As trucking fleets prepare for the availability of all-electric, plug-in Class 8 tractors, they are evaluating existing power capabilities at terminal locations and working through what’s needed for charging infrastructure to support these vehicles.
May 11, 2018Business, Equipment
Volvo Trucks Adds Second All-Electric Truck in Europe
Volvo Trucks expanded its European push into electrification, announcing its FE electric model, intended for heavier city distribution and refuse transport operations with gross weights of up to 59,525 pounds.
May 11, 2018Business, Technology, Equipment
All-Electric Trucks Present Training Challenges
All-electric Class 8 tractors can present new challenges for maintenance shops, including the training of technicians, but fleets said they expect overall maintenance requirements to decrease.
May 11, 2018Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel
Charging All-Electric Trucks
Business, Technology, Equipment, Autonomous
Uber to Offer Food Delivery by Drone in San Diego
Uber Technologies Inc. plans to deliver food by drone in San Diego as part of a wide-reaching commercial test program approved by the federal government May 9, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said.
May 11, 2018Business, Technology, Equipment
Data Management and Cybersecurity
ATA's Technology & Maintenance Council will host the Fleet Data Management & Cybersecurity Conference, a new event to address pressing issues in fleet data management and cybersecurity, June 5-7 in Raleigh, N.C.
May 11, 2018Business, Technology, Equipment
The ‘Other’ Components: Oft Ignored, But Important
Engines. Brakes. Tires. These are among the major components of a Class 8 truck that tend to get the most attention in the transportation industry and in the trade press that covers it.
May 11, 2018Business, Equipment
Both Composites and Foam Have Roles in Reefer Insulation
Reefers need to be able to keep freight at a specified temperature, but there is more than one way to achieve thermal efficiency.
May 11, 2018Business, Equipment
Figuring Out Fan Drives
Many in the industry say variable-speed drives, which run only as fast as necessary, are increasingly popular. Variable drives can save on horsepower and therefore save on fuel. However, the more traditional on-off drive also is a popular choice because it’s simplest and cheapest.
May 11, 2018Business, Technology, Equipment
Discs or Drums?
Not all fleets are convinced of the benefits of air disc brakes. But suppliers maintain there is a growing acceptance of them for heavy-duty trucks, driven by an increase in the deployment of active safety technology, such as collision mitigation and avoidance systems.
May 11, 2018Business, Technology, Equipment
Trailer Composites in Focus
In the endless quest to make trailers lighter, sturdier and more thermally efficient, some trailer manufacturers are expanding their use of composite materials, which could offer the potential for a higher strength-to-weight ratio.
May 11, 2018