Shell Opens Even More Natural-Gas Fuelling Stations
HOUSTON, TX -- Shell Oil Co. is continuing with its rollout of liquefied natural gas (LNG) truck fueling stations in North America .As customer demand grows in the U.S., Shell and TA plan to open additional truck fuelling lanes. "This is another step forward in providing LNG fuel supply to heavy-duty road customers in the U.S.," said Christian Buelow, a Shell general manager
Will Your Mirrors Be Replaced By Cameras?
PORTLAND, OR -- The parent company to truck makers Freightliner and Western Star has asked the U.S. federal government for permission to put newer technology in place of required equipment. In its petition to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) asked the agency to revise federal regulations so it can replace rear view mirrors with camera-monitor systems (CMS). The U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), number 111, requires rear view mirrors on each side of heavy-duty trucks. The reason, according to petition, "is necessary for manufacturers like DTNA to optimize vehicles for fuel efficiency." "DTNA strongly believes that CMS technology can achieve the same or better level of safety as outside rearview mirrors in providing the driver a view to the rear along both sides of the vehicle, but with enhanced environmental benefits, especially for large trucks," the company said in the petition.
U.S. Issues Electronic Stability Control Mandate for Trucks
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Transportation Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Wednesday it has finalized rules requiring electronic stability control (ESC) systems on new commercial trucks and large buses. The regulations require the systems on Class 6-8 trucks plus large buses exceeding 26,000 pounds in gross weight. Compliance will be evaluated using a "j-turn" test that replicates a curved highway off-ramp. The rules will take effect for most heavy trucks two years from publication of the regulations while some of the largest buses will have longer to comply. Canada is expected to adopt similar regulations.
North American Class 8 Orders Drop, Medium Duty Rebounds
BLOOMINGTON, IN and COLUMBUS, IN -- Two new reports show North American Class 8 truck orders in May declined to their lowest level since September 2013. The freight transportation forecasting firm FTR released preliminary data showing May net orders totaled 19,714 units, an 11% month-over-month decline and 23% lower than a year ago.
Time to Get Ready for the Big Trucking Inspection Blitz
It's that time of the year to make sure every truck along with driver paperwork is in order because those who don't could be sidelined and forced to shell out hundreds if not thousands of dollars.The 28th annual, three-day International Roadcheck 2015 is set for June 2-4, when approximately 10,000, local, provincial, state and federal inspectors in jurisdictions across North America fan out for roadside inspections. The event is organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), in cooperation federal governments in Canada, U.S. and Mexico. Inspectors will primarily be conducting the North American Standard Level I Inspection, the most thorough roadside inspection, that's a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of both the driver and vehicle.
Avoid Fines, Penalties This Week: Secure Your Cargo
Not having your cargo properly secured could lead to a world of problems, more so than usual, as truck inspectors across North American are gearing up to hit the highways throughout North America. June 2-4 is the annual, three-day truck inspection marathon known as International Road Check, when 10,000 truck inspectors will be out in full force, handing out fines and placing trucks and drivers out-of-service for safety violations.In addition to performing a high number of the tough Level I inspections, where they thoroughly scrutinize both the driver and their tractor-trailer, they will be putting a special emphasis on checking cargo securement.
