Bridgestone L315 On/Off-highway Wide Base Tire Debuts

Bridgestone Firestone recently introduced the L315 tire, on/off-highway wide base radial engineered for long mileage.

According to Bridgestone...

The Bridgestone L315 is designed for axles carrying extra-heavy loads, such as front-discharge cement mixers with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. This new wide base tire is also ideal in job situations where superior traction is required, such as on dump trucks, specialty oil-field equipment and other on/off-highway construction vehicles.

The L315’s lug tread and open shoulder design provide hundreds of biting edges to dig into soft surfaces, promoting superior drive traction in mud and on gravel.

The wide base design distributes footprint pressure for outstanding flotation while also allowing higher payload. In fact, the L315 has an “L” load rating, which allows it to carry 12,300 lbs at 120 psi.

The L315 has a 30/32˝ tread depth for long original tread life and tough tread compounds that resist cuts, chips, tearing and irregular wear. The enhanced compound also fights heat build-up so this on/off-highway tire can be used at sustained speeds to 65 mph.

To enhance retreadability, the groove walls are angled so they won’t retain stones that could pierce the belt package. Heavy-duty casing construction combats bruises and resists belt penetration for superior retreadability. And for more low-cost miles, L315’s casing is engineered to be retreaded for any axle position, with four full steel belts and an all-steel casing ply.

The L315 wide base tire is available in the 445/65R22.5 size in “L” load range.

Source: Bridgestone Commercial Truck Tires

Safeway's California and U.S. Truck Fleet Goes Green

Safeway, one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, announced recently a conversion its entire California and U.S. truck fleet to biodiesel fuel.

According to Safeway...

The biodiesel initiative makes Safeway one of the first major retailers in the United States to convert its entire fleet of more than 1,000 trucks to cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel. The decision by Safeway will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 75 million pounds annually, the equivalent of taking nearly 7,500 passenger vehicles off the road each year.

"Safeway is proud to lead by example to help protect the environment," said Chairman, President and CEO Steve Burd. "Using biodiesel to power our transportation fleet will prevent millions of pounds of carbon emissions from being released into the environment. Our biodiesel program is just one of many initiatives underway that will make a positive impact on the environment."

In Northern California, Lt. Governor John Garamendi will join Mr. Burd for an unveiling of the company's newest biodiesel fueled big rig at a 3 p.m. ceremony on Friday at the company's Dublin, California store. The store is one of the company's green store, and is powered by solar energy. The on-site Safeway fuel center is powered by wind energy.

"Safeway's environmental leadership is a shining example of how businesses can adapt and become a major player in the fight against global warming," said Lt. Governor Garamendi. Thinking green can no longer be a choice in the business world when looking toward the future. Smart businesses are looking over the horizon, and understand that the risks and opportunity associated with this critical issue must be part of their overall plan to grow and to be successful in the future."

Source: Safeway

The Mack Truck Driving Skills Safety Challenge to be featured at the 2008 World of Concrete

The Mack Trucks homepage features details on the Driving Skills Safety Challenge, along with video clips.

The safety challenge is part of the 2008 World of Concrete show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to Mack Trucks...

Mack Trucks, Inc. is again sponsoring a Driving Skills Safety Challenge during the World of Concrete show. The event this year will be held in the Orange Lot outside the Las Vegas Convention Center January 23 - 25 from 10 am to 4 pm.

The competition is open to any driver at least 18 years of age with a valid CDL who completes an application form, shows proof of operator training, and is registered for the show.

This year's event features both individual and team competitions (two operators per team).

Contestants will choose one MACK Granite model mixer to operate through a closed course set up to simulate an actual job site. Operators must complete a pre-operation safety check, successfully navigate the skills course, and then secure the truck as if it were the end of a workday. Each individual or team will have one (1) attempt. Scoring will be based on accuracy and adherence to safety procedures. Specific scoring rules will be provided at the event.

