Return to flip book view

Modern WorkTruck Solutions August 2022

Page 1

WINTER WINTER EQUIPMENT & EQUIPMENT & PREPAREDNESS PREPAREDNESS ISSUEISSUETHESALTING EFFECTIVELY ANTI-ICING AND DEICING 101CHOOSING A SPREADER OR SPRAYERHOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICEMEDIUM DUTY THE CHEVROLET SILVERADO CHASSIS CAB AUGUST2022WWW.MWSMAG.COM

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

CONNECT WITH US on Twitter (@mwsmag), Facebook (www.facebook.com/modernworktruck), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/modern-work-truck-solutions).INDUSTRY NEWS ................................6INDUSTRY INSIGHT ............................12WORK TRUCK PRODUCTS .................42IN EVERY ISSUECURTALUMINUM BALL MOUNTSDesigned to withstand the elements, CURT’s forged aluminum ball mounts provide superior strength and corrosion resistance.www.curtmfg.comINSIDE THIS ISSUEAUGUST 2022 VOL-7 NO-8EV CONVERSION TIPS FROM LIGHTNING eMOTORS: PART 2 ............................ 44WINTER WINTER EQUIPMENT & EQUIPMENT & PREPAREDNESS PREPAREDNESS ISSUEISSUETHESALTING EFFECTIVELY ANTI-ICING AND DEICING 101CHOOSING A SPREADER OR SPRAYERHOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICEMEDIUM DUTY THE CHEVROLET SILVERADO CHASSIS CAB AUGUST2022WWW.MWSMAG.COM30LIGHT-DUTYPREVENT CORROSION USE FENDERS & MATSALLISON FUELSENSE 2.0SAVE MONEY, BOOST OUTPUTHEAVY-DUTY40SILVERADO CHASSIS CAB BRIDGING THE GAP14MEDIUM-DUTYCOVER STORIESOPERATIONSCHOOSING A SPREADER OR SPRAYER .................20How to make the right choiceOPERATIONSSALTING EFFECTIVELY .................26Anti-icing and deicing 101 WINTER WINTER EQUIPMENT & EQUIPMENT & PREPAREDNESS PREPAREDNESS ISSUEISSUETHE

Page 5

Page 6

OPERATIONS HOW FIELD SERVICE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE CAN SLASH RUNNING COSTS ..................................................................18 Take control of variable fleet costs with technologyOPERATIONS HOW THE RISING CPI IMPACTS FLEET OPERATING AND M&R COSTS ................................................................. 24 A fleet’s lease structure could aggravate or alleviate impactsMAINTENANCE HARSH WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE NO MATCH FOR PAINT SYSTEMS WITH ZINC-RICH PRIMER .....................34 Taking corrosion protection to another levelSAFETY PLOW LIGHTING ABCS ..........................................................36 Command respect with bright snowplow lights—for safety’s sakeFEATURED PRODUCT PEAKPTT .............................................................................. 43 Nationwide push-to-talk is backIt’s still warm outside, especially here in Birmingham, Alabama, but as they say on Game of Thrones, winter is coming—and it’s right around the corner. Fleet owners and managers know the importance of winter preparedness, and we’re here to help get the ball rolling with the Winter Equipment and Preparedness issue! Check out pieces on snowplows and spreaders from Monroe and SnowEx on pages 20 and 26. Discover ways to prevent corrosion from Minimizer and PPG on pages 30 and 34. Finally, learn ways to ensure your plows are seen on page 36. This issue also includes pieces about Allison Transmission’s FuelSense 2.0 (page 40), impacts from the rising CPI (page 24), and more! Let us know which piece sparked new ideas or helped solve a problem by reaching out to us through our social channels or a direct email to me at jade@mwsmag.com. As always, enjoy the issue!Jade Brasher EditorEDITOR’S NOTE18www.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.SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES OR CHANGES CALL:205.380.2048CHRIS GARMONCFO DONNA CAMPBELLVP, Editorialwww.highlandspublications.com 312 Lorna Square Birmingham, AL 35216TIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresidentTONYA BROWNINGVice PresidentTalk soon! Jade342443

