Leasing options • Reman components • New TRU technology
MARCH 2013
Managing Equipment Assets
www.FleetEquipmentMag.com
Fast Route Steve Maxson Vice President of Equipment Averitt Express
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On the Inside Columns Editorial
Founded 1974. Copyright 2013 Babcox Media Inc.
Vol. 39 | Number 3 | 2013
4
CAROL BIRKLAND
Heavy-duty News
6
DENISE KOETH
8
Light- & Medium-duty SETH SKYDEL
Service & Support
34
10
D. MICHAEL PENNINGTON
Fuels & Lubes
44
12
JOHN MARTIN
Tires & Wheels
14
AL COHN
Post Script
64
Departments
48
16 Timely Tips Winter air hose maintenance
18 ASE
Features
Opportunity knocking
20 Industry News FTR reports preliminary Class 8 orders up in January
52 Truck Equipment Mack rolls out suspensions with proprietary axles
53 Truck Products Meritor expands new AllFit series product portfolio
30
Refrigerated Trucking | Looks don’t matter, or do they?
32
IT for Asset Management | Wide impact
34
Reefer Technology | New TRU technology
38
Special Report | Coolant systems
44
Before & After(market) | Reman components
48
Fleet Profile | Fast route
56 Trailers & Bodies Espar Heater Systems announces Mobile Flex Cool
57 Shop PlastiKote undercoatings provide protection
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
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PUBLISHER David Moniz, Publisher 330-670-1234, Ext. 215 dmoniz@babcox.com EDITORIAL Carol Birkland, Editor-in-Chief 952-476-0230 cbirkland@babcox.com
Editorial
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, Sr. Staff Writer 248-872-6760 mike@pennotesllc.com Al Cohn, 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
4 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Finding the true cost of operation CAROL BIRKLAND | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The true cost of commercial truck operation extends far beyond the purchase price to include choice of financing, expected utilization and resale value. Overall commercial truck operating costs can be lowered when the buy-use-sell phases are viewed as a continuum and an opportunity to increase profitability. There are a lot of considerations when determining the total cost of ownership of a commercial truck. If you’re in procurement, you may think getting the lowest price and the best financing for the new vehicle has the biggest impact on total cost. According to Patrick Gaskins, vice president of financial services for AmeriQuest Transportation Services, “For those who manage operations, it might be all about getting the best fuel efficiency and keeping the cost of maintenance and repairs to a minimum. And for those responsible for disposing of the asset at the end of its useful life, you could think getting the best possible resale price for the vehicle can have a significant effect in overall cost of ownership.” For those working in financial services, each step in the commercial truck lifecycle process is equally important to the bottom line—and each plays an integral part in determining the total cost of ownership. In an ideal scenario, procurement, operations and remarketing departments should collaborate fully to help the fleet accomplish its end goal, which should be to run at the lowest possible cost-per-mile. Unfortunately, many fleets operate in silos, with the finance manager having little understanding of day-to-day operations and what specs are needed to run one truck 120,000 miles a year on highway, while another runs short delivery runs in an urban area. And both departments probably struggle when it’s time to dispose of the truck. Gaskins contends that sometimes, it benefits a truck fleet to re-think the way it does business—to take a fresh look at its internal processes. Fleets need a new way to evaluate lifecycle costs. For example, before a financing solution is even considered, you should take an objective look at the full picture, which includes vehicle specification, actual acquisition costs, maintenance costs, historical fuel economy costs and utilization patterns. Using that information, you can consider how long the vehicle should be used before repairs become too expensive. Think about the eventual resale value of the vehicle at the end of its useful life. Choosing the right commercial truck now can lead to profitability years ahead when it’s time to sell. Using this kind of data-driven intelligence, you can determine how to most cost-effectively buy, use and sell a commercial truck before choosing a financing option that will work best for that truck. The solution may not be the same for each asset in the fleet. You may find that a form of capital or operating lease is best, or that a TRAC lease that enables you to finance a truck or trailer to a preset residual at the end of the term may help you better manage your cash flow and residual exposure. No matter what option works best for that vehicle, a reputable financial services company that specializes in the trucking industry can provide options that might not otherwise be available, since it partners with some of the largest banks in the country to deliver a variety of low-cost funding options. One type of lease does not fit all fleets. When evaluating true lifecycle operating costs, remember to keep three small words in mind…buy, use and sell. These three stages of a commercial truck’s life are inextricably linked and should always be viewed together when making any calculations that will affect a fleet’s profitability. /
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Heavy-duty news
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t’s been a little more than two years since the FMCSA’s rollout of Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA), which began in December 2010. Meeting the rules and regulations of the program is critical to fleets and drivers—a high score can lead to government intervention for the fleet, and for a driver it could mean serious difficulty in finding or keeping a job. By now, most fleets likely have a basic CSA program in place to minimize their Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores. But it’s never too late to improve—particularly in the Vehicle Maintenance Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC), which is one category in which fleets have a good deal of control over the prevention of violations. The BASIC monitors failure due to improper or inadequate maintenance. Example violations are brakes, lights, tires and other mechanical defects, as well as failure to make required repairs. In order to avoid violations, fleets and drivers must be diligent about scheduled maintenance and required inspections, in addition to daily checks on the road. The subject was addressed at the fleet panel discussion at this year’s Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week, held mid-January in Las Vegas. Representatives from fleets gave a brief overview of the practices their respective maintenance departments have adopted—programs that range from performing 60- or 90-day “annual inspections” on equipment, to establishing a separate driver points system in which drivers are de-merited for violation points, to purchasing new equipment that makes vehicle maintenance inspections easier (such as light check machines).
6 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Vehicle maintenance and CSA BY DENISE KOETH | SENIOR EDITOR
To help create or fine-tune a CSA plan, remember the following examples of violations in the BASIC: • Operating a vehicle that has been placed out of service • Lights and/or reflectors not working or obscured • Any brake violation (condition, adjustment, etc.) • Steering or suspension defects • Tire, wheel or rim defects • Using a vehicle that has not been periodically (annually) inspected The high severity violations in this BASIC include operating a vehicle that has been placed out of service; lights and/or reflectors obscured; in-
the maintenance program or a problem with specific equipment. Driver training also is a big part of the equation. Fleets should inform drivers of what inspections are required. According to J. J. Keller & Associates, a private company that helps businesses deal with regulations that affect their operations, best practices include: a complete pre-trip inspection at the beginning of the day, walk-around inspection every time the vehicle is parked, and a post-trip inspection at the end of the day. Drivers should do the required inspections and communicate problems to the maintenance department
Drivers need to know what to check… operative headlight, tail light, brake light or turn signal; steering or suspension defects; and tire defects. So how does a fleet keep this BASIC score low? The simple answer is to make sure vehicles are well maintained by a competent maintenance department, and that drivers are doing vehicle inspections and addressing any problems found. Inspect vehicles at regular intervals and make sound decisions related to on-road repairs and maintenance—and develop a preventative maintenance checklist. All driver and maintenance inspections, maintenance work and repairs should be documented to track problems that regularly develop with the equipment. In addition, the maintenance department should review and track every roadside violation and repair request—watching these two data sets can indicate a problem with
—it can be helpful to document what maintenance is finding compared to what the driver is reporting. Drivers need to know what to check on the vehicle and how to spot defects, who to call when there is a problem, and how and when to submit documentation. Involving drivers is paramount to a fleet’s CSA efforts. And today’s drivers should be very willing to participate, since certain SMS points will show up on a driver’s SMS point total—and will stay with the driver for three years. To best position your fleet for success, it all boils down to adequately training drivers, setting up regular inspection intervals and developing a preventative maintenance checklist. For detailed information about CSA, including the Vehicle Maintenance and six other BASICS, visit csa.fmcsa.dot.gov. /
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Light & Medium-Duty
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ew offerings, like the Freightliner Frameworks Truck Equipment Manufacturers program, are set to help fleets streamline the upfitting process. One of the challenges that light- and medium-duty fleets face is to provide body builders and equipment manufacturers with information that guides design and installation. Dimensions, mounting guidelines, frame modification, electrical system details and other information is essential when specifying vehicles. It also is most helpful early in the process for reducing the cost of body and equipment installation, and for eliminating potential problems once a vehicle is placed in service. At the recent 2013 NTEA Work Truck Show, Freightliner Trucks introduced an initiative that complements the company’s overall strategy to develop solutions for truck equipment manufacturers that make the upfitting process as efficient as possible. The Freightliner Frameworks Truck Equipment Manufacturers program provides members with a comprehensive suite of services and tools geared toward vocational body builders. Included are online and onsite training, 3D chassis layouts, updated Freightliner body builder books, a dedicated chassis upfit hotline for truck equipment manufacturers, and more. Also at the Work Truck Show, Western Star Truck Sales introduced its new 4700SB AWD (set-back, allwheel drive) model designed for construction and utility applications. The show model, equipped with a Terex Utilities Digger Derrick, is an example of how the OEM’s updated Body Builder book released last fall can provide for a smoother body and equipment integration process.
8 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Optimizing choices BY SETH SKYDEL | SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
The Western Star guide features generic truck model layout drawings, and includes a downloadable power take-off (PTO) compatibility section. In collaboration with Western Star’s custom application engineering staff, body builders also can request preassembled 3D model drawings consisting of primary component groups. The 3D models include front and rear suspensions, axles, frames, cabs and optional calculated centers of gravity, and reflect exact build configurations. The drawings can be obtained within 20 days of a truck build to speed up the design process for body builders. Body builders also can download generic 2D drawings of all Western Star truck models to quickly develop body configurations. Additionally, Western Star offers a 3DXml file format that does not require special CAD software in order to view model drawings on a personal computer. The updated Western Star Body Builder book includes a new PTO compatibility section, featuring specs and schematics for PTO controls, hydraulic pumps and mounting. The guide helps determine compatibility between appropriate transmissions, engines and PTO mounting positions with respect to each Western Star truck model. Other guides also are available to fleets from OEMs and upfitters. The Auto Truck Group, an upfitter of dump, platform, utility and van bodies, as well as a range of equipment including lift gates, air compressors, hoists and winches, hitches, snowplows and spreaders, and tool boxes, is offering its Work Truck Upfit Selection Guide. The guide includes charts and illustrations, study data, a list of industry resources and links for more information, and covers upfitter certi-
fication and regulatory compliance requirements and design and engineering capabilities. Upfitting also was a key topic on the educational session agenda at the Work Truck Show, held in conjunction with the 49th Annual NTEA Convention where more than 60 educational sessions were offered to fleet owners and managers, as well as truck equip-
Upfitting also was a key topic on the educational session agenda at the Work Truck Show. ment suppliers and upfitters. Included were chassis updates from all major OEMs and sessions covering chassis requirements, developing work truck body specs, and avoiding costly frame modifications. Working with OEMs and body and equipment manufacturers to address critical upfitting details and considerations is essential, especially considering the increasingly complex process of specifying and building work trucks for all types of applications and operations. The latest examples of this activity—including the Freightliner Frameworks Truck Equipment Manufacturers program—help streamline the body and equipment design and assembly process for vehicle OEMs and body and equipment manufacturers, and ultimately for their fleet customers. /
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48009
Service & Support
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leet management continually wrestles with the right parts inventory to avoid downtime and to assure its customers that the truck will be there on time with the load or for the pickup. Finding the right part at the right price to get the job done can be a time-consuming and expensive issue.