First-, second-, and third-place winners in both the individual and team competitions will be announced during an awards ceremony on Thursday, January 25th at 4:30 pm in the Mack booth (C5469). In addition to a trophy, the following prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in the individual competition, as well as to each operator on the top three 2-person teams:

• 1st Place: $500
  Mack Shop Gift Certificate
  Mack Citizen® Watch

• 2nd Place:
  $300 Mack Shop Gift Certificate

• 3rd Place:
  $100 Mack Shop Gift Certificate

Source: Mack Truck

Chinese executives visit American trucking company

HeraldMail.com features a story on Chinese trucking executives who paid a visit to the Con-way Freight Service Center in State Line Pennsylvania.

The Chinese executives were visiting Con Way to get a look at how American trucking company works. One executive even took a truck for a test drive around the company lot.

A booming economy has lead to a massive expansion of Chinese roads and highways. Over 90% of cargo is moved by truck in China. By contrast, 60% of cargo is moved by truck in the United States.

According to the article, there are over 200,000 trucking companies in China, ranging from one-truck operations to large firms with thousands of trucks.

New Volvo trucks in Europe feature more space and new safety features

It was around a year ago that the Volvo Beevan concept explored the design of futuristic trucks. While the Beevan was more concept than reality, this summer Volvo will start production on new versions of the Volvo FH and Volvo FH16 in Europe feature new technology and safety features.

These images give a glimpse of what Volvo designers have been cooking up to improve driver comfort and safety in new trucks.

According to Volvo...

So just what is it that customers are being offered? Volvo does not want to reveal all the details right now. However, what is certain is that the new range will include an entirely redesigned cab interior. The main focus is on further reinforcing the properties that customers appreciate from the current model range, such as comfort, functionality and safety.


Space, light and smart storage

“We have created a driver’s environment that offers more space and light along with far better storage capability,” says Christer Pehrsson, business area manager for long-haul operations at Volvo Trucks. “Behind the new design lies a thorough analysis of all the needs that a driver may have, both while driving and when the truck is at a standstill. The driver has to be able to work efficiently and live comfortably.”

More space in the driving compartment

The storage compartments above the driver’s seat are of a new design that increases the feeling of space and makes it easier to move around in an upright position inside the cab. Sliding shutter doors make opening and closing easier. The instrument panel too is of a new design and helps give the driver added space. The gear controls for the I-Shift and Powertronic transmissions have been moved out a little from the driver’s seat for the same reason.

Storage under the bed

By relocating some of the storage capacity and creating more compartments under the bed, total storage capacity has been increased even though the interior living space itself feels larger. What is more, the new solution is more flexible than before to meet different customers’ specific needs.

Better scope for relaxation

The level of comfort in the cab is significantly higher, particularly as regards the scope for relaxation. A broader bed with adjustable backrest and a higher position for a more comfortable seat height is one of the new features. Another update is the passenger seat, which can swivel 90 degrees and recline 15 degrees. There is also a powerful audio system with the possibility of inputs for USB, AUX, MP3 and TV.

Lighting quality that is unique in the industry

“We have also worked a lot on providing good lighting inside the cab,” says Christer Pehrsson. “With well-thought-out positioning of 17 light sources and an advanced lighting control that includes a dimmer, it is possible to deliver the light and adjust its brightness exactly according to need. Red night-lighting is also included. Our lighting system is among the very best on the market.”

Monitor whether it rains

Improving visibility under all conditions is of high priority in Volvo’s safety work and as a result the company offers rain sensors for the windscreen wipers. The sensors monitor whether and how much rain is falling, and the windscreen wipers are adjusted automatically to suit. Cornering lights, which provide better visibility when turning, are another solution being introduced on the Volvo FH. More new safety features will be revealed at the launch next summer.

Source: Volvo Trucks

Drive-away prevention system eliminates unscheduled truck departures

Castell Interlocks manufacturers Salvo, a system that prevents a truck from pulling away from a loading dock while workers are loading cargo. To give you an idea of how dangerous an unplanned truck pull-away can be the Salvo site features some photos.



Yep...that sure looks like a bomb of some sort.

Yikes!

To prevent these sort of accidents, the Salvo loading dock safety system secures a truck at the dock to keep workers and cargo safe.

