Return to flip book view

SPECIAL EDITIONSPECIAL EDITIONWWW.MWSMAG.COMAPRIL 2022PRODUCTS SERVICES GUIDEAND2022BOOST YOUR FUEL ECONOMY 5 WAYS TELEMATICS CAN HELPTHE EFFECTS OF INFLATIONAN ECONOMIC OUTLOOKAPRIL 2022

INDUSTRY NEWS ............................... 6INDUSTRY INSIGHT ...........................10IN EVERY ISSUECONNECT WITH US on Twitter (@mwsmag) and Facebook at www.facebook.com/modernworktruckHANNAY REELS INC., SUMMIT TRUCK BODIESHANNAY SPRING REWIND REELS & SUMMIT 20 SERIES SERVICE BODY UNITHannay N400, N700, and N800 series spring rewind reels for use in diesel fuel delivery, lubrication products, and air and welding applications are installed on a Summit Bodies heavy-duty 20 Series service truck. www.hannay.com | www.summitbodies.comSPECIAL EDITIONSPECIAL EDITIONWWW.MWSMAG.COMAPRIL 2022PRODUCTS SERVICES GUIDEAND2022BOOST YOUR FUEL ECONOMY 5 WAYS TELEMATICS CAN HELPTHE EFFECTS OF INFLATIONAN ECONOMIC OUTLOOKAPRIL 2022INSIDE THIS ISSUEAPRIL 2022 VOL-7 NO-4COVER STORIES28CUMMINS’ NEW ENGINES FOR EVERY FUELMEDIUM-DUTY12LIGHT-DUTYSHOWCASE24HEAVY-DUTYWHEEL END MONITORING USE TECH TO MAINTAIN 2022 TOYOTA TACOMA COMING THIS SPRINGOPERATIONSTHE EFFECTS OF INFLATION ................18An economic outlook2022 PRODUCTS SERVICES GUIDE ....................................33ANDTECHNOLOGYBOOST YOUR FUEL ECONOMY .............265 ways telematics can helpTHE RISE IN DIESEL FUEL PRICES ....53OPERATIONSNEW AUTOMATED REFER DOOR IMPROVES OPERATIONS .................................... 20ASSA ABLOY’s new door keeps food safe, fleets productive, and workers happyALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

Welcome to April! It’s finally time for warmer weather and, for some applications, that means more work. It’s a good thing that our special issue, the 2022 Products and Services Guide, is coming out just in time to prepare you for a productive spring and summer season.There’s so much to learn from this issue, with special appearances from truck OEMs such as Isuzu and Autocar Truck, truck accessory manufacturers such as Luverne and Meritor, work truck equipment from VMAC and Hannay Reels, and more! So flip on over to the Products and Services Guide on page 33 to learn all you can from leaders in the work truck industry.Aside from the 2022 Products and Services Guide, this issue features pieces concerning the economy and fuel savings—because we’re all feeling the impacts of inflation and issues with the supply chain. Read about the effects of inflation and see an economic outlook from the director, president, and CEO of Almonty Industries on page 18. And check out a piece on page 26 from Teletrac Navman on five ways telematics can boost your fleet’s fuel economy. One thing I’m excited about is the new Cummins’ fuel-agnostic engines (page 28). These engines all share similar components for seamless integration into your fleet, no matter the fuel source. You’ll also find a showcase of the Toyota Tacoma in this issue on page 12 where you’ll read about updates to TRD Pro as well as a new edition, the Tacoma Trail Edition, which debuted last year. Another recent debut, making its first appearance at last month’s Work Truck Week, is ASSA ABLOY’s reefer door that improves operations on page 20. Finally, if you’re interested in getting ahead of your fleet’s wheel maintenance, check out the SKF piece on page 24 .This issue is sure to be a reference for your business all year long. Tell us which piece offered the best modern solution for your fleet by reaching out to our social channels. And as always, enjoy the issue!Jade Brasher EditorEDITOR’S NOTEJade Brasherwww.mwsmag.com P.O. Box 660197 Birmingham, Alabama 35266DONNA CAMPBELL Editor in Chiefdonna@mwsmag.com JADE BRASHER Editorjade@mwsmag.comRANDY MOON Associate Publisher randym@mwsmag.comVAL CARRIER Media Consultantval@mwsmag.comGARY BARKER Media Consultantgary@mwsmag.comTIM O’HARA Media Consultanttim.ohara@mwsmag.comLISA AVERY Art Director lisa@mwsmag.comSETH SAUNDERS Digital Media SpecialistINGRID BERKY Office ManagerNo part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage-and-retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. The views expressed by those not on the staff of Modern WorkTruck Solutions, or who are not specifically employed by Highlands Publications are purely their own. All Industry News material has either been submitted by the subject company or pulled directly from its corporate website, which is assumed to be cleared for release. Comments and submissions are welcome, and can be submitted to jade@mwsmag.com.SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR ALL CHANGES, GO TO MWSMAG.COMCLICK THE "SUBSCRIPTIONS" BUTTON IN THE MAIN MENUCHRIS GARMONCFO DONNA CAMPBELLVP, Editorialwww.highlandspublications.com 312 Lorna Square Birmingham, AL 35216TIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresidentTONYA BROWNINGVice President

SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR ALL CHANGES, GO TO MWSMAG.COMCLICK THE "SUBSCRIPTIONS" BUTTON IN THE MAIN MENU

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 20226INDUSTRY NEWSPETERBILT WINS THREE MANUFACTURING LEADERSHIP COUNCIL AWARDSPeterbilt Motors Company received three prestigious manufacturing leadership awards from the National Association of Manufacturers. The awards recognize the Peterbilt Denton Plant’s leadership in manufacturing, safety, and efficiency. The awards include: Operational Excellence Leadership award for its Offline Priority Dashboard initiative; an Engineering and Production Technology award for the Structural Fastening Equipment Modernization project; and the Transformative Culture award for Safety Program Improvements. For more, visit www.peterbilt.com. HOLMAN ALIGNS ITS SEVEN BUSINESS UNITS UNDER A SINGULAR BRANDHolman Enterprises, a global automotive services organization, announced the company unified its various business divisions and companies under a new, singular global brand, Holman. After nearly a century in business, Holman has long been established as a leader in the automotive industry. Now the organization’s seven integrated companies—Holman Automotive, ARI, Auto Truck Group, Kargo Master, Holman Parts Distribution, Holman Insurance, and Holman Growth Ventures—will come together as Holman. For more, visit www.holman.com. BYD DISCONTINUES GAS-ONLY AUTO LINE TO FOCUS ON PHEV AND PURE ELECTRIC TECHBYD (Build Your Dreams) announced it stopped the production of automobiles powered only by gasoline. Its final gasoline model rolled off the assembly line in March. The China-based automaker will now focus on battery-electric vehicles, including battery-electric cars, trucks, and plug-in hybrids, company officials say. BYD will continue producing and supplying internal combustion vehicle components to provide comprehensive service and after-sales support to existing customers. For more, visit www.byd.com. VMAC NAMED MANUFACTURING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AT THE 21ST BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDSVMAC received Manufacturing Business of the Year award at the 21st Annual Grant Thornton LLP Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards. “This award speaks to the heart of our organization, recognizing our manufacturing expertise and leadership on Vancouver Island, providing value to businesses and the community as a whole,” says Gordon Duval, VMAC’s vice president of marketing and sales. “This award is true recognition of our entire VMAC team.” For more, visit www.vmacair.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 20228INDUSTRY NEWSNETRADYNE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH AIM TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONSNetradyne, a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing focusing on driver and fleet safety, announced a partnership with Aim Transportation Solutions, a provider of customized fleet services designed to benefit any business that distributes or manufactures products. Through the partnership, Aim will deploy Netradyne’s advanced vision-based driver recognition and fleet safety solution throughout its fleet of vehicles.Aim turned to Netradyne for its combination of an AI-enabled camera and scoring algorithm. Since implementing Driver-i, Aim has seen dramatic improvement across every metric. This includes stop sign compliance, traffic light violations, and following distance. Aim drivers have also responded positively to Driver-i because of its GreenZone scoring system. For more, visit www.netradyne.com. CONTINENTAL ENHANCES VEHICLE CAMERA LINE WITH INNOVATIVE PLATFORM AHD CAMERA SYSTEMSContinental expanded its line of vehicle camera systems. Continental’s new Platform AHD (Analog High Definition) Camera Systems are designed to enhance the driver’s view and improve fleet efficiency. Built to support drivers when navigating complex situations such as tight warehouse aisles, busy constructions sites, or crowded shipping facilities, these camera systems provide vehicle operators with the extended visibility they need to get a better view of their surroundings and make their operations safer. Continental’s AHD Camera Systems feature 2 Mega Pixel cameras with high image clarity and infrared lights for enhanced night vision. The camera line includes rear view and front and side view cameras. The displays work with both CVBS and AHD camera inputs. Video can be stored in a DVR for future driver analysis and training. For more, visit www.continentalaftermarket.com. HOT SHOT’S SECRET EVERYDAY DIESEL TREATMENT NOW AVAILABLE AT TRAVEL CENTERS OF AMERICA AND PETRO TRUCK STOPSHot Shot’s Secret announced select Travel Centers of America (TA) and Petro stores now sell Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT). Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT) additive with LX4 Lubricity Extreme is a concentrated six-in-one treatment with a cetane improver to improve power and fuel economy. It also improves the lubricity of ULSD fuel to reduce wear and keep the fuel system clean via special detergents. For more, visit www.hotshotsecret.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202210INDUSTRY INSIGHTAQMANY HAVE WITNESSED VANAIR’S NEW EPEQTM ELECTRIFIED POWER EQUIPMENT LINEUP AT RECENT TRADE SHOWS. BUT IF YOU’VE YET TO SEE IT, YOU’RE IN LUCK. WE CHATTED WITH CHIP JONES, VANAIR’S STRATEGIC ACCOUNTS MANAGER, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LINEUP, AND WE’RE HERE TO REPORT BACK.EPEQTM Lineup Enables the Company to Offer Solutions for Every NeedWHETHER YOU REQUIRE TRADITIONAL-COMBUSTION, PTO, HYDRAULIC-DRIVEN, OR ELECTRIFIED POWER SOLUTIONS, VANAIR® HAS YOU COVEREDCHIP JONESMWS: ELECTRIFICATION OF VEHICLES HAS BEEN A HOT TOPIC FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. BUT WHAT MADE VANAIR® DECIDE TO DEVELOP ELECTRIC MOBILE POWER SOLUTIONS SUCH AS AIR COMPRESSORS, GENERATORS, ETCETERA?JONES: Vanair® has a long history of being the innovator in Mobile Power Solutions®, so as the industry moves to electrification it was a logical next step. The technology has finally caught up to the demands, which allowed our team to develop what we feel is worthy equipment of the Vanair name. We didn’t want to simply build a compressor with limited air output and limited runtime—we know how end users use our equipment, and we’ve geared the EPEQ™ Electrified Power Equipment™ lineup to customer needs with up to 185 CFM of Clean, Quiet, Power.™MWS: HOW DOES THE VANAIR ELECTRIC LINEUP DIFFER FROM VANAIR’S LINEUP OF CONVENTIONAL MOBILE POWER SOLUTIONS? JONES: The main difference between the Electrified and the conventional products is that we replaced all combustion engines with Lithium-Ion Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries; otherwise, the EPEQ Electrified Power Equipment product group follows closely to our current lineup in terms of markets and customers that we have worked with for 50 years. For example, on our electric air compressor lineup, we have sized compressors for 5 CFM to 185 CFM, knowing what our traditional markets need. A fleet running small vans that needs a small amount of air occasionally can use our EPEQ Air5 Oil-free compressor, whereas our traditional utility customers are looking for 185 CFM of airflow. Our

