22X-V Air Disc ABS: Meritor WABCO 6S/6M, Traction Control and Roll Stability Parking Brakes: Bendix Wheels: Alcoa LVL ONE aluminum, Dura-Bright finish Tires: Michelin; 275/80R22.5 XZA3+ steer, 445/50R22.5 X One XDA Energy drive 5th Wheel: Fontaine 7000 Series No-Slack II Air Compressor: Bendix BA-921, 19.0 CFM Air Dryer: Bendix AD-IP, heated Fan Clutch: Kysor K-30 on/off Batteries: Alliance 7T31 Group 31 Starter: Delco 39MT+ HD/OCP Alternator: Delco 36SI, 160 amp Block Heater: Phillips-Temro, 1,500 watt Lighting: LED Seats: National Premium; high back, air suspension Fuel Tanks: dual aluminum 125-gal.

Paint: Dupont Red Metallic Elite

D&D Sexton Trailer Specifications Model: Utility 3000R Reefer Length: 53 ft.

Refrigeration Unit: Thermo King SB-230 SR Landing Gear: Jost Magnum 441 Axles: Meritor Suspension: Meritor Ride Sentry Oil Seals: SKF Scotseal Plus XL Brakes: Bendix ADB-22X-V Air Disc ABS: Bendix 4S/2M, Roll Stability Tires: Michelin 445/50R22.5 X One XTA Wheels: Alcoa LVL ONE aluminum, DuraBright finish Lighting & Electrical: Grote LED lamps; Phillips harness

www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 45

Fleet Profile

Specs

that carrying less fuel would not be a concern for drivers over our fueling network.”

Another weight-related issue has been addressed at D&D Sexton by equipping trailers with Air-Weigh LoadMaxx Series on-board trailer scales. “We’ve found these scales to be worth the investment,” Boes states.

“They allow drivers to check axle weights immediately after loading and, if necessary, move the trailer tandems to scale legally without having to travel to scale house and risk being overloaded.”

Enhancing safety Measuring return on investment in all kinds of technologies is important, notes Dean Sexton. For example, the company has seen safety improvements with Bendix air disc brakes added recently, and with Meritor Roll Stability Support (RSS) systems it has spec’ed for the past five years. In addition, new tractors are fitted with Meritor WABCO OnGuard collision safety

46 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

Dean Sexton, president of D&D Sexton, accepts the Thermo King Energy Efficiency Leader Award from Martin Duffy, vice president of sales and market development for Thermo King.

systems with active braking to assist drivers in maintaining safe following distances.

“Highway safety has always been one of our highest priorities,” Sexton says.

“In that area and others, we also feel that our commitment to state-of-the art solutions has helped reduce our driver turnover to 40%, well below the industry average. Many of our drivers have been with us for more than 20 years.”

D&D Sexton has received numerous safety awards over the years. Recently, Thermo King recognized the carrier for its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability with the manufacturer’s Energy Efficiency Leader Award.

“We have routinely adopted new technologies and are continually focusing on innovative solutions that meet our fuel and operational efficiency needs,” Sexton concludes. /

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47047

Truck Products Prestone unveils new heavy-duty coolants Prestone Products Corp. has introduced its new Prestone Command Heavy-Duty Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant that provides CAT EC-1 protection for any diesel-powered heavyduty engine with resistance to temperature extremes, rust, corrosion, scale and water pump failure. Other features include a 600,000-mile/12,000-hour service life, long-lasting inhibitors, protection for aluminum and all other engine metals, and compatibility with any heavy-duty antifreeze/coolant. The antifreeze/coolant is available in a pre-diluted 50/50 formulation. Prestone also announced its new Command Heavy-Duty Extended Service Antifreeze/Coolant that features SCA pre-charged technology that is compatible with any conventional heavy-duty coolant and need-release filter technology.

