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What the driver of a truck barreling down the highway or maneuvering in heavy traffic sees out the windshield and in side-view mirrors is not always what he or she [...]

Owner-operators of small fleets save money and time by buying and selling used trucks and trucking equipment especially when new models are unavailable. For instance, Greg Buchan, owner-operator of household/corporate mover Pompano, FL-based Magnum Moving Inc, acquired a used Kenworth T2000 after seeing it in the Internet. Aside from Kenworth, there are other major independent dealers and original equipment manufacturers providing access to databases of used-truck inventory through the Internet.

Full electronic braking systems (EBS) were once perceived to be a pipe dream but appear to becoming a reality within the trucking industry. Existing federal regulations require such systems to be baked up by a pneumatic system, which makes the installation of an EBS more expensive. However, leading brake system suppliers and automotive original equipment manufacturers are working to make the new technology both cost-effective and practical for truck fleet operators.

The trucking industry is taking steps to enhance the image of truck mechanics as a way to improve retention rates. The training programs of three companies are described to illustrate how this can be accomplished. At New England Motor Freight, mechanics are signed into apprenticeship programs that provide good pay scales, enabling staff to be constantly replenished. At PGT Trucking Inc, a school-to-work training program is used to encourage young people to become mechanics while at Southeastern Freight Lines flexible work conditions and retraining are emphasized.

A and A Express is a trucking company based in Brandon, SD, that offers temperature-controlled freight services. Founded in 1945 as a hauler of livestock and grain, A and A Express operates various type of machines solely for reefer run applications. The company also utilizes mobile communications systems and computerized controls to meet the capacity, consistency and quality requirements of its customers.

Tire manufacturers are now utilizing new information-based systems designed for dealer use and direct fleet application, such as tire-leasing to improve tire management. Tire leasing is designed to cut operating cost of truck fleets through outsourcing the management and handling of tire works without relinquishing the ownership of equipment assets. Moreover, the installation of a programmable microchip or electronic tags inside a new tire would be implemented within ten years. These electronic tags would monitor the tire's air pressure, temperature and data for tire management.

The lubricants industry is busy trying to develop products which will comply with successive changes in emission regulation. The American Petroleum Institute is currently working on developing products for the Proposed Category (PC) 7.5, oil products which will comply with the next round of emission regulation scheduled for January 2002, as well as products for PC-9, the next generation of lubricants which will handle the emission requirements of engines using the exhaust gas recirculation technology.

The inevitable occurrence of shortages and turnovers of drivers in trucking firms has forced managers to rethink their recruitment practices to stay competitive. Traditional practices of relying on company-owned and operated equipment have given way to the hiring of independent contractors. However, some truckers disagree and contend that depending on outsourced labor can be detrimental to a firm's safety standards and hurt its reputation.

The latest trend in fleet owner and driver demand for high torque engines has led a number of trailer, suspension and rear-axle manufacturers to improve the design of the rear-axle and suspension to minimize the effects of engine torque on driveline geometry. Volvo Trucks of North America uses an integrated vehicle design to help determine the correct torque reactivity in its truck and trailer combinations. The common solution for reducing the effects of higher torques of electronic diesels is the installation of air suspensions which are better at responding to changes in driveline geometry.

A successful fleet safety program would need the collective participation of fleet owners, managers, dispatchers, mechanics and drivers. Safety awareness need to be an continuing effort to promote safe driving. It is helpful to teach and compensate the efforts of mechanics and other workers to boost safety driving. Pitt-Ohio Express Inc's employee-intensive safety program enabled the company to rank among the leading carriers that have low accident frequency, according to Ron Uriah, VP for safety and employee relations at Pitt-Ohio.

A salary survey reveals that salaries among fleet companies barely increased for the last two years but factors such as level of education and type or number of functions are found to be possible determinants of higher pay. The respondents in the $91,000 to $125,000 and over $125,000 categories who claimed a salary increase comprise only of 1%. On the other hand, 81% of respondents earning $51,000 have a college degree while 39% with a $51,000 salary have a multiple job functions.

A number of specific duty fleet owners are finding that purchasing trucks suited to specific conditions maximizes costs and reduces maintenance requirements. Mays Landing Sand and Gravel Co, Manfredi Motor Transit Co, William H. Martin Inc and Medford Foods have all replaced their trucks with specific duties to effectively reduce costs, improve profits, reduce maintenance and improve comfort.