APRIL 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 11traditional equipment and fleet service customers will do great with our EPEQ Air20 or Air45 compressors. We’ve also expanded our lineup to follow our core products—but in an electrified capacity. We now offer mobile electric vehicle charging through our EPEQ line, which lends itself to our electrification progress, but also ties into our history of vehicle starting via our Goodall® product line. We released our lithium powered welder which lends itself to our Air N Arc® ALL-IN-ONE Power System® product history. Vanair has become the industry leader for these markets, so we knew that when we released the EPEQ Electrified Power Equipment product category that it had to reflect our core values and expectations that our customers have come to expect from us.MWS: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC MOBILE POWER SOLUTIONS THAT CONVENTIONAL MOBILE POWER SOLUTIONS DON’T HAVE? JONES: There are many benefits to electric mobile power solutions when compared to traditional power sources. With the EPEQ systems we have cut out combustion engines, so when installed in a van or enclosed body there’s a nearly 60% noise reduction and no exhaust to contend with. The maintenance required is greatly reduced by removing the combustion engine, as well, and of course there are idle mitigation and fuel savings benefits. There will always be a need for more traditional combustion, PTO, and hydraulic driven components, and we have positioned ourselves to offer solutions no matter the need.MWS: WHAT TYPE OF WORK TRUCK FLEET WOULD BEST BENEFIT FROM VANAIR’S ELECTRIC LINE OF WORK TRUCK ACCESSORIES?JONES: The biggest benefits of the EPEQ Electrified Power Equipment products will be for fleets currently running vans or enclosed bodies due to the Clean, Quiet, Power that the lineup brings to the market. Electric vehicles will also be a great fit for our electrified products. Vanair offers the safest Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries with patented technologies. We can power traditional PTO-driven components including our air compressors and hydraulic drive packages via our EPEQ system, rather than having a traditional PTO driven by the chassis engine. MWS: WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR THE ELECTRIC LINE? CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS SOON?JONES: We’re just getting started in our EPEQ Electrified Power Equipment offerings! We wanted to release our standard “off the shelf” options, which are currently available, and get the patents processed for our new technologies. We have several innovative and industry-changing projects in the works beyond what has already been released—stay tuned!MWS: ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS?JONES: Vanair is celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2022, and the EPEQ Electrified Power Equipment product group really demonstrates our intention to continue to be the leader in innovation. The EPEQ lineup reflects years of development and testing. The end users of these products will be most amazed at the ease of use and well-planned technology that has gone into its development. Components are modular to fit any need and, most importantly, have been developed for the specific needs of work truck customers. Efficiency across the board is key when working with battery technologies, and our engineers have made usage and duty cycle a top priority for our products. We will be demonstrating our products across the country, and people will be amazed at what we’ve accomplished with these new products.FOR MORE INFORMATIONChip Jones is the strategic accounts manager for Vanair. Find out more about Vanair and its EPEQTM Electried Power Equipment™, visit www.epeq.com.We have positioned ourselves to offer solutions no matter the need.”“

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202212LIGHT-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASELIGHT-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASE

APRIL 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 13A MIDSIZE PICKUP FOR FULL-SIZED WORKLOADSToyota Tacoma

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202214LIGHT-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASEThe last time Modern WorkTruck Solutions showcased the Toyota Tacoma was a few years ago. Since then, the Tacoma TRD Pro received an update that will help you get to your remote jobsite much more easily. Toyota also introduced the Tacoma Trail Edition since our last Tacoma showcase. Both models contribute to a smoother off-road adventure, but whereas the TRD Pro presents a truck that can tackle any trail, the Tacoma Trail Edition pairs value with performance.POWER & TOWINGRegardless of the trim or package you choose, at the core of it all is still the Toyota Tacoma—a capable midsize pickup that can tackle the demands of your workload. What powers the truck is an available Atkinson-cycle 3.5-L V6 engine with direct injection that offers a combination of efficiency and power. Owners experience 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque with the V6. Owners also have the option of pairing the engine with a 6-speed manual transmission—something many manufacturers aren’t offering these days.The 3.5-L engine includes a standard tow package that allows the Tacoma to haul up to 6,800 lbs (6,400 lbs on the Trail Edition). The truck also features Trailer-Sway Control with its tow package that manages torque and applies brake pressure at individual wheels to ensure trailer control is maintained.TRD PROThe 2022 Toyota Tacoma is available with the new-generation TRD Pro. The midsize truck’s off-roading update includes increased suspension, available Fox shocks, and new upper control arms, just to start. TRD Pro features an electronically controlled locking rear differential that distributes the engine’s power evenly through both rear wheels, ensuring they move at the same speed. This increases the Tacoma’s grip on the terrain.Speaking of terrain, the TRD Pro features Multi-Terrain Select Let the midsize Tacoma help tackle your full-size workload—after all, it’s capable.”“

APRIL 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 15(MTS). This gives operators five different driving modes to choose from to optimize the truck’s ability to perform its best in any given situation. The modes automatically adjust the throttle and traction control to regulate wheelspin. Add the right set of tires to the MTS, and you’ll be sure to have traction in even the most slippery conditions.What’s more, the TRD Pro’s advanced crawl control system (CRAWL) automatically adjusts the brakes and throttle on five low speed settings to free up your mind for expert navigation to the jobsite while the Tacoma carries you there. Hill Start Assist Control is another TRD Pro feature that minimizes backward rolling when moving your foot from the brake to the gas pedal. Standard on the TRD Off-Road are Bilstein shocks that absorb the bumps of the trail for a smoother ride. As previously mentioned, Fox Internal Bypass shocks are also available.TRAIL EDITIONThe Tacoma Trail Edition is also a great option for those looking for something that will get them where they need to go in style but while traveling more casual trails and roads to their destination. Toyota built the Trail Edition around the Tacoma SR5 4x4 Double Cab and gives the truck an additional lift to scale the trails. The Trail Edition features a standard locking rear differential, and TRD Off-Road skid plates are added for trail protection. The wheels are also upgraded, offering 0.5-inch wider track width in the front and the back for a broader stance.WORKING HARDLet the midsize Tacoma help tackle your full-size workload—after all, it’s capable. When it comes to working

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202216hard, the Tacoma is ready, complete with storage, a composite bed with 120V outlet, and a deck rail system. Store all your tools and equipment with multiple hidden and locking storage areas. Throw all you need into the bed with full confidence that a durable, fiber-reinforced Sheet-molded Composite surface keeps your bed protected. Finally, as a standard feature, the Tacoma comes with a deck rail system with four heavy-duty tie-down cleats to secure your cargo. Toyota also offers additional Tacoma accessories to ensure a productive and comfortable trip to the jobsite. Choose from floor liners, tube steps, a BedStep, bed extender, a power tailgate lock, and more.When it’s time to buckle up in the driver’s seat, know your drivers will be comfortable. Contributing to the truck’s comfort is dual zone automatic climate control, standard on all V6 Tacomas. The truck also features a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. Connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tune into SiriusXM, or ask Alexa to hear the news, listen to a book, or check the weather—then listen to it all play back from a JBL speaker system.But what’s the point in all of the comfort features if the occupants’ safety isn’t a top priority?SAFETY IS STANDARDToyota makes its Safety Sense P (TSS-P) safety system standard across the board. TSS-P is a suite of systems that includes Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams.With the power, off-roading capability, comfort features, and safety suite, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is ready to help your fleet drivers accomplish any full-sized workload—no matter where it is.LIGHT-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASEFOR MORE INFORMATION Find out more about the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, visit www.toyota.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202218OPERATIONS18OPERATIONSLewis Black is the director, president, and CEO of Almonty Industries, a global tungsten mining company. Tungsten is used in a variety of industries including crude oil refinement, natural gas to hydrogen gas conversion, and lubricants. It’s used in the semiconductor industry, solar power industry, and is even used in medical and dental applications. It’s also used as a pigment in glazes and enamels. Fuel cell energy is another industry where the use of tungsten is being explored.As a miner of a key component in so many industries, Lewis Black has to keep his head on a swivel, watching how different industries perform and how local and global economies affect each industry where tungsten is used.Modern WorkTruck Solutions recently chatted with Black, and he shared his insight and thoughts on the current economy and its effects on the industry and supply chain.MWS: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES THAT AUTOMOTIVE AND ENERGY COMPANIES CURRENTLY FACE?BLACK: There are a combination of factors playing into the challenges of industries today. Transport is currently a major issue with getting products from Point A to B through traditional methods like trucking or vessel. But the biggest problem industries are currently facing is inflation. Unfortunately the fear is that inflation will start to spiral out of control because no one is being truly honest as to what is fueling it. MWS: WHAT HAS CAUSED THESE CHALLENGES?BLACK: Everyone puts too much emphasis on political parties, but inflation isn’t occurring only in the United States, it is a global issue in every democracy worldwide. And it really comes down to a salient point: The first time in a generation, politicians globally had an opportunity to be heroic during the pandemic. But the effect of the political heroism was catastrophic. Economies were essentially closed down—but not completely. Many things were still operating, such as grocery stores and online shopping. Governments spent billions of dollars in stimulus to keep the economy afloat.The introduction of this money fueled demand in goods from industries that were shut down due to the pandemic. This caused shortages of goods. Additionally, the extra money floating around in the system caused the value of money to decrease, which inevitably caused inflation. This inflation is essentially going to drive tens of millions of people into poverty through no action of their own. The problem is that inflation seemed to be completely ignored by everyone—especially in Europe and the UK, the United States, Australia—they all looked the other way because there was no plan after The Effects of InflationPOST-PANDEMIC ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

