Mack Trucks Introduces MVASIST To Provide Faster Service Estimates

Mack Trucks, Inc. recently introduced an innovative process called MVASIST to provide customers with faster, more accurate service estimates and write-ups when their trucks need service.

According to Mack Trucks...

MVASIST is an internet application that simplifies the critical first step of the service process by providing the service writer with integrated fleet and manufacturer information. Customers benefit with greater uptime, improved cost management and a better overall service experience.

MVASIST is fully integrated into Mack systems to give service writers at dealerships instant access to parts information, service bulletins and MVPreferred® customer specific parts pricing. This information is based on the individual vehicle identification number (VIN) and a customized fleet profile.

When a customer's truck pulls into a participating Mack dealership for service, the service writer discusses the truck's issues with the driver and performs an initial evaluation. Using MVASIST, the service writer is able to access Mack build information for that specific vehicle. This alerts the service writer to required maintenance operations and inspections for the truck (some of which can be part of the fleet's customized MVASIST profile). The program then creates a comprehensive and accurate estimate, including related service operations, parts, labor, shop supplies, waste disposal fees and taxes. It also incorporates pricing for fleets that participate in Mack's MVPreferred parts program.

Source: Mack Trucks

Navistar Expects Record Revenue In 2008.

Despite the pressures on the truck market due to fuel prices and rough economic news, Navistar recently announced increased market share for their traditional truck business.

According to Navistar...

“Midway through 2008, a much weaker year for the industry than even 2007, we are truly realizing the benefits of our growth strategy,” said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and chief executive officer.

“With recent billion-dollar-plus orders in our bus and defense businesses and considerable order receipt increases in our core truck markets, we expect to achieve record revenue in 2008. And, even more importantly, deliver nearly $1 billion in manufacturing segment profit,” said Ustian.

The company also detailed second quarter 2008 worldwide shipments of Class 6-7 medium trucks and Class 8 heavy trucks, school buses and expansion market vehicles of 27,200 – a 41 percent increase over the first quarter. Navistar U.S. and Canada dealer stock inventories reached a five-year low, while both year-to-date market share and order receipt share increased an average of 4 percentage points across all vehicle lines versus the same period of 2007.

Source: Navistar

1980 Kenworth W900 Still Going Strong After 3.75 Million Miles

Trucker Bill Donnelly is profiled by RoadKing.com about his 1980 Kenworth W900. Donnelly's truck has on only 5 miles on it when he drove it off the lot. 3.75 million miles later the truck is still going strong.

Donnelly's son writes about his fathers truck and the attention paid to keeping it running. Regular maintenance and repair keep small mechanical problems from turning into big ones.

All those miles have not been easy. Kenworth suffered severe damage during a fuel stop when struck by another truck. Instead of replacing the truck, Donnelly repaired and upgraded it personally.

Source: RoadKing.com

RESOURCES:

• Kenworth Truck Company
• Kenworth Trucks on Commercial Truck Trader
• Kenworth W900 Trucks on Commercial Truck Trader

Kenworth T800 Adds Automatic Transmission Offerings

Kenworth recently introduced new automatic transmission offerings for customers in construction and shorthaul applications with high horsepower requirements.

The Kenworth T800 can now be ordered with Allison 4000 and 4500 series transmissions when spec’d with Cummins ISX engines, not to exceed 1,650 lb-ft.

According to Kenworth...

“The new Kenworth T800 configuration offers the benefits of automatic transmissions while also meeting high horsepower requirements,” said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales. “The Kenworth T800 is one of the industry’s leading models and this new offering will strengthen its position with customers to help get the job done in their specific applications.”

The Allison 4000 and 4500 series transmissions offered are especially designed for rugged duty or highway truck operators that are seeking productivity gains, durability advances and lower cost of ownership over the life of the truck. According to Allison, the transmissions feature torque converter technology that provides seamless full power shifts, which help vehicles to work within the best duty-cycle speeds faster and more efficiently. That saves times on routes, which can lead to greater productivity and fuel efficiency.

Source: Kenworth

Sterling Introduces Its First Natural Gas-Powered Vehicle

Concerns over truck emissions have resulted in new laws and regulations on trucks in shipping terminals. While truck manufacturers have sought to clean up diesel emissions with filters and improved engines, the demand for low-emission trucks have moved alternative fuels from the testing lab to the loading dock.