Pillsbury in St. Luois, MO, Crete Carrier Corp. in Lincoln, NE, Aluminum Company of America in Tennesee, Drake Bakeries Inc. in Wayne, NJ. and Whirpool Co. in Michigan are some of several truck fleets that have employed logistic providers to enhance their distribution efficiency. They found logistics to provide them with optimum route and asset utilization and relief in terms of on-site management and skilled-driver recruitment.

Heavy-duty class 8 truck manufacturers plan various changes for the year 1998. Freightliner will purchase Ford's heavy-duty truck business, while Marmon Motors has gone out of business. Ford will refocus its efforts on smaller trucks. Most manufacturers in this class plan to continue adding more custom vocational options to their vehicles.

New models of Class 6-7 trucks are being planned for 1998. Hino has redesigned its line and will introduce a new diesel engine series, while Volvo GM has announced its exit from this class. Some manufacturers are planning to add vocational options, and Freightliner is marketing factory-installed AWD on its Business Class trucks.

Truck makers are developing safer trucks. They are pushed mainly, not by government regulators who have realized that allowing manufacturers to voluntarily adopt safety standards is more effective than mandates, but by the trucking fleets' desire for better public image and protection from public safety legal concerns. New materials and information-based technologies allow manufacturers to design trucks with more efficient vehicle-energy and occupant-energy management, accident-avoidance systems, passenger-car friendliness, and driver awareness and control.

Information-based technologies have led to new advanced maintenance systems and devices that can enhance the efficiency of fleet vehicle shops. The systems, which can easily be incorporated into shop design, will make vehicle maintenance cheaper and faster. Information-based tools can also be used for monitoring parts usage, restocking orders for parts delivery and data collection.

Well-designed truck seats help drivers ward off fatigue and increase safety, productivity and morale. They must be designed to make drivers feel comfortable, especially in longhaul trucking. Drivers prefer wider seat cushions with more foam. Seat design must also consider differences in height and weight among drivers as well as spinal-related problems. Seats that provide vertical and horizontal adjustment strengthen lumbar support.

The trucking industry has welcomed the government's decision to abandon the 55-mph federal speed limit. However, experts state that running trucks at speeds above 65 mph will accelerate tire wear and impair retreadability. Although the impact of higher speeds on tire lifecycles is not yet completely known, there is wide agreement that it would be more economical for fleets to operate vehicles below 57 mph.

Innovative motor oils and diesel engine designs and fleet management practices make possible the extension of motor-oil drain intervals, resulting in reduced maintenance costs without the risks of more frequent engine repairs and premature engine failure. However, the task entails much work on the part of fleet managers, including consulting with engine and lube suppliers and developing an extended-drain program that is effective and safe for equipment and duty cycles.

The trucking industry faces numerous challenges in light of the federal government's renewed interest in regulatory reform. However, the biggest challenge faced by the industry seems to be a similar regulatory reform interest among the state governments. Several prospective state reforms threaten to eliminate the uniformity of some commercial-vehicle safety and inspection standards.

State-issued truck driver licenses are proof of drivers qualifications, but do not ensure good performance and highway safety. Fleet managers should give heavy-truck driver screening tests to applicants to determine their safety attitudes and accident-proneness. Safety experts believe that age is not a factor in highway safety and that screening tests calculate accident potentials by identifying a driver's intelligence, job knowledge and personality.

Truck and trailer leasing continues to grow as more companies realize the advantages it can provide their operations. To serve the growing market, lessors are tailoring and customizing their services to serve the specific needs of their clients. Lessors can no longer be described in terms of the traditional full-service model as many companies also provide fleets with finance, maintenance or any other needed services.

The deregulation of the trucking industry and the advent of communications and computer technologies will enable truckers to make the most out of their logistics programs. These developments encourage truckers to outsource support functions to firms that provide third party services to reduce costs and liabilities. Such firms also act as integrators and are capable of managing multiple logistics tasks across functional lines.

The OPEC oil embargoes of the 1970s and the resulting fuel crisis helped instill the concept of fuel economy in the industry. Today's trucks have made enormous progress in this regard but fuel still remains the largest single operating cost for fleets. As such, it is important for fleet managers to constantly pinpoint ways to keep consumption to the minimum.

Motor oil manufacturers are preparing new formulations for producing environment-friendly lubricants that will meet the demands of EPA's 2004 regulations. The manufacturers, which include Chevron Corp. and Amoco Corp., are developing new lubricant categories that will increase wear resistance and improve engine performance while reducing emissions.

Domestic intermodal activity is predicted to grow substantially over the long-term, notwithstanding the challenges and difficulties it faces in the near term. Hence, fleet managers should not let short-term indicators and negative trends discourage them from participating in this arena. With the growing popularity of logistics management, trucking companies that stick to intermodal operations despite some setbacks can expect greater profitability and productivity.