APRIL 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 19locking everyone down and throwing money into the system. However, the consequences of these “heroic” actions have created the perfect storm to drive inflation. And once inflation begins to happen, it isn’t easy to address.The most efficient way to address inflation, historically, is to raise wages. But on the other hand, raising wages puts a strain on businesses. And how can you raise wages right now? All the money distributed by governments was borrowed. So how can you service that debt as a country by raising wages to control inflation? I really believe this is the biggest problem, and it needs to be taken seriously.MWS: IS THERE ANYTHING THE INDUSTRIES CAN DO TO EASE THE PRESSURE OF INFLATION?BLACK: The energy and automotive sectors could decide to increase output and decrease demand by flooding the market with oversupply. Traditionally, that would bring prices down of those specific commodities, but ultimately it wouldn’t affect the other commodities because they aren’t in a position of oversupply. Also keep in mind, energy and oil is a little different because it is a raw material, whereas the automotive sector requires many other products to construct the vehicle. These products would all be affected by inflation, driving up the cost of vehicles. The automotive and energy industries are both powerful lobby groups that have the ear of governments. Now it’s just going to take one smart person in the room to ask that this issue of inflation and supply chain is taken seriously—without putting blame on anyone. It’s going to require asking the question, “What are we going to have to do domestically and internationally to head this off at the pass?”MWS: WHEN CAN WE EXPECT SOME RELIEF FROM SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES?BLACK: With our company, Almonty Industries, one of our major hurdles is shipping. Shipping is in total chaos. It’s difficult to find containers, and it’s difficult to get lead time for allocation on boats. With consumerism off the charts in North America, demand for Asian products is so great that the freight rates from China to the US have increased more than tenfold. Therefore, if you’re in the shipping business, you get as many vessels and containers as you possibly can and you work the route that will make the most money—which is currently the route from China to the US. But then again, the US doesn’t even have the capacity to take the amount of vessels coming to it or trucks to move the product once the vessel docks. So we’ll see a balance come soon.That is just one example of the wrinkles that has occurred with the global economy returning to business. Not every aspect of the economy is returning at the same rate. There was no coordination between countries to shut down, and there was no coordination between countries to reactivate. So we’re reliant on the market to find a balance. I believe we’ll see that balance return in 2023. Because of that, I’m not much worried about the problems in the supply chain in the medium- and long-term. The market finds the solution, not other external groups. It will eventually balance. MWS: HOW SHOULD FLEET OWNERS APPROACH THE SITUATION WITH INFLATION?BLACK: Get ready. Before all of this is over, you’ll see more than the price of vehicles, parts, and fuel increase. You’ll also see an increase in insurance rates. Fleet owners will have to decide how to be as efficient as possible with the increase of rates across the board. Find ways to be as fiscally responsible with the truck to spread the costs, because costs will not come down anytime soon.But the most important thing is not to panic. The market is much smarter than people give it credit for. It has a really great way of finding balance very quickly—that’s one of the joys of the free market. This will be a hard year, but we will get through it.FOR MORE INFORMATION Lewis Black is the director, president, and CEO of Almonty Industries, a global tungsten mining company. Find out more, visit www.almonty.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202220OPERATIONSCurtain-style atmospheric barriers are ubiquitous within the cold chain arena. While better than nothing, their designs leave a lot to be desired, particularly by fleets and workers in the transportation segment of the business.Workers hauling refrigerated loads have to contend with these primitive, curtain-style barriers after opening exterior doors on refrigerated trucks and trailers. Often made of heavy, vertical strips of plastic, the curtains are porous at best as a vapor barrier and create friction points for workers.Because of their material design, weight, and cumbersome nature, the strips significantly reduce the working dimensions of any opening to which they are applied. In an active reefer doorway, the strips are also prone to swing, striking workers and dislodging handheld cargo and making trips with heavy pallet jacks and hand trucks both difficult and frustrating.“During our early field research, we observed countless situations in which workers tied or otherwise secured the strips out of the way, leaving the door without any atmospheric barrier during unloading,” says John Zimmerman, global director of new equipment sales for ASSA ABLOY High Performance Doors. “In many cases, we saw that the New Automated Reefer Door Improves OperationsASSA ABLOY’S NEW DOOR KEEPS FOOD SAFE, FLEETS PRODUCTIVE, AND WORKERS HAPPY IN MARCH 2022, ASSA ABLOY INTRODUCED THE MD2000 AUTOMATED REEFER DOOR—THE INDUSTRY’S FIRST AUTOMATIC DOOR FOR REFRIGERATED TRUCKS AND TRAILERS.

APRIL 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 21curtains had been compromised by being cut back or cut off altogether in order to make passage less cumbersome, thereby exposing cargo to the outside environment and potential contaminants.”MISSION TO IMPROVEAs a global entrance systems solutions provider, ASSA ABLOY made solving the problem of plastic strip curtains on refrigerated vehicles its mission. Its field research was eye opening and revealed a frustrating reality for some of the fleet managers they spoke with in follow-up research interviews.What ASSA ABLOY had uncovered was a dynamic tension between temperature control and food safety on one side and convenience and workflow productivity on the other. Fleets were caught in the middle. With an obvious vested interest in maintaining precise food-safe environments inside reefers, they were equally concerned with employee job satisfaction, particularly during the continuing driver and overall worker shortage. The problem was no secret among fleet managers and their maintenance departments, but there was no available solution to adequately address the problem. “Frustration is the word I would use to characterize the common sentiment among fleets and workers alike, when it came to discussing strip curtains in our field interviews,” Zimmerman says. “It was clear that the strip curtains were a pinch point for everyone.”Other curtain-style systems have recently been introduced, but these require workers to manually pull the curtain open and then manually pull it shut again. Zimmerman mused that the design also misses the ergonomic realities of cold chain cargo movement. “Reaching back to close a curtain while manually navigating cargo on a ramp or liftgate is pure folly,” he explains. “I would imagine that workers will simply leave the curtain open during deliveries—it’s just too cumbersome.”THE SOLUTIONBased on its research, the engineers at ASSA ABLOY got to work. With a significant background in cold chain warehouse entry systems, the company was very familiar with both the mechanical and insulation requirements associated with operating doors in freezing temperatures. However, it was the company’s expertise in door automation that allowed it to design a novel door solution that truly addressed the problems associated with all curtain style barriers.In March of 2022, ASSA ABLOY introduced the industry’s first automatic door for refrigerated trucks and trailers. The ASSA ABLOY MD2000 automated reefer door opens quickly, electronically senses the presence of workers and cargo passing through, and quickly closes once the passage is clear. The door is designed to help streamline the food delivery process and ensure a constant temperature and humidity barrier for reefer interiors.The ASSA ABLOY MD2000 automated reefer door is an automatic entrance door solution for refrigerated truck fleets and owner-operators, providing temperature control, food chain security, and significant fuel savings while improving overall delivery efficiency. The door was specifically engineered for refrigerator and freezer applications and has been tested and validated to operate at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.The door can be easily installed on the face of a reefer’s interior wall by OEMs or retrofit on existing trucks or trailers within just a few hours, and ASSA ABLOY will send technicians to train qualified customers on proper installation and service techniques. The system comes with its own plug-and-play modular wiring harness kit, and all cables and connectors remain accessible at the point of use for easy service and maintenance.DOOR FEATURES“The ASSA ABLOY MD2000 automated reefer door is far superior to curtain- A red LED light strip is mounted on both sides of the ASSA ABLOY MD2000 interior door frame and remains on when the door is closed to provide worker orientation in low-light conditions. Formal studies have proven that by adding a high-performance door to the temperature-controlled food delivery process, fleets can enjoy fuel and energy savings of up to 40% as well as lower maintenance costs, because the doors reduce the number of defrost cycles.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202222OPERATIONSstyle barriers, because when open, the entire 42-inch to 50 1/2-inch-wide doorway space remains obstacle free, and when closed, the door creates a tight seal around its entire periphery,” Zimmerman says. “With the push of a remote fob or interior-mounted button, the door opens and closes automatically within seconds, once the system’s electronic photo eye confirms that the passage is clear.”A red LED light strip is mounted on both sides of the ASSA ABLOY MD2000 interior door frame and remains on when the door is closed to provide worker orientation in low-light conditions. The lights turn off when the door is open and begin flashing to signal when it is preparing to close. The door’s closing cycles can be custom-programmed between 0 and 90 seconds. Once closed, the secure barrier only opens for authorized personnel to prevent theft and potential adulteration. The door eliminates the frustration associated with curtain-style barriers and makes undesirable barrier-defeating practices a thing of the past.The flexible door features a large clear window panel and a soft bottom edge. It retracts if it encounters any resistance, protecting delivery workers and eliminating potential damage to cargo. The door will break away in the event of incidental contact and can be placed back into operational position in moments. CHILLING OUTThe MD2000 reduces interior temperature variability during frequent stops, keeping food safer. By significantly reducing the time it’s open, the door also prevents humidity from entering the refrigerated space, inhibiting condensation, vision-diminishing fog, and dangerous surface ice from forming on floors.The ASSA ABLOY MD2000 automated reefer door ensures product control and integrity and will also positively impact the bottom line of fleets and owner-operators alike. Formal studies have proven that by adding a high-performance door to the temperature-controlled food delivery process, fleets can enjoy fuel and energy savings of up to 40% as well as lower maintenance costs, because the doors reduce the number of defrost cycles.The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and 2002 Bioterrorism Act were signed into law to ensure that the US food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to contamination to preventing it. The ASSA ABLOY MD2000 automated reefer door addresses these regulatory requirements by providing a more reliable and consistent physical barrier between the products and the outside environment that better protects food quality and safety. “The ASSA ABLOY MD2000 automated reefer door is designed to increase worker productivity and safety while preventing lost time from accidents,” Zimmerman says. “By providing a safe and efficient automation solution for entering and exiting the reefer environment, the door will help protect the integrity and safety of cargo delivered to customers and will prevent expensive product damage, spoilage, and redelivery costs resulting from high temperatures.” Advanced energy-saving features like ASSA ABLOY’s automated, high-speed side curtain door were a natural fit for Morgan’s new refrigerated concept body, because the door improves thermal efficiency, food chain security, and promotes significant energy savings by maintaining a constant temperature and humidity barrier for electric reefer truck interiors.

APRIL 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 23COOL CUSTOMERThe intelligence and efficiency of the ASSA ABLOY automated reefer door caught the attention of one of the industry’s largest vocational vehicle body OEMs, JB Poindexter & Co., and its newest business unit, EAVX. Other JBPCO business units, include Morgan Truck Body, Morgan Olson, Reading Truck Group, Masterack, and Truck Accessories Group.“EAVX is dedicated to creating the next generation of commercial vehicles by integrating body and chassis with leading-edge technology and innovation from VX Control,” says Mark Hope, chief operating officer and general manager of EAVX. “Connecting ASSA ABLOY’s automated reefer door with VX Control System by EAVX allows for an enhanced user experience, better integration to the vehicle’s digital infrastructure, and access to data that wasn’t easily available before.” Morgan Truck Body recently unveiled its latest body innovation with the introduction of an electrified refrigerated concept truck body featuring the ASSA ABLOY MD2000 automated reefer door.“Morgan is at the forefront of our customers’ transition to an electrified refrigerated fleet,” says Tom Diez, vice president, sales and marketing at Morgan Truck Body. “We have been partnering and collaborating with OEMs, component suppliers, customers, and end users to drive the innovations on the electrified truck body we just unveiled.”Mounted on a Lion Electric Lion6 chassis and using a recently introduced e1000 Thermo King all-electric refrigerated unit, the 24-ft truck body is constructed with state-of-the-art materials that are designed to maximize thermal efficiency and lighten the load.“Advanced energy-saving features like ASSA ABLOY’s automated, high-speed side curtain door were a natural fit for this vehicle because it improves thermal efficiency, food chain security, and promotes significant energy savings by maintaining a constant temperature and humidity barrier for electric reefer truck interiors,” says Morgan Truck Body Vice President of Engineering Corby Stover. “The demand for electrification has been a catalyst for innovation, and the ASSA ABLOY MD2000 automated reefer door is one such innovation.”FOR MORE INFORMATIONFind out more about ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems, visit www.assaabloyentrance.us. With the push of a remote fob or interior-mounted button, the door opens and closes automatically within seconds once the system’s electronic photo eye confirms that the passage is clear.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202224MAINTENANCEUse Technology Use Technology to get Ahead of to get Ahead of Maintenance EventsMaintenance EventsTelematics, the use of telecommunications technology to collect, store, share, and analyze vehicle data, has automated the management of fleet fuel consumption, maintenance, repair, and safety. The technology’s efficacy led the State of California to require its “service to be installed, activated, and made operational on all owned assets in their fleet” back in February of this year. Light-duty vehicles have already been required to use telematics since August 1, 2021.According to a recent article in Forbes, 30 to 40% of fleets in the United States use telematics to monitor and maintain their vehicles. Of these vehicles, 66% have recovered their investment. The article also reports that the global telematics market is predicted to reach $103 million in 2022.Among the devices used with telematics technology is the wheel end monitor (WEM), which is a sensor installed on a wheel to measure the wheel end vibration and temperature to detect any anomalies. It uses wireless telecommunications technology to notify the driver in advance of any conditions that could compromise the operation and safety of the vehicle. Typically, warnings are made with flashing red LEDs. An example of such innovation is the SKF TraX WEM, which uses intelligent technology to monitor and report on the condition and temperature of wheel end bearings on buses, trucks, and trailers. It will interface with all telematics service provider (TSP) technology via the cloud. It also will operate as an SKF iOS smart mobile device app and is compatible with all commercial vehicles, as well as all types of wheel end bearings and existing fleet management systems. THE TRAX WEMThe TraX WEM is a battery-powered wireless sensor that is retrofit-mounted on every wheel. Easily integrated with existing wheel end systems, it is installed on the outboard side of the wheel’s rim on two wheel studs and secured with lug nuts. The magnetically activated sensor captures wheel end bearing data, pre-processes it, and transmits it via the Bluetooth Low INNOVATIONS IN TELEMATICS AND WHEEL END MONITORING PROVIDE RETURN ON INVESTMENT FOR FLEET MANAGERS By David Massanga The SKF TraX wheel end monitor is installed on the outboard side of the wheel’s rim on two wheel studs and secured with lug nuts.