Page 7

Page 8

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 20226INDUSTRY NEWSSUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS DRIVE HEIGHTENED FOCUS ON VEHICLE UPTIME AND LIFTING TECHNOLOGIESSupply chain disruptions are approaching their worst levels in nearly 50 years. They are combined with escalating business and consumer demand for product deliveries and passenger transport. To combat industry issues, Stertil-Koni recommends a six-step approach to help large truck and bus operators maximize vehicle uptime. These six steps include: 1. ensuring your vehicle lift is certified; 2. selecting the proper lift; 3. making safety a priority; 4. maintaining a maintenance schedule; 5. using technology; and 6. creating a safety culture. For more, visit www.stertil-koni.com. WINTER EQUIPMENT OUTLINES PLANS FOR THE FUTUREWinter Equipment, snow and ice management equipment manufacturer, is poised for a breakout season in the commercial snow removal market. For over 30 years Winter Equipment has serviced the government snow removal market. Over three decades, Winter has grown to offer plow systems, plow guards, plow accessories, and road maintenance products. Recently, Winter transitioned into the commercial contractor snow removal market, bringing its expertise from time in the government space. Kent Winter, Winter Equipment founder and CEO, says this is an opportunity to provide parts to the commercial contractor market that doesn’t always have them available. He anticipates Winter’s business in the commercial space will equal its business in the government space within five years. For more, visit www.wintereqipment.com.BRIDGESTONE COLLABORATES WITH MICROSOFT TO ACCELERATE ADVANCED TIRE ANALYTICS INTEGRATION Bridgestone Corporation announced a collaboration with Microsoft to use Microsoft Azure to accelerate development and go-to-market strategies in support of Bridgestone’s digital transformation and sustainable solutions portfolio. Advanced and predictive maintenance analytics deliver greater productivity and efficiency for customers. Using Azure will enable Bridgestone to create value for customers, primarily global fleet and OEM customers. It integrates tire analytics to better understand tire wear and casing health, maximizing retreading and informing when tires need maintenance. Both companies will continue using the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform, capturing data as part of an integrated vehicle ecosystem. Bridgestone will also build new cloud capabilities using Azure. These capabilities will further streamline

Page 9

Page 10

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 20228INDUSTRY NEWSATTENTION WORK FLEETSOF 150+ VEHICLES1. Are you a eet manager or directly involved in eet decision-making?2. Do you have any needs for products or solutions that will help your eet run more eciently and safely?If you answered “YES” to both questions,e Work Fleet Forum invites you to beour guest at NO COST TO YOU! We cover100% of your airfare, hotel and meals.CONNECT with the best ideas, the newest solutions and the brightest minds all in one location.LEARN about new products and solutions with private demos and small presentations. You can even customize your event based on who you’d like to meet with.NETWORK with other top eet managers in a relaxed and productive setting at the beautiful Sawgrass Marriott. You’ll add to what - and who - you know in the eet industry. e Work Fleet Forum is for those who run hard-working eets. It’s designed to be more productive, more valuable, more fun and just for eet leaders like you. Organized by Eaton Hall Exhibitions OCT 24-262022Register Today!(800) 746-9646 www.workfleetforum.comanthony@eatonhall.comLimited Vendor Opportunities Still Availablee Sawgrass Marriot • Jacksonville Beach, FLand modernize the company’s core tire business and IT operations, including workplace productivity. Bridgestone will use Microsoft solutions to strengthen operational effectiveness and deliver increased flexibility and scalability across enterprise tools and platforms. Improved agility across core infrastructure will result in quicker expansion of tire-centric solutions to the customer. It will also improve efficiencies and collaboration across the enterprise, offer more robust governance and security, and improve cost savings. For more, visit www.bridgestone.com. MCLAREN DOORS ANNOUNCES NEW ROLL-UP DOOR PROGRAM WITH RUSH TRUCK CENTERSMcLaren Doors announced a new Roll-Up Door Program with Rush Truck Centers. Rush Truck Centers is now part of the McLaren Doors Dealer network from coast to coast. McLaren Doors will provide premium lightweight roll-up doors as well as replacement parts for Rush Truck Centers and its customers. “We have been committed to advancing the technology of roll-up doors,” says Steward McLaren, president, McLaren Doors. “Our core mandate is to reduce the weight of truck doors, which assists in reducing gas consumption, lowering emissions, and most importantly, providing a safer, more ergonomically friendly work environment for drivers. McLaren Doors is looking forward to working with Rush Truck Centers, and we will continue to expand our dealer network across North America.” For more, visit www.mclarendoors.com. CONTINENTAL PARTNERS WITH NAVISTAR TO LAUNCH REGIONAL ON/OFF-ROADLOAD CAPACITYThrough a partnership with Navistar, Continental designed a new lineup of 19.5-inch tires for regional on- and off-road uses. Continental launched the tires in Load Range H; this allows them to deliver extra load carrying capacity as well as the highest speed rating in the market. The HSR+ regional steer/all-position and HDR+ regional on/off-road drive tires are both available in Load Range H. As a result, each tire carries a capacity of 220 lbs in single and dual applications. The tires have a speed rating of 87 mph, which is the highest in the market for this tire type. The tires will be standard on all Chevrolet Silverado 5500 and 6500 trucks and International CV Series vehicles from Navistar. For more, visit www.continental-truck.com. FERGUSON COLLABORATES WITH HOLMAN AND ELECTRADA TO LAUNCH GROUNDBREAKING ELECTRIC VEHICLE PROGRAMThrough a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Ferguson, North America’s leading distributor of plumbing and HVAC supplies, Holman, a global automotive services

