Sterling Updates Its Sleeper Offerings
Sterling Corp. has updated its sleeper offerings. The interior of the sleeper includes new top-quality fabrics, decorative accents and stylish stitching on the wall near the bed. Additionally, the sleeper exterior has a smooth, rivet-free finish, allowing for better air movement and leading to better fuel economy.
Featuring a bolt-on sleeper design, Sterling offers one of the largest available passageways from cab to sleeper. This type of sleeper is ideal for resale because it can be easily removed and converted to a daycab. The heart of the Sterling bolt-on sleeper design is an integral I-beam in each wall panel, which, joined together with solid core huck bolts, forms a structurally superior lightweight assembly.
Factory-installed sleeper options currently available include the 50- and 68-inch Flat Top Plus, 72-inch Mid-Roof and 68-inch Aero Bullet Plus.
International Begins Cross-country Road Trip
International Truck and Engine Corp. announced it will conduct a 20-truck, cross-country road tour this summer.
According to an International press release: “International and its nationwide dealer network is getting close to the customer with a cross-country tour of 20 commercial trucks and some trailers full of goodies that won’t disappoint.
"There’s no charge for the tire kicking, the parking or Al’s cold lemonade as tour attendees will try their hand at two ride-and-drive courses, relax in a big air-conditioned tent with customer lounge or visit one of the fun stations, such as the remote control course with a slightly smaller version of the world’s biggest pick-up. Visitors will even get a Taking it to the Streets Tour 2005 T-shirt (while supplies last). The tour will visit eight cities in the United States and Canada, beginning with Chicago at U.S. Cellular Field on June 29 and 30.
"The tour has an urban focus, meaning it features trucks like the International 4000 Series, which are commonly seen around the cities delivering fish, auto parts, beverages and the like. But it will also have dump trucks and other work trucks, as well as the International 8000 Series heavy truck favored for regional hauls.
"Headlining the tour are some new little trucks that are easy to own and operate called the International CF Series. They are called cab forward trucks because the engine is under the cab, allowing the trucks to have greater visibility and maneuverability. And yes, the International CXT, the world’s largest pick-up that comedian Jay Leno wrote about, and the sporty new International RXT will be available for test drives too.
In addition to the ride and drive opportunities, there are many other fun and valuable tour offerings for customers. There are show-only financing and warranty specials, sweepstakes to win an International CF Series truck, a NASCAR race package to meet NASCAR champion driver Kurt Busch and IRWIN tools skills competitions. As an added bonus, International will also be demonstrating its Aware Vehicle Intelligence, a telematics system that enables the fleet manager to monitor truck routes, performance, maintenance, security and fuel.
International experts in the areas of engine, finance, used trucks, parts and service will also be available.
Dates and locations for stops include:
• New York: July 13-14 at Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum
• Toronto: July 27-28 at Downsview Hangar
• Washington D.C.: Aug. 10-11 at Fed Ex Field
• Atlanta: Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 at Georgia International Convention Center
• San Francisco: Sept. 21-22 at SBC Ballpark
• Los Angeles: Oct. 5-6 at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center
• Dallas: Oct. 19-20 at Texas Motor Speedway
To register for Taking It to the Streets, go to www.internationaltrucktour.com or call the International Event Help Line at (866) 483-2001.
The Taking it to the Streets Tour is supported by Irwin Industrial Tools, Road Ranger, Allison, Michelin, CAT and Cummins.
Snap-On Debuts New Cordless Handspin Wheel Balancer
The new Snap-on Cordless Handspin Wheel Balancer offers full balance capabilities in a compact and portable package.
Powered by the same Snap-on 12-, 14.4- or 18-volt Versa Volt battery packs that provide the cord-free capabilities for all Snap-on cordless power tools, the 125-pound Cordless Handspin Wheel Balancer can easily move between jobs and locations without an electrical outlet. The balancer also works off a traditional 110-volt outlet using the included AC adapter.