APRIL 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 25Energy network to a gateway and displays the appropriate information on the cabin dashboard. It will interface with the Portal, Internet of Things (IoT), email, and text to alert drivers and others who monitor these vehicles. WEM BENEFITSWEM technology screens wheel end bearings to detect vibration, which is often the result of raceway spalling that occurs when seals fail to prevent particles from getting into the bearing system. The particles create indentations in the raceway when elements in the assembly roll over them, which leads to surface fatigue that causes fragmentation. The bearings vibrate as the rolling elements run over the spalled raceway surfaces. The spalling and vibration usually get progressively worse over time, but a WEM system can detect, measure, and analyze the vibration in the early stages of spalling. If the data indicate that the wheel end is sustaining damage, the driver is notified of impending bearing failure thousands of miles before the likely interruption of service. Advance notice occurs in nearly real time and provides an ample opportunity to keep the vehicle in service and schedule repairs at the driver’s convenience to avoid interference with fleet uptime. A WEM system can also detect and report extreme heat in the wheel end, which can cause a thermal event. The warning may indicate a potential wheel end fire or a level of bearing damage that can result in the wheel separating from the vehicle, known as a wheel-off accident. Because of the safety risks of abnormally high temperatures, their detection will result in the WEM system notifying the driver to pull over immediately.In addition to greater safety, the use of WEM technology to detect potential wheel end bearing failure helps control costs by preventing breakdowns that result in unplanned downtime and costly repairs. A WEM system also can facilitate regular condition monitoring, inform predictive maintenance, extend service intervals, and relieve the driver of the responsibility for reporting wheel end issues. Consistent condition monitoring will detect wear earlier and eliminate the need for preventive wheel bearing replacement. This allows the wheel bearing to be used for its entire intended service life, which further reduces the cost of ownership. IN THE FIELDWhen the SKF TraX WEM was installed on the wheels of a 5,000-vehicle trailer fleet, the operation saved $3.6 million each year by predicting and avoiding unplanned maintenance and downtime. Avoiding thermal events also saves money, as each event can cost as much as $1.5 million. The example demonstrates the benefit of integrating telematics technology in commercial fleets. Using current wireless telecommunications technology, the fleet can reduce costs by extending the time that the wheel bearing is used through its entire life cycle, as well as anticipate wheel end bearing damage well in advance to avoid the disruption of delivery schedules when the vehicle requires immediate repair. Most importantly, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure and thermal events increases safety for the driver and those sharing the road.ABOUT THE AUTHORDavid Massanga is an Automove & Vehicle Aermarket Internaonal Trainer at SKF Vehicle Aermarket. Find out more, visit www.vehicleaermarket.skf.com. The TraX WEM is a battery-powered wireless sensor that is retrofit-mounted on every wheel.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202226TECHNOLOGYGas prices have hit record highs across the nation, and fuel-hungry fleets are feeling the sting at the pump. Prices have risen to an average of over $4 per gallon in the US with an unprecedented high of $6.99 per gallon in some corners of the nation, according to Newsweek. With prices slow to trickle down, fuel economy has become more important than ever for fleets looking to avoid mounting financial pressure. Using the power of AI and thorough data collection, telematics can be a major source of savings by optimizing the less visible drags on fuel economy. Here are some top tips for cutting down fuel costs from Teletrac Navman.1CUT DOWN ON IDLING. Of the avoidable drags on gas, one of the biggest comes from not driving at all. According to a report by the Department of Energy, long-haul trucks burn nearly a gallon per hour while idling, burning both precious gas and profit in the process. Telematics can capture problematic idling incidents by measuring the lack of movement against a vehicle’s position along its route as well as ignition on/off data, generating detailed reports of idling on a per-vehicle or per-driver basis, giving managers a chance to act on the data with policies to reduce idling and fuel use along with vehicle wear and tear.2CULTIVATE SMOOTH DRIVING HABITS. Unnecessary acceleration, speeding, and many other poor driving habits are not only hazardous Five Ways Telematics Can Boost Your Fleet’s Fuel EconomyHIT THE BRAKES ON WASTING GAS By Mayank Sharma

APRIL 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 27to safety, but also wasteful with the truck’s gas. Ensuring drivers maintain good habits behind the wheel has a palpable impact on fuel economy, so it’s worth keeping data on these habits and course-correcting when the need arises. Training and coaching drivers on noted bad habits can be a good way to hone their skills, but adding in the right incentives will see them go the extra mile to keep these skills sharpened. Modern telematics systems can raise alerts of bad habits and generate driver scorecards on each trip, allowing good-spirited competition with fellow drivers and opening the door for management to provide performance-based reward programs. A happy fleet is a healthy fleet, and motivated drivers will keep costs down and efficiency up.3STREAMLINE MAINTENANCE TO ELIMINATE DRAG. Underinflated tires, dirty air filters, and oil past its prime can all create drag on a truck, adding up to a considerable amount of wasted fuel—4% on average, according to Exxon, with serious issues causing far more waste. Accurately tracking a fleet’s maintenance needs and being proactive about tuneups can ensure trucks drive smoothly and waste as little fuel as possible. For example, measuring fuel burn not only by driver but by individual vehicles can illustrate variances with certain vehicles compared to the larger fleet. Thorough data analysis can compare driving habits with excessive fuel burn to help identify if the vehicle itself is the problem.4GET GRANULAR WITH ROUTE OPTIMIZATION. Relying on GPS to avoid traffic and find the fastest route is a good start, but today’s telematic technology allows for much more granular optimization—after all, the shortest route isn’t necessarily the most fuel efficient. If a road is going up or downhill or has other features such as a tendency to lead to speeding, it can affect the hidden fuel cost of a route. Telematics equipped with the right data can cut through these obscure considerations and find the most efficient path from both a time and energy standpoint.5AVOID THEFT AND MISUSE OF VEHICLES. It’s unfortunate, but in many cases, excess fuel usage isn’t tied to anything that happens on the books. Theft and misuse of company vehicles is an unsavory explanation, but one that fleet owners would be wise to ensure they can rule out. Modern telematics systems can both monitor fuel use compared to fuel purchases and, in many cases, integrate directly with fuel card providers to ensure that no fuel is purchased fraudulently.As an honorable mention, one other way to reduce fuel costs is to eliminate them entirely by electrifying the fleet. In some cases, fuel can make up roughly 20% of costs for transportation fleets, meaning the cost savings of completely cutting it out are enormous. Some telematics systems are able to evaluate vehicles' use, routes, and age to determine the optimal time to trade in for an electric vehicle. Vehicles with shorter routes tend to be prime candidates for testing the waters here, as introducing level two chargers into the fleet is relatively affordable and can immediately demonstrate savings on fuel costs. However they accomplish it, the fleets that think more critically about fuel spend are poised to reap major savings in both the short term and the long haul.ABOUT THE AUTHORMayank Sharma is the head of global product management and UX at Teletrac Navman. Find out more, visit www.teletracnavman.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202228TECHNOLOGYHow can an engine manufacturer ensure it remains relevant for years to come—especially in an industry that’s rapidly moving toward alternative fuels? Well, just ask Cummins.The engine manufacturer announced back in February it will expand its powertrain platforms to leverage a range of fuel types. Cummins will achieve this by designing fuel-agnostic engines. The engines will all use the same platform with engine blocks and core components that share common architectures and optimized for different fuels. Cummins’ plan is to apply this new design across its B, L, and X-Series engine portfolios, which will be available for diesel, natural gas, gasoline, and in the future, hydrogen. HOW IT WORKSCummins is well on its way to making history by creating the industry’s first fuel-agnostic engines. But how exactly will it work in the field?These new fuel-agnostic engine platforms will feature a series of engine versions derived from a common base engine. This means the engines will have a high degree of parts commonality. Below the head gasket of each engine will largely have similar components, and above the head gasket will have different components to accommodate the different fuel types. It’s important to note that the head gasket components are A Cummins Engine for Every Fuel TypeCUMMINS’ NEW FUEL-AGNOSTIC ENGINES ARE REAL GAME-CHANGERS

APRIL 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 29not interchangeable. The engine version ordered will operate using only the single fuel type for which it was intended. AGNOSTIC BENEFITSParts commonality among engines with different fuel types has its benefits for both truck OEMs and end users. This includes similar engine footprints, diagnoses, and service intervals. Therefore, it will be easier for OEMs to integrate a variety of fuel types across the same truck chassis. This means fleet owners can choose the fuel type that makes the most sense for them, even if that means using one type of fuel in one truck and another type of fuel in the same kind of truck being used in a different location.“Having a variety of lower carbon options is particularly important considering the variation in duty cycles and operating environments across the many markets we serve,” says Srikanth Padmanabhan, president, Cummins Engine Business. “There is no single solution or ‘magic bullet’ that will work for all application types or all end users.”Aside from fuel variety, having parts commonality benefits service technicians and service locations. With the Cummins fuel-agnostic engine, there will be minimal costs to train technicians and re-tool service locations, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership for the end user. These fuel-agnostic engines present a “common-as-possible” solution from B6.7 L9 X15

