Maintenance

Eaton taps into electric, connected expertise

ATLANTA, Ga. – Eaton’s commercial vehicle group is leveraging broader automotive and electric expertise as it prepares for a future that is increasingly electrified and connected. A newly launched e-mobility business segment – combining elements of the company’s vehicle group and electrical business – is one of the latest signs of that. “There’s going to be a requirement for more power electronics on board,” observed Larry Bennett, director of vehicle technology and innovation, referring to the possibility of three-voltage systems on commercial vehicles. Eaton Electrical, currently responsible for 60% of company revenues, will help to apply lessons from buildings, leading to new smart power management tools and power distribution strategies, he said. There’s already been an increase in electric powertrains for buses and lighter vehicles, of course. And Eaton expects fully electric valvetrain actuation to be a reality within a decade. Hydraulic lash adjustments, now used in passenger cars, could soon manage intakes and exhaust in heavy vehicles as well.

Electronic inspection trial expected this year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Electronic roadside inspections are moving closer to reality thanks to mandated electronic logging devices (ELDs) and inspection requirements defined by the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).

Cyberattacks are a real threat to trucking: panel

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It can begin with someone surfing porn on a fleet tablet, clicking on the link in an email from someone who appears to be a trusted customer, or even using a poorly designed ELD. But no matter how a breach in fleet systems is created, the cybersecurity threats in trucking are all too real.

Four Canadians named to Kenworth Parts Council for 2018

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Kenworth Truck Company has named four Canadians to its 2018 Parts Council, three coming from Western Canada. Jo Frost of Edmonton Kenworth out of Leduc, Alta. will…

ATA calling for improved infrastructure funding

ARLINGTON, Va. – The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is pulling out all the stops in an effort to get the government to invest in upgraded infrastructure in the United States.

Kenworth recognizes top dealers

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – A number of Canadian Kenworth dealers were recently recognized for their achievements at the truck maker’s annual dealer meeting. Kenworth Maska and Kenworth Montreal were named Gold…

Navistar recognizes top suppliers

LISLE, Ill. – Navistar has recognized 32 of its top suppliers with Diamond Supplier Awards. The winners represent the top 2% of Navistar’s supply base. “We are delighted to acknowledge…

More than 100 Volvo dealers now Certified Uptime Centers

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Volvo Trucks North America has announced it now has more than 100 Certified Uptime Centers in its dealer network. The certified dealers maximize uptime through greater service…

White House Infrastructure plan falls short: ATA

ARLINGTON, VA – The American Trucking Associations (ATA) says the new infrastructure plan from the White House falls short on what’s needed to repair roadways, and is calling for more…

Retread, and realize returns

MONTREAL, Que. -- Tires are a fleet’s third-highest operating expense, just after wages and fuel. But while many fleet managers can tell you precisely how many drops of diesel they burn, tire life is often described in vague terms, says Lorenzo Borella, general manager of Montreal’s Système de rechapage RTS. A closer look at the life of rolling rubber will identify just how quickly the rolling rubber is heading to the scrap heap, and stress the need to maximize the underlying investments. Having a healthy casing retreaded, for example, can save as much as 50% compared to buying a new tire of the same brand and model. According to the Tire Retread Information Bureau, those savings add up to billions each year in the North American trucking industry, says Robert Palmer, director of market sales for Bridgestone Americas tire operations.

Lab Report: What story will your oil tell?

Human beings aren't much different from the trucks they drive. Like humans, trucks can have stuff going on inside that could prove detrimental to longevity. Since we can't open a door and peer inside for a look, we rely on blood tests, blood pressure checks, cholesterol, and blood sugar tests, to name a few. Oil sampling and analysis provides a similar level of insight into the internal condition of engines.

Executive Enforcer: In conversation with CVSA’s Collin Mooney

GREENBELT, Md. -- The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has an international focus, finding common ground for roadside inspection practices across North America. But these days the alliance also has a decidedly Canadian face in Collin Mooney. Today’s Trucking caught up with Mooney to discuss ...

Parts is Parts? Hardly. Observations from Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week.

LAS VEGAS, NV -- Children of the 1980s might recall a Wendy’s commercial that mocked the quality of chicken sandwiches from competing fast food chains. “Parts is parts,” the cashier for a generic restaurant says with a shrug, suggesting different pieces can be fused together into some sort of processed Frankenchicken. There are clearly differences in parts, though.

Denso expanding on PowerEdge

LAS VEGAS, NV – Denso Products and Services Americas is building on its PowerEdge Diesel Aftertreatment Program, expanding the coverage for its Diesel Particulate Filters. By this spring it will also offer full coverage of Diesel Oxidation Catalysts. “We recognized the need for an all-new program as costs associated with core management rise and core fallout increases,” says Joe Mejaly, senior vice president. “In addition, we are employing cutting edge technology to improve both the quality and performance of our product offering.”

Wabco launches ProVia budget brand

LAS VEGAS, NV – Wabco has unveiled the ProVia brand of budget parts, taking a step that it says will help bridge the gap between “parts of questionable origin” and premium aftermarket offerings. The products are available exclusively through Wabco’s North American aftermarket organization or distributor network.