Sterling Truck Corporation recently rolled out a new natural gas (NG)-fueled tractor. The Sterling Set-Back 113 fueled with Natural Gas is ideal for port operations, as well as natural gas utilities and municipalities. An OEM factory-built product, this truck is powered by the Cummins Westport ISL G.

According to Sterling Trucks...

Natural gas technology can save an estimated $6,000 in annual fuel and operating costs per truck. Customers in states such as California will also benefit from tax incentives for alternative fuel vehicles. Fuel providers take advantage of these incentives, too, which means that accessibility to NG fuel is on the rise.

"Due to deterioration in air quality, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have embraced the use of alternative fuels in commercial vehicles. At the same time, utility companies and municipalities throughout North America have shown increased interest in green transportation technology," said Richard Shearing, manager of product strategy for Sterling Truck Corporation. "By introducing the Set-Back 113 with Natural Gas, we're giving our customers a hard-working truck that reduces both costs and environmental emissions."

Source: Sterling Trucks

Hendrickson Develops A Lift Axle For Roll-Off Chassis

Hendrickson Auxiliary Axle Systems recently unveiled a new lift axle model specifically for Class 8 roll-off vehicles - COMPOSILITE RO.

According to Hendrickson...

The latest addition to the popular COMPOSILITE family, the 13,500-pound capacity RO fixed axle model fits flat to the frame for maximum clearance from cylinder beams, attachments and sliding components. Scalloped hangers aid in the clearance around roll-off cylinders.

Hendrickson positioned COMPOSILITE RO springs and parallelogram components inside the frame rails retaining a compact 23.5-inch packing space.

Beams are spaced inboard one-inch for additional clearance, and unique air spring plates mount to the inside of the frame rail.

The parallelogram design keeps lift axle beams parallel to ensure proper wheel tracking and help enhance tire life, and lift plates remain parallel to extend air spring life. The stabilizer features a cover to protect the stabilizing rod from dirt and debris throughout travel.

COMPOSILITE RO fixed axle delivers 13 inches of travel and 10 inches of lift and weighs in at 905 pounds.

Source: Hendrickson

Kenworth Adds Popular Extended Day Cab Option For C500 Vocational Model

The Kenworth Truck Company website reports that Kenworth now offers its popular Extended Day Cab option for the Kenworth C500 model, which has long been the industry standard for durability, quality and driver comfort in the off-highway trucking sector.

“We’re pleased to introduce the Kenworth Extended Day cab for the Kenworth C500, which serves such demanding applications as oilfield, mining, heavy haul, logging and construction,” said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales.

The spacious Kenworth Extended Day Cab further enhances driver comfort with an additional 6 inches of length and 5 inches of cab height compared to Kenworth’s traditional day cab. The Extended Day Cab also offers 2 more inches behind the wheel, additional leg room, up to 21 degrees of recline in the driver’s seat, and 2 extra cubic feet of storage behind the driver’s seat.

The Kenworth Extended Day Cab is available for new C500’s with a 2007 or later engine and with either one-piece or two-piece curved glass windshield. Contact your Kenworth dealer for more details. The Extended Day Cab is also available on the Kenworth T660, T800, and W900 models.

Source: Kenworth

Class 8 Truck Sales Up In April 2008

According to TheTrucker.com, Ward’s Automotive reports new heavy-duty truck sales were up 15 percent in April compared to March. This is the third consecutive month truck sales have improved in 2008.

Truck sales still suffer from economic worries and the impact of high fuel prices. Analysts and truck manufacturers expect that sales should pick up near the end of this year and through 2009.

New truck standards for 2010 should help sales, but the economy is still the strongest factor to encourage or hinder new truck purchases.

Source: TheTrucker.com

Arkansas Governor Announces New Trucking Workforce Pilot Initiative

Governor Mike Beebe of Arkansas announced Friday the Trucking Workforce Pilot Initiative, a program to train as many as 300 Arkansas residents as new truck drivers.

The Morning News in Northwest Arkansas reports that 600 to 800 trucking jobs need to be filled in Arkansas.

The new program is designed to encourage new truckers who would otherwise be reluctant to pursue trucking jobs due to the cost of training.

