12/30/18
12/27/18
Avoiding brake-related CSA citations
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s CSA violations should be an unnecessary problem, especially since they can lead to costly delays, and unexpected downtime may cause fleets to lose customers not only because of delays.
12/24/18
Happy Holidays from A & T Road Service
Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday
and a Very Happy New Year
and a Very Happy New Year
12/22/18
It’s a good time to be small
The trucking industry is booming, and small carriers are
potentially the biggest benefactors. Looking to the U.S., small fleets
are growing while larger fleets are not. Speaking at Newcom’s Surface
Transportation Summit Oct. 10, Stifel Financial Corp.’s David Ross
pointed out that small fleets are increasing revenue, while larger
fleets are seeing a decline.
“Large fleets have been shrinking for some time, partially because they got too big and most of them didn’t make any money,” he said, noting how many turned to asset-light options like brokering trucks and warehousing.
In September, I attended the FTR Transportation Conference in Indianapolis, Ind., and there was discussion there as well about the improved outlook for small carriers. Finding and keeping drivers is the name of the game, and in a strong market, small fleets have certain advantages on this front. They can offer more perks to drivers, create family environments, and focus exclusively on driver-friendly freight and not have to chase skids from major retailers.
“Retailers that allow their operations to hold drivers for six to 16 hours are abusive in today’s environment and it happens every day in retail,” said Jeff Tucker, CEO of freight broker Tucker Company.
There were also accounts of shippers – desperate for capacity – going out in pursuit of small fleets that can serve as “one lane wonders.”
“If you have some dedicated runs like we do, and if you can match them with a niche carrier where that lane becomes meaningful to them, it’s a great opportunity,” said John Janson, director of global logistics for Sanmar. “Last year we added three different sets of one lane wonders where my transportation team has put their sales hats on and they’re out finding these carriers.”
Large shippers seeking out small carriers…how times have changed. Back at the Surface Transportation Summit, I moderated a panel discussion on success strategies for small carriers. The panel consisted of: Leanne Quail, Paul Quail Transport; Brian Taylor, Liberty Linehaul; and Doug Sutherland, Sutco Transportation Specialists. All said they are enjoying improving rates and more demand than they can keep up with. The key, they agreed, is not to lose sight of your core customers.
“There’s a lot of people asking for us to do business now, and I think you don’t want to chase that,” said Sutherland, whose company is focused on the forestry sector.
He said small fleets are at an advantage in prosperous times, because they can be more agile decision makers and can offer a driver-friendly workplace easier when every employee is known by management on a first-name basis.
Taylor said Liberty Linehaul has been approached of late by large Fortune 500 shippers, looking for capacity, and asking how they can become a good customer. This is something only the mega-carriers had experienced in the past.
Another thing small fleets have going for them is that technology is offering them the ability to cost-effectively offer services to customers that previously only the large carriers could provide, including real-time visibility of freight. Only a few years ago I wondered if the small carriers could survive without the IT resources enjoyed by the big guys. However, I now see technology as the great equalizer, and not a competitive disadvantage, thanks to the arrival of well-designed, simple apps and other tools that are now more cost-effective than ever to deploy.
I think everyone would agree it’s a good time to be a trucking company – and the buoyant moods I observed among carriers at both the conferences I recently attended would support that. It could be that it’s an even better time to be small.
Source: https://www.trucknews.com/blogs/its-a-good-time-to-be-small/
“Large fleets have been shrinking for some time, partially because they got too big and most of them didn’t make any money,” he said, noting how many turned to asset-light options like brokering trucks and warehousing.
In September, I attended the FTR Transportation Conference in Indianapolis, Ind., and there was discussion there as well about the improved outlook for small carriers. Finding and keeping drivers is the name of the game, and in a strong market, small fleets have certain advantages on this front. They can offer more perks to drivers, create family environments, and focus exclusively on driver-friendly freight and not have to chase skids from major retailers.
“Retailers that allow their operations to hold drivers for six to 16 hours are abusive in today’s environment and it happens every day in retail,” said Jeff Tucker, CEO of freight broker Tucker Company.
There were also accounts of shippers – desperate for capacity – going out in pursuit of small fleets that can serve as “one lane wonders.”
“If you have some dedicated runs like we do, and if you can match them with a niche carrier where that lane becomes meaningful to them, it’s a great opportunity,” said John Janson, director of global logistics for Sanmar. “Last year we added three different sets of one lane wonders where my transportation team has put their sales hats on and they’re out finding these carriers.”
Large shippers seeking out small carriers…how times have changed. Back at the Surface Transportation Summit, I moderated a panel discussion on success strategies for small carriers. The panel consisted of: Leanne Quail, Paul Quail Transport; Brian Taylor, Liberty Linehaul; and Doug Sutherland, Sutco Transportation Specialists. All said they are enjoying improving rates and more demand than they can keep up with. The key, they agreed, is not to lose sight of your core customers.
“There’s a lot of people asking for us to do business now, and I think you don’t want to chase that,” said Sutherland, whose company is focused on the forestry sector.
He said small fleets are at an advantage in prosperous times, because they can be more agile decision makers and can offer a driver-friendly workplace easier when every employee is known by management on a first-name basis.
Taylor said Liberty Linehaul has been approached of late by large Fortune 500 shippers, looking for capacity, and asking how they can become a good customer. This is something only the mega-carriers had experienced in the past.
Another thing small fleets have going for them is that technology is offering them the ability to cost-effectively offer services to customers that previously only the large carriers could provide, including real-time visibility of freight. Only a few years ago I wondered if the small carriers could survive without the IT resources enjoyed by the big guys. However, I now see technology as the great equalizer, and not a competitive disadvantage, thanks to the arrival of well-designed, simple apps and other tools that are now more cost-effective than ever to deploy.
I think everyone would agree it’s a good time to be a trucking company – and the buoyant moods I observed among carriers at both the conferences I recently attended would support that. It could be that it’s an even better time to be small.
Source: https://www.trucknews.com/blogs/its-a-good-time-to-be-small/
James Menzies
James Menzies is editor of Truck News magazine. He has been covering the Canadian trucking industry for more than 15 years and holds a CDL. Reach him at james@newcom.ca or follow him on Twitter at @JamesMenzies.12/19/18
Hours of Service - Who Must Comply?
Most drivers must follow the HOS Regulations if they drive a commercial motor vehicle, or CMV. In general, a CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business and is involved in interstate commerce and fits any of these descriptions:
The HOS Question and Answer session addressed the number hours that a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver may be on the road, the HOS exemptions, and the number of hours a CMV driver may be on duty before a required period of rest. In addition, the session addressed the permitted driving time based on a driver’s on-duty hours in a “work-week”.
"Hours of Service Live Question and Answer" Session transcripts
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
- Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards
Hours of Service Final Rule for Truck Drivers
The Hours of Service of Drivers Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2011. The effective date of the Final Rule was February 27, 2012, and the compliance date of remaining provisions was July 1, 2013.NOTICE: The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 was enacted on December 16, 2014, suspending enforcement of requirements for use of the 34-hour restart, pending a study. Based on the findings from the CMV Driver Restart Study, the 34-hour restart rule in operational effect on June 30, 2013, is restored to full force and effect. The requirement for two off-duty periods of 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. in section 395.3(c) of the Agency’s hours-of-service rules will not be enforced, nor will the once-per-week limit on use of the restart in 395.3(d).
Summary of the Hours of Service Regulations
Hours of Service: How Familiar Are You? Webinar
The
FMCSA hours of service (HOS) rules are designed to eliminate the type
of drowsiness that can lead to crashes. Although many commercial motor
vehicle (CMV) drivers feel that they know when they are getting drowsy,
various laboratory tests have shown that persons are not good at
estimating their own drowsiness.
The following topics are discussed in the "Hours of Service: How Familiar Are You?" webinar:
- Purpose of the Hours of Service Rules and Regulations
- Applicability
- Drivers' Responsibilities
- Carriers' Responsibilities
- Property Carrier Hours of Service Driving Time Limits
- Passenger Carrier Hours of Service Driving Time Limits
- Acceptable Recording Methods
- Important dates and deadlins for Electronic Loggind Devices (ELDs)
- Limited Exceptions to the Hours of Service Rules and Regulations
"Hours of service: How Ready are You?" transcripts
Color/508 Compliant
Black and White
Hours of Service Live Question and Answer Session
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) hour-long Hours of Service (HOS) Question and Answer Session allowed participants the opportunity to submit HOS related questions and have them answered by FMCSA’s HOS subject matter experts Tom Yager, Chief of the Driver and Carrier Operations Division, and Peter Chandler, Lead Transportation Specialist in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Passenger Carrier Division.The HOS Question and Answer session addressed the number hours that a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver may be on the road, the HOS exemptions, and the number of hours a CMV driver may be on duty before a required period of rest. In addition, the session addressed the permitted driving time based on a driver’s on-duty hours in a “work-week”.
