Navistar Unveils eStar All-Electric Commercial Truck

Photo Credit: Navistar

Navistar, Inc. has announced during a web conference with the U.S. Department of Energy and FedEx, that it will deliver to FedEx the first full-production eStar—Navistar’s all-electric commercial truck. The company is currently taking orders for the eStar and intends to deliver 400 units by the end of 2010.

The eStar all-electric truck is the first medium-duty commercial vehicle to receive U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification as a clean fuel fleet vehicle as well as California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification as a zero emissions vehicle.

This Class 2c-3 electric truck—the first in its category—has a range of 100 miles per charge, making it ideal for many urban applications. When it returns to its home base at the end of the day, it can be plugged in and fully recharged within 6-8 hours.

Source: Navistar

Capstone Working With US 1 Industries and CalMotors to Install C65 HEV Microturbine System in Class 8 Tractor-Trailer Truck

Capstone Turbine Corporation has announced it is working with trucking company US 1 Industries and CalMotors to install a Capstone C65 in a Class 8 tractor-trailer truck. The ultra low-emission C65 will serve as the on-board generator.

US 1 Industries which operates over 1,400 trucks across the United States, will work with Capstone and CalMotors to install the low emission, microturbine powered electric drive system in a US 1 Class 8 truck that will serve the Port of Los Angeles and areas within 30 to 50 miles of the port.

CalMotors develops electric and hybrid powertrain systems for cars, trucks, and other vehicles, identified the Class 8 truck as an excellent application for a Capstone microturbine.

"The Capstone turbine is well suited as an on-board generator in trucks because of its outstanding emission profile, high efficiency and low vibration and noise levels," said CalMotors Chief Executive Officer Mike Kasaba.

Today's hybrid-electric vehicles offer low emissions when driving in electric mode. However, their range is extremely short between battery charges. A microturbine dramatically extends the driving range of an HEV vehicle.

Source: Capstone Turbine Corporation

New Meritor Trailer Suspension Series Brings Performance Benefits to Truck-Trailer Operators

ArvinMeritor, Inc. has unveiled an all-new series of durable, trailing-arm air ride trailer suspensions to meet the needs of North American truck-trailer operators in vocational markets.

The Meritor Trailing-Arm Air (MTA) series of top-mount and low-mount models completes the company's lineup of air suspension solutions.

Final customer integration and manufacturing readiness -- on the first model, the MTA23 -- continues through summer, with production launch in fall 2010.

"We are focused on and committed to providing only the highest quality suspensions," said Craig Frohock, general manager, Trailer Products, ArvinMeritor.

The suspension series features three technology advancements with distinct operational benefits:

• Patented pivot bushing – absorbs road input resulting in a softer ride, more cargo protection, and reduced torsional stress on the vehicle's structure. Patented steel interleaf shims in the bushing provide improved fore-aft stiffness aiding in dynamic axle alignment, better tire wear, and controlled roll steer.
  
  
• Larger, more robust shock absorbers – specifically tuned to Meritor suspension with three times the damping power, over competitors. Larger bore design for greater suspension control, and more consistent tire contact with the ground, reducing tire tread wear, improved braking and enhanced handling.
  
  
• Unique, patent-pending axle wrap design – for secure and durable axle connection. Also contributes to superior suspension durability, according to company engineers.

Source: ArvinMeritor, Inc.

Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) Rose 0.9% in March from February

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) homepage reports that the Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.9 percent in March from its February level, rising for the third consecutive month.

The BTS reports the March Freight TSI rose 2.6 percent from March 2009, the first year-to-year increase in the freight index since July 2008.

BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the Freight TSI index has risen 4.5 percent over the last 10 months, starting in June, after declining 15.3 percent in the previous 10 months beginning in August 2008.

The index has increased in eight of the last 10 months. The index started 2010 with an increase of 1.6 percent in the first three months.

The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments in ton-miles, which are then combined into one index. The index measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.

Source: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics

Navistar and J.B. Hunt Sign Five-Year Supply Agreement

The Navistar homepage reports that Navistar, Inc. and J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. have announced that the two companies have reached a long-term supply agreement for Navistar to be the principal provider of International brand commercial trucks to J.B. Hunt through 2014.

Photo Credit: Navistar

“We’re excited to once again be J.B. Hunt’s principal commercial truck provider and look forward to delivering them International trucks with MaxxForce® engines as well as the full support of our parts and dealer network,” said Jack Allen, president of Navistar’s North American truck group.

“J.B. Hunt is an industry leader and one of the most metric-driven transportation companies in the world,” Allen added. “They have tested our ProStar with MaxxForce 13 engine and this agreement demonstrates their confidence in the fuel economy, overall performance and no-hassle approach of our MaxxForce Advanced EGR engines.”

Navistar will deliver the International ProStar+ sleepers and day cabs powered by 2010 EPA certified MaxxForce 13 big bore engines.

Source: Navistar

Navistar Adds New Dealers in Key Markets

Navistar, Inc. recently announced changes in its dealer network that will strengthen its distribution and service channel.

Photo Credit: International Trucks

“As conditions in the truck market continue to put more pressure on our customers, we are committed to providing them with North America’s most complete and capable dealer network,” said Jack Allen, president of Navistar’s North American Truck Group. “Through the addition of these five new dealers, we are demonstrating our commitment to bring the best talent available into the International dealer channel. With a growth-oriented business plan, great products and the best after-sales support network, we’ve been able to attract and maintain the best dealers in the industry.”

According to Navistar, through the combination of several dealerships in southern Georgia and West Virginia, the pending ownership change in Utah/Idaho and the addition this week of new dealers in Arizona and Indiana, Navistar is changing the game in its level of distribution and customer support in these markets.

Source: Navistar

Resolution Could be Near for Mexico/U.S. Cross-Border Trucking Program

Trucking Info reports that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently said during a hearing in Washington D.C. that a resolution over the disputed cross-border trucking program with Mexico was "very close".

Originally part of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the cross-border program would have permitted fewer restrictions on truck traffic along the U.S./Mexico border, but has been tied up due to concerns over truck safety and trade issues.

Source: Trucking Info

New Plan Introduced to Get Cleaner Trucks on the Road

Photo Credit: The Port of Los Angeles

The Charleston Regional Business Journal reports on an environmental sustainability program to help trucking lines update their fleets with cleaner trucks.

The plan was presented by The Coalition for Responsible Transport, which includes retail giants such as Walmart, Lowe’s, and Target, during the Greenport Americas conference taking place in Charleston, South Carolina May 4th to 6th.

According to the story, the plan is voluntary and asks that private sector companies pay more for shipping and offer volume assurances to cover the cost of updating truck fleets with newer, cleaner models.

Source: The Charleston Regional Business Journal