Performance spec'ing can yield substantial benefits for fleet managers, particularly in the areas of equipment lifecycle costs, vehicle productivity and driver retention. Basically, this practice involves identifying a company's needs, fleet maintenance/service records and fleet costs, and then specifying truck features and capabilities which can best meet these requirements at the lowest possible cost.

Truck manufacturers are coming out with a wide variety of interesting products for the 1996 model year. With demand for heavy-duty trucks at an all-time high, manufacturers such as Ford, Freightliner and Peterbilt are trying to outdo each other with new models and a wide variety of added features. A brief overview of the new heavy-truck models coming out in the market is presented.

The trucking industry is increasingly becoming concerned with driver retention, safety and productivity. This led to the formation of the Driver Training and Development Alliance, which argues that a comprehensive driver training program can lead to higher profits for trucking firms. Such a training program should encompass driver recruitment, entry-level training, finishing training and driver-development methods.

Trucking executives who effectively manage cost control play an important role in the success of their respective companies. Fleet managers need to be flexible to adjust to changes in the business environment. Trucking companies whose profit margins are small cannot make the necessary moves to remain competitive if they are burdened with high costs. A proactive approach to cost control and the benchmarking of costs against other similar operations are discussed.

Truck fleet operators are turning to the retread market instead of purchasing new replacement tires to minimize costs. These fleet managers must inspect the tires they send to retreaders and ensure that they are regarded as valuable assets for truck operations. Retreader Bandag Inc. has installed advanced machinery technology in its facilities to meet such customer demands. Retreaders who are certified by the American Retreaders Assn. and similar agencies must be given priority by truck operators.

Synthetic-based lubricants may soon replace mineral-based formulas as the truck industry's standard for lubricating heavy-duty drivetrain components. However, observers cited limitations to the increased market acceptance of synthetics due to its higher-unit cost and confusion arising over terms. To Thus, manufacturers are providing lists of approved synthetic lubricants for use with specific components.

EPA's new policy, the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for California, is expected to have adverse repercussions in the state's trucking business. Under the plan, the number of stops trucks can make in areas of heavy air pollution would be strictly monitored. As a result, trucking fleet operators may have to contend with operational and logistical problems as well as higher costs. It is estimated that FIP would cost the state of California as much as $6 billion annually, which could be disastrous to the state's economy.

Many truck fleet operators are trying to stretch oil-change intervals in an effort to cut costs and decrease truck downtime. Some quarters state that new lube formulations and low-sulfur fuel now allow oil-drain intervals to be safely extended. In addition, oil manufacturers claim that today's high-tech products can protect engines in extended service. However, there is no actual evidence to support such claims for oils designed for low-emissions diesel engines.

Regional and local distribution fleets have a different set of communications needs than their truckload and longhaul counterparts. As such, they have resorted to wireless data communications to satisfy such requirements. While longhaul fleets require very minimal data interchange between drivers and fleet, regional fleet drivers constantly enter invoice information directly into the fleet's computer system and information for loading and routing programs, and for customer service tracking systems.

Trucks will soon be outfitted with on-board electronic data links and indirect-vision technologies designed to give the driver a better view from behind the wheel as well as to provide mobile communications that link the trucker directly to dispatch and other points. In developing such technology, vehicle manufacturers should be careful not to crowd the dashboard with unnecessary clutter and make the instruments as 'driver-friendly' as possible. The new J1939 was built specifically to meet such needs.

The 1995 models of medium trucks have more changes than any other segments. Included in the new lineup were Kenworth's T3000 conventional with the drop-nosed cab for its Class 7 line, Ford's F-series medium-duty conventionals with aerodynamic design, a 26-in. extended cab option for Freightliner's Business Class models, new 5- and 6-speed transmissions for Chevy Kodiak trucks and a new 236-in. wheelbase for Isuzu's Class 7 FTR. Other 1995 models of Class 6-7 medium trucks are presented.

Heavy truck manufacturers have refined existing sleeper offerings and day cabs in their 1995 models. Among these were improved sleeper cabs in Ford Aeromax on-highway Class 8 conventional trucks, expanded sleeper offerings and standard interior for Kenworth AEROCAB, T600 and T800 longhaul tractors, an integrated cab/sleeper design Pro Sleeper in Navistar's 9000-Series Internationals and aerodynamic sloped hoods, setback front axles and aluminum cabs for Marmon's D-model tractors. Other 1995 models of Class 8 heavy trucks are presented.

