April 2009
Cover Story
Electronic technology helps Freymiller streamline driver recruitment, expedite hiring of qualified drivers
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By David A Kolman
Hiring Truck drivers has always been a daunting task for the trucking companies, regardless of fleet size. The process can be expensive and time-consuming....
Editor's Note
A path to healthier drivers
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM, David A Kolman david.kolman@penton.com
I've got a suggestion for not only recruiting and retaining drivers, but for keeping them performing at a peak level: invest in their health and well-being....
Features
Women are filling the need for drivers, other trucking professionals
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The Trucking industry is facing a national shortage of truck drivers, especially in the long-haul segment. All indications are the shortage will continue...
Thermo King unveils new products, services
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Thermo King used the occasion of the recent Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, to announce an all-new T-Series of temperature control...
Lively Distributing progresses to new Thermo King T-Series truck units
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Always A company to welcome new technology, Lively Distributing of Phoenix, Arizona, is among the first to begin running Thermo King's all-new T-Series....
Carrier introduces single-temperature trailer unit with hybrid technology
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Carrier Transicold has introduced the Vector 6500, North America's first single-temperature trailer refrigeration unit to use the company's exclusive...
Legal referral services help augment fleet safety, driver retention
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Fleet Safety directors live in a constant balancing act: Get drivers to destinations on time; encourage safe driving habits; demand nothing but the highest...
Carrier grows by doing right by drivers
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By David A Kolman
Like Many long-haul refrigerated carriers, Brandon, South Dakota-based A&A Express is working to tame operating costs and keep drivers. As part of its...
New Freightliner plant opens in Mexico
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
During One of the worst economic crises to hit North America, one truck builder has delivered a strong vote of confidence in the future of the trucking...
Rigorous design approach necessary for going green
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By David A Kolman
In The Rush To go green, many companies miss a real opportunity for helping the environment by omitting a rigorous approach to creating supply chains...
Beverage distribution: It takes the right types of vehicles to meet customer demands
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
After A Day on the ski slopes and recreation areas west of Denver, skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers can usually count on finding local supermarket,...
Great Dane closes long-time Savannah plant
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
January 12 was one of the strangest days of Chris Hammond IV's professional life. As he rode through the manufacturing facility in Great Dane Trailers'...
Industry Watch: News
Eaton program assists fleet owners applying for diesel hybrid truck grants
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Eaton Corporation has established a program to assist diesel truck fleet owners in applying for the $156 million in diesel hybrid truck grants available...
Navistar debuts MaxxPower brand vehicle components
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Navistar is launching a new global brand of proprietary components for its vehicle brands. MaxxPower brand components will soon be available on International...
Program offers rebates for fuel purchases
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Multi Service Corporation has launched a new fuel card program for over-the-road fleets. The Fuel Card Rebate Program is designed to help small- and medium-size...
Haldex reaches brake shoe milestone
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems announces the production of its two millionth brake shoe at a New Generation Friction Center. The firm has updated four...
Webb OEM site earns quality certification
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The Webb Wheel Products OEM Business Unit manufacturing facility in Tell City IN has been awarded ISO/TS16949 quality certification. Vehicle component...
Firms develop national sleep lab network
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Roadside Medical Clinic + Lab (www.roadsidemed.com) announces its new joint venture with Sleep Pointe LLC (www.sleeppointe.com). Roadside Medical Clinic...
Initiative to advance wireless data technology
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Lockheed Martin's Savi Technology, Michelin, Texas Instruments, and others are forming the DASH7 Alliance, a cross-industry initiative to expand the use...
Thermo King announces 2008 award winners
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Thermo King has recognized its top performers in 2008 with Dealer and Corporate Awards at the company's recent dealer meeting. They are: Eastern Region...
CSX Intermodal head applauds new rail-truck opportunities
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
New technologies and improved cooperation between railroads and truckload carriers are producing new opportunities for both transportation modes. That...
ATA Truck Tonnage Index rises in January
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The American Trucking Associations' advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index climbed 3.0 percent in January 2009, marking only the second...
Trucking continues to dominate: report
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Despite the current weakness in demand for freight transportation services caused by the nation's recession, the long-term outlook remains bright for...
Penske, Smith offer driver safety training
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Penske Truck Leasing has teamed up with Smith System to provide Penske customers exclusive online access to E Learning truck driver safety training courses...
BlueTec technology training provided
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
As the EPA 2010 emissions regulation nears, Detroit Diesel is dedicated to ensuring its service network is prepared for the launch of its BlueTec emissions...
Economist sounds upbeat note about the economy
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The United States is not in a depression despite the claims of prominent economists, said Clare Zempel, himself an economist and financial advisor. Speaking...