Prestone Products Corp. www.prestonecommand.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47150 www.FERapidResponse.com/47150

Mack launches engine overhaul program The Mack Purebred Overhaul program, with extended warranty coverage of up to three years or 350,000 miles, is now being offered for the OEM’s E7 engines, the truck maker announced. The program includes four solutions: • Basic—contains all Mack Genuine parts, filters and fluids needed for an in-frame engine overhaul • Plus—includes the Basic package and ReMack cylinder heads • Premium—includes the Plus package, and a Mack Genuine turbo and injector set • ReMack Engine—combines a remanufactured three-quarter engine, a Mack Genuine turbo and set of six injectors, filters and fluids All Mack overhaul kits come with a standard two-year, unlimited mileage warranty, which includes parts and labor when installed by an authorized

Mack dealer, the company noted. The Purebred three-year/350,000-mile extended coverage warranty is standard with Premium and ReMack Engine packages, and is available for purchase with the Basic and Plus packages when installed by an authorized Mack dealer.

Mack Trucks www.mackoverhaul.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47151 www.FERapidResponse.com/47151

Timken rolls out wheel bearings and hub kits The Timken Co. has announced that recent in-house tests show its 454Series wheel bearings for commercial vehicles perform more than four times longer than those frequently used as original equipment. Available for popular axle and hub designs, Timken 454-Series wheel bearings support the 2-in. outset loads created by wide single tire and dual tire applications, and are offered in both manual and pre-adjusted configurations.

Timken also has introduced Set-Right commercial vehicle hub rebuild kits for 454-Series steer axle applications. The pre-adjusted hubs join other SetRight hub rebuild kits for steer, drive and trailer applications.

The Timken Co. www.timken.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47153 www.FERapidResponse.com/47153

Freightliner introduces Truck-Lite LED headlamps

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47048

Freightliner Trucks is making available custom-engineered LED headlamps for Cascadia models. Developed by Truck-Lite Co., the new headlamps also will be available as an aftermarket retrofit option on other models in traditional 7-in. round and 5x7-in. alternatives.

Truck-Lite LED headlamps were initially developed for military use.

According to the company, the LED forward-lighting technology is designed with a more natural light spectrum, leading to improved object recognition at night and increased daytime visibility. The lamp’s LED beam pattern also reduces eye strain for drivers and harsh headlight glare to oncoming traffic.

An additional benefit, the manufacturer notes, is a significant reduction in amperage draw on the vehicle’s electrical system, freeing up power for other uses and resulting in a 50-times longer lighting system life than conventional halogen technology.

Freightliner Trucks www.freightlinertrucks.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47152 www.FERapidResponse.com/47152 48 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

Trailers

Bodies

Mitsubishi Fuso offers sidemounted fuel tank option 2013 model Canter FE Series FE125, FE160 (single- and crew-cab) and FE180 (excluding 110.2-in. wheelbase model) trucks from Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. (MFTA) can be ordered with an optional, factory-installed 33-gal. fuel tank mounted on the outside of the frame rail on the left side of the cab-chassis. The optional tank replaces the standard 30-gal. tank located between the frame rails aft of the rear axle at no additional cost.

The optional side-mounted tank is being offered to eliminate issues with certain body applications, especially rollback wreckers, wheel-lift stingers and short overhang dry vans with lift gates, where the in-frame tank location can interfere with fill-pipe routing or body mounting.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. (MFTA) www.mitfuso.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47161 www.FERapidResponse.com/47161

Remy introduces new starters, alternators for reefer units Remy International Inc., the manufacturer and distributor of Delco Remy heavy-duty starters and alternators, is expanding its aftermarket alternator and starter line with the new Remy Refrigeration Program for transport refrigeration units. The new program offers fleets a single source for starters and alternators, as well as inventory, ordering, service and billing.

The Remy Refrigeration Program includes 32 part numbers covering virtually every current application, and plans to expand as new models are introduced. All products in the program are tested using Remy’s engineering requirements and are available without core charges.

Remy International Inc. www.delcoremy.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47162 www.FERapidResponse.com/47162

VeeBoards2Go has arrived Bartleet Trading International, manufacturer and distributor of VeeBoards products, announced the

launch of its latest addition to the range, VeeBoards2Go, which the company said is a user friendly corner protector that consists of 20 tough VeeBoards made from high density polyethylene, stacked together in a neat “carry-pack,” ready to go to work on a trailer, pickup truck or flat bed.