Page 11

Page 12

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202210INDUSTRY NEWSorganization, and Electrada, an electric fuel solutions company, announce a fleet electrification pilot. This effort delivers a fleet management and electrification solution enabling Ferguson to deploy all-electric vehicles throughout California. This is possible through streamlining the development of the necessary charging and energy management infrastructure.Ferguson will add 30 Class 6 to 8 electric trucks from Peterbilt and Freightliner in the months ahead. This EV fleet integration highlights the scope of this phase. The project also includes charging infrastructure from Electrada to serve five depot locations across the company’s operating footprint in California. For more, visit www.holman.com, www.fergusonplc.com, and www.electrada.com. EMTERRA GROUP ORDERS MACK LR ELECTRIC TO BE IN SERVICE IN THE GREATER TORONTO AREAEmterra Group, a Canadian integrated resource management company, recently ordered a Mack® LR Electric Class 8 refuse vehicle. The Mack LR Electric will be the first battery-electric vehicle in Emterra’s fleet to service the Peel Region in Ontario. In 2019, Peel’s Regional Council declared a climate emergency and approved the region’s Climate Change Master Plan. The plan has an interim target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% below 2010 levels by 2030. The plan also includes enabling the community’s transition to a low carbon and resilient Community for Life. The Mack LR Electric refuse model will help the Peel Region achieve its GHG reduction ambitions. Emterra currently operates 150 refuse vehicles in Peel Region, most powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). For more, visit www.macktrucks.com. AUTOCAR, LLC BEGINS FIELD TESTING ALL-ELECTRIC CABOVER REFUSE TRUCKSAUTOCAR, manufacturer of specialized severe-duty vocational trucks, built its first two alpha units that feature a zero emissions, all-electric powertrain. The two E-ACX electric cabover refuse trucks are going through a strict validation testing process. This process ensures Autocar built the trucks to handle the same challenges and requirements as its diesel and CNG counterparts. The E-ACX-64™ alpha units are both automated side loaders that leverage Autocar’s Power of One® integration. They feature a body integration process that provides parallel engineering with Autocar body partners Heil and New Way. The alpha1 unit features the HEIL COMMAND SST and the alpha2 unit features the NEW WAY SIDEWINDER 3.0.Autocar partnered with customers to facilitate validation tests under real work conditions. These conditions put even the best engineered trucks out of service. As a result, these real world tests and validations are key to making sure the E-ACX is ALWAYS UP®. For more, visit www.autocartruck.com.