EPA Clean Diesel Campaign could benefit truck dealers
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
A new initiative from the Environmental Protection Agency designed to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality could help drum up business for...
ConAgra's Carrier of the Year: Hill Bros.
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Hill Bros. Transportation has been awarded the ConAgra Foods 2008 Temperature Carrier of the Year award. Mike Liebherr, vice president of transportation...
Mack, Volvo provide retrofit DPFs
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Mack Trucks Inc. and Volvo Trucks North America now offer retrofit diesel particulate filters (DPFs) to allow operators of older-model Mack and Volvo...
Kenworth truck operators eligible for federal stimulus package aid
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Truck operators who purchase new Kenworth medium-duty hybrid trucks and tractors or T800 liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles, then permanently remove...
Arrow extends used-truck warranty
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Arrow Truck Sales has extended to 90 days the standard 30-day warranty included in the purchase of a pre-owned truck. The comprehensive longer coverage,...
Navistar Financial Corporation turns 60
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Navistar Financial Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar International Corporation, celebrated a milestone anniversary March 12: Sixty years...
Pilot announces details on DEF rollout
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Pilot Travel Centers LLC has announced the details and scheduled rollout for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) availability at its North American truckstops....
BlueTec SCR achieves 12-million-mile mark
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Detroit Diesel has completed 12 million miles of testing on its BlueTec Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, including its third year of engineering...
VDOT to close 25 of 42 safety rest areas
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Despite receiving $694.5 million for highway projects in the federal stimulus package, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is planning to...
Driver vehicle inspections
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM, Gregory Hart Hart Consulting
I thought your February column (Your trucks heading for a breakdown today?) was well-written. As a consultant who specializes in maintenance, my approach...
Supermarket adds biogas-fueled trucks
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Sainsbury's supermarkets in the United Kingdom are adding five more trucks with hybrid systems that use a combination biomethane fuel and diesel fuel....
Hino leads the field in satisfaction survey
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Hino Truck engines rank highest in customer satisfaction among conventional cab medium-duty truck owners, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008...
Navistar hails Ben E Keith for work on DuraStar Hybrid
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Navistar, the manufacturer of International brand trucks, have honored beverage distributor Ben E. Keith with a plaque recognizing its contributions to...
Industry Watch: Business
Texas smokehouse opens new freezer
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The New Braunfels (TX) Smokehouse announces the opening of a new state-of-the-art freezer with the capacity to store 1,200 pallets of commercial frozen...
Bendix agrees to acquire VORAD system
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix), a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the VORAD (Vehicle On-board...
PacLease announces 13 new locations
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Paccar Leasing Company (PacLease) continues its expansion with the announcement of 13 new locations throughout the United States and Canada. The new United...
Phoenix Industries expands in Florida
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Phoenix Industries LLC, headquartered in Winter Haven FL, is expanding its North Miami terminal from its location less than a mile from Interstate 95...
Utility Trailer dealer doubles in size
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company announced that its independent dealer, Utility Trailer Sales of the Ozarks, has doubled its square footage to better...
SAF-Holland produces axles in Missouri
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
SAF-Holland announces that axle production has commenced at its Warrenton MO facility in February 2009 with initial shipments of both drum and disc braked...
Onboard safety system benefit-cost analyses issued
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has released the findings from research that examined benefits and costs to motor carriers associated...
Carrier Transicold compliance assistance on TRU website
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has posted a Carrier Transicold compliance assistance document on the TRU website. This document is intended...
ICE turns to the sun to cut cold-storage costs
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
In a dedication ceremony March 19, Hamann Construction, Innovative Cold Storage Enterprises Inc. (ICE), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), and SunPower...
Boston Rack, Base Manufacturing merge
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Boston Rack International, an integrator of material handling equipment solutions, is joining forces with Base Manufacturing, a manufacturer of storage...
Product Innovations
Motor Wheel debuts CentriFuse Plus
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Motor Wheel Commercial Vehicle Systems Inc, a Precision Partners Inc company, has introduced CentriFuse Plus long-life/severe-service brake drums. Currently...
Cummins ISX an option on Cascadia truck
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Freightliner Trucks announced the availability of the Cummins ISX Series engine as an option for the Freightliner Cascadia 125-inch BBC product line....
GE Asset Intelligence offers virtual hubometer
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
GE Asset Intelligence has introduced VeriWise GPS Mileage, a service that provides fleet owners the ability to track mileage readings on trailers without...
Raymond's Swing-Reach forklifts take energy-saving to new heights
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Raymond Corporation's new 9000 series Swing-Reach forklifts come with a range of energy-saving devices, including regenerative lowering that automatically...
Thermo King employs parts replenishment system from AeroScout, IMEC Technologies
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
AeroScout Inc., provider of Unified Asset Visibility for improving operational efficiency, together with IMEC Technologies, has deployed a wireless parts...