“Companies know they have a [parts inventory] problem and don’t know how to solve it...” —de Laet
We turned to Steve de Laet, a distribution business veteran of 30 years and co-founder and chief marketing and sales officer for PartsRiver, to understand the situation and a possible solution. Overall, he contends, fleets have limited ability to exercise effective parts procurement control and are unable to compare pricing or inven-
10 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Stock less, save money BY D. MICHAEL PENNINGTON | SENIOR STAFF WRITER
tory. The primary reason: the inability to efficiently locate out-of-stock parts or find alternates. With this month’s launch of PartsRiver.com, the e-commerce marketplace for heavy-duty truck parts, fleets now have an avenue to find and buy parts from multiple sellers. “This is the industry’s first true online marketplace with all the functionality of consumer marketplaces,” de Laet said. “Parts buyers will be able to request quotes, find alternate parts and place orders with sellers, saving time and cost. Today’s buyers are more accustomed to buying online, and we offer a complementary channel to the traditional local market.” The company has built a database of more than nine million parts, cross references and VMRS codes that provide a massive parts resource to identify who can buy parts from local and national sellers. Buyers can find and buy parts two ways: if a seller has an e-store, PartsRiver.com will direct the buyer to the right page in the store. When sellers list their parts/prices on the website, the order will be processed and sent directly to the seller for shipment. Parts buyers can search, find and buy multiple parts from multiple sellers quickly, the company noted, and they can request quotes to attain the best price. PartsRiver.com also offers sellers custom full function e-stores that leverage the company’s parts database and search technology. PartsRiver, founded in 2000, helps companies improve efficiency in parts procurement and inventory
management. Services include data cleansing, enrichment, VMRS classification, cross-referencing and now e-commerce. Parts data management benefits fleets with multiple maintenance locations and fleets with more diverse equipment. Current customers include four of the major truck OEMs, one large package delivery service, and many significant private motor carriers. The company’s successfully managed parts data is ideal even for large fleets, many with multiple maintenance facilities. According to de Laet, “Companies know they have a [parts inventory] problem and don’t know how to solve it. In some cases there will be 200 to 300 part numbers for the same part and variances of 300% to 400%. “We’re able to clean the data and save fleets as much as 20% in total parts spend by managing the parts master on an ongoing basis, managing supplier updates for both parts and pricing,” he said. One large carrier saved “over $100 million” with the data management system, noted de Laet. “Remember, truck parts sales are business to business (B2B),” he said. “Buyers are looking to buy something now for a reasonable price from a reputable seller. If there was ever a time to become an online leader in the heavy-duty truck parts market, this is it. It doesn’t matter what size company you are to develop a loyal following online if you understand what is really important to the online market—availability, fair pricing and dependable service.” /
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48011
Fuels & Lubes
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hen I was doing research and development for a major oil company in the late '60s and early '70s, the petroleum industry didn’t have much interest in engine lubricants. For the oil producer and marketer, imagine comparing the sales of lubricants (probably 1% to 2%) to the sales of gasoline and diesel fuel constantly pouring out of huge pipelines. Also, the industry didn’t have to move particularly fast. Marketing would actually allow us geeks to produce the best lube oils possible without regard to cost because there was so little cost or comparative profit produced. There also weren’t many required engine tests to qualify a new lubricant. Most of the power to specify lube oil performance rested in the hands of oil marketers. The American Petroleum Institute (API) defined a technical need based on performance problems in the field. The American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM) developed tests to define and evaluate new lube oil performance. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) then defined new oil performance categories in terms end users could understand. I vividly remember accompanying one of our marketing people to a SAE meeting. He referred to it as a “convention of the nerds.” Then marketing got involved because they recognized some potential for increased profits. The game was forever changed since the oil marketers wanted to maximize profits by minimizing expenditures across the board. They also wanted to minimize the number of products produced (universal oils) to simplify logistics. The situation was much different in
12 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
The oil power structure may be changing BY JOHN MARTIN | CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Europe, where petroleum products cost approximately four times more than they do in North America. Major engine builders such as DaimlerBenz, Fiat, Volvo and Volkswagen were constantly increasing the power density of their products. As soon as the horsepower “screws” were turned up, better oils were required. Instead of waiting for a lengthy political process to gain consensus, these engine builders would define what
Now we are experiencing very rapid development of diesel engine fuel economy oils…
testing was necessary for the new oils, and the additive manufacturers and oil marketers would scramble to produce higher performance products to sell. I always liked Daimler-Benz’s approach. The company defined several different performance levels of lube oils (sheet oils) to be used in specific types of equipment and service. It even defined oil change intervals based on oil quality and service. They were years ahead of the U.S., and their specifications defined very good oils. In the '80s, Japanese automotive
OEMs joined the fray. In fact, the Japanese were the first OEMs to define improved fuel economy oils. In the U.S., only automatic transmission fluid performance was controlled by OEMs. Since Ford and GM automatics had very different frictional characteristics, and the amount of business was so small, OEMs were not contested when specifying automatic transmission fluid (ATF) performance to oil marketers. There were only a few additive manufacturers who could produce the ATFs anyway. Due to the perceived slowness of U.S. lube oil performance specifications, this process began to change in the late '80s. Automotive manufacturers (both U. S. and Japanese) formed a trade association, International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), and went about the process of developing the new oil performance categories (GF). U.S. diesel engine manufacturers such as Cummins, Mack and Volvo began developing specifications to optimize performance in each of their engine designs. The traditional U.S. oil industry had been turned upside down. Now we are experiencing very rapid development of diesel engine fuel economy oils (PC-11) prior to 2016. The API, ASTM and SAE are developing new performance categories, but the process of gaining political consensus is slow. I suspect diesel engine manufacturers will end up defining what oil quality will perform satisfactorily in both their newer and older engine designs. Development-wise, we don’t have much time. Look for a plethora of “Cummins,” “Mack” and “Volvo” oils in 2016. /
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Tires & Wheels
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idebase tires continue to grow in popularity. In fact, there has been exponential growth with sales doubling every year since widebase tires were first introduced more than 10 years ago. The concept of widebase is very simple: one tire replaces two tires. However, a widebase tire is not double the tread width of two dual tires. The most common widebase is a 445/50R22.5, with about 70% market share. The nominal tread width of 445 mm is about 17.5 in. when you do the math conversion. The 11R22.5 dual size tire has a tread width of 11 in. Two dual 11R22.5s equate to 22 in. of tread. Therefore, one widebase is only about 80% the tread width of two duals, which simply means that the tire is working a little bit harder during every revolution. Maintaining proper tire pressure is the key to success with widebase tires to keep them running cool with the proper tire footprint. So what do fleets find so rewarding when spec’ing their drive, trailer and dollies with these tires? Fuel economy, weight savings and reducing both tire and wheel inventory are the three big reasons why fleets are impressed with these new generation widebase tires. More and more tire manufacturers are offering a complete lineup of tread designs. In addition, a hidden benefit is drivers report they just like the way the tires feel going down the highway. Since they are wider than the duals, road rutting does not affect widebase tires. If a fleet currently is spec’ing dual tires with steel wheels and now decides to spec widebase in combination with aluminum wheels, there is up to a 1,000-lb. weight savings. This
14 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Widebase single update BY AL COHN | CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
will allow for increased payload and lowers the return on investment. Other side benefits include improved brake cooling; also, mechanics will no longer be concerned with matching dual tires to the proper tread depth and circumference. A benefit of spec’ing widebase tires on a trailer dolly is that one man can now easily pick up and move a dolly all by himself. It is almost impossible to manually move a dolly equipped with duals. Load requirements are key when
because the combined weight is approximately 220 lbs. with a widebase tire mounted on an aluminum wheel. It also is important to be cognizant of the effect the axle may have on widebase tires. Replacement of standard dual wheels with single tire/wheel assemblies on existing drive, trailer and dolly applications may adversely affect the loading on the axle and/or wheel-end components. This can alter the stresses in the bearings, spindle, hub and axle housing. The load carrying capability
Fuel economy, weight savings and reducing both tire and wheel inventory are the big three reasons why fleets are impressed… choosing what size widebase tire to spec. The 445/50R22.5 has a rating of 10,200 lbs. at 120 PSI. The other option is to use the 455/55R22.5, which can support about 8% more load at 11,000 lbs. But there are considerations when spec’ing widebase tires. It is quite common for dual tires to survive two retread cycles. But widebase tires are heavier, generate a lot of heat and are working a little harder during every revolution. That translates into a one retread expectation for widebase tires—if air pressure is properly maintained and the tire is not abused—or if the truck is not run overloaded or driven above the speed limit. Handling a widebase tire and wheel assembly is more difficult than duals
could be reduced and shorten the anticipated service life of these components. There are three different wheel outsets available with a 14-in. widebase wheel: 0, 1.3 and 2.0 in. As outset increases, higher loads are placed on the outer bearing, which can reduce bearing life, cup rotation and promote wearing of the spindle. If fleets are spec’ing widebase tires on their new equipment, it is recommended to spec the wider axles with 0 wheel outsets. For retrofitting existing axles with duals to the new widebase, the 2-in. wheel outsets currently is the most common scenario. Widebase tires are here to stay and will continue to grow over the coming years. /
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48015
Timely Tips
Winter air hose maintenance
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ccording to the hose experts at Phillips Industries, cold weather can create problems with tractortrailer air system freeze-ups. To help prevent this, they recommend that the air brake system be checked regularly for excessive leakage and that reservoirs are constantly drained. Air dryers also should be inspected to make sure they are functioning properly, as well. Check the air brake system for excessive leakage because it can cause the compressor to pump more air and moisture into the brake system—and more moisture means an increased chance for freeze-ups. For air systems without an air dryer, routinely draining the air system helps reduce the possibility of freeze-ups. All reservoirs in a system can accumulate water and contaminates, which must be drained—this should be done daily. During winter, it may be beneficial to drain the system more than once daily.
There are two methods to drain the reservoirs: Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48016
1. Shut off the engine and then drain all the air from each reservoir 2. Open all the drain cocks on all the reservoirs and leave them open over-night to drain all contamination. Automatic drain valves installed on a truck eliminate the need for daily reservoir draining; however, their function should be checked before the winter weather sets in. Even though automatic drain valves may be in place, manual draining of the lines is still required periodically. For those air systems with an air
16 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
dryer, it is very important that the dryer functions properly to ensure the air system in running clean and dry. To help maintain proper operation, make sure to change the desiccant cartridge and purge the valve as necessary. Other preventative measures include: • Use dummy hose couplings on the tractor and trailer. • To avoid water traps within the hose check for drooping lines. • If the lines do become frozen, thaw them.
Thawing lines: The only way to thaw the lines without causing damage to the air system is to park the vehicle in a warm building. Once the lines have been thawed, only remove the vehicle back into the outdoors when it is ready to go into operation again. Parking the vehicle outside immediately after thawing the air system can cause condensation, which will re-freeze the system. DO NOT apply an open flame to the air lines or valves. Not only can this damage the valves and melt the air lines, but it also is dangerous and can cause a fire. DO NOT pour fluids into the air lines or gladhands. This can cause damage to the rubber components. It also can wash lubricants out of valves. Without lubricant, valves will not operate properly, causing accelerated wear, which leads to premature replacement. Liquid also can collect in the brake chamber and valves and cause malfunction. For more information, visit www.phillipsqwiktechtips.com. /
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48017
Training Techniques
Opportunity knocking BY TONY MOLLA | ASE’s VP OF COMMUNICATIONS
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Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48018
hile waiting for my panel to begin at the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week SOLD event in January, I had the pleasure of spending some time with Mike Betts, CEO of Betts Spring Co. in Fresno, Calif. Mike is extremely active in the independent heavy-duty aftermarket and a passionate champion of making more training available to independent heavy-duty service and repair facilities. In fact, he was the driving force behind the creation of the Service Opportunities and Learning Day (SOLD) presentations at this year’s HDAW. As you might expect, our conversation focused on the need for making more technical training available to the aftermarket heavy-duty repair community, which also happened to be part of the panel discussion I moderated. We agreed that, while there were training opportunities out there, much more needs to be done. The rapid pace of technological change in every transportation segment presents a challenge for both technicians and training managers. Staying current on the latest in emission and powertrain technology alone is a full-time commitment. While the vehicle manufacturers and organizations like the ATA Technology and Maintenance Council do a great job of providing technical training to their constituents, if you are an aftermarket service operation, you may not have access to these resources. The SOLD panel offered attendees takeaway information which identified existing training opportunities that they may not know about, such as NATEF-accredited post-secondary programs and aftermarket training providers, but it was clear
18 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
we need to do more as an industry. It also was clear that this is an opportunity knocking for those training providers out there who may not be servicing the aftermarket as much as the demand would suggest. The success of the first SOLD program identifies a need—and I’m sure future programs will address this issue head-on— but in the meantime, it’s important to take advantage of what training opportunities are out there. While most involve traveling of one kind or another, there are some good training programs available if you know where to look. Regular readers of this column already know that I’m a fan of trade shows. Aside from the endless networking opportunities, the heavyduty market is unique in having some of the best technical and management training available as part of that experience. The latest examples are the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show, held in Indianapolis this year March 4-8, and the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting, scheduled for Nashville March 11-14. If you have the chance to attend either or both, you’ll find answers to some of your training needs. The dialog on filling the heavy-duty aftermarket training needs has begun in earnest, and with the enthusiasm of individuals like Mike, I have no doubt that solutions will be found. But it’s going to take a cooperative effort from all of the heavyduty segments to address what remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the industry. It’s time to get involved in the conversation. /
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48019
IndustryNews FTR reports preliminary Class 8 orders for January FTR Associates has released preliminary data showing January Class 8 truck net orders at 22,235, 7% higher than December but down 11% year over year. Orders for Class 8 vehicles have been above the 20,000 mark for the past four months, showing some
Hino expands dealer network Hino Trucks has reached a new milestone by signing its 200th dealer point in the U.S. The company cites continued high demand for its medium-duty truck line, an expanded product offering with the addition of a new Class 5 cabover, and a growing population of units in operation as driving the need for dealer network growth. “Our plan for 2013 is to add dealer points
strength after a soft period in mid-2012. Preliminary order numbers are for all major North American OEMs. Final data for January will be available from FTR as part of its North American Commercial Truck & Trailer Outlook service.
in at least 12 priority markets and to continue to grow our dealer network in order to service our customer base and maintain our high level of customer service,” said Debbie Morello, manager of Dealer Operations for Hino Trucks. “These additions will provide dealer points strategically placed across the United States in areas of high volume medium-duty truck population, as well as the ability to service our growing customer base in smaller markets.”