"Hours of Service Live Question and Answer" Session transcripts
Updated: Thursday, May 31, 2018
12/16/18
Erb at the wheel for cool, seasonal move
The longtime industry executive is donating his time for the shipment heading to food banks in remote northern communities, working through the Trucks for Change Network that helps coordinate free or discounted shipments on behalf of Canadian charities. Navistar is even covering the cost of the fuel.
Erb Group has supported the organization in the past, but when the senior Erb heard about this one – in the midst of the Christmas season – he jumped at the chance to haul the load himself.
“I left at noon yesterday [from Leamington] and got to Cochrane last night in a snowstorm,” he said on Thursday morning, from the bunk of his prized 2014 International 9900. “There’s lots of snow up here and it’s two or three below Fahrenheit [-19 Celsius]. Now the sun’s out and it’s a beautiful day to be trucking.”
Vernon Erb
Such temperatures aren’t that friendly to fresh food, but the veteran of moving temperature controlled freight is ensuring that everything keeps above freezing.
Erb arrives in Thunder Bay on Friday, ensuring the food can be prepared for flights into remote areas further north. And that’s all part of CBC’s annual Sounds of the Season programming, which spreads the holiday cheer.
“Transportation is a key part of it,” said Volker Kromm, executive director of the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA), which serves as a hub for food banks throughout northwestern Ontario. “The discounted rates, they save a huge cost.”
Contributions from Erb and Navistar will save about $4,000 on this shipment alone.
Trucks for Change supports dozens of charities that are vetted and then connected with offers of reduced-rate shipments, says Pete Dalmazzi, that organization’s president.
“We’re connected to the food bank system in Canada at all levels,” he adds, referring to close to a dozen related loads that need to be moved a month. “To the charities involved it makes a big impact.”
The donations to remote areas are particularly important. “It’s so expensive to get stuff up there and it’s a completely empty backhaul all the time,” Dalmazzi says.
He hopes coverage of this shipment will engage other carriers in similar work. About 60 carriers participate in Trucks for Change today. He’d like to see that number double. “So we can say yes every time, and make it sustainable.”
Source: https://www.todaystrucking.com/erb-at-the-wheel-for-cool-seasonal-move/
12/13/18
Electric Powertrains Are the Future. Will Fleets Be Ready?
Most readers of Government Fleet are seasoned professionals pursuing careers either in public fleet management or in corporate roles in support of public sector fleets. For a moment, however, put aside your current career history and aspirations and try to remember when you were a younger person, weighing career options and considering just what path to take.
The public fleet industry is on the threshold of a truly cosmic shift, and it’s quite possible that young people today are looking at our industry and questioning those options. We should, as those young people may be doing, consider what this shift will mean when it occurs.
The shift will be toward a predominance of electromotive powertrain technology and away from the internal combustion engine (ICE). Is it true that the demise of the ICE is greatly overstated, or, should we, like those young people still contemplating their career paths, be reading the tea leaves and presume they portend a very different future for us?
LEARN MORE AT: http://www.greenfleetmagazine.com/channel/electric/article/story/2018/03/electric-powertrains-are-the-future-will-fleets-be-ready.aspx
12/10/18
TRACTOR TRAILER SEMI SCALE SYSTEM ALL AIR SUSPENSION
The Vulcan all-digital air scale system for tractor / trailer combinations provides an accurate way to obtain axle and/or payload weights. Corrosion resistant, stainless steel air sensors provide a rugged and reliable solution well suited to meet the requirements of on-board trucking applications. Air sensors are altitude and temperature compensated to enhance performance and accuracy. Vulcan VSL electronics allow unlimited mixing of tractors and trailers without any adjustments.
Learn more at: http://www.vulcanscales.com/index.php/general-trucking/tractor-trailer-semi/
12/07/18
2018-2019 Tow Show Schedule
April 11 – 14, 2019
Florida Tow Show®
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Orlando, FL.
Phone: 407-296-3316
Web: floridatowshow.com
April 18 – 19, 2019
North American Repossessors Summit hosted by American Recovery Association
Omni Mandalay Hotel at Los Colinas, Irving, TX
Web: reposummit.com
TBD 2019
AT Showplace Las Vegas hosted by American Towman
Southpoint Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Phone: 800-732-3869
Web: atshowplace.com
May 17 – 18, 2018
Towers Family Retreat hosted by the American Towing & Recovery Institute
Crown Reef Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC
Contact: Wes Wilburn
Phone: (910) 747-9000
TBD
New Hampshire Tow & Trade Show hosted by the New Hampshire Towing Association
Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton, NH
Phone: (603) 863-4206
Web: nhtowingassociation.org
TBD 2019
35th Annual ESTRA Tow Show hosted by Empire State Towing & Recovery Association
Charles R. Wood Park, Lake George Village, NY
Contact: Melissa Perlow
Phone: (631) 728-7752
Web: estratowshow.com
June 1, 2019
Nebraska Tow Show hosted by the Professional Towers Association of Nebraska
CHI Health Center, Omaha, NE
Contact: Dana Adamy
Phone: (402) 890-6531
Email: netowshow@gmail.com
Web: nebraskatowshow.com
June 14 – 16, 2019
Wisconsin Towing Association Tow Show
Chula Vista Resort (608-254-8366), Wisconsin Dells, WI.
Contact; WTA Office
Phone: 608-833-8200, ext. 17
Email: djohnson@witruck.org
July 31 – August 2, 2019
Towing & Recovery Management Summit (hosted by Tow Times)
Capital Hilton, Washington D.C.
Contact: Brenda Faulman
Phone: (407) 936-2494
Email: brenda@towtimesmag.com
Web: towsummit.com
August 9 – 10, 2019
Southern Tow Expo hosted by Tow Professionals
Orange Beach Convention Center, Orange Beach, AL
Contact: Darian Weaver
Phone: 205-223-4548
Web: southerntowexpo.com
TBD 2019
AT Tow Expo Dallas/Fort Worth hosted by American Towman
Phone: 800-732-3869
Web: towexpodfw.com
TBD 2019
Pacific Northwest Tow Show presented by Towing & Recovery Association of Washington
Greater Tacoma Trade and Convention Center, Tacoma, WA
Contact: Peter Lukevich
Phone: 206-492-5032
Web: pacificnorthwesttowshow.com
TBD 2019
North Carolina Tow Truck And Trade Show
Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
Contact: Elaine
Phone: (919) 876-0687
Email: elaine@execman.net
Web: nctowing.org/events
Sept. 26 – 29, 2019
Midwest Regional Tow Show Hosted By Towing and Recovery Association of Ohio
Great Wolf Lodge, Mason, OH
Phone: 513-831-7469
Email: midwest@trao.org
Website: midwesttowshow.org
Oct 10 – 12, 2019
Tennessee Tow Show hosted by Tennessee Tow Truck Association and Tow Times
Chattanooga Convention Center Chattanooga, TN
Contact: Brenda Faulman (Tow Times)
Phone: (407) 936-2494
Email: Brenda@towtimesmag.com
Web: tennesseetowshow.com
Nov 2019
AT Exposition hosted by American Towman
Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
Phone: 800-732-3869
Web: atexposition.com
12/04/18
California Trucking Schools
A survey conducted in the year 2008 revealed that trucking companies in the United States have more than 3.2 million vacancies. It was also estimated that by the year 2018, the number of vacancies in the US truck driving industry will increase by as much as 9%. These inspiring numbers motivated many people to join the country’s trucking industry. The scenario is the same in every state across the nation. People of the most populous state of the country, California, have also jumped on the bandwagon. The basic requirement for becoming a professional trucker in California is a commercial driver’s license. The process of becoming a professional truck driver in California goes like this: you will have to attend truck driver training in California, pass the CDL skills test to obtain your commercial driver’s license and start working as a professional trucker.
Learn more at: https://www.thetruckersreport.com/trucking-schools/california/
12/01/18
Automation: The unstoppable force
But what will this mean for truck drivers?
For transportation economist Noël Perry, the debate over the future of autonomous truck technology has already ended.
“It is an unstoppable force, no less unstoppable than the car killing the trolley car,” said Perry, who heads up consulting firm Transport Futures.
