CCJ1016 by dwatson

OCTOBER 2016

WINTER'S ON THE WAY

Protect your trucks before it gets too cold page 38

HANNOVER HIGHLIGHTS BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FOR TRUCKING PROFESSIONALS

IAA 2016 show goes electric, autonomous page 77

E-COMMERCE EDGE Carriers of all kinds look for the upper hand page 61

CCJ_1016_Cover.indd 1

9/27/16 1:09 PM

Uptime saves you more than just money. It saves your trust, reputation, and business. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we created Volvo Trucks Uptime Services. We connect you to immediate live support from a Volvo agent whenever you need it with our 24/7 Volvo Action Service. Our Remote Diagnostics predicts, identifies, and reports a service event, reducing diagnosing time by as much as 70%. Our team locates and sends ahead the parts you need, reducing repair time by up to 22%. And our coast-to-coast Volvo Dealer Network connects it all. Know the road ahead. Learn more: Uptime.volvotrucks.us

volvo trucks uptime services 4202_Volvo_CCJ_15.75x10.5_Uptime_Ć&#x2019;.indd 1 Untitled-24 2

7/19/16 2:45 PM

Uptime means road time. enjoy the view.

Volvo Trucks. Driving Progress

7/15/16 4:05 PM Volvo Trucks_CCJ0816_PG.indd 3

7/19/16 2:47 PM

Fleetguard For Life. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see us coming in early and leaving late, always putting in a hard dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work. As members of the Cummins Filtration team, producing high quality Fleetguard products is our daily goal. We take immense pride in our jobs and it shows by the innovation, technology, and performance in the products we produce. We are friends, we are family. We are Fleetguard For Life.

AF899NF

Visit our newly redesigned website www.cumminsfiltration.com and click on the Fleetguard For Life heading to sign up for our e-newsletter and tell us why you are Fleetguard For Life. You could win some great Fleetguard merchandise! Fleetguard products are available at over 33,000 retail locations worldwide. For the one nearest you, call 1-800-22-FILTER or go to cumminsfiltration.com.

twitter.com/fleetguard

whare.7.375x10xRandall.indd 1 Untitled-7 1

facebook.com/cumminsfiltration

FF5811 LF14000NN FK48556 FS19763

youtube.com/fleetguardfiltration

instagram.com/cummins_filtration

6/2/2016 10:29:01 AM 6/2/16 1:45 PM

OCTOBER 2016 | VOL 173 | NO. 10

JOURNAL

THE NEXT PHASE

LEADING NEWS, TRUCKING MARKET CONDITIONS AND INDUSTRY ANALYSIS

While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration didn’t mandate methods to reach the new emissions and fuel economy standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, they did offer likely strategies. Design by David Watson

FEATURES

What's in an ETA?

More shippers are asking for added visibility of their shipments at every stage, from the point of sale to the “final mile” of delivery. This visibility extends further up the supply chain for shipments from manufacturing facilities to distribution centers and warehouses – and eventually to consumers.

9 News OOIDA and ATA: Speed-limiter comment period too short … DOT: Fatalities involving trucks up 4.4% in 2015 … DOT

77 Highlights from

initiates regulatory

Hannover

framework for autonomous trucks, au-

International truck and bus makers and industry suppliers showcased a range of innovations at IAA 2016, the world’s largest trucking trade show held biennially in Hannover, Germany. New product announcements centered almost exclusively around two themes: autonomous vehicle solutions and electrification.

tomobiles … FMCSA denies inspectors’ request to rescind 30-minute break … Tanker group petitions over California

81 Trailer Focus:

break rules … Truck, engine makers receive

Refrigerated

Trailer manufacturers are offering improved insulation and heat isolation on their refrigerated products, resulting in lower TRU operating costs and greater savings for carriers.

SuperTruck II grants

57 Innovators: UPS, Inc. UPS develops Near Real-Time Service Performance Reporting Tool that leverages predictive analytics to provide operations managers with better network visibility and customers with GPS package tracking.

12 InBrief 22 MarketPulse commercial carrier journal

TOContents.indd 3

| october 2016 3

9/27/16 1:10 PM

DEPARTMENTS

ccjdigital.com

technology

facebook.com/CCJMagazine @CCJnow linkedin.com/ccjmagazine

Editorial

Freightliner sticks with Cascadia moniker for new truck launch

28 InBrief 30 Freightliner redesigns Cascadia with driver-focused updates

32 34 36 36

Volvo shows off SuperTruck, touts 88% efficiency boost Chevron unveils new Delo 400 oils Mercedes-Benz reveals intelligent electric van Meritor adds deep-drop option to MFS front axle series

42 Tech tools for a 22-year-old CEO 44 InBrief 46 NetraDyne creates video-based driver safety system with AI

46 48 48 48 51

I.D. Systems rolls out FleetView next-generation software

HighJump updates 3PL dashboard Omnitracs rolls out ELD Driver Retention Model

U.S. Bank creates single fleet card for all Class 1-8 vehicles

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Seat cushion, retreads, air springs, more

COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL

TOContents.indd 4

Upfront

Preventable or Not?

production@ccjdigital.com

sales@truckingmedia.com

Bid management

Products

Art Director: David Watson Graphic Designer: Kenneth Stubbs Quality Assurance: Timothy Smith Advertising Production Manager: Leah Boyd

TruckerLineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s driver network available for carrier recruiting

Design & Production

Trucking Media

52 InFocus:

Emissions-free Nikola One to be powered by hydrogen

editorial@ccjdigital.com

Pegasus TransTech adds new integration with TMW Systems

38 InFocus:

Winter preparation

Editor: Jeff Crissey Senior Editor: Aaron Huff Equipment Editor: Jason Cannon Managing Editor: Dean Smallwood News Editor: James Jaillet Associate Editor: Matt Cole Contributing Editor: Todd Dills

Truck OEMs at the altar

John Doe was parked and surrounded by traffic cones when his rig was struck by a hot rod manned by a distracted driver who tried to argue that Doe had hit her instead. Was this a preventable accident?

Ad Index

Vice President of Sales, Trucking Media: Brad Holthaus

Corporate

Chairman: Mike Reilly President/CEO: Brent Reilly Chief Operating Officer: Shane Elmore Chief Financial Officer: Russell McEwen Senior Vice President, Sales: Scott Miller Senior Vice President, Editorial and Research: Linda Longton Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Business Development: Robert Lake Senior Vice President, Data: Prescott Shibles Vice President, Events: Stacy McCants Vice President, Digital Services: Nick Reid Vice President, Marketing: Julie Arsenault

3200 Rice Mine Road N.E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 800-633-5953 randallreilly.com Commercial Carrier Journal (ISSN 1533-7502) is published monthly by Randall-Reilly Publishing Co. LLC, 3200 Rice Mine Road N.E., Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. Single copy price U.S., $6; Canada/ Mexico, $9; Foreign, $12. Subscription rates, payable in U.S. dollars, $48 per year (in Canada $78 U.S. currency). For subscription information/inquiries, please email commercialcarrierjournal@ halldata.com. Periodicals Postage-Paid at Tuscaloosa, AL, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTERS: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to Commercial Carrier Journal, PO Box 2186, Skokie, IL 60076-9919. Unsolicited letters, manuscripts, stories, materials or photographs cannot be returned except where the sender provides a postage-paid, addressed, stamped envelope. Address all mail to Commercial Carrier Journal Editorial Dept., P.O. Box 3187, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403. All advertisers for Commercial Carrier Journal are accepted and published by RandallReilly Publishing Co. LLC on the representation that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Randall-Reilly Publishing Co. LLC harmless from and against any loss, expenses or other liability resulting from any claims or suits for libel violations of right of privacy or publicity, plagiarisms, copyright or trademark, infringement and any other claims or suits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Copyright ÂŠ 2016, Randall-Reilly Publishing Co. LLC All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Commercial Carrier Journal. is a registered trademark of Randall-Reilly Publishing Co. LLC. Randall-Reilly Publishing Co. LLC neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee regarding the quality of goods and services advertised herein.

| OCTOBER 2016

9/27/16 1:10 PM

GDane ThermoGuard CCJ_Layout 1 9/12/16 7:29 PM Page 1

L E T ’S CHILL

A reefer is only as good as its thermal performance. At Great Dane, we understand the importance of insulation that lasts. Our patented ThermoGuard system is the only liner that helps maintain insulation performance for the life of a trailer. Made with a proprietary barrier layer, ThermoGuard is virtually impermeable, puncture-resistant and designed to drive home significant cost savings. Ready to redefine what it means to keep cool? Let’s go. For more information on ThermoGuard technology, watch our video at GreatDaneTrailers.com/thermoguard-video or visit us at The IFDA Solutions Expo • Tampa, FL • Oct 17 & 18 • Booth #121

GREAT DANE AND THE OVAL ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF GREAT DANE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

GreatDane_CCJ1016_Pg.indd 1

9/13/16 10:13 AM

UPFRONT

Truck OEMs at the altar Volkswagen’s investment in Navistar gives European OEM foot in the door to North American market BY JEFF CRISSEY

ven though there are only a handful of players, the OEM truck business in North America is a complex market. All major parties, save one, have relationships or ownership in countries that provide a global presence – Volvo and Mack, Daimler with Freightliner and Western Star, and Paccar with DAF. Navistar had been the only contender in the North American market without true international ties, and Volkswagen was a major European player without a stake in North America. That all changed with the announcement last month that the German truck and bus maker had secured a 16.6 percent stake in Navistar. Top brass from the two companies sat down with the North American press at IAA 2016 in Hannover, Germany, for a roundtable discussion of the new partnership and what it means for both companies as well as Navistar’s existing North American fleet customers and dealers. “We are looking forward to a successful alliance,” said Andreas Renschler, chief executive officer of Volkswagen Truck & Bus. “Navistar needs what we can offer drivetrainwise – including engine, transmission and axle. [Volkswagen] is at the moment developing new product lines, and we can put all the requirements from Navistar into that development.” Dialogue between Navistar and Volkswagen – which also operates the MAN and Scania business units in Europe and abroad – began a year ago on opportunities to synergize and strengthen each company, culminating in Volkswagen’s recent investment. “You see a lot of change [in the trucking industry], and we are excited to have found a partner that looks at the future the way we do and with whom we have a high degree of alignment,” said Troy Clarke, CEO of Navistar. “We have a common vision on how the industry will develop and how to address those issues. That we can do it better together makes it a perfect fit.” With its investment, Volkswagen now has an equal stake with Navistar’s two largest existing shareholders, according to Navistar Chief Financial Officer

Walter Borst. “We’ll be able to explore advanced technologies, and for Navistar to do that on our own would be cost-prohibitive.” The timing of Volkswagen’s investment couldn’t be better for Navistar, a company that is climbing back from the illfated decision to pursue exhaust gas recirculation technology to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 emissions standards when the rest of the industry ultimately went with a selective catalytic reduction solution. “Unfortunately, we turned left, and they went right,” Clarke said. “We have done a lot to repair ourselves and make us a good partner but also are a good standalone company. Our business is operating as well as it has in a long time. This [partnership] doesn’t solve all the problems our company has, but it creates opportunities we didn’t have a few weeks ago.” Clarke said reaction from both large fleets and Navistar’s dealer network has been extremely positive following the announcement, but added that customers shouldn’t look for a new engine solution in the next few years. “We are going to look at where the industry will be 10 to 15 years from now and work back from that point,” said Clarke, who added the two companies will look for immediate opportunities to create working processes on new projects. Renschler then pegged 2021 as a realistic target date for Volkswagen to deliver an engine solution specifically tailored to the needs of Navistar’s existing customer base, but stressed the companies would share technologies to strengthen both brands as opposed to Volkswagen simply supplying a powertrain solution to Navistar customers. In other words, look for Volkswagen’s fingerprints on International trucks sooner rather than later. “As a group, we have potential because we can use components from each other and go into [emerging] markets,” said Renschler. “No one regional player alone can do that. We have a mission to bring transport to the next level and will move from being a hardware manufacturer to focus on transport efficiency. New drivetrain technology is one thing, but to enable our customers to be more profitable and more efficient, that is our goal.”

JEFF CRISSEY is Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. E-mail jcrissey@ccjmagazine.com.

UpFront.indd 6

commercial carrier journal

| october 2016

9/27/16 1:12 PM

UNWAVERING, COLD, AND CALCULATED. WE’LL TAKE THAT AS A COMPLIMENT. T H E P R E C E D E N T TM T R A I L E R P L A T F O R M Precedent is, without question, the most analyzed, reliable, and efficient line of transport refrigeration systems we’ve ever offered. With all-new Diesel Direct Electric architecture, Precedent delivers real-world fuel savings and more precise temperature control for cooling and heating than ever before. Available in a range of compliance choices, Precedent is backed up by the industry’s largest dealer network with expert service anywhere, any time. Visit ThermoKing.com to learn more and to find your nearest dealer.

Thermo King is a brand of Ingersoll Rand. Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments.

Untitled-6 1

6/2/16 1:25 PM

What matters to you, matters to us.

Moments like these are the reason you demand integrity and confidence in your fleet equipment. STEMCO components reduce maintenance, improve efficiency and most importantly, make the roadways safer for everyone. And safer roadways mean more time to focus on what matters most.

Making the Roadways SaferÂŽ

stemco.com | 800-527-8492

an EnPro Industries company Untitled-44 1

9/16/16 9:19 AM

LEADING NEWS, TRUCKING MARKET CONDITIONS AND INDUSTRY ANALYSIS

OOIDA and ATA: Speed-limiter comment period too short

he Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and American Trucking Associations last month both filed requests with U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx asking that he and The rule was short on two of his subagencies extend the several key details, such as what the speed limit formal comment period on their for trucks would be. proposal to require use of speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks. OOIDA asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to double the comment period from 60 days to 120 days, which would push the comment period’s deadline to Jan. 7. ATA’s requested 30-day extension would move the comment deadline to Dec. 7. NHTSA and FMCSA published the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Sept. 7, initiating a 60-day public comment period in which fleets, owner-operators, industry stakeholders and the public at large can file formal comments related to the rule and its requirements. The rule was short on several key details, such as what the speed limit for trucks would be and to what extent the rule would be retroactive for trucks already in use. The agencies are looking for feedback from industry stakeholders to help guide it in crafting the final rule. OOIDA said its members need more than the current 60-day comment period to “adequately respond” to regulators on the proposed rule to require trucks weighing more than 27,000 pounds to use a speed governor that limits truck speeds to an undetermined speed, likely 60, 65 or 68 mph. ATA, which filed a petition in 2007 seeking a speed-limiter mandate for the trucking industry, called DOT’s Aug. 26-released proposal “a dramatic departure” from its petition. Moreover, it said, the industry’s safety culture has seen much change in the nine years since its initial petition, largely because of greater adoption of safety technology and added regulatory oversight via DOT’s Compliance Safety Accountability program. “The proposed rule’s dramatic departure from Scan the QR code with your ATA’s initial petition in terms of tamper-proofsmartphone or ing, the lack of a retrofit requirement and the visit ccjdigital.com/ agencies’ reluctance to specify a governed speed news/subscribe-torequires additional time for ATA and its federanewsletters to sign up for the CCJ Daily Report, a daily e-mail newslettion partners to reengage its membership on ter filled with news, analysis, blogs these important issues,” ATA wrote in its extenand market condition articles. sion request. – James Jaillet