Thirteen fleets were chosen as winners in the 1994 Vehicle Graphics Design Awards competition. The fleet that won the Editor's Choice Award belonged to the San Diego Union-Tribune which featured visual cliches on the sides of its tractor-trailers and delivery trucks. Other winners include the fleets of Southeast Atlantic Corp., President Baking Co., Judge and Dolph Ltd., Central Ohio Transit Authority, Office Depot, BFGoodrich Tires, Mohawk Industries Inc. and Pacific American Fish Co.

The growing number of light-duty truck fleets is creating a new demand for vehicle specs and maintenance practices. The American Trucking Assn Maintenance Council is studying the changes that need to be made to improve commercial light-duty trucks. The council has formed committees to recommend changes to electrical systems diagnosis, maintenance and truck bodies. Federal Express's Gooch asked original equipment manufacturers for improvements to such equipment as the electrical systems, cabs, automatic transmissions and tires.

Retreading truck tires is becoming more and more important for economical reasons and because of increasing public concern for the health and environmental hazard that disposal of used tires represents. Retreading technology is improving rapidly and truck tires can be safely retreaded sometimes more than twice. Proper maintenance of the tires is critical to their reuse potential, including inflation to the correct pressure, and also using the right tire for the right application. An example is given of one set of tires giving almost a half million miles of long-haul service.

Fleets can use lease/rental vehicles to enter new markets or to offer new services. While private truck fleets traditionally owned all their vehicles, managers of private fleets increasingly are renting or leasing vehicles to gain flexibility to meet clients' demands for new services or just-in-time production schedules. Truck Renting and Leasing Assn Chmn Jim Shiplet reports that the percentage of private fleets leasing or renting vehicles is very high.

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) put an end to the interstate trucking industry's drive towards using more longer combination vehicles (LCVs) to improve productivity. ISTEA froze the use of LCVs, and trucking industry observers believe that the future of LCVs depends on developments linked to the North American Free Trade Act and Congress' interest in a National Highway System.

Mobile communications technologies promise to revolutionize the truck industry's routing and distribution systems. By combining mobile communications with routing and distribution computer software, trucking companies not only improve their data collection but can create turnkey systems that enhance scheduling, routing and delivery, thus reducing costs. Mobile, personal computer-based technologies can give truck drivers real-time access to dispatching information.

Trucking firms must consider either fuel economy or the length of a product lifetime when choosing tires. Most tire manufacturers aim to please one benefit or another. According to research, Toyo Tire discovered that their customers choose their tires on the basis of durability rather than fuel economy. Bridgestone/Firestone Tire Sales Co officials also agree. However, Michelin is making claims that their Advanced Technology tires satisfies both durability and fuel economy needs.

Trucking firms will have to switch their fleets over to low-sulfur diesel fuel (LSF) beginning on Oct 1, 1993. The switch to cleaner LSF is part of an Environmental Protection Agency ruling that seeks to limit the emission of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter from truck exhausts. The fine for trucking firms that do not fuel their trucks with LSF after Oct 1, 1993 is $25,000 per day. No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuels can contain a maximum of 0.05% sulfur by weight after Oct 1, 1993 to be considered a legal on-highway motor fuel.

A preview of the new Class 6 and 7 medium trucks being offered for the 1994 model year by Ford, Freightliner, General Motors, Hino, Isuzu Truck, Kenworth, Mack, Mitsubishi Fuso, Navistar, Peterbilt, UD Trucks and Volvo GM is presented. The medium truck manufacturers, with the exception of Ford, are not introducing many new developments but have set about refining their extant truck models. Ford, however, is introducing a totally new replacement for its F-Series truck for Spring 1994.

A preview of Class 8 heavy trucks being offered for the 1994 model year by Ford, Freightliner, Kenworth, Mack, Marmon, Navistar International, Peterbilt, Volvo GM and Western Star is presented. The highlight of the 1994 model year will be the introduction of a replacement for Kenworth's seminal T600 truck model, the model that is credited with revolutionizing Class 8 truck design. Other developments are a new cab/sleeper system from Peterbilt and new model lines from Freightliner and Navistar.

Fleet Owner's 1993 Vehicle Design Awards honoring the best graphics to grace fleet trucks are presented. The common themes among the 14 winners are bold and strong designs and humorous and witty designs. The 1993 Editor's Choice Award went to Perrier Group of America's Calistoga Brand Fleet in Monterey Park, CA. The trucks feature a picture of a vineyard and mountains on both the sides and the rear of the truck. The rear graphic is a reflective image that can be seen by other motor vehicles and passersby at night.