Commercial Truck Trader Insider - Official truck blog of Commerical Truck Trader

U.S. DOT Secretary Visits Navistar's Melrose Park Engine Plant Visit Spotlights Economic, Environmental Benefits of Diesel Hybrid Electric Commercial Vehicles

2008-08-05T15:00:00.000-04:00

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters recently visited Navistar’s Engine Group headquarters in Melrose Park, Ill., to evaluate first-hand the benefits of a burgeoning new technology available for the commercial transportation industry – diesel hybrid electric power.

Navistar International Corporation, through its subsidiaries, is the leading manufacturer of diesel hybrid commercial trucks, school buses and commercial vans.

The International DuraStar Hybrid – a medium-duty utility truck that has been in service with ComEd for more than two years – along with a plug-in hybrid school bus from Navistar’s subsidiary IC Bus, LLC, were demonstrated to Secretary Peters.

Navistar is the first truck and diesel engine company to enter production of hybrid commercial trucks and buses. As diesel fuel prices continue their volatility and engine emissions requirements tighten, the International DuraStar Hybrid is drawing widespread attention for its environmental advantages. The hybrid unit provides customers like utility companies, telecom companies and delivery companies with improved fuel efficiency and reduced engine emissions.

Source: Navistar

Volvo Supplies Enviromentally Friendly Trucks To The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach

2008-07-31T13:21:00.002-04:00

The Volvo Trucks North America website reports that Volvo has received a 100-truck order under an initial phase of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach Clean Trucks Program.

The program calls for 16,000-plus drayage units currently serving container operations to eventually be replaced with modern, environmentally friendly trucks. The order for the trucks was awarded to Volvo dealer TEC of California, Inc. in Fontana.

The Volvo VNL 300 Daycabs will be delivered to qualified fleets and independent operators selected by the Ports. The trucks are equipped with very fuel efficient, productive and clean Volvo D13 engines rated at 405 hp. The Volvo D13 also meets the California Air Resources Board’s low-NOx idle requirements through its certified sub-30 g/hr NOx emissions. The Volvo VNL 430 has also been selected as one of the approved models drayage operators may select as part of the Ports’ program.

According to the Ports, beginning October 1, 2008, the Clean Trucks Program will bar 1988 and older trucks from entering shipping terminals. By 2012, all 2006 and older trucks will be banned from the Ports, and replaced by a new fleet, reducing truck-related pollution by 80%. To help truckers quickly replace their older vehicles, the Ports are providing financial assistance for the acquisition of newer, cleaner trucks.

Source: Volvo Trucks North America

Freightliner Trucks Announces Availability of High-Visibility Seat Belts

2008-07-30T15:30:00.001-04:00

Freightliner Trucks recently announced the availability of high-visibility seat belts as a factory-installed option on the Cascadia (pictured below), Columbia, Century Class S/T and M2.

Manufactured by LifeGuard Technologies, the bright orange high-visibility seat belts include comfort features such as Komfort Latch, which reduces seat belt irritation by relieving tension so the belt doesn’t rub the driver’s shoulder while driving; and the Sliding Komfort Latch®, which automates the process of relieving seat belt tension, while safely setting the seat belt’s slack to approximately one inch.

“We want to give owner-operators and fleet owners the right tools to safe practices on the road,” said Melissa Clausen, director of product marketing, Freightliner Trucks. “Safety is a priority not only to Freightliner Trucks, but to the entire transportation industry.”

LifeGuard Technologies aims to increase proper seat belt usage with instructions on using the Komfort Latch and Sliding Komfort Latch to make the seat belt more comfortable. Below is a video from Lifeguard on the proper use of a truck seatbelt.