DOT: Fatalities involving trucks up 4.4% in 2015

ruck-involved crashes resulting in fatalities increased by 4.4

percent in 2015 from 2014, accord-

ing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s final 2015 fatalities report released last month. NHTSA reported 4,067 truckinvolved fatalities last year, the highest number since 2008. Of those, 667 (16.4 percent) were truck occupants, 10.1 percent were nonoccupants and 73.5 percent were occupants of other vehicles. NHTSA’s report doesn’t account for crash fault. In total, 35,092 people died from crashes in the United States last year, a 7.2 percent increase from 2014, the largest increase since 1966. NHTSA also recorded a significant increase in the number of injuries last year, rising from 2.34 million in 2014 to 2.44 million. These numbers are lower than NHTSA predicted in its preliminary report released in July. A 3.5 percent increase in vehicle miles traveled is one contributing factor to the rise in fatalities, NHTSA said. The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled increased 3.7 percent to 1.12 in 2015. Crashes resulting in fatalities caused by driver distraction increased 8.8 percent from 3,197 in 2014 to 3,477. Alcohol-impaired fatalities increased by 3.2 percent, speeding-related fatalities increased by 3 percent, and drowsy-driving fatalities decreased by 3.2 percent.

commercial carrier journal

Journal.indd 9

– Matt Cole

| october 2016 9

9/27/16 8:45 AM

JOURNAL NEWS

DOT initiates regulatory framework for autonomous trucks, automobiles

If I use thinner oils will my engine still be protected?

he U.S. Department of Transportation on Sept. 20 issued a regulatory framework for vehicle manufacturers, state regulators and other stakeholders regarding the development and deployment of autonomous trucks and cars. The proposed policy initiative comes ZF’s Highway Driver Assist is an autonomous system that as both traditional enables the truck to pilot itself in on-highway driving. automotive makers and technology giants march increasingly closer to readying self-driving vehicles for public use. The 114-page document is intended to set safety standards for companies developing self-driving vehicles and establish a unified national vehicle automation policy. DOT said its Federal Automated Vehicles Policy was compiled to help hasten the development of autonomous vehicles while also addressing safety issues “at the front end of development.” The proposed guidelines would set a “15-Point Safety Assessment” that would require manufacturers to submit a notice to DOT stating their autonomous vehicles meet certain specifications regarding crashworthiness, cybersecurity, safety systems, privacy, data recording and ethics. “There are huge upsides and significant challenges that come with automated vehicle technology, and we will continue the conversation with the public over the coming months and years as this technology develops,” said DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Automated vehicles have the potential to save thousands of lives, driving the single biggest leap in road safety that our country has ever taken.” More than 35,000 people were killed in the United States in car crashes last year, and more than 94 percent of the crashes were caused by “a human choice or error,” said Mark Rosekind, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition to the safety assessments established by the policy, DOT also would set roles relative to autonomous vehicles for federal and state governments. The federal government would retain control over setting vehicle standards and enforcing compliance with such standards, along with managing recalls. States would, similar to their current duties with nonautonomous vehicles, be responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles, establishing and enforcing traffic laws, conducting inspections and regulating vehicle insurance. DOT and NHTSA will be accepting public comment on the proposal for 60 days following its publication in the Federal Register. – James Jaillet

The ability of engine oil to prevent wear by keeping moving parts separated is one of the key functions that it has to perform. That ability comes from the fluid viscosity and the additives which protect By Dan Arcy Shell Lubricants the metal surfaces. The thickness of the oil film which separates the moving parts is dependent on the viscosity of the oil and it will also depend on the speed and load of the engine operation. If oil is too thin to provide effective separation between moving parts or does not effectively control contaminants, this could result in increased wear through the contact of metal parts or abrasive wear, and could possibly shorten engine life. As truck and engine manufacturers are trying to achieve the maximum fuel economy for their equipment, the trend is to use lighter viscosity oils to assist in reducing fuel consumption. These full synthetic or synthetic blend oils are expected to provide fuel economy benefits, but not compromise on engine durability. Through extensive testing on synthetic blend Shell Rotella® T5 10W-30, Shell has demonstrated a 1.6% fuel economy improvement benefit vs. conventional 15W-40* with no compromise on durability. Manufacturers develop their engines to operate efficiently with specific viscosity grades, so you should check with them to see which viscosity grades they allow and/or any specific conditions such as ambient temperature, which may influence the use of those viscosity grades. The SAE and API have established minimum requirements for lighter viscosity oils which should allow for effective protection of key engine parts. A number of diesel engine manufacturers recommend lower viscosity lubricants in their newest engines, and the move to lower viscosity lubricants is reinforced by the announcement that one of the focus areas for the next generation of heavy-duty diesel engine oils will be fuel economy improvements, which lower viscosity oils have demonstrated the ability to provide. This is particularly important as the first-ever fuel economy regulations for heavy trucks will begin in 2014. Synthetic engine oil also can help keep the engine clean through improved sludge, deposit and varnish protection, and helps reduce overall engine wear under extreme operating conditions. Synthetic engine oils typically have more stable viscosity and provide better protection when the engine is running under high-temperature conditions, such as high speeds and heavy loads. *as demonstrated in 2009 on-the-road field testing for 10W-30 viscosity grade only, highway cycles, compared to Shell Rotella® T Triple Protection® 15W-40.

This monthly column is brought to you by Shell Lubricants. Got a question? Visit ROTELLA.com, call 1-800-237-6950 or write to The ANSWER COLUMN, 1001 Fannin, Ste. 500, Houston,TX 77002. The term “Shell Lubricants” refers to the various Shell Group companies engaged in the lubricants business.

10 Untitled-5 1

Journal.indd 10

commercial carrier journal

| october 2016 11/9/15 9:07 AM

9/27/16 8:47 AM

New bottle, evolved technology and ALL THE HARD WORKING PROTECTION you expect.

WEAR PROTECTION

DEPOSIT CONTROL

OIL BREAKDOWN RESISTANCE

Introducing the next evolution in hard working protection. Shell ROTELLA T4 Triple Protection Heavy Duty Engine Oil. ®

www.rotella.com

Untitled-23 1

7/19/16 2:35 PM

JOURNAL NEWS

INBRIEF 10/16 • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s rule to implement entry-level training standards for truck drivers attempting to earn their commercial driver’s license has taken the next step toward implementation. FMCSA in late August sent the final version of the rule to the White House’s Office of Management

and Budget, and once it clears OMB, it will be sent back to FMCSA and take effect three years after its publication in the Federal Register. • The American Transportation Research Institute and Mayo Clinic launched a set of surveys to gauge the impact that the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners has had on the driver medical

SAVING MONEY IS OUR SECOND PRIORITY

Safety always comes first. Nothing is more important than having your driver return home safely. Preventing distracted and drowsy driving is key to ensuring just that. Learn how the Lytx DriveCam™ safety program with the ActiveVision® service can help you put safety first at Lytx.com/SafetyFirst

12 Untitled-23 1

Journal.indd 12

COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL

exam process. The research will indicate how effective the NRCME process is in improving the DOT physical process, as well as making sure medical examiners understand FMCSA regulations and guidance for issuing medical certificates. Go to www.atri.org. • The annualized driver turnover rate at large truckload fleets (more than $30 million in annual revenue) fell six points in the second quarter to 83 percent – its lowest point since early 2011 – while the rate at smaller truckload fleets fell nine points to 79 percent, according to the American Trucking Associations. ATA’s Bob Costello said the dips stem from the “choppy” freight environment seen in the first part of the year. Turnover at less-thantruckload carriers rose four points to 12 percent. • Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based CRST International (CCJ Top 250, No. 23) acquired Chino, Calif.-based Gardner Trucking Inc. (No. 67), a provider of specialized regional truckload services, logistics, drayage and warehouse services for bulk and commodity markets. Tom Lanting, Gardner’s previous owner and president, will continue as president. CRST said Gardner adds roughly $400 million in additional revenues and over 2,400 drivers. Terms were not released. • Swift Transportation (CCJ Top 250, No. 4) founder and CEO Jerry Moyes will retire at the end of the year and be succeeded by president and COO Richard Stocking, who will remain president. Moyes founded Swift with a single truck 50 years ago, and the company is now the country’s largest truckload carrier with more than 20,000 trucks. • Nominations for the Truckload Carriers Association and CarriersEdge annual Best Fleets to Drive For contest and survey are open through Oct. 31. A for-hire fleet must have at least 10 trucks and operate in the United States or Canada. Winners in both the “large” and “small” categories will be announced March 26-29, 2017, at the TCA Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn. Nominations can be made at BestFleetsToDriveFor.com/nominations. • Crete Carrier Corp. (CCJ Top 250, No. 22) chairman Duane Acklie passed away Sept. 17. Acklie, 84, purchased the Lincoln, Neb.-based company in 1971, and today it is one of the nation’s largest privately owned fleets.

| OCTOBER 2016 9/13/16 2:34 PM

9/27/16 8:48 AM

• 32 years of legendary dependability with a lower cost of ownership • Two diesel engine options and a gas engine that is CNG/LPG capable • Easy to drive: outstanding driver visibility, excellent maneuverability, and tight turning radius • 3-seat standard cabs or 7-person crew cabs • Only Isuzu has a history focused on LCF medium duty trucks with the engines and cabs for vocational bodies best suited for your business

N-SERIES

ISUZU TRUCKS

The #1 Selling LCF Truck In America Since 1986

Affordable Quality Parts Learn more at ISUZUCV.COM

Untitled-25 1

9/13/16 3:03 PM

ISSUU_Setup.indd 14

9/27/16 2:44 PM

Untitled-4

Purpose-Built

for Your Operation

Kalmar Ottawa has led the way in purpose-built terminal tractors since 1958. In fact, we invented the first one. Since that time, we’ve built more than all competitors combined. If you’re in the market for an efficient trailer spotter, look to the leader – Kalmar Ottawa. Test drive the innovative T2 terminal tractor at your authorized Kalmar Ottawa Dealer. For a location near you, visit www.ottawatrucksna.com

Untitled-4 1

9/19/16 3:42 PM

INTRODUCING THE NEW INTERNATIONAL® LT™ SERIES. What makes the new International LT Series so breakthrough? We gave drivers a voice in its design. Feedback from hundreds of drivers informed its new interior, featuring the latest ergonomic design and a customizable driver display, placing everything within comfortable reach. Dramatically improved aerodynamics and the 2017 Cummins® X15 engine deliver improved fuel economy and outstanding uptime, which means happier drivers who stick around for the long haul. InternationalTrucks.com/LTSeries

Untitled-29 2

9/14/16 2:57 PM

THE MOST

DRIVER CENTRIC TRUCK

FROM SEA TO

ble

Untitled-29 3

9/14/16 2:57 PM

JOURNAL NEWS

NTTC said California’s rules “were not promulgated with an eye toward safe transportation of hazardous materials” or hours regulations.

18 Untitled-3 1

Journal.indd 18

COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL

Tanker group petitions over California break rules

he National Tank Truck Carriers petitioned the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration last month for a determination as to whether federal hazardous materials law preempts California’s meal and rest break requirements that entitle drivers to 30-minute breaks after five and 10 hours of work. NTTC said California’s rules “were not promulgated with an eye toward safe transportation of hazardous materials” or federal hours-of-service regulations, creating “the potential for unnecessary delay when a driver must deviate from his or her route to comply with the requirements.” NTTC argued the meal and rest break requirements conflict with the Hazardous Material Regulations’ attendance requirements because, in certain situations, the rules would “implicate the driver as ‘working’ under California law.” NTTC said many carriers also include a “constant attendance of cargo” requirement in their security plans and that the break requirements “are inflexible and may create unnecessary stops or prohibit constant attendance,” making the state’s requirements “an obstacle to the security objectives” of hazmat regulations. PHMSA is seeking public comments on its determination request, which can be made at Regulations. gov by searching Docket No. PHMSA-2016-0097. Rebuttal comments can be made during a 45-day period following the end of the initial comment period. – Matt Cole

| OCTOBER 2016 2/4/16 8:23 AM

9/27/16 8:49 AM

HERE IT COMES DURON™ next generation is coming. The most durable heavy duty diesel engine oils we’ve ever made. API CK-4 and FA-4 ready - to protect your ﬂeet, every mile of every road, however tough it gets. Because tough is just the way we like it.

DURON. THE TOUGHER. THE BETTER.

REVEALED: OCT 4TH. AVAILABLE: DEC 1ST 2016 2016. DURONthetougherthebetter.com

Petro-Canada is a Suncor business TM Trademark of Suncor Energy Inc. Used under licence.

Untitled-26 1

9/13/16 3:15 PM

JOURNAL NEWS

Truck, engine makers receive SuperTruck II grants The original SuperTruck program resulted in three highly aerodynamic tractor-trailers, including this one built through a PeterbiltCummins partnership.

he U.S. Department of Energy last month announced $137 million in grants to heavy-duty engine and truck manufacturers for the development of the next SuperTruck

Where home rides with you.

Full satellite TV access to premium and 100+ other channels. With EpicVue inMotion, resting team drivers can enjoy their favorite shows on the go.

GET YOUR FLEET ON BOARD TODAY 844-EPICVUE (374-2883) | www.epicvue.com

20 Untitled-41 1

Journal.indd 20

commercial carrier journal

iterations, including $20 million each to Cummins, Daimler, Volvo and Navistar. Peterbilt is working with Cummins again in its efforts. DOE announced the SuperTruck II program earlier this year, with a goal of doubling freight efficiency on Class 8 tractor-trailers by driving down fuel consumption. The program follows up on the original SuperTruck program, which handed out the same $20 million to major truck and engine makers in 2010 to improve fuel economy over 2009 tractor-trailers by 50 percent. “We looked at the SuperTruck project as a knowledge accelerator,” said Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “What learnings could we take out of the project to bring it to our customer?” The grant recipients, like last time, will match DOE’s $20 million with $20 million from their own research and development funds. The SuperTruck II teams each will be responsible for developing different technologies. Daimler will concentrate on full tractor-trailer aerodynamics, hybridization and electrification of engine accessories, while Navistar will work on electrified engine components and cab aerodynamics, and Volvo will work on alternative engine designs and lightweighting. Cummins is tasked with developing new technologies to advance engine and drivetrain efficiency, while its partner Peterbilt will work to improve aerodynamics and rolling resistance. The original SuperTruck program resulted in three highly aerodynamic tractor-trailers built by Freightliner, Navistar and a Peterbilt-Cummins partnership. – Jason Cannon

| october 2016 1/21/16 12:54 PM

9/27/16 8:50 AM

Behold, Bart Ba Jones; arguably the most successful, l, admired, a dare we say— legendary—Fleet legendary—Fle Fleet Manager in the World. His crowning achievement? ach Tired of the hassles and costs of tolls, Bart searched for a solution and chose Bestpass. Now, he’s saving a king’s ransom on tolls and time every single day. Bestpass is the nation’s only coast-tocoast, one-call-fixes-all, loved-bythousands toll management solution. Nothing else even comes close. Learn more at bestpass.com or call 518.621.5879 and start getting treated like trucking royalty.

Untitled-8 1

4/12/16 9:14 AM

ISSUU_Setup.indd 14

9/27/16 2:44 PM

Untitled-4

ANDROID SYSTEM

DRIVER APPLICATIONS

VIDEO INTELLIGENCE

CLOUD CONNECTIVITY

â&#x201E;¢

Untitled-13 1

8/16/16 9:42 AM

Daimler Detroit #85963 Road Best Traveled Print Ad 4C Spread, Full Bleed 15.75 x 10.5

Commercial Carrier Journal

Available exclusively in Freightliner and Western Star trucks. DDC-EMC-ADV-0021-0416. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Detroit Diesel Corporation is registered to ISO 9001:2008. Copyright ÂŠ 2016 Detroit Diesel Corporation. All rights reserved. Detroitâ&#x201E;˘ is a brand of Detroit Diesel Corporation, a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.

