Truck drivers perform an important but dangerous work. Safety
then should always be a top priority whether on the road or loading and
unloading the boxes and crates they're required to deliver. The task
proves to be more tiresome particularly if the driver works alone with
no companion to help in the loading and unloading aspect.
In the
U.S., trucks are among the vehicles that often get involved in road
accidents. In 2000 alone, the Department of Transportation's National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that more than 450,000
big trucks encountered accidents.
Currently, there are
approximately 3.5 million truck drivers in the U.S. handling different
types and sizes of trucks. These people should have undergone the
necessary CDL or commercial driver's license training that is one of the
important qualifications considered by companies when hiring truck
drivers.
Trucks need to have the right safety tools that will
allow them to fix problems during their travel and navigation devices to
guide them when locating their destination. For those who transport
huge boxes, they also need to have the proper equipment such as levers
for loading and unloading purposes.
GPS navigation device - This
is a very important tool that helps drivers locate the place they're
going to. With its small monitor, drivers will be able to view a map of
their area of destination. There are also units that have voice features
and tell drivers the streets they can take.
Vehicle backup camera
- As it's hard to monitor a truck's blind spots, having a backup camera
is very helpful. This is normally attached on the top part of the
license plate and is connected to a monitor positioned on the dashboard
or sun visor. With this tool, a driver can easily check what's behind
the truck while backing up or moving along the highways before changing
lanes or making turns. It's an affordable device that's a must today for
all types of vehicles.
Jack and tire iron - You never know when
you'll get a flat tire or your tires experience low pressure the reason
why having a jack in your truck is very important. The CDL training
course will teach you the right way of changing tires so this should not
be a problem in case you encounter flat tires during your travel.
Tire
chains - Also known as snow chains, these devices are meant to provide
traction when you're driving through snow and ice. These are fitted in
the drive wheels of the vehicle and are required by transportation
authorities during snowy conditions. Usually, they are sold in pairs.
When these are in place, you have also to reduce your speed to ensure
the safety of your vehicle.
Other than these devices, a truck
driver traveling on long hauls should also bring along water, food and
extra clothing. There are times when you need to travel through desert
areas or places wherein there are no restaurants along the highways so
it's always best to be ready.
Getting your CDL training should
provide you with the appropriate knowledge on truck driving safety and
the tools you need to have while traveling. So never ignore its value
for it will benefit you for the long term.
After the Woodbridge Township, New Jersey Mayor explains the unique vehicle needs of municipalities, the various payment options available to cities wanting to bundle fleet vehicle purchases with upfits are detailed by a Ford Pro FinSimple Municipal Finance Operations Specialist.
The new Chevy Silverado HD is hauling in more power, a new interior, and our most revolutionary available towing tech ever. Own the HD life.
Learn more about Silverado HD here: https://www.chevrolet.com/trucks/silv...
But what's the best electric truck out there? We've done the research and put together a list of the 10 best electric trucks for 2023. Watch this video to find out more!
Odometer fraud is a stealthy and a lesser known form of fraud that is hard to detect, but can cost a car buyer thousands. Fraudsters will roll back odometers on cars to hide the vehicle's mileage in the hope of extracting a better price. And as used car prices rose during the pandemic, odometer fraud could've become a more attractive way to make some extra bucks. About 10.5 million cars on American roads have had their odometers tampered with in some way, and about 1.9 million individuals have had their odometers rolled back, according to Carfax. The average cost to those affected is about $4,000 in addition to higher taxes. It is enough of a problem that there is even a federal Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation at the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administation (NHTSA) It is staffed by agents investigating these types of crimes. The department estimates that about 400,000 vehicles are sold each year with false odometer readings.
Chapters:
0:00 — Introduction
01:28 — Chapter 1: Fraud
03:10 — Chapter 2: Enforcement
05:03 — Chapter 3: Victims
09:56 — Chapter 4: The Problem of Technology
Produced by: Robert Ferris
Editor: Jacob Harrell
Camera: Shawn Baldwin
Senior Managing Producer: Tala Hadavi
Graphics: Jason Reginato
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Do you genuinely understand how rolling resistance incommercial truck tiresimpacts your operation? Understanding rolling resistance, its impacts, and why it matters is vital forfleet managerslooking to enhance fuel economy and reduce operating costs.
Several factors impact rolling resistance, including tire design, pressure, load distribution, road conditions, weather, and speed. Adopting strategies such as selecting low rolling resistance tires, maintaining proper tire pressure, conducting regular tire maintenance, and load management can help minimize rolling resistance.