The compact unit utilizes minimum floor and truck space – less than four square feet (32 inches by 16 inches) but offers the essential features needed to provide an accurate balance on passenger car and light truck wheels. The Snap-on Cordless Handspin Wheel Balancer and its accessories are versatile enough to accommodate wheels with diameters from 8 inches to 30 inches and widths from three inches to 20 inches, as well as tires with diameters as large as 44 inches and weighing up to 120 pounds.
Volvo To Develop FuelCell Unit For On-board APU
The Volvo Group announced it is starting a joint-venture company for the development of power units based on fuel cell technology. The power unit features a newly patented technology and is so compact that they can be installed in standard trucks. The new company, Powercell, is owned jointly by Volvo Technology (VTEC) and Statoil, a Norwegian energy company.
According to the Volvo announcement, if trucks were equipped with a power unit driven by fuel cells, the carbon dioxide emissions from a single truck could be reduced by an estimated 20 to 30 tons per year. As a result, trucks would not have to run at idle to have an electrical supply when they are parked.
The new, joint-venture company, Powercell, holds the patent on an improved fuel cell technology that makes it possible to produce such small and effective power units that they can be mounted in trucks and other vehicles to replace the current that is normally generated through operating the engine at idle. The fuel cell is powered by hydrogen gas that is produced from the diesel onboard.
According to the Truck Manufacturers Assn., there are about 500,000 heavy trucks in North America in which the driver lives onboard. If the emissions from these trucks could be reduced by 30 tons per truck and year, this would represent a reduction of 15 million tons.
ConocoPhillips Announces Conoco El Mar 3100
ConocoPhillips Co. has introduced Conoco El Mar 3100, a new and improved natural gas engine oil for use in naturally aspirated and turbo-charged, lean burn gas engines requiring low ash engine oil.
El Mar 3100 is formulated from high viscosity index base oils and field proven performance additives to meet the rigorous lubrication requirements of modern high performance, low emission, gas engines, such as Caterpillar, Dresser Rand, Waukesha, and other four-stroke natural gas engines.
Its low ash formulation is also compatible with gas engine units equipped with catalytic converters and other exhaust after-treatment devices, said Reginald Dias, ConocoPhillips Lubricants director of commercial products.
Odyssey Batteries Introduces New Group-31 Size Battery
Odyssey Batteries of EnerSys Reserve Power Group has introduced a new Group 31-size deep cycle sealed valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery that provides a service life three to four times longer than typical wet cell batteries.
The Odyssey PC 2150 military grade battery provides up to 70% more starting power at low temperatures, making it ideal for heavy duty, deep cycle applications such as over the road trucks, firetrucks, buses, construction equipment, refrigerated trailers, and RV-motor coaches as well as marine applications.
Using pure-lead technology, the new Odyssey PC 2150 lasts up to 10 years in operation versus two to three years compared to similar batteries. It has starting power up to 12 months in storage, and a two-year storage life at room temperature. The battery’s thin plate technology provides greater cranking power, especially effective at cold temperatures.
For example, the PC 2150 has 70% more starting power at -40F (-20C) than wet cell batteries, and can start vehicles at temperatures as low as -20F (-29C).
Alcoa Fastening Systems Announces Huck U-Spin Fasteners
Alcoa Fastenings Systems has announced its installation of Huck brand U-Spin fasteners.
These fasteners, installed via a computer-controlled swaging process that produces a vibration-proof, maintenance-free clamp group, are the standard fasteners for the proprietary Volvo air suspensions installed on Volvo Trucks North America’s tandem-axle Class 8 trucks. The U-Spin fasteners became standard for Volvo in the first quarter of 2005.
Volvo is the first and only manufacturer to offer these “locking U-bolts” to truck customers.
Derived from Huck-Spin fasteners, which have become synonymous with premium frame construction for Class 8 vehicles, U-Spin fasteners feature swaged-on collars that can’t work loose.