85963_DET_RoadBestTraveled_CCJ.indd 1 Detroit Diesel_CCJ0616_PG26,27.indd 2

5/24/16 4:26 PM

The road best traveled. It’s not just about completing the run. It’s about making that run as profitable as possible. Our family of Detroit™ engines delivers the solution to do just that. They provide the fuel efficiency, reliability, durability and serviceability your business needs to succeed. Don’t just want better business solutions. Demand them. demanddetroit.com/RBTengine/ccj

5/17/16 10:52 AM Detroit Diesel_CCJ0616_PG26,27.indd 3

5/24/16 4:26 PM

What’s in a name? Freightliner sticks with Cascadia moniker for new truck launch

“A

rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” That’s a quote my high school literature teachers said is somewhere in Romeo & Juliet. I took their word for it. Freightliner recently launched the newest rose in its truck lineup with the 2018 Cascadia. It’s not uncommon for heavy truck models to be phased out when a technologically superior model comes along. International is in a product replacement cycle that will see many of its “Star”-branded trucks replaced with newer models and branded differently. The Kenworth T680 is in the process of ushering the T660 out to pasture. Freightliner’s aero-champion Cascadia could have faced a similar fate once a newer model was built that could surpass its performance. Except it didn’t. Richard Howard, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Daimler Trucks North America, said very little consideration – like none – was given to PRICE OF PROGRESS: Truck models are routinely phased out when a better model comes along.

CASCADIA ROLLS ON: No consideration was given to renaming Freightliner’s most efficient truck.

NAME RECOGNITION: The new Cascadia features handfuls of new technology and innovations.

commercial carrier journal

EquipmentDept.indd 26

This Cascadia model was one of several preordered, sight unseen, by Freightliner customers and displayed at the unveiling ceremony.

rebranding the company’s most efficient truck when an even more efficient model hits the highway early next year. “Every aspect of the truck has been reimagined,” Howard said. Every aspect except the name, of course. His stance on the subject is matter of fact. Cascadia is recognized as the efficiency leader. This is not changing. Neither is the name. With 275,000 models assembled since 2011, DTNA has long used its Cascadia as the wrapper for the company’s newest and most efficient products. It was essentially the flagship

Not changing the name capitalizes on all of the fuel-efficient equity the Cascadia has built.

| october 2016

9/27/16 1:53 PM

PRODUCT REVIEWS, OEM & SUPPLIER NEWS, AND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT TRENDS BY JASON CANNON

product to feature the DT12 automated manual transmission and Detroit drive axles – making the Detroit Integrated Powertrain a thing. The next-generation Cascadia will bring with it yet more handfuls of new technology and innovations, keeping its place at the head of the line for bringing such things to market for Freightliner. The iPhone doesn’t get a new name with every new launch; it simply gets a series update – 6, 6s and 7, for example. Instead of iOS10, the new Cascadia’s introduction will roll out an updated Detroit Connect platform that includes analytic capabilities. Software updates on the new truck are just as important and sophisticated as its aerodynamic engineering. Updated IPM4 transmission management software now uses GPS-based technology to maximize the DT12’s fuel economy performance by anticipating changes to road terrain. Not changing the name capitalizes on all of the fuel-efficient equity that Cascadia has built – and continues to build. New Cascadia versus old. Classic or next generation. You can call it whatever you want – as long as you call it Cascadia. JASON CANNON is Equipment Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. E-mail jcannon@ randallreilly.com or call (205) 248-1175.

WANT MORE EQUIPMENT NEWS?

Scan the barcode to sign up for the CCJ Equipment Weekly e-mail newsletter or go to www.goo.gl/Ph9JK.

commercial carrier journal

EquipmentDept.indd 27

october 2016

9/27/16 1:13 PM

INBRIEF • Navistar International Corp. recalled 3,952 ProStar trucks from model years 2014 to 2017 because a battery-mounted cube fuse terminal connection built with the battery box mounted between the frame rails possibly may break, resulting in loss of power to the cab. The recalled medium- and heavy-duty trucks were

manufactured between June 11, 2013, and May 19, 2016. • International Trucks is making Bendix’s ABS-8 Advanced antilock braking system, valves and air dryers standard equipment. Trucks equipped with Navistar-branded engines also will get Bendix air compressors as standard: BA-921 for 13-liter engines, and Tu-Flo for

9- and 10-liter models. International also now offers as an option Bendix’s full wheel-end portfolio. • International is offering an integrated powertrain warranty package for DuraStar trucks equipped with Cummins ISB6.7 engines, an Eaton Procision transmission and Dana Spicer axles and driveshafts. • Peterbilt’s 567 and 579 models now are available with Bendix Wingman Fusion, an advanced driver assistance safety system. Also, Hendrickson’s Softek NXT integrated monoleaf suspension and steer axle system now is available on Peterbilt’s 567 and 579 set-forward-axle models.

PREMIUM FEATURES AT THE RIGHT PRICE The top-selling seat has been taken to the next level so you can focus on what matters. The Corsair is packed with premium comfort features and is available with the optional BackCycler® system that relieves back pain and fatigue while driving. The Corsair feels great and looks great with a contoured cushion and stylish two-tone Mordura cloth or genuine leather.

VISIT NATIONALSEATING.COM TO BUILD YOURS!

• Peterbilt’s Models 320, 520 and 567 soon will be available with the Cummins Westport ISL-G Near Zero NOx emissions natural gas engine. The 320-hp engine offers 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque and has a three-way aftertreatment catalyst, advanced engine calibration and a closed crankcase ventilation system. • Kenworth added a set-forward front axle configuration to its T880. The T880S is suited for ready-mix, dump and mobile crane applications and is available with a 114-inch BBC and 28-inch bumper setting. • Cummins added two new peak torque ratings to its 450-hp ISX12 designed for line-haul and regional markets. A 1,650 lb.-ft. rating provides the same performance as the company’s 15- and 13-liter engines but at a lighter weight to facilitate more payload capacity. A 1,450/1,650 lb.-ft. rating is suited for tank and bulk haulers that transport heavy material and return lighter or empty. • Eaton added three higher-torquerated clutches to its remanufactured clutch line. Available in torque ranges of up to 2,050 lb.-ft., the additions are suited for later-model trucks and include two remanufactured Easy Pedal designs and one Solo design.

OPTIONAL

1-800-459-7328 28

commercial carrier journal

EquipmentDept.indd 28

facebook.com/nationalseating

• Timken expanded the limited warranty for its wheel-end components when purchased and installed together. The warranty depends on mileage and ranges from five to seven years for trailers and two to five years for tractors.

| october 2016

9/27/16 8:56 AM

ONE FEATURE YOU’LL NOTICE RIGHT AWAY IS THE PASSION THAT WENT INTO DESIGNING IT.

Our engineers worked a little heart and soul into every aspect of our newest and most advanced truck platform. It’s what happens when passion pushes science and innovation to a new level of excellence. The new Cascadia ®. Don’t dream about the future – drive it.

Competitive financing available through Daimler Truck Financial. For the Freightliner Trucks dealer nearest you, call 1-800-FTL-HELP. FTL/MC-A-1431 Specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2016 Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All rights reserved. Freightliner Trucks is a division of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.

Untitled-3 1

9/6/16 10:05 AM

Freightliner redesigns Cascadia with driver-focused updates

aimler Trucks North America last month unveiled a 2018 Freightliner Cascadia redesigned to up the bar on fuel economy, connectivity, uptime and driver comfort. The truck will be powered by Daimler’s Detroit Integrated Powertrain, including a 2017 emissions-compliant Detroit DD15 or DD13 engine and the Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission. Production will begin in January. In a 2,400-mile test that pitted a 2018 Cascadia against the company’s highly fuel-efficient 2016 Cascadia Evolution, the newer truck consumed 8 percent less fuel than the Evolution, said Kary Schaefer, DTNA general manager of product marketing and strategy. Martin Daum, head of DTNA, said there are no plans to stop building the Evolution for at least two years. In the 2018 Cascadia, Detroit’s updated fourth-generation Intelligent Powertrain Management transmission management software uses GPS-based technology to maximize the DT12’s fuel economy performance by anticipating changes in road terrain. The transmission also has super-finished gears engineered for lower-viscosity transmission oil. Changes to the rear axle include a lower sump volume, gear-set coating, friction-reducing gear cutting and optional Axle Lubrication Management designed to reduce parasitic loss. New Detroit rear drive axle ratios of 2.28 and 2.16 are available to promote downspeeding and improved fuel economy. “Every aspect of the truck has been reimagined,” said Richard Howard, DTNA’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. That includes the exterior, which adds even more sleekness to the aerodynamic tractor. Standard enhancements that help mininize drag – some new, others improved – include an upper door seal, elliptical mirrors, a sloped hood, a bumper with an integrated air deflec30

commercial carrier journal

EquipmentDept.indd 30

The new Freightliner Cascadia will be powered by Daimler’s integrated Detroit Powertrain.

tor and integrated antennas. Optional Aero and AeroX packages provide additional aerodynamic benefits, including longer side extenders, lower chassis fairings, drive wheel covers and proprietary wheel fairings. For the interior, DTNA partnered with Teague, designer of Boeing plane interiors, to develop the truck’s interior lighting, storage and ergonomic features. “Being on the road for 10 days and sleeping in a truck can be brutal, and we have to make that job easier for drivers,” Daum said. Additional grab handles help improve driver ingress and egress. Aircraft-inspired LED ceiling-mounted ambient lighting, with a dimmer switch, offers more diffuse illumination to help reduce eye strain. A wraparound dashboard includes switches and steering wheel controls designed to allow drivers of all sizes to work without leaning and stretching. The instrument cluster features digital smart gauges and information displays. A 5-inch display on the instrument cluster panel provides plain text messaging rather than numeric fault codes. It is navigable with steering wheel-mounted controls that also handle phone and radio commands. The redesigned sleeper area includes more cabinets and larger spaces that can accommodate standard appliances. A television swivel bracket can hold a 26inch flat-panel TV.

One configuration for the new sleeper includes a dinette and work table and a bracket that can hold a 26-inch TV.

The grille takes styling cues from the Freightliner Inspiration, the company’s semi-autonomous truck unveiled last year.

Double-bunk and loft options are available. The Driver’s Loft features a dinette and work table and opposing seats with seatbelts, and the seats can be folded flat to allow for a Murphy-style bed to drop down. The Cascadia also features new Detroit Connect services that facilitate over-theair engine updates and enable integration of third-party telematics applications that also will be available in late 2017. The Detroit Connect Remote Updates over-the-air capabilities are designed to allow customers to perform remote engine parameter updates and receive Detroit-initiated engine and other powertrain electronic controller firmware updates. – Jason Cannon

| october 2016

9/27/16 8:57 AM

A Verisk Analytics Business

Avoid costly hiring mistakes. Reduce your liability. Take control of your driver-related risk.

iiX Driver Monitoring and Background Screening Products Improve the safety of your fleet of drivers with: • DriverSafe® Plus to effectively manage driver-related risk across your entire fleet with our user-friendly web-based analytics platform • DriverAdvisor® Monitoring to easily keep track of changes in your drivers’ motor vehicle records month to month We also offer an extensive selection of employee background searches, including Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) records, CDLIS searches, criminal records searches, SSN verification reports, and employment history verification.

Driving Decisions for Your Business.

For more information Call us at 1-800-683-8553 or go to www.iix.com.

About iiX A Verisk Analytics (Nasdaq:VRSK) business, iiX is a premier provider of motor vehicle reports (MVRs), employment screening services, and underwriting reports. For more information, visit www.iix.com.

© 2015 ISO Claims Services, Inc. Verisk Analytics is a registered trademark and Verisk is a trademark of Insurance Services Office, Inc. DriverAdvisor and DriverSafe are registered trademarks and iiX, Insurance Information Exchange, and the iiX logo are trademarks of ISO Claims Services, Inc. All other product or corporate names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Untitled-16 1

3/11/16 8:42 AM

Volvo shows off SuperTruck, touts 88% efficiency boost

olvo Trucks North America unveiled the fruits of its SuperTruck program last month in Washington D.C., capping a five-year development project that ultimately eclipsed its freight efficiency benchmarks by more than 75 percent. Through a combination of advanced aerodynamics and vehicle and powertrain technologies, the Swedish-engineered SuperTruck achieved a freight efficiency improvement of 88 percent – exceeding the 50 percent improvement goal set by the U.S. Department of Energy’s SuperTruck program. While Volvo’s SuperTruck itself likely never will reach production, many of the technologies implemented during the project are already on the highway. Volvo’s 2016 VNL models feature a revised bumper design that was developed by the project, and the 2016 VNL 630 and 670 each got a flared chassis faring. Also for 2016, the VNL 670 received a more aerodynamic roof profile. These changes in design, said Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America, led to a 3.5 percent improvement in fuel economy for the VNL 670. SuperTruck-led technologies will spearhead much of Volvo’s 2017 powertrain, including a wave piston, a one-box aftertreatment system, common-rail fuel injection and a turbo-compounding option for the D13. Nyberg said all told, this accounts for up to a 6.5 percent boost in fuel efficiency. “As much went into [SuperTruck] engine redesign as did the truck redesign,” said Pascal Amar, principal investigator for the project. “Every part was redesigned or optimized if there was room to optimize. All these technologies were studied, evaluated and tweaked [on SuperTruck].” Exterior design Volvo’s aerodynamic SuperTruck has a shorter front end than conventional 32

commercial carrier journal

EquipmentDept.indd 32

trucks on the road today, and the hood features a sharp downward slope. Lightweight fairings run the length of the tractor and trailer. Volvo redesigned the chassis using almost entirely aluminum, which halved the chassis weight and contributed to an overall tractor-trailer weight reduction of 3,200 pounds. Volvo’s SuperTruck tractor-trailer concept combination Amar said designvehicle boosted fuel efficiency by 70 percent, exceeding its 12 mpg target. Some test runs showed more than 13 mpg. ers found through the development process that a low-slung bumper designed to force air underneath the truck and trailer didn’t provide much benefit. Engineers then focused on designs that threw air around the tractor and the trailer’s side fairing. The SuperTruck concept vehicle also A key part of SuperTruck’s fuel efficiency features top-of-cab solar panels, which gains was the downsized 425-hp D11 engine provide power to the battery and interithat features advanced systems for fuel or lights. injection, cooling, oil and turbocharging. While designers wanted to stick with the cab’s existing structural architecture, SuperTruck’s cab sits 3 inches taller and is moved forward about 8 inches than a traditional VNL. SuperTruck powertrain An enhanced version of Volvo’s I-See – a new feature that memorizes routes and uses that geographic knowledge to optimize cruise speed and keep the I-Shift automated manual transmission in the most fuel-efficient gear possible – was an integral part of the fuel efficiency gains seen during SuperTruck’s on-road testing. The SuperTruck powertrain includes a Rankine waste-heat recovery system that converts heat normally wasted through exhaust into torque, boosting fuel economy by helping to power the – Jason Cannon vehicle.

Cameras have replaced rearview mirrors – a small detail that offered about a 1.5 percent efficiency improvement.

