John G. Smith is the editorial director of Newcom Media's trucking and supply chain publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, TruckTech, Transport Routier, and Road Today. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.
Study showcases use of fuel-saving tech
ARLINGTON, VA - What does it take to reach 6.5 miles per gallon (36 liters per 100 kilometers)? A survey by the American Transportation Research Institute, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, and sponsors at ExxonMobil offers some insights into what fleets did to reach this median target.
Ontario reviewing Class D requirements
TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is revisiting the medical, vision and knowledge requirements for Class D licence holders -- and the potential of aligning them with other commercial vehicle classes, the Ontario Trucking Association reports. A Class D is needed to operate straight trucks with gross weights above 24,000 pounds, and combinations above that weight which include towed vehicles with gross weights below 10,000 pounds. The proposed alignment would subject Class D drivers up to the age of 64 to complete knowledge and vision tests every five years, those under 46 to submit a medical every five years, those 46-64 to submit a medical report every three years, and those 65 and over to submit an annual medical, the association says.
ELDs, cost controls top carrier and shipper agenda
TORONTO, ON - Telematics are increasingly being used to control costs, but shippers and carriers who spoke at the recent Surface Transportation Summit are recognizing that more challenges are on the horizon - especially when it comes to pending mandates for Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs).
New International LT Series boosts fuel economy 7%
LAS VEGAS, NV - International's new flagship line of Class 8 over-the-road trucks - the LT Series -- has been unveiled with a wide array of driver-friendly improvements in the cab, and the promise of "unrivaled fuel efficiency" overall. "The new International LT Series reflects our vision for the future of the trucking industry, with a host of advancements that support improved driver safety and productivity, as well as fuel efficiency and uptime," said Bill Kozek, Navistar's president - truck and parts. "This new vehicle reflects our strong belief that integrating the best technology will provide customers with a significant operating advantage." The LT Series will be offered as a day cab, in 56-inch low-roof and high-rise sleepers, and 73-inch high-rise and sky-rise sleepers. Options under the hood include the new 2017 Cummins X15 engine with ratings up to 500 horsepower in the Efficiency Series and up to 565 horsepower in the Performance Series. The truck can also be powered by the proprietary 2017 Navistar N13 engine, available in the spring, which produces up to 475 horsepower and 1,750 lb-ft of torque in a design that is 500 to 600 pounds lighter than other big bore engines.
ATA wants brakes put on speed limiter proposal
ARLINGTON, VA - The American Trucking Associations (ATA) says it continues to hold a "pro-safety policy" regarding speed limiters, but it is raising concerns about a proposal to mandate the technology in the U.S. "Despite ATA's decade-old, pro-safety policy on speed, the new joint rulemaking from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Administration proposes a menu of three speed options for commercial trucks, not one," said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. "It provides insufficient data, and fails to make a recommendation regarding which of the three proposed speeds it believes is best and why. "