Meritor unveils next generation e-commerce system
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48020
MeritorpartsOnline.com, a new electronic catalog and parts ordering system from Meritor, is designed to assist fleet parts managers, OEM dealers, warehouse distributors and truck operators in the U.S., Canada and South America. The new online solution replaces the company’s previous e-commerce system, XpresswayPlus.com. Current XpresswayPlus users may continue using their existing log-in credentials and any established reporting will transition with the user’s account. MeritorpartsOnline.com features improved and intuitive navigation and easyto-read pages that provide a simple transition from parts searches to order entry; new product information, promotions, improved parts comparisons, batch cross-reference upload, and 3D 360-degree rotating and zoom product photography; an upload template for stock and emergency orders, a quick order feature, and an ability to reorder purchase orders from historical data. In the fall of 2013, a second phase of the system will be introduced with additional features, including recommended 20 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
up-selling and cross-selling, and an admaker kit for dealers and distributors.
Wix Filters sponsors award programs
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48021
Wix Filters is partnering with Babcox Media to sponsor the 2013 Tomorrow’s Technician’s School of the Year, Counterman’s Counter Professional of the Year and the Babcox TechGroup Best Tech program. The School of the Year program (www.ttschooloftheyear.com), with O’Reilly Auto Parts as a partner, is a national search to find and name the best technician training school in the country. The award program is open to all high schools or post-secondary schools that have a subscription to Tomorrow’s Technician. Judges will review entry criteria and select the top school from each of four regions in the U.S. The winner will be selected from the four finalists and announced at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in November. This is the sixth year a school will be recognized. The Counter Professional of the Year award (www.counterman.com) recognizes an automotive aftermarket parts professional who continually seeks out education; is an example of the consummate parts professional; and is an ambassador for the aftermarket. This year will be the 28th year that Counterman magazine has named its Counter Professional of the Year, also sponsored by Affinia Group Inc. and Raybestos Chassis. The Best Tech award (www.besttech2013.com) recognizes the skills and professionalism of today’s automotive technicians, from demonstrating excellence in the automotive service industry to engaging in the local community. This is the third year a recipient will be recognized.
Labelmaster offers online tool for customized ID products A wide variety of identification prodwww.FleetEquipmentMag.com 21
IndustryNews
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48022
ucts can be custom designed on Labelmaster’s custom products site. Included is a Custom Label Request page for customers with unique labeling needs. Labelmaster’s “Create Your Own” Solutions Catalog features a wide array of customizable labels, forms and placards that are formatted to meet regulatory requirements and compliance standards and accept unique information. For example, the following labels can be
bar-coded and include company and product information: • Proper Shipping Name • THIS (HazCom) • Lithium Battery • Waste • Excepted Quantity • NFPA • Custom The Labelmaster site also covers safety and traffic signs that are OSHA
and MUTCD-compliant, custom 4-digit DOT placards, customized seals in a variety of materials and designs, including many that are C-TPAT compliant, tags in a variety of headers, sizes and materials, and pipe markers in a variety of styles.
GSA awards five-year contract to Balance Masters Sun-Tech Innovations, creators of Balance Masters, a self-adjusting wheel-balancing system, announced it has been awarded a new five-year contract by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to maintain vehicles owned by the Department of Defense and other government agencies. The company said it has pioneered a unique balancing system that has no sand, oils, steel balls or prebalancing to maintain tires for optimum performance. The system is not affected by hot or cold weather and comes with an exclusive 10year factory warranty with a 100-day unconditional purchase price refund. “Balance Masters is the only product of its kind that has been formally tested and approved by the U.S. military,” said Chris Gamble, owner of Sun-Tech. “We all know military vehicles need to perform flawlessly under extremely difficult conditions. If Balance Masters is good enough for the military, it is good enough for fleets, private vehicles and virtually anything that spins. “We have the best price we’ve ever offered on this type of product, and we believe this is the best deal to be found within our industry,” Gamble added. “Because Balance Masters can increase tire life by up to 50% or more at all speeds, we also believe this is the best value a vehicle owner can find anywhere.”
Blue Tree Systems introduces portable in-cab device A portable version of the company’s in-cab terminal, the Blue Tree R:COM InCab Portable device provides all the same features as the existing R:COM incab communication system while also enabling “plug and play” functionality for owner-operator and rental vehicles. The portable unit with a ruggedized screen is temporarily mounted on the 22 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48023
IndustryNews dash and plugged directly into the vehicle diagnostics and to a permanently attached antenna. The R:COM In-Cab Portable provides Blue Tree’s hours of service program, driver messaging with predefined quick messages and custom data entry form messages, text to speech, satellite navigation and job management features. On the system, fleets can send details to the driver with navigation coordinates and truck-specific routing and receive estimated arrival time data. Specific screens can be added to include inspection or incident reports. Fleets also can design and upload custom data entry forms to personalize the Blue Tree solution based on their individual requirements.
2013 MX engine brochure offered by Peterbilt
Betts combines business units Betts Company has announced that BettsHD is now the new operating division for its spray suppression and fender products business units. The combined Betts and Life-Time Fenders units focus on heavyduty tractor-trailer applications with products that include mud flap hangers; conspicuity solutions; quarter, poly and metal fenders; bracket kits and accessories; application solutions; and custom design/manufacturing. Components previously branded or offered distinctly by Betts and Life-Time
Fenders will be branded as BettsHD. In addition to BettsHD, the company’s operating divisions include Betts Truck Parts and Service (www.BettsTruckParts.com) and Betts Spring Manufacturing.
Hino gets high rankings from J.D. Power Hino Trucks’ latest round of accolades from J.D. Power and Associates, including a five-for-five consecutive highest ranking for the Hino medium-duty engine, reaffirms that when it comes to the voice of the customer or customer satisfaction with medium-duty truck engines and transmissions, Hino consistently ranks highest in customer satisfaction. The current awards are: Hino Trucks ranks “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Conventional Medium-Duty Engines,” five years in a row; and Hino Trucks ranks “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Conventional Medium-Duty Trucks,” three years in a row, according to the J.D. Power
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48024
The new PACCAR MX-13 engine brochure is now available to Peterbilt customers. The brochure contains operating features and technical specifica-
tions of the MX-13, which is available in Peterbilt’s entire on-highway and vocational product lineup. The PACCAR MX-13 is offered in torque ratings from 1,450 to 1,850 lb./ft. and in a range from 380 to 500 HP. The engine meets 2013 EPA emissions requirements and features a common rail fuel system.
24 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48120
IndustryNews
PEOPLE American Power Group appoints Steve Majkowski as vice president of sales and marketing. CMA appoints Pete Salvan as new Western Regional sales manager for Double Coin Tires. Great Dane names Dave Gilliland vice president of national accounts; promotes Frank Stewart to vice president of branch sales; adds Tony Neven as aftermarket service manager; Rob Fortney rejoins the company as a regional dealer sales director for U.S. and Canadian dealers; Chuck Yocom is now regional dealer sales director for Great Dane’s Midwest and western U.S. dealer network. Grote Industries announces the addition of John Adami to the OEM sales team. JohnDow Industries hires Ed Jones as director of wheel service products. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. (MFTA) announces that Mutsumi Miwa is returning to its U.S. headquarters as chief financial officer. Phillips Industries promotes David Phillips to the position of vice president of new business development, and Dennis Damman as national fleet sales manager. Polar Service Centers has hired Rick Jech as division controller. Deryk Powell was named president and COO of Velociti Inc. James Sharkey has joined Pressure Systems International as director of strategic initiatives
Polar acquires Beall Transport Equipment Co. Polar Corp. has acquired the assets of Beall Transport Equipment Co. (BTEC), the aftermarket parts and service division of Beall Corp. BTEC branches in Denver; Salt Lake City; Los Angeles; Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; Kent, Wash.; and Billings, Mont., will join the Polar Service Centers national network of parts and service locations. Branches in Portland, Phoenix and Billings will be integrated with existing facilities currently operated by Polar. All Beall and Polar Service Centers locations provide commercial tank carriers with aftermarket parts and service for dry bulk and liquid tank equipment.
IMI promotes Tim Buerman to national sales manager and Chris Pourroy to fleet development specialist. Stemco names Salvatore Miscio to the position of director of aftermarket sales. Timken names Daniel L. Humphrey as manager of U.S. and Canadian commercial vehicle aftermarket business. Webb Wheel Products Inc. has hired Vernon Pruitt as director of fleet business development. ďƒ&#x; Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48121
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IndustryNews
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48026
and Associates 2012 Medium-Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study. According to J.D. Power and Associates, a customer’s perception of their truck engine’s performance is the most important factor of overall truck satisfaction. The Model J08E engine is offered in two ratings including 220 HP, 520 lbs./ft. torque at 1500 RPM and 260 HP, 660 lbs./ft. torque at 1500 RPM. The J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Medium-Duty Engine and Transmission Satisfaction Study, now in its fifth year, measured customer perceptions of 2011 model-year Class 5, 6 and 7 trucks equipped with both gasoline and diesel engines. The Study finds that reported fuel economy for medium-duty trucks increased 12% in 2012 compared with 2011. And, for a third consecutive year, Hino Trucks ranked highest in mediumduty truck customer satisfaction. The Medium-Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study measures customer perceptions of 2011 model-year Class 5, 6 and 7 commercial trucks. For the truck satis-
26 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
faction award, customers are surveyed on product and service. Glenn Ellis, vice president of marketing for Hino Trucks, added “We are once again thrilled with the results of the J.D. Power customer satisfaction study results. The results clearly showed higher overall customer satisfaction results for Hino engine technology; and we are pleased that our engine technology is leading the way in overall customer satisfaction. “This truly validates our commitment to providing the highest level of satisfaction,” he added. “Our customers will realize low cost of ownership.”
Meritor WABCO named exclusive supplier for DTNA Meritor WABCO announced that it has been named the standard position steer axle service brake chamber supplier for all Daimler Trucks North America air brake vehicles. “Our strength is in engineering parts for optimized performance,” said Jon Morrison, president and general manager of
Meritor WABCO. “This allows truck manufacturers to reduce the cost of ownership and increase payload capability.” Meritor WABCO service brake chambers allow for increased efficiency through smaller packaging, lighter weight and increased durability, according to the company.
Rand McNally has integration with BOLT Dispatch Software Rand McNally announced that BOLT Dispatch Software is the latest technology to be integrated with its TND 760 and TPC 7600 mobile fleet management solutions. BOLT provides an internet-based dispatch and fleet management solution. According to the company, with the integration, BOLT’s fleet customers will be able to use the Rand McNally solutions to increase visibility for estimated arrival times at customers’ warehouses; improve cash flow by invoicing immediately after a shipment has been unloaded at the dock; and provide tracking of shipments from originating dock to shelf.
IndustryNews “Our customers were asking us to take a look at Rand McNally’s mobile communications devices. From everything we’ve seen and heard, we feel Rand McNally is on the leading edge, providing business efficiencies and a quick return on investment with easy installation and advantageous pricing,” said Jerry Robertson, CTO of BOLT. “In addition, Rand McNally’s architecture— the way in which their software and hardware is designed—is state of the art, allowing for continued upward mobility.” “BOLT’s integration with our mobile fleet management products leverages its technology investment and allows our mutual customers to achieve the full benefits of both products,” said Dave Muscatel, CEO of Rand McNally. “BOLT’s plans to integrate our award winning navigation will create additional positive business impact, such as helping to reduce out of route miles and providing routing to in-network fueling.”