Volvo’s SuperTruck team focused on trailer gap, tail, roof and skirt fairings and how the air interacted with them while moving down the sides of the combination.

| october 2016

9/27/16 8:57 AM

S:7”

You need to keep costs down, maximize engine protection, and keep your truck on the road longer. That’s why we engineered a heavyduty diesel engine oil that does just that. Ninety years strong, you can rely on it. Learn more at mobildelvac.com

Fleets rely on it. Drivers depend on it. S:10”

Untitled-9 1

6/13/16 2:06 PM

Chevron unveils new Delo 400 oils

hevron unveiled its new line of Delo 400 API CK-4 and FA-4 heavy-duty motor oils. The new oils, formerly covered under the PC-11developmental blanket, will be available Dec. 1, and as part of the rollout, Chevron will launch a new adviser service to help customers select the optimal products by assessing their business needs, analyzing their current lubricant choices and developing a customized action plan. The new Delo oils will feature Chevron’s next-generation ISOSYN Advanced Technology – a combination of the company’s formulation experience, high-performance additive chemistry and premium base oils – made to help extend the durability of critical diesel engine parts through better oxidation control, anti-wear protection and piston control while extending drain intervals. A proprietary formulation of ISOSYN Advanced Technology, Chevon said, has helped optimize fuel efficiency for the FA-4 oils slated for use in model-year 2017 and newer trucks. New Delo 400 product line Chevron said its new Delo 400 product line offers optimized performance and better engine protection than any prior-generation Delo product, extending the vehicle’s life and helping to minimize the cost of ownership. Len Badal, global Delo brand manager, said Chevron has seen some of its longest drain intervals and best engine protection in the company’s history from the new blends. Badal said this will be the most advanced Delo 400 product line to-date. “For the last change in categories (API CJ-4), we were pretty much only worried about one viscosity grade,” Badal said. “But today, we have a significantly wider range of products.” • Delo 400 XSP SAE 5W-30 is a full synthetic meeting API CK-4. Badal said this blend has shown up to a 2 percent fuel economy improvement for large trucks, allows for better low-temperature performance and offers the longest oil-drain interval in the Delo 400 product suite. • Delo 400 XSP SAE 5W-40 is also a full synthetic meeting API CK-4 that Badal said offers 20 percent improved oil oxidation resistance and has shown a 50 percent reduc-

“For the last change in categories, we were pretty much only worried about one viscosity grade. But today, we have a significantly wider range of products.” –Len Badal, global Delo brand manager 34

commercial carrier journal

EquipmentDept.indd 34

The new Delo 400 API CK-4 and FA-4 heavy-duty motor oils will feature Chevron’s next-generation ISOSYN technology.

tion in wear versus API CJ-4 oils. • Delo 400 XLE SAE 10W-30 is a synthetic blend meeting API CK-4 that Badal said offers up to a 1 percent fuel economy improvement for large trucks. • Delo 400 XLE SAE 15W-40 is a synthetic blend meeting API CK-4. Badal said testing has shown this blend offers up to a 25 percent increase in oil-drain intervals over OEM-maximum published intervals. It also was the first SAE 15W-40 to pass MB228.51 piston cleanliness requirements and offers Allison Heavy Duty Transmission coverage for off-road diesel engines. • Delo 400 SDE SAE 15W-40 is a premium base oil meeting API CK-4 that Badal said provides 38 percent improved wear vs. CJ-4 SAE 15W-40 and up to a 20 percent increase in total diesel engine life to rebuild vs. API CJ-4 SAE 15W-40. It also has shown excellent engine cleanliness performance, he said. • Delo 400 ZFA SAE 10W-30 is a synthetic blend meeting API FA-4 that offers a 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency testing performance over API CJ-4 SAE 10W30. Badal said all product field testing for this formula was conducted in older U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-certified 2010 and 2013 engines. Badal said following a five-year development phase, Chevron currently is field-testing the new Delo products in more than 900 engines across a wide range of OEMs and through a diverse set of operating conditions across nine different industry segments, going beyond the many miles on the road for the company’s most significant off-highway testing it has conducted for a new category change in its history. The new Delo 400 product line will be packaged with specially labeled caps clearly noting support for either API CK-4 or FA-4 and will have color-coordinated labels and caps intended to make it easy to differentiate. The ISOSYN Advanced Technology branding will be featured prominently on the package. – Jason Cannon

| october 2016

9/27/16 8:57 AM

and strong, like a

ÂŠ 2016 Utilit y Tr a iler Ma nufac tur ing Co.

Designed light

From the exterior skin to every detail thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside, under and above, a Utility 3000R refrigerated van is an on-going commercial commentary on how a company can rise above when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s committed to making the most innovative, light weight and durable trailers available in the marketplace.

Learn more at utilitytrailer.com

Untitled-19 1

9/13/16 10:20 AM

Mercedes-Benz reveals intelligent electric van

reight delivery will change in the future, and the heavyduty segment isn’t the only place where automation is becoming trendy. Mercedes-Benz Vans last month announced its adVANce initiative, which includes the development of a connected all-electric vehicle for last-mile delivery in urban and suburban environments. Mercedes-Benz Vans boss Volker Mornhinweg said the company identified three areas of action for adVANce: connectivity, hardware-based solutions and mobility. “With the Vision Van from Mercedes-Benz Vans, we provide an idea of future generations of vans,” Mornhinweg said. “The intelligent automation technology connects the entire process, from loading and transportation by road through to delivery to the consignee. This makes it easier for the deliverer to do business and rapidly reduces the delivery time for end customers.” Connectivity integrates smart technologies into the van, which Mornhinweg said increases its efficiency and makes it a central component of the digital value chain. One example is developing a telematics unit for vans that collects and processes data concerning the status of the delivery tour, the present location and the load, and sends this information to the distribution manager, making it possible to monitor and manage last-minute changes efficiently from a central point. “The van of the future will be a connector,” he said. Through innovative hardware-based solutions, Mercedes-Benz Vans is working on automated cargo space systems for delivery vehicles. Presently, Mornhinweg said, delivery drivers have to rearrange their packages – on average, around 180 per load – about 10 times while making deliveries within a residential area, and also schedule about three to four minutes per stop. A new interconnected cargo space system speeds loading and unloading, thanks to loading the vehicle with all pre-picked parcels in one go, which cuts loading times considerably and reduces the amount of vehicle downtime at distribution centers. When the deliverer is unloading, the system will show him the exact load configuration and make the right package available at the right time depending on the destination. The team at Mercedes-Benz Vans also is considering integrating autonomous delivery systems such as drones or self-driving robots. To boost mobility, Mercedes-Benz Vans also is working on on-demand leasing, rental and sharing models tailored to van customers. The company has organized a new business unit called Future Transportation Systems with project teams of 200 employees based within the startup scene in Silicon Valley, Stuttgart and Berlin. Mercedes-Benz Vans also is investing in several innovative startups in the areas of automation, robotics and mobility services, including a stake in Matternet, a U.S.-based developer of 36

commercial carrier journal

EquipmentDept.indd 36

Together with Matternet, Mercedes-Benz Vans worked on the Vision Van show car, the first integrated delivery system that automates last-mile delivery.

autonomous drone logistics systems. Together with Matternet, Mercedes-Benz Vans worked on the Vision Van show car, the first integrated delivery system that automates last-mile delivery. The company also is slated to invest about $562 million over the next five years for digitalization, automation and robotics in vans, as well as innovative mobility solutions. – Jason Cannon

Meritor adds deep-drop option to MFS front axle series

eritor expanded its MFS Series lineup of front nondrive steer axles to include a deep-drop option. The option includes deep axle drops of 4.76 and 5 inches and is suited for applications such as auto hauling and refuse, where lower vehicle ride heights are needed. The deep-drop axle, which includes a universal knuckle compatible with Meritor EX+ air disc brakes and Q+ drum brakes, is engineered to offer improved brake serviceability Meritor’s MFS Series deep-drop front nondrive steer axle option and vehicle packaging. is suited for applications such as Joe Muscedere, general auto hauling and refuse. manager, Front Drivetrain, said the one-piece forged knuckle design also improves reliability, offers a longer service life and optimizes performance, including a sharper wheel cut to increase maneuverability. The deep-drop axle is available in both standard and wide track, with respective gross axle weight ratings of 13,000 to 14,600 and 18,000 to 22,800 pounds. – Jason Cannon

| october 2016

9/27/16 8:57 AM

WHEN YOUR DRIVERS

SAVE TIME, YOU SAVE MONEY.

The myPilot app has time-saving features that get your drivers in and out and on their way an average of 25% faster. Not only does Fuel Lane Status allow them to see which pump is likely to open up next, but they can also complete prompts right on their phone as soon as they enter any of our locations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; instead of wasting time at the pump.

Have your drivers text APP to 30311 to download today!

By participating, you consent to receive text messages sent by an automatic telephone dialing system. Consent to these terms is not a condition of purchase. Msg&data rates may apply. T&C/Privacy Policy: www.sms-terms.com/pilotflyingj. Android, Google Play, and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Untitled-7 1

9/22/16 10:30 AM

in focus: WINTER PREPARATION

Check coolant, belts, hoses before it gets too cold BY JASON CANNON

onitoring your engine’s cooling system is part of year-round maintenance, but the onset of winter is a particularly good time for a close look. That includes going over your truck’s belts, hoses and hose clamps. Matt Cleveland, heavy duty sales engineer for Gates, a maker of hoses and other parts, recommends that inspection be performed every six months, or more often if mileage merits it. “An inspection every 35,000 to 40,000 miles is a good timeframe,” he says. Hose inspection doesn’t change between winter and summer months, Cleveland says, but with more idle time likely during the winter, inspection intervals may need to increase. “The cooling system is designed for the products to be replaced at about the same interval,” he says. “When servicing the vehicle, when you open the cooling system for replacement of other parts, look at the hoses internally as well.” Hoses should be inspected closely when servicing any coolant system component such as the water pump, thermostat, radiator and coolant filter, or when adding coolant and inhibitors, says Jim Wakeem, senior development engineer for Dayco. Coolant contamination is harmful to engine cooling systems, and Cleveland says that when replacing components, it is good practice to flush the cooling system entirely. “Flushing a system removes contaminants, which is the only way to verify a clean system and long service life of all components, including the hoses,” he says. The process for checking coolant level differs depending on the truck’s age, 38

commercial carrier journal

EquipmentDept.indd 38

“Even those who work in southern climates pass over mountains that often reach freezing conditions, and even high deserts will drop below 32 degrees on some nights,” says Colin Dilley of Prestone Technology Center. “Maintaining the optimal freeze point for your coolant is exactly the same as maintaining the optimal boil-over point.”

says Colin Dilley, director of technology for the Prestone Technology Center. For trucks with antifreeze reservoir tanks, the level should be at the cold-level line marked on the tank. For older vehicles without a reservoir tank, remove the radiator cap when the engine has cooled, and look at the fluid level. It should be about 1 inch below the filler neck in the radiator to allow space for expansion when the coolant gets hot, Dilley says. Many operators waste large amounts of coolant simply by overfilling the radiator. “When the cooling system gets hot and the coolant expands, the coolant runs out on the ground through the drain,” he says. The easiest way to tell if you might need to replace your coolant is by visual inspection. “If the truck is equipped with a coolant reservoir tank and the fluid in the tank is dis-

When any coolant system component is being serviced, use that opportunity to check hose wear, too.

colored or stained, there is likely an issue,” Dilley says. If the coolant is discolored, remove a coolant sample and test it. “If there are viable signs of contaminants, it is likely time to replace the coolant,” he says. A mixture of 50/50 concentrated antifreeze coolant and water provides both freeze and boil-over protection, Dilley says.

| october 2016

9/27/16 8:57 AM

One -bedroom units. Great view. Available for rent now. When you see the deal on our sleeper tractors and daycabs, you’ll agree that the best listing on the market isn’t a house. For a limited time, when you rent any of these vehicles for five days, you’ll receive one free day and 200 free miles. Join the industry’s leading fleet management and supply chain solutions provider and discover how renting with Ryder can improve your fleet management performance. Call now to rent today: 1-844-MILES4U.

200 AND ONE

FREE

MILES

FREE

DAY

CALL NOW TO RENT TODAY: 1- 844- MILES4U *Discount applies to fixed daily charge for one day of a five or more day rental only.Customer is responsible for any applicable variable charges, protections, and fees, and the discount does not apply to such. Offer: (i) is good only at the participating Ryder locations; (ii) not valid with other offers, discounts, or promotions; (iii) valid on selected vehicle types; (iv) subject to vehicle availability and Ryder’s standard rental requirements; (v) cannot be retroactively applied; and (vi) may be canceled at any time without notice. Offer expires 12/31/16. Ryder and the Ryder logo are registered trademarks of Ryder System, Inc. Copyright ©2016 Ryder System, Inc. Ever better is a trademark of Ryder System, Inc.

Untitled-10 1

8/9/16 3:03 PM

Untitled-6 1

7/22/16 12:55 PM

Emissions-free Nikola One to be powered by hydrogen

ikola Motor Co., which is developing a Class 8 electric tractor, announced that the electric drivetrain used in the U.S. and Canadian markets will be powered by a custom-built hydrogen-electric 800-volt fuel cell and will have a range of over 1,200 miles between fill-ups. The company said the tractor will achieve nearly 20 mpg with zero emissions under full load, surpassing all of the government mandates set forth for the next 10 years, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recently announced Phase 2 greenhouse gas standards. “The desire to be 100 percent emissions-free in the U.S. and Canada is a critical piece of our long-term engineering and environmental efforts, not just in vehicle energy consumption, but also in how energy is produced,” said Trevor M ilton, Nikola chief executive officer. Nikola said it plans to have a nationwide network of over 50 hydrogen stations for customers to begin fueling by 2020. “This will make Nikola Motor Company the first company in the world to be 100 percent emissions-free from energy production to transportation to consumption,” Milton said. “Say goodbye to the days of dirty die-

Nikola Motor Co. said its Nikola One tractor will achieve nearly 20 mpg with zero emissions under full load and have a 1,200-mile range.

sels and aftertreatment in the heavy-duty Class 8 market.” More information will be announced about Nikola’s nationwide sales, service and warranty network in the coming weeks. The CNG turbine version of the Nikola One is planned in countries where hydrogen is not available. “Nikola will produce hydrogen via zero-emissions solar farms built by Nikola Motor Company,” Milton said. “These solar farms will produce over 100 megawatts each and will use electrolysis to create hydrogen from water. Even our manufacturing facilities will be run off of zero-emissions hydrogen energy.” – Jason Cannon

NICE TRY

NAILED IT

Typical worthless floor mats Guaranteed to fail

Custom Molded Floor Mats Guaranteed for Life!

Times change. So should you.

TOOL BOXES

TIRE BENCH

TOOL BENCH

FENDERS

TIRE MASK

TESTED AND TORTURED

FIND A LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR •AT MINIMIZER.COM OR CALL 800.248.3855 TESTED AND TORTURED • MINIMIZER POLY PRODUCTS

DAILY BY TRUCKERS FOR TRUCKERS

COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL

EquipmentDept.indd 41

OCTOBER 2016

9/27/16 8:58 AM

technology Tech tools for a 22-year-old CEO Percy Transportation owner prepares for the future

om Stawinski, at 22, might be the youngest owner of a trucking company in the United States. While his father always has driven a truck, Stawinski chose a different path to jumpstart his own career. Straight out of high school, he went to work for Coyote Logistics, a Chicagobased third-party logistics provider. Coyote’s fast-growth technology culture helps make trucking appealing to young people, Stawinski said. “Being younger, I understand why and how technology can change the industry and the game.” After two years at Coyote, he started Percy Transportation, a Chicago-based carrier that specializes in local and cross-border movement of temperaturecontrolled goods. Today, Percy has 30 trucks: 28 owner-operator assets and two that are company-owned. When not in the office, Stawinski is completing a bachelor’s degree in logistics and supply chain management. A recent discussion with a professor A MIX OF THINGS: Small fleets use many systems and websites, and dispatchers call and text drivers.

CLOUD-BASED TMS: Recent developments have made systems more affordable for small carriers.

SHARING PRICING: Real-time data from fleets can improve the accuracy of freight-pricing algorithms.