According to Castell...

Unscheduled truck departures increase risk to workers and the potential for damage to loading docks and equipment. The Salvo loading dock safety system from international safety expert Castell ensures that a particular sequence of events happens before a truck is able to pull away from the dock. A new product design and complete kit purchase option have increased ease of installation and shortened order lead times.

The key to the Salvo system is the Salvo gladhand lock. Once the gladhand lock is attached to the truck's brake line, ensuring that brakes are applied and trailer movement has stopped, a uniquely coded key is released. The key is then used in either the automatic or manual door lock, which traps the key, and allows workers inside the plant to unbolt the lock and begin loading or unloading the trailer. When work on the trailer is complete, the door interlock is bolted and the key needed to open the Salvo gladhand brake lock is released, making it possible for the driver to depart.

Castell is now packaging the safety system as a complete kit, with all system components and control panel wiring included. A one-size-fits-all design for the Salvo bollard, brackets and barrier chain set, and modular mounting rack model have lowered customer cost and made installation easier. Castell has also increased durability with a new temperature resistant gladhand lock design, and weatherproof stainless steel storage box. The entire kit is stocked and shipped from Erlanger, Kentucky with short lead times.

Source: Castel Interlocks

January 2008 Roemer report notes increase in trucking's share of nation's freight pool

What will the new year bring for the trucking industry? Challenges lie ahead for truckers and the industry as they deal with an uncertain economy, new laws regulating emissions, and the cost of fuel.

It can be safely said that trucks are going to play an ever-increasing role in keeping the economy rolling. The Roemer Report, a widely read digest of news about the trucking industry, has made some predictions.

From a recent press release...

The January edition of The Roemer Report discusses the projected growth in trucking's share of the nation's freight pool, as predicted by the American Trucking Associations in a recent news release. Despite a rough economic forecast for 2008, the ATA predicts a greater role for trucking in the coming years. The Roemer Report states that trucking within the United States accounted for $196 billion in U.S. motor carrier revenue, while revenue from transportation to Canada, Mexico and other destinations amounted to $8 billion.

The Roemer Report is a monthly digest of news for the trucking industry read by fleet operators, owner-operators and allied personnel. Often referred to as the "Kiplinger Letter of the Trucking Industry", the report has been published by Roemer Insurance for more than 30 years. The publication is distributed free of charge in both print and electronic formats and is archived on the Roemer Insurance website and Insure My Rig, the small fleet division of Roemer Insurance.

The current edition of The Roemer Report discusses a recent ruling by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which refused to return to lower hours-of-service (HOS) limits pushed by safety groups. The January edition also reviews the results of a recent trucking industry survey that finds that the majority of drivers are not happy about the prospect of speed limiters on company trucks, and the issues of truck parking and strategies to prevent hazardous tanker trucks from losing their balance and turning over.

Source: Roemer Insurance

Keeping track of state idiling laws

Anti-idling laws are designed to reduce truck engine emissions and increase fuel efficiency. While they might be intended to do good, they sure can frustrate truckers who must figure out what the laws are state to state.

The Automating Fleet Management blog features a link to a handy PDF document from the American Transport Research Institute, listing idiling laws in different states.

If you need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to read the document, download it here.

Source: Automating Fleet Management and ATRI

35 years and 2.5 million miles of truck driving

There are over three million truck drivers on the road. One of those drivers is Dave Towne: a truck driver for over 35 years and 21 years as a driver for Wal-Mart.

Towne's impressive safety record has earned him the title of one of the safest drivers in Wal-Mart's fleet.

The Mount Pleasant News follows Towne on the job and reports on the challenges a truck driver faces every day.

One toughest parts of the truck driving: dealing with distracted drivers paying attention to cell phones and even laptop computers.

Truckers want change in patchwork of anti-idling laws

With the arrival of 2008 came changes California laws cracking down on how long trucks can idle and how long truckers can run APUs without special filters.

New laws take effect in California, but other states have different regulations. This is confusing and frustrating for truckers who often cross several different states as part of their job.