The reasoning behind his belief is simple: Automation will increase truck utilization to levels never before thought possible.
Learn more at: https://www.fleetowner.com/autonomous-vehicles/automation-unstoppable-force?NL=FO-06&Issue=FO-06_20181123_FO-06_790&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_1_1&utm_rid=CPENT000004488230&utm_campaign=22069&utm_medium=email&elq2=fd41e15a5cea4ba4820df0e0db509ae0
11/28/18
Electric standby power saves fleet 80,000 gal. of diesel
Truck idling is one of the most common targets for cost reduction among fleets today. It burns fuel, racks up runtime and maintenance needs for engines, and produces harmful emissions—all of which could potentially be avoided, saving money and helping the environment at the same time.
COMPANY: Golden State Foods, Garner, NC
OPERATION: A multinational, diversified supplier to the quick-service restaurant and retail industries. Golden State has more than 7,000 employees worldwide and supplies more than 125,000 restaurants and stores on five continents from its 50 facilities. Its core businesses include processing liquid and dairy products, meat patties, and produce and providing related logistics services.
CHALLENGE: Fuel is burned, emissions are increased, and maintenance costs are incurred due to trucks idling engines to power refrigeration units.
Truck idling is one of the most common targets for cost reduction among fleets today. It burns fuel, racks up runtime and maintenance needs for engines, and produces harmful emissions—all of which could potentially be avoided, saving money and helping the environment at the same time.
But when you're distributing refrigerated food goods and using the engine to power reefer units, idling happens all the time. At Golden State Foods' distribution center in Garner, the company's 65 trucks were burning some 80,000 gal. of diesel each year to keep food cold as it was awaiting delivery runs. Taking an average cost of diesel of $3/gal., that's $240,000 just for the fuel alone, and that's not accounting for other associated costs.
It's not only a dilemma for Golden State Foods: according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), long-duration truck idling in the United States soaks up more than a billion gallons of fuel and creates 11 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. An hour of idling uses a gallon of fuel on average.
SOLUTION: Install SafeConnect standby power outlets to run truck refrigeration units at the depot on electric power instead.
Looking for an alternative, Golden State Foods turned to SafeConnect Systems, maker of hybrid transportation refrigeration units that can be powered either by diesel or electric power. SafeConnect has developed an electric standby system with a special circuit for safer operation at the high voltages required.
A total of 32 electric power outlets that SafeConnect installed will help Golden State Foods' trucks switch off, cutting costs and lowering emissions considerably while keeping food cold at the depot while en route to delivery.
"Incorporating renewable energy at all Golden State Foods facilities and fleets is a priority and part of our fundamental values and 2020 sustainability goals," said Gregg Tartlon, general manager of Golden State Foods' Garner facility. Even accounting for electricity costs to power the refrigeration units, the facility will come out well ahead with net savings.
"These new electric power outlets are estimated to save Garner nearly $110,000 a year, resulting in 80,000 gallons of fuel saved for our 65 trucks," Tartlon noted, adding there are now 15 Golden State Foods and subsidiary Quality Custom Distribution centers using this type of electric technology.
Bob Provencher, director of technology and sales at SafeConnect, pointed out that SafeConnect has installed its electric standby connection system for truck refrigeration units at more than 10 Golden State Foods distribution centers over the last three years.
The Golden State Foods electrification project in Garner was supported by funds from Duke Energy. The funds stem from a 2015 settlement between Duke Energy and EPA and environmental groups in a case dating back to 2000. This is now Duke's third project in North Carolina to use electric power to replace the need to idle truck engines.
"Duke Energy is a strong believer in the benefits of electrification for our industrial customers," said Clark Gillespy, senior vice president of economic development at Duke Energy.
He pointed to this latest project's social as well as cost-reduction benefits: "At Golden State Foods, truck idling will be lessened—saving money, lowering noise levels, and reducing air emissions," he noted.
Source: https://www.fleetowner.com/running-green/electric-standby-power-saves-fleet-80000-gal-diesel?NL=FO-06&Issue=FO-06_20181123_FO-06_790&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_2_1&utm_rid=CPENT000004488230&utm_campaign=22069&utm_medium=email&elq2=fd41e15a5cea4ba4820df0e0db509ae0
11/25/18
5 Steps To Buying A Big Rig
1. Shop Around.
Truck dealers can only advertise in their own region. A truck dealership in Ohio is not allowed to advertise in California. But dealerships are allowed to sell trucks to customers in other regions if the customer contacts them. As you travel, grab some truck papers from different regions of the country and consider contacting dealers that are far from you. If you already know what make of truck you want, call around to dealers around the country.
2. Compare Apples to Apples.
If you are going to be ordering a new truck, ask for a price quote along with the specifications- this will be about 10 pages long. Compare the spec sheets from different dealers line for line. You may find that a salesman who gives you a lower price quote also skimped out on some of the options without mentioning that to you. If you find that a salesman's quote has inferior specs, tell them which ones you want changed and have them resend the specs and quote. ALWAYS read through the specs line by line- don't trust anything verbal. You may have to pay a chunk of change to receive the faxes from all these dealers, but at least you'll know you're comparing prices, not options.
3. Prioritize
If you are shopping for a used truck, it's unlikely that you will be able to find two trucks that are exactly alike. You won't be able to compare apples to apples like you would if you were buying a new truck. Make a list of the specifications that are most important to you. What make and model are you looking for? How old and roughly how many miles? What engine do you want? What transmission? What rears? Once you nail down those requirements, you may have to compromise on some of the options. Power windows, gauge packages, color. Most options can be changed if they are not to your liking. The things that matter most are the things that are permanent, but you will want to consider the less important options once you have narrowed it down to a few trucks.
4. Get a loan from your own bank.
If you have the dealership set up financing, they are likely to add "points" to your interest rate. There is nothing unethical about this- you are, after all, using their resources to secure financing and they should be compensated for the work their employees do. But you need to decide if you are willing to pay the difference over the life of the loan. The bank may give you a 10% interest rate, but the dealer sets it up for 12% and will pocket the difference with each payment you make. Generally, the dealer will not disclose this information. However, you need to be aware that you may be able to secure a lower interest rate on your own. Consider- a difference of 3% will save you hundreds of dollars each month. It's worth it to do the extra legwork on your own.
5. Make sure you can afford the truck.
There are a lot of owner-operator contracts out there. There are many more mediocre owner-operator contracts than there are lucrative ones. Before you take on the risks involved with owning a truck, make sure you have a contract that can pay for it. Will you be pouring every dime you make back into the truck? Calculate the costs of fuel and maintenance and taxes. If you are a company driver, spend a few months putting your records on paper. Look at the bottom line- what will you have left after all your expenses? If you are not yet a driver, you will want to spend a couple of years driving a truck as a company driver before you decide to buy a truck on your own. Don't buy the lie that owner-operators with rates twice as high as company drivers are making twice as much. They may not even be making the same amount once you figure in all the expenses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Roquemore
11/22/18
11/20/18
A & T Road (and Shop) Service
If we need to take it to our shop, we have a full service truck repair facility with the capability to service and repair virtually any truck or trailer.
We repair engines, axles, brakes, electrical, hydraulic, tires and wheels, trailers, air brakes and hoses, transmissions and we even do a little body repair when needed. We carry replacement parts and all the tools we need to get what ever needs fixing done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Most of the time, we can do the repairs at the site of the truck breakdown.
But if we have to tow, at our facility, we have tens of thousands of parts, fittings, filters (we have one of the largest selections of Baldwin filters in the U.S.), brake linings, belts, hoses, brake drums, electrical parts--you name it and we probably have it and if not, we can get it very, very quickly. We have a large selection of Grote lighting products including LED. We stock a huge selection of Goodyear belts and hoses for all truck uses. Our entire business at North Bay Truck Center and A&T Road Service is fixing your truck right the first time in the minimum amount of time.
11/17/18
Advanced Clean Transportation Expo
CONFERENCE April 23-26, 2019 EXPO April 24-25, 2019
Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, California
Learn more at: https://www.actexpo.com/
11/14/18
121 Ways to Save Fuel: Tires
Buy fuel-efficient tires
Getting the right tire at the right wheel position can improve fuel economy by several percentage points.About 13% of each gallon of fuel consumed goes solely to overcoming rolling resistance. That can vary by the load on the tire, the tread pattern and of course, inflation pressure.
“The relationship between rolling resistance and fuel consumption is about 8:1,” says Rick Phillips, senior director of sales, commercial and OTR products at Yokohama Tire. “An 8% reduction in tire rolling resistance will result in a 1% savings in fuel consumption.”