Source: Freigthliner and Lifeguard Technologies

Mack Trucks Displays Heavy-Duty Truck With Fuel-Saving Hybrid Technology

2008-07-25T16:00:00.001-04:00

Mack Trucks, Inc. recently displayed a heavy-duty truck equipped with its innovative and fuel-saving hybrid technology at the inaugural SMART Green Showcase in Frederick, Maryland on July 18. The Mack TerraPro Low Entry refuse truck was built under contract for the United States Air Force and will be placed into operation later this year in Macon, Georgia. This is the fifth hybrid Mack has built for USAF. The others are in operation around the country.

"Mack's hybrid technology significantly reduces fuel consumption," said Mack President and CEO Dennis Slagle. "Fuel economy improvements of 30% to 50% are achievable in refuse applications like the one this truck is built to handle. Reduced fuel consumption also directly reduces CO2 emissions, which is good for the environment and society as a whole."

"There are more than 80,000 vehicles in refuse service in the U.S., with each running up to 75,000 miles a year," Slagle said. "At that many miles, a hybrid refuse truck would use 10,000 gallons less diesel per year than a conventional truck. Hybrid trucks are also quieter than conventional trucks - meaning less noise in our neighborhoods on trash collection days."

The Mack hybrid electric powertrain features an integrated starter, alternator and motor referred to collectively as an electric machine. The electric machine assists the TerraPro's Mack MP7 diesel engine in providing torque to the wheels and regenerates energy during braking. The energy captured during braking (stored as electricity in lithium ion batteries) is then used in place of diesel fuel and helps launch the truck from stops.

This technology provides the maximum fuel savings on routes with frequent braking and accelerations. Examples, in addition to refuse, are urban delivery and certain construction applications.

Source: Mack Trucks

Delphi And Peterbilt Successfully Power Truck Cab And Sleeper With Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Unit

2008-07-22T15:00:00.004-04:00

Delphi Corporation and Peterbilt Motors Company successfully demonstrated a Delphi solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) auxiliary power unit (APU) powering a Peterbilt Model 386 truck's "hotel" loads. During recent testing at Peterbilt's Texas headquarters, the Delphi SOFC provided power for the Model 386's electrical system and air conditioning and maintained the truck's batteries -- all while the Model 386's diesel engine was turned off.

This demonstration, held in June, leveraged development supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and the Office of Fossil Energy's Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) program. Delphi's SOFC technology directly addresses increasingly stringent anti-idling legislation and other proposals addressing commercial truck emissions, noise and fuel consumption.

Delphi's SOFC converts chemical energy in conventional fuels directly into useful electrical power without combustion. A SOFC operates quietly and at a higher efficiency level than traditional internal combustion engines. By limiting idling time and running a SOFC instead of the main engine, emissions are reduced, noise is nearly eliminated, and operators realize significant fuel savings.

Source: Peterbilt and Delphi

Expedite Expo 2008 Rolls Into Wilmington, Ohio on July 25-26, 2008

2008-07-17T16:00:00.001-04:00

Ohio’s largest trucking show returns to Southwest Ohio. Expedite Expo 2008 will move into the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio on July 25-26, 2008.

The 8th Annual Expedite Expo is an indoor trucking exposition that focuses on the time sensitive, expedited trucking industry. This event features over 100 exhibitors and covers over 70,000 sq. feet of trucks, trucking displays, product exhibits and free live family entertainment.

The Expedite Expo 2008 is proud to present - the stars of Country Music Television's "Trick My Truck" series - The Chrome Shop Mafia! That's right, the "Wild Bunch" of truck customizers will be appearing on both days of the Expo and they're bringing along a truck featured in one of the show's episodes - "The Inferno." The members of the Chrome Shop Mafia have earned a reputation as the most talented and original big truck makeover artists around!

New for the 2008 Expo - The Career Zone
This dedicated area features a roster of trucking recruiters who will share the opportunities available at their companies for drivers.

Workshops & Seminars
The always-popular Trucking Workshops feature a two full days of informative, free sessions. From buying a truck to performing maintenance, the admission-free Workshops are presented by trucking professionals who speak on a variety of topics.

