FlowBelow names new CEO

February 23, 2020 5:50PM by John G Smith

ATLANTA, Ga. – FlowBelow Aero — a Texas-based company that produces aerodynamic systems such as wheel covers — has found a new CEO in someone who was first exposed to the industry though his family’s Toronto-area trucking business. Richard Ruebusch…

FlowBelow a factory fit for Volvo, added by Alliance

February 23, 2020 4:38PM by Today's Trucking

FlowBelow Aero’s Tractor AeroKit aerodynamic system is now a factory option on Volvo trucks – delivering estimated fuel savings of up to 2.23% based on SAE J1321 fuel economy tests using EPA SmartWay guidelines. Volvo offers factory-installed FlowBelow wheel covers…

Hadley bringing lightweight barriers to heavy trucks

March 17, 2019 6:16PM by John G Smith

ATLANTA, Ga. – Hadley is joining forces with its Corvac Composites affiliate to produce a lineup of lightweight thermoform barriers for heavy trucks – including splash shields, under-engine covers, and underbodies. Splash shields and under-engine covers are traditionally injection-molded or…

International to factory install FlowBelow tech

March 17, 2019 2:19PM by John G Smith

ATLANTA, Ga. – FlowBelow’s Tractor AeroKit system will be a factory-installed option on the International LT Series MPG Fuel Efficiency Package, available this spring. It also becomes a factory-installed option on any of the OEM’s new LT or RH Series…

Transtex looks to acquire SmartTruck assets

February 25, 2019 9:30AM by John G Smith

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Transtex is negotiating to acquire the assets of SmartTruck, a South Carolina maker of trailer aerodynamics. A notice of the discussions was first published on the Transtex website on Feb. 15. “Transtex, leader in the development and…

Rocketail Wing trailer fairing enhances airflow

January 31, 2019 7:03PM by John G Smith

The Rocketail Wing system is a SmartWay-certified rear trailer fairing that its makers say will save 8.42 liters of fuel per 1,000 km. The airfoil design is said to redirect rearward airflow behind the trailer while also producing lift –…

Utility unveils aerodynamic trailer tail

December 13, 2018 11:20AM by John G Smith

Utility Trailer Manufacturing’s new Utility Aerodynamic Tail (UAT) represents the company’s latest step to reduce aerodynamic drag. The unit weighs a mere 25 lb. and is compatible with dry vans and refrigerated trailers with rear swing doors. It’s made with…

FlowBelow aero device verified

November 2, 2018 3:15PM by John G Smith

FlowBelow Aero Inc announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has verified their new Trailer AeroSlider Stage 2 system for the EPA SmartWay program. Fuel economy tests made in accordance with EPA SmartWay protocols demonstrated a 1.93% fuel savings,…

Locking aerodynamic wheel cover

November 2, 2018 3:10PM by John G Smith

Deflektor introduced a lock mechanism for its Hardspot aerodynamic wheel cover and a trailer mounting system at the recent American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition. The Hardspot aerodynamic wheel cover for tractors was introduced last fall. Since then, it…

Pushing 10: Mack test drive shows role of tech in fuel economy

October 11, 2018 12:00AM by Jim Park

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.

Shell launches Starship demonstration vehicle

March 6, 2018 12:00AM by John G Smith

ATLANTA, Ga. – Shell Rotella has officially unveiled the Starship Project – a streamlined tractor-trailer designed to showcase energy savings that can be realized using technology available today. “If an owner-operator built a super truck, what would it look like?…

Strick, International offering FlowBelow aerodynamics

March 5, 2018 11:34AM by John G Smith

ATLANTA, Ga. — FlowBelow’s aerodynamic Quick-Release Wheel Covers and Trailer AeroSlider system will now be offered as factory-installed options on Strick Trailers. The overall system combines wheel covers, a fairing between the trailer wheels, and aerodynamic mud flaps. And the…

FlowBelow introduces removable fairing

October 6, 2017 12:00AM by John G Smith

ATLANTA, GA – Those who regularly chain their tires now have the chance to enjoy FlowBelow’s Tractor AeroKit system, thanks to new quick-release fairings between the wheels.

Starship Initiative to launch in 2018

September 23, 2017 12:00AM by John G Smith

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Shell is on a mission to explore fuel economy improvements that might be realized in decades to come. And some of the ideas are now taking physical shape in the form of a prototype tractor-trailer known as the Starship Initiative.

WABCO boat tail draws on Canadian expertise

March 1, 2017 12:00AM by John G Smith

NASHVILLE, TN – The first new product has emerged in the wake of WABCO’s purchase of Laydon Composites, and it comes in the form of a self-deploying trailer boat tail.