Page 13

Page 14

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202212INDUSTRY INSIGHTAQDOUG CLARKHow Fleets Should Prepare for WinterMWS: WE’RE TALKING ABOUT WINTER EQUIPMENT AND WINTER PREPAREDNESS THIS MONTH. HOW ESSENTIAL IS IT THAT FLEETS PREPARE FOR THE COLD MONTHS AHEAD?CLARK: When it comes to winter preparedness for snow and ice control fleets, it’s important to adequately prepare. First, make sure the oil, coolant, and antifreeze in the vehicles are at the right levels. Make sure your fluids are all topped off and fresh. Make sure you have equipped your fleet with winter accessories, like safety equipment (emergency road flares), tire chains, etc. Further, it’s important to note you are adding 600 to 1,000 lbs to the front of the truck with the plow and a few tons on the rear of the truck with a fully loaded hopper. You want to ensure your suspension is tuned and your brakes can handle the added load.MWS: WHAT ARE THE NECESSARY STEPS A SNOW AND ICE CONTROL BUSINESS SHOULD TAKE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY OF THEIR FLEET BEFORE THE FIRST SNOWFALL?CLARK: Keeping your employees safe should always be a top priority. I suggest the following three important steps:1. Safety is a matter of briefing your staff and reviewing the signs of cold injuries—like trench foot and hypothermia. 2. Do a warm weather walkthrough on your properties, document where the snow will be placed, and point out any areas that need extra care. 3. Ensure that your team is outfitted with warm weather gear, gloves, and leather boots.MWS: WHAT KINDS OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU SUGGEST A FLEET OWNER INVEST IN WHEN IT COMES TO ICE AND SNOW CONTROL OF SMALL AREAS? WHAT ABOUT LARGE COMMERCIAL AREAS OR ROADS?CLARK: For small areas, make sure you have equipment for both sidewalks and driveways. You will want to make sure your trucks are maneuverable, as you will be doing a lot of maneuvering. In a large area, you will want to move as much snow as possible in a single pass. The focus here is winged plows. Our company offers the WESTERN® WIDE-OUT™ or WIDE-OUT™ XL. MWS: YOU MENTIONED THE OUT XL. WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS EQUIPMENT THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM COMPETITORS?ENSURE THE SAFETY OF YOUR WORKFORCE AND YOUR ASSETS

Page 15

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 13CLARK: The WESTERN WIDE-OUT and WIDE-OUT XL provide complete control of the wings, in and out as well as forward and back. This is the only plow in the market that allows this amount of wing control.MWS: FOR THOSE THAT AREN’T IN ICE AND SNOW REMOVAL YET TRAVEL IN SNOWY AND ICY CONDITIONS, SUCH AS SERVICE FLEETS, HOW SHOULD MANAGERS ENSURE THEIR FLEET VEHICLES ARE PREPARED?CLARK: It’s highly important to prepare any truck in your fleet that will be traveling in winter conditions. Make sure the fluids are set up for cold weather (which might mean you need to change the weight of the oil). Further, ensure all fluids are full and not contaminated with water. Additionally, tires need to be inspected for proper tread necessary to maintain traction. Chains or studs might be required in certain areas.MWS: WHAT PIECES OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU SUGGEST FLEET MANAGERS USE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THEIR SERVICE FLEET DURING SNOWY AND ICY CONDITIONS?CLARK: All of the trucks in your fleet should have an emergency kit that contains flares, blankets, camping equipment, water, and food (high density). Although rare, winter travel can be dangerous and people can get stuck for hours or days.MWS: ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS?CLARK: Even those in states with typically warm winters, you can no longer make the assumption that your fleet will be fine skipping out on winter preparedness. After all, even the southern states aren’t always free from cold weather, snow, or ice. Dallas and Atlanta over the last several years have reminded us of this.All it takes it a little bit of preparation that can make all the difference in protecting your equipment and your workforce.FOR MORE INFORMATION Doug Clark is the snow control product manager at Douglas Dynamics, where he focuses on the commercial snow removal industry. With more than 20 years of experience in product management, he has spent the last 11 years working with contractors and dealers to introduce industry-leading plow aachments for work trucks, wheel loaders, skid steers, and tractors. Prior to working in product management, Clark was an arllery ocer in the military. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachuses and an MBA from the University of Iowa. Find out more, visit www.winterequipment.com.