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202230TECHNOLOGYa technician and service standpoint, and the unified products will look and feel similar to technicians—after all, the engines will all use the same parts and components with just a few modifications.FOR EVERY FLEETIt’s natural to feel a little uneasy about something this revolutionary. But Jonathon White, vice president of engineering, Cummins Engine Business, says that Cummins’ customers can be confident in its unmatched testing and evaluation process, which ensures high-performance products.And Cummins will use its full range of testing and evaluation to produce the fuel-agnostic engines, as well. Cummins will design and build these fuel-agnostic platforms upon the learnings the company has extracted from millions of diesel and natural gas engines manufactured and currently in use. Today’s digital and connected technologies allow Cummins to extract insights specific to different engine duty cycles and leverage these to design reliable fuel-agnostic platforms.These insights, tests, and evaluations will help Cummins design a fuel-agnostic engine that delivers diesel-like performance on a fuel that produces fewer carbon emissions. Additionally, real fleets will test and evaluate the fuel-agnostic products to even further offer peace of mind that the fuel-agnostic engines are just as reliable, powerful, and dependable as the Cummins engines fleet owners and technicians already know and love. Best of all, these engine options ensure Cummins has a powerful solution for any fleet in any application—even fleets in states that have adopted California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards.White says the fuel-agnostic engine presents a new way to design and develop lower emission internal combustion powertrains that meet the needs of each and every fleet, allowing users to “more seamlessly pick the right powertrain for their application with the lowest CO2 impact.”FOR THE PLANETNot only does the decision to manufacture fuel-agnostic engines ensure Cummins’ future in the industry, it also contributes to Cummins’ goals. These new engines are an important element of Cummins’ strategy to go further, faster and reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) and air quality impacts of its products to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 in a way that serves all stakeholders in a sustainable way for Cummins’ business. This commitment requires changes to Cummins’ products and the energy sources that power them. “We know that our planet cannot wait for the perfect solution to happen,” Padmanabhan says. “Instead, our approach must be a combined effort of using zero emissions power where it’s available and using cleaner power where it is not. The planet cannot afford for us to hit pause in the meantime.”Two of the company’s environmental sustainability goals for 2030 include reducing scope 3 absolute lifetime greenhouse gas emissions from newly sold products by 25% and partnering with customers to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions from products in the field by 55 million metric tons. “Getting to zero is not a light-switch event,” Padmanabhan concludes. “Carbon emissions that we put into the atmosphere today will have a lasting impact. This means anything we can do to start reducing the carbon footprint today is a win for the planet. We need to take action now.”WHAT’S TO COMECummins will begin to roll out these engines in 2024—although they won’t all roll out at once. On the B platform, Cummins plans to launch the gasoline engine first. On the L platform, Cummins’ plan is to launch the natural gas engine first with the diesel engine launching shortly after. Once all the engines are launched, customers will be able to pick which fuel type makes the most sense for their fleet—and the team at Cummins feels that most fleets will find their perfect solution in a combination of fuel types to help their business make money without negatively impacting the environment.FOR MORE INFORMATION Find out more about Cummins’ fuel-agnosc engines, visit www.cummins.com. The fuel-agnostic engines are just as reliable, powerful, and dependable as the Cummins engines fleet owners and technicians already know and love.”“

You Need Leads We Have the Solution Our digital marketing campaigns can identify prospects interested specifically in your product and then tell you exactly who they are See what our customers are saying The reports are awesome Thank you If we can get that level of information from all of our suppliers we will be very happy We have already made one machine sale to a prospect from the eBlast and I am sure there will be more Paul Gazik Business Development International Sales for Call us today to get started at 205 795 0223 or email us at russell mcsmag com

PRODUCTS SERVICES GUIDEWWW.MWSMAG.COM

PRODUCTS SERVICES GUIDEANDWWW.MWSMAG.COM

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202234PRODUCTS AND SERVICESFor 30 years, American Omni Trading (AOT) has been a leading importer and marketer of high quality, value priced tires. From wheelbarrow to ATV, agricultural to OTR, touring to ultra-high performance, light truck to TBR, and everything in between, AOT provides its customers with the scope and flexibility they need to succeed. AOT tires come equipped with a No Questions Asked, 25/365 Free Replacement Limited Protection Policy, so whether your journey takes you through downtown streets, corn fields, or backwoods trails, AOT is ready to help drive your future. The folks at AOT pride themselves on the quality of the brand’s tires and its exceptional customer service team. The business is built on strong customer relationships and a dedication to its values—integrity, passion, and professionalism. These values set the tone, help create AOT culture, and are fundamental to the company’s success. AMERICUS TIRESDistributed exclusively by AOT, Americus offers a comprehensive line of light truck, SUV, CUV, and specialty commercial tires. The Rugged A/TR is AOT’s next generation aggressive all-terrain tire designed for your everyday commute and your off-road adventures. With advanced 3D siping technology, rigid interior tread blocks, and an enhanced 3PMSF tread compound, the Rugged A/TR provides exceptional handling on wet and dry surfaces, while the massive and studdable shoulder lugs drive through mud, snow, and ice with ease. Carrying an upgraded 50,000-mile limited treadwear protection and a No Questions Asked, 25/365 Free Replacement Limited Protection Policy on all sizes, the Rugged A/TR is ready for whatever path you follow.The Rugged A/T is a premium all-terrain tire with a tread designed to maximize traction edges for excellent handling on- and off-road. A closed shoulder ensures confident handling in all conditions. Wide primary grooves and optimized siping technology provide maximum water evacuation for enhanced traction and stability. Carrying a 55,000-mile limited treadwear protection and backed by a Limited Protection Policy on all sizes, the Rugged A/T is ready to work. The Recon CUV is designed for today's crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks. This all-season tire provides a quiet, smooth ride with confident handling and enhanced traction. The Recon CUV features multiple speed ratings and load carrying capacities for proper fitment. With a 60,000-mile limited treadwear protection and a Limited Protection Policy, the Recon CUV delivers the value and confidence you expect from Americus.The Rugged M/T is a maximum-traction on- and off-road radial with an aggressive attitude. The open and tiered tread block elements ensure maximum traction in extreme conditions. The Rugged M/T is available in sizes up to 37 inches overall with wheel diameters up to 22 inches. Carrying the load is not an issue as the Rugged M/T is available in 12-ply ratings (some sizes). Backed by a Limited Protection Policy on all sizes, the Trac Grip M/T is ready to conquer any terrain.The Commercial LT is a commercial-grade light truck tire with multi-ply casing construction to handle heavy workloads. Its five-rib highway-oriented tread pattern allows for maximum trouble-free miles while its beefy, solid shoulder design resists scrubbing. Double steel belted plies provide puncture resistance and durability. The CLT is backed by a Limited Protection Policy on all sizes.The ST Radial is the workhorse of the Americus lineup. This Specialty Trailer tire is designed with a micro-positioned fiber reinforced belt package for extra strength and durability. The tread design supports low rolling resistance and improved heat dissipation, enhanced hydroplaning resistance, and increased stability. The ST is backed by a Limited Protection Policy on all sizes.25/365 LIMITED PROTECTION POLICYAll Americus tires are backed by a No Questions Asked, 25/365 Free Replacement Limited Protection Policy and an unbeatable mileage policy (where applicable). The policy fully covers (100%) all Americus brand radial passenger, light truck, and specialty trailer tires should one become unserviceable due to defective workmanship, materials, or road hazard during the first 25% of useable treadwear or one year from date of purchase, whichever occurs first.Find out more, visit www.americustire.com.American Omni TradingAMERICUS TIRES

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202236PRODUCTS AND SERVICESWhen you trademark “BADASS” to describe your line of trucks, you’d better be able to back it up. Autocar, LLC, the manufacturer of North America’s oldest brand of specialized severe-duty vocational trucks, upholds the brand’s 120-year tradition with its latest offering—the Autocar DC-64D Dump Truck, the fourth iteration of Autocar’s DC-64 severe-duty Class 8 line.Joining the DC-64R for Refuse, DC-64M for Mixers, and DC-64P for Pump, Autocar’s DC-64D (“D” for dump model) is built from the ground up and engineered to handle the most challenging jobs.“The DC-64D is expertly configured and solves many industry issues not addressed by other suppliers,” says Eric Schwartz, president of Autocar Truck. “Unlike any other vehicle in the North American heavy-duty commercial truck market, Autocar Trucks are vocational trucks that are pre-engineered for a cleaner body integration to minimize modifications by the upfitter. As such, our trucks are safer, more structurally sound, and engineered to have a longer life span, which lowers the TCO (total cost of ownership) and adds to our Always Up promise. This dump truck is truly BADASS.”The DC-64D Dump Truck is assembled at Autocar’s headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. The truck features a spacious and functional cab, but what sets it apart in the industrial truck market is the vehicle’s BADASS strength and durability. The DC-64D is built to be a relentless workhorse that performs at its best when the work gets tough. BEST DESIGNEDAutocar exclusively focuses on building the best trucks for the vocational truck market, which is why Autocar collaborated with key industry experts with more than 200 years of severe-duty truck experience to guide the DC-64D design. Configured with more than 100 improvements, the DC-64D is the best-designed dump truck in the industry.Autocar partners with dump body manufacturers for parallel engineering of essential dump body mount features, achieving its mission to deliver the highest level of integration in the industry. CUMMINS POWERThe DC-64D’s power comes from multiple Cummins engine options—the L9, X12, and ISX12N CNG series—providing the industry’s best performance, fuel economy, and lower operating costs per mile backed by the best service and parts network. Also, the Cummins X12 offers access to the Single Module after-treatment system with more efficiency and service access. The X15 will be available next year.FOCUS ON SAFETYWith simplicity and efficiency comes a focus on safety. Autocar has the only 325-degree driver visibility with 30% more glass than industry competition. It is the only Class 8 vocational truck with rear-corner wrap-around windows to improve the rearward view. The front end is sloped to enhance visibility. The DC-64D also delivers the most durable cab structure in the industry with its all-welded steel cab construction to help protect if there is a roll-over. It is the only vocational truck with frame rail material at a yield strength of 160,000 PSI and RBM of 3.91 lbs, which is 24% stronger than industry standards. Additionally, every DC-64D is built with dual Sheppard M100 steering gears, 112-inch BBC, and up to 50 degrees wheel cut, allowing the driver easy steering effort and maneuverability.The DC-64D cab features a 7-inch driver information smart display to minimize driver distraction and help technicians quickly get drivers back on the road after maintenance. Autocar sets the standard for the best-in-class severe-duty vocational trucks for durability, protection, and serviceability. Other key features of Autocar’s DC-64D Dump Truck:• Purpose-built severe duty is standard • Best-in-class 24/7 direct factory support• Customer sales support with vocational experts • Only Conventional Truck built to be Always Up • Best-in-class routing and clipping• Electrical serviceability with its intelligent electrical system for easy diagnostics and repairs• Easy-open gas-strut-assisted hood Find out more, visit www.autocartruck.com.Autocar’s BADASS Dump Truck Earns its BADASS BrandingTHE DC-64D RAISES THE BAR FOR SPECIALIZED SEVERE-DUTY DUMP TRUCKS

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202238PRODUCTS AND SERVICESExtendobeds designed for work vans will revolutionize the way you store and access equipment and supplies on your fleet of work vans, which is why companies like Conoco-Phillips, Dow, Terminix, Idaho Power, and SW Gas, as well as the US Military, FBI, Homeland Security, and over 1,500 fire and police departments choose Extendobed. Every system can be customized to meet your needs, providing you the following benefits: • Doubling the storage volume over traditional shelf/drawer systems. • Increasing productivity of work crews by helping them get on/off jobsites quicker. • Reducing injuries—no more lifting heavy items from awkward positions or climbing in and out of a van, injuring knees, ankles, and backs. DOUBLE STORAGE CAPACITYAs seen in the chart to the right, Extendobed more than doubles the total storage capacity over traditional shelf/drawer storage systems by fully utilizing the “dead space” in the middle of the cargo area. FAST ROIExtendobed improves productivity by getting you on and off the jobsite quicker. No wasting time looking for tools/supplies and having to climb in/out of your van. REDUCED INJURIESExtendobed can help reduce injuries to backs, shoulders, knees, and ankles because workers are not picking up heavy items from awkward angles or climbing in and out of their vans multiple times per day. Avoiding even one back injury claim pays for a small fleet of Extendobeds. EXTENDOWALLThe new ExtendoWall™ is designed to further improve the efficiency and productivity of work vans. Stop climbing into your van for equipment/supplies. Slide it out to you. The fully customizable ExtendoWall can carry ladders, tools, and supplies and can be designed to extend from either the side or back doors. Optional half-bed or full-bed width and up to 3,000-lb capacity is available with over 110% extension—past the taillights.EXTENDOBED IS THE ONLY COMPANY THAT OFFERS: • Extension past the taillights—over 110%—allowing access to the entire bed• Load capacities up to 3,000 lbs that can be point-loaded• Fully customizable designs for vans, trucks, and service bodies• 20-year warranty = lower cost of ownership.Find out more, visit www.extendobed.com or call 800.752.0706.Extendobed for Work VansLOOKS TOUGH. WORKS TOUGHER. TIPA half-width ExtendoWall along one side of the van combined with a traditional shelf/storage system on the other gives you the best of both worlds. Due to increased efficiency provided by installed Extendobeds, a pest control company found that each of its 200 vehicles can service an average of four additional clients per week. That equates to 20 additional customers per month without adding personnel or vehicles. At an average charge of $80 a month, that’s an additional $3.84 million in annual revenues. ROI was 3.4 months.Case StudyVANLENGTHEXTENDOBED (CU FT)TYPICAL SHELF SYSTEM (CU FT)18.5 ft 233 11719.7 ft 268 13222 ft 303 184 Based on Ford Transit, Mercedes-BenzSprinter, and Ram Promaster models. Similar results were found with Transit Connect and Promaster City models.

