Technology
Continental Divide: The differences between European and North American trucks
TORONTO, Ont. -- The manufacturers of North American and European trucks are more closely aligned than ever. But as close as the companies have drawn together, the equipment itself can appear a world apart. Different regulations are just one reason.
International unveils CV work trucks
CHICAGO, Ill. – It seems somewhat appropriate to give a series of work trucks its own CV. Sure, the letters can stand for curriculum vitae – the document most of us refer to as a resume – but International Truck has taken that a step further by stamping the letters onto its new CV Series of Class 4 and 5 vehicles.
Deep Thinking: Eaton-Cummins tech right for the times
JAMESTOWN, N.Y. -- Cummins and Eaton have been integrating components for years. They announced an engagement of sorts with the launch of the SmartAdvantage powertrain. Last year, by launching the Endurant transmission through the Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies joint venture, they figuratively tied the knot.
Blockchains building a future in transportation
AUSTIN, Texas – dexFreight’s shipment of frozen food from Preferred Freezer Services to Manny’s Enterprises was typical in many ways. The goods completed their journey along with many other trucks on Florida highways on Oct. 15. But the load also offered one of the first examples of how a blockchain can be used to manage related transactions.
5 mighty trucking tips from three smaller fleets
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Large carriers don’t have a monopoly on the secrets of success. Just ask the managers of smaller operations like Sutco Transportation Specialists, Paul Quail Transport, and Liberty Linehaul, who participated in a panel discussion at the recent Surface Transportation Summit. “Just because we’re a smaller carrier doesn’t mean we can’t come up with a solution that works for us,” observed Leanne Quail of Paul Quail Transport.
Productive tech has transformed trucking
TORONTO, Ont. -- Imagine today, with the breakneck pace of our lives, having to wait until a driver arrived at a truck stop, parked, and waited to use the payphone before you knew the truck was empty. Imagine, too, the driver's frustration at hearing dispatch say, “Call me back in half an hour.” Life was different in days gone by.
Pushing 10: Mack test drive shows role of tech in fuel economy
ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Equipment editor Jim Park has developed a new appreciation for drivers who post consistently high fuel economy numbers, especially those who push every day to crack 10 mpg (23.5 L/100km). But the trucks also deserve a good chunk of the credit.
Kenworth W990 builds on a lasting legacy
LAS VEGAS, Nev – Kenworth’s W900 has become a staple of the show ‘n shine circuit, its long hood and gleaming accents seem to guide drivers down the highway. The look has had a starring role in movies and been immortalized in belt buckles. Now it has been re-imagined in the form of the W990.
Euro Zone: New and future truck tech at IAA show
HANNOVER, Germany -- The scope and scale of the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hannover, Germany, is like no other. Daimler and Traton – the recently rebranded Volkswagen Truck and Bus -- stake their claims to entire buildings rather than individual exhibit halls. Some of the aisles in the halls are as wide as streets. The individual buildings are divided by actual streets. And did we mention the Ferris wheel?
Motoring Along: Understanding the role of motors in electric trucks
TORONTO, Ont. -- Do you know who makes the motor in your washing machine? Do you care? Do you know who will make the motor on your first electric truck? Will you need to care? That's just one of the many paradigm shifts we'll be dealing with as electric drivetrains emerge in the trucking industry.
