Steve Brawner
Trailer Makers Anticipate Rebound After Fleets Recover From Pandemic
A Hyundai Translead manufacturing plant. Before the pandemic, the trailer manufacturer already was expecting the overall market to be down from last year. (Hyundai)
The trailer industry was forced to make further production cuts and alter manufacturing processes as the coronavirus pandemic took hold.
July 17, 2020Truck Financiers Offer Flexibility During Pandemic
Bowerman Trucking CEO Matt Bowerman with his fleet. (Bowerman Trucking)
Like many other carriers, Bowerman Trucking in Searcy, Ark., has experienced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, but one group has made things easier: its creditors.
June 2, 2020Fleets Weigh Benefits, Drawbacks of Wide-Base Tires Versus Duals
Paul Tatarchuk, B2BN special services coordinator at Michelin North America, checks a Michelin-X One XDN2 wide-base tire. (Michelin North America)
Motor carriers consider many factors — and come to different conclusions — as they evaluate wide-base tires versus standard duals for their tractors and trailers.
April 13, 2020Fleets Move Toward Predictive Maintenance to Prevent Breakdowns, Reduce Expenses
A test engineer performs maintenance on a truck engine system. (Noregon)
Predictive maintenance is still in its early stages, and questions about warranties and other issues must be answered before a widespread shift in industry practices can occur.
March 9, 2020Electronic Braking Systems Expected to Gain Traction
Wabco says it sees EBS coming to the United States on a larger scale within three to five years. (Wabco)
After two decades of use in Europe, electronic braking systems will make significant inroads in the North American commercial vehicle market in the coming years to support the development of driver-assist technology and electric trucks, some industry experts said.
January 24, 2020Aftertreatment Upkeep Starts With Relationships
Bryan Stewart, of Jones Logistics, says he spends more time on vendor relations than spec'ing equipment. (Jones Logistics)
Building positive relationships with dealers and independent maintenance shops is one of the keys to successfully maintaining complex engine exhaust aftertreatment systems, according to several fleet representatives.
October 25, 2019Availability of Medium-Duty E-Trucks Is Limited as Testing Continues
Penske Truck Leasing is conducting tests with 10 medium-duty Freightliner eM2s in California. (Penske Truck Leasing)
Battery-electric medium-duty trucks may have a bright future due to their potential to reduce operational costs and improve sustainability. But currently, the availability of these trucks is limited as testing continues.
July 23, 2019Closing the Skills Gaps
CFI technicians inspect a truck's tires. CFI staffs one to two techs focused on technology repair for each shift, and less experienced techs focus on developing their skills before moving on to more advanced equipment. (CFI)
It's important for technicians to be savvy with technology, but companies will also train mechanically inclined techs and teach them new skills.
July 19, 2019Figuring Out Fan Drives
Most of Ryder's trucks have the traditional on-off drive. (Ryder System Inc.)
Many in the industry say variable-speed drives, which run only as fast as necessary, are increasingly popular. Variable drives can save on horsepower and therefore save on fuel. However, the more traditional on-off drive also is a popular choice because it’s simplest and cheapest.
May 11, 2018Mobile Lifts Gaining Momentum in Service Shops
Manufacturers note serveral reasons for mobile columns' increased use, including their flexibility. (Earthlift by Stertil-Koni)
Ryder System Inc.is one company whose fleet maintenance technicians are using mobile lifts to get under big rigs.
March 9, 2018