TechDept.indd 42

commercial carrier journal

Prepare for the possibility of buying driverless trucks in the next five to 10 years.

solidified his decision to use the owner-operator model – at least for now. The professor advised him to prepare for the possibility of buying driverless trucks in five to 10 years. The Tracks TMS platform captures tracking data Stawinski also is evaluating cloud-based transporfrom drivers. tation management software, as recent developments have made it affordable for small carriers. Percy currently uses Excel spreadsheets and “a mix of other things” to manage information. Office personnel use different systems and websites, and dispatchers call and text drivers. “I’m always looking for better ways to improve efficiency,” Stawinski said. During the past month, Stawinski has been testing a beta version of the Tracks TMS system from Cargo Chief, a tech-enabled 3PL based in Mountain View, Calif. The user interface of Tracks TMS is similar to that of another Silicon Valley enterprise, said Stawinski, who describes it as “clean and simple” and compares it to Apple’s iOS. Tracks TMS has the potential to do everything, he said, from finding loads to tracking shipments, invoicing customers, paying drivers and managing equipment. But there is a catch. Stawinski is concerned that Cargo Chief, as a freight broker and 3PL itself, would have access to the data he imports into Tracks TMS, such as customer information and pricing. Abtin Hamidi, executive vice president of Cargo Chief, understands this concern. He confirmed that carriers do have the option to give Cargo Chief visibility of their customers, pricing and lanes, but they also can choose to hide it. While carriers can use Tracks TMS as a standalone system, Cargo Chief might ask the carrier for permission to gather their pricing data anonymously, as other TMS

october 2016

9/27/16 8:51 AM

MAKING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS WORK FOR YOUR FLEET BY AARON HUFF

providers do, Hamidi said. This would help Cargo Chief use the real-time data to improve the accuracy of its freightpricing algorithm, he said. If there is a potential conflict, such as Cargo Chief and a carrier having a mutual customer, Cargo Chief will notify the carrier, Hamidi said. In such an instance, Cargo Chief likely would give the carrier additional business from the customer, acting as a broker. The launch of Tracks TMS supports Cargo Chief’s mission to connect small and medium-size carriers to shippers. The company can use data from the Tracks TMS user community to determine which lanes are the best fits for carriers in the system and to reward them with more business that fits their needs. “It helps to match up freight at the highest level of efficiency,” Hamidi said. “You can only get that if everyone has data in the same system. The problem we are trying to solve is to create a better economy and ecosystem for small- to medium-sized fleets.” Cargo Chief also is working on a TMS for shipping departments to book capacity. AARON HUFF is Senior Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. E-mail ahuff@ccjmagazine.com or call (801) 754-4296.

INTERESTED IN TRUCKING TECHNOLOGY?

Scan the barcode or go to www.goo.gl/Ph9JK to subscribe to the CCJ Technology Weekly e-mail newsletter. commercial carrier journal

TechDept.indd 43

october 2016

9/27/16 8:51 AM

technology

INBRIEF • FreightorGator, an online less-than-truckload freight exchange, now is delivering dynamic freight rates directly to spot LTL shippers that are FreightorGator’s customers. Prices are adjusted daily. • MiX Telematics, a provider of fleet and mobile asset management solutions, announced

MiX Insight Agility, a free add-on to its MiX Fleet Manager solution designed to allow fleet managers to pull together multiple data sources in one place and create a data cube accessible via Microsoft Excel and automatically updated with fresh data. • Paccar Leasing partnered with Comdata for a co-branded fuel card to offer lower fueling costs to its customers. The PacFuel co-branded

DEPENDABLE QUALITY

you’ve come to depend on quality parts from the industry’s leading brand names to keep you moving. Visit one of our national network of locally owned and operated TruckForce® the quality parts you expect installed

RODUC YP T IT

IN G BR

Find your nearest TruckForce® Service Center in the US or Canada by visiting www.TruckForceService.com or call (800) 494-4731 Supported by these and other quality brands:

44 Untitled-18 1

TechDept.indd 44

commercial carrier journal

• FourKites, a provider of logistics visibility software for shippers and brokers, announced that its real-time load tracking platform now is available with Oracle Transportation Management Cloud and OTM version 6.3.0 or higher. FourKites’ proprietary smartphone apps and cell-tower tracking technology are designed to track truck locations every 15 minutes and recalculate ETA using real-time data. • SmartDrive announced that O&G Industries, a privately-held Connecticut-based construction company, is deploying its video-based safety program across its 225-vehicle fleet and equipping 45 concrete mixers with SmartDrive 360, which enables up to a four-camera view of the vehicle.

QUA L

by skilled technicians.

• Aljex Software, a provider of Internet-based transportation management software for brokers, carriers and third-party logistics providers, announced an integration with Triumph Business Capital, a provider of financial services to the logistics market. Aljex users now can access Triumph’s Accounts Receivable Factoring, a subscription service for brokers that factors all invoices, and TriumphPay, which factors individual invoices at the broker’s discretion. • MercuryGate International, a provider of cloud-based transportation management software, has integrated with Truckstop.com’s LoadPay secure payment platform designed to allow third-party logistics providers, brokers and shippers to schedule automated payments to carriers while offering the option of PayMeNow for carriers that elect to receive funds more rapidly.

At home or on the road,

Service Centers for

card leverages Comdata’s proprietary network of more than 5,000 fueling locations throughout the United States and Canada, including all major truck stops and service centers, as well as many independent stations.

• Vnomics Corp. announced that Superior Plus Energy Services, a Rochester, N.Y.-based provider of home and business fuels, has outfitted 300 vehicles with its True Fuel standalone fuel optimization product to improve fuel economy through real-time driver coaching. • HubTran, a provider of back-office automation for document management, announced four brokerages as new customers: Continental Logistics, Knight Transportation, Load Delivered and Logistics Dynamics. HubTran’s optical character recognition and artificial intelligence are designed to recognize documents and automatically extract information for synching with a company’s operating system.

october 2016 9/13/16 10:16 AM

9/27/16 8:52 AM

CK-4 FA-4 HUNDREDS OF FORMULATIONS FOR THOUSANDS OF APPLICATIONS

16-P66_Brand_0461_CC_Oct.indd 1 Untitled-2 1

{ NEW PRODUCTS TO MEET MANDATED API CATEGORIES } OK, its getting close to decision time. And while change can be uncomfortable you don’t have to go through it alone. Philliips 66 ® has been prepping for this latest category upgrade with millions of miles of lab and on-road testing. The results have been amazing. Learn more aboout the latest heavy-duty oils at UPGRADEYOUROIL.COM

9/7/16 9:09 AM 9/21/16 9:02 AM

technology

NetraDyne creates video-based driver safety system with AI

etraDyne announced a new video safety system the company said was built from the ground up to focus on safety from the driver’s perspective. The driver-i (pronounced “driver eye”) platform uses a four-camera system designed to enable a 360-degree field of view. The cameras feed live video through a graphics processing unit that makes one trillion calculations per second. These calculations use artificial intelligence, deep learning and a “neuromorphic approach” designed to mimic how the human brain processes information while driving. The driver-i platform monitors both moving and stationary objects around the vehicle. Motorists, pedestrians, signage, traffic lights, weather, road conditions and aggressive driving behaviors can be identified by the platform to assess risk, according to NetraDyne. For critical safety events, driver-i sends video to fleet management within minutes and does not just score drivers for negative behaviors such as swerving, speeding or hard braking; it also gives drivers credit for safe behaviors throughout the course of the workday.

NetraDyne’s driver-i video safety platform uses a four-camera system designed to enable a 360-degree field of view and focus on safety from the driver’s view.

Besides the mobile video analytics device, the driver-i platform includes a cloud-based fleet safety management center designed to give fleet managers trend analysis and business intelligence tools with triggers for organization-wide workflow. “The driver-i platform protects commercial vehicle drivers, which are a fleet’s most valuable asset,” said Avneesh Agrawal, NetraDyne’s co-founder and chief executive officer. “Our solution fosters collaboration, recognition and retention, all of which have a positive influence on a fleet’s bottom line.” – Aaron Huff

I.D. Systems rolls out FleetView next-generation software

.D. Systems’ Asset Intelligence subsidiary, a provider of enterprise asset management technology and solutions, announced the release of its next-generation FleetView transportation fleet management interface for fleets of dry van trailers, intermodal containers, chassis and flatbed trailers. The fully hosted cloud-based solution requires no additional hardware or software to deploy and can be used with any web browser. Providing online user access to the VeriWise fleet management platform, FleetView is designed to give users better visibility of their assets while streamlining system functionality, resulting in an improved and enriched user experience. With a modernized and simplified design, the FleetView user interface is set up to be intuitive and easy to learn, placing emphasis on visual navigation to make routine fleet management tasks and activities more efficient and provide quicker access to critical information. FleetView provides customizable real-time fleet status and advanced drill-down reporting capabilities, delivering information such as when assets are moving, when they are loaded or unloaded, when assets enter or exit geofenced landmarks, when they are dormant and for how long. FleetView is designed to provide fleet managers, dispatchers, safety managers and maintenance personnel with 46

TechDept.indd 46

commercial carrier journal

up-to-the-minute information on the status of their fleets and help operations teams coordinate activities as they are taking place. The core Visibility module within the FleetView interface is designed to provide a map-based visualization of information, allowing users to quickly see and assess the data they need. The module acts as a central information hub through which most decisions and actions can be performed, helping to simplify the user experience. Within the module, users can run reports with geographic and status filters combined with map and tabular controls to provide prioritized information on asset activity, history and landmarks displayed for the current map view. “With the release of our new FleetView software, our customers now have access to the industry’s most advanced and innovative fleet management platform,” said Ken Ehrman, chief executive officer of I.D. Systems. “FleetView is an essential tool for transportation companies needing to improve operational efficiency, reduce cycle time, increase asset utilization and improve profitability. The customer’s experience was at the forefront of our development of FleetView, and we believe we have succeeded in delivering a solution that customers will love to use and is vital to their everyday operations.” – Aaron Huff

october 2016

9/27/16 8:52 AM

ced the n a h n e s a h er who v i r d unity? e m f a m s o c a r u u o o y y Are served d n a g n i k c h win ver will eac ri d y n a image of tru p m co ized by erator and test, organ op on est ownerthe Year C b f o â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s r n News. Plus, e o v ti rs ri a e D n k l c a ru u T The n n d a rdrive an rough the iation, Ove c 0. o $25,000 th ss A rs ie rded $2,50 Carr a d w a a lo e k b c l il ru T the rs-up w on four runne e th f o he applicati h c T a . e 1 2 . t p e ning S ne for ntest, begin The deadli o . c e e n li th n o g n le nteri availab Consider e ements are ir u q re y it and eligibil . s is Nov. 6 application

by: Sponsored

d Truckloa

Year

of-ther e v i r D / org

SP13030 - TCA Driver of the Year 2017 House Ad Standard-AUG.indd 1 Untitled-28 1

7/20/16 2:28 PM 7/21/16 8:26 AM

technology

Pegasus TransTech adds new integration with TMW Systems

egasus TransTech, a provider of enterprise mobility and business process automation, announced that TMW Systems, a provider of transportation and logistics operations software, is now a Transflo Mobile integration partner. Pegasus TransTech’s Pegasus TransTech’s Transflo Mobile Transflo Mobile enterenterprise app prise app now is integrat- now is integrated ed with TMW Systems’ with TMW SysTMWSuite transportation tems’ TMWSuite transportation management software management system. Carriers that software system. use TMWSuite now are able to use a progressive task management format and two-way messaging capabilities from the TMS directly in Transflo Mobile. “Creating easy, convenient mobile experiences is at the heart of what we do, and our collaboration with TMW Systems extends those benefits to a greater number of clients,” said Salem Elnahwy, vice president of development for Pegasus TransTech. The new integration is intended to offer clients an enhanced smartphone experience by adding load and routing information from TMWSuite that otherwise would be sent only to a mobile communications device in the vehicle. “With integration to Transflo Mobile from TMWSuite, we are providing our clients an integration option that enables them to have visibility to their workflows outside of the cab of the truck,” said Jeff Graham, director of mobile communications and technology for TMW Systems. Pegasus TransTech also announced that it has signed and implemented Crete Carrier Corp. (CCJ Top 250, No. 22) on the Transflo Mobile platform, adding more than 5,000 drivers who now manage their workdays through the app. – Aaron Huff 48

TechDept.indd 48

commercial carrier journal

TruckerLine’s driver network available for carrier recruiting

ruckerLine, creators of a mobile app designed to help drivers manage their careers, has opened up its driver network – now totaling more than 20,000 Class A truck drivers – for direct carrier recruiting. Developed by Outset Partners, TruckerLine enables drivers to build complete career profiles with relevant industry information and background documentation, which can be provided to interested parties with one click. TruckerLine enables drivers to build comTruckerLine is expanding its carrier offering after a successful six-month pilot with public convenience retail plete career profiles with relevant industry supplier Core-Mark. Carrier recruiters now can search information and background documentation. TruckerLine’s network, browse resumes and receive background documentation with the driver’s approval, helping to speed up the hiring process and increase hiring certainty. TruckerLine enables recruiters to search for drivers based on both their home location and current location on the road, allowing companies to recruit based on both a driver’s freight lane and his home base. “Providing background documentation in a secure, easily sharable format removes a lot of steps from the recruiting process while enabling the best drivers’ experience and skills to shine through,” said Chad Cashin, TruckerLine chief executive officer. – Aaron Huff

HighJump updates 3PL dashboard

ighJump, a provider of supply chain network solutions, released AccellosOne Enterprise 3PL version 4.2, the latest version of its HighJump’s Profit Work Bench module is an third-party logistics software. The application for monitoring and measuring company said version 4.2 includes 76 profitability by facility or customer. new advanced capabilities and feature enhancements covering all facets of the current product, from delivering customer empowerment to improving employee productivity and increasing profitability. HighJump said the release also includes integration to its newest module, Profit Work Bench, an application for monitoring and measuring profitability by facility or customer, making it useful when there are multiple customers in a facility sharing space, resources and equipment. AccellosOne Enterprise 3PL 4.2 operates on HighJump’s latest HTML5 platform, which is designed to enable the use of the latest HighJump One Platform Apps products and deliver applications for managers and staff to access enterprise-class functionality across mobile devices and OS platforms – Windows, iOS and Android. – Aaron Huff

october 2016

9/27/16 8:52 AM

XTRA-4008 Print Ad Resizes_CCJ_080115.pdf

7/16/15

11:23 AM

When you work with other trailer leasing companies, the high cost of damage rebills lurk around every corner. At XTRA Lease, we never rebill for damages considered nuisance items. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s saved our customers millions and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been doing it for years. Bury rebills and raise your expectations at www.xtralease.com/rebills

A Berkshire Hathaway Company

XTRA Lease_CCJ0815_Pg.indd 1

7/16/15 1:39 PM

Untitled-6 1

9/22/16 10:22 AM

technology

Omnitracs rolls out ELD Driver Retention Model

mnitracs, a provider of fleet management solutions, announced its ELD Driver Retention Model, a predictive modeling solution designed to help companies identify and retain truck drivers who are most likely to leave their jobs voluntarily by proactively engaging at-risk groups with targeted remediation programs. Omnitracs’ ELD Driver Retention Model uses the data that companies already are collecting through hours-of-service applications to detect subtle changes in driver habits, which the company said can be key indicators of their desire to leave their jobs voluntarily. According to Omnitracs, individual driver logs produce more than a thousand pieces of data related to hours worked, customer site delays, lack of hours and amount of activity on the clock. Omnitracs said its ELD Driver Retention Model was designed for any size fleet using electronic logging applications and that the model can leverage not just Omnitracs’ own HOS data but also HOS data generated by competitive solutions. “The Omnitracs ELD Driver Retention Model allows fleets of all sizes to reap the benefits of predictive modeling to prevent driver turnover and address the root causes of voluntary termi-

Omnitracs said individual driver logs produce more than a thousand pieces of data related to hours worked, customer site delays, lack of hours and amount of activity on the clock.

nation,” said Brad Taylor, Omnitracs’ vice president of data and IoT solutions. “In a 500-driver fleet, preventing just half of the voluntarily turnover in the most at-risk group of drivers saves nearly $29,000 per month in direct hiring costs.” The ELD Driver Retention Model is the first of a suite of solutions from Omnitracs designed to help the fleet management industry capitalize on what the company describes as “the Interstate of Things” – Omnitracs’ vision for the industry to capture, understand and manage data created from the connected devices in the entire transportation industry, including trucks, streetlights and toll roads, in order to make more efficient data-driven decisions. – Aaron Huff

From where you sit,

IT’S ALL ABOUT RELIABILITY.