Page 16

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

Page 17

Page 18

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202214MEDIUM-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASEMEDIUM-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASE

Page 19

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 15BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PICKUP AND WORK TRUCKThe Chevrolet Silverado Chassis Cab

Page 20

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202216Medium-duty power comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. No matter the make or model, these work horses marry non-CDL drivers to tough jobs.Because medium-duty vehicles are often driven by non-CDL holders, it’s important that they themselves bridge the gap between passenger vehicle and work vehicle—especially with an ongoing and increasing driver shortage. With features designed with the driver in mind, the Chevrolet Silverado Chassis Cab does just that.MEDIUM-DUTY POWERThe 2022 Chevrolet Silverado Chassis Cab features a Duramax 6.6-L turbo-diesel V8 engine. This engine pumps out 350 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an Allison 6-speed transmission equipped with a double overdrive, FuelSense Performance, and Neutral-at Stop, which automatically shifts the vehicle into Neutral when service brake is pressed at a complete stop. The Chevrolet Silverado 4500 HD has a GVWR of 14,001 to 16,500 lbs. The 5500 HD has a GVWR between 17,500 and 19,500. Finally, the 6500 HD has available maximum GVWR of 23,500 lbs and a max GCWR of 37,000 lbs. All models are offered in a regular cab or crew cab and available with up to 13 auxiliary switches for all the extras required by any job. Further, owners have easy left-hand access to the Power Takeoff (PTO) to use aux power from either side of the transmission.MAKE IT EASYBut easy access doesn’t stop at the PTO. The engineers at Chevrolet designed the Chassis Cab to make maintenance easier—from wheel cut to engine cover. The wheel cut (up to 50 degrees) allows for increased maneuverability around tight jobsites. But this tight wheel cut is also a plus for maintenance access with the forward-tilting engine cover.Additionally, the battery box is also easy to reach, and an auxiliary jump-start stud is available below the driver side of the cab for even easier access. The diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) fill is also located conveniently on the right fender behind the front wheel for easy fluid refills. And go as far as the job takes you with a fuel tank capacity of up to 65 gal using a 40-gal tank and a 25-gal tank, combined.At the core of the chassis is a single-piece frame rail. Upfits and customizations are easy with a clean design on the top of the rail, eight cab-to-axle offerings, and 10 wheelbase options. And best of all, the truck comes ready for a variety of upfits such as dump truck, stake body, and utility body.DRIVER-CENTRICCommercial truck designs among almost all manufacturers are bringing passenger car comforts to work truck cabs—and the Chevrolet Silverado Chassis Cab is no exception. With steering wheel controls, power door locks and available power windows, and an available center console with mobile device storage, power cord management, cup holders, an available remote start system, and more, drivers might think they’re in their personal vehicle.This truck isn’t without technology advancements, either. The instrument cluster features an available 4.2-inch color display with driver personalization. An 8-inch color touchscreen infotainment system is available as a standard feature in some models, and it includes Bluetooth compatibility, voice controls, satellite radio, and more. Wi-Fi is also an available feature in all models, as well as Chevrolet Connected Access that enables Vehicle Diagnostics and Dealer Maintenance Notification.CONNECTED SAFETYLinking driver comfort with safety, the engineers designed the truck with a downward-sloping hood for improved visibility. Tuned shocks and cab mounts increase ride comfort. Triple-sealed doors also contribute to a quieter, comfortable drive that could also contribute to less driver fatigue. Further, the available 13 auxiliary switches are easily within the driver’s reach, decreasing fatigue and the amount of time a driver’s eyes are off the road or task at hand.The Silverado Chassis Cab is also equipped with General Motors’ OnStar Business Solutions. OnStar Business Solutions with Vehicle Insights offers insight to fleet operations and helps find ways to improve business efficiency. Fleet managers can get real-time updates on their vehicles out in the field and receive data that helps inform decision-making.BRIDGING THE GAPA driver-focused interior mated to a workhorse exterior and powertrain, such as in the Chevrolet Silverado Chassis Cab, improves drivability for even those that are new to the commercial driving segment. Its passenger car-like features give drivers a familiar experience, yet its Duramax and Allison powertrain provide the truck with auxiliary capabilities and the ability to tackle tough jobs.If drivability and driver retention is a factor in your next fleet truck purchase, give the Chevrolet Silverado Chassis Cab a look.MEDIUM-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASEFOR MORE INFORMATIONFind out more about the Chevrolet Silverado Chassis Cab, visit www.chevrolet.com.