Various wheel positions have different impacts on fuel economy.
“On a tractor-trailer combination, the steer tires contribute 15-20% to fuel economy, drive tires 30-40% and trailer tires about 40-50%,” says William Estupinan, vice president of technical service for Giti Tire USA. “The first priority for a fleet interested in saving a significant amount of money is to start moving toward fuel-efficient tires for the trailer axles.”
Learn more at: https://www.truckinginfo.com/155093/121-ways-to-save-fuel-tires
11/11/18
Dangers of driving drowsy
November 2018
Each month, Rental Management highlights a topic that will help
equipment and event rental companies conduct effective safety meetings.
These topics, developed by the American Rental Association (ARA) and ARA
Insurance, are ARA-member-only safety resources available for free at ARArental.org under the “Risk Management” tab.
Every year, 1,550 people are killed and 71,000 are injured in crashes involving drowsy driving. These statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show the dangers of getting behind the wheel while feeling drowsy. To help raise awareness, the National Sleep Foundation has created Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, which is Nov. 4-11.
Drowsy driving dangers, sleep tips and ways to stay alert can be found in ARA’s “Dangers of Driving Drowsy” safety meeting agenda sheet through Work Safe. This agenda — which can be used as a resource during your next safety meeting — also includes a handout with car crash statistics as a result of drowsy driving, warning signs and tips to avoid drowsy driving. Work Safe safety meeting agendas are designed to help you and your staff quickly understand and address important safety issues.
The National Sleep Foundation offers tips to protect yourself from drowsy driving, including:
Every year, 1,550 people are killed and 71,000 are injured in crashes involving drowsy driving. These statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show the dangers of getting behind the wheel while feeling drowsy. To help raise awareness, the National Sleep Foundation has created Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, which is Nov. 4-11.
Drowsy driving dangers, sleep tips and ways to stay alert can be found in ARA’s “Dangers of Driving Drowsy” safety meeting agenda sheet through Work Safe. This agenda — which can be used as a resource during your next safety meeting — also includes a handout with car crash statistics as a result of drowsy driving, warning signs and tips to avoid drowsy driving. Work Safe safety meeting agendas are designed to help you and your staff quickly understand and address important safety issues.
The National Sleep Foundation offers tips to protect yourself from drowsy driving, including:
- Getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
- Not driving if you’ve been up for more than 24 hours.
- Drinking caffeine if you feel tired.
- Stopping if you’re traveling and start to feel drowsy.
An official publication of the American Rental Association.
Produced by Rental Management Group. Copyright © 2018 Rental Pulse all rights reserved
Produced by Rental Management Group. Copyright © 2018 Rental Pulse all rights reserved
11/08/18
Bandag Retread Shop Tour
Take a tour of a Bandag retread shop. See the process from beginning to end, which includes repairing a damaged casing and applying tread.
11/05/18
Int. ADAC Truck-Grand-Prix 2018
Also in 2018 we are back at the Nürburgring at the 33rd Int. ADAC Truck Grand Prix 2018 with us. Our customers are thrilled and are once again taking home many impressive experiences from the ring. Many thanks to "1Truck.TV" for the compilation.
11/02/18
A & T Road Service Kenworth with NRC Quickswap unit with tag axle.
The newest addition to our tow fleet is truck number 32. This is a 2014 Kenworth with a Cummins 500 hp engine and 18-speed transmission. The working end of this mighty tow vehicle is the NRC Quickswap unit with tag axle. This unique design will allow us to tow almost anything on the road. We can now lift up to 20,000 lb steering axle trucks, and also buses and large RV units. The long wheelbase and the tag axle combine to allow us to tow a wide variety of units.
In addition, this truck is well suited for short and long haul jobs. With the sleeper unit, we can tow across the country if needed, or for local jobs the sleeper will accommodate extra passengers. The unit is equipped with state of the art LED lighting to light up the are needed in the night, as well as tool, equipment and parts storage to take care of small repairs, DEF issues and much more.
10/30/18
WINTER DRIVING ESSENTIALS
A supply of water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a couple of
blankets, a lighter, and a first aid kit are necessary for summer – and
for winter as well, frankly.
Some items should be kept in your glove compartment (for example another tool we mentioned in a previous blog entry– the Seatbelt Cutter and Windshield Hammer tool), while others can be stored in a sealed container in your trunk.
When winter begins to loom, put a couple of spare pairs of gloves in this container, as well as spare socks and boots.
If you don’t already carry jumper cables and road flares, it would be good to get some. If you’re going to go driving into the mountains, get some tire chains – make sure they fit your tires and practice putting them on!
“Winterize” your car – take it in to your auto service folks and get an oil change for winter, and have them check belts and hoses, as well as your brakes, radiator, and lights.
Some items should be kept in your glove compartment (for example another tool we mentioned in a previous blog entry– the Seatbelt Cutter and Windshield Hammer tool), while others can be stored in a sealed container in your trunk.
When winter begins to loom, put a couple of spare pairs of gloves in this container, as well as spare socks and boots.
If you don’t already carry jumper cables and road flares, it would be good to get some. If you’re going to go driving into the mountains, get some tire chains – make sure they fit your tires and practice putting them on!
“Winterize” your car – take it in to your auto service folks and get an oil change for winter, and have them check belts and hoses, as well as your brakes, radiator, and lights.
Winter specific tips
- Check your windshield wiper fluid and fill it up periodically, even if it isn’t on “empty.”
- Fill your gas tank whenever it gets to the halfway mark.
- When going on trips, leave an itinerary in a prominent place in your kitchen, or with friends, listing the roads you expect to take (and don’t deviate from them!) and the dates you’ll be going and returning.
10/27/18
New Driver Starter Kit
Just a few items I think all new driver will need to kick start being a truck driver and to live on the road.
Road Talk by Jerry
10/24/18
Path to electrification not straight to linehaul: Mack
OAKLAND, CA – Mack Trucks continues to see a healthy future for diesel engines, even as alternatives like electrification begin to emerge.
“Diesel today, it’s performing extremely well. It’s cleaner than it’s ever been, it’s robust, it’s versatile,” said Roy Horton, director – product strategy, during a briefing in Oakland, California. As for talk about electric trucks? “It’s almost a little bit of an uphill battle there.”
Electrification is “on the bubble, and it’s something everyone is looking at,” he said, admitting that the recent unveiling of Elon Musk's Tesla Semi attracted attention. “It’s definitely going to be part of our future.” Just not for longhaul. Not right away.
Mack believes the earliest adopters of electrification will be operations with the chance to charge at a home base and not depend on general infrastructure for fuel. That includes refuse, local delivery, and public transportation fleets.
Next would be applications with fixed routes where infrastructure is established but longer ranges are less of a concern. That opens opportunities for local distribution, regional haulers, and select vocational segments.
Longhaulers would be the last to use the trucks, drawing on power from secured infrastructure.
For its part, Mack has already been working with electrification in its own right. It unveiled a range-extended LR refuse truck in 2016, and a diesel-electric hybrid drayage truck. With Siemens it is also experimenting with the idea of electric highways, with vehicles drawing on the power of wires strung along the routes. The company is producing electric buses, too.
Mack will focus on electrification where it’s “commercially viable”, stressed Jonathan Randall, Mack’s senior vice president – North American sales. As for new players such as Nikola Motors and Tesla? “Competition is good.”
Mack’s work with alternative power sources hardly ends there. It already has experience with biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, natural gas, propane, and Dimethyl Ether (DME).
“We have, and continue to investigate, all of the viable alternatives,” Horton said.
“Mack is well-positioned, no matter which way the market goes.”
Source: https://www.todaystrucking.com/path-to-electrification-not-straight-to-linehaul-mack
By John G. Smith, Posted: Dec 4, 2017 10:29 AM | Last Updated: Dec 4, 2017 10:36 AM
10/21/18
Winter Tire Test: Some Treads Are Better Than Others
By Bruce W. Smith
Every so often I find myself checking out the tires of the vehicles around me when stopped in traffic, wondering how this or that one performs compared to the factory tires on my pickup truck. My questions become even more pointed in winter: Should I invest in a set of winter tires? Would mud tires be a good choice or all-terrain? Would it be worth the investment to buy a dedicated snow tire and run them half the year?
To find out, we went to the snow-covered hills just a few miles outside Steamboat Springs, Colo. Carved into the deep snow were three perfectly groomed snow courses with big berms and a variety of twists, turns and elevation changes. These tracks are the training grounds for the Bridgestone Winter Driving School. They also serve as the perfect location to test tires — and for us to see how popular pickup tire tread patterns compare when pitted against each other under controlled winter driving conditions.
