Business, Technology, Equipment

Powering Liftgates

Advances in batteries and charging systems, as well as the use of solar panels, are helping to solve the problem of liftgates that drain a truck's battery.

Susan L. Hodges | Contributing Writer
September 21, 2018
Technology, Business

Fuel Cards Advance

Trucking companies today are doing much more with fuel cards than purchasing diesel. As card issuers deploy technology to connect new services to their cards, fleets are using them to better control fuel spending, gather data on their operations and even book hotel reservations.

Susan L. Hodges | Contributing Writer
February 10, 2017
Technology, Business, Government, Safety, Fuel

IFTA Streamlining Use of Mileage Data Collected by Fleets’ In-Cab Technology

Fleets and technology providers alike are optimistic about coming changes to International Fuel Tax Agreement record-keeping and audit procedures, saying the revisions will streamline carrier record-keeping requirements, accommodate advances in onboard technology and clarify specifications for states’ acceptance of data captured by electronic devices.

Susan L. Hodges | Contributing Writer
September 16, 2016
Technology, Business, Government, Safety, Fuel, Equipment

Tech Firms Prepared for IFTA Changes, See Benefits for Fleets

Technology firms that develop or support onboard fleet-management and telematics systems say they are prepared for upcoming changes to the International Fuel Tax Agreement’s auditing procedures and see benefits for their fleet customers.

Susan L. Hodges | Contributing Writer
September 16, 2016
Equipment, Fuel

Energy Efficiency at Facilities Brings Sizable Savings to Fleets, OEMs

Efficiency improvements and energy-reduction strategies at trucking facilities are saving fleets and original equipment manufacturers money and time. Even minor changes — such as conversion from older, high-intensity-discharge (HID) lights to skylights or to light-emitting diode (LED) lighting in offices and break rooms — result in lower electric bills, increased visibility and greater employee satisfaction, facility managers said.

Susan L. Hodges | Contributing Writer
June 17, 2016
Business

Conspicuity Gear Helps Trailers Stand Out When Grime, Darkness Threaten Visibility

Dirt and road grime that end up on tractor-trailers as they travel can obscure conspicuity equipment, diminishing the role these lights, reflectors and decals are designed to play.

Susan L. Hodges | Contributing Writer
June 22, 2015
Government, Business, Safety

iTECH: Value of IT Managers Rises at Midsize Fleets

Recent innovations in information technology, such as the ability to harness the power of software applications over the Internet, are changing when and why trucking companies need on-site IT managers.

Susan L. Hodges | Contributing Writer
December 31, 2007