SV-830 supplies eyes, ears for any scene
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Safety Vision has introduced its SV-830 day/night mobile-rated color video camera. The SV-830 camera pairs high-intensity infrared (IR) illuminators with...
Hino Trucks adds stainless steel accessories
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Hino Trucks' new line of stainless steel accessories, labeled HinoStyle, is intended to add a custom look, resale value, and aesthetic appeal to the company's...
Gen-H system increases fuel economy
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Modern Technology Corporation is offering its new Gen-H On-Demand Hydrogen Generator for commercial fleet trucks. This newly designed system will be available...
RSSplus system offered as a retrofit kit
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Meritor WABCO, a joint venture between ArvinMeritor and WABCO Vehicle Control Systems, has announced its independent stability enhancement system for...
Cole Hersee Company introduces Master Battery Disconnect Switch
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Cole Hersee Company introduces its new Master Battery Disconnect Switch. Ideal for trucking applications, the 75920 Master Battery Disconnect Switch cuts...
HAB visor offered for Business Class M2
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Hendrickson Bumper and Trim has unveiled a Hendrickson Aero Bright (HAB) visor for Freightliner Business Class M2 medium-duty trucks. This visor comes...
TPMS designed for drop-and-hook fleets
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Advantage PressurePro, maker of the original external Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), announced the release of its new Intelligent TPMS. The Drop-and-Hook...
UltraShift HV offered on Ford trucks
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Eaton Corporation has announced that the UltraShift Highway Value (HV) transmission is now available as a data book option for Ford F650 Super Duty and...
Haldex adds ILAS E Air Suspension Valve
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems announces the addition of the ILAS E Air Suspension Valve. This valve can control the position of lift axles through...
PAN 22 disc brake: Low weight, long life
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Meritor WABCO, a joint venture between ArvinMeritor and WABCO Vehicle Control Systems, has extended its PAN air disc brake family in North America with...
Roadranger synthetic lubes easy to find
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The Roadranger marketing organization has announced that fuel-saving Roadranger FE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant is now available through every major...
Maxon GPSLR: Level, smart, and tough
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Maxon Lift Corp has introduced its latest technological advancement: the GPSLR Series Liftgate. The GPSLR is a slide-type liftgate that rides level from...
Wireless temperature monitoring offered
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Green Edge Systems' HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) wireless temperature monitoring system permits the constant monitoring of refrigerated...
PrimeLINE enhances fleet operations
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The new PrimeLINE container refrigeration unit is making a splash with several of Carrier Transicold's customers. Since PrimeLINE's December 2007 introduction,...
TODCO truck door lubricant goes green
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
TODCO introduces TODCO FG Lube, a more environmentally friendly, custom-made lubricant designed specifically for overhead truck doors. Thanks to its advanced...
Alcoa launches three wheel lines for trucks
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Alcoa Automotive Wheels, a Cleveland OH-based business of Alcoa, announced the expansion of its aftermarket catalog to include three new wheel lines for...
Grote dome lamp is motion-activated
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Grote Industries announced the latest addition to its LED WhiteLight product line. The new, low-profile S100 LED surface-mount dome lamp features built-in...
OnGuard provided on certain Freightliners
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Freightliner Trucks, in conjunction with Meritor WABCO, has announced the availability of the OnGuard collision safety system for select Cascadia and...
Roll-up door has self-repairing design
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Hrmann Flexon LLC has formally launched the Speed-Commander 1400 SE high-performance door. The Speed-Commander 1400 roll-up door, designed for use on...
Freightliner offers high-visibility seat belts
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Freightliner Trucks announced the availability of high-visibility seat belts as a factory-installed option on the Cascadia, Columbia, Century Class S/T,...
XATANET gains customer-defined reporting
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
XATA Corporation has added customer-defined reporting capabilities to its core product, XATANET. The company's new Self-Service Reporting tool allows...
Kenworth T370 targets local hauling
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Kenworth Truck Company has introduced a new T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid tractor for local haul applications, including beverage, general freight,...
Canada green-lights wide-base single tires
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
New-generation wide single truck tires, including Michelin X One tires, are now approved for use across Canada. The Council of Ministers Responsible for...
UltraShift HV optional for Sterling Acterras
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Sterling Truck Corporation announces the availability of the Eaton Fuller UltraShift Highway Value (HV) six-speed transmission as an option for all Sterling...
Changing Roles
Fleets
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Andrew B. Janson has been promoted to president of Hanson Logistics effective March 1, 2009. Previously the company's executive vice president of business...
Suppliers
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Effective June 1, 2009, Martin Daum will become head of Daimler Trucks North America. He will replace Chris Patterson, who will retire after 32 years...