Source: The Morning News

Love's Travel Stops To Offer Michellin Truck Tires

Michelin recently announced a cooperative agreement with Love's Travel Stops, expanding service to the trucking industry.

According to Michelin...

Beginning in May 2008, Love's Travel Stops will feature Michelin truck tires and related products and will begin expanding the services offered at many of their locations to include tire and emergency road service.

"For over four decades, Love's Travel Stops has grown with the trucking industry," said Guy Pekle, vice president of Replacement Sales, Michelin Americas Truck Tires. "Love's has earned a reputation of excellence in delivering much needed products and services for the over-the-road customers. Their commitment to providing outstanding service to the trucking community mirrors that of Michelin, which makes this agreement very beneficial for truckers coast-to-coast."

Love's Travel Stops is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and operates over 200 locations.

Source: Michellin

Con-Way Inc. Reduces Speed On Trucks To Save Fuel And Enviroment

San Mateo County Times reports that trucking company Con-way Inc. is setting the maximum speed for their trucks to 65 mph.

The effort by Con-Way affects around 2,700 trucks.

The effort is aimed at not just saving money on fuel (about 2.8 million gallons per year) but also reduce carbon emissions by 62 million pounds.

Source: InsideBayArea.com

The American Trucking Associations launches first-ever industry-wide environmental sustainability program

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) recently launched a far-reaching program of initiatives to set the industry on the road toward a more sustainable future under the banner Trucks Deliver a Cleaner Tomorrow.

This first-ever industry-wide environmental sustainability program identifies a series of initiatives that will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, thereby helping combat the challenge of global climate change.

ATA President and CEO Bill Graves praised the program as a landmark effort that will join all trucking industry stakeholders to work together on these issues.

"ATA has committed itself to a series of measures that can reduce fuel consumption by 86 billion gallons and CO2 emissions by 900 million tons for all vehicles over the next 10 years," said Graves. "Our proposals are practical, reasonable, and doable. They make environmental sense, and they make common sense."

"The program is a continuation of environmental advances made by the trucking industry over the last quarter century," Graves added. "But there's no doubt that today's skyrocketing diesel prices give us an added incentive to roll it out across the industry, and for Congress to provide the support the program needs."

The report includes six key recommendations to reduce fuel consumption and addresses the impact of these activities on the environment. They are the equivalent of eliminating the CO2 generated by 9.6 million Americans for one year - roughly equal to the population of the Chicago metropolitan area.

The recommendations are displayed on a new Web site, www.trucksdeliver.org, together with full details of the trucking industry's new commitments on sustainability:

• Set governors on new trucks to limit speeds to no more than 68 mph and reduce the national speed limit to 65 mph for all vehicles.
• Reduce engine idling.
• Increase fuel efficiency by encouraging participation in the U.S. EPA SmartWay(SM) Transport Partnership Program.
• Reduce congestion by improving highways, if necessary by raising the fuels tax.
• Use more productive truck combinations.
• Support national fuel economy standards for trucks.

Source: The American Trucking Associations

Testing By NavStar Shows ProStar Is Most Aerodynamic And Fuel-Efficient Class8 Truck On Road

NavStar is proud of the International ProStar truck and new test results showing the it is the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient Class 8 truck on the road.

NavStar is so proud that they took out an ad in Times Square: the place in New York City usually reserved for billboards of supermodels and blockbuster Hollywood.

According to NavStar...

Record diesel prices are driving on-highway trucking customers to look for every edge to curb fuel costs, beginning with their choice of truck. Navistar today released definitive results of extensive testing confirming that the International ProStar is the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient Class 8 truck on the road.

Recent tests demonstrate that the International ProStar is 7.3 percent more aerodynamic and 7 percent more fuel-efficient than Freightliner’s Cascadia, ProStar’s closest competitor. Overcoming aerodynamic resistance is particularly important for on-highway trucks, as is a fuel-efficient power train.

This margin of leadership translates into substantial savings. Whether operated as part of a company’s fleet of trucks or by an owner-operator, Class 8 trucks rack up a lot of highway miles each year consuming large amounts of diesel fuel. At 120,000 miles a year, each ProStar can save approximately $5,800 annually in fuel over its nearest competitor.