The proven solution for bypassing and tolls saves time, fuel and money.

ENDORSED FEATURED PRODUCT

888-361-7277 PrePassNow.com

WE SUPPORT:

COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL

TechDept.indd 51

OCTOBER 2016

9/27/16 8:53 AM

technology

in focus: BID MANAGEMENT

Better response Carriers, brokers using tech to speed work during freight slowdown BY AARON HUFF

tephanie Rider is responding to an abnormally high volume of bid requests this year. According to the Cass Truckload Linehaul Index, yearover-year contract freight rates fell 1.6 percent in July, the fifth straight month of decline. This year’s spot market pricing is below 2015 averages. “Everyone is looking at making changes – shippers want lower prices,” said Rider, a rate analyst for Gainesville, Ga.-based Syfan Transport and Syfan Logistics, which has 125 trucks in expedited dry van and refrigerated operations. The need for technology Bid packages from shippers and third-party logistics providers can be a time-consuming process for fleets and brokers, with hundreds – and potentially thousands – of lanes to analyze and price. Some bids arrive as emails with attached Excel files containing grids of lane data. Other bids require carriers and brokers to login to a website. Many online bid packages have an option to download an Excel file, Rider said. Some bids do not include mileages for lanes and require lookups using a separate application. Carriers and freight brokers also have to find current market

rates to compare with their own costs and margins in each lane. TMW Systems recently released a webbased business management application for carriers, brokers and 3PLs that leverages pricing from TMW’s Market Rate Index and replaces the use of spreadsheets, emails, paperwork and other manual processes, the company said. Fast analysis When receiving a bid package, Rider narrows down the file to the lanes of interest for Syfan. She then imports the condensed file to McLeod Software’s Pricing and Bid Management module that is integrated with its LoadMaster transportation management software system for carriers and PowerBroker for brokers. The module automatically imports mileage for each lane through an interface with ALK Technologies’ PC Miler mileage calculator. The pricing module imports each lane’s market rates, including those from Market Insight, a McLeod rate index that uses data collected anonymously from hundreds of carriers and brokers that use LoadMaster and PowerBroker, respectively. The module also imports spot market rates from Internet Truckstop, With overcapacity in the market, Syfan Transport and Syfan Logistics are receiving a larger volume of bid packages from shippers.

TechDept.indd 52

commercial carrier journal

McLeod Software’s Pricing and Bid Management module allows users to compare and rank customers and loads by lane.

DAT and the client’s own historical data. “That has had a huge impact on being able to see more accurate history,” Rider said. “If I just consider the exact origin and destination, it will not always be an exact match.” Completing the bid Once Rider completes the initial work in the module, she exports a file to a custom spreadsheet to import data from LoadMaster and PowerBroker. “I take a mean of the different indices and compare that to what we have done historically, to what we are currently hauling at, and to what our margins are,” she said. “We are looking closer at how much it costs to run a truck.” With the information in one spreadsheet, Rider can determine “if we have room to move or not.” Once the pricing is determined, Rider modifies the custom spreadsheet back to the original format required by the customer. The technology Syfan uses helps to process the increased bid requests and make pricing decisions efficiently.

october 2016

9/27/16 8:53 AM

technology

U.S. Bank creates single fleet card for all Class 1-8 vehicles

uring the past few years, fuel card providers have been on an acquisition spree. The common denominator is that companies that have products for local fleets with Class 1-6 vehicles have acquired fuel card providers that cater to the over-the-road market and fleets with Class 7-8 vehicles. Wex purchased EFS and Fleet One, while FleetCor acquired Comdata. To date, Wex and FleetCor continue to offer separate fuel card platforms for customers in the local and OTR markets. U.S. Bank, which traditionally has offered local and OTR versions of its Voyager fuel card program, last month announced a new single Voyager Fleet Card solution for fleets that have local and OTR operations and mixed vehicle classes. TravelCenters of America, operator of the TA and Petro Stopping Centers brands and Minit Mart convenience stores, will accept the new Voyager Fleet Card at all truck stop and convenience store locations. “Partnering with U.S. Bank on the first true single-card solution means we can better serve the needs of mixed fleets,” said Tom O’Brien, TravelCenters chief executive officer. “We look forward to issuing the new card to our employee drivers in the coming months and expect to begin accepting it from customers in 2017.”

The new card combines fleet control functionality for heavy-duty commercial rigs at truck stops, such as gallon limits and automatic repricing based on negotiated fuel discounts, with data-capture capabilities required by smaller vehicle fleets at retail locations. All fleet classes can be managed through one card, network and program management platform, said Ramal Lindsay, U.S. Bank vice president of program and product development. U.S. Bank’s Voyager Mobile “Expanding our partnership in this way brings the efficiencies app allows fleet managers to monitor drivers’ fuel buying of a single solution to Traveldecisions, while drivers use it to choose fueling locations. Centers and to the market at large.” said John Hardin, general manager of global transportation solutions for U.S. Bank. “They are able to better meet the needs of their fleet.” – Aaron Huff

NICE TRY

Basic seat with standard suspension

NAILED IT

Minimizer seat with Long Haul suspension

Times change. So should you. #RespectTheDriver

TOOL BOXES

TIRE BENCH

FENDERS

TOOL BENCH

TIRE MASK

TESTED AND TORTURED MINIMIZER POLY PRODUCTS

• TESTED AND TORTURED • LEARN MORE AND FIND A LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR AT MINIMIZER.COM OR 800-248-3855 TM

DAILY BY TRUCKERS FOR TRUCKERS

COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL

TechDept.indd 53

OCTOBER 2016

9/27/16 8:54 AM

■ PA R T N E R S O L U T I O N S / M A C K T R U C K S

Integrated Everything

ne of the most important differences between a Mack® truck and other makes is the level of control that Mack has over its design and engineering as an integrated manufacturer. The prime example of this is the Pedigree™ Powertrain – the “AllMack” engine, transmission and axle combination that delivers outstanding efﬁciency and reliability by virtue of being designed speciﬁcally to work with each other. The great thing about this level of integration – which Mack has carried on since its beginning

MackPartnerSolutions_CCJ1016_PG54-55.indd 2

in 1900 – is the ability to continually improve each component to wring more efﬁciency and productivity from the entire powertrain. Mack’s latest powertrain evolution meshes advanced engine technologies, transmission innovations and Mack’s own telematics platform to take performance to a new level, with a 2 to 9 percent improvement in fuel efﬁciency. The latest Mack® MP® series engines have significant improvements in fuel efficiency, power and productivity, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Fuel efficiency rose from

9/20/16 4:32 PM

2.1 to 8.8 percent compared with prior model year engines. Meanwhile the Mack mDRIVE™ automated manual transmission gained new capabilities in 2016 with additional low ratio “creeper” gears and vocational adaptations in the new mDRIVE HD model. Integration went in a new and very innovative direction with the introduction of Mack Predictive Cruise, an intelligent system that memorizes a route when cruise control is on, storing up to 4,500 hills in its memory. The next time the driver travels the route, Mack Predictive

UPTIME SOLUTIONS GuardDog® Connect GDC monitors your vehicle’s performance the entire time it’s operating to enable quick diagnosis of issues, schedule repairs and order parts—all while the truck is still on the road. With GuardDog Connect, you’re always connected to a 24/7 network of support staﬀ and repair centers, so you stay on schedule.

OneCall® Mack OneCall provides 24/7 support for your truck. It combines an unparalleled customer support network with a state-of-the-art Uptime Center to bring the experts you need together under one roof.

MackPartnerSolutions_CCJ1016_PG54-55.indd 3

ASIST Mack ASIST is a web and mobile system that assembles consistent, complete and professional estimates of service recommendations, regardless of which dealer in the Mack Network performs the service. ASIST gives you, the dealer and Uptime Center staﬀ access to all information, getting you back on the road faster. Diagnostic Tools Mack’s easy-to-use, PC-based diagnostic software gives you access to the information you need. From quick diagnostics to EPA emission data and key metrics for Mack trucks with Mack engines, you can monitor your ﬂeet in real time.

2017 MACK® MP® ENGINE SERIES

Cruise engages mDRIVE to choose New features for Mack’s the most fuel-efficient latest MP engines include: • Common rail fuel system gear for that specific to deliver ultra-precise stretch of road. control over fuel injection Modern engine techpressure, timing and nology is heavily volume, for higher fuel focused on emissions efficiency, more power and lower emissions. controls, and Mack’s experience in manag• The new, patented Wave ing all aspects of powpiston delivers improved ertrain performance combustion and lower friction, resulting in cleanincludes exhaust afterer emissions and better treatment systems fuel economy. (EATS). Mack took the • A two-speed coolant pump opportunity of the new reduces parasitic loss. MP engines to develop a new design. • The MP8 Turbo ComMack ClearTech™ pound (TC) engines incorporate a turbine One EATS is designed to extract energy from for Mack MP series exhaust gases that would engines and features a otherwise be lost as heat sophisticated new and converts that energy design that delivers to additional torque on the crankshaft, improving near-zero emissions overall engine efficiency and low maintenance (available 2017). in a lighter, more com• New intake throttles pact unit. Its single to improve heat manunit design frees up agement for improved space on crowded exhaust aftertreatment. frame rails, reduces weight and saves fuel and money. It also continues Mack’s tradition of low maintenance, increased uptime and lower total cost of ownership.

9/20/16 4:32 PM

2015 CCJ INNOVATORS

A. Duie Pyle A&R Logistics Andrews Logistics Door 2 Door Organics Fleetmaster Express Freymiller Inc. Haney Truck Line

2015 INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR

Mesilla Valley Transportation Schneider Saddle Creek Logistics Transport America

The CCJ areas in their businesses: • Operational efficiency • Use of information technology

• Customer relations • Maintenance practices • Safety

• Employee recruiting and retention

NOMINATE YOUR FLEET

as a CCJ Innovator at CCJInnovators.com Sponsored by:

SP12704_Innovators2016_HouseAd.indd 1 Untitled-1 1

12/17/15 3:53 PM 6/21/16 4:33 PM

ISSUU_Setup.indd 14

9/27/16 2:44 PM

Untitled-4

ISSUU_Setup.indd 14

9/27/16 2:44 PM

Untitled-4

Join the real-time revolution. Freight matching now happens in real-time. Because with Truckstop Pro, you can view and search for loads the moment theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re posted. And with millions of loads posted on our load board every month, more carriers than ever are depending on Truckstop Pro.

To get the info you need, visit Go.Truckstop.com/CCJ10

16-0234-TruckstopCcjAd_7.375x10.indd 1 Untitled-15 1

6/7/16 9:53 AM 9/13/16 9:58 AM

rt ™ Tra n s p o h e V e c to r T . le u n it y b a li in e o p p o rt ie n t. R e u ic n ff e e g l a e u F g is h tw e ig h t. n g in e e ri n e a le r Q u ie t. L ig o v a ti v e e n in ) U n s ic o ld d R ra T (T r ’s ie it rr n a U rC ti o n ance. r. A s k y o u R e fr ig e ra o f p e rf o rm e s s b e tt e d in n s u ra b b r r u o ey V e c to to m a n a g w it h th e g in lo v e in ll fa re a w h y fl e e ts

www.carrier.com /ecoforward

www.trucktrailer.carrier.com

11471-01 Vector Tattoo Ad 7.875x10.5_key1.indd 1 Untitled-3 1

, E C N A M R O F R E P E U R T . E V O L TR U

4/11/16 3:47 PM

Commercial Carrier Journal

7.875" x 10.5"

4/12/16 8:43 AM

Transportation companies of all kinds look for ways to gain the upper hand in e-commerce BY AARON HUFF

itt Ohio has one group of customers who want to know what time their shipments will arrive on delivery day. Others are content knowing their shipments will be there by the close of business. The Pittsburgh-based full-service transportation and logistics provider operates one of the largest less-than-truckload fleets that offers next-day service in the Atlantic and Midwest regions. The number of customers in the first group is growing, especially if they ship to residential locations, says Geoff Muessig, chief marketing officer. That’s because people are carrying their expectations in the business-to-consumer world of e-commerce over to the business-to-business environment. When ordering online, many websites give a date and even a time window when parcels will arrive in their mailbox or at their doorstep. Today, that same visibility is becoming more expected when consumers and businesses order palletized freight for delivery in a straight truck or tractor-trailer to their driveway or receiving dock. Last year, e-commerce accounted for 10 percent of all retail sales and 60 percent of retail sales growth. As more sales move through online channels, motor carriers and logistics providers are playing a critical role in the timely delivery of both products and information. More shippers are asking for added visibility of their shipments at every

stage, from the point of sale to the “final mile” of delivery. This visibility extends further up the supply chain for LTL and truckload shipments from manufacturing facilities to distribution centers and warehouses – and eventually to the consumers at home.

Point-of-sale visibility Some routing software systems used by private and commercial fleets can provide an estimated time of arrival when an item is sold. These systems continuously optimize routes as new orders arrive and use historical data to predict future orders and arrival times. Retailers and private fleets use TMW Systems’ final-mile routing product, Appian DR Track, to provide their customers with a delivery ETA at the

point of sale. Once the delivery date is confirmed, the Appian system continuously updates the ETA as new orders arrive, and later as a truck is loaded and departs for delivery. The real-time ETA status can be sent to e-commerce websites using Appian DR Track’s standard application programming interface for real-time shipment visibility. “With our open API, anybody can design any type of system pretty easily to pull data in and out quickly,” says Brian Larwig, vice president of optimization for TMW Systems. Paragon Software Systems has an end-to-end order fulfillment system, Paragon HDX, designed to allow fleets to provide customers with shipment visibility at the point of sale and throughout the delivery process, says

Retailers and private fleets use TMW Systems’ final-mile routing product, Appian DR Track, to provide their customers with a delivery ETA at the point of sale. commercial carrier journal

TechFeature.indd 61

october 2016

9/27/16 8:55 AM

TECHNOLOGY: ROUTING OPTIMIZATION

Lexington, S.C.-based LTL company Southeastern Freight Lines uses advanced technology to maximize the usage of its equipment and nearly 3,000 drivers.

Will Salter, the company’s president and chief executive officer. Fleets use a module in the system to provide their customers with a self-service online portal. Once their customers place an online order, the module can send the customer a link to the self-service portal in a text or email message. The customer can use the portal to select a delivery date and time for their shipment from a list of options Paragon HDX has determined are feasible for a final-mile routing plan.

