Be specific when spec’ing medium-duty trucks

MONTREAL, Que. — Determining how to build a commercial vehicle is always a challenge, but medium-duty trucks add unique layers to the decisions. The equipment is often asked to…

Safety, driver comfort driving spec’ing decisions

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Safety and driver comfort are driving the way fleets spec’ trucks today, even at the expense of payload. That was the consensus from three fleet managers who participated in a panel at the FTR Transportation Conference.

Carry That Weight: 5 secrets to spec’ing better liftgates

TORONTO, Ont. -- Much rides on your liftgate spec'ing decision: your cargo, your customers' satisfaction, and literally, your drivers. Short-spec’ your liftgate and you put all that and more at risk. You can buy a liftgate for any vehicle from a pickup truck to a tractor-trailer, and units that can handle weights ranging from 600 to 3,000 kg. They come in various configurations. Some with fold-away platforms and some with sliding platforms...

Video: Find the right spec’ing balance

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- One of the biggest challenges for any fleet manager is a spec'ing decision, looking to strike the balance between initial purchase prices and performance. Maintenance leaders from Challenger Motor Freight, Bison Transport, and Titanium Transport shared their approaches with peers at the Canadian Fleet Maintenance Summit.

The spec’ing process has evolved, and you must too

If you’re still spec’ing trucks the way you used to do it 10 years ago, chances are, you’re doing it all wrong. Powertrains have advanced substantially, especially over the last…

IN PRINT — Tanks a Lot: Leave some tanker spec’ing to experts

TORONTO, ON -- There used to be good money in the liquid bulk business. The required equipment is so specialized that it presented somewhat of a barrier to entry into the market. That's still the case, but there are more players in the game now, and competition is keeping rates at near-1980s levels. Fleets, both private and for-hire, are now trying to make up for the low rates by optimizing their trailer spec's to increase utilization and carrying capacity.

Downsped Spec’ing Advice

Dana outlines strategies for managing the higher torque values associated with engine downspeeding in new white paper

Are Trailer Spec’ing Preferences Changing?

TORONTO- Trailers are not just trailers anymore; they are profit centers, cost centers, maintenance headaches, insurance liabilities, and perhaps more significantly targets for enforcement. As they increase in technical complexity,…

SPEC’ING & DRIVING FOR DOLLARS

Fuel cost is a killer, but you've got ways to fight it - and put thousands of dollars in your pocket.

DUMP TRUCK SPEC’ING

From Kenworth, a few suggestions on choosing the components you need in a dump truck.

SPEC’ING TORQUE

Understanding your engine's torque curves can unlock the key to better fuel economy.

Volvo moves toward online vehicle spec’ing

GREENSBORO, N.C. (April 3, 2000) -- Starting May 15, Volvo's redesigned web site at www.volvotrucks.com will make it easier for customers to spec a truck online. Customers can c

SENSIBLE SPEC’ING

Sensible spec'ing needn't mean coyote ugly.

All Ashore: Shore power sparks electrical cord spec’ing

TORONTO, (Oct. 25, 2005) -- Shore power is coming to one of the largest truckstop chains in the U.S. in a big way. IdleAire Technology Corp. of Tennessee recently signed a cont

QUIET, PLEASE: SPEC’ING EXHAUST SYSTEMS

Spec your exhaust system for glamor if you like, but there's much more to it than that.