MGM Brakes has introduced E-Stroke, an electronic stroke alert system, to the market which allows truck operators and service personnel to conduct quick and accurate brake stroke status checks. Jim Sicking, assistant vice-president of sales and marketing for MGM Brakes says that crawling under the truck to evaluate the stroke status is eliminated. The E-Stroke system offers the accuracy and convenience required for this procedure. Preventive maintenance can significantly lower parts and labor costs. The E-Stroke tool is an efficient diagnostic tool that can help remedy brake problems before they become serious. The easy to read in-cab chassis communications module (CCM) produces wheel-specific, real time, LED blink codes that pinpoint the brake problem. With constant feedback when brakes are applied, safety can be maximized on the roadways. For more information, call 800 527-1534 or visit www.mgmbrakes.com.

Meritor Wabco recently introduced its gateway communications system, called InfoLink. The new capability bridges the communication gap between the tractor and the trailer. InfoLink processes vital information and acts as a control centre, and this information can be shared between the tractor and trailer as well as delivered to other telematic devices by using standard J1587 protocol messages. This is a gateway function because of its capacity to receive, process, distribute and share data from a variety of sources. InfoLink was designed to complement Meritor Wabco’s tractor ABS and easy-stop trailer ABS. It is available on all new North American tractor-trailer units. For more information visit www.meritorwabco.com or call 800 535-5560.

Toyo Tires has created a new wide-tread commercial truck tire specifically designed for local deliveries and regional haul applications. The M-122 delivers better handling and driver comfort, the company says. The tire uses Toyo’s DSOC II technology to provide excellent traction, even in wet conditions. The rugged sidewall protects the tire from harm caused by curb strikes. For details, visit www.toyo.com.

Aero Industries is now offering Poly Hi Solidur’s QuickSilver and DuraPro on-road dump trucks and dump trailer liners. A recent agreement between the two companies was inked, expanding Poly Hi Solidur’s distribution network. Aero will be marketing the new products through its own dealer network. “Our plan is to go coast-to-coast with the product and into Canada,” says Aero CEO, Dave Boyd. For more information, call 800 535-9545 or visit www.aeroindustries.com.

A new cargo sensor is now available from Terion, which offers real-time notice of changes in a load’s status. The cargo sensor is designed to work with the company’s FleetView trailer monitoring system to detect the presence of cargo in trailers. Users of the system can tell if a trailer is loaded or empty without a physical inspection. The cargo sensor is a single component installed in the front wall of a trailer and uses ultrasonic high-frequency sound waves to determine whether a trailer contains cargo. For details, call 321 757-5976.

Thiemen Tailgates has released a new level ride stowaway liftgate, designed for handling loads of up to 4,000 lbs. The lift features a self-leveling action and adjustable platform providing a stable surface for all types of loading conditions, the company says. For more information, call 419 586-7727 or visit www.thiemen.com.

Espar Ontario is introducing a new line of bunk and cargo heaters from Espar Products Inc. The Airtronic heaters offer design and performance improvements over Espar’s previously proven D1/D3 LCC units. The Airtronic features an air flow only mode for improved bunk ventilation in warmer weather. Lighter weight, lower current draw and improved fuel economy have been achieved through a smarter computerized design. According to Espar, these units typically pay for themselves within 20 weeks of operation. In light of anti-idling laws being more strictly enforced in North American cities, bunk heaters of this type could remedy a number of comfort, economic and environmental concerns the industry is facing. For more information call 800 387-7939.

Rogers Brothers Corporation has developed a solution for overhead clearance problems with rough terrain cranes and rubber-tired loaders. They have designed wheel wells for their platform and dropside models enabling haulers to attain lower travel heights without the time-consuming stripping down of equipment. The new wheel wells are the most recent product in a long line of trailer innovations by Rogers that have made the contractors’ jobs easier. For more information call 800-441-9880 or visit www.rogerstrailers.com.

ABF Freight System has released Shipment Director, an online application that helps customers streamline document preparation and freight tendering across multiple shipments. As well as perform the time-saving tasks that are available on ABF’s Web site, with Shipment Director, customers maintain an online database of pending shipments that may be processed in batch via a single interface. Ready shipments can be selected, bills of lading and shipping labels can be generated and ABF is notified instantly of the shipment’s details and desired pickup/drop off dates. Michael Newcity, ABF manager of ecommerce, says that ABF’s customer-friendly philosophy coupled with the flexible nature of the Internet is the key ingredient in ABF’s success. For more information, visit www.abf.com or call 479 785-8803.

Spray Control Systems, Inc. introduces the new Minimizer M151 plastic fenders for custom trailers. The fender is made of high-density polyethylene material that is impervious to chemicals, heat, cold and dents. Plastic fenders are gaining popularity with truck and trailer owners and manufacturers because of the unique advantages over the metal ones. Plastic fenders won’t dent like traditional ones and because of the forever shape, they can pop back to their original form. With a total weight of 20 lbs per axle, it is a significant weight savings per truck. The Minimizer helps keep maintenance costs down because they keep rocks and water spray off loads and truck cabs. The Minimizer line has a full range of mounting options and is available in four standard colors. For more information call 800 248-3855.

Gunite Corporation recently published a new, comprehensive maintenance manual for its complete line of conventional disc wheel hubs. Improperly installed or maintained disc wheel hubs can affect the performance of the vehicle and significantly increase maintenance costs. The new manual provides a broad range of information on proper installation, routine maintenance guidelines and trouble shooting tips to help fleet maintenance personnel solve common problems associated with disc wheel hubs and wheel end assemblies. For more information, call 800-677-3786 or visit www.gunite.com.

Rand McNally recently released the 2003 Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas with expanded information on hazardous materials regulations. The extra information is a response to security concerns affecting the commercial transportation industry. The new information covers registration, training, classification of materials, shipping papers, labeling and marking requirements, spill procedures and reporting and Hazmat resources. The atlas also includes a new fuel tax rate chart and a easy to read contact directory. For more information, visit www.mcra.randmcnally.com.