LOOKS TOUGH. WORKS TOUGHERBED SLIDES FOR WORK TRUCKS, VANS, SERVICE BODIES AND TRAILERS• HEAVY DUTY – Up to 3,000 lb. load capacity • BUILT TOUGH – 20 year warranty• EXTENDS OVER 110% - past your taillights • FULLY CUSTOMIZABLECOVERED SERVICE BODY TELECOM TRUCK W/ SHELLEXTENDOWALL IN VAN-SIDE DOOR MOUNT WORK VANRAM PROMASTER VAN STORAGE WITH PULLOUT WORK SURFACEWORK TRUCK WEEK 2022 SHOW DISCOUNT EXTENDEDCall or email now to get a complimentary design and quote800-752-0706websales@extendobed.com • www.extendobed.com

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202240PRODUCTS AND SERVICESFleets across North America share a common problem: workflow interruption resulting from battery failure. Fleet managers are required to budget for expensive service calls resulting from non-functioning liftgates due to dead batteries. In the fast-paced working environment where companies across the continent rely on the products and services supplied by fleets, downtime is of paramount concern. Delivery routes with multiple stops may not provide enough battery charge time, preventing trucks from starting and liftgates from working.Traditionally, lift gate batteries were charged by the truck’s alternator. This meant the truck had to be running and burning fuel to charge the liftgate batteries. While anti-idling laws have positively affected the environment, they have also drastically reduced the main charging source for liftgate users. Even when the truck is running, liftgate batteries often do not receive an adequate charge. This is largely due to voltage loss from long DC wires running to the liftgate batteries from the alternator.Unfortunately, battery problems do not expose themselves until it is too late to avoid incurring a sizable expense to the company. Even new batteries replacing problematic low voltage batteries don’t always receive the charge they require, resulting in rapid performance deterioration.KEEP IT MOVINGSolar power is a cost-effective solution for charging problematic batteries to maintain optimal performance in the field. By charging at a higher voltage and reducing the distance energy needs to travel, solar charging systems charge at a higher voltage and reduce the energy’s travel distance, effectively reducing replacement and operating costs. Using data compiled from tracked short-haul delivery trucks, liftgate battery voltages shown here exhibit the benefits of solar on aged batteries with solar charging vs without. The graph in Figure 1 illustrates the percentage of time the liftgate batteries spent in Low, Satisfactory, and Full voltage states throughout the data collection period. To reduce battery deterioration, batteries are required to hold, at minimum, Satisfactory voltage (12.2 to 14.4-volts). For optimal battery performance and extended battery life, a battery should be held at a Full charge (12.7 to 14.4-volts). When the battery dips into the red zone (less than 12.2-volts) its life expectancy is immediately diminished. UNLIMITED RESOURCELow battery voltage and the inevitable battery replacements along with truck downtime often seem to be an accepted industry norm for delivery vehicles. Eliminate this recurring issue by using a solar charging system, which brings reliability and cost savings to fleets large and small. The sun is an unlimited, reliable resource that can be harnessed to ensure your batteries stay in peak performance. Adding solar to your fleet provides a renewable, green, and cost-effective charging source, ensuring your liftgate batteries never die. This leads to greater reliability (zero maintenance), consistency (providing a charge every day, rain or shine), and better economy (zero fuel costs).Solar can achieve astounding increases in battery performance and longevity while occupying minimal surface area. A solar solution may handle the worst conditions that the industry can throw at it. Ultra-thin, flexible solar panels do not affect the truck's clearance. Choosing Go Power!—the work truck industry’s favorite solar solution—makes installs faster and easier. Liftgate manufacturers using a renewable energy alternative see immediate returns and increased customer satisfaction for their client base.COST SAVINGSData provided by Waltco Liftgates. Based on a 200W system in the Great Lakes Region. Find out more, visit www.gopowerfleet.com.*Go Power!HOW SOLAR CAN SOLVE LIFTGATE BATTERY WOES

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202242PRODUCTS AND SERVICESDo you need more power and payload to maximize your trucks’ productivity? But you need excellent maneuverability and visibility for navigating tight urban spaces? And you need it all with a low cost of ownership? There is no need to compromise. Isuzu introduced its new F-Series trucks, now available in both Class 6 and, new for 2022, Class 7 models. ALL MODELS:• Available in eight wheelbases, from 152 to 248 inches, accommodating bodies from 14 to 30 ft in length• Can be equipped with air suspension • Offer a 50- or 100-gallon fuel tank• Come in a Standard Cab configuration with three-across seatingAll F-Series trucks feature the Isuzu low cab forward (LCF) design perfected over more than 60 years. The LCF design’s longer cab-to-axle (CA) dimension provides Isuzu F-Series trucks with more cargo capacity versus conventional cab competitors with a comparable wheelbase. This gives you more flexibility in body application choices to accommodate heavier or bulkier cargo loads. SMOOTH POWER Every 2022 Isuzu F-Series model is equipped with the most powerful version of the Cummins B6.7 Efficiency Series engine. Under constant improvement for nearly 40 years, well over 12 million Cummins B-series engines have been sold. This legendary 6.7-L, inline six-cylinder diesel powerplant produces 260 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. The Cummins B6.7 is mated to a smooth-shifting automatic 6-speed Allison Rugged Duty Series transmission (2550 Series with park pawl for FTR, 2500 Series with no park pawl for FVR). Allison RDS transmissions are noted for their seamless transfer of power from the engine to the asphalt. Together, the robust Cummins/Allison powertrain provides an optimum blend of power, fuel economy, and reliability. DESIGNED FOR PRODUCTIVITYAs with all Isuzu trucks, the FTR and FVR offer superb maneuverability, visibility, and comfort. Drivers will appreciate the 50-degree inner wheel cut that gives the Isuzu F-Series class-leading turning diameters between 43.7 ft (for 152-inch wheelbase models) and 65 ft (for models with the 248-inch wheelbase). The Isuzu low cab forward design allows you to see objects much closer to the front of the truck than any conventional cab. With new standard LED headlamps, 2022 Isuzu F-Series trucks give you greater visibility than ever. With the driver-friendly Isuzu Hexapod cab with its multiple storage spaces, work surfaces, and standard amenities, Isuzu F-Series trucks allow you to be as comfortable as you are productive.THE ISUZU DIFFERENCELike all Isuzu trucks, the new F-Series range offers such peace-of-mind features as:• Outstanding basic limited warranty protection • 24/7 roadside assistance for the length of your warranty • Genuine Isuzu OEM parts, and also Isuzu FleetValue parts, priced to compete with aftermarket parts but engineered to meet Isuzu’s stringent specifications GET MORE INFOIsuzu F-Series trucks are sold and serviced by Isuzu’s network of nearly 300 dealerships across all 50 states. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America invites you to visit www.isuzucv.com or contact your nearest Isuzu dealership to discover for yourself why the new Isuzu F-Series trucks—with three models in two classes—are the one smart choice for you.Find out more, visit www.isuzucv.com.Isuzu F-SeriesTHREE MODELS, TWO CLASSES, ONE SMART CHOICETHREE MODELS IN TWO CLASSESCLASS 6 FTR25,950-LB GVWR AND 19,000-LB REAR GAWRCLASS 6 FVR DERATE25,950-LB GVWR AND 21,000-LB REAR GAWRWCLASS 7 FVR33,000-LB GVWR AND 21,000-LB REAR GAWR

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202244PRODUCTS AND SERVICESGet both strength and dependability where it matters most. The SolidShield™ van grille guard uses a four-point frame mounting system—a step above the typical two-point mounting system—to make a significant difference in strength, durability, and rigidity. This maximizes fleet uptime and confidence on the job. For an updated, sophisticated look that can't be found elsewhere, SolidShield has a vehicle-specific construction that contours to the front of the cargo van, creating a sleek, stylish appearance that is simply incomparable to others like it.SolidShield also features a one-piece 2-inch tubular steel ring assembly for reliable strength. It includes rubber extrusions that are formed over metal strips on the uprights and has light brackets available (sold separately) for mounting aftermarket lights, making the upgrade extremely convenient for work vans. SolidShield can be installed easily with its vehicle-specific, no-drill mounting brackets. The high-strength steel brackets feature a durable black powder coat finish, and each piece is finished with an E-coat and semi-gloss black powder coating for substantial protection all around.SOLIDSHIELD FEATURESSolidShield truly lives up to its name: It's the ultimate cargo van grille guard that is solid enough to shield, preserve, and protect through the countless miles that lie ahead. Features include: • Four-point frame mounting system for maximum strength and rigidity• Vehicle-specific contours for an updated, sophisticated look• One-piece 2-inch tubular steel ring assembly for maximum strength• Durable, corrosion-resistant E-coat and semi-gloss black powder coat finish• Rubber extrusions along the uprights for extra protection• Easy, no-drill installation with vehicle-specific mounting brackets• High-strength steel brackets feature a durable black powder coat finish• Limited lifetime warranty (three-year finish, one-year parts) STYLISH & PROTECTIVELUVERNE has taken work van front-end protection to another level with the new SolidShield Grille Guard. “While it contours the front bumper, it also provides a stylish look and rock-solid front-end protection,” says Jesse Bauer, director of automotive product, LUVERNE. “This grille guard falls right in line with LUVERNE’s functional, no-nonsense approach to continue driving our customers’ success forward safely.” Find out more, visit www.luvernetruck.com.LuverneSOLIDSHIELD GRILLE GUARDFor an updated, sophisticated look, SolidShield has a vehicle-specific construction, creating a sleek, stylish appearance that is simply incomparable to others like it.”“