USA Today reports that some truckers are frustrated with the confusion over the new laws. More problems come from federal regulations that mandate a trucker must stop for rest after a certain number of hours, and that anti-idling laws will force truckers to sleep in uncomfortable conditions without power from their trucks.

Source: USA Today

Caterpillar customers report 2007 Engines Performing Well

Last year, new restrictions on engine emissions went into effect. Truck manufacturers redesigned engines and added new particle filters to comply with the new regulations. Some truckers wondered if the new engine designs would affect performance and reliability.

Recently, Caterpillar's web site posted a press release featuring quotes from customers who are using the new engines, such as the C13 pictured below.

Customers report that the engines are not just keeping the air clean, but the trucks and trailers as well.

With a complete line of four Caterpillar® 2007 engines in full production and readily available, customers are providing feedback on how the newest additions to the Caterpillar engine line are doing on the road.

One such customer is Ray Birkmire, an over-the-road driver for New Century Transportation in Westampton, N.J. Birkmire, a 35-year veteran of driving trucks, averages 130,000 miles each year running east coast to west coast. He currently is running a 430-horsepower 2007 Cat® C13 with ACERT™ Technology. So far, he’s put 80,000 miles on the engine, using the required ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.

Even with the different fuel requirements, performance and fuel economy is equal to or better than previous engines, Birkmire said.

“I’m happy with the engine, it does a good job. I’m not seeing any performance issues with it using the ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. It pulls a mountain in Tennessee that I regularly run at about 65 miles per hour, the same as the previous Cat engine I had,” he said. “We’re getting good fuel mileage, too—it gets 6.8 miles per gallon, and I was amazed that this truck would get that.”

Although the engine iron has changed slightly with the addition of the self-regenerating diesel particulate filter, driving this new C13 feels the same as running a Cat engine always has, according to Birkmire. “There’s no special training required. The dealer sat down with me when the truck came in and explained the regeneration process and the indicator lights,” he said. “Usually it regenerates all by itself, I don’t have to do anything.”

Designed to meet the new, stringent 2007 EPA emissions standards without sacrificing performance, reliability or fuel economy, the new engines provide lower emissions than ever before. One pleasant surprise for Birkmire was how clean the new Cat engine runs.

“There’s no smoke coming out of that stack, which amazes me,” Birkmire said. “It doesn’t smoke at all, and the stack on the truck does not get carbon buildup in it. It actually keeps the trailer clean!”

Source: Caterpillar

California limits on truck idling go into effect

Land line features a story on new limits on idling trucks going into effect in California.

According to Land Line, there has been a five-minute limit on truck idling, with an exception for drivers who are idling during sleep time.

That changed January 1st along with a raise in fines and number of enforcement officers.

Another new rule covers the use of APUs on trucks. 2007 or later model year trucks must use a special filter on diesel APUs.

According to the California Air Resouces Board site...

The new engine requirements require 2008 and newer model year heavy-duty diesel engines to be equipped with a non-programmable engine shutdown system that automatically shuts down the engine after five minutes of idling or optionally meet a stringent oxides of nitrogen idling emission standard. The in-use truck requirements require operators of both in-state and out-of-state registered sleeper berth equipped trucks to manually shut down their engine when idling more than five minutes at any location within California beginning in 2008.

Emission producing alternative technologies such as diesel-fueled auxiliary power systems (APS) and fuel-fired heaters are also required to meet emission performance requirements that ensure emissions are not exceeding the emissions of a truck engine operating at idle. Specifically, the regulation requires diesel APSs installed on trucks with 2007 and newer engines to control particulate matter (PM) emissions by either routing the APS exhaust through the PM trap of the truck engine or by retrofitting the diesel APS with a verified level 3 PM control device that reduces PM emissions by at least 85 percent. Fuel fired heaters installed on trucks with 2007 and newer engines are also required to meet the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle requirements specified in the Low Emission Vehicle regulations. These requirements are effective beginning in 2008.

You can read more on the California Air Resources Board web site.

Source: Land Line and California Air Resources Board