Zero In on… Regenerative braking

Battery-powered electric trucks don’t carry an unlimited supply of energy. When the battery runs out, the truck stops. That’s why engineers do everything they can to squeeze every…

Cargobull North America boosts performance and efficiency with optional bulkhead, microchannel condenser

Two years into a joint-venture agreement, Utility Trailer Manufacturing and Schmitz Cargobull continue introducing new options to enhance their ultra-low emission transport refrigeration units (TRUs). This year’s additions…

What is regenerative braking, and how do I get the most out of it?

Since electric trucks do not have an unlimited supply of energy onboard, everything possible is done to make them as energy-efficient as possible. This includes taking advantage of the…

Know your truck, and inspection rules

Drivers must be familiar with the vehicle inspection rules. Being bullied into driving an unsafe vehicle could cost you your licence, or your life. Another tragic tale of improper…

Dueling Dash Cams: Two wrongs don’t make a right

The Dueling Dash Cam controversy has generated a ton of comments. I thought I’d throw my two cents onto the table. You have probably seen…

Trump’s presidency puts Canadian emissions regs out on a limb

I’ll be the first to admit I cheered when I learned the California Air Resources Board (CARB) had decided to drop its pursuit of an…

Test Drive: Cummins X15N big-bore natural gas

Canadian truckers like their big engines, and they were, once upon a time, willing to give natural gas a serious try. Cummins’ ISX12 G 12-liter natural gas engine never…

Looming emissions regulations will be costly for fleets

Now may not seem like a good time to be ordering new trucks. But come this time next year, you may wish you had placed an order before 2024…

Are manual transmissions being regulated out of existence?

Here is an example of how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions credits, or a shortage of them, can impact fleets’ spec’ing decisions. Under current emissions reduction regulations, truck manufacturers earn…

Don’t take chances with winter weather

Every year, with the pending arrival of winter, your humble scribes contemplate writing the obligatory stories about winterizing trucks and preparing for the onset of…

Musket Transport proves electric trucks aren’t the only way to slash emissions

Sustainability in one form or another has been a hallmark of Mississauga, Ont.-based Musket Transport. From its recycling efforts to monitoring the energy needed to light and heat its…

Driver tips for cold weather survival

As winters become more unpredictable, it should behoove drivers to take extra precautions against freezing to death in a snowbank. We all remember the impact of the so-called “polar…

How to get your truck ready for winter

Those cold gray November skies should be a warning that winter is well and truly on its way. That means it’s time to whip old Bessy into shape for…

Are low rolling resistance tires worth the investment?

The debate over the value of low rolling resistance (LRR) tires has subsided to a dull roar since they were first introduced about 20 years ago. Initial concerns about…

When it comes to fuel economy, every PSI counts

On a scale of one to 10, the impact of tire inflation pressure on overall vehicle fuel efficiency is probably no higher than 1.5. But fleets looking to check…