Professionals in transportation continue to realize increased vehicle complexity and rapid technological change. These challenges demand diligent attention to detail and careful consideration. Shipper expectations, government regulations, engineering advances and CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) compliance issues require commercial vehicle fleets to be ever vigilant so they can stay safe, efficient and profitable.
Fleets must scrutinize each investment into their operations and vehicle maintenance programs. Many of them turn to the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) to help make business decisions on maintenance and spec’ing issues.
Emerging technology holds opportunity for fleets who can recognize its potential and implement it judiciously. That is why TMC officials chose Unlocking Technology's Promise as the theme of the 2017 annual Fall Meeting.
This year’s meeting will take place Sept. 16-21 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Fla. It is held in conjunction with TMCSuperTech2017, the National Technician Skills Competition.
TMC (www.trucking.org/Technology_Council.aspx) is comprised of a broad collection of experienced fleets, equipment suppliers and service providers. The industry association is focused solely on truck technology and maintenance. Its members call on real-world experience as they work together to create industry best practices in truck technology and maintenance, to help improve trucking equipment and transportation efficiencies throughout North America.
TECHNICAL SESSIONS
The 2017 Fall Meeting will host a number of educational sessions so fleet maintenance professionals can stay attuned to industry trends. It will feature two technical sessions, to be held on Sept. 20 and Sept. 21, respectively. Each session is 90 minutes long.
The challenge and pitfalls of implementing new technology
The power of various technology solutions to deliver transformational benefits to organizations of every shape and size is well understood. Yet[DK3] , the deployment of technology remains a critical area that is too often underestimated for the role it plays in the overall success of, and return gained from, a technology investment.
Does your operation have the right approach to introducing new technologies and methods? Attendees at this technical session will learn the top five reasons why technology deployments fail and what fleets can do to avoid these pitfalls.
Panelists will include expert fleet personnel and representatives of companies that specialize in technology implementation solutions.
Vehicle Securitization: What you need to know about lock-out/tag-out procedures
For safety and liability reasons, fleets should ensure their technicians follow appropriate lock-out/tag-out procedures so an unfit-for-duty vehicle does not move from its location in the maintenance shop or log.
Attendees of this technical session will learn what recommended practices TMC’s S .5 Fleet Maintenance Management Study Group is developing to clarify these and other issues. Panelists will include lock-out/tag-out suppliers, insurance providers, OSHA representatives and fleets. If your company maintains or repairs trucks, this session is a must.
STUDY GROUP SESSIONS
TMC Study Groups are standing committees that identify problems and challenges facing motor carriers and other truck equipment users. These groups, which are long-term in nature, study a specific sector of truck technology or management.
Study group meetings at TMC’s 2017 Fall Meeting include:
Corrosion after trailer and frame modifications and fleet-applied rust inhibitor treatments
Aggressive corrosion on vehicles costs the trucking industry billions of dollars. TMC’s S.17 Corrosion Control Study Group aims to foster the development of technologies and practices to minimize the effects of corrosion on equipment to reduce downtime and maximize asset utilization.
This year’s TMC fall meeting presents a special “double feature” which will examine two specific aspects of corrosion control: controlling corrosion after trailer and frame modifications are performed, and the value of fleet-applied rust inhibitor treatments. The first subject will include an in-depth discussion on inspection, surface preparation, galvanizing, impact and abrasion resistance after trailer and chassis modifications are performed. Panelists will offer recommendations on how to minimize the corrosion through power welding, repair and coating applications and techniques.
The second topic will address fleet application of corrosion resistant rust inhibitors after a vehicle is placed in service. Panelists will cover what fleets can do to prolong the life of electrical components, properly apply rust inhibitors, ways to displace moisture and more.
A Special Shop Talk: TMC’s failure analysis road show
Too often, many parts are tagged as failed without just cause. How can fleet manager tell whether a suspect part is a “keeper” or “kaput”? Patterned after the PBS TV series, TMC’s Failure Analysis Roadshow features expert trouble spotters from all types of vehicle and parts manufacturers. The team will be able to examine and diagnose common failures on-the-spot.
Proper repair procedures for electrical wiring and connectors
Any exposed wiring presents an opportunity for corrosion to wick through the electrical system, damaging components. Lighting violations are among the most frequently cited CSA equipment issues, and fleets would do well to ensure their electrical system maintenance is up to the challenge of today’s corrosive and abrasive operating environment.