The swaging process forces the collar material into the bolt threads to form a permanent clamp that never needs re-tightening, even in severe service. For a large fleet, the U-Spin’s elimination of periodic U-bolt maintenance can provide significant savings in vehicle downtime and labor costs.
Kenworth Introduces Hendrickson PRIMAAX
Kenworth Truck Co. has introduced the Hendrickson PRIMAAX heavy duty air suspension for Kenworth vocational truck and tractor applications.
In the 46,000-pound tandem rating, PRIMAAX is available for use with multiple lift axles and GCWR of 180,000 lbs.
PRIMAAX also offers up to eight inches of axle travel for improved suspension articulation, resulting in greater mobility on job sites.
In the 69,000-pound tridem rating, PRIMAAX is available with a GCWR of 240,000 pounds making it an ideal choice for heavy haul and logging where the added traction of three drive axles can improve performance off the road.
Designed specifically for the rigorous demands of the vocational and heavy haul truck and tractor market, the PRIMAAX air suspension features a non-torque reactive suspension well-suited for high torque engine applications.
The large volume air springs and heavy duty shock absorbers offer an improved ride quality, and reduce noise, vibration and harshness for longer life of truck components and body equipment.
Transport Security Debuts Enforcer Adjustable Lock
Transport Security Inc. has introduced the Enforcer Adjustable Lock #1217 for trailers and containers.
The Enforcer is formed from 10-gauge chrome-plated spring steel and features a ductile cast iron locking component.
The Enforcer Adjustable Lock #1217 allows for locking increments, that enable a “tight fit” on virtually every container and trailer.
The Enforcer is secured with the hardened steel housing and boron shackle of the Abloy padlock that is resistant to physical attack and performs in harsh environments. The Abloy Locks allows for extensive master keying options with a patent protected key system.
The Enforcer Adjustable Lock #1217 requires no permanent installation and can be moved from one container or trailer to another.
ExxonMobil Introduces Its GOLD Container System
ExxonMobil has announced the introduction of its GOLD (Grease One-Way Logistics and Distribution) System.
At the heart of ExxonMobil’s GOLD System is the protective, Fluid-Bag Flexi container that holds up to 1,800 pounds of grease – the equivalent of nearly five typical grease drums - and prevents contaminants, such as air and water, from entering the container.
Placed on top of an easy-to-maneuver transport pallet and stacking frame, the multi-layered Fluid-Bag Flexi container functions much like a tube of toothpaste, gradually collapsing as grease is discharged through the automated dispensing unit.
When the grease reservoir within the bag is used up, the Fluid-Bag Flexi container can easily be disposed of, eliminating the cost and effort of dealing with returnable drums or totes.
Bosch Offers Higher Amp Alternators
Robert Bosch Corp. nowoffers higher amp new and remanufactured alternators and higher kilowatt starters for the Dodge Sprinter.
Bosch remanufactured alternators for the Sprinter are numbered AL079TX, 90 amps, AL0798X, 150 amps and AL0801X, 120 amps. The 100% new and more powerful Sprinter starter (SR0465N) and the remanufactured unit (SRO465X) feature a new permanent magnet design that is lighter weight than the OE unit and is significantly more powerful.
The new starters will be rated 2.3 kilowatts or higher and are interchangeable on the vehicle
Peterbilt Customers Kept On Maintenance Schedule By E-mail
Peterbilt Motors Co. announced that users of Peterbilt’s TruckCare Maintenance Manager – complimentary with a preventive maintenance program – can now receive reminders via e-mail when their vehicles are due for routine service.
The new automated feature sends customers a service due reminder when a vehicle is within 1,000 miles of its factory-recommended lube, oil and filter service. Customers can then call 800-4-PETERBILT to schedule the service with a Peterbilt dealership when and where it most convenient for them.
TruckCare Maintenance Manager is accessible through a secure, password-protected area of www.peterbilt.com under the Parts and Services menu. Other features of the service are centralized service records, service schedules, parts tracking and comparative analyses of vehicle performance and ownership costs.