City of Hoboken implements Dossier
Blue Tree Systems R:COM approved by Carrier Transicold Blue Tree Systems Inc., a provider of reefer monitoring, trailer tracking and incab fleet management solutions, has announced that its R:COM temperature management system has been approved for both one-way and now two-way communication with all DataTrak-equipped Carrier Transicold transport refrigeration units operating in North and South America. The system can connect to and remote control all Carrier single and multi-temp truck and trailer refrigeration units using microprocessor control systems dating to 1996. “We have been providing our industry
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48027
The City of Hoboken, N.J., has selected Dossier software from Arsenault Associates to manage its diverse fleet of public works, police, and fire department vehicles. Arsenault Associates is the provider of Dossier fleet maintenance management software and solutions. Hoboken has a residential community of more than 50,000 people concentrated in two square miles with a grid of only 48 streets. Within that tight area, the city’s departments operate a fleet of more than 150 municipal vehicles including police cars, fire trucks, public works equipment, and three small buses. “Dossier is helping us establish a preventive maintenance program,” said Joseph Bucino, Division of Streets & Roads head. “Now we have better records and tracking of our vehicles.” According to Bucino, the next step is to take pictures of each vehicle and put them in the system. Dossier users can attach photographs and documents in common digital formats to files and work orders, a capability particularly useful for tracking physical damage and repairs.
chassis, and liftgated van trailers. Dry vans and reefers will receive fuel-saving aerodynamic side skirts and low-rolling resistance tires. All vans also will receive trailer tracking units to help fleets attack utilization and costs. In addition, XTRA Lease is retrofitting hundreds of 2010 model-year trailers in California, making them compliant with the California Air Resource Board’s (CARB) Greenhouse Gas requirements. Combined with the recent purchases, XTRA Lease is believed to have the largest fleet of skirted trailers in the U.S., at more than 20,000 trailers. Fuel-saving aerodynamic side skirts and low-rolling resistance tires have become standard features on new XTRA Lease trailers. Side skirts save fleets an estimated 5% in fuel costs, based on EPA verification and depending on number of miles and speed traveled. Low rolling resistance tires can save an additional 1.5% in fuel, again based on a carrier’s trucking operation. Combined, the two features can save fleets 6.5% the company said.
XTRA Lease adds new trailers XTRA Lease said it has ordered more than 2,000 new trailers for 2013, including a mix of dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 27
IndustryNews
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48028
leading R:COM Temperature Management System for over 12 years in both Europe and the U.S., and we are delighted that we can now offer our robust advanced remote control reefer functionality to our U.S. customers for their Carrier Transicold units,” stated Charlie Cahill, CEO of Blue Tree Systems. “Carrier customers will now have improved capability to control their reefer operations and safeguard their temperature-sensitive cargos.” The approval provides customers with Carrier Transicold units remote control functionality for their units, including the ability to change set-points, clear alarm codes, perform pre-trips and much more. This functionality is in addition to the advanced temperature monitoring and recording functionality that Blue Tree Systems already provide for Carrier refrigeration units and other competitive systems. R:COM allows the transporter to react quickly to load rejections by providing them with the ability to quickly and easily generate temperature reports in graph
28 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
or tabular format that are indisputable and can be emailed directly to the end customer in seconds as accurate proof of in-transit temperatures. This functionality is essential for all refrigerated transporters, but especially for transporters of pharmaceuticals or other high value temperature sensitive cargos where load rejection is not an option.
now available with the new, fuel-efficient PACCAR MX-13 engine. This joint Kenworth and PACCAR Financial program offers qualifying T680 customers an additional one year and 150,000 miles of PACCAR MX-13 extended engine warranty coverage valued at up to $3,850,” said Preston Feight, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing.
Kenworth, PACCAR Financial offer extended engine warranty
PPG Releases 2013 Show Truck appearance schedule
Kenworth Truck Co. and PACCAR Financial have introduced an Extended Engine Warranty Program available to qualifying customers who purchase new Kenworth T680s equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and finance through PACCAR Financial. According to the companies, under the program, Kenworth customers may receive a 3-year/400,000-mile comprehensive and aftertreatment extended warranty for the PACCAR MX-13 when ordered with the Kenworth T680. “The aerodynamic Kenworth T680 is
PPG Automotive Refinish has announced the 2013 tour schedule of its eye-catching show truck. The custom-painted 75-ft., 2007 Coronado Freightliner tractor-trailer rig—sporting flames, colorful graphics, dazzling effects and wild paint schemes achieved with PPG products—will make 20 appearances in 18 states from March through October. Stops include major car, truck and hot rod shows sponsored by the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, the National Street Rod Association and other car and truck enthusiast groups.
IndustryNews only a striking testament to the capabilities of PPG paints, it serves as a vivid inspiration for those creating their
The truck is a self-contained display of exhibits featuring PPG paint products with the truck as the star attraction. Show attendees of all ages are invited to check out the truck’s impressive exterior custom color and design work created by PPG master painter Paul Stoll and a team from California-based Kelly & Son the Crazy Painters, one of the most respected shops in the world of custom painting, according to PPG. The show-stopping truck wears PPG Delfleet Evolution F3995 Epoxy Primer, FBC Basecoat, FBC500 Blending Clear and F3921 Clearcoat. Its flashy finish is not
• Scottsdale, AZ • Fort Worth, TX • Del Mar, CA • Oklahoma City, OK • Knoxville, TN • Nashville, TN • York, PA • Loveland, CO • St. Paul, MN • Vancouver, WA • Des Moines, IA • Columbus, OH • Syracuse, NY • Louisville, KY • Detroit, MI • Englishtown, NJ • Indianapolis, IN • Fort Worth, TX • Biloxi, MS • Charlotte, NC
3/8 - 3/10 3/15 - 3/17 4/5 - 4/7 4/12 - 4/14 5/3 - 5/5 5/17 - 5/19 5/31 - 6/2 6/7 - 6/9 6/21 - 6/23 6/28 - 6/30 7/5 - 7/7 7/12 - 7/14 7/19 - 7/21 8/1 - 8/4 8/17 9/14 9/20 - 9/22 10/4 - 10/6 10/10 - 10/12 10/25 - 10/27
own artistic custom designs and finishes, the company added. To learn more about products and the schedule, call 800-647-6050 or visit www.ppgrefinish.com. / 4th Spring Nationals 3rd Spring Lone Star Nationals 13th Del Mar Nationals 30th Southwest Street Rod Nationals 39th Street Rod Nationals South 8th Nashville Nationals 40th Street Rod Nationals East 16th Colorado Nationals Back to the 50s 1st Northwest Nationals 22nd Heartland Nationals 16th PPG Nationals Syracuse Nationals 44th Street Rod Nationals Woodward Dream Cruise U.S. Diesel Truckin’ Nationals 3rd Speedway Nationals 21st Lone Star Nationals Cruisin’ the Coast 20th Southeastern Nationals
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48029 www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 29
Refrigerated TRUCKING Looks don’t matter, or do they? T
om Kampf, product manger for Thermo King, says, “Owners and operators of refrigerated truck and trailer fleets who say that looks do not matter have obviously never been to a truck show such as the 2013 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), which will be held March 21-
eye and the pocketbook. For example, when Thermo King, a manufacturer of temperature control systems for a variety of mobile applications (and a brand of Ingersoll Rand), set out to develop an entirely new TRU for launch in January, the company set some very clear design
...leading-edge equipment designed to please the eye and the pocketbook. 23 in Louisville. Original equipment manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks will be pulling out all the stops to show off new rigs that are just as beautiful as they are reliable, fuel-efficient and high performing. “ He goes on to say that the trucks are not the only good-looking equipment at the show. Manufacturers of transport refrigeration units (TRUs) also are showing leading-edge equipment designed to please the
tenants. Quality, reliability and fuelefficiency were at the core of every design decision as form followed function. However, Kampf notes, development team members also realized that they did not have to compromise. There was no reason that a high-performance, fuel-efficient and environmentally-compliant TRU could not be as good-looking as the new Class 8 tractors.
“As a starting point, Kampf says, the design team created an aesthetic personality for the new Thermo King units. This included developing personality statements such as ‘Quality—Nobody delivers like me,’ ‘Reliability—You can count on me,’ ‘Performance—I’m a welltuned machine,’ and ‘Significance— Because I matter.’ The new unit is a significant departure from the traditional TRU, with modern design elements incorporated throughout the unit. To further enhance its appearance and allow for owner-operator customization, chrome packages and light emoting diode (LED) lighting are available. The use of LED lighting on a TRU is a first for the trailer refrigeration industry. “Thermo King customers have been extremely positive about the look of these new units, which many will see for the first time at MATS, where the company will have both the SB series and the new Precedent platform on display,” Kampf adds. /
RefrigeratedTRUCKING
Tracking trailers & reefer temperatures T
railer tracking solutions offer increased productivity and profitability. Always on the lookout for ways to improve efficiency and productivity, refrigerated carriers are increasingly turning to trailer tracking and refrigeration unit monitoring solu-
30 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
tions. Using a variety of GPS-based technologies and on-board telematics, today’s systems provide a number of benefits. Real-time vehicle tracking information enables fleets to make quick, efficient decisions that result in
improved driver and vehicle productivity, and improved fleet flexibility that raises customer service to higher levels. Additionally, monitoring helps maintain optimum temperatures that ensure cargo quality and that food safety standards are met. These systems can lower operating costs. With the ability to manage trailer temperatures in transit and during loading and unloading, fuel consumption can be reduced, and less reefer run time also lowers
…refrigerated carriers are increasingly turning to trailer tracking and refrigeration unit monitoring solutions. asset utilization and in lower costs. Other benefits, including improved cargo protection and customer service, are driving the adoption of this technology, as well. /
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48031
maintenance costs. K & J Trucking Inc., a 48-state refrigerated carrier with 165 trailers, recently adopted Blue Tree Systems’ R:COM Fleet Management solution and is using the system’s trailer tracking and temperature management features. “We chose R:COM initially for location tracking and temperature management in transit,” said Michelle “Shelley” Koch, president of K & J Trucking. “One of our goals was to get ahead of the curve when it comes to food safety regulations our customers are facing, but we’re already seeing refrigeration unit fuel use drop, as well. Our fuel costs are down enough that we expect the systems to easily pay for themselves within a year.” The R:COM solution provides K & J Trucking with live temperature data through direct connections to Thermo King refrigeration units. Alarm notifications alert the fleet’s managers via text message if a problem arises, and historical temperature data is available to customers and food safety agencies. Refrigerated carrier RWI Transportation, a member company of the Castellini Group, has integrated the R:COM Temperature Management system with TMW’s operating software to deliver live information from the reefer unit to its operations staff. Data on trailer location, reefer operating parameters, temperatures and door sensors is captured by R:COM and made available in RWI’s TMW screen views in near real time. “The option to leverage this comprehensive data allows us to create an integration that is ideal for our operations at the lowest cost possible,” stated David Cook, IT director at RWI. State-of-the-art trailer tracking and refrigeration unit monitoring solutions are providing a measurable return on investment for carriers in enhanced
www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 31
IT For Asset Management How fleets are leveraging information technology to streamline the business process and increase efficiencies BY SETH SKYDEL | SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Wide impact T
echnology upgrades have a widespread impact within a motor carrier’s operation, noted Deryk Powell, president and COO at Velociti, a provider of technology deployment services. “There are considerations for everybody, from drivers to dispatchers to management, IT and operations and business staff members,” he said. “Effectively managing a technology upgrade means taking all of those concerns into account.” Powell relates there has been a large amount of activity recently involving upgrades to on-board mobile communications systems. “Carriers are converting to new generations of products from PeopleNet, Qualcomm and other suppliers, and some fleets are migrating to new systems that are now on the market, like smartphone and software-as-aservice offerings from Xata,” he stated. “Mobile communications systems are one of the most established long-term technologies in use by carriers, so the combination of newly available and updated solutions is driving upgrade needs.” In any technology upgrade, there are pitfalls to avoid. “Many fleets forget about the deployment part of the equation,” Powell said. “They are relying on information from the technology but don’t consider the impact on their operation if there is a gap in data availability. “It’s important to determine deployment issues as part of the project plan and do so early Successful in the process,” Powell contin“Fleets need to take into technology ued. consideration shipping and inupgrades result ventory so new hardware can be and configured as from effective provisioned installations and upgrades are planning being done. There’s also the time it will take to train technicians and others to perform upgrades if work is being done in-house, time for uninstalling older systems, and the need to schedule fleet assets for upgrading while minimizing downtime.” The deployment timeframe for a technology upgrade has a big impact on a carrier’s return on investment. For example, while fleets look at things like fuel savings as major ROI drivers, the cost in time of deploying a technology upgrade is not
32 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
