The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released findings from the first phase of a three-part research effort aimed at mitigating costly large truck rollovers. ATRI’s first phase produced a database of locations with the highest frequency of large truck rollovers using over 50,000 crash records from a nine-year period. The database, which covers 31 states, provides valuable insight into the location of high frequency rollover locations to both public transportation officials and the trucking industry.

This research is not only important to the trucking industry, as it informs drivers of potentially dangerous locations, but it should also jumpstart the dialogue between industry and government to work together to improve safety at these sites, commented Steve Niswander, Vice President of Safety Policy and Regulatory Relations for Groendyke Transport. The rollover locations identified through the phase one research are provided in state-specific summary reports and through an online interactive map.

ATRI will continue this important research by investigating the identified locations further to better understand rollover causal factors. Subsequent phases of ATRI’s research will focus on rollover mitigation strategies, such as a real-time in-cab notification system and outreach to public sector officials who have the ability to address potential problems related to roadway design and signage.

Source: http://www.truckline.com/pages/article.aspx?id= 1002%2F8e1c7279-ed27-4c03-b189-ceeee26bbb12

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Kinard Trucking, Inc., started hauling potatoes in 1926 with two trucks. The York, Pa.-based trucking company transports dry goods and commodities throughout the lower 48 states and Canada with a fleet of 200 trucks, mostly Kenworths, and 1,100 vans and specialized trailers.
“My highest priority is finding ways to be more efficient,” said Director of Fleet Maintenance Steve Altland, who has spent the last several years focusing on fleet-wide improvement programs incorporating industry-leading technologies. “I’m always looking for an advantage that my competitors haven’t found.”

When it came time to upgrade the fleet last year, Altland selected the Kenworth T660 with 455-hp PACCAR MX engine. With fuel economy a big concern, along with driver comfort, engine performance and overall dependability, Altland said the Kenworth T660 with PACCAR MX engine is the complete package. The new 50 T660s are running between 6.5 and 7.2 mpg,” said Altland. “Fuel efficiency is something we really look at. We’re getting away from the big hoods and moving toward an aerodynamic, fuel-efficient fleet. We want to provide our drivers with the best comfort and productivity features available.

With the T660s, Altland also specified 62-inch AeroCabs , 10-speed transmissions, and disc brakes all the way around. Drivers like the stopping power of having both front and rear disc brakes, said Altland. Drivers like everything about the Kenworths. I often talk to the recruiter and he said he get calls all the time from drivers who see our trucks out by the road. They want to know if we’re hiring because we run Kenworth trucks. Those drivers are bouncing around in cookie-cutter trucks and would love to get into a Kenworth. Altland has logged more than 27 years in the trucking industry and he’s tried just about every truck. We keep coming back to Kenworth because we don’t have issues that we’ve seen in other trucks. Kenworth builds a quality truck and it shows. For Altland, the value of Kenworth is confirmed during the entire life cycle of ownership, including trade-in time. “Our regular trade-in cycle is five years, or 500,000 miles, said Altland. “Kenworth definitely holds a higher value over other trucks. The quality and image of owning a Kenworth makes the difference.

As Kinard’s new T660s get broken in, Altland believes fuel economy can improve even more. We’re buying 20 more this year, and another 20 next year. We like the aerodynamics and are pretty much standardizing our fleet around the T660 and PACCAR MX engine.
Kinard Trucking has been delivering award-winning service to customers for decades. Its choice of operating a Kenworth fleet has as much to do with reliability as it does with fuel efficiency and driver satisfaction. “For dependability, said Altland, I’m a firm believer that Kenworth is the best truck out there.

Source: http://www.kenworth.com/news/news-releases/2012/may/kinard-trucking-gains-competitive-advantage-with-kenworth

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Mean Green achieved the following world record speeds: Flying Kilometre -236.577 km/h (147.002 mph) and Standing Kilometre - 153.252 km/h (95.245 mph).

“We are very pleased with Mean Green’s performance, especially at such a high altitude,” said Boije Ovebrink, Mean Green driver and owner. “We knew Wendover would present challenges because it’s more than 4,200 feet (1,280 meters) above sea level.”

The speed record attempts were sanctioned by the United States Auto Club, an extension of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), motoring’s international governing body. The new world records are subject to FIA recognition, which will occur in about 30 to 60 days.

Mean Green eclipsed its previous records - 218.780 km/h (135.943 mph) in the flying kilometre and 152.253 km/h (94.605 mph) in the standing kilometre - established in June 2011 at Hultsfred Airport in Sweden.