In addition to preventive maintenance and the Maintenance Manager, TruckCare services include: complimentary emergency assistance or service scheduling through Peterbilt’s TruckCare Customer Assistance Center; TruckCare Services Cards for managing expenses; and QuickCare lube, oil and filter service, and QuickCare air conditioning service, both providing priority service at consistent prices.
Holland Announces Addition To Its CB400 Platform
The Holland Group Inc. has announced the addition of a base axle addition to the CB400 Air Suspension platform, creating the CB4000 Series.
Introduced to the North American van and reefer market in 2004, the CB400 incorporated an advanced axle alignment feature, a highly engineered cast trailing arm and patent-pending bushing technology on its high-strength slider.
Holland’s new integrated system is being marketed as a CB4000 and serves as the beginning of its 1000 axle series that provides the option of adding an axle to the base suspension offering.
The CB4000 Air Suspension/Slider/Axle System with Swing-Align is now available at most OEMs in North America.
New Western Star Truck Merchandise At Online Store
Western Star Trucks, Redford, Mich., has launched a new online store offering brand name merchandise.
The store offers a variety of both traditional and unique items such as jackets, shirts, caps, duffle bags and golf balls, all customized with the Western Star logo and available for purchase.
"We think Western Star customers and fans of our trucks alike will enjoy the merchandise,” said Ann Demitruk, director of marketing for Western Star Trucks. “These items play homage to the Western heritage and pride of Western Star Trucks.”
J.J. Keller Offers DVD of Traffic Violations & CDL Disqualifications
J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. has introduced a DVD version of its Traffic Violations and CDL Disqualification training program.
The program helps employers inform their drivers about DOT’s revised rule allowing CDL disqualification for serious traffic violations committed off-duty. All states are required to comply with the revised rule beginning Sept. 30, 2005.
Traffic Violations & CDL Disqualification training program covers the basics of the revised rule, explains the main types of moving traffic violations that can cause disqualification, stresses the various convictions leading to disqualification and reminds drivers of the do’s and don’ts of responsible driving.
New Class 8 Alternator Introduces by Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Electric has introduced a new Class 8 alternator.
This high-output alternator provides durability, improved fuel economy, increased payload potential and lower noise levels. According to Mitsubishi, the new alternator has a global three-year warranty failure rate of less than 1%, compared to a North American industry average reported to be as high as 10 to 20%.
The new Class 8 alternator features many innovations that suit it to the demands of the heavy duty truck market today and in the future. Engineered as a PAD-mount, 145-amp, brushless design, Mitsubishi Electric’s alternator is 20% lighter, 18% shorter and smaller in diameter than other alternators currently on the market.
It weighs only 20 pounds and has a mass-to-output ratio that is the best in the industry. The heavy duty Class 8 alternator is available for both OE and aftermarket applications.
CompuNet Offers Comprehensive Credit Information For Carriers
First Advantage Corp., St. Petersburg, Fla., announced that its subsidiary, CompuNet Credit Services, has consolidated credit information from the major credit bureaus into its transportation-specific credit reports.
The CompuNet credit report now offers two general business credit scores, providing customers with a comprehensive source of credit information for the transportation industry.
"By working with both Dun & Bradstreet and Experian, we have created a unique opportunity for our customers,” said Billie Lee, president of First Advantage’s Transportation Services division. “The transportation industry can now come to one resource to obtain a comprehensive credit report on cargo shippers and brokers.”
According to Lee, the added information creates a 360-degree view of a company’s payment habits, which helps protect carriers from the risk of bad debt. “The added business scores provide indication of a company’s historical payment habits based upon reported trade experiences,” said Lee. “Similar to the transportation-specific freight payment histories already provided on the CompuNet credit report, the additional information will give trucking companies essential data on all trade lines.”
CompuNet surveyed subscribers about what additional information customers wanted to see on the CompuNet credit report and more than 75% said they required more general business credit information.