Truck Dealers
The Expedite Expo features the nation's top truck dealers who exhibit the newest and most innovative truck equipment on the market.

Live Radio
Trucking radio legend Dave Nemo will be broadcasting on XM Channel 171 live from the Expo with interviews and show reports.

This event is open to the public. Expo admission and parking are free.

Expedite Expo 2008
Roberts Convention Centre
I-71 and St. Rt. 68, Exit #50
123 Gano Road, Wilmington, Ohio 45177

Show times:
Friday, July 25, 2008 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
For registration and details, visit www.ExpediteExpo.com or call 859-746-2046.

Source: Expedite Expo

The First Navistar MaxxForce Engine Delivered

2008-07-16T15:00:00.001-04:00

The Navistar homepage reports that first MaxxForce big bore engine was recently presented in a ceremony at North Central International, International’s newest dealership in North Mankato, Minn.

A 2009 International TranStar with a MaxxForce 13 engine was officially delivered to Wayne Viessman of Cliff Viessman, Inc.

“Viessman has been a good customer of ours,” said Steve Hatlestad of North Central International. “They helped us with our field testing and we’re proud to be supplying them with TranStars. The addition of the MaxxForce engine is the next step in providing great products for our great customers.”

Viessman was confident in choosing the MaxxForce 13 to power his TranStar because of the engine’s power, reliability and improved fuel economy.

“We’re very happy with what we’ve been seeing with results,” said Viessman. “We’re a very weight conscious company and with the new MaxxForce engine, we probably are about 325 to 350 pounds lighter than we were with the engine we were using before.”

The new MaxxForce 11 and MaxxForce 13 Big Bore engines offer commercial truck buyers a fuel-efficient, powerful, durable and startlingly quiet engine in an integrated package backed by the largest channel of commercial truck service locations in the United States and Canada.

“The next chapter in providing integrated solutions for select heavy trucks and big bore engines begins today,” said Tom Baughman, General Manager, Heavy Vehicle Center, Navistar. “MaxxForce Big Bore engines are now officially in the market.”

Source: Navistar

Brochure For Sterling Set-Back 113 With Natural Gas Now Available

2008-07-15T15:00:00.002-04:00

Sterling Truck Corporation recently announced the Sterling Set-Back 113 with Natural Gas (NG) brochure is now available at www.SterlingTrucks.com/NaturalGas.

Sterling launched the Set-Back 113 with NG in May 2008. According to Sterling, the Set-Back 113 with NG has the lowest emissions in the industry without sacrificing top-level performance and efficiency. Part of Sterling's Clean Drive Technologies, it is powered by the Cummins Westport ISL G, which already meets EPA 2010 standards and has 85 percent lower NOx emissions than the C Gas Plus engine.

The Set-Back 113 with NG, a Class 7-8 truck, is now available for LTL and distribution applications. Currently in development, the truck also will be configured for the government, construction, P&D and utility applications.

Natural gas technology can save an estimated $6,000 in annual fuel and operating costs per truck and customers in states such as California will also benefit from tax incentives for alternative fuel vehicles.

Source: Sterling Trucks

Mobile Awareness Offers New Obstacle Detection System

2008-07-11T14:00:00.000-04:00

Mobile Awareness, LLC offers a new SenseStat Wired Obstacle Detection Sensor System geared toward Commercial Trucks with Trailers, Utility Vehicles and Buses.

Commercial vehicle owners now have a choice of wired or wireless solutions for an effective means to help prevent costly backing accidents. Activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged, the driver is alerted to objects behind their vehicle with both an audible (active) and visual indicator (LED display). The waterproof sensors work in all weather conditions and provide the location of an obstacle (Zone Discrimination) within four (4) individual areas behind the vehicle, accurate to within one inch.

Source: Mobile Awareness

Michelin Tires Goes On Tour To Promote New Efficient Tires

2008-07-08T15:47:00.001-04:00

Michelin Tires is going on tour to share the message "Go Wide. Save Green."