Page 21

Page 22

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202218OPERATIONSA classic management phrase is “What gets measured gets done.” When it comes to variable costs like fuel, nothing could be more true. Without real information about how the trucks in a given fleet are consuming fuel—and why—managers are left to guess about what to do about it. Since fuel prices have reached near record highs this year, guessing is no longer an option. With high-quality field service management technology, administrators can see exactly how much fuel each truck consumes and use a variety of strategies to increase efficiency. Another huge benefit to taking that step? Fleet management tools provide a host of other cost savings to go with the reduction in fuel costs. Here’s how you can take control of your variable fleet costs with technology. REAL-TIME DIAGNOSTICSFuel is the single biggest variable cost within fleet expenditures, and it’s also one with the most room for improvement. Field service management modules connect to a vehicle’s central diagnostic computer and measure everything from fuel economy to acceleration. With real-time central data dashboards like the ones provided by GPS Trackit, managers can see how their drivers operate trucks and their location in real time.By monitoring how vehicles are operated and measuring their overall health, managers can promote behavior that increases efficiency and stay ahead of maintenance. Simply keeping tires inflated and fluids fresh can increase fuel economy by 10% fleetwide. Aggressive driving in stop-and-go traffic—hard accelerating and braking—can reduce fuel economy by up to 40%. TRAIN DRIVERSAll of the information provided by a field service management solution is a powerful motivational tool in the hands of a fleet manager. Emphasizing safety and efficiency indicators such as fuel consumption and aggressive driving gives managers the opportunity to reward top performers—and offer training for those falling short. One Dallas-area field service contractor uses GPS Trackit’s field service management solution and its driver scorecard to rank its 10 crews week to week on metrics ranging from average fuel economy to route adherence. The scoreboard aspect motivated the crews to compete with each other to score highly in the weekly competition—both to “win” and to avoid falling under increased scrutiny with poorer stats.Rewarding high-performing drivers is also a powerful culture builder and employee development tool. It makes retaining those elite drivers easier in this intensely competitive employment market and is a strong enticement when recruiting potential new hires. Talented employees want to go where How Field Service Management Software Can Slash Running CostsTAKE CONTROL OF VARIABLE FLEET COSTS WITH TECHNOLOGY By Penelope Rudy

Page 23

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 19their excellence is recognized and rewarded. Considering the average cost to onboard a new hire is more than $4,000, can you afford not to consider such a program?COMPETITIVE RATESBill Rodgers’ DC-area custodial services fleet numbers more than 150 trucks. By installing GPS-enabled monitors in each of his Service Source cabs, he gained real-time information about where every truck was and what it was doing—a critical element in reigning in insurance costs. When the pandemic caused 50 of his trucks to temporarily sit idle, he was able to prove with GPS data that those trucks weren’t moving—and secure thousands of dollars in monthly insurance savings from his carrier. Most carriers also offer a monthly discount for fleets with GPS tracking and two-way video monitoring, since those features can help law enforcement track down a stolen vehicle quickly and see documented evidence of what happened during an incident. REDUCE INCIDENTSWhy do insurance companies—and field service operators—swear by GPS-enabled two-way monitoring? Organizations with those features in place see an almost 30% reduction in incidents like speeding tickets, collisions, and theft losses. And when incidents do happen, they cost nearly 50% less. The most technologically advanced in-cabin monitors use a driver-facing camera and artificial intelligence to identify potentially distracted behavior and warn drivers as it happens. The outward-facing wide-angle cameras capture the entire context of an incident, which often exonerates the driver and saves fleets from false claims. All of those factors combine to not only reduce accidents because of safer and more conscientious driving, but also reduce insurance costs because of those better metrics and less exposure to false claims.One company, RG Tree, handles complicated tree removal around power lines, which requires special insurance, auditing, and compliance measures. With GPS Trackit’s fleet management platform, Danny Segura of RG Tree has that information at his fingertips in real time. “We can tell where every truck is and make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to,” he says. “It mitigates risk and helps me make sure I give the right roles to the right people.”Increasing efficiency has benefits beyond cost reduction, too. By reducing the amount of wasted fuel from idling and aggressive driving and extending the effective service life of vehicles with conservative driving and meticulous preventive maintenance, fleets leave less of an environmental footprint. That’s an increasingly important differentiator many customers are now considering when they make a purchasing decision.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Penelope Rudy has nearly two decades of proven success helping elite brands create, manage, and license digital content while helping grow new lines of business. Penelope is an expert in internaonal business development, brand extension, licensing, and content management. She’s a former senior manager for business development at Condé Nast and runs a content development company based in Easton, Conneccut. Find out more, visit www.gpstrackit.com.