In simplest terms, rolling resistance is the amount of energy a tire uses over a specific distance. It can also be explained as the force resisting the motion when a tire rolls on a surface. Rolling friction is a key factor contributing to rolling resistance, affecting the energy losses and overall efficiency of a vehicle. It’s a crucial factor in the physics of moving vehicles, directly influencing fuel consumption, vehicle performance, and how fast tires wear.
Rolling resistance impacts fuel consumption and vehicle performance by indicating how different factors like tire pressure and load affect the resistance a vehicle faces.
When a tire rolls, it deforms and dissipates energy as heat, necessitating additional energy (fuel) to maintain speed and overcome this resistance.
According to Continental Tire, rolling resistance accounts for up to 30% of a truck’s fuel consumption and C02 emissions. Whether you operate a small fleet of a few trucks or a large fleet with several hundred vehicles, ANY fuel savings and emissions reductions can add up.
Understanding 'Tire Hysteresis' in Commercial Fleets
No, we didn't start making up words - tire hysteresis happens when a tire flexes as it touches the surface of the road. This process leads to an energy loss that reduces forward momentum.
This one element can equate to 85-90% of a tire's rolling resistance, according to research.
Additional Factors Impacting Truck Tire Rolling Resistance
Several factors can affect the rolling resistance of truck tires, including:
Tire Design: A tire’s materials and structure influence its flexibility and deformation while rolling. Tires with low rolling resistance typically use special rubber compounds and tread designs.
Tire Pressure & Alignment: Underinflated tires have a higher rolling resistance than properly inflated ones. Maintaining optimal tire pressure is critical to minimizing resistance. Proper inflation pressure directly impacts rolling resistance by stabilizing tire temperature, reducing tire deflection, and stiffening the tire belt. Additionally, properly aligned tires will wear evenly and smoothly, reducing friction with the road.
Load Distribution: The weight of the vehicle and its cargo also affects rolling resistance. Heavier loads increase resistance, requiring more fuel to maintain speed. Where you place your loads can also increase rolling resistance and uneven tire wear.
Tire Deflection: Minimizing tire deflection is crucial for reducing energy loss. Engineering tires to minimize deflection can significantly lower rolling resistance, contributing to better fuel efficiency.
Tire Width: The width of a tire plays a significant role in its rolling resistance. Wider tires, which have become more common in recent years, can increase rolling resistance, affecting fuel efficiency.
Road Conditions: Surface texture and terrain play a significant role. Smoother surfaces offer less rolling resistance than rough or off-road conditions.
Weather: Higher temperatures can soften tire rubber compounds, improving grip but increasing rolling resistance.
Speed: The effect of rolling resistance becomes more pronounced at higher speeds, making it an important consideration for long-haul operations.
According to Continental Tire, rolling resistance is one of five sources, including gravity, aerodynamics, inertia, and mechanical friction, which must be overcome for a work truck to move forward.
Why Does Rolling Resistance Matter to Commercial Work Truck Fleets?
Rolling resistance is critical for fleet managers because of its impact on fuel economy. A lower rolling resistance means the vehicle consumes less fuel to maintain speed, directly translating to cost savings.
For fleets operating across vast distances, even a slight improvement in fuel efficiency can significantly reduce operational expenses.
Furthermore, reducing rolling resistance contributes to a fleet's environmental sustainability efforts. Lower fuel consumption means reduced greenhouse gas emissions, helping fleets to meet regulatory requirements and environmental targets.
Strategies to Minimize Rolling Resistance in Truck Tires
So, can fleet managers make any impact when reducing rolling resistance on their fleet tires? Can rolling resistance be avoided? Not completely, but work truck fleet managers can adopt several strategies to minimize rolling resistance and optimize fuel efficiency. By implementing these strategies, fleet managers aim to overcome rolling resistance, which is crucial for maintaining steady speed on level ground and optimizing fuel efficiency.
Select Low Rolling Resistance Tires: Consider those specifically designed for low rolling resistance when choosing tires. These tires can help achieve better fuel efficiency without compromising safety or performance.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Regularly check and maintain tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Implementing a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) or automatic tire inflation system (ATIS) can automate this process.
Perform Regular Tire Maintenance: Routine inspections and maintenance, including checking treadwear, alignment, and balance, can prevent uneven wear and extend tire life, reducing rolling resistance over time. Replacing worn tires saves more than fuel: it can also help avoid dangerous blowouts.
Keep an Eye on Load Management: Consider vehicle weight, how you distribute your cargo, and how much your load weighs. Efficiently managing vehicle and cargo weight can also help minimize rolling resistance. Use load optimization strategies to distribute weight evenly and avoid overloading.
Lauren Fletcher is Executive Editor for the Fleet, Trucking & Transportation Group. She has covered the truck fleet industry since 2006. Her bright personality helps lead the team's content strategy and focuses on growth, education, and motivation.