“Clear and decisive fuel-economy leadership is great news for our customers,” said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The ability to save thousands of dollars in fuel with one truck over the course of a year is extremely significant, especially with the financial pressures placed on truck and fleet owners.”

Navistar is leading the industry in conducting and publishing ongoing testing results so its customers can benefit from fuel-economy savings. Both over-the-road and wind tunnel tests use rigorous TMC and SAE testing procedures, regarded as the highest standards of testing in the transportation industry. Wind tunnel tests were conducted at the National Research Council Institute for Aerospace Research in Canada utilizing SAE J1252 wind tunnel testing practices.

Source: NavStar

Haishan Deng's Super Tipper Truck - The Future of Dump Trucks

The futuristic design of the Super Tipper Truck looks more like a giant pack animal than a conventional dump truck. That is no accident. Designer Haishan Deng used the movement of big creatures in nature to create a dump truck that is more maneuverable.

You can see more of Haishan Deng's amazing designs at www.haishandesign.com

According to the Super Tipper Truck press release...

Super Tipper Truck is a winning design of 2007/2008 Red Dot design award. This concept was designed to find new solutions and technology which can be used in future tipper truck design. It is also a future vision of F.X.Meiller’s tipper truck. F.X.Meiller is the leading tipper manufacturer in Europe. The company is based in Munich, and truck company including Mercedes Benz, MAN, Renault, Volvo, Iveco has their tipper truck assembled in Meiller Kipper.

Haishan Deng is the designer of this concept. The idea comes from structure and movement of four feet animal. Tipper trucks have served the construction industry for a hundred years. Over the century, though tip trucks have got bigger and stronger, they’re largely still based on a design we all first encountered in the sand pit as children. Super Tipper Truck has been designed with new solutions and technology. It also seeks new methods and solutions to problems inherent with the traditional one.

Traditional dump trucks are able to only unload materials backwards or sideways, and the driver requires an amount of time to adjust the truck to specific position. Super Tipper Truck solves this problem by using a tipper that is able to unload materials in all four directions.

It took me a long time to figure out a structure to do this function. Normally the tipper is fixed on base pan of trucks. If the tipper needs to unload to four directions the structure will be very complicate and the cockpit is always a problem. So I searched the nature to find some inspirations. Finally the body of quadruped animals helps me to find out the solution. In this concept, the base pan of trucks was removed instead with the tipper as a center main connection of every part of the truck.

The suspension arms are connected to main tipper on rails, to allow parts to slide past each other. The wheels are attached to independent engines, which allow them to move in different directions. The hydraulic system attached to the each arm moves the arms to enable the main tipper to rotate and be positioned in different angles. The cockpit is also independent which can be lifted up or down just like head of animals, so the truck can unload at the front. The ability to unload at front makes it easier for drivers to navigate and position the truck more accurately, and thus, it also makes the process safer.

The flexibility of unloading makes the whole process fast and simple; and makes the management of trucks at construction sites - especially when a number of them are in use- more efficient.

As ground conditions on constructions sites are often unstable and uneven, the independent suspension arms with engines allow it to navigate and unload over tough terrains effortlessly. It can also be driven down and unload on incline surface which is very useful but impossible to do by traditional trucks. Another benefit from the moving cockpit is the truck can load some kind of materials such as sand, mud by itself while it open the tipper to the front and be driven towards the materials.

Safety is also in consideration of this concept. The cockpit is surrounded with glass of wide range vision. Driver can see what is down there through the glass on the cockpit floor like helicopter. To protect driver in extreme conditions, the cockpit has an enhanced strength roof and hard side protection.

Source: Haishan Deng

Kenworth T800s Keep On Hauling Under Harsh Conditions

Kenworth's homepage reports on their T800s working in the rugged and remote energy fields of the Unitah Basin of northeastern Utah. RN Industries in Roosevelt, Utah, uses T800 to haul water for the drilling rigs.

According to Kenworth...

RNI's fleet has grown rapidly to more than 240 trucks, mostly Kenworth T800s. RNI president Roger Chapman prefers Kenworth T800s for their quality, durability and resale value.