Though Mean Green’s modified aerodynamic body design bears little resemblance to a freight-hauling tractor, the truck is comprised almost entirely of production components from the Volvo vehicle family, including a Volvo VN cab and frame. Mean Green features a highly tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox, which interacts with the hybrid’s electric motor. The combination of an electric motor and Volvo D16 diesel engine delivers 2,100 horsepower and nearly 6,780 Nm (5,000 lb-ft.) torque - of which, 200 horsepower and 1,200 Nm (885 lb-ft.) of torque come from the electric motor.

Source: http://www.volvotrucks.com/trucks/global/en-gb/newsmedia/pressreleases/Pages/pressreleases.aspx?pubId= 12873

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The American Transportation Research Institute released findings from the first phase of a three-part research effort aimed at identifying patterns in large truck rollovers and mitigating the frequency of such events.

The first phase produced a database of locations with the highest frequency of large truck rollovers in the U.S. using records from a nine-year period.

The database, which covers 31 states, provides valuable insight into the location of high frequency rollover locations to both public transportation officials and the trucking industry, says ATRI.

“This research is not only important to the trucking industry, as it informs drivers of potentially dangerous locations, but it should also jumpstart the dialogue between industry and government to work together to improve safety at these sites,” said Steve Niswander, VP of Safety Policy and Regulatory Relations for Groendyke Transport.

The rollover locations are identified through an online interactive map (click here).

ATRI will continue investigating the identified locations further to better understand rollover causal factors. Subsequent phases will focus on rollover mitigation strategies, such as a real-time in-cab notification system and outreach to public sector officials who have the ability to address potential problems related to roadway design and signage.

Source:http://www.ontruck.org/imispublic/Home/AM/ContentManagerNet/ContentDisplay.aspx?Section=Home&ContentID= 11195

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A NSW-based specialist manufacturing company has acquired a Hino 300 Series Hybrid to reduce its carbon footprint, save costs and benefit its clients.

SICO South Pacific, whose head office is in the US, purchased the 300 Series Hybrid 616 IFS as its first company-owned truck in Australia.

Purchasing manager Andy Lovis said the arrival of the new 300 Series Hybrid meant SICO could transport its own products to Wollongong and Port Macquarie rather than using external carriers, leading to a new level of operational efficiency.

“The additional benefits of the Hino Hybrid meant we could transport our products more quickly, which is good for our business,” he said.

“The Hino truck offers a significant suite of safety features - like its dual SRS airbags and vehicle stability control - something very important to fleet operators these days.

“As a company, SICO is working hard to bridge the gap between supplying sustainable, earth-friendly product solutions and constructing products that represent good value for our customers - and the Hino Hybrid is a perfect fit for our operations,” he said.

Mr Lovis said the purchase of a Hino Hybrid tied in with the company’s commitment to minimising its impact on the environment.

The Hino Hybrid has an auto stop-start system to save fuel by shutting down the engine when the vehicle is stationary (which the driver can choose to switch off).

The Hino 300 Series Hybrid features SRS airbags, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and vehicle stability control - all as standard equipment (as per Hino’s entire 300 Series range).

The Hino 300 Series Hybrid’s exhaust emissions easily exceed the requests for Euro 5 and actually meet the EEV (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle) standard which, combined with the Hino Hybrid fuel consumption and subsequent emissions-reducing technology, makes it arguably the cleanest light duty truck on the Australian market.

Source:http://www.ontruck.org/imispublic/Home/AM/ContentManagerNet/ContentDisplay.aspx?Section=Home&ContentID= 11195

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The Intermat exhibition taking place from 16 to 21 April in Paris, Renault Trucks is the occasion for Renault Trucks to launch a new configuration for worksite supply applications: the Premium Lander Tridem 8×4*4. Featuring a retractable rear steering axle with a load capacity of 10t, the Premium Lander 8×4*4 Tridem is the ideal platform for carrying complex equipment and carrying out manoeuvres in restricted or hard-to-access areas. This vehicle is first introduced onto the French market and will be made available in Europe to match customer demand.

Renault Trucks will be taking advantage of the Intermat exhibition (focused on Equipment and Techniques for the Construction and Materials Industries) to present a new 8×4*4 configuration of its Premium Lander vehicle. It is designed to meet the needs of some worksite supply applications which have to cope with specific restrictions. For there is often a need to carry very heavy loads of equipment or materials to worksites where space for manoeuvring is limited, while at the same time optimising on-road fuel consumption. The Premium Lander Tridem, a new 8×4*4 rigid sold in France by Renault Trucks, is the ideal tool for this kind of operation.