always included. The goal is to shorten the time to ROI— but for a full accounting, the time for deploying an upgrade, including project management, has to be considered part of the cost. Powell also reported that in the last 18 months, Velociti has seen more fleets looking at upgrading and installing a combination of technologies at once, reducing downtime in the process. NFI, a transportation and logistics services provider, turned to Velociti to upgrade its Qualcomm communications systems and install Qualcomm trailer tracking technology on more than 800 units at locations across the U.S. Velociti also coordinated with the fleet’s tractor OEM to capture 225 new vehicles for installations before they were put into service by NFI. Additionally, NFI opted to have the Meritor Tire Inflation System by P.S.I. installed on 423 trailers on-site at its locations and at customer yards. Sentinel Transportation, a private chemical and petroleum hauler for Phillips66 and DuPont, set out to install four different technology solutions throughout its entire fleet. The project entailed retrofitting 200 existing trucks as well as installing products on 50 new vehicles coming off production lines. Sentinel selected DriveCam, PeopleNet, Iteris and Doran Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, which not only needed to be installed and calibrated, but also set to interface with each other. For the installations on new Sentinel vehicles, the carrier leased a facility near the OEM factory. There, Velociti dedicated two technicians to match the build schedule. For retrofitting 200 existing trucks across the country with various combinations of the four hardware platforms, Velociti and Sentinel built a detailed schedule to identify which units were needed at which locations, matched to hardware vendors’ inventories. For Sentinel, new and upgraded technologies were selected to yield a quick and predictable ROI. Having installations for all units done simultaneously was part of how quickly they realized a return on their investment. “Velociti’s experience and diverse product knowledge has been a huge asset,” said Johnny Carnes, special projects manager for Sentinel Transportation. “Having technicians that can handle all work scopes simultaneously not only saved us time and money, but helped ensure all systems were working harmoniously without the need for multiple vendors to come back or troubleshoot.” These two fleets, Powell concluded, show that the farreaching effect a technology upgrade can have on a motor carrier’s operation can be mitigated when all considerations are addressed effectively. For more information, visit www.velociti.com. /
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48033
Reefer Technology BY DENISE KOETH | SENIOR EDITOR
New TRU
technology
Transport refrigeration units (TRUs) move toward higher efficiency, lower emissions to meet new regs
T
he trend toward more fuel-efficient operation with reduced emissions—driven largely by regulatory changes—continues in the transport refrigeration unit (TRU) market. “The general trend over the past several years has been improved fuel efficiency, quieter operation, reduced emissions and expanded software control options for more customized operation,” says David Kiefer, director of marketing and product management for Carrier Transicold’s Truck, Trailer and Rail division. The implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 4 Final emission regulations for 50-HPand-less off-road diesel engines became effective Jan. 1 of this year. The new regulation replaced the Tier 4 Interim emission standard the industry had been operating under for the last several years. Responsibility for compliance falls on the equip34 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
ment manufacturer. According to Tom Kampf, trailer product manager for Thermo King, the manufacturer’s compliance strategy enables the company to sell both Tier 4 Interim and Tier 4 Final solutions during 2013. “Meeting the Tier 4 Final emission regulations for 50HP-and-less engines requires manufacturers to adopt many of the emission control technologies that have been used on engines powering large Class 8 tractors,” he says, adding that as a TRU manufacturer, Thermo King leveraged the experience of the larger engine suppliers to implement proven technologies and offer best-in-class performance. “The Thermo King vision for 2013 compliance was to allow customers who choose to purchase units with Tier 4 Final engines to find value in the unit—beyond compliance,” Kampf notes. “To achieve this,
Thermo King developed an entirely new refrigeration platform to be used in conjunction with the Tier 4 Final engine.” The end result is the Precedent TRU, which is compliant with the most stringent Tier 4 Final regulations and provides customers with significant operational savings—approximately 20% or greater—over the previous generation of TRUs, he adds. The new Precedent S-600 also offers the advantage of being “evergreen” in California, meaning customers can elect to use the unit in California beyond year seven of the unit’s life, and do so without the cost and complications associated with adding a level three device to the unit. Carrier Transicold’s trailer products with the company’s new ecoForward technology comply with the Tier 4 emissions requirements for engines
Great Dane’s 2014 model year Everest reefers now feature a stainless steel front bottom—which provides a clean look and superior corrosion resistance—and new PVC outer door seals for durability and ease of installation.
Great Dane Everest Reefers
rated less than 25 HP, according to Kiefer. They also comply with CARB requirements for the first seven years of operation. “Due to legislation that’s unique to CARB for the engine class of the new Carrier Transicold units, the company will offer an optional engine emissions system to extend use of units in California beyond seven years and indefinitely under current law,” he notes. “Carrier Transicold’s TRUs with ecoForward technologies consume significantly less fuel, operate quieter and deliver improved performance, all while running cleaner than the models they succeed,” Kiefer says. “The technologies include a range of forward-thinking enhancements that boost performance and efficiency relative to prior Carrier Transicold models, and coordinate refrigeration with a smarter engine.” For example, refrigeration capacities of Carrier Transicold’s latest beltdriven units are 3% and 9.5% greater, depending on the model and operating conditions. The efficiency gains mean the refrigeration system requires significantly less power from the engine, which translates to 5% to
the heavy-duty duct reefer floor for 2014 Everest models cut weight by 60 lbs. without impacting performance or longevity. This new duct floor features a 16,000-lb. forklift rating, with a centerboard and a common adjustable flashing for all models. Finally, 2014 Everest models specified with Great Dane’s ThermoGuard impact-resistant, glassreinforced thermoplastic liner now include a ThermoGuard subpan. By adding this protection to the trailer’s sub-floor area, virtually the entire trailer interior is effectively sealed, meaning customers can look forward to reduced cooling unit run-time, extended refrigeration unit life and lower maintenance costs over the life of the trailer. www.greatdanetrailers.com
Thermo King said its Precedent S-600M is the most environmentally sensitive diesel trailer temperature control system for multi-temperature operations. The unit features a new diesel direct electric (DDE) architecture that drives optimum efficiencies and helps lower the overall cost of ownership for food distributors. It is designed to meet both EPA and CARB requirements in the greater-than-25 HP category, which include a reduction of 90% in particulate matter and a 30% reduction in nitrogen oxide from the interim standards that have been in effect since 2008. The S-600M, which will be available in the third quarter of 2013, represents the latest addition to the Precedent trailer platform introduced last year by Thermo
Thermo King
For the 2014 model year, Great Dane said its Everest reefers incorporate several important new design features. Starting on the exterior, Everest reefers now feature a stainless steel front bottom rail, replacing the aluminum front lower rail used in years past. As part of this new feature, an aluminum extrusion will transition between the front wall sheets and the stainless steel rail, providing for a clean look and superior corrosion resistance, the company said. New PVC outer door seals, now standard, offer improved durability and ease of installation. Great Dane’s unique gasket design uses a dual-lip outer seal and a separate inner compression seal to lock in refrigerated air. Moving to the interior of the trailer, Great Dane said improvements in
King. Also included are the S700, a greater-than-25 HP high capacity single temperature unit with an evergreen engine for use in California;
and the C-600, a less-than-25 HP single-temperature unit with an allowed useful life in California of seven years. www.thermoking.com
www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 35
Reefer Technology 20% lower fuel consumption, he explains. “Additionally, the use of electric standby to power the refrigeration units when parked continues to grow,” Kiefer adds. “This eliminates emissions and noise from the refrigeration unit engine, conserves fuel and reduces operating costs, since powering the units off of electricity is significantly less costly—usually in the range of 40% to 70% less, depending on the cost of diesel fuel—than running the diesel engine. As a standard feature, Carrier Transicold’s Vector units offer electric standby capability for use with 460-volt power sources, and the new Flex Power option also allows them to tap into 208- to 230volt sources.”
Food Safety Legislation In addition to EPA Tier 4 requirements, there also is the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 to consider. Though this rulemaking is ongoing, it does call for greater
accountability with regard to maintaining food safety throughout the distribution process, according to Kiefer, who adds he expects to see more data recording and tracking throughout the cold chain. For refrigerated haulers, Carrier Transicold refrigeration controls can record temperatures maintained in the cargo areas as a standard feature, and also can optionally track door openings and other events, he notes. “This provides shippers and their customers with records that can be printed or downloaded for temperature verification and claims management,” Kiefer says. “Additionally, telematics-equipped units are capable of relaying this data to a centralized location for a fleet’s recordkeeping purposes. Carrier Transicold’s APX control system has the ability to display data recorder trip graphs, providing operators and customers with an at-a-glance visual indicator of conditions within the trailer throughout a delivery run.” /
Carrier Transicold
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48036
The new ultra-high efficiency X4 Series trailer refrigeration platform from Carrier Transicold offers unprecedented performance as well as compliance with EPA Tier 4 emissions requirements, the company said. The X4 Series includes the new 7300 and 7500 single-temperature belt-driven models, both of which use less power to provide higher capacities than Carrier Transicold’s prior platform, as well as competitive equipment designed for 2013 EPA Tier 4 compliance. According to the maker, they are 5% to 20% more fuel-efficient and weigh about 230 lbs. less than competitive equipment designed for 2013 EPA Tier 4 compliance. The units achieve up to 20% faster pulldown and, depending on the model, provide 3% to 9.5% greater cooling capacities, using 24% to 29% less refrigerant. www.transicold.carrier.com
36 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48037
Special Report
Coolant systems What fleets need to know about properly maintaining cooling systems to protect today’s engines
T
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48038
he American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC)—whose stated goal is to improve transport equipment, its maintenance and maintenance management—is a valuable resource for operators of heavy-duty trucks and vehicles. For 30 years, TMC has produced its Recommended Practices (RP) Manual, which contains more than 250 Recommended Practices (RPs), including RP 313C, which is dedicated to Cooling System Maintenance. Short of reading RP 313C, there are three basic things to remember when thinking about cooling system maintenance in heavy-duty vehicles: • Use an antifreeze/coolant that satisfies industry standards and performance requirements • Maintain proper additive levels and regularly top off coolants at regular service intervals • Test the coolant regularly for proper additive levels and freeze protection More specifically, certain chemical, physical and performance properties of an engine coolant must be checked periodically to ensure that it meets the specific requirements of the cooling system. A variety of laboratory and field tests have been developed to help ensure that the coolant is both preventing the corrosion of metal
38 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
components and does no harm to other cooling system materials. Most modern-day coolants have been formulated to meet the performance requirements for the life of the engine. But in heavy- or severe-duty applications, like those that feature extreme weather (hot or cold) or load (heavy pull or steep grade) conditions that push the vehicle to its capability limits, taking the proper care to maintain the cooling system and its fluids will help keep the heavy-duty vehicle running at its efficient and reliable best throughout its serviceable life. This includes choosing a coolant that is fully formulated to be used in heavy-duty vehicles that are powered by diesel engines. For additional information on properly maintaining your heavyduty vehicle’s cooling system, ASTM International and SAE International are two other organizations that have made a commitment to developing standards, recommendations and guidelines to protect your heavy-duty vehicle. /
Editor’s note: Material provided by Dr. Peter Woyciesjes, Worldwide RD&E manager, Coolants for Prestone Products Corp. www.prestonecommand.com
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48039
Equipment Management BY TOM GELINAS | EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Leasing options Several new factors are making some fleet managers take another look at options offered by leasing companies
PacLease and Rush Truck Leasing worked with Sun Coast Resources to choose the right truck specs to meet the exacting needs of the company’s divisions.
O
ver the years, the driving force for companies in the market for full service leases of commercial vehicles usually could be put into one of two categories: money or maintenance. Sure, there certainly can be combinations of the two, but those are really the two reasons that leasing companies look at private fleets as their primary market. For-hire carriers know they have to invest in trucks and trailers; that’s their business. They know that they
40 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
have to invest in the facilities and personnel necessary to keep their equipment in good condition. If they didn’t, their future would be very limited. Private fleets, on the other hand, generally don’t like the idea of spending money on trucks. Most really don’t want to be in the trucking business at all. Because of various aspects of their businesses, however, some companies need to have a fleet of trucks available when and
where they want them, but they would much rather spend their money on new production facilities or more merchandise to distribute, not a fleet of trucks. As we all know, acquiring and maintaining a fleet of trucks requires a huge amount of capital. Enter the truck leasing industry with its ready equipment, capital resources, technical expertise and maintenance capabilities. When one combines the needs of companies for dedicated fleets and the capabilities of full service leasing companies, it’s clear why many beneficial, longterm partnerships between these two industry segments have occurred over the years.