Going residential To meet customer expectations for real-time information, Pitt Ohio has developed a software program that pulls data from different systems to predict a delivery time window that is 99 percent accurate for every shipment. A notification is sent electronically to customers the moment that a loaded truck leaves a terminal. Sometimes the time window for delivery is four hours, while other times it is two hours, depending on the characteristics of the route and the sequences of stops, Muessig says. “We don’t want to disappoint with a prediction,” he says. “People don’t want to be home all day.” The notifications are sent to customers through electronic data interchange and a web service API to integrate the 62

commercial carrier journal

TechFeature.indd 62

information into their own IT systems and customer-facing websites. Those who use EDI get a “by when” status, such as “by 4 p.m.” Those using the API get a more specific window such as “after 12 p.m. and before 4 p.m.” Muessig says that in addition to giving Pitt Ohio customers greater peace of mind knowing their shipments are on the way, the technology also reduces incoming phone calls. For Southeastern Freight Lines, residential LTL deliveries are maintained strategically at between 3 and 4 percent of total freight volumes. The Lexington, S.C.-based company uses advanced technology to maximize the usage of its equipment and nearly 3,000 drivers where residential deliveries make the most sense in its freight network. “It’s a matter of whether or not you can do it profitably and if it fits within your strategies,” says Woody Lovelace, senior vice president of corporate planning and development. SEFL uses a proprietary routing optimization, dispatch and mobile computing system called Laser that can provide a highly accurate ETA shipment status on the day of delivery to within one hour, which helps reduce the number of missed deliveries. “We can be tighter if we want to,” Lovelace says. Laser’s routing component activates when shipments are inbound to

SEFL’s service centers in 14 states. The company contacts the consignees to set delivery appointments to ensure that someone will be at home to receive their shipments. About 25 percent of daily shipments in the company’s network have appointments. SEFL wants to automate this process, but doing so would require more customers to include e-mails and cell phone numbers of residential consignees in their bills of lading, Lovelace says. On the morning of delivery, SEFL’s routes are optimized and trucks are loaded. Laser calculates ETAs for every shipment before trucks leave their terminals, and delivery notifications are sent to customers via EDI or web service APIs, which helps reduce the number of incoming calls regarding shipment arrival times, Lovelace says.

A service advantage Integrated routing software and tracking platforms also are being used by fleets in service trades such as construction and landscaping to meet e-commerce requirements. People have become used to ordering services on demand. A homeowner may want to order snow removal or an electrical and plumbing repair from a mobile app in the same way they book inner-city transit with Uber. The transportation provider’s app instantly calculates a price and gives a real-time ETA for the pickup. “The technology demand from consumers is stronger and stronger,” says Andy Hopkins, president of Twin Pines, a Southborough, Mass.-based company that provides lawn care, maintenance and repair services to homeowners and businesses. With his background as an IT consultant, Hopkins has a vision for Twin Pines to be a high-tech, on-demand service company. Twin Pines got its start in landscaping,

| october 2016

9/27/16 8:55 AM

I AM PROVEN ENDURANCE As your territories expand, you need a competitive edge. Introducing the Yokohama 108R,™ a top-performing regional all-position steer tire with millions of test miles to prove it. And, with 22/32” of original tread depth and one of the most retreadable casings in the industry, the 108R is also an outstanding performer for your fleet’s bottom line.

yokohamatruck.com

Untitled-36 1

9/15/16 10:49 AM

TECHNOLOGY: ROUTING OPTIMIZATION

Poolsure, a Houston-based provider of chlorine and other water treatment chemicals, uses Telogis’ RouteCloud to plan and schedule deliveries.

but it recently has acquired a number of small businesses in the construction, electrical, plumbing and painting trades. It now offers a full menu of home services to residents in wealthy suburbs west of Boston. The company is building on the technology infrastructure that eventually will lead to a mobile app that customers can use to request a service 24/7. Hopkins wants to provide the customer with a live ETA and a picture of the worker assigned to the job. Poolsure also is transforming its business with technology. Customers for the Houston-based company do not need to pick up the telephone to order a delivery; in fact, they don’t need to do anything at all. Poolsure delivers chlorine and other water treatment chemicals and services to hotels, waterparks and wastewater treatment plants. The company installs water-testing devices in its customers’ pools, and the devices are connected to the Internet through Wi-Fi, Ethernet or cellular networks. The devices send alerts when problems are detected with water levels, pumps, flow rates and water chemistry. The alerts are communicated wirelessly to Telogis’ RouteCloud platform, which automatically locates and schedules the optimal truck to make a delivery. Out of 6,500 delivery sites, about 400 have the monitoring devices, and 64

commercial carrier journal

TechFeature.indd 64

Poolsure delivers to another 4,000 sites on a fixed delivery schedule. Alan Falik, the company’s president, wants to increase the number of sites with monitoring devices to reduce costs by scheduling deliveries based on actual need. Poolsure also is working with a team of data scientists to create algorithms that use the data gathered from its sensors, and additional data such as demand spikes and weather patterns, to schedule deliveries in advance. “By next summer, we hope to have a robust algorithm to predict our frequency needs,” Falik says. “We can predict (deliveries) weeks in advance.”

Bringing in telematics Twin Pines uses the Wex Fleet Services gas card and recently added Wex Telematics to its vehicles. The company uses information from the telematics system to improve the physical security of its assets and to verify time and locations of vehicles and workers to resolve billing disputes. Twin Pines now has an “almost 100 percent success rate” for resolving billing disputes, Hopkins says. Before using Wex Telematics, the company was writing off $10,000 to $20,000 a year in receivables. For repeat customers of snowplowing and lawn mowing services, Twin Pines

uses the system to design more efficient routes to get workers to jobsites faster, making it possible to add another lawn or two to each route to increase revenue. Twin Pines also uses Wex Telematics to confirm that workers reached every location on their assigned routes and to track how long they spent at each house. This data helps to determine if workers are getting more efficient and when to squeeze in more customers onto routes. Twin Pines also can provide customers with an accurate ETA, such as when they call during a snowstorm. “If I get calls for help, I can determine the approximate time a driver will be there to within half an hour,” Hopkins says. “Our customers love knowing that.” Bernie Kavanagh, vice president of North America Fleet for Wex, says fleets are using the system in other ways to improve routing efficiency and be more responsive to customer needs. “Managers have the ability to reroute drivers if a low-cost fuel provider is nearby, if hazardous weather conditions arise, or if an appointment changes at the last minute,” Kavanagh says.

Larger shipments Whether shipments are bound for a distribution center or a driveway, the need for visibility is constant.

Twin Pines, a provider of lawn care, maintenance and repair services, is developing an Uber-like mobile app that customers will be able to use to request a service 24/7.

| october 2016

9/27/16 8:55 AM

With fast, easy access to critical KPI data from the TMW Business Intelligence Platform, you can implement the kind of strategic moves that will make your business stronger. Clearly identify opportunity. Confidently react. Promptly measure the impact of your actions. Because smarter decisions today mean greater payback tomorrow.

MAKE THE MOST OF NOW.™

A TRIMBLE COMPANY

TMW Business Intelligence Platform. Call 800-401-6682 to learn more.

11605-01 BI_AD_7.875x10.5_key1.indd 1 Untitled-4 1

Commercial Carrier Journal | 7.875” x 10.5”

tmwsystems.com

9/1/16 11:50 AM 9/6/16 10:09 AM

TECHNOLOGY: ROUTING OPTIMIZATION such as when a truck is 30 miles or 30 Bolt, which provides its namesake minutes from arrival. web-based fleet management software For third-party logistics companies system, is seeing more demand for final-mile routing solutions from truckthat manage entire supply chains, visibiliload and LTL fleets, particularly those ty requires bringing together information that deliver to grocery and retail stores. from multiple parties and systems. Jerry Robertson, chief technology Penske Logistics customers want direct officer for Bolt, says that providing access to real-time ETA information – or the consignee with an ETA improves at least the assurance that the company’s efficiency by making sure that someone operations teams have easy access, says is available to receive and unload the Tom McKenna, senior vice president of freight upon arrival. engineering and technology. The Bolt system can receive optiPenske’s ClearChain technology mized routing plans from third-party suite captures and provides customers products such as Appian DR Track and with key information, including the Telogis RouteCloud, as well as tracking data from third-party telematics systems. With the route plans and tracking data, including drivers’ electronic log data, the Bolt system can provide ETA visibility from pickup to delivery. As routes progress, Bolt can send ETA notifications for either distance orWinches_7x4.5.pdf time, October_Ancra Ratcheting 1 9/6/16 9:02 AM

linking of real-time ETAs to detailed order and inventory information at the part/SKU level. The company also is able to connect to the mobile phone of a Penske or non-Penske truck driver, with that driver’s permission, to obtain real-time GPS shipment location updates. E-commerce continues to place more demands on carriers and logistics providers of all types. Those that are leading the market are able to give their customers more accurate and timely status of deliveries through all stages of the load lifecycle. Penske Logistics’ ClearChain technology suite captures and provides customers with key information, including real-time ETAs.

CMY

commercial carrier journal

Untitled-2 1

TechFeature.indd 66

| october 2016 9/6/16 10:01 AM

9/27/16 8:56 AM

Howes CCJ_W16.pdf

8/9/16

1:03 PM

Unstoppable. Times two. Meet your engine’s best friends. All year long, Howes Meaner Power Kleaner brings you BIG power by giving you superior cleaning and lubrication. Meanwhile, Howes Diesel Treat puts an end to gelling while boosting performance. Using either product on its own is one very smart move. Using both together? Now there’s really no stopping you!

CMY

1-800 GET HOWES (438-4693) • www.howeslube.com

Untitled-8 1

8/9/16 2:47 PM

Truck, engine, trailer makers consider latest round of emissions, fuel economy standards BY JASON CANNON

he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently finalized new emissions and fuel economy standards for medium- and heavyduty vehicles. The final Phase 2 standards immediately follow Phase 1 greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency standards that won’t be implemented fully until next year. “As the primary manufacturers of medium- and heavyduty engines and vehicles in the United States, our members are still in the process of implementing the Phase 1 GHG/FE standards,” says Jed Mandel, president of the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA). EPA said in its 1,690-page Phase 2 document published Aug. 16 that it expects the final standards to lower carbon-dioxide emissions by about 1.1 billion metric tons and save vehicle owners about $170 billion in fuel costs, while reducing oil consumption by up to 2 billion barrels over the lifetime of the vehicles sold under the program. However, to hit those marks, the agencies are asking for better performance from North American truck, engine and trailer makers and are testing the imaginations of their engineers. Mandel says the success of the Phase 1 implementation was tied directly to the fact that the 2011 standards were 68

commercial carrier journal

EquipmentFeat.indd 68

To hit the Phase 2 marks, EPA and NHTSA are asking for better performance from North American truck, engine and trailer makers and are testing the imaginations of their engineers.

matched with EMA member efforts to meet customer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles. He warned, however, that if the Phase 2 proposal doesn’t align long-term with both manufacturers’ efforts and customers’ needs, it could impose enormous costs on customers, constrain their choices and “impose significant challenges to its successful implementation.” Possible and practical By MY 2027 – when the Phase 2 standards are fully phased in – tractors in a tractor-trailer combination must achieve up to 25 percent lower CO2 emissions and fuel consumption than an equivalent tractor in 2018. Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the nonprofit Diesel Technology Forum, says that tightening regulations must strike a delicate balance between what is possible and what is practical. In addition to compliance with the new fuel economy and GHG emissions requirements on a wide variety of customizable products, heavy-duty engine and truck manufacturers also must ensure near-zero emissions performance for at least 435,000 miles. “In addition to meeting all of the latest federal safety requirements and having the highest uptime and reliability, the largest trucks must be able to move 80,000 pounds up mountains at 60 miles per hour and run

| october 2016

9/27/16 10:13 AM

keep your heavy duty truck on the road HUNDREDS OF NEW REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THE HEAVY DUTY TRUCKING INDUSTRY

Eaton/Fuller Freightliner International Isuzu Kenworth Mack Meritor Peterbilt Universal Volvo Western Star HIGHLIGHTED COVERAGE: lighting OVER 45 SKUS AVAILABLE

fluid reservoirs OVER 75 SKUS AVAILABLE

HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY

DORMAN #: 888-5205/888-5205 COVERAGE: Freightliner Cascadia, Cascadia 113, Cascadia 125 2016-12

COOLANT RESERVOIR DORMAN #: 603-5203 COVERAGE: Freightliner Cascadia, Columbia 2014-08

engine management

cab parts

OVER 15 SKUS AVAILABLE

OVER 100 SKUS AVAILABLE

EGR VALVE

HOOD CABLE

COVERAGE: Cummins ISX15 Generation 1 2007-03

COVERAGE: Peterbilt 2005-03, Long Cable 1996-87

DORMAN #: 904-5001

DORMAN #: 924-5402

VISIT DORMANHDSOLUTIONS.COM FOR OUR FULL LINE OF HEAVY DUTY PARTS Dorman Products, Inc. 3400 East Walnut Street Colmar, PA 18915

HD Solution Tech Line 800-868-5777 x5501

HD75831

Untitled-31 1

SCAN AND SIGNUP FOR BE THE FIRST TO KNOW!

www.DormanHDSolutions.com

1/14/16 8:36 AM

EQUIPMENT: EPA-NHTSA PHASE 2 STANDARDS

Waste heat recovery, which converts heat normally wasted through exhaust into torque, was a component in Volvo’s SuperTruck concept truck.

100,000 to 120,000 miles a year in every corner of the United States, while doing it all at the lowest possible cost,” Schaeffer says. For diesel tractor engines, the agencies are adopting standards for MY 2027 that are more stringent than the preferred alternative from the original proposal, and will require reductions in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption that are 5.1 percent better than the 2017 baseline for the tractor’s engine. The agencies also are adopting standards for MY 2021 and MY 2024, requiring reductions in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of 1.8 to 4.2 percent better than the 2017 baseline. For vocational diesel engines, the new standards will require reductions of 2.3, 3.6 and 4.2 percent in MYs 2021, 2024 and 2027, respectively. Those levels are more stringent than the original proposed standards and are about as stringent in MY 2021 and MY 2024 as the “Alternative 4” standards discussed during proposal. “Efficiency is by no means a new concept to diesel engine and truck manufacturers,” Schaeffer says. “This new rule raises the bar, demanding even further innovation while recognizing the unique considerations of the trucking industry and many differing commercial heavy-duty applications.” Phase 2’s vehicle and engine performance standards cover MY 2021-27 and apply to semi-trucks, large pickup trucks and vans, and all types and sizes of buses and work trucks. 70

commercial carrier journal

EquipmentFeat.indd 70

EPA and NHTSA project that the required GHG emissions reductions and fuel efficiency improvements will be the “maximum feasible and reasonable amounts for diesel engines based on technological changes that will improve combustion and reduce energy losses.” For most of these improvements, EPA and NHTSA project that manufacturers will begin applying improvements to about 45 percent of their heavy-duty engines by 2021, and ultimately apply them to about 95 percent of their heavyduty engines by 2024. “However, for some of these improvements, we project more limited application rates,” the final ruling reads. “In particular, we project a more limited use of waste exhaust heat recovery systems in 2027, projecting that about 10 percent of tractor engines will have turbocompounding systems, and an additional 25 percent of tractor engines will employ Rankine-cycle waste heat recovery.” Waste heat recovery, which converts heat normally wasted through exhaust into torque, was a component in Volvo’s SuperTruck concept truck, which was revealed last month and reached upwards of 13 mpg in testing. Lightweighting solutions While EPA and NHTSA didn’t mandate methods to reach the new emissions benchmarks, they did offer likely strategies, which included a more prevalent use of aluminum components, including wheels, extrusions and sheeting as part of the lightweighting solution. Research conducted by Ricardo Consulting Engineers suggests an “aluminum-intensive” Class 8 commercial tractortrailer could reduce vehicle weight by 3,300 pounds. For every 10 percent of weight reduction, the group says up to a 5.5 percent improvement in fuel economy is possible. The study also found that outfitting the nation’s fleet of Class 8 tractor-trailers with aluminum-intensive models would save 9.3 million tons of CO2 annually, almost 1 percent of Phase 2’s roughly 1.1 billion ton target. Ford shaved 750 pounds from its flagship F-150 pickup for MY 2015 by converting much of the steel body to aluminum. For 2017, Ford will apply a similar strategy to its beefier Super Duty line, but concessions will have to be made in many cases in the Class 8 market. Research conducted by Ricardo Consulting Engineers suggests an ‘aluminum-intensive’ Class 8 commercial tractor-trailer could reduce vehicle weight by 3,300 pounds.

| october 2016

9/27/16 9:05 AM

Great product means great service. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Fitzgerald Glider Kits is building the largest network of shops across the U.S. If you have an issue, we want to get you back on the road as fast as possible.