And even though it's spring, the information we're offering here should help you decide what kind of tires you want next winter.
The Contenders
We spent two days this past winter with Woody Rogers and T.J. Campbell, product information specialists for Tire Rack, comparing popular 275/65R18 tires on a twisting, curving half-mile section of track three behind the wheel of two identical 2016 Ford F-150 4x4s. The tire comparison contenders were:
- Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT OWL SL (P-metric)
- Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 SL (P-metric)
- Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT LT (E load range)
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 RWL LT (C load range)
- Firestone Destination MT LT (E load range)
Source: www.pickuptrucks.com
Read more at: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/03/winter-tire-test-some-treads-are-better-than-others.html
10/18/18
EcoSkirt™ Semi Truck Skirt
The STEMCO EcoSkirt™ truck skirt improves fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag under the trailer where air hits the trailer’s rear axles. The EcoSkirt™ side fairings streamline and guide the air around the sides and to the back of the truck trailer. By combining EcoSkirt™ with the STEMCO TrailerTail®, fleets can achieve 8-12% fuel savings.
Ultra-Flex Panels.
EcoSkirt™ fairings are constructed of an ultra-durable and flexible thermoplastic composite material similar to that used in trailer scuff liners. The material’s fibers allow the panels to withstand frequent impacts with road elements such as concrete curbs, steep loading docks and ice banks. The material is also extremely lightweight for minimal payload impact.
Universal Application.
EcoSkirt™ technology is compatible with all trailer models and is available to be factory installed on new trailer orders or retrofitted to your existing fleet. Custom options are available for trailer applications requiring access to underside-mounted equipment such as hydraulic life-gate boxes, loading ramps and spare tire carriers.
Proven to reduce under-trailer aerodynamic drag by directing airflow smoothly to the back of the trailer.
Durability.
The EcoSkirt™ reinforced panels are designed to give with impact and return to form, resist extreme heat, cold and precipitation, and employ galvanized steel hardware for tough, corrosion-free performance, year after year.
Options.
EcoSkirt™ panels are offered in a variety of configurations to best fit your fleet profile and operating needs. Custom options, including colors, decals and shapes, are available to maximize branding visibility.
Safety.
EcoSkirt™ side fairings streamline the airflow under and around your semi-trailers, stabilizing your trailers and improving visibility by reducing road spray. The EcoSkirt™ also acts as a protective guard, mitigating the occurrence and severity of under-vehicle accidents with vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
To learn more on how much you can save with EcoSkirt™, contact a STEMCO sales representative, or call 888-283-8245.
10/15/18
10/12/18
FUEL SAVING TIPS FOR TRUCKS: REDUCE IDLING, SAVE ON GAS
STUDY PROVES TURNING YOUR VEHICLE OFF MINIMIZES BOTH FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS.
You may have heard that it takes more fuel to turn your vehicle off and back on again than it does to stay idling when stopped. One fast food chain even made a claim that it was “Greener” to use the drive-through than parking and walking in for a to-go order. With fuel costs and anti-idling laws being an essential consideration for vehicle owners and fleet managers, it’s important to know the facts.
The fact is that even for short stops, it saves fuel to turn off your vehicle. Idling for even 10 seconds produces more CO2 emissions and burns more fuel than simply turning your engine off, and restarting. This was found by a study done by Argonne National Laboratory, and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program.
IDLING STUDY RESULTS
Engineers were tasked to study vehicles in the Argonne laboratory’s Advanced Powertrain Research Facility to determine the impacts of idling and restarting. Dynamometer tests were conducted at the facility and revealed that parking a vehicle, turning it off, and then restarting it uses less fuel and produces less CO2 than idling for just 10 seconds. In addition, the study also revealed that the fastest way to warm up a car engine is to drive the vehicle, not by idling it. Argonne found that depending on the vehicle’s size, 0.2 to 0.5 gallons of fuel per hour is used when idling.
EMBRACE ANTI-IDLING LAWS
With these findings, and as states, provinces, and countries continue to introduce climate change action plans and green initiatives focused on greenhouse gas emissions, now is the perfect time to start embracing an anti-idle mindset in day-to-day driving and work operations. And for those that use air compressors, the VMAC UNDERHOOD70 – Green Series Air Compressor integrates perfectly into environmentally-friendly and fuel-conscious operations.
UNDERHOOD70-GREEN SERIES AIR COMPRESSOR
The VMAC UNDERHOOD70 – Green Series Air Compressor produces up to 70 CFM at 100% duty cycle. This powerful rotary screw air compressor is installed under the hood of the work truck and its throttle control automatically adjusts truck engine idle speed just enough to match air demand, which reduces fuel consumption. What’s more, the easy-to-use VMAC intelligent digital controls also cut down on idling, as the control system shuts the truck off when air isn’t being used, and then automatically turns the truck back on when air is needed. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions as the vehicle is not idling when tools are not in use. Learn more about the VMAC UNDERHOOD70 – Green Series Air Compressor.
VEHICLE IDLING STUDY CONCLUSION
Going back to the fast food chain’s claim, no, it is not greener to use the drive-through than it is to park and pick up your order inside the restaurant. Here are the facts:
Consider these findings next time you find yourself idling your truck, whether working on a job site, picking up a food order, or warming up your truck this winter. And when planning to purchase a new air compressor, consider the VMAC UNDERHOOD70 – Green Series Air Compressor.
Source and learn more at: https://www.vmacair.com/blog/
Related blogs: Going Green with VMAC: Lightweight & Fuel Saving Air Compressors
You may have heard that it takes more fuel to turn your vehicle off and back on again than it does to stay idling when stopped. One fast food chain even made a claim that it was “Greener” to use the drive-through than parking and walking in for a to-go order. With fuel costs and anti-idling laws being an essential consideration for vehicle owners and fleet managers, it’s important to know the facts.
The fact is that even for short stops, it saves fuel to turn off your vehicle. Idling for even 10 seconds produces more CO2 emissions and burns more fuel than simply turning your engine off, and restarting. This was found by a study done by Argonne National Laboratory, and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program.
IDLING STUDY RESULTS
Engineers were tasked to study vehicles in the Argonne laboratory’s Advanced Powertrain Research Facility to determine the impacts of idling and restarting. Dynamometer tests were conducted at the facility and revealed that parking a vehicle, turning it off, and then restarting it uses less fuel and produces less CO2 than idling for just 10 seconds. In addition, the study also revealed that the fastest way to warm up a car engine is to drive the vehicle, not by idling it. Argonne found that depending on the vehicle’s size, 0.2 to 0.5 gallons of fuel per hour is used when idling.
EMBRACE ANTI-IDLING LAWS
With these findings, and as states, provinces, and countries continue to introduce climate change action plans and green initiatives focused on greenhouse gas emissions, now is the perfect time to start embracing an anti-idle mindset in day-to-day driving and work operations. And for those that use air compressors, the VMAC UNDERHOOD70 – Green Series Air Compressor integrates perfectly into environmentally-friendly and fuel-conscious operations.
UNDERHOOD70-GREEN SERIES AIR COMPRESSOR
The VMAC UNDERHOOD70 – Green Series Air Compressor produces up to 70 CFM at 100% duty cycle. This powerful rotary screw air compressor is installed under the hood of the work truck and its throttle control automatically adjusts truck engine idle speed just enough to match air demand, which reduces fuel consumption. What’s more, the easy-to-use VMAC intelligent digital controls also cut down on idling, as the control system shuts the truck off when air isn’t being used, and then automatically turns the truck back on when air is needed. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions as the vehicle is not idling when tools are not in use. Learn more about the VMAC UNDERHOOD70 – Green Series Air Compressor.
VEHICLE IDLING STUDY CONCLUSION
Going back to the fast food chain’s claim, no, it is not greener to use the drive-through than it is to park and pick up your order inside the restaurant. Here are the facts:
- Idling for more than 10 seconds burns more fuel, and produces more C02 emissions than turning the engine on and off
- Idling for an hour uses 0.2 to 0.5 gallons of fuel, depending on the vehicle, and fuel consumption increases as idling speed increases
- Warming up a vehicle by driving is more effective than idling
Consider these findings next time you find yourself idling your truck, whether working on a job site, picking up a food order, or warming up your truck this winter. And when planning to purchase a new air compressor, consider the VMAC UNDERHOOD70 – Green Series Air Compressor.