New influences Money and maintenance are two factors that have influenced truck lessees for years and will continue for the foreseeable future. There are, however, some new driving forces that are influencing fleet managers, especially those responsible for owned private fleets to take another look at leasing. Important among these forces are new regulations, in particular the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program that Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48122
was rolled out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in 2010. The program uses data from roadside vehicle inspections to measure, among other criteria, vehicle maintenance and publishes a company rating on the Internet. John Deris, senior vice president of national sales at Ryder, said, “We are seeing CSA become a more relevant issue because companies are held to a much higher standard by the DOT and local authorities relative to vehicle condition. A situation that was handled by transportation departments in the past has now moved up to boardroom levels because of the information available on the Internet. It can actually impact a company’s viability, as well as its ability to adequately maintain a private fleet.” PacLease also sees regulations producing a growing interest in full service leasing. Neil Vonnahme,
a company to remain compliant with CSA 2010. It requires constant retraining of technicians for fleets who maintain their own vehicles in an environment that already suffers from a major shortage of qualified technicians. CSA 2010 requires a significant investment in infrastructure by a fleet in order for it to maintain its equipment satisfactorily.” PacLease’s Vonnahme said, “It’s also becoming more and more difficult for fleets to maintain their own vehicles because of the growing complexity of today’s trucks and the difficulty in finding qualified technicians. PacLease provides options so our customers can make the best decisions for their companies. “For example, on the purchasing or acquisition side, if the customer has missed an EPA cycle, there can be sticker shock because of what new technology costs today,” he adds. “We can mitigate that upfront cost through a full-service lease program. Then there is always the question of what that truck will be worth when it is time to dispose of the vehicle. With a full-service lease, our customer will return that truck to us at the end of the lease. We take on the risk New leasing products can be written around the particular of what that truck is needs of a fleet. worth at the end, its residual value. We president of PacLease, said, “CSA also invest heavily and continuously compliance is another driver for priin trained technicians to support the vate fleets to outsource fleet mainte- new technology. It comes down to nance. There is increased scrutiny on how much internal expertise our cusequipment maintenance and the retomers have and how much they’re quired corresponding recordkeepwilling to spend to gain that experting. A PacLease Full Service Lease or ise. At the end of the day it’s about Contract Maintenance program can what is right for the customer.” help ensure the fleet meets CSA reVonnahme said, “Our leasing spequirements for maintenance and cialists work in a very consultative recordkeeping.” way with our customers. For examCompounding the need to increase ple, we have customers who have maintenance standards is the contin- multiple locations across the U.S. ual growth in vehicle technology. and Canada that may choose to Deris said, “The continuous change have full service leasing in one locain technology is a very important fac- tion, but do their own vehicle maintor, since it makes it very difficult for tenance in another location. Our Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48123
goal is to support our franchised dealers so they are able to offer all of the services that are available in the marketplace. When we combine a dealer’s core competencies with what PACCAR Financial does on the finance side and what PacLease can do with full-service leasing, we can meet that goal.”
Many options Leasing companies have developed an array of programs designed to fill the needs of fleets concerned about the money and maintenance required to keep its vehicles on the road. Realize, of course, that leasing companies generally can provide substitute equipment, licensing, fuel tax reporting, safety program assistance and access to fuel purchases. That’s where the “full” in full service leasing comes into play. Vonnahme said, “Our dealers are able to say to a customer, ‘If you want to buy a truck, you can buy it. If you want to rent a truck, you can rent it. If you want to lease a truck, you can lease it. If you want us to maintain your truck, we can maintain it.’ Through our franchise dealers, we want to support a truck through its lifecycle, so that the customer gets the maximum return on their investment.” In addition to its full service lease offerings, Ryder also has programs to answer the varied service needs of its customers. For example, through its On-Site service, Ryder will set up and operate a maintenance facility on its customer’s property to maintain its entire fleet using Ryder personnel, Ryder parts and Ryder technology. The customer receives the benefits of professionally managed fleet maintenance right at its location. Ryder’s Preventive Maintenance program uses its network of 800 locations and 5,000 technicians to provide scheduled maintenance and optionally take care of major repairs when they’re needed. The program includes regularly scheduled preventive maintenance, all inspections, repairs and warranty work, roadside assistance and detailed record-keeping. While full service leases are appealwww.FleetEquipmentMag.com 41
Equipment Mangement
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48042
ing to many private fleets, finance leases are attractive to some overthe-road truckers. In operating leases, the leasing company assumes the risk of the truck’s residual value at the end of the lease. PACCAR Financial offers a finance lease in which the customer is responsible for the risk associated with the residual value of the truck. Todd Hubbard, president of PAC-
42 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
CAR Financial, said, “Because there is a residual, the customer will have lower lease payments than he would with a standard retail loan, but he faces the risk that the residual value will be higher than he can realize through the sale of the vehicle at contract maturity. If he’s underwater with the residual at the time of maturity, the customer will often refinance the residual.”
Spec’ing assistance All leasing companies have experienced individuals on their staffs who are able to analyze a fleet’s needs and recommend equipment that can best serve its individual needs. Vonnahme said, “From a full service lease standpoint, the worst thing that we can do is to assume the configuration of the vehicles our customer is running today is the same as what they should be running in the future. We work with our truck divisions and with our franchised dealers to really understand customers’ applications, which can vary from location to location even with the same customer. We don’t want to assume anything. We want to understand what and where their challenges are, then help customers design a truck specifically for their needs. It’s not necessarily its original price, but a truck’s lifetime cost and how much revenue that truck can generate for the customer.” PACCAR Financial looks on specs a bit differently because it will write leases in which it accepts the risk of a truck’s residual value. Hubbard said, “We encourage customers to spec a truck that brings maximum resale value in the used truck market. This creates a situation for most customers that is counterintuitive because specs that drive up the price of the truck increase its residual value even more so, therefore resulting in monthly payments lower than a less expensive ‘basic spec’d’ truck. At the end of the day, it’s the payment amount, not the price of the truck, that is important.” And you can still take advantage of bonus depreciation in 2013. Hubbard reminds that the 50% bonus was reinstated for this year. “On a fair market value lease, we own the equipment and lease it to the customer so PACCAR Financial actually gets the benefit of the accelerated depreciation,” he said. “In all cases, however, we pass on that benefit to the customer in the form of a lower payment.” /
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48043
&
Before
After(market)
BY SETH SKYDEL | SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Reman components
Detroit Reman Series 60 engine
Remanufactured components are a smart choice
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s fleets strive to maximize uptime and equipment life, reman components are becoming more popular, notes Doug Wolma, general manager of worldwide operations, Meritor, Aftermarket. “Remanufactured components are a smart price-point alternative for fleets of all sizes and vehicles of all ages given current market economic conditions,” he says. “The increased sale of used trucks has brought a step up in the number of remanufactured components being purchased to outfit many of those same used or older vehicles.” Wolma goes on to say that fleet goals for reman components include high quality, lower price, warranty and availability of the exact model needed. “Remanufactured truck and trailer components should be the product of a disassembly, cleaning, rigorous inspection, reassembly and testing process,” he adds. “When those processes are employed, reman components can be ideal for fleets that want performance, service life and warranty support without the cost associated with a new component.”
energy and raw materials to build replacement components. Steps in the Detroit Reman remanufacturing process include disassembly and inspection of the entire component. Salvageable, non-wear parts that meet quality standards are cleaned and reconditioned. Recovered parts are put on an assembly line, much like the one used in original manufacturing operations, along with required new parts. Once the remanufactured unit is assembled, it is fully tested using the same quality evaluations used for new components. Detroit Reman products include twocycle Series 53, 71, 92 and 149 engines and Series 60, Series 50, MBE 4000 and MBE 900 four-cycle diesels. Also offered are automatic and manual transmissions, axles, air compressors, fuel pumps, governors, balance shafts, cylinder heads, blowers, mechanical and electronic fuel injectors, connecting rods, oil pumps, crankshafts, rocker arms, turbochargers, water pumps, particulate filters and electronic parts.
Cummins ReCon Detroit Reman Remanufacturing provides fleets with a number of benefits, notes Detroit Reman, which produces a wide range of components for Class 8 North American vehicles. Among them are the ability to use high quality components based on original specifications and current engineering upgrades that are backed by factory warranty protection. Detroit Reman also points out how remanufacturing is a form of recycling because it avoids the use and cost of 44 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
A full line of components and com-
plete ReCon engines is offered by Cummins for onhighway vehicles. ReCon products are the result of a remanufacturing process at Cummins that begins with complete disassembly, nonabrasive cleaning methods and extensive testing to ensure restored parts meet quality standards for reuse. Parts that do not meet factory standards, or items that have been upgraded since they were originally designed, are replaced. Individual components also are tested prior to assembly, and complete assemblies must pass quality tests. In Cummins ReCon engines, Long Block models get remanufactured or replaced cylinder block, crankshaft, cylinder heads, camshaft, connecting rods, main bearings, pistons, cylinder liners, tappets, push tubes, rocker lever assemblies and water pumps. Injectors also are replaced, while the long block option allows reuse of external components such as the turbo, lift pump, air compressor, starter, alternator, ECM, fuel pump and fuel lines. In Short Block models, the cylinder block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods/bearings, liners (for C Series and larger), water pump, seals and fasteners are remanufactured or replaced.
Mack Trucks
Cummins ISX VGT turbocharger
The new Mack Purebred Overhaul program for the manufacturer’s E7 engines is offered in four versions, including: • The Basic overhaul package contains all Mack Genuine parts, filters and fluids needed for an in-frame engine overhaul.
• The Plus package includes all the benefits of the Basic package and adds ReMack cylinder heads. • The Premium package includes all the benefits of the Plus package and adds a Mack Genuine turbo and injector set. • The ReMack Engine package 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. 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. ReMack assemblies and components include E6, E7, ETech, Asset and MP Series engines, Maxi-Torque T200 and T300 series and mDrive automated manual transmissions, and the OEM’s 92, 93, 150, 151, 200 Series, 95 and 96 model carriers. Also offered are turbochargers, cylinder heads, rocker arm assemblies, fuel injectors, coolant pumps, Muzzle Loaders ready to install into cylinder bores, and fuel supply pumps.
Volvo Trucks The new Volvo Guaranteed Overhaul (GO) program for D12 engines has four options: • The GO Basic overhaul package contains all Volvo Genuine parts, filters and fluids needed for an in-frame engine overhaul. • The GO Plus option delivers the same benefits of the GO Basic package and adds Volvo Reman cylinder heads. • The GO Premium includes all items in the GO Plus package, and a Volvo Genuine turbo and injector set. • The GO Reman Engine package combines a Volvo Reman three-quarter engine, Volvo Genuine turbo and a set of six injectors, filters and fluids. A three-year/350,000-mile extended warranty is included on GO Premium and GO Reman Engine packages when installed by an authorized Volvo dealer. The extended warranty also is available for purchase with the GO Basic and GO Plus packages and requires installation by an authorized dealer. Volvo Reman also offers remanufactured cylinder heads and coolant pumps for D12 engines. Eaton Flex Reman clutch
Keeping reman engines up and running According to WheelTime Network truck care experts Shawn Campbell, and John Laird at United Engines, maintaining reman engines is very similar to maintaining any engine. Most engines that are considered remanufactured, they note, have been rebuilt from the bottom up according to very stringent guidelines. WheelTime shops have a great deal of experience with reman engines. According to the WheelTime Network experts, common maintenance issues are not usually due to defects in the engine itself, but due to wear and tear, improper maintenance and environmental conditions. There are four failures that seem to be most common: • Improper cooling system maintenance can cause cavitation in the liners. • Failing to monitor fuel quality
and maintain fuel pumps and fuel storage tanks can cause debris to enter the fuel system, which can result in injector failures and worse. • Not keeping proper fluid and lubricant levels or performing general daily maintenance. • Not adapting to regional and specific work environments to account for application and climate factors that may impact maintenance schedules. WheelTime recommends a stringent PM program for reman engines and keeping detailed records of maintenance history, including both repairs and PM. This way when a truck is down for service, it also may be possible to accomplish other needed maintenance procedures rather than taking it off the road again. For more information, visit www.wheeltime.com.
Eaton Eaton and Fuller remanufactured parts certified to meet or exceed OEM specifications include Solo and Easy Pedal clutches and Flex Reman and Standard Reman transmissions. Eligible transmission cores for buyback include the FRO-16210C, FR-15210B, RTX-16710B, RTLO-16713A, RTLO-18918B and T-14607A/B. Eligible clutch cores for buyback include the 15.5-in. Easy Pedal Advantage and 14in. Stamped Angle Spring models. Eaton also has introduced a bundle package for its lineup of remanufactured components that extends the standard two-year warranty coverage on an Eaton Fuller Reman transmission to three years with the combined purchase and installation of an Eaton Advantage Series clutch and Roadranger-approved lubricant.