Built on a particularly light 6×4 chassis, the Premium Lander Tridem also features a fourth, retractable, rear steering axle. This makes reverse manoeuvring, often required to access building sites in urban areas for example, much easier. Compared with a conventional 8×4 vehicle, the turning radius is reduced by 10 to 15%, depending on the wheelbase. Once the vehicle is back on the road, the driver can raise the third axle to reduce tyre wear and the vehicle’s fuel consumption.

The Premium Lander Tridem 8×4*4 is the only vehicle on the market with a rear axle capable of carrying a 10 t load. This has been made possible by close collaboration between Renault Trucks and the Michelin and Goodyear tyre manufacturers who have developed specific 385/65 tyres that can be fitted to both front and rear axles. This characteristic allows the Premium Lander 8×4*4 Tridem to carry all kinds of equipment, even the heaviest such as hydraulic cranes, sewer flushers, bodies for delivering bulk foodstuffs, as well as industrial vacuum units or cranes positioned on the rear overhang.

Source: http://corporate.renault-trucks.com/en/press-releases/2012-03-26-intermat-renault-trucks-se-met-en-8×44.html

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After being sold on international markets, the Kerax XTREM is now coming to Europe in an 8×4 rigid version. This vehicle, particularly suitable for mining applications and building materials haulage, has been designed to carry heavy loads in challenging environments over rough terrain. The Kerax 8×4 XTREM is available at a power rating of 430 to 460 hp with a DXi 11 Euro V engine or 480 and 520 hp with a DXi 13 Euro V engine.

The Renault Kerax XTREM, developed from a Kerax with a Heavy chassis, is designed for heavy payloads and the toughest construction work. 2,000 of these vehicles have already been sold on international markets since 2007. It offers a concentration of the most resilient reinforcement solutions available to give customers all the robustness they need. The 8×4 version, which is now coming to Europe, is particularly suitable for mine and quarry working applications.

With this vehicle, Renault Trucks is offering a high-performance and cost efficient transport solution made possible by the vehicle’s tried and tested reliability and its low fuel consumption. The Kerax 8×4 XTREM is ideal for carrying heavy loads on off-road assignments and capable of handling the most extreme conditions, particularly during bad weather and on hard to access sites.

This is because the Kerax 8×4 XTREM comes with all the features essential for challenging tasks as standard. These include a chassis reinforced by double side members running from the engine to the very end of the rear overhang, by suspension strengthened with four parabolic springs and by a consolidated drive axle with a load capacity of 36 tons.

< P> Source: http://corporate.renault-trucks.com/en/press-releases/2012-04-12-the-renault-kerax-xtrem-comes-to-europe.html

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In Amsterdam, four Vitos, two Vianos and three Sprinters will be exhibited. A 3D model of the new Citan urban delivery van will be presented outside hall 1.

The Vito E-Cell is of particular interest for those seeking locally emission-free transport solutions in inner cities. The Vito E-CELL crewbus is the world’s first seven-seater vehicle which makes emission-free driving a possibility as standard ex-works. With its 130 km range, it is particulary suited for use in environmentally sensitive areas, such as pedestrianised zones. The electric motor (60 kW; 280 Nm max. torque), the power electronics, as well as the transformer and charger unit are all housed under the bonnet. Power is transferred to the wheels of the front axle. The powerful lithium ion traction batteries find their place under the floor of the passenger compartment. The nominal voltage is 380 V and the capacity 36 kWh. The batteries of the Vito E-CELL are charged from a 380/400 V supply, which takes a maximum of six hours. If necessary, the batteries can also be charged at a later stage from a 230 V supply. Recuperation also helps additionally charge the battery whilst the vehicle is in motion. The batteries are protected by a crash element. If an airbag is deployed, the high-voltage technology is automatically disabled.

The new Mercedes-Benz Limited Edition Viano PEARL demonstrates the possibilities of a luxurious large-capacity vehicle. This range-topping Viano combines both space and exclusivity. The Viano PEARL’s luxurious interior with specially selected materials and its dynamic exterior both set new standards. Two-tone 19-inch light-alloy wheels with 245/45 R 19 tyres further highlight the dynamism of the Limited Edition Viano PEARL. Thanks to its V6 diesel engine, the Limited Edition Viano PEARL CDI 3.0 BlueEfficiency develops 165 kW (224 hp) of power; a superior level of power with low fuel consumption. The top-of-the-line Viano model is alternatively available with a 3.5 l V6 petrol engine, which puts out 190 kW (258 hp) of power. In both variants, this power is transferred via an automatic transmission.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter starts in spring 2012 with several product improvements which underline its desire to be the leader in the vans segment. It is the first van in the world which can be ordered with a seven-speed automatic torque converter. The new 7G-TRONIC transmission will be available worldwide as an option on the van from the beginning of this year. The seven-speed automatic features fully electronic control and, despite having already proved itself in many Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars, the system has now been adapted to the demands of the vans segment. The advantage of this new transmission with its seven stages is the combination of a broad gear ratio spread with a close graduation of the gears. In practice, this means that a small ratio in first gear ensures a dynamic start. At high speeds, however, the Sprinter drives fuel-efficiently, with low emissions and low noise levels thanks to its low engine speeds.