"We look at the cost of owning trucks long term, not just short term," said Chapman, whose fleet operates mostly in harsh mountainous terrain where the gas fields are located. As natural gas is pumped out of the ground, it brings with it briny water that has to be properly disposed. RNI's water vacuum trucks haul the wastewater to designated facilities. "The T800 is our workhorse," he said. "Those Kenworth cabs hold together in rust-service applications better than anything we have ever tried."

Thanks to new technologies that didn't exist 15 years ago, Utah's natural gas industry is growing rapidly. Now drillers can get more gas out of the ground safely while drilling wells much closer together. As the drilling rigs have multiplied, so has the number of RNI trucks. Last year, more than 130 new Kenworth trucks were purchased by RNI, with 60 more T800s currently on order for 2008.

Quality and durability are key factors in truck selection because of the severe environment in the oil fields. Chapman's business philosophy has been to consolidate truck purchases around the best piece of equipment, and enjoy the benefits of less downtime and lower cost operations. With Kenworth T800s spec'd with 500-to-600 hp engines and 18-speed transmissions, RNI has been able to meet the growing demand for wastewater removal by providing consistent, on-time service under extreme conditions.

Having a new fleet of Kenworth T800s also helps recruit and retain top drivers in a highly competitive market. "Drivers like the T800s," he said. "We gain and retain a lot of good drivers because of the equipment we operate."

What's the best thing about owning Kenworth T800s? "Resale value - Kenworth has the best in the industry," said Chapman, who has plenty of buyers but too few trucks that he's willing to part with. "Every year we order more trucks thinking we'll trade some in. But every year we have grown that much more and needed that many more units. So we haven't had the opportunity to trade them. Eventually we want to get to a five-year trade-in cycle, but not yet."

Source: Kenworth

U.S. Transportation Secretary Launches Blog To Speak Directly To Citizens

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters recently launched Fast Lane, the Department’s new blog. Accessible at http://fastlane.dot.gov.

Department of Transportation says that Fast Lane will be an on-line community for all those interested in the nation’s transportation system and its future.

According to the Department of Transportation...

Fast Lane contributors will include Secretary Peters, Deputy Secretary Thomas Barrett, Administrators from the Department’s operating agencies, and other senior officials. In addition, the site will welcome guest bloggers from government, industry, and the transportation community. The Department will also use the blog to break news and make announcements.

“Fast Lane will allow me and others here at the Department to speak directly with interested citizens, members of the transportation community and the blogosphere to engage in an earnest conversation about our nation’s transportation future,” Secretary Peters said. “I have made 21st century solutions a priority for our transportation system, and now I’m thrilled to be using a 21st century communications tool to reach Americans in a whole new way.”

Fast Lane is an open forum, and visitors are encouraged to submit comments, contribute ideas, and bring to the Department’s attention innovative and exciting transportation activities in their communities. All comments will be reviewed before inclusion, and a representative sample will be posted to the site.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation

Kenworth's T2000 sleek design gets noticed by businesses

Trucks do more than just haul freight. A truck can act as a rolling billboard for a business brand name and project a professional image.

The Kenworth homepage features a profile of Kevin Erion, president of Erion Racing, headquartered in Orange, California. Erion Racing uses Kenworth T2000s for his business.

According to Kenworth...

“Ours is a very high profile, high visibility and image-driven business,” said Kevin Erion, president of Erion Racing, headquartered in Orange, Calif. “Our Kenworth T2000s fit the image profile perfectly, with both cutting-edge technological features and sleek aerodynamic design.”

When the team’s first Kenworth T2000 arrived on the circuit in 2001, other teams and sponsors took notice. “I soon realized there were other high visibility companies involved in racing that also wanted to project a good image with a quality truck, but they didn’t necessarily want to own a truck,” said Erion. “So I thought, if I could operate one truck, why not two, four or six? That was the beginning of my trucking business.”

Drivers often request trucks equipped with automatic transmissions for comfort and safety, so do Erion's clients.

“Some of my trucks have automatic transmissions because the clients prefer them,” Erion says. “Some have bigger engines. The only thing that I have standardized on is the Kenworth T2000 because of its performance design.

“Everyone who drives for me says it’s the best truck they have ever driven. There’s not one specific thing that they point to and say ‘that’s what I like most about the truck,’ because everything about the Kenworth T2000 is quality. It’s comfortable, roomy and smooth riding. Drivers love them.”

Source: Kenworth Truck Company