Allison Allison ReTran transmissions are remanufactured at Allison Transmission remanufacturing facilities. Factory-trained technicians disassemble the transmission part by part to clean, qualify and test each component and screen for the
www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 45
Before
After(market) from the company include the Delco Remy 42MT straight drive style starter and the Delco Remy 39MT gear reduction starter. Also available is the Delco Remy 35SI HP Heavy Duty Brushless Alternator, offered with the manufacturer’s Remote Sense technology designed to improve battery charge time.
Allison ReTran transmission
BorgWarner possibility of reuse. Transmission parts in good condition are machined to updated specs and many parts in an Allison ReTran transmission are replaced. All Allison ReTran units undergo and pass rigorous evaluations, including dynamometer and press decay testing.
Meritor
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48046
Meritor entered the remanufacturing business in 1982 with drive axle differentials. In 2007, it acquired Mascot Truck Parts, a remanufacturer of allmakes differentials, manual transmissions, drivelines and steering gears. Today, Mascot is a Meritor brand that remanufactures all makes and models from any manufacturer of automatic and manual transmissions, differentials, steering gears, power steering pumps and driveline assemblies. To meet the growing need for remanufactured components, Meritor has invested in improvements at its Plainfield, Ind., remanufacturing facility.
Delco Remy Remy International Inc., under its Delco Remy brand, remanufactures a complete line of starters and alternators built to OEM specifications, including current design changes. For heavy-duty trucks, popular reman units 46 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
BorgWarner, a supplier of turbochargers to truck engine builders, offers remanufactured turbochargers as an alternative to new replacement units. BorgWarner reman turbochargers have had all wear and small parts replaced and have been tested to ensure they meet the same performance standards as new turbochargers. Remanufactured turbochargers from BorgWarner have the same warranty as new production units. Across the board, manufacturers are working to expand their remanufactured product lines. According to Meritor’s Wolma, demand for remanufactured product will grow in the future. He said, “More fleets are opting for remanufactured components for reduced costs and nationwide warranty. We see the scope going beyond the mechanical type products remanufactured in large quantities today and expanding into more sophisticated electronic components.” /
Resources Detroit Reman — www.detroitreman.com Cummins — www.cumminsgenuineparts.com Mack Trucks — www.mackoverhaul.com Volvo Trucks — www.volvooverhaul.com Eaton — www.roadranger.com Allison — www.allisontransmission.com Meritor — www.meritor.com Remy — www.delcoremy.com BorgWarner — www.borgwarner.com
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48047
Averitt Express reaches out to quickly fill trailer needs
FAST ROUTE
Steve Maxson vice president of equipment
48 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
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veritt Express recently found itself in an unusual predicament. The provider of transportation and supply chain management services had landed a new customer. That was the good news. The dilemma it faced was the need to add 170 trailers to service that customer in less than 30 days.
Sometimes you need to look at things differently and seek out a new partner, notes Steve Maxson, vice president of equipment at Averitt Express. Delivering on the carrier’s strong reputation for providing exceptional customer service was paramount, he adds, so that’s exactly what the company did.
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Specs Fleet Profile BY SETH SKYDEL | SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
After 22 years with Averitt, Maxson knew exactly what the company needed. “We prefer composite trailers,” he relates, “and Wabash National DuraPlate models are our first choice. That design has proven to be the best for our business. The trailer’s smooth interior means it’s less likely to get damaged, which means it won’t tear up our customers’ freight.”
DuraPlate dry vans The ultra-wide design of the DuraPlate trailer provides an interior width of 101.5 in. (scuff-to-scuff) The DuraPlate composite sidewall panel is constructed of a high-density polyethylene plastic core bonded between two high-strength steel skins. Steel interior resists tears, punctures and related damage caused by repeated forklift impact. Postless sidewall design provides a smooth interior wall to prevent the snagging of freight during loading and unloading. High-strength, corrugated steel scuff is fastened to the DuraPlate sidewall every 8 in. White interior provides a bright, work-friendly environment.
the time struggle, while Averitt could still maintain its equipment standards. Initially, finding quality, late-model used equipment was a challenge, but Maxson soon found a supplier that looked promising. Averitt found its answer in Ervin Equipment Inc., a provider of pre-owned trailers and trucks headquartered in Toledo, Ill.
Straight shooter Right foot With a limited window, Maxson got started immediately. In looking for DuraPlate trailers .He found that the trailer manufacturer required a tenweek lead time, about six weeks more than he could afford if Averitt wanted to get started on the right foot with its new customer. Averitt is very strict about the appearance and type of trailers it runs, which is why the company had never before considered purchasing used equipment. But after talking with several of his connections in the trailer business, Maxson discovered used equipment lead times were more reasonable and could alleviate
“From an ad I saw, it looked like Ervin Equipment might have a good selection of quality, used trailers,” Maxson says. “We reached out to see what solutions they could offer in a time crunch. Our Ervin salesman was a straight shooter. He followed through on his promises, and we had complete confidence that all the details were being handled. That’s critical when you are making a big purchase.” Maxson also was pleased with Ervin’s inventory and buying power. With its geographic presence, Ervin is able to buy and sell large fleets of new and used trailers and trucks. “Ervin is very active in the trans-
An optional DuraPlate nose liner is available for added damage resistance. Manufactured in the United States, the high-quality DuraPlate panels come with a 10-year, limited warranty.
Additional Standard Product Features: High-performance DuraPlate Doors High-strength floor system Heavy-duty rear frame
www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 49
Fleet Profile
Specs
portation industry and they have aligned themselves with many key fleets and manufacturers,” Maxson states, “allowing them to tap into a consistent flow of inventory.”
Quality condition Coincidentally, the Wabash National DuraPlate trailers that Averitt sought make up 70% of Ervin’s dry van sales.
Ervin quickly tracked down 170 used 2005 and 2006 model year DuraPlate trailers in quality condition. Timing was also crucial. Since Averitt didn’t have a lot of time to spare, Ervin needed to follow through on collecting the trailers in a timely manner, which wasn’t a problem. Ervin stages trailers at multiple locations across North America, which not
only helps companies like Averitt in a crunch, but also provides a significant advantage for long-term customers. Multiple staging locations mean providing maximum convenience and timeliness. Customers even have the flexibility to drop off trade-in trailers at one location and pick up upgrades at another. “The availability of the used trailers from Ervin meshed well with our requirements at that time,” Maxson says. “We were able to get off the ground when we needed to and do so quickly.”
Impressive fashion
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48050
After only 30 days, Averitt had enough of the used Wabash National trailers to serve its new dedicated customer. And, shortly after the sale, Maxson decided a similar purchase would be soon to follow. “We responded to our new customer’s needs in an impressive fashion,” he says. “We met our goal by helping them meet their objectives, so we plan to stay connected with Ervin for future used equipment needs.” Based in Cookeville, Tenn., Averitt Express has been providing freight transportation services for customers for 41 years. The company’s service offerings include cross border/domestic offshore, dedicated, expedited, intermodal, international ocean/air, local customization, lessthan-truckload, Portside, transportation management, truckload (dry van, flatbed, brokerage) and warehousing. Averitt currently fields about 4,000 tractors. For the company, what sets it apart is going beyond the ability to move loads from point A to point B by offering the highest possible level of quality service. Filling one customer’s needs for 130 trailers with a new approach to sourcing equipment quickly is just one example of how the company meets the demand for its services and addresses the requirements of taking on new business. /
50 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48051
Truck Equipment Mack rolls out suspensions with proprietary axles Mack Trucks has launched its Twin Y Air Suspension, with a new Y-shaped high-strength steel design, that is offered with proprietary Mack axles. The OEM also announced the availability of Mack proprietary axles on its mRide spring suspension.
The new Mack Twin Y suspension, according to the manufacturer, is up to 400 lbs. lighter than other air suspensions. Available on Mack Pinnacle Axle Back and Axle Forward models, the Twin Y features Mack S38 and S40 series axles with C125/126 and C150/151 carriers. The design of
the new air suspension puts the load entirely on the air ride and not on the pivot bushing. Included are two stamped high-strength steel Yshaped blades per wheel end, which are joined to the axle with upper and lower axle seats to reduce suspension windup and improve tire traction and braking control, and axle seats that are clamped to the axle housing by Huck U-bolts on both sides. The Mack mRide spring suspension, paired with C150/151 series axle carriers, is available on Mack Granite, Titan, Pinnacle Axle Forward and TerraPro model trucks. mRide features spring leafs over four separate rubber block packs, which offer stability and articulation that provides constant ground contact for all wheels, in turn maximizing traction. The design, Mack adds, also allows clearance for larger tires and brake components required in construction and vocational applications. Mack Trucks www.macktrucks.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48140 www.FERapidResponse.com
RSC now available on Western Star Trucks
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48052
Western Star Trucks Inc. announced the Meritor WABCO Roll Stability Control System (RSC) is now available on Western Star 4700, 4800 and 4900 truck models equipped with Meritor’s antilock braking system (ABS). Ideal for on-highway and vocational applications, RSC assists drivers in maintaining vehicle control by monitoring road conditions and automatically intervening when a rollover risk is detected. When the RSC system senses an impending slide or roll-over, it slows truck speed by reducing engine torque and engaging the engine retarder while automatically applying drive axle and trailer brakes. Once the risk has passed, the RSC system resumes normal vehicle operation, allowing the driver to regain control of the truck. In addition to reducing vehicle rollover, Meritor’s RSC system provides ease of maintenance with fewer components due to its integration with Western Star’s existing ABS architecture, the company added. / Western Star Trucks Inc. www.westernstartrucks.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48141 www.FERapidResponse.com
52 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Truck Products Meritor expands new AllFit series product portfolio Meritor’s North American Aftermarket business has announced the immediate availability of truck and trailer suspension controls as part of its new AllFit product series. Included are ride height controls, load scale, lift axle controls, dump valve units and single axle dump systems. The control products are available immediately to North American warehouse distributors and OEM dealers from the company’s Florence, Ky., and Brampton, Ontario distribution centers. Also announced is availability of a Meritor-brand shock absorber product line that replaces the Gabriel shocks sold previously by the company. The new Meritor shock absorbers for Class 6-8 linehaul trucks, trailers, vocational vehicles and school buses, according to the manufacturer, feature an advanced sealing system, premium hydraulic fluid, and a design aimed at reducing excessive misting and extending product life. The three Meritor shock absorber product lines include Cab shocks designed to isolate the cab from the vehicle’s frame, Standard-Duty shocks, and Premium Adjustable shocks that can be converted to regular, firm or extra firm settings to support a variety of ride preferences. Meritor Inc. www.meritor.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48150 www.FERapidResponse.com
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48053
Luber-finer launches TRT oil filters The new line of Luber-finer Heavy-Duty Time Release Technology (TRT) oil filters, part of 140 new products introduced by the company since June 2012, has been engineered to help extend oil change intervals by increasing the protection against oil degradation in diesel engines. The oil filters provide a controlled release of a specially formulated, highly concentrated liquid additive into the oil supply, the maker said. Luber-finer www.luberfiner.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48151 www.FERapidResponse.com www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 53
Truck Products Fras-le launches block production Marking the first time the company has produced heavy-duty brake linings in the U.S., production has begun at the Fras-le friction manufacturing plant in Prattville, Ala. Previously, Fras-le only manufactured disc brake pads at the facility. The new friction materials being made in Prattville by Fras-le are supplied to Meritor for aftermarket use on new and remanufactured brake shoes. Meritor’s aftermarket group is the exclusive distributor of Fras-le’s heavy-duty brake linings in North America. Last year Fras-le S.A. and Meritor announced the renewal of an exclusive, five-year friction material supply agreement for brake linings for the North American commercial vehicle market. Fras-le and Meritor have had a supply partnership for 16 years, including co-development of friction materials to address the needs of North American commercial vehicles. Fras-le’s new production capability is the result of an $11 million investment by the manufacturer to expand its commercial vehicle business in
North America. The expansion added new equipment to the Prattville facility and included hiring nearly 100 new employees. Fras-le www.fras-le.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48152 www.FERapidResponse.com
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Meritor distributes brake shoes with corrosion fighting coating
Labelmaster offers reusable crates Labelmaster has expanded its product line to include SnapCrates. The heavy-duty wooden shipping and storage containers, which can be reused up to 30 times, are made of 3/4-in. CDX plywood and feature 4-way pallet bases, nylon inserts and stainless steel clips. The company’s stainless steel clip system con-