VeeBoards2Go will officially launch at the MidAmerica Truck Show in Louisville.

VeeBoards www.veeboards.com

by increased stroke of the cylinder. The gooseneck support jack does not interfere with truck fenders and eliminates the need for manual blocking.

Rogers Brothers Corp. www.rogerstrailers.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47164 www.FERapidResponse.com/47164

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47163 www.FERapidResponse.com/47163

Rogers offers optional CobraNeck Rogers said more than 100 years of successful trailer design and manufacturing is directly linked to its ability to anticipate the changing demands of the hauling industry. The company’s new CobraNeck multi-ride height detachable gooseneck is an optional neck designed to make unhooking and delivering safer, faster and more convenient for

today’s drivers. It allows increased ground clearance, when necessary, while saving time that would be spent in changing ride height settings. The CobraNeck is currently available on all Rogers 55-ton and larger detachable gooseneck trailers.

Rogers’ new Universal Neck Support is standard on all CobraNeck models. The new support system fits to all standard tractors and offers more lift

Weather Guard offers Red Zone accessories Weather Guard Van Solutions said it now offers a complete range of new and re-engineered van storage accessories, Red Zone Accessories, for all commercial van models.

Red Zone Accessories include a wide range of items designed to improve productivity and organization, including end panel accessories, tool and parts cabinets, and cases and bin boxes. Also offered is specialty equipment, including tank holders and wire racks, window screens, floor mats, a secure Strong Box, Cab Command Center (a between-the-seat organizer), and the Grab & Go tool cart. / Weather Guard www.weatherguard.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47165 www.FERapidResponse.com/47165 www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 49

Shop Equipment

OTC offers portable DPF cleaner OTC said its engineers have designed a diesel particulate filter cleaning solution that the company said is robust enough for everyday use with on-highway DPFs, yet compact enough to be transported easily for on-site cleaning.

The new OTC portable diesel particulate filter cleaner (P/N 5286) incorporates Focused Air Jet

Technology that cleans each DPF chamber individually as it moves in a spiral pattern toward the center of the DPF. A patent-pending “floating puck” serves to prevent “splash back” and concentrates a precise high-pressure stream of air directly into every cell, the maker said.

The flexible seal rings allow the unit to clean virtually any DPF from 6- to 15.5-in. in diameter.

Once started, the cleaning process can be completed with minimal operator oversight, freeing up the technician to do other work in the shop. It contains no internal filters that require user maintenance. At a suggested list price of under $10,000, OTC said it pays for itself in as few as 25 cleanings, assuming an average price of $400 or more per cleaning at a service center. All future cleanings beyond the initial 25 cleanings produce additional profit for the service center.

OTC www.otctools.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47170 www.FERapidResponse.com/47170

Kiene offers Wheel Grabber Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47050

According to Kiene, its Wheel Grabber is a successful way to remove a seized hub-piloted wheel. The unit quickly and safely removes seized hub-piloted wheels from steering, drive and trailer axles, and works effectively on steel or aluminum wheels, the company added. It helps technicians avoid damage to the wheel and studs by loosening the lug nuts and driving the vehicle around the block. Technicians can finish the job safely and return the vehicle to service quickly using an impact wrench and the Wheel Grabber.

Kiene Diesel Accessories Inc. www.kienediesel.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47171 www.FERapidResponse.com/47171 50 December 2012 | Fleet Equipment

Shop Equipment

Classifieds

Webb Wheel adds apps Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47200 www.FERapidResponse.com

The suite of communication media sources from Webb Wheel Aftermarket now includes Android and Blackberry Playbook apps. Webb Wheel can now be found on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and by downloading iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry Playbook applications.

Webb Wheel Products Inc. www.webbwheel.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47172 www.FERapidResponse.com/47172

Rotary Lift provides adapter guide Rotary Lift’s Adapter Selection Guide provides dimensions, diagrams and details for adapters compatible with the company’s heavy-duty in-ground lifts. The adapters fit the universal saddle and can be used with the MOD30 lift, EFX60 scissor lift and traditional in-ground lift models. Rotary said it also offers a selection of third-party certified lightweight adapters and can manufacture customized adapters to fit customer needs.