Over 1,000 approved warranty centers across the U.S.

PETERBILT | KENWORTH | FREIGHTLINER | WESTERN STAR

888.657.3906 FOR THE BEST PRICE ON FULLY BUILT CORES & PARTS VISIT FITZGERALDTRUCKPARTS.COM

Untitled-5 1

9/21/16 9:12 AM

EQUIPMENT: EPA-NHTSA PHASE 2 STANDARDS

Ford shaved 750 pounds from its flagship F-150 pickup for MY 2015 by converting much of the steel body to aluminum. For 2017, Ford will apply a similar strategy to its beefier Super Duty line.

Even when Ford introduced aluminum into its Super Duty, it doubled down on steel in the truck’s backbone. While F-150 shed nearly 38 percent of a ton in the aluminum conversion, Super Duty saw about half that, thanks to a more rigid steel frame – a move that elevated Super Duty’s towing capabilities. Mike Levine, Ford’s North America product communications manager, says weight savings from aluminum enabled the company to strengthen key truck components, such as a heavier-duty fully boxed frame, axles, suspension and towing hardware, and still end up with a truck that’s 350 pounds lighter than its predecessor. Aluminum’s infiltration into trucking may not be as easy, nor as revolutionary, as its conquest of Ford’s F-Series. Freightliner introduced the first all-aluminum cab in 1942, and now all of its on-highway tractors feature one. Peterbilt has been using an aluminum cab for nearly three generations. Volvo, Mack and Western Star are among the last of the steel holdouts. “All Volvo Trucks – highway, regional and vocational – have cabs made of high-strength steel,” says Jason Spence, Volvo Trucks’ product marketing manager. “This is key to the safety and protection of the driver in the event of a collision.” Timothy Weir, Accuride’s director of public affairs, says aluminum wheels already make up nearly 50 percent of the company’s total wheel sales, a trend he expects to continue in the march toward MY 2027. But just as Ford found use for heavier steel in the Super Duty truck frame, Weir says steel’s role in truck wheels is secure even as it loses market share. “Steel wheels will always play an important role within the commercial vehicle industry,” he says, noting that aluminum wheels come with a price premium. “In addi72

commercial carrier journal

EquipmentFeat.indd 72

Accuride says aluminum wheels already make up nearly 50 percent of the company’s total wheel sales, a trend it expects to continue in the march toward MY 2027.

tion, certain market segments simply don’t benefit from the specific characteristics that aluminum wheels offer.” Aluminum aside, Accuride also has worked to develop lighter-weight steel. “We continue to introduce advanced lightweight steel wheels that help to improve fuel economy at prices considerably less than the prices for aluminum wheels,” Weir says. Looking at trailers, APUs For the first time, the agencies also are finalizing fuel efficiency and GHG standards for trailers. EPA trailer standards will take effect in MY 2018 for certain trailers, while NHTSA’s standards will take effect for 2021. Credits will be available for voluntary participation before those times. While EPA for years has mandated that tractors boost efficiency, the agency largely overlooked how the trailer could contribute to gains until Phase 2. Meanwhile, in addition to the CO2 emissions standards

EPA trailer standards will take effect in MY 2018 for certain trailers, while NHTSA’s standards will take effect as of 2021. Credits will be available for voluntary participation before those times.

| october 2016

9/27/16 9:06 AM

Get Expert Compliance Guidance Based On Your Hours of Service Data

You know how difficult it is to manage and make sense of all the data from drivers’ electronic logging devices (ELDs), paper logs, and time sheets. Now you can have the J. J. Keller ® Driver DataSense® Service aggregate this information and provide you with expert guidance for improving Hours of Service compliance.

Ongoing Hours of Service Data Collection Proprietary technology collects and processes your constant stream of incoming driver data from: ELDs (any ELD!) Paper logs Driver time sheets

You get 24/7 access to this data via our online client portal for a holistic view of Hours of Service compliance, in addition to drill-down reporting.

Expert Compliance Guidance Your team of J. J. Keller ® Client Service Specialists analyzes and audits your data to provide you with: Daily guidance for improving driver compliance and performance Alerts of critical tasks to help establish priorities Reports that allow you to proactively make better decisions for your fleet Assistance in the event of a DOT audit or intervention With the J. J. Keller ® Driver DataSense® Service, you can improve Hours of Service compliance and have more time to manage drivers — not data.

Visit JJKeller.com/DataSense or call 855.693.5338 to learn more. TM

PC 117667

117667 JJK Driver DataSense Ad CCJ kh.indd 1

9/9/16 10:22 AM

Untitled-22 1

9/13/16 2:30 PM

EQUIPMENT: EPA-NHTSA PHASE 2 STANDARDS

Under the final rule, gliders largely will be considered new trucks, meaning the engines installed in them must be emissions-compliant with the model year in which the truck is assembled.

for tractors, EPA also is adopting new particulate matter standards that effectively limit which diesel-fueled auxiliary power units can be used as emissions-control devices to reduce main engine idling in tractors. The future of glider kits EPA also proposed a number of changes and clarifications for rules respecting glider kits and glider vehicles. The final rule contains emissions standards for glider vehicles but does not contain separate standards for glider kits. Under the final rule, gliders largely will be considered new trucks, meaning the engines installed in them must be emissions-compliant with the model year in which the truck is assembled. To reflect these considerations, EPA is adopting provisions stating that a glider kit becomes a vehicle when “it includes a passenger compartment attached to a frame with one or more axles.” “The EPA sees nothing in the Act that compels the result that adding a used component to an otherwise new motor vehicle necessarily vitiates classification of the motor vehicle as ‘new,’ ” the agency wrote. “The fact that this approach is reasonable, if not mandated, is confirmed by the language of the Act’s definition of ‘new motor vehicle engine,’ which includes any ‘engine in a new motor vehicle’ without regard to whether or not the engine was previously used.” Despite changes to their classification, Stu McLaughlin, head of marketing for Fitzgerald Glider Kits, says the glider industry will remain viable. “We’re confident we’ll be able to test our products and meet the new standards,” he says. Smaller glider kit makers that may assemble only a few hundred gliders a year are likely to be the ones hit hardest by the new EPA standards, McLaughlin says. Kit builders unable to meet current-year EPA standards will be capped at building no more than 300 gliders per year. 74

commercial carrier journal

EquipmentFeat.indd 74

OEMs welcome news Despite the fact that Phase 2 regulations will challenge tractor, engine and trailer designers across the United States, OEMs universally applauded the new wave of regulations. Daimler Trucks North America says it was pleased that EPA and NHTSA chose a nondisruptive implementation of the standard, which will allow the industry to phase-in technical changes over a decade and mitigate acquisition cost pressures on customers. “As we have stated through the collaborative debate on the Phase 2 rule, the final rule needed to provide clear long-term targets for the entire vehicle, not just the engine,” says Martin Daum, DTNA president and chief executive officer. “It also needed to provide enough time and flexibility for the OEMs and customers to decide themselves how to achieve the reductions in a way that is economically feasible.” Srikanth Padmanabhan, president of Cummins’ engine business, also expressed his company’s readiness to provide fuel savings and environmental benefits while complying with the mandate. “We are pleased that the rule builds on the Phase 1 regulatory framework that recognizes the diversity and complexity of the commercial vehicle sector,” Padmanabhan says. “We look forward to continued collaboration with the agencies and our customers to ensure a successful implementation.” Siddiq Khan, senior researcher for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, also lauded the rule’s passing, adding Phase 2 standards will deliver major savings at the pump to truck owners and reduce the cost of freight movement nationwide. “With these fuel savings, most truckers will recover the incremental cost of the more efficient trucks in less than two years,” Khan says. “The standards also provide long-term certainty for manufacturers investing in clean engine and vehicle technologies. The Phase 2 program will strengthen the market for truck efficiency technologies, helping to ensure that the United States remains a world leader in this area.” The final rule, however, wasn’t universally welcomed. Jake Jacoby, president and CEO of the Truck Rental and Leasing Association, says his organization remains concerned about stricter standards being placed on truck manufacturers, but was pleased that EPA and NHTSA granted the association’s request to have the final implementation year of Phase 2 remain in 2027 versus 2024, which had been considered. “TRALA also is pleased that there appears to be harmonization of standards and some additional flexibility for the OEMs to reach these targets,” Jacoby says.

| october 2016

9/27/16 9:06 AM

T:7.875 in S:7.375 in

Be one with your tires, and the road will be one with you.

HankookUSA

@HankookUSA

You might be surprised that when Daimler North America selected a tire for their Freightliner Trucks, they chose Hankook Tires. They wanted improved fuel efficiency, maximum reliability and high performance. Forging partnerships with industry icons is something weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very proud of, along with a commitment to excellence you can always count on. Hankook and Daimler. Together we go further. ÂŠ2014 5 Hankook Tire America Corp.

Hankook_CCJ0414_PG13.indd 1

3/10/15 9:28 AM

T:10.5 in

S:10 in

BE ONE WITH HANKOOK

GO FORWARD

www.PCSsoft.com

Untitled-6 1

9/8/16 1:37 PM

Electrification, autonomous concepts lead the way at IAA 2016

lobal truck and bus manufacturers and industry suppliers showcased a wide range of innovations at IAA 2016, the world’s largest trucking trade show held biennially in Hannover, Germany. New product announcements during two days of press conferences centered almost exclusively around two main themes: autonomous vehicle solutions and electrification.

Plugging in Electric trucks and buses were a main focus for nearly every OEM and supplier at IAA 2016. The surge in interest for commercial electric vehicles has been fueled by a decrease in battery cost coupled with major advancements in battery technology. Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, head of Daimler Trucks, admitted he was surprised by the possibilities of electric trucks in the near future, but said they still will be best-suited for urban environments. “I’m on record saying I didn’t see electric trucks in the foreseeable future two years ago,” Bernhard said. “But battery technology has changed more drastically than we ever hoped for. We are reaching the tipping point by the end of the decade where [demand for] electric vehicles will kick in.” While the push for electric trucks and buses certainly will arrive in the European and Asian markets first, several related announcements at IAA 2016 focused on electric vehicle solutions destined for the North American market in the near future. On the heels of the previously announced Vision Van concept, Mercedes-Benz Vans said interest in electric vans is picking up globally, and those products soon will appear in the U.S. market. “Electric vans are especially well-suited for low-mileage, inner-city applications,” said Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, who added the company could introduce an electric van in 2018 for certain global markets. Across the Pacific, Daimler Trucks Asia is itching to get back into the United States and Canada with a Fuso Canter product after relinquishing a 20 percent-plus market share due to a delay in the 2017 model-year release because its Fiat-supplied engines didn’t

Wabco and ZF’s jointly developed Evasive Maneuver Assist system automatically steers to avoid an imminent collision in conditions where fully active braking can’t slow the truck in time.

receive the necessary engine emissions certifications. Marc Llistosella, head of Daimler Trucks Asia, aims to turn Fuso’s North American fortunes around with the introduction of the Fuso eCanter (previously called the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter E-Cell). The company launched its first electric Fuso truck prototype in 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show, but Llistosella acknowledged that the vehicle with a 100-km range will require better operating ranges and speed for widespread adoption in the North American market. “Interest is high for electric vehicles in North America,” said Llistosella. “There is willingness to change,” but added the challenges remain vehicle range, infrastructure and price. As Daimler Trucks Asia addresses these concerns, it plans to start small-series production of the eCanter in the United States, Germany and Japan by the end of 2017, with an advanced eCanter launch worldwide in 2018.

Autonomous trucks take center stage Daimler kicked the week off with a media event on the eve of IAA commercial carrier journal | october 2016

IAA_Roundup 2.indd 77

9/27/16 9:06 AM

Daimler Trucks Asia plans to launch the Fuso eCanter in targeted markets in 2017, including the United States, before rolling it out fully in 2018.

2016 with the debut of its Mercedes-Benz Future Bus autonomous bus concept that builds on the company’s Highway Pilot autonomous driving system that debuted in the Freightliner Cascadia Inspiration in 2015 but adds additional functions to communicate with traffic lights, traffic flow and pedestrians. After demonstrating its autonomous capabilities with the self-driving Volvo FMX in a mining application, Volvo Trucks also continues to work toward autonomous solutions for truck and bus applications. “Connectivity is one of the key enablers of automated driving,” said Claes Nilsson, president of Volvo Trucks. “Thanks to today’s fast pace of technological development, the market will see more and more solutions that offer ever greater degrees of driver support. Self-driving trucks may gradually become an important complement in mining operations, for instance, but for transport operations on public roads, the driver will continue to play the major role.”

The building blocks of autonomy There also were a host of announcements from companies that are providing incremental solutions toward autonomous truck operation that will be ready for market far sooner than many of the concept vehicles on display. Eaton announced its Advanced Driver Assist System and Dock Assist feature that allows trucks equipped with certain Eaton automated manual transmissions to employ a self-docking feature to eliminate damage caused by manual docking. The driver positions the truck and trailer in front of the loading dock, applies the service brake, comes to a stop and activates the Dock Assist function. The ADAS software engages transmission controls and backs the truck toward the loading dock. When the transmission senses contact with the dock based on the change in torque, the system allows the truck to self-park. ADAS and Dock Assist soon will be available as a software upgrade for Eaton’s UltraShift Plus, Fuller Advantage and Procision automated manual transmissions running a version 3.7 control module or newer. In what Wabco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 78

Jacques Esculier referred to as “a suite of products that will allow functionalities that will help pave the path toward autonomous driving,” the company unveiled a number of new accident mitigation technologies to detect and avoid obstacles on the roadways, including a partnership with Mobileye, a provider of localization and high-definition lane data. Wabco’s OnGuardMax builds on the company’s existing OnGuard collision mitigation system technology by adding full braking power in case the driver doesn’t react in time to avoid an accident by detecting stationary objects using forward-facing 77GHz radar and high-resolution cameras. The company also introduced OnCity, a collision avoidance system that employs 180-degree sensors that detect pedestrians and obstacles on the sides of the truck and also applies full braking power. Wabco also signed an agreement with Mountain View, Calif.-based Peloton Technology to supply its braking, advanced stability and emergency braking system technology for Peloton’s platooning development program. “[Uncongested] highways in the United States is the first environment that favors platooning,” Esculier said. “Platooning is not only about aerodynamic efficiency. Ultimately it is to pull drivers from trucks, and this is particularly attractive for all countries across the world that have a shortage of drivers.” Earlier this year, Wabco and ZF released Evasive Maneuver Assist, a sensor technology that automatically steers the truck around hazards and avoids rear-end collisions in situations where full active braking systems would not be able to avoid a collision, such an in icy road conditions. EMA is one of the three cornerstones of ZF’s Innovation Truck 2016, along with its Highway Driving Assist system that keeps the truck in its lane at a safe distance behind the vehicle in front, as well as SafeRange, an autonomous maneuvering assistant that independently approaches the required loading dock to reduce the chance of accidents at shipper/receiver facilities.

Eaton’s Advanced Driver Assist System with Dock Assist soon will be available, allowing the truck’s transmission to back the trailer autonomously to the loading dock.

commercial carrier journal | october 2016

IAA_Roundup 2.indd 78

9/27/16 9:06 AM

ISSUU_Setup.indd 14

9/27/16 2:44 PM

Untitled-4