Attendees to this session will learn how to save valuable time and money through proper electrical repair procedures. This is a “hands-on” opportunity; attendees will visit several stations demonstrating proper repair techniques from electrical maintenance industry experts. Presenters will use factory-OEM-quality tools and repair kits as they cover these topics:
• Selecting the correct wire type.
• Determining the correct wire size.
• Identifying the correct environmental seal.
• Soldering and heat shrinking wire repairs.
• Replacing terminals.
• Choosing the correct removal tool and crimpers.
If electrical repairs are costing your operation uptime, attend this session and learn how to get a handle on your electrical wiring and connector maintenance.
TMC’s tire & wheel fleet feud showdown
Who says you can’t learn and have fun, too? The Council’s S.2 Tire and Wheel Study Group will host an educational game show, TMC Tire & Wheel Fleet Feud Showdown. During this session, two teams of three fleet attendees will compete against each other for prizes, demonstrating their knowledge of modern tire and wheel maintenance, and spec’ing recommended practices.
Incorporated into each round will be commentary and information from tire and wheel experts.
Editor’s Note: If you are a fleet attendee and you are interested in becoming a constant for this session, contact TMC at [email protected]. Subject line: Tire & Wheel Fleet Feud Showdown Contestant.
The future of auxiliary power units
Traditionally, auxiliary power units (APUs) have been all-electric sleeper AC systems with extra deep cycle batteries, or have been powered by small, efficient diesel engines that emit fewer emissions than main power units can for the purpose of providing non-driving related electrical and driver comfort needs. However, new designs on the horizon will likely change how fleets view APUs in the coming years. Hydrogen fuel cells and diesel-electric hybrids are replacing conventional diesel offerings, and new integrated powertrain designs may replace APU itself.
Attendees of this session will learn what tomorrow holds for APUs, and how fleets will be keeping drivers comfortable during off-duty hours.
Implementing effective trailer preventative maintenance
Timely, quality preventative maintenance inspections (PMI) help fleet operators to detect, correct and prevent the development of costly breakdowns. TMC has recently updated its suite of PMI manuals based on the latest edition of the Council’s Recommended Maintenance Practices Manual.
This year’s TMC Fall Meeting will focus on proper PMI procedures for trailers. Attendees will see a live demonstration of TMC’s PMI trailer practices in action, plus walk through the new PMI sequence and receive tips for improving their own PMI program. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the new Trailer PMI Manuals to take home.
Best practices for shop workload and prioritization
The S.16 Service Provider Study Group was launched to develop recommended practices for business processes, such as shop workload and prioritization. Session attendees will learn about TMC’s latest efforts to create a logical and systematic approach to scheduling shop workload that takes into consideration available labor, skill levels, complexity of work and the urgency of customers’ needs.
Your new electric truck is delivered – now what?
Global truck manufacturers are accelerating their efforts to produce more vehicles utilizing electric drivetrains. Many factors are contributing to this trend, including newly enacted fuel economy standards, greater confidence in electric-powered vehicles and advances in battery technology.
This session’s panelists will present some of the challenges that face electric vehicle owners. Speakers will address implementation issues, along with technician and driver training. Fleet panelists will share their expectations of suppliers of zero or ultra-low emission vehicles. This is a must-attend session for operations considering a move to an all-electric powertrain.
The electronic logging device (ELD) mandate: Frequently asked questions and answers
Future fleets must soon comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandate that requires the use of electronic logging devices (ELDs) for hours of service compliance. As the deadline approaches, many managers still have questions:
• Can ELDs be housed on a smartphone or other wireless device?
• Can a driver use a portable ELD and how must it be tethered to the vehicle?
• How does the ELD mandate apply to drivers of multiple vehicles with ELDs from different manufacturers?
• What procedure should be followed if multiple, incompatible electronic logging devices (ELDs) are used to record a driver’s record of duty status?
• How and when must a carrier comply with supporting document requirements?
The changing landscape of refrigerants for light and medium duty trucks
Changes are coming to the refrigerants that provide in-cab climate control in light and medium duty truck applications. It is not certain what the replacement to R-134a will be when those changes take effect.
This session will cover where manufacturers stand in the conversion to new refrigerants as it applies to light and medium duty commercial trucks.
For complete details on the 2017 Fall Meeting, call 703-838-1763 or visit www.tmc.trucking.org.