Rotary Lift www.rotarylift.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47173 www.FERapidResponse.com/47173

Phillips releases battery status indicator V-Check II, a second-generation version of the V-Check battery status indicator, has been introduced by Phillips Industries. Installed on a vehicle, for example on lift gate batteries, the device displays available battery voltage and percentage of battery life remaining every 15 seconds. Additionally, a Go/No-Go LED feature—green indicates 12.6 to more than 15 volts, yellow between 12.4 and 12.5 volts and red below 12.3 volts— shows operators if the battery is sufficiently charged for a day’s workload.

Phillips Industries www.phillipsind.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47174 www.FERapidResponse.com/47174

Naturama degreases oil safely and naturally Naturama from Green Life Development Inc. is a 100% natural oil degreaser that cleans engine parts and is not an environment polluter, the maker said. The material is biodegradable, conforms to European Standard EN1276, and is non-toxic and non-ionic, ozone safe, hypoallergenic, non-alcoholic and non-flammable.

According to the company, Naturama breaks the molecules of the oil to soluble materials that are eaten by micro-organisms, not enzymes. It dissolves and removes all types of dirt and oil in a short time. It cleans garage floors, engines, vehicles and machinery. Naturama also eliminates the use of toxic materials and water post-cleaning; only wiping is required, the company added. / Green Life Development Inc. www.greenuses.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47175 www.FERapidResponse.com/47175 www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 51

Classifieds

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47202 www.FERapidResponse.com

KIENE TOOLS

INVENTED BY MECHANICS, FOR MECHANICS Rapid Response: 800-930-720 ext. 47201 www.FERapidResponse.com

echanic A few m developed ns inventio nufactured a &m E

by KIEN TWEAKSTER

MADE IN THE

Kiene Tire Lifter

AXLE SHAFT REMOVER

U.S.A.

CLUTCH CADDY NOW HAS 13 ADAPTERS FOR OTHER TOUGH LIFTING JOBS

SPRING BRAKE 3rd HAND

Visit booth 11213 at this years Mid America Truck Show and see some of the mechanic tool ideas Kiene has developed and manufactures. Bring your tool ideas to the booth, or give us a call – it could be a profitable experience Mention this ad & receive 10% off any Kiene tool purchase!

KIENE

DIESEL ACCESSORIES, INC. 325 Fairbanks St., Addison IL 60101

1-800-264-5950 • www.kienediesel.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47203 www.FERapidResponse.com 52 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47204 www.FERapidResponse.com

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47206 www.FERapidResponse.com

NO Steel Balls NO Sands or Oils NO Prebalancing

Easily installs on truck driveshafts, wheel assemblies & engines WILL STOP TIRE CUPPING & INCREASE TIRE LIFE UP TO 50% OR MORE

For Fleet Pricing Contact your local dealer or

Sun-Tech Innovations

www.BalanceMasters.com

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47207 www.FERapidResponse.com

Rapid Response: 800-930-720 ext. 47205 www.FEapidResponse.com

Classifieds

Get FREE PRODUCT AND SERVICE INFO from the companies featured in this issue of Fleet Equipment.

It’s fast and easy!

TO GET CONNECTED: >>>CALL toll-free 800-930-7204 and then enter the Five Digit RapidResponse Code that appears in the ad or product announcement or on the listing below.

Call now to order or to receive a free 2013 catalog 1-800-434-5141 www.autobodysupplies.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47208 www.FERapidResponse.com

YOUR AD HERE!

TO ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS CALLTom Staab

>>>OR VISIT www.FERapidResponse.com and click on the company you want info from!

>>>OR click on the Fleet Equipment Rapid Response icon on our Web site at www.fleetequipmentmag.com!

