John G Smith Author Gravatar Image Electric Dreams: Are engineers dreaming of electric sheep? by John G Smith Elon Musk's dream of an electric semi has yet to become a reality. A rollout that was first expected to take place in September has been pushed back to November, while Tesla looks to address production delays with its Model 3 cars.
Derek Clouthier Author Gravatar Image Transportation There is no substitute for experience in the engine manufacturing game by Derek Clouthier By now you’ve all heard that Cummins has released a concept fully-electric heavy-duty truck, beating Tesla past the finish line in this market. I was down in Columbus, Ind. for…
James Menzies Author Gravatar Image Human Resources Make driver appreciation a year-round event by James Menzies As I write this, it’s National Trucking Week, and that means it’s time for politicians to write letters thanking Canada’s hardworking drivers, for fleets to host barbecues, and for truck…
Ray Haight Author Gravatar Image Transportation Bridging border barriers/TCA/TPP and why carriers should be there by Ray Haight If forced to identify the top few highlights of my tenure in this great industry, I’d have to admit that one near the top would have to be my time…
Harry Rudolfs Author Gravatar Image Transportation Deleted emissions systems are trouble for the reseller by Harry Rudolfs I was talking to Ron Lynds, used truck sales manager for Nova Truck Sales in Truro, Nova Scotia. I’ve never met the man, but I can tell that he’s a…
Roger McKnight Author Gravatar Image Transportation The National Energy Board should take a page from the Liberals’ wacky tabacky concept by Roger McKnight I admit that I’m in a strange minority – better known as the minority of the strange. That’s because I actually read a hard copy of the news and, yes,…
Ray Haight Author Gravatar Image Transportation Driver wages: The elephant in the room by Ray Haight I have been asked to take on this subject on many times by various readers and although I have touched on it on and off over the years on numerous…
John G Smith Author Gravatar Image Traffic Unjammed: Off-peak deliveries can make a difference by John G Smith Suppose they had a rush hour and nobody came. As strange as the concept sounds, this essentially describes the ultimate goal of off-peak deliveries - the route planning strategy that schedules shipments at times when there is less traffic on the road. There are significant savings to be realized by those who embrace the idea.
Rolf Lockwood Author Gravatar Image Surprise! Cummins goes electric by Rolf Lockwood COLUMBUS, IN - In a dramatic demonstration of technological agility, Cummins finished off a press conference here yesterday by unveiling its all-electric, zero-emissions class-7 tractor. Obviously, it's a first for the 98-year-old diesel manufacturer that wants to become known as a powertrain provider, not an engine builder. It was a surprise to many, even to those of us who knew electric power was in the cards at Cummins, as well as being a small slap in the face to Tesla, which has been threatening to introduce an electric tractor next month. Called the 'AEOS' electric commercial vehicle demonstrator, and built by Roush on what seems to be an International ProStar base, it's a working 4x2 regional hauler, not just a concept shell. Cummins sees its role in vocational applications like urban delivery, port drayage, and terminal container handling. It's claimed to achieve over 30 miles per gallon in diesel-equivalent terms while accelerating 25-35% faster than the same tractor powered by an 11- or 12-liter diesel (depending on rear-axle ratios, of course).
James Menzies Author Gravatar Image Transportation The truck as a member of the team by James Menzies I recently spent a couple days in sunny California, talking connectivity with members of Daimler Trucks North America and its Detroit Connect team. It’s no secret that today’s trucks are…
Roger McKnight Author Gravatar Image Transportation Stop criticizing and start coming up with good solutions by Roger McKnight The critics are annoying because they’re so critical. They point out, with an over bearing pride of their ocular skills, that there’s a hole in the bucket but then they…
Roger McKnight Author Gravatar Image Transportation Should crude oil from Alberta be refined in Alberta? by Roger McKnight Shortly before the demise of the Alberta Conservative dynasty when they were morphed out – or is it smurfed out – of office by a then and still now palpitating…
Roger McKnight Author Gravatar Image Transportation The quest for Wally World inside the world of crude oil refining by Roger McKnight It’s with the threat of a tsunami of frustration, impending doom, and boredom that I will attempt to lighten this discussion by using personification to capture your interest, thus preventing…
John G Smith Author Gravatar Image Printed to Go: 3D printing will transform your access to truck parts by John G Smith Distribution centers and jobbers couldn't possibly afford to stock every single part that a truck owner might need at a given point in time. The massive inventory would tie up far too much space and capital. The best they can do is play a numbers game, focusing on parts used in the widest volume of vehicles, and trying to limit investments in the components that are likely to gather dust on a storage rack.
Rolf Lockwood Author Gravatar Image Headlights Again: Now digital by Rolf Lockwood A few months ago I wrote a couple of times about headlights, complaining that the standard lamps offered in most vehicles -- from cars to heavy trucks -- are insufficient. Meaning, it's too easy to over-drive your lights at what are pretty ordinary speeds nowadays. The light just isn't thrown far enough down the road, reducing the ability of a driver to see far enough ahead to avoid an obstruction and maybe a catastrophic accident.