Source and learn more at: https://www.vmacair.com/blog/
Related blogs: Going Green with VMAC: Lightweight & Fuel Saving Air Compressors
10/09/18
Demos with Drones: Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ | F-150 | Ford
Sure, you can back up in a straight line, but let’s see how the Ford F-150 fares with a winding course, using only available Pro Trailer Backup Assist.™*
*Optional features shown. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and the need to control the vehicle.
10/06/18
Ford Service Advice: What to Know About Collision Repair | Service Advice | Ford
Do you know your rights when it comes to collision repair? This video will inform you on what you need to know about repair shops, estimates, aftermarket and OEM parts and more.
10/03/18
8 Future Trucks & Buses YOU MUST SEE
Top 8 Future Trucks & Buses Concepts YOU MUST SEE
Top 8 Crazy Future Trucks & Buses YOU MUST SEE
9/30/18
Kenworth unleashes the W990
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Kenworth Trucks unveiled its new W990 Sept. 27 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which was touted as “a driver’s truck” and added to the company’s longest running model in its portfolio.
“The replacement of the W900, that’s a special place,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice-president, during the launch. “A lot of passion, a lot of pride has gone into what we think is a very special product.”
Kenworth W990.
Available in a day cab, 40-inch flat top, and 52-inch, and 76-inch mid-roof sleeper configuration, the W990 is designed for line haul, pickup and delivery, regional haul, and heavy haul operations.
The truck comes standard with the proprietary Paccar powertrain, the MX-13 engine, 510hp and 1,850lbs.-ft. of torque.
With a 12-speed Paccar automated transmission and 40K tandem rear axles, the W990 is built on the 2.1-meter cab platform, which is also used for the T680 and T880 models.
Learn more at: https://www.trucknews.com/equipment/kenworth-unleashes-the-w990/1003087923/
9/27/18
When Your Truck Is Down
The very first thing you need to do with a truck down is be
immediately aware of your personal safety. If you are on a busy highway
stay in your vehicle and you may need to call 911 if an accident has or
could easily occur due to traffic or fuel spills or if you are hauling
dangerous goods. Follow safety procedures and put on hazard lights, lay
out flares, or reflective triangles or lights, and wear bright clothing.
Your location of where your truck went down should be your next task. A GPS on a smart phone is an excellent way to identify what major route you are near, the names of the highway or streets. This will help you prepare to inform others of where your truck is down.
Notify the owner of the truck unless you are the owner. You may want to notify your dispatcher and or company heavy truck mechanic if you are using a business or commercial truck. Family or friends might be a good place to call, a mobile phone or satellite computer system will come is handy here. If you are stranded in cold weather stay with your vehicle.
Again, a smart phone with a Google browser will come in very handy for this step where you will look for local service to help repair or tow your truck. Using the GPS on the smart phone to find your location, then searching for mobile truck repair services or truck towing in that area. TruckDown.com is a great resource.
Mobile truck repair companies have fees that differ greatly by city. If you travel along a regular route or just in the same area all the time, you may pick truck shops that have mobile truck repair services you can trust. It is a matter of establishing relations in each of the cities where you travel and keeping all mobile rig repair service information handy when you truck goes down.
Your location of where your truck went down should be your next task. A GPS on a smart phone is an excellent way to identify what major route you are near, the names of the highway or streets. This will help you prepare to inform others of where your truck is down.
Notify the owner of the truck unless you are the owner. You may want to notify your dispatcher and or company heavy truck mechanic if you are using a business or commercial truck. Family or friends might be a good place to call, a mobile phone or satellite computer system will come is handy here. If you are stranded in cold weather stay with your vehicle.
Again, a smart phone with a Google browser will come in very handy for this step where you will look for local service to help repair or tow your truck. Using the GPS on the smart phone to find your location, then searching for mobile truck repair services or truck towing in that area. TruckDown.com is a great resource.
Mobile truck repair companies have fees that differ greatly by city. If you travel along a regular route or just in the same area all the time, you may pick truck shops that have mobile truck repair services you can trust. It is a matter of establishing relations in each of the cities where you travel and keeping all mobile rig repair service information handy when you truck goes down.
Written by Darren Chabluk for WinnipegTruckRepair.com
Visit [http://WinnipegTruckRepair.com] to see a growing list of trucking tips and our shop of the month.
Article Source:
https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Darren_Chabluk/921613
Visit [http://WinnipegTruckRepair.com] to see a growing list of trucking tips and our shop of the month.
9/24/18
Seven Secrets To Keeping Your Truck In Top Shape
Whether you drive a big rig with a trailer, a box truck, or a cement mixer, you've got a job to do and a deadline to get the work done. You don't have time for a breakdown. As a company that provides road service for trucks, we've found that many of our clients have forgotten to use some of the seven secrets to keeping their truck in road ready condition. If you take the time to do these, you'll get that job done on time, and you'll earn a reputation as a driver who is reliable. You might even get a raise. If you're an owner operator, these tips will even save you money.
1. Check your oil often, especially before a long haul. Trucks are powerful machines, and they need oil like we need good coffee. Top up the oil when you see it getting low. Don't put this one off because you're in a hurry. It'll come back to haunt you later, costing you time and money.
2. Before a long haul, check your radiator fluid level. Don't just look at the overflow bottle. Remove the cap from the radiator and visually check the fluid level. This is a good habit to form because it will help you spot small leaks before you hit the road. Top up your fluid level when needed so you won't have to worry about overheating. If you notice a small but steady leak, deal with it promptly to prevent possible engine damage down the road.
3. Check the pressure in your tires at least once a week. Tire pressure changes both from variations in weather and from high-speed use on highways. Check your tire pressure often to keep your tires at their optimal performance level. Doing this will help you catch a slow leak and deal with it before you're on the road and in a jam. Underinflated tires lower your fuel mileage, can cause extra wear and tear to the truck, and can make steering more difficult. Overinflated tires are more prone to punctures and damage when going over potholes. Check the owner's manual for your truck, or visit the company's website, to find the right pressure level for your truck's tires.
4. If you are driving a truck with dual fuel tanks, do not park sideways on a hill so that one side of the truck is higher than the other. If you do this, the fuel in the tank that is in the high side of the truck will flow into the other tank. When you start the truck, the uneven fuel tanks will cause the fuel uptake system to draw in air instead of creating a vacuum to pull fuel into the engine. The truck will act as if it's out of fuel. If you need to park on a hill, park so that the hill slopes from front to back, not side to side.
5. If your truck has been sitting in one place for a few days, check the fuel vent before leaving. Wasps and other insects like to build a nest in the fuel vent, causing a blockage and causing the truck to act as if it's out of fuel.
6. If you notice that your steering wheel begins to vibrate as you slow down or come to a stop, it's time to have your brakes checked. This is also true if you hear a squealing sound as you come to a stop. Make a note to remind yourself to have this done as soon as your load is delivered. You'll save both time and money if you deal with this now instead of waiting until the brakes actually fail. Replacing brake pads and rotors costs less than replacing an entire brake system.
7. Keep a pocket-sized notebook in your truck. On its first page, write down the make and model of your truck along with the size and load weight of its tires. Use the notebook to keep track of the maintenance issues regarding the truck so you can stay on top of any repairs the truck might need. Having this information in a handy location will help you to avoid breaking down while on the road. Having good records can also help you get faster road service when you need it because the technician will know what parts are needed and can bring them to the work site more quickly.
There you have it. Use these seven secrets and keep your rig rolling.
Monica Willyard is part of the team at Amcor 24-Hour Truck And Tire Service, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Trucks are Amcor's specialty, and Amcor provides road service and tire replacement throughout north Georgia. Visit [http://www.truckandtirerepairs.com] for more information, or call us at (770) 928-3244.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Monica_O._Willyard/174898
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/998541
1. Check your oil often, especially before a long haul. Trucks are powerful machines, and they need oil like we need good coffee. Top up the oil when you see it getting low. Don't put this one off because you're in a hurry. It'll come back to haunt you later, costing you time and money.
2. Before a long haul, check your radiator fluid level. Don't just look at the overflow bottle. Remove the cap from the radiator and visually check the fluid level. This is a good habit to form because it will help you spot small leaks before you hit the road. Top up your fluid level when needed so you won't have to worry about overheating. If you notice a small but steady leak, deal with it promptly to prevent possible engine damage down the road.