Michelin Tires has set up a special site at www.gowidesavegreen.com and is going coast-to-coast to share what thousands of fleets have already learned - environmentally-friendly transportation makes good business sense.

Michelin's North American tour will feature real world examples of commercial trucking fleets and owner/operators who have benefited from the improved fuel efficiency, weight savings, and time savings that MICHELIN X One wide single tires deliver.

"With the cost of diesel fuel now averaging almost $5 per gallon, we believe this message will truly resonate with truckers who pay more than $1,000 per fill up and travel 100,000 miles or more each year," said Marc Laferriere, vice president of marketing, Michelin Americas Truck Tires. "Michelin X One tires provide an excellent means to improve a truck's operating efficiency. Not only does this save the trucking company green on their bottom line, but it also saves the environment green by reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions."

Source: Michelin Tires

Iowa 80 Trucking Museum To Celebrate Opening of New Visitors Center

2008-07-03T14:00:00.000-04:00

The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum homepage reports on the grand opening of its new Museum Visitors Center.

The new visitors center will open with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 10th at 2:00 pm during the Walcott Truckers Jamboree.

According to the homepage, the Museum Visitors Center adds 5,000 square feet to the existing structure and features a movie theater, truck display space, and a gift store.

“This museum was a dream of my father’s”, says Delia Moon Meier. “We are very excited that we have been able to expand the museum.

The Iowa 80 Trucking museum can house a total of 45 trucks for display at any given time. A new sidewalk from the truck parking area to the museum offer a chance for professional drivers to visit.

While there is no set admission fee to the museum, donations are requested.

The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum is a non-profit corporation located just off of Interstate 80 and Exit 284 in Walcott, Iowa. The general public is welcome. Everyone attending the ribbon cutting is invited to tour the museum. Refreshments will be provided.

Source: Iowa 80 Trucking Museum

Mack Trucks Hits The Road With The 2008 Mack Performance Tour

2008-07-01T14:37:00.010-04:00

Mack Truck recently announced the that the bulldog is back on the road again with the 2008 Mack Performance Tour. According to Mack Truck, this tour features the biggest and boldest trucks ever from Mack Trucks, Inc. The new Mack models also feature the very fuel efficient, yet extremely powerful Mack MP family of engines.

The Mack Performance Tour comes at an opportune time for truck operators considering which engine can take them into 2010 and beyond. "As the number of North American engine choices narrows, we think customers need to take a long, close look at what Mack can do for them," said Tom Kelly, Mack vice president, marketing. "The Tour is an outstanding way for them to experience the quality, power, performance and fuel economy of the Mack MP engine family, so they can see what they've been missing. We are making a special effort to reach out to these customers."

"We want them to know Mack has the products, customer support and dealer network they need and expect from us," Kelly continued. "Most importantly, Mack has a proven and very fuel efficient engine technology that works now and for the future. We have a great engine platform and we know our plan to meet the 2010 emissions standards works."

Source:Mack Trucks

Sterling Trucks' 250,000th Truck Rolls Off Production Line

2008-06-26T15:00:00.000-04:00

Sterling Truck Corporation, a leading manufacturer of Class 3-8 trucks, has reached a significant milestone as its 250,000th truck - a Sterling Set-Back 113-inch BBC A-Line - rolled off the production line.

To mark the occasion, Sterling Trucks presented executives from Con-way Freight with the keys and a plaque during a special ceremony held at Sterling Trucks' manufacturing plant in St. Thomas, Ontario, on June 10, 2008.

Con-way Freight, one of the nation's leading less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation companies and a subsidiary of Con-way Inc., has been a Sterling Trucks customer for more than 10 years. The company currently owns more than 7,200 Sterling trucks, including the Sterling Acterra, A-Line and L-Line models.