330-670-1234, ext 224 or email at tstaab@babcox.com

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Doug Basford dbasford@babcox.com 330-670-1234, ext. 255 Dean Martin dmartin@babcox.com 330-670-1234, ext. 225 Bobbie Adams badams@babcox.com 330-670-1234, ext. 288 Glenn Warner gwarner@babcox.com 330-670-1234, ext. 212 John Zick jzick@babcox.com 949-756-8835 Don Hemming dhemming@babcox.com 330-670-1234, ext. 286 Sean Donohue sdonohue@babcox.com 330-670-1234, ext. 206 CLASSIFIED SALES Tom Staab tstaab@babcox.com 330-670-1234, ext. 224

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47209 www.FERapidResponse.com 54 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

LIST SALES MANAGER Don Hemming dhemming@babcox.com 330-670-1234, ext. 286

Reader Response Page sponsored by

Page

Afton Chemical Corp.

Bendpak Chevron Products Espar Products Espar Products Federal Mogul Corp.

Hannay Reels Hendrickson Hendrickson Hino Motor Sales USA Interstate Battery Systems of America Laydon Composites Ltd. Luber-finer Marangoni North America MATS NTN Bearing Corp.

Onspot of North America Peterbilt Motors Co. ProDiesel Saf-Tee Siping/Grooving Sata Spray Equipment Shell Lubricants Shell Lubricants Snider Fleet Solutions Thermo King Corp.

Wabash Wix

13 43 9 22 23 2-3 50 7 25 29 11 39 20 19 47 Cover 3 48 Cover 4 41 55 21 16 17 15 5 35 Cover 2

Rapid Response Code 47013 47043 47009 47022 47023 47003 47050 47007 47025 47029 47011 47039 47020 47019 47047 47057 47048 47058 47041 47055 47021 47016 47017 47015 47005 47035 47059

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47055 www.FERapidResponse.com

Advertiser

www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 55

Coming in

MARCH • Equipment Technology Vehicle leasing programs • Before & After(market) Reman engines & transmissions • Aftermarket Insights Reefer Updates Call David Moniz at

(330) 670-1234 Ext. 215 About Advertising Opportunities!

FLEET EQUIPMENT (ISSN 0747-2544) (February 2013, Volume 39, Number 2): Published monthly by Babcox Media, 3550 Embassy Parkway, Akron, OH 44333 U.S.A. Phone (330) 670-1234, FAX (330) 670-0874. Periodical postage paid at Akron, OH 44333 and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fleet Equipment, 3550 Embassy Pkwy, Akron, OH 44333. A limited number of complimentary subscriptions are available to individuals who meet the qualification requirements. Call (330) 670-1234, ext. 288, to speak to a subscription services representative or FAX us at (330) 670-5335. Paid Subscriptions are available for non-qualified subscribers at the following rates: U.S.: $69 for one year. Canada: $89 for one year. Canadian rates include GST. Ohio residents add current county sales tax. Other foreign rates/via airmail: $129 for one year.

Payable in advance in U.S. funds. Mail payment to Fleet Equipment, P.O. Box 75692, Cleveland, OH 44101-4755. VISA, MasterCard or American Express accepted.

Founded in 1974. © 2012 by Babcox Media, “Fleet Equipment” is a trademark of Babcox Media Inc., registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. All rights reserved. Publisher reserves the right to reject any subscription that does not conform to his standards or buying power coverage. Advertising which is below standard is refused. Opinions in signed articles and advertisements are not necessarily those of this magazine or its publisher. Diligent effort is made to ensure the integrity of every statement.

Unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by return postage.

Proud Members of:

Proud Supporters of: 56 February 2013 | Fleet Equipment

PostScript MATS 2013: 42 years and counting The Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) is more than a trade show, say its organizers.

It is the annual forum— now in its 42 consecutive year—for the heavy-duty trucking industry, providing faceto-face interaction between industry

representatives and trucking professionals.

Attendees are driven to MATS because they can efficiently research the latest products and services to provide their business with a competitive edge.

According to show management, MATS is where the industry comes together, where attendees network with Fortune 500 companies, where media outlets from around the world go to report on the business of trucking, and where trucking business gets done.

In addition to vast exhibits for trucks and truck products on display for three days, the show offers informative, constructive and trucking-oriented seminars, which are freeof-charge and do not require advanced registration.

Mark your calendar for the 2013 MidAmerica Trucking Show, scheduled to run March 21 through 23. For more information, visit www.truckingshow.com. / www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 56

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47057

Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 47058