FleetBoard telematics for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can be fitted ex-works as part of the original equipment. Experience in short-radius distribution has shown that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 30 percent if the vehicle is driven in an economical way.

Source: http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-657319-1-1481564-1-0-0-0-0-0-11700-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html

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The release of the 2012 edition of ATA American Trucking Trends by American Trucking Associations, now available for sale through ATA Business Solutions, shows that trucking continues to be the dominant mode of freight transportation and an integral part of the U.S. economy.

“Trends is the singularly most important guide to trucking facts and figures,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said. “The information in this year’s edition clearly indicates that trucking is the driving force behind our great, and improving, economy. Safe, reliable and efficient motor carriers enable businesses throughout the entire supply chain to keep inventories lean, thereby saving the economy billions of dollars each year.”

Among the data compiled in Trends are:

· Trucking employs 6.8 million people, including more than 3 million drivers. Of those drivers, 4.6% are women and 32.6% are minorities.
· Trucking is the quintessential small business industry, with 90% of motor carriers operating six or fewer trucks and 97.2% operating fewer than 20.
· Overall in 2011, trucking moved $603.9 billion in freight – more than 80% of all freight transportation revenue. That freight weighed 9.2 billion tons – 67% of all freight by weight.
· Class 6-8 trucks traveled 131.2 billion miles in 2010, and all trucks regardless of size traveled 397.8 billion miles.
· In 2011, trucks consumed 37.2 billion gallons of diesel fuel.

“This year’s edition of Trends makes it clear that following the Great Recession, trucking continues to lead the nation’s economy back into a higher gear,” ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said. “The data in Trends should be a guide for business executives and policy makers across the country as they chart the course for our continued recovery.”

American Trucking Trends 2012 is available exclusively from ATA Business Solutions and participating state trucking associations.

Source : http://www.truckline.com/pages/article.aspx?id=995%2F8e1c7279-ed27-4c03-b189-ceeee26bbb12

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In testimony before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, NFI Chief Financial Officer Steve Grabell warned that rapidly increasing toll rates, as well as the spread of tolls across the transportation system, are a threat to consumers and to the trucking industry.

“I am deeply concerned about the significant increases in toll costs that have been imposed on NFI and other trucking companies over the past few years,” Grabell, testifying on behalf of American Trucking Associations, said during a hearing of the Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security.

Grabell told the Committee’s chairman, Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), and other members that in 2011 alone the Cherry Hill, N.J., carrier paid $14 million in tolls.

“These added costs have forced us to re-route our trucks to less efficient secondary roads, which raises our costs and increases congestion and safety concerns,” he said. “In addition to the impact increased tolls have on logistics providers, the added costs associated with toll increases filter down to the consumer and affect business decisions regarding hiring and facility location and expansion.”

“Where toll facilities serve interstate traffic, we believe that federal oversight and possible intervention in determining toll rates is necessary and appropriate,” Grabell said, urging the committee to support the Commuter Protection Act, introduced by Chairman Lautenberg to provide federal oversight for toll authorities.

“While there are many examples of actions by tolling authorities that merit federal attention, I would like to cite two examples which have been brought to light by recent state audits – the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Delaware River Port Authority.

Grabell said the planned increases in tolls on the bridges between New York and New Jersey operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey would increase tolls 163% by 2015, to a total of $105 per truck, “nearly three times greater than the country’s next highest bridge toll,” adding that it “appears the vast majority of the revenue … will be used to benefit seaports and airports and to complete the reconstruction of the World Trade Center office buildings.”

Meanwhile, according to a state audit the DRPA has “violated many of its own policies and procedures” over the past decade including using $440 million for economic development funds “at the expense of critical bridge maintenance and improvement projects.

“Congress has an obligation under the Constitution’s Commerce Clause to ensure that interstate travelers, who may not be represented when toll rate setting and spending decisions are made, have a voice in these processes,” Grabell said, adding that ATA believes the Commuter Protection Act “is a significant step toward ensuring better oversight of tolling authorities that serve interstate traffic.”

Source : http://www.truckline.com/pages/article.aspx?id=996%2F8e1c7279-ed27-4c03-b189-ceeee26bbb12

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