"We wanted to use this special occasion to also say thank you to Con-way for its long-term commitment to Sterling Trucks," said Richard Saward, vice president of sales for Sterling Trucks. "We continually strive to prove to Con-way that Sterling Trucks is synonymous with designing, building and delivering trucks that are ready to work, all day, every day."

Source: Sterling Trucks

Kenworth Environmental Programs Site Debuts

2008-06-25T16:00:00.000-04:00

Kenworth recently unveiled the new Kenworth Environmental Programs website (www.kenworth.com/environmental.asp) offering customers a convenient way to learn about Kenworth’s green products and initiatives.

“The new Kenworth Environmental Programs website makes it convenient to learn more about Kenworth vehicles equipped with industry-leading technology and our commitment to lower fuel costs and reduced emissions,” said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales.

The Kenworth green Internet site leads off with the Kenworth Clean Power no-idle system and an easy-to-use calculator to help figure savings. Also featured are Kenworth alternative fuel trucks and hybrid programs. Rounding out the site are sections on Kenworth dealerships, PACCAR engines, the in-cab Kenworth Driver Information Center, EPA SmartWay models, and PACCAR Environmental Leadership.

Source: Kenworth

Los Angeles City Council Approves Port Of Los Angeles Clean Truck Program

2008-06-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Los Angeles City Council recently announced approval to the Port of Los Angeles’ Clean Truck Program (CTP), the landmark plan designed to help slash port-related, diesel truck emissions by 80 percent.

The Council vote adds further momentum to the Port’s transition to a License Motor Carrier-based truck concession system beginning October 1, 2008.

The CTP will accelerate the replacement of high-polluting trucks with cleaner trucks while elevating port drayage to 21st Century trucking industry standards. Licensed Motor Carriers will enter into drayage concession agreements with criteria including a requirement to commit to using 100-percent employee drivers by calendar year 2013 in a phased-in schedule.

The Port will now be able to hold those companies accountable for maintaining trucks and employing properly credentialed drivers. That, in turn, will ensure a sufficient supply of drivers, improve truck safety and maintenance while lowering emissions, enhance Port security and reduce the negative impacts that drayage services have on communities near the Port.

Source: The Port Of Los Angeles

Are Opportunities Improving For The Freight And Trucking Market?

2008-06-23T16:00:00.001-04:00

Dan Goodwill, President, Dan Goodwill & Associates Inc, writes on his blog about the possibility of better prospects in the future for the freight and trucking market.

According to the post titled The Freight Recession is Over, while truckers and carriers have been hammered by fuel costs, businesses that ship cargo are finding a tightening of capacity and difficulty getting their loads delivered. Some in the industry are predicting an increase of 3 to 10% for freight rates.

Goodwill adds that fuel costs are still part of a "tug of war" between shippers and carriers, but improving opportunities could lie ahead for the end of this year and early 2009.

Source: Dan Goodwill and Associates Inc. and LifeOnTheRoad.com

Truck Drivers Reduce Speed To Cut Fuel Costs

2008-06-20T15:00:00.001-04:00

With fuel costs squeezing trucking companies tighter than ever, some truck companies are slowing down to save money.

Business First of Columbus reports on a trucking company that reset their truck's onboard computers to 62 miles per hour. Shaving off a few miles from their truck's top speed could save the company over $750,000.

Trying to control fuel costs is vital if consumers are to be spared higher shipping prices.

As trucking companies are finding ways to save, truck manufacturers are striving to build more fuel efficient and aerodynamic trucks.

Source: Business First of Columbus

Daimler Trucks North America Expands Engine Offerings

2008-06-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

Daimler Trucks North America, recently announced that it will offer a full line of its own Detroit Diesel engines, as well as Cummins heavy- and medium-duty engines, across its Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses vehicle range.