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202246PRODUCTS AND SERVICESMeritor Defense boasts the industry’s strongest heritage with more than 100 years of engineering excellence in custom drivetrain technology for commercial and military vehicles. So when the upfitter market demanded a means of improving the performance of stock Class 5 and 6 vehicles, Meritor delivered a battle-tested solution. Designed for the rigors of tactical wheeled vehicles and military duty-cycles, the all-new ProTec™ 3000 Series all-wheel drive beam axles and Independent Suspension Axle Systems (ISAS) are purpose-built for Class 5 and 6 upfitters looking to do more without the increased costs and sacrificed performance that can be associated with larger Class 7 and 8 vehicles. ProTec 3000 Series solutions help meet the demand for increased axle load capacity, maneuverability, mobility, ride-quality, and performance while integrating into stock OEM mounting points and chassis with minimal modifications. From tactical armored vehicles and brush trucks to utility vehicles and everything in between, Meritor Defense customers looking to optimize their stock Class 5 and 6 vehicles can now benefit from the same reliability, durability, and performance the nation’s warfighters depend on in-theatre.OUT-MUSCLE. OUT-SMART. OUTCLASS. Featuring components found on the US military production Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) and more than 100,000 duty-cycle hours, the 3000 Series is the most flexible upfit solution available for Class 5 and 6 vehicles; accommodating multiple suspension, spring, and damper configurations to meet the demands of most Class 5 and 6 vehicle upfitters. Truck owners understand that bigger does not always equate to better because, often, bigger trucks means less maneuverability. Meritor Defense customer and forest fire-fighting truck upfitter, Skeeter Brush Trucks, recently integrated the ProTec 3000 Series into one of its latest vehicles. Bill Davidson, vice president of Skeeter Brush Trucks says, “In the high-performance off-road world, bigger trucks just don’t off-road very well, so a Type 6 chassis (medium-duty pickup) that doesn’t require a special license to drive and can go places big off-roading trucks only dream of makes the upfitted Skeeter fleet a dominant player in specialized lift-and-modified emergency vehicles.”THE RESULTSUltimately boasting a maximum gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of 12,000 lbs per front axle and up to 14,700 lbs per rear axle, the 3000 Series can nearly double the stock capacity of the most popular Class 5 trucks. Additional enhancements include driver-controlled differential lock (DCDL) for exceptional traction and traversal, Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS)-ready piping, and hydraulic disc brakes for superior stopping power—all standard features with every 3000 Series AWD Beam Axle and ISAS. Engineered as “drop-fit” solutions, Meritor designed ProTec 3000 Series axles and suspensions for compatibility with stock Class 5 and 6 chassis mounting points and many OEM components to make integration and installation a seamless process. Additionally, Meritor Defense has partnered with select suppliers to offer a complete list of optional integration components, such as drivelines, coils, dampers, or steer arms to support added capacity and optimized functionality. And for added confidence, all Meritor Defense products are backed by Meritor’s global aftermarket service and support network.The ProTec 3000 Series is purpose-built for use in most Class 5 and 6 applications including police, SWAT, military police, light armored personnel carriers, fire and brush trucks, high-performance off-road, utility, and bucket trucks. Both the all-wheel drive beam axles and Independent Suspension Axle System (ISAS) are available for order today.Find out more, visit www.meritor.com or email defense@meritor.com.Meritor Defense THE ONLY UPFIT SOLUTION FOR CLASS 5 AND 6 TRUCKS BASED ON PROVEN MILITARY-GRADE TECHNOLOGY ProTec 3000 Series All-Wheel Drive Beam Axle ProTec 3000 Series Independent Suspension Axle System

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202248PRODUCTS AND SERVICESPPG is a leading innovator of coating technologies for just about every industry imaginable with a wealth of coatings options available for work trucks. The applications range from heavy-duty trucks and custom truck bodies to transit vehicles, trailers, fire and emergency, as well as equipment for the agricultural, construction, and gas exploration industries. PROVEN TECHNOLOGY FOR DIVERSE NEEDSPPG’s full range of coatings technologies includes polyurethanes, alkyds, epoxies, polyurea, powder coatings, and pre-treatments. Coatings are marketed under several brand names—each offering products and price points geared for specific market segment requirements:• DELFLEET ONE® premium paint system delivers excellent color matching, durability, and ease of use, while offering the industry’s lowest VOC ratings for undercoat and topcoat products. It's available with five- and seven-year warranty options.• DELFLEET ESSENTIAL® compact, value-driven paint system is easy to use and cost effective, available in two- and three-year warranties.• COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE COATINGS offer a full breadth of technologies for specialized equipment and manufacturing uses—from economical alkyds and epoxies to urethanes, waterborne, and powder coatings. • AMERCOAT® line of heavy-duty protective coatings includes tank linings, zinc-rich primers, epoxy primers, and other durable finishes.SPECIAL REQUIREMENT SOLUTIONSPPG offers many specialty coatings options, ranging from those having unique performance properties to environmentally progressive, ultra-low VOC solutions. Among the options are specialty coatings for enhanced graffiti resistance, sound dampening, and the latest advancements in corrosion and chemical resistant technologies.COLOR MATCHING TOOLSPPG’s comprehensive color database offers hundreds of thousands of formulas, covering a full spectrum of solid, metallic, pearl, and specialty colors. Color matching tools include the Delfleet One color chip deck; specialized color chip selectors for fleet vehicles, Class 6 through 8 OEMs, RAL, and market-specific colors. Formula look-up options range from online access to a full-blown, computerized paint management system—as well as an advanced spectrophotometer for matching difficult, unknown colors.TRAINING & DEVELOPMENTTraining courses are taught throughout the year at PPG Business Development Centers. Course topics include technician certification, spot repair, color tinting, blending, and spray equipment. Technicians also have online access to a wide variety of instructional videos on commercial paint systems, allowing them to learn at their own time and pace. In addition, PPG’s MVP Business Solutions program offers a comprehensive array of management training for businesses using PPG commercial coatings systems. The program provides business owners and managers with ideas, methodologies, and expert guidance for improving productivity and profitability.SERVICE & SUPPORTThe core of PPG’s commitment to customer support lies in its team of field commercial sales representatives, OEM specialists, and a network of some 500 US and Canadian distributors offering personalized service, technical support, and color matching assistance.Find out more, visit www.ppgcommercialcoatings.com.PPGPPG’S COMMERCIAL COATINGS HAVE IT COVERED IN TECHNOLOGY, COLOR, AND SERVICE

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202250PRODUCTS AND SERVICESRGRAUTO Group has deployed smart IT and safety solutions for nearly two decades, but to differentiate itself from other players in the rapidly growing market, RGRAUTO did something different. “We decided to create uniquely tailored turnkey solutions by integrating different stand-alone products,” says Roman Ferster, founder and CEO of RGRAUTO.Vendors usually sell their own products by aggressively lobbying a particular approach or concept in order to promote their product. But because RGRAUTO represents many vendors, it is able to present tailored, integrated, and comprehensive options.Of the many big vendors and great products out there, RGRAUTO chooses only vendors who are flexible and able to quickly develop a creative solution or a specific feature based on customer requirements.RGRAUTO takes a good product from one vendor, integrates it with another good product from another vendor, and creates a perfect solution. For example, RGRAUTO integrates ADAS with telematics to create Smart ADAS with comprehensive FMS reports and analytics. Similarly, DMS combined with telematics creates smart AI video telematics, filtering what to record to save data and preserving privacy, yet retaining driver safety and valid information for reporting. The goal is to create a true solution, and this concept has been successful. WORKING SMARTThe expression “work smart, not hard,” is at the core of the company’s approach. Because fleet managers don’t have the time to watch hours of videos or to search big data sheets, RGRAUTO’s solutions include user-friendly reports and statistics.One example: Installation is the Achilles' heel of all telematics projects regardless of the type of the fleet, its size, or industry, yet providers were not addressing this point. Whether PoC, demo, or commercial deployment, installation is a serious headache for the fleet and for the vendor. Consider challenges like delayed approvals, logistics challenges (i.e., sending vehicles to authorized service centers or extensive travel time for technicians), work schedule disruptions, vehicle downtime (often during peak hours), installation costs, and subsequent expenses, even vehicle damage during installation. Additionally, situations will invariably arise that require intervention, such as technical problems that can't be resolved remotely, upgrades, repairs, dismantling, etc. These issues are shared by all telematics providers, and there are no exceptions. I-STICKERIn 2016 one of RGRAUTO’s vendors created a telematics and driver safety solution that addressed this problem—the I-Sticker. A completely wireless tracker that collects vehicle and driver behavior data operating on a tiny but powerful solar-charged battery. Since it’s wireless, managers are spared the hassle of traditional hardwired or OBD-ll trackers. Just peel and stick the I-Sticker on the windshield!Since RGRAUTO started selling the I-Sticker almost three years ago, more and more fleets are realizing how crucial these advantages are. It is a real game-changer in the telematics world, and here are a few examples:• Need to deploy a few hundred or thousand hardwired trackers? It would take months or even years to install them. • Have a diverse fleet? Car fleets consist of different vehicles, makes, model years, and configuration. Each category has different protocols; some are so old, they require an analog installation. • More and more car makers are developing different (cyber and other) ways to protect against aftermarket equipment installation.I-Sticker can be used in any vehicle regardless of its type and age, allowing fleet managers to seamlessly unify their fleet into one user-friendly FMS platform with no extra costs in no time and with no hassle.RGRAUTO still sells a lot of traditional telematics, but the trend is clear: wireless and installation-free telematics. I-Sticker is just that—extremely easy to deploy and easy to use with zero maintenance required. RGRAUTO markets and sells its solutions directly or through partners and resellers such as leasing companies or telematics and aftermarket dealers, depending on the end customer preferences.A few of RGRAUTO’s clients: Coca Cola HBC, Danone Europe, Schlumberger, Praxair, Linde Gas, Nabors, Orange Business Services, Shell Exploration, Orica, LeasePlan, Arval, ALD Automotive, and many others. RGRAUTO is also partnered with leading global vendors, such as MiX Telematics, Geotab, Cloud-Wise, Ituran, Orpak-Gilbarco, Mobileye, Cipia, GreenRoad, and others.Find out more, visit www.rgrauto.com.RGRAUTO GroupWIRELESS TELEMATICS SOLUTION I-Sticker, cabin facing. I-Sticker, road-facing.