Immediately available for new Meritor lined aftermarket brake shoes is the company’s PlatinumShield II coating. To fight rustjacking corrosion caused by harsh winter road salt and solvents, PlatinumShield II was developed to resist micro-abrasion caused by the movement of the brake lining against the shoe table during normal use. Rustjacking occurs when rust forms on bare shoe metal under the lining, causing the lining to lift and crack. Previously, Meritor said it made this unique coating available only on remanufactured brake shoes for the aftermarket and OEM truck and trailer brake shoes. The company will con-
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tains tabs that can be removed without tools. The clip system fits into slots in the wood that are sealed with the nylon inserts to prevent moisture damage and allow the clips to easily slide in and out of crates. By removing the clips, crates can be broken down and laid flat for storage, and then reassembled quickly. SnapCrates are available in a variety of sizes; custom sizes also are available, the maker added. Labelmaster www.labelmaster.com
54 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Truck Products tinue to provide unlined brakes shoes to the market with black e-coat paint. For lined shoes with PlatinumShield II coating, the warranty against rustjacking will be identical to that of remanufactured shoes at three years/300,000 miles (parts only). The company will replace any new lined brake shoe with PlatinumShield II coating purchased from Meritor Aftermarket that exhibits signs of rustjacking. Meritor www.meritor.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48154 www.FERapidResponse.com
Eaton launches the Fuller Advantage Series Eaton announced it has launched the Fuller Advantage Series of heavy-duty transmissions, which the company said includes a wealth of new design features including reduced weight and increased efficiency, resulting in fuel economy improvements and an improved shift feel, as well as features contributing to lower preventative maintenance costs. This new line of 10-speed transmissions is scheduled for commercial production
this September, according to the company. The series will be available in both manual and automated designs, with the automated versions scheduled for production in the first quarter of 2014. A new precision lube system represents
one of the most important upgrades in the new transmissions. The system reduces the oil churn energy losses found in traditional transmissions by nearly 33%. Significant weight savings—up to 75 lbs. with no sacrifice to strength—also has been achieved with the new Fuller Advantage Series transmissions. Aluminum has replaced cast iron for the shift bar housing, auxiliary section cover and range cylinder. The new transmissions also help promote better overall vehicle fuel economy performance due to the efficiency improvements and weight savings. Initial fleet and third party test results show an up to 1.9% fuel economy improvement versus comparable transmissions, Eaton added. / Eaton www.eaton.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48155 www.FERapidResponse.com
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48055 www.FleetEquipmentMag.com 55
Trailers
Bodies
Espar Heater Systems announces Mobile Flex Cool Espar said its new Mobile Flex-Cool is a new solution for the refrigerated transport of perishable goods—designed for the hygienic transportation of temperature-sensitive goods in the food and medicalpharmaceutical areas. These heavy-duty, easy-to-clean containers are made by rotationally molded polyethylene. Insulation is made by expanded polyurethane foam CFC free with thickness up to 5 in. The product line ranges from 22L in volume to 915L with temperatures ranging from -24 degrees C to +40 degrees C. They are available as cooling only, cool/heat and cool/freeze. The digital temperature controller allows easy setting of the required internal temperature and displays the true internal temperature. According to the company, they are equipped with hermetic DC compressors with an integrated AC rectifier, specially developed for vehicle uses. Operating voltage is 12-24V DC and 110-240V AC, with low amperage draw, which allows flexibility to switch the power source from the vehicle directly to the power grid. They are ideal for users who may not be able to justify the expense or do not require a fully dedicated refrigerated vehicle. The cost compared to a refrigerated vehicle conversion is impressive, as purchased or leased vehicles can be retrofitted to become refrigerated vehicles, then sold or returned in original condition, the maker added. Espar Heater Systems www.espar.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48170 www.FERapidResponse.com
Prevent CSA violations with the Super Mutt IPA, maker of the Super Mutt trailer tester, has released a DVD video manual the company said is aimed at eliminating the most common CSA roadside violations. It improves inspection accuracy by guiding technicians through 91 critical points of inspection and placing a load on the
trailer’s electrical circuits to identify wiring problems, often missed during routine inspections, the company added. It addresses three critical areas of trailer inspection: 1. light testing; 2. ABS; and 3. air brakes. The diagnostic program instantly identifies shorted, crossed and open circuits, differentiates between poor wire and chassis grounds, and pro-
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48056
vides amperage display, audio feedback, and automatic, manual and remote control operation. The wireless remote allows a single technician to apply brakes from the rear of the trailer while performing visual and mechanical inspections in real time. ABS codes can be pulled from most leading ABS systems, utilizing the blink code method, which can be accessed through the Mutt control panel. The Super Mutt Deluxe also is optimized for adverse weather conditions, with recently added functionality and accessories such as a steel face shield, mute bypass switch, internal regulator and side mounted 7-way sockets, the company added. IPA www.ipatools.com/9008.html Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48171 www.FERapidResponse.com 56 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Shop Equipment PlastiKote Undercoatings provide protection The PlastiKote line of undercoating products provide a superior coating that offers durable protection against rust, corrosion, moisture, fumes, dust, heat and cold, the company said. Featuring an Accusol trigger spray nozzle, it also is the perfect aerosol paint product to use for reaching those hard-to-access areas on a vehicle. According to the company, PlastiKote’s professional undercoating and rubberized undercoating products are ideal for providing protection for wheel wells, gas tanks, frames and supports, weld joints, floor pans, doors and quarter panels. They also protect vehicles from harsh elements or damage from rocks, sand and salt that is on the roads during winter months or after severe storms. PlastiKote Undercoatings also are flexible and provide a non-asphaltic coating, which contains no asbestos fiber, the company added. PlastiKote www.PlastiKote.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48160 www.FERapidResponse.com
FindItParts.com launches new site FinditParts LLC announced a new e-commerce website for the sale of heavy- and medium-duty truck parts. FinditParts.com lists over 2.5 million parts from more than 1,200 manufacturers for heavy-duty trucks, transit vehicles, school buses, light- and medium-duty vehicles, trailers, fork-
lifts, off-road vehicles, and autos. The new FinditParts.com features enhanced content and a redesigned format for streamlining and automating the search process for common and obscure components. The site’s new interface incorporates a searchable index of over 2.5 million parts by number, keyword, manufacturer, cat-
egory year, make and model. In addition, 360-degree views of products allow users to rotate products and examine them in detail. FinditParts www.finditparts.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48161 www.FERapidResponse.com
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Shop Equipment Noregon Systems releases JPRO Fleet Diagnostics Noregon Systems, a supplier of PC-based diagnostic and repair solutions to the commercial vehicle industry, announced the release of JPRO Commercial Fleet Diagnostics 2013 v1, along with the introduction of the JPRO Next Step service information module featuring the integration of repair-connect.net by Mitchell 1. Current JPRO license holders, with an active support agreement, can access the update online by going to: www.jprofleetproducts.com/downloads/software/jpro_fleetdiags.asp. A current status support agreement for JPRO software is required before adding the Next Step module, the company said. According to the company, beginning with JPRO Commercial Fleet Diagnostics 2013 v1, JPRO customers can combine the comprehensive diagnostic power of JPRO with direct navigation to service information. Customers who purchase a JPRO Next Step subscription can launch repair information from within JPRO Commercial Fleet Diagnostics with the click of a button. JPRO Next Step automatically ties diagnostic trouble codes to repair information. Once a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is found, technicians click on the Next Step logo (located on the JPRO launch bar within the home screen) and a new window opens containing service information associated with the specific DTC. Technicians literally take the “next step” from a DTC to repair information—in 30 seconds or less, the company added. Noregon Systems www.noregon.com JPRO Commercial Fleet Products www.JPROFleetProducts.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48162 www.FERapidResponse.com
Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48058
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58 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
Shop Equipment Snap-on has Classic Roll Cab and WorkCenter
BendPak’s Tri-Max offers unique features
According to Snap-on, by adding a 55-in. Snap-on WorkCenter (KRA2454) to the top of the Classic Roll Cab (KRA2422), you will get even more versatility from your Snap-on storage unit. It features a top drawer that is 50 in. wide and 5 in. deep and a second drawer that is 50 in. wide and 3 in. deep. The 14-gauge steel internal corner gussets help keep the unit square for life. The unit also has anti-vibration monoprene wheels. A powder coating creates a scratch-resistant finish and is available in eight popular colors (red, black, flat black, midnight blue, royal blue, extreme green, electric orange and yellow). The unit has two gas cylinders that assist in opening the door, making it an effortless operation, and stainless steel inside walls with “slots ‘n’ dots” back panels. Users also are able to lock up work in progress with the Snap-on 55-in. WorkCenter, the company added. Snap-on www.snapon.com/toolstorage
BendPak said its TriMax air compressor is an ASME-certified powerhouse. The company noted the unit features its renowned Tri-Max extreme-duty 3-cylinder pump, designed and manufactured to operate with maximum efficiency under all load conditions. The 100% cast-iron pump has a “W-3” configuration that provides 360-degree cooling efficiency, and splash lubrication ensures total reliability. A low RPM pump combined with a 7.5 HP motor packs a lot of power but makes little noise, the maker added. / BendPak www.bendpak.com/compressors
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Classifieds
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Classifieds
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Classifieds
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ENGINE OIL DRAIN VALVE
DRAIN YOUR ENGINE OIL WITH THE TOUCH OF A FINGER www.FumotoUSA.com Fumoto Engineering of America (425) 869-7771 Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48206 www.FERapidResponse.com
Call now to order or to receive a free 2013 catalog 1-800-434-5141 www.autobodysupplies.com Rapid Response: 800-930-7204 ext. 48208 www.FERapidResponse.com
YOUR AD HERE!
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Classifieds
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Get FREE PRODUCT AND SERVICE INFO from the companies featured in this issue of Fleet Equipment. It’s fast and easy!
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Doug Basford dbasford@babcox.com 330-670-1234, ext. 255
NO Steel Balls NO Sands or Oils NO Prebalancing
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
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www.BalanceMasters.com 62 March 2013 | Fleet Equipment
LIST SALES MANAGER Don Hemming dhemming@babcox.com 330-670-1234, ext. 286
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Labelmaster 27 Luber-finer 29 Marangoni North America 15 Meritor Inc. 9 Mohawk Lifts 58 NTN Bearing Corp. 11 Old World Industries 3 Peterbilt Motors Co. Cover 4 PPG Industries 33 Prestone 16 Prestone 17 ProDiesel 53 SAF-Holland Inc. 31 Saf-Tee Siping/Grooving 63 Sherwin-Williams Co. 36 TBC Corp. 51 Tenneco/Monroe Shocks 46 Tiger Tool International Inc. 57 Timken 26 Truck-Lite Co. 24 VDO RoadLog 22 Webasto 43 Wix Filters 18 Wix Filters 19
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Coming in
April • Equipment Management New truck equipment technology • Before & After(market) Brake and friction material • Special report New truck technologies & products Call David Moniz at
(330) 670-1234 Ext. 215 About Advertising Opportunities! FLEET EQUIPMENT (ISSN 0747-2544) (March 2013, Volume 39, Number 3): Published monthly by Babcox Media, 3550 Embassy Parkway, Akron, OH 44333 U.S.A. Phone (330) 6701234, 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. © 2013 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.
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PostScript Trucks around the world s global borders disappear, products from many different countries move into new markets and those manufacturers already exporting around the world are enjoying expansion.
A
Recently, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) said it has launched its international market growth strategy, Vision 15,000, which the truck maker noted is an internationally-focused launch of DTNA products to new markets in the Middle East and Africa, and extends existing regional programs in Australia, Latin America and South Africa. At its core, Vision 15,000 calls for an increase in the company’s international sales (outside of NAFTA) to a level of 15,000 units. DTNA noted that it already exports approximately 10,000 vehicles annually, and is the Freightliner Argosy for the industry leader in the export of heavy-duty Australian market trucks from North America. To achieve Vision 15,000, the company said it is consolidating its strong position in existing international markets, while entering emerging markets and new vehicle segments. The initiative is being supported by a comprehensive product offensive and a strong build-up of its international organization. “Vision 15,000 aligns our global resources and taps into the potential of new and emerging markets,” said Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Daimler Trucks North America. “DTNA already has a strong foothold in our core markets, and together with the recent Freightliner Argosy for the South African market successful launches of products in global markets, we are confident that Vision 15,000 will be just the start.” Lampert continued: “With a significantly expanded international business, DTNA will also strengthen our ability to manage the cycles of our business. With a robust international business, we can help mitigate the inevitable cycles of the North American commercial vehicle market. This initiative to manage cyclicality is also a primary strategic goal of Daimler Trucks globally under the Global Excellence initiative.” DTNA’s largest current international markets include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Peru and Colombia. Freightliner- and Western Star-brand trucks also are sold in numerous countries in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific regions. In each of these areas, DTNA said it is enhancing its distribution network and brands to prepare for further growth. /
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