The Detroit Diesel DD15, at 14.8L displacement, was launched in October 2007, as the first in a complete line of all new heavy-duty diesel engines that will ultimately power Daimler Trucks offerings around the world. The DD15 utilizes turbo compounding and amplified common rail fuel injection to achieve superior power and fuel economy. Additional variants, at 12.8L (DD13) and 15.6L (DD16) will be introduced at intervals over the coming months, and will supplant current Detroit Diesel and Mercedes-Benz heavy-duty engine offerings in the Daimler Trucks North America stable of commercial vehicles.

The 14.8L ISX heavy-duty diesel engine manufactured by Cummins Inc. will round out the options in Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star Class 8 trucks in the post-EPA10 era. Today, Cummins is Daimler Trucks North America’s exclusive external engine partner in the supply of medium-duty ISB, ISC, and ISL engines for Freightliner trucks and chassis, Sterling trucks and Thomas Built buses in classes 5 through 7.

The Cummins ISX in EPA07 trim will be available in the recently introduced Freightliner Cascadia model (pictured below), for delivery in January of 2009.

"This decision will complement our current successful and proprietary product line of Detroit Diesel and Mercedes-Benz engines. It will expand and strengthen the range of choices for our customers, and establish Cummins as a full range vendor engine partner," said Chris Patterson, president and chief executive officer of DTNA. "This action was a result of many months of carefully considered planning and consulting with our key customers to determine engine needs and preferences. We are convinced that expanded engine options will offer the best suite of solutions on the market, bar none," added Patterson.

Source: Daimler Trucks North America

Are Laptop Computers In Truck Cabs Legal?

2008-06-18T14:00:00.000-04:00

Can a laptop computer in a truck cab land you in hot water with the law? According to Landline.com, one driver was cited in Arizona for having his computer in the cab of his truck.

The driver was cited by authorities for violating Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 393.88, prohibiting drivers from placing television screens within view of the driver’s seat.

While the driver has pleaded not guilty, the legal aspects of laptop computers in truck cabs are still murky.

Source: LandLine Magazine

Volvo Trucks Developing Lightweight Prototype Sleepers Made With Advanced Composite Material Technology

2008-06-17T16:00:00.001-04:00

The Volvo Trucks North America homepage reports on the development of lightweight prototype sleepers made with advanced composite material technology as part of a U.S. Army program to reduce the weight and improve fuel economy of trucks.

The project, part of the Army’s Military and Commercial Truck Weight Reduction Program, calls for Volvo and program partner TPI Composites, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona, to design, build and test prototype truck sleepers.

Because of their generally lighter weight, the use of composite components can improve truck fuel economy and thus reduce CO2 emissions. TPI’s advanced processes yield components that are even lighter and stronger than composite components formed using traditional methods. In addition, composite materials resist corrosion, insulate better and may provide a quieter sleeping environment for resting drivers.

Three sleeper cabs will be produced as part of the project, with the first to be delivered in late 2009.

Source: Volvo Truck North America

Is There Some Relief From The Truck Driver Shortage?

2008-06-16T15:00:00.008-04:00

While there is plenty of cargo that needs trucks to move across the nation, there is a crucial shortage of drivers to get behind the wheel.

According to USA Today, the rising cost of fuel and tough economic times have incresed the number of truckers looking for jobs and drivers to the companies that need them. With some trucking companies reducing fleet size, drivers are seeking new employment.

The shortage of truck drivers is far from over. Industry experts expect that by 2014, the nation will require 1.7 million truck drivers on the roads.

Source: USA Today

Study Reveals Automatic Transmissions Offer Fuel Savings

2008-06-13T13:00:00.002-04:00

While truckers use automatic transmissions to reduce distraction and fatigue while driving, a new reason to go automatic could be fuel savings.

The Allison Transmissions homepage reports that recent test results show fully automatic transmissions can provide superior fuel efficiency and optimum fuel economy.

According to Lou Gilbert, Director, North American Marketing, Allison Transmission, “a truck’s duty cycle can be broken into four components: acceleration, cruise speeds, deceleration and idle. Of these, acceleration and cruising are the main factors impacting fuel consumption.”