sales@rgrauto.com | i-sticker.us | 833.747.2886

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202252PRODUCTS AND SERVICESVMAC will celebrate the 25th anniversary of UNDERHOOD™ air compressors this summer, but the innovative UNDERHOOD product line is anything but old. New model year kits are already released for several 2022 Ford, GMC, Chevrolet, International, Sprinter, and Ram vehicles.UNDERHOOD air compressors are belt-engine driven, using a vehicle’s existing engine as a power source. An engineered mounting bracket positions the air compressor, while a serpentine belt intertwines through a series of added idler pulleys, the vehicle’s crankshaft pulley, and the compressor clutch. This allows the compressor to draw power from the vehicle’s engine.Although simple in concept, UNDERHOOD air compressors are incredibly challenging to engineer due to limited space within the engine compartment. UNDERHOOD systems must be designed around the existing components, using whatever space is left over after the OEMs meet their own needs.As a result, UNDERHOOD systems don’t allow for a generic and time-consuming one-size-fits-all approach like some vehicle-integrated air compressors on the market today. Each UNDERHOOD is meticulously engineered alongside the OEMs for a specific vehicle make and model, ensuring it fits perfectly and works optimally.“It’s a wonderful puzzle,” says Stuart Coker, director of operations at VMAC. “You have all these existing OEM components that need to stay where they are, occupying most of the available engine space. Then you have to take this air compressor and figure out how to make it fit, connect to the crankshaft, and keep it secured for the lifespan of the truck.”Despite 25 years of opportunity, only VMAC has been able to develop an industrial air compressor that fits within the engine compartment.“We can create these systems and constantly adapt to model year changes because we manufacture the entire UNDERHOOD system in-house,” Coker adds. “We control the entire process at our facility, which starts with molds in the foundry, continues through every step of machining and assembly, and only ends when we load the system onto a delivery truck.” ALL IN-HOUSEVMAC’s ability to create rotors, brackets, and other air compressor components in-house has been a significant advantage over competitors. While many manufacturers operate as an assembly factory, essentially piecing together components built by other companies in countries such as China, VMAC is self-reliant. “If we need a component in an exact size and shape, we can make it,” Coker explains. “We can test our ideas using 3D printing, and then we can machine the parts when we know those ideas will work.” In recent months, an additional advantage of in-house manufacturing has become apparent as supply chain issues have posed significant challenges for air compressor manufacturers. While lead times on small combustion engines extend for months, UNDERHOOD systems continue to ship in under two weeks.“Whenever a company relies on a supplier, it’s a potential vulnerability, especially when resources are limited, and we aren’t the only company that needs them,” Coker says. “We rely on proven supplier relationships for several product lines, including our above deck air compressors. These suppliers have done amazing work despite the recent global challenges. However, the UNDERHOOD product line only relies on the hardworking teams and machinery at VMAC, which is why we are able to ship UNDERHOOD air compressors in 10 working days. These short lead times are significant for anyone who needs a compact yet powerful air compressor soon.” UNDERHOOD air compressors operate at 100% duty cycle and are currently available in models that deliver up to 40, 70, and 140 CFM. They are ideal for customers who need to save space, reduce truck GVW, and minimize maintenance without compromising on air power. Find out more, visit www.vmacair.com/underhood.VMACHOW 25 YEARS OF INNOVATION HELPS UNDERHOOD DEFEAT SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202254PRODUCTS AND SERVICESEberspaecher Climate Control Systems NA, formerly Espar Heater Systems, sells and services fuel-operated heater systems for a variety of applications, including trucks, school buses, vocational vehicles, vans, marine, military, and off-highway equipment. The systems use 12- or 24-volt battery systems and gasoline or diesel as an on-board fuel. They operate as diesel or gasoline furnaces with sealed combustion chambers. Eberspaecher Air Heater’s use forced air as a heating medium, while the Eberspaecher Coolant Heaters circulate the engine coolant to transfer heat.BUNK HEATERS Eberspaecher Air Heaters have heat outputs that range from 6,000 BTU to 41,000 BTU. These air systems are compact with all heat creation and fan distribution neatly packaged within the unit. The heaters have from two to four heat levels and cycle between these levels according to the temperature desired by the user.ENGINE PRE-HEATERSEberspaecher Coolant Heaters have heat outputs that range from 5,500 BTU to 120,000 BTU. These coolant systems are compact with all heat creation, fan distribution, and plumbing neatly packaged within the unit. The heaters have from two to four heat levels and cycle between these levels to maintain a constant coolant temperature called for by the control unit. Eberspaecher CCS NA provides environmentally friendly products that serve the needs of its customers. The products enable drivers to shut down their engines, yet retain a comfortable, warm environment within the vehicle. Eberspaecher CCS NA products are marketed through a variety of aftermarket supply chains and are an OE-installed option on major new trucks, school buses, and off-highway equipment. Find out more, visit www.eberspaecher-na.com. EberspaecherSELLING AND SERVICING FUEL-OPERATED HEATER SYSTEMS

APRIL 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 55Since 1933, Hannay Reels has cemented its reputation as a leading manufacturer of hose and cable reels for the work truck industry. Between standard models and custom solutions, Hannay offers thousands of durable, dependable options for a wide range of applications. Every Hannay reel is designed with reliability in mind. Featuring sturdy construction, Hannay reels are built tough with the highest quality materials to withstand challenging conditions day in and day out. These reels are also compact in size to ensure a small footprint, enabling proper fit for various vehicle or compartment dimensions. Flexible mounting and portability options are also available for optimal versatility. With the right hose or cable reel, dispensing and retracting are quick and easy. That’s how Hannay keeps its reel maintenance, too, thanks to simple parts replacement. Configured for numerous work truck operations, Hannay hose and cable reels can be adapted for:• Dispensing: grease, oil, water, and more• Hydraulic/pneumatic power tools• Service/lubrication for heavy construction equipment• Lights, tools, and engine warm-up• Gas/arc welding• Washdown/pressure washing• Vacuum/suction• Fueling: petroleum, diesel, LP gas, DEF, and moreSuperior manufacturing techniques, consistent quality, outstanding customer service, and industry-specific expertise allow Hannay Reels to deliver the best engineered reels in the business. Companies worldwide turn to Hannay to improve productivity, efficiency, and safety for their operations, all with the right reel.Hannay ReelsREELS THAT WORK AS HARD AS YOUFind out more, visit www.hannay.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202256PRODUCTS AND SERVICESHigh Bar Brands, LLC, is a preferred solutions provider for the commercial vehicle industry with its family of iconic brands. Driven by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit, High Bar Brands strives for total customer satisfaction through its dedicated team and superior products.The company was born from the partnership between two solution-based brands: Minimizer and Premier Manufacturing. These iconic suppliers have proven processes and a customer-centric approach that has forged a special connection with drivers, fleet owners, and maintenance managers across North America. Their feedback is crucial to R&D and has helped the High Bar Brands team design and develop numerous patented technologies.High Bar Brands is renowned for its go-to-market strategies that are catapulted by an incredibly strong distribution network where its products, including poly fenders, are prominently displayed in showrooms across North America. Minimizer poly fenders cover Class 6, 7, and 8 trucks and most trailers, too. These fenders won’t stress-crack or rust, and they will retain their shape after severe impacts. Minimizer fenders come in a variety of finishes and colors, including the brand’s silver mirror finish, smoky black mirror finish, carbon fiber, and paintable options. High Bar Brands is proud to be a member of the toughest industry. Driven by customer needs, customer success is what drives High Bar Brands’ business.Find out more, visit www.highbarbrands.com.High Bar BrandsPROVEN PROCESSES WITH A CUSTOMER-CENTRIC APPROACH

APRIL 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 57Link Manufacturing develops an extensive range of aluminum ramps that provide safe, easy, and economical solutions for your loading and handling needs. Whether you require a straight, bifold, trifold, swivel, lightweight, heavy-duty, or customized cargo ramp solution for your needs, you can be confident that each Link aluminum ramp is built to perform in the most challenging conditions. All Link aluminum ramps are engineered, tested, and manufactured to the highest quality standards right here in the USA.SWIVEL RAMPLink put a new twist on aluminum ramps. Its swivel ramp offers unmatched flexibility for loading and unloading any sized cargo with its 180-degree rotation and two storage locations. The swivel ramp mounts in the rear stored position like a traditional folding ramp but can swing to also be stored inside, behind the wheel well—providing options for instances when a loading ramp isn’t needed.MOUNTED RAMPSLink Manufacturing developed a broad array of deployable mounted aluminum ramp solutions engineered for commercial vans and box trucks. Link’s lightweight, low-profile mounted aluminum ramps vertically mount just inside a vehicle’s rear or side doors. Each mounted ramp is made from high-strength aluminum and engineered for simple installation and ease of use. All Link mounted ramps are fast, easy, and convenient to deploy.PORTABLE RAMPSLink's portable aluminum ramps are available for both lightweight and heavy-duty applications featuring either folding or straight designs. The extensive range of portable ramps provide users with safe, durable, and economical solutions for their cargo loading and handling needs. An optional, high-friction, perforated deck surface is also available for applications where exposure to ice, oil, moisture, and other slippery substances is common.Find out more, visit www.linkmfg.com.Link ManufacturingALUMINUM RAMPS

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202258PRODUCTS AND SERVICESThe seeds of SoundOff Signal were planted across safety solutions industries in West Michigan in 1992, when George Boerigter took the reins of a small motorcycle flasher startup. He branched out to emergency vehicles, and by the 2000s the company expanded its offering of high technology safety solutions across the globe.Today, SoundOff Signal has matured into an integrated, strategic lighting and controls manufacturer with approximately 400 employees across its corporate headquarters and customer center in Hudsonville, Michigan. The mission of SoundOff Signal is to provide its customers with superior products and services that meet or exceed their expectations for delivery, quality, and cost-effectiveness. SoundOff Signal is committed to: its customers through continuous improvement in on-time delivery of quality products; its employees through continuous improvement in their standard of living; its shareholders through continuous improvement of their return on assets; its community through social and environmental responsibility; and its strategic business partners through a mutually beneficial growth and business development strategy.nROADS PRODUCTSSnowplows, pickup trucks, utility vehicles, refuse trucks, paving equipment, and other amber equipment each create their own warning light needs. SoundOff Signal designed nROADS® products to offer the broadest level of performance and pricing options in the market.The SoundOff Signal team powered nROADS with Nexus Technology, the same extremely bright illumination technology used in SoundOff Signal’s successful nFORCE® line of law enforcement products. The product was developed with an all-new rugged look that reinforces the sturdy designs of today’s trucks and heavy duty equipment.Available products include: mini, mid, and full-size light bars, low and high dome beacons, and accessories.Find out more, visit www.soundoffsignal.com/category/brand/nroads.SoundOff SignalNROADS PRODUCTS

APRIL 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 59Designed for use with hydraulic tools and accessories, Coxreels’ TDMP Series features:• Dual hydraulic spring rewind reels with one-sided access for both the spring and the swivel • Supply and return lines in the same side of the reel into an external fluid path via hydraulic swivel that also houses a spring cartridge motor • A unique design that allows service of the main components without removal of the reel • Improved space use: Reel can be installed with the back side of the drum against a wall without concern for incoming hose lines • A capacity of up to 50 ft with triple axle support, dual arm guides, and stainless steel hose guide rollers• Heavy gauge steel construction, durable polyester powder coat, rolled and ribbed discs, an industry leading two-year warranty, and manufactured in the USA.www.coxreels.comCoxreelsTDMP SERIES

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM APRIL 202260Diesel engines are found in airplanes, farming and construction equipment, marine vessels, industrial machines, power generation equipment, and more. Diesel engines also dominate the commercial trucking industry, as many of our readers know. Further, diesel engines don’t only dominate in the US, they are used on a wide scale globally. Any increase in the price of diesel fuel will impact multiple industries, worldwide. And we’re currently seeing the impacts of diesel fuel price increases now.WHY THE INCREASEThe Diesel Technology Forum reports that because diesel is a global commodity, prices and supply here in the States reflect the demand of diesel in other countries. The Diesel Technology Forum states, the “current rise in diesel fuel prices in the US is due to several converging factors including the higher costs of crude oil currently at $105 per barrel, decreased US production of diesel fuel, and generally low stockpiles or inventories available.”Aside from these already provoking factors, the oncoming warmer weather and waning pandemic also play a role in the rising fuel prices, adding an increase in the demand for fuel for air travel. And yet, all of these impacts contributed to increasing fuel prices before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which added uncertainty to the market as Europe imported roughly 50% of its fuel from Russia.DECREASING THE IMPACTUntil the price of diesel fuel decreases, what steps can you take to save money at the pump? Consider parking your older vehicles and using the newer ones (2011 models or newer). Newer models feature diesel engines that are more fuel efficient. Use alternative, less expensive fuels, such as biodiesel. Consider using lubricants and fuel additives that improve the efficiency of your engine. Finally, change driving habits such as idling or speeding to cut down on fuel used. Although the price of fuel might cause consumers to park their gas-guzzling vehicles, work truck fleet owner/operators can’t afford not to use them. In instances like these when a multitude of factors beyond our control impact the price of fuel, sometimes all we can do is adapt the best we can.THE RISE IN DIESEL FUEL PRICESIf your fleet runs on diesel or gasoline, you already know fuel prices have vastly increased. The rise in prices began even before Russia invaded Ukraine, yet the war made prices soar even higher. The Diesel Technology Forum recently reported on the increase, stating that diesel engines and fuel are the lifeblood of the global economy. So, when the price of diesel fuel increases, we all feel the impact. Read more from the Diesel Technology Forum as well as ways to lessen the impact from price increases below.Read the Diesel Technology Forum’s full article atwww.dieselforum.org.Talk soon! Jade