3. Check the pressure in your tires at least once a week. Tire pressure changes both from variations in weather and from high-speed use on highways. Check your tire pressure often to keep your tires at their optimal performance level. Doing this will help you catch a slow leak and deal with it before you're on the road and in a jam. Underinflated tires lower your fuel mileage, can cause extra wear and tear to the truck, and can make steering more difficult. Overinflated tires are more prone to punctures and damage when going over potholes. Check the owner's manual for your truck, or visit the company's website, to find the right pressure level for your truck's tires.
4. If you are driving a truck with dual fuel tanks, do not park sideways on a hill so that one side of the truck is higher than the other. If you do this, the fuel in the tank that is in the high side of the truck will flow into the other tank. When you start the truck, the uneven fuel tanks will cause the fuel uptake system to draw in air instead of creating a vacuum to pull fuel into the engine. The truck will act as if it's out of fuel. If you need to park on a hill, park so that the hill slopes from front to back, not side to side.
5. If your truck has been sitting in one place for a few days, check the fuel vent before leaving. Wasps and other insects like to build a nest in the fuel vent, causing a blockage and causing the truck to act as if it's out of fuel.
6. If you notice that your steering wheel begins to vibrate as you slow down or come to a stop, it's time to have your brakes checked. This is also true if you hear a squealing sound as you come to a stop. Make a note to remind yourself to have this done as soon as your load is delivered. You'll save both time and money if you deal with this now instead of waiting until the brakes actually fail. Replacing brake pads and rotors costs less than replacing an entire brake system.
7. Keep a pocket-sized notebook in your truck. On its first page, write down the make and model of your truck along with the size and load weight of its tires. Use the notebook to keep track of the maintenance issues regarding the truck so you can stay on top of any repairs the truck might need. Having this information in a handy location will help you to avoid breaking down while on the road. Having good records can also help you get faster road service when you need it because the technician will know what parts are needed and can bring them to the work site more quickly.
There you have it. Use these seven secrets and keep your rig rolling.
Monica Willyard is part of the team at Amcor 24-Hour Truck And Tire Service, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Trucks are Amcor's specialty, and Amcor provides road service and tire replacement throughout north Georgia. Visit [http://www.truckandtirerepairs.com] for more information, or call us at (770) 928-3244.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Monica_O._Willyard/174898
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/998541
9/21/18
9/12/18
DOT Inspector explains what he looks for when checking semis
A Federal DOT inspector shows a group what he looks for when he stops a tractor trailer and makes sure it is road worthy. He answers the question that truckers and trucking companies have been asking for years. This video is a great resource for drivers and managers.
9/09/18
When Your Truck Is Down, You Can Depend On A&T Road Service and Towing
Our Service Area
Call 800-434-1205
This map indicates our approximate service area. Our goal is to get to you within 1.3 hours and most often, on a clean run, we can be there in just under an hour. Although we have sometimes gone further than this circle--and we will still--this approximate 50-60 mile radius from our home base in Fairfield, CA is what we call our call area.
Of course, most of our calls are probably within 25 miles and we get there even sooner, but rest assured that we will do everything within our power to be there as quickly as possible because when your truck is down, time is very important.
We are centrally located in Fairfield CA which is approximately 45 miles from San Francisco or Sacramento and about 50 miles from Stockton. We regularly service Fairfield, Vallejo, Rio Vista, Napa, Vacaville, Travis AFB, Winters, Dixon, Davis, Benicia, St. Helena, Calistoga, Suisun City, Green Valley, Crockett, Hercules, San Pablo, Richmond, Concord, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Boyes Hot Springs, Sonoma, Allendale, Cordelia, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg, Antioch, Novato, American Canyon, Truck Scales and much more.
We've even gone as far as San Jose, the South Bay and the Peninsula because we always answer the phone 24/7. Solano County is our home turf, but readily service Napa County, Yolo County, Contra Costa County, Sonoma County, Sacramento County, and San Joaquin County, Alameda County and Marin County. We also have been known to travel to San Francisco County, Santa Clara County and San Mateo County. In fact, if you need immediate service, we will travel where ever we need to in order to take care of your problem. We are at your service and we mean that sincerely |
9/06/18
A Little History of Towing
Tow trucks came on the automotive scene in
1915, well after several French and German inventors were finished
experimenting with pushcarts and propulsion throughout the 1800’s, and
only twelve years after the explosion of Ford Motor Company‘s mass-produced automobile.
Since necessity is always the mother of invention, this dire event caused Holmes to think about how to make lighter work of what was soon to become a very common situation. The growing popularity of motor vehicles meant there needed to be an easier way to transport wrecked vehicles to repair shops. And to avoid spending half a day helping your buddies every time they ran their car into a ditch.
Only a few months later – using a 1913 Cadillac, poles, a pulley, and a chain device that wrapped around the axle or frame, Ernest Holmes invented the world’s first twin boom wrecker tow truck.
He filed a patent for a more refined version in 1918. The concept involved a “split boom” wrecker that could anchor the truck itself and lift from the opposite end without tipping over. This made it possible to retrieve vehicles that were stuck on steep embankments.
A major success, Holmes’ first models were said to lift up to 15 tons. This made them very useful during WWI and WWII as delivery, supply, and transport trucks. Holmes’ regular wreckers were also used for decades to recover race cars NASCAR and IndyCar.
The Ernest Holmes Co. Automobile Repairing operated for two generations until it was absorbed by Dover Corp., then continued as Century Wreckers, and ultimately purchased by Miller Industries.
Holmes’ method of wrapping a chain around the axle or frame, which causes damage to the chassis, has been mostly replaced by hydraulic towing methods (developed by Holmes’ grandson/Century Wreckers) that involve fitting a yoke on the front or back wheels.
Source: www.fifetowing.com/blog
9/03/18
8/31/18
A & T Road Service - The Ambulance Service for Trucks.
A&T "Mobile" Heavy Duty Truck and Trailer Road Service is a 24-hour, 7-days a week roadside mobile truck repair service for light and medium-duty to heavy duty commercial trucks and trailers. At A&T "Mobile" Truck Road Service we like to think of ourselves as the "Ambulance Service for Trucks." If your truck is broken down, we will come to you and perform the necessary triage to get you back on the road. Now includes towing, load adjustments, and more. Not only do we provide 24 Hour Emergency service, we could come out and do light mechanical work on site to our customer's fleet and avoid the truck having to come in the shop.
Learn more at: https://www.truckmobilerepair.com/
8/28/18
Breakdown Solutions - North Bay Truck Center
Find us at https://www.nttsbreakdown.com/ntts/programs/main/main.php
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North Bay Truck Center, Fairfield, CA can be found on NTTS Breakdown.com
8/25/18
Why Do Cars Get Impounded?
Impounded cars are those placed in tow yards legally before they are returned back to their owners, recycled, auctioned or completely destroyed. Impounding agencies must have a legal right before impounding a vehicle. The agents tow the vehicle once they find it in their list of automobiles for impounding.
Police or private agencies have the right to impound vehicles that are violating the law and store them in their yards. The law allows them to store impounded cars until all the fees charged are paid. They are licensed to have your vehicle impounded. If not, find a lawyer to represent your case in court.
Auctioning of abandoned vehicle is often organized to assist in recovery of cash used during towing and the time the auto was stored in the yard. This is usually done if the owner of the vehicle is not found, the owner doesn’t want the car anymore or if the vehicle has overstayed in the yard.
Before retrieving your impounded vehicle, you first need to understand why it was impounded in the first place. This will allow you plan accordingly.
Reasons cars get impounded
i. Driving with no license
ii. Possession of a stolen car
iii. Car was involved in an accident
iv. The car isn’t insured
v. Over speeding
vi. Your car was found abandoned on the road
vii. Driving under suspension
viii. Outstanding fines for parking
ix. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
x. If your car got involved in assaulting someone
xi. If the car is not correctly parked
xii. Your registration is expired
xiii. If you are violating traffic rules
xiv. Driving vehicles that are not roadworthy
xv. If your car is exposing the public to potential health hazards or any other risks
Impounded Vehicles
Has the vehicle been impounded illegally?
In case your car gets impounded illegally, contact a criminal defense lawyer to help you fight for your lawful rights. Most people with impounded cars often make claims of ownership and get collection letters. Once at the correct impounding station, you’ll be needed to prove your identity and ownership of the car.
Sometimes, you might not be able to retrieve your car by yourself due to unavoidable circumstances. If you’d wish to send someone on your behalf, let them bring with them a letter of authorization signed by you, a copy of your driving license and an insurance certificate to prove your identity.
The cost of retrieving your vehicle
Getting your car back for free is almost impossible; there are fees that must be paid before you get your car. The police or private agencies charge you storage and towing fees. All your outstanding charges and fees must be cleared. Abandoning your vehicle because you don’t want to pay charges is not advisable.