Information Channels
Wall chart shows wheel end torque specs
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
A wall chart identifying the proper torque specifications for truck and trailer wheel ends is available from Webb Wheel Products. Recommended specifications...
Website highlights Doran 360HD system
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
A new easy-to-navigate website details the new Doran 360HD Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Among topics covered with this intuitive website are status...
Tenstreet offers free recruiting software
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Tenstreet LLC has restructured its product offerings to now include a new small business edition of its patented software. The new Basic Version, available...
Truck-Lite catalog adds 300-plus new items
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
With the addition of more than 300 new items, Truck-Lite's 2009 Full Line Product Catalog now includes 3,000-plus items from which to choose. Truck-Lite's...
Wide single tires outperform duals in fuel efficiency tests
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
A 383-page report provided by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory confirms that wide single tires are more fuel-efficient than duals...
Brake parts catalog supplement issued
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The 2009 supplement to the Formula Blue master catalog from Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC is now available. The supplement includes model year coverage...
AutoSearch RFID expands asset tracking
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
EarthSearch Communications International's AutoSearch is an asset management system that combines GPS and RFID to track property assets in transit and...
Webb updates disc brake rotor catalog
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Webb Wheel Products Inc. has released an updated rotor catalog listing all Webb rotors available for hydraulic disc brake school bus, light truck, and...
Maintenance Manager Online introduced
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. has introduced Maintenance Manager Online, a secure, web-based application for motor carriers to track and manage daily...
Analysis assesses 30 freight bottlenecks
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released the findings of its Freight Performance Measures Analysis of 30 Freight Bottlenecks....
Descartes acquires Scancode Systems
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Descartes Systems Group, a global on-demand software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics systems provider, acquired privately held Scancode Systems Inc. (www.scancode.com),...
TMW finishes 2008 on successful note
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
With fleets and transportation service providers around North America continuing to invest in technology to improve their business efficiencies, TMW Systems...
C.R. England deploys TeleNav Track service
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
C.R. England, a family-owned refrigerated transportation business, has increased customer satisfaction to 99 percent and attracted $1.8 million in new...
TMW integrates with 3sixty Connexion
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The first commercial software integration to bring customers the benefit of TransCore's 3sixty Connexion with full access to TransCore's DAT network of...
Transite offers shipping optimization
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Transite Technology has introduced shipping optimization to its suite of technology offerings for the transportation management market. The company's...
RFID container tag spec issued; Ask the Expert service begins
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
A new ISO (International Organization for Standardization) technical specification will help to ensure the functioning of radio frequency identification...
TransCore website caters only to Class 8
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
TransCore launches www.transcoretracking.com to provide a specialized GlobalWave website that caters only to Class 8 commercial trucks and freight carriers,...
Book tells how to achieve Safety for the Long Haul
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has released Safety for the Long Haul, a comprehensive text on large-truck safety. Written by Dr. Ron Knipling,...
Kenworth brochure highlights its medium-duty hybrid vehicles
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Kenworth has produced a new brochure on its T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid trucks and tractors. These medium-duty hybrid trucks...
IntelliRoute system navigates precisely
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Rand McNally's new IntelliRoute Dock2Dock system provides truck-attributed dock-to-dock navigation on city and inter-neighborhood streets. The firm's...
CARB offering free video training course that deals specifically with TRU compliance
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) training course #507, Transport Refrigeration Units, is now available as a video. Approximately three hours...
Supplier Showcase
Driver Monitoring Systems
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Driver monitoring systems report witnessed incidents of improper driving actions. This allows fleet to zero in and identify specific driving problems,...
HowsMyDriving.com is Web-based
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The HowsMyDriving.com system uses a Web-based reporting service for driver monitoring. Vehicles get a safety decal with the vehicle's distinguishing number...
Driver's Alert helps manage fleet safety
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Driver's Alert is a vehicle monitoring and driver training package intended to reduce at-fault accidents. Vehicles receive a unique how's my driving decal...
Howamidriving.com assists promotes safety
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The howamidriving.com program uses decals with information for motorists to phone in comments about a vehicle's driving. The decals are ergonomically...
FleetWatch Systems increases roadway safety
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
FleetWatch Systems' driver and fleet monitoring programs are designed to increase safety on the roadways by providing a fleet with an ongoing flow of...
Safety Alert does fleet monitoring, reporting
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Safety Alert Network's fleet monitoring and reporting program helps improve a fleet's safety record by identifying high-risk drivers. The program uses...
IVOX forms strategic alliance with ISO
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
IVOX has announced a strategic alliance with Insurance Services Offices Inc (ISO), a leading source of information about risk, data, analytics, and decision-support...
Industry Events
Wabash to hold industry open house
Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM
In the midst of a global recession, many companies are looking at creative and cost-effective ways to market their products and gain awareness with current...