Manual and automated manual transmissions interrupt engine power every time a shift is made. According to Gilbert, recent data log analysis of two North American P&D fleets shows an average of over 600 upshifts during an eight-hour timeframe.

Automatic transmissions provides smooth, seamless full-power shifts to put engine power to the ground in the most fuel-efficient way.

“Any interruption in engine power during a shift creates powertrain inefficiencies, loss of vehicle energy, lower average speeds and, ultimately, less work is accomplished with the fuel consumed,” according to Steve Spurlin, Executive Director, 3000/4000 Series Transmissions and Application Engineering, Allison Transmission. Adds Gilbert, “With full-power shifts, fleet managers will recognize higher average speeds versus manual or automated manual transmissions. Higher average speeds over a day mean the Allison Automatic accomplishes more work for the fuel utilized. So it is more fuel efficient."

This is in line with how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its SmartWay Program, is formulating a test protocol proposal to measure the fuel efficiency of medium– and heavy-duty commercial vehicles for the first time.

Allison also offers a site that offers video and charts showing the fuel efficiency of automatic transmissions at http://www.allisontransmission.com/RealProof/

Source: Allison Transmissions

RESOURCES

The Chameleon Truck Adapts To The Shape Of Cargo

2008-06-12T09:00:00.013-04:00

Designer Haishan Deng creates vehicles that revise the idea of what a truck should look like, often adapting shapes from nature and the animal kingdom to serve the needs of highway transport and construction sites.

At first glance, Haishan Deng's Chameleon Truck might remind you of a caterpillar crawling on the side of a tree instead of a truck. The Chameleon's unusual design has a purpose: offering safer cargo transport and lower transport costs.

The Chameleon Truck uses a segmented body design to stretch its shape around a cargo container. The driver sits in a cockpit over the cargo hatch.

The soft covering around the truck protects cargo by absorbing the imapact of accidents. The softer material also reduces weight that saves on fuel costs.

Source: Haishan Deng

New Research On Truck Trailers By Georgia Tech Yeilds New Fuel Efficency Technology

2008-06-11T14:00:00.002-04:00

The impact of fuel costs on the trucking industry has researchers and truck designers working to make trucks sleeker and develop new fuel-saving technologies.

Since the high cost of fuel is passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices, developments in aerodynamic truck technologies affect more than trucking companies and driver.

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) homepage features news on research using pressurized air “active flow control” techniques to increase truck fuel efficiency by 8 to 12 percent.

According to the George Tech Research Institute, research is also being conducted on GTRI low-drag active flow control aerodynamic technologies, developed with support from the U.S. Department of Energy nearly a decade ago.

Truck aerodynamics have improved thanks to attachments like roof fairings, but these improvements do little to affect the wind resistance of trailers.

One streamlining technique GTRI researchers are working on is pneumatic devices to push air over curved surfaces on the backs of trailers. The jets of air smooth out the angular shape of trailers and reduce drag.

According to a report by the Associated Press, a test track run using the GTRI system increased fuel efficiency by 12 percent. That might not sound like a huge increase, but fleet trucks often travel thousands of miles. That 12 percent adds up in the shadow of 5 dollars a gallon diesel fuel costs.

Source Georgia Tech Research Institute and Associated Press

Trucks And Cars Look For Space On Crowded Los Angeles Roads

2008-06-10T15:00:00.001-04:00

According the Los Angeles Times, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are the nation's largest harbor complex. Through those ports arrives 44 percent of goods brought into the US by cargo container.

That means over 7.8 million 40 foot shipping containers that need to be rolled out by truck.

While global trade is a big business and creates jobs, it is also a big headache for commuters who have to share the road with all those trucks. The roads and highways of Los Angeles are straining under a heavy burden of truck traffic they were never designed to carry.

The ports, the trucking companies, and the car drivers are all struggling to balance the demands of a world economy and the need for safe roads and a clean environment.

Source: Los Angeles Times