It might result in your car being auctioned or completely destroyed. Afterward, you won’t have any claim for that car. The impounding agencies would benefit from auctioning your car. Even so, the municipal or companies you owe debts for years would still want you to pay them.
Source: https://www.fifetowing.com/blog/why-cars-get-impounded/
8/22/18
The 5 Hitch Classes and Their Maximum Load Capacities
With the right towing hitch, you can make your vehicle into a road trip ready, trailer-hauling machine! But in order to choose the right trailer hitch, you must first learn which hitch class matches your towing vehicle. In fact, it is also important to consider a few additional factors that influence the hitch class you will need for your towing purposes. For starters, be sure to refer to your towing vehicle's owners' manual, as well as, the same manual for your trailer. The manual for your towing vehicle will provide its maximum tongue weight (TW) and gross trailer weight (GTW).
TW = Total amount of weight that rests directly on top of the hitch.
GTW= Total mass of your trailer, including hardware and cargo.
Once you have this information, you will have an easier time selecting the proper trailer hitch for your towing needs. You may also contact a local towing and recovery company for professional towing service if you are not comfortable setting up your own rig. For now, continue reading to learn the average towing capacities for all 5 hitch classes.
Hitch Classes
There are a variety of tow hitches available on the market, all of which retain varying features and capacities for different towing applications and trailer types. But all hitches can be categorized into 5 classes, appropriately labeled Class 1 through Class 5. Look below for a guide to their maximum towing capacities. Generally Roman Numerals are used for hitch classes (i.e. Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV, and Class V), but we have used numbers for easier understanding.
Class 1:
GTW = 2,000 lbs.
TW = 200 lbs.
Class 2:
GTW = 3,500 lbs.
TW = 300 lbs.
Class 3:
GTW = 5,000 lbs.
TW = 350 - 600 lbs.
Class 4:
GTW = 10,000 lbs.
TW = 600 - 1,800 lbs.
Class 5:
GTW = 10,000+ lbs.
TW = 600 - 1,800 lbs.
Additional Hitch Considerations
Now that you know each hitch class and their towing capacity, you can easily figure out which class you'll need for your tow. Keep in mind that you must also match all other towing setup components with your correct hitch class, including the ball mount. When it comes to choosing a tow hitch manufacturer, be sure to read customer testimonials and product reviews before making a final purchase. With so many manufacturers and brands to choose from, it can be overwhelming come time to make a purchasing decision. Just trust recent reviews and read up on return policies and you should be just fine!
Call Zore's Towing at 317-247-8484 for professional Indianapolis towing and recovery you can trust. They serve all of Central Indiana with fast and friendly towing services, including 24 hour roadside assistance, heavy duty towing, long distance towing, and more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate for 24 hour towing in Indianapolis, IN anytime.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarahbeth_Kluzinski/1326228
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9609708
TW = Total amount of weight that rests directly on top of the hitch.
GTW= Total mass of your trailer, including hardware and cargo.
Once you have this information, you will have an easier time selecting the proper trailer hitch for your towing needs. You may also contact a local towing and recovery company for professional towing service if you are not comfortable setting up your own rig. For now, continue reading to learn the average towing capacities for all 5 hitch classes.
Hitch Classes
There are a variety of tow hitches available on the market, all of which retain varying features and capacities for different towing applications and trailer types. But all hitches can be categorized into 5 classes, appropriately labeled Class 1 through Class 5. Look below for a guide to their maximum towing capacities. Generally Roman Numerals are used for hitch classes (i.e. Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV, and Class V), but we have used numbers for easier understanding.
Class 1:
GTW = 2,000 lbs.
TW = 200 lbs.
Class 2:
GTW = 3,500 lbs.
TW = 300 lbs.
Class 3:
GTW = 5,000 lbs.
TW = 350 - 600 lbs.
Class 4:
GTW = 10,000 lbs.
TW = 600 - 1,800 lbs.
Class 5:
GTW = 10,000+ lbs.
TW = 600 - 1,800 lbs.
Additional Hitch Considerations
Now that you know each hitch class and their towing capacity, you can easily figure out which class you'll need for your tow. Keep in mind that you must also match all other towing setup components with your correct hitch class, including the ball mount. When it comes to choosing a tow hitch manufacturer, be sure to read customer testimonials and product reviews before making a final purchase. With so many manufacturers and brands to choose from, it can be overwhelming come time to make a purchasing decision. Just trust recent reviews and read up on return policies and you should be just fine!
Call Zore's Towing at 317-247-8484 for professional Indianapolis towing and recovery you can trust. They serve all of Central Indiana with fast and friendly towing services, including 24 hour roadside assistance, heavy duty towing, long distance towing, and more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate for 24 hour towing in Indianapolis, IN anytime.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarahbeth_Kluzinski/1326228
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9609708
8/19/18
About the 2018 SEMA Show
The SEMA Show takes place October 30 - November 2, 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Center located at 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109.
The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.
The 2017 SEMA Show drew more than 70,000 domestic and international buyers. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and a New Products Showcase featured nearly 3,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more…
Note: The SEMA Show is a trade-only event and not open to the general public.
Learn more at: https://www.semashow.com/the-sema-show
8/16/18
5 Tire Tips For A Safer Work Truck
Tires withstand severe environments throughout their life on a work truck. Holding up to heavy loads and traveling on a multitude of surfaces are common for work truck tires. Most of us give the tires on our work truck little thought until they are in need of replacement. While this strategy may have worked for you in the past, neglecting to regularly check the condition of your tires will eventually catch up to you and leave you stranded on the side of the road. If your truck is down, your work is down. Utilize these tips to keep your work truck off the shoulder.
1. Tread Depth
Check tread depth often utilizing the penny test (a minimum of 2/32” of tread left on the tire). Most make the mistake of checking one spot on each tire, to ensure even wear check at least three spots on each tire.
2. Tire Pressure
Keep a tire pressure gauge in each work truck and check the pressure regularly. Keep the tire pressure within the vehicle’s recommended PSI range.
3. Cracks, Checks & More
Check for cracks, punctures, tears, bulges, bumps or tread separation. If you come across any exposed strands of metal or fabric, take the truck out of the field and have the tire(s) replaced as soon as possible.
4. Alignment
Keep proper alignment of your work truck tires. If they are improperly aligned it will result in premature wear and tear on the tires.
5. Overloading
Don’t overload! Your work truck (and tires) are only rated to handle so much weight. Overloading can create a recipe for disaster on not just your tires but your entire vehicle.
Source: https://www.knapheide.com/news/blog/2018/05/5-tire-tips-for-a-safer-work-truck
8/13/18
New Android-powered PeopleNet display designed for rigors of trucking
The PD.5 gives customers the option to implement a ruggedized display that enables them to comply with the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate as well as leverage other applications such as navigation and in-cab scanning.
PeopleNet, a Trimble Company and leading provider of fleet mobility technology, announced the debut of the PeopleNet Display.5 (PD.5), an Android-powered fixed-mount display built specifically for the rigors of the commercial trucking industry.
“The introduction of the PeopleNet Display.5 provides customers with additional choices and flexibility when selecting an in-cab display,” said Bryan Coyne, general manager, North America for Trimble’s Transportation Mobility Division, which includes PeopleNet. “The PD.5, much like our Android-based tablets, lays the foundation for the next-generation of fleet mobility and helps our customers transform their drivers’ experience.”
The PD.5 gives customers the option to implement a ruggedized display that enables them to comply with the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate as well as leverage other applications such as navigation and in-cab scanning. Through PeopleNet’s Managed Mobility service, fleets can also manage both business and third-party apps running on the display and provide drivers with remote assistance during support cases and troubleshooting other mobile applications.
By harnessing the Android platform, PeopleNet says the PD.5 allows customers to future-proof their investment and maximize productivity and visibility throughout their fleet. The PD.5 has the flexibility to pair with multiple in-vehicle gateways for a fully customizable solution that leverages 4G LTE connectivity to increase driver and fleet performance.
“As we continue our migration to Android, the PD.5 can run both proprietary solutions alongside third-party apps, giving a fleet the ability to customize the driver experience to optimize productivity,” said Coyne. “Android software also unifies all of our latest devices, so a fleet can run any combination of fixed-mounted displays, handhelds and consumer-grade devices to meet their business-specific needs.”
The PeopleNet Display.5 is available now and will be showcased at the 2018 in.sight user conference + expo in Houston from September 9-12.
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