Fleets and technicians both need the best equipment they can get their hands on, which is why our ‘Equipment’ features often discuss the new technology fleets are considering and that technicians may soon be working on.
The stories below run the gamut from innovations to encourage fuel efficiency to zero-emission vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems. For something of a ‘Fleet Maintenance Wrapped’ on the technology of 2024, see below.
Spe'cing more fuel-efficient sleeper tractors
With operational costs rising, fleets need to save money where they can, and that starts with spec'ing their long-haul trucks to sip, not guzzle, fuel. This is especially true for trucks as they get older.
“A typical engine will start off at its maximum fuel economy, but then start losing 0.75-1% per year after about 450,000 miles,” noted Brian Antonellis, SVP of Fleet Operations at Fleet Advantage. “At the same time, [new models] typically become 2-2.5% more fuel efficient every year.”
But just how newer vehicles achieve that fuel efficiency can vary, not only by the equipment but by the truck itself. Check out how various new trucks, from the Volvo VNL with its aerodynamic cab, to Daimler Truck’s Freightliner Cascadia and its Aero Package, are upping their mileage.
How integrated powertrains, engine controls impact fuel efficiency
Hardware improvements that emphasize electronic advancements and reduce excessive idling can lead to greater savings at the pump.
While having an aerodynamic truck body can help drive down operational costs, internal vehicle components have their own part to play in increasing efficiency.
“Today’s engines have revolved around the goal of reducing parasitic losses while optimizing their handling system in an area of the fuel map where a truck spends a high portion of its drive cycle,” said Kris Ptasznik, powertrain TCO and consultancy leader at Cummins, a manufacturer of engines, emission solutions, and other products for commercial vehicles. “The engine must be more efficient where the transmission ratios, axle ratios, and tire sizes all say the engine is going to operate most of the time.”
This story examines how engine manufacturers have improved their products to boost fuel efficiency, such as through integrated powertrains that increase performance and decrease fuel consumption while working alongside more aerodynamic accessories.
ZEVs: Real life use cases
Several Classes 1-8 zero-emission vehicles have racked up real miles in fleets. But what are the end users saying so far?
The pressure to adopt zero-emission vehicles to increase fleet sustainability and meet ongoing regulations has increased in the transportation industry. But technological options to do so have increased as well.
In Part 1 of this five-part story, we delve into Pepsi's experience with the Tesla Semi, which Dan Priestley, Tesla’s sr. manager of Semi truck engineering, said has shown “uptime greater than 95%, and this includes both preventative and unscheduled maintenance” after 3.5 million test miles.
Lessons from a serial early EV adopter
Pitt Ohio has gleaned much about where and how EVs can succeed in the LTL space, though it’s come at a cost.
Of the zero-emission vehicles available to fleets today, electric vehicles are one of the most common, although they face steep obstacles in terms of initial investment and range. This story covers Pitt Ohio’s experience with their Class 7 Volvo VNR Electric straight trucks, Ford E-Transits, and Class 7 Freightliner eM2s, and how they dealt with these obstacles.
“We can go on 18 to 20 deliveries and still make 12 to 14 pickups,” terminal manager Mike Todd said regarding the eM2 vehicles. “With a conventional vehicle, we’d be doing the same as we’re doing right now.”
Honest insights from a Nikola Tre FCEV owner after half a year
After running the first production model Nikola Tre FCEV in California for several months, Bill Hall of Coyote Container shares the ups and downs of using the hydrogen truck in drayage operations.
Hydrogen fuel-cell-powered trucks are another alternative to electric vehicles, and have the potential to address some of the issues with electric vehicles—if they work.
“I keep track of every day, whether the truck was just idle, whether it was a maintenance issue that caused it to be out of service, or I couldn’t get fuel,” Hall explained regarding his general operations with the vehicle. “I really like the adaptive cruise control, side radars, and lane-keeping features. I would like to see a better hands-free system, prewired CB bay, separate trailer brake, and stock cushion for the berth behind the seats.”
Hall was one of the most early adopters of the Nikola Tre FCEV, and has since offered more of his thoughts on the truck’s applicability. Both this snapshot from June and his more recent update provide critical insights into how this technology has served the transportation industry so far.
Maintenance considerations for ADAS
Advanced driver assistance systems can play a critical role in increased driver safety, but maintaining these systems isn't as simple as replacing a damaged tire or burned-out lamp.
“Improperly maintained systems run the risk of being unavailable or not operating to their fullest capacity,” said Brian Screeton, manager, technical training & service at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, maker of heavy-duty ADAS solution Wingman Fusion. “A system not performing to expectations can also contribute to driver frustration when behind the wheel, hindering acceptance of the technology."
For instance, wheel-speed sensors can run into rubs and chafing, and steering angle sensors can fall out of calibration. Here’s what to consider when these issues crop up, and how to avoid creating problems during regular maintenance.
Prepping for Prebuy 2027: You snooze, you lose
With a major round of emissions regulations coming to heavy-duty trucking in 2027, and MY2026 booked up, fleets aren’t left with many procurement options. But with many of the trucks bought in 2019 starting to reach 500,000 miles, assuming that they’ll travel roughly 100,000 miles a year, fleets need to figure out their next move before costs start to rack up.
“When you’re managing the life cycle, you start to see mpg drop off and the [repair and maintenance] cost curve increases around 450,000 miles,” said Brian Antonellis, current SVP of fleet operations at Fleet Advantage, “So we target that 450,000 to 500,000 miles as a time to replace.”
This story covers the factors playing into the upcoming prebuy, leading in to an overall discussion on how to approach vehicle procurement.
Work truck 2024 trends: Data and upfitting at forefront
This year's trucks from Ford Pro, International, Ram Professional, and more are designed to streamline maintenance data collection and customization.
The influence of data in the trucking industry has only grown over the past several years, and work trucks are no different. This feature delves into how OEMs are offering fleets more monitoring and maintenance options.
“Diagnosing issues is much easier with on-board diagnostics and fault codes,” said Bruce Vasbinder, director, medium duty marketing at International. “For example, an operator may choose to have one button activation for required daily vehicle checks, or fleets may elect to prohibit enabling drive unless certain conditions are met.”
Heavy-duty engine trends to watch in 2024
Innovations at the OEM level are poised to help satisfy both regulatory requirements and fleets’ need for improved efficiency, durability, and TCO.
With emissions regulations due to increase in 2027, engine manufacturers and fleets both need to be prepared for the equipment they’ll need. This has resulted in various design changes, such as those that allow for lower engine oil viscosities or increase durability.
“Higher combustion temperatures, different piston designs, and different EGR mapping are a few ways engine manufacturers have continued meeting requirements,” said Paul Cigala, senior commercial vehicle lubricants applications engineer at ExxonMobil.
For a look at how engines may continue to evolve into 2025, check out this equipment feature.
The case for investing in premium shop equipment
Investing in top-of-the-line shop equipment may seem capricious in this economy but can pay off by keeping techs productive and loyal.
Fleets aren’t the only ones that need to make sure they have top-of-the-line equipment. Understanding what equipment your technicians need and which pieces to buy (and it might not always be the ones with the most technological bells and whistles) can do a world of good in increasing shop efficiency and preserving your technicians’ health.
“Our shop does pretty much everything but overhauls,” said Miguel Miranda, fleet maintenance manager at HD Repair in Plainfield, Illinois, the maintenance division of OTR provider MNS1 Express. “We have a very robust PM program. There is certain service equipment we’ve found that aren’t just beneficial to our operation, but are integral.”
This feature is perfect for narrowing down your next shop purchase.