Page 24

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202220OPERATIONSThere are several considerations contractors have to think through when choosing a spreader or sprayer. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, meaning there’s no “right” answer for what spreader or sprayer to choose. The snow and ice management experts at Monroe Truck Equipment put together this guide on three common snow and ice management systems: V-Box, tailgate, and liquid spreader systems. Below, we’ve outlined questions to ask about your business and environment when investing in a new spreader or sprayer option and have outlined the advantages of each system.WHAT TO CONSIDERThe first and most important step to take when deciding what spreader or sprayer option to invest in is to consider the goals and limitations of your business and your region. These questions will help you narrow down which investment makes the most sense for the work you do, the size of your team, and how you want to grow your business in the future.QUESTIONS TO ASK:1. What kind of properties do you service? Are you a large contractor responsible for roadways, large parking lots, or other expansive properties? Or perhaps your team specializes in residential walkways, small paved areas, and smaller properties. The scale of properties you are responsible for will inform your choice.2. What capacities does your truck have? Understanding your truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) will help you decide which spreader or sprayer option to choose and will likely make an impact on what kind of services you can offer. A lower GVWR pairs well with workers who are responsible for several smaller properties, but a higher GVWR is more aligned with companies responsible for larger areas, as they will not have to refill material as often. 3. How many team members do you have? If you have a team of more than 5 to 8 people, there is more flexibility in what kind of system you invest in. You may want to diversify your fleet by investing in a new system and expanding into new types of work. 4. What’s your material budget? If material budget is a priority, distribution accuracy will be important. Ground speed controls will help you manage the overall value of your program by monitoring pounds per 1,000 sq ft of granular material. 5. Does your community have preferences for material usage? If How to Choose the Right Spreader or SprayerMAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR SNOW AND ICE BUSINESS By Jim Smith

Page 25

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 21you work in residential properties or even commercial properties that also have large landscaped areas, the surrounding community may have preferences about the materials used to deice their property. Certain deicers are more harmful to grass, plants, and animals than others. If there are different material preferences for different locations you are responsible for clearing, time required for material change out is something to consider when investing in a deicing system. SYSTEM CHOICEV-box versus tailgate versus liquid system? There’s no right or wrong answer. After going through the questions above, compare your answers with the advantages and disadvantages of each system below:A V-Box System is often the choice for contractors responsible for large expanses of property and have trucks with a higher GVWR. This is because they hold far more deicing material and can protect large expanses of property without needing refilling.Pros:• Material costs are often less because you can buy in bulk

Page 26

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202222OPERATIONS• Does not require the dump body to be raised • Load your hopper less often because it can store more material• Tackle more work in one sweep, potentially handling more accounts in a day• Easy to maneuver and refill • Can be mounted directly onto a chassis or slid into a dump bodyCons:• More moving parts means more maintenance and possible downtime• More difficult to convert from season to season • Greater initial investmentTAILGATE SYSTEMSTailgate systems are often the choice for contractors who are responsible for smaller residential properties or are doing snow and ice removal on the side of other work.Pros:• Less expensive and straightforward repairs• Easy installation and removal• Easy and inexpensive entry into the industry Cons:• Requires dump body to be raised, which can cause additional safety hazardsLIQUID SYSTEMSAs companies focus more on sustainability, you may encounter clients searching for more sustainable solutions for winter maintenance. An option to consider would be equipping your fleet with a direct liquid application, alternatively referred to as anti-icers or deicers. Material applied before a storm event is considered anti-icing, if the direct liquid is used during a storm event it is considered deicing. Using direct liquid can often reduce the amount of granular material used during a storm event if required, resulting in cost savings, and offering a more sustainable option.Pros:• Reduces the impact on the environment and groundwater tables• Requires less material to be effective—can penetrate paved surfaces• Can greatly save plowing and labor time as it reduces the amount of snow and ice that can collect and bond on the road surface • Can be precisely calibrated to minimize the risk of over or under applicationCons:• Requires more experience and understanding of the system for effective applications and product management• Needs to be used in conjunction with other snow and ice management systems CONSULT EXPERTSArmed with more information about your choice ahead, now is the time to sit down with your trusted dealer and talk through the specific options that will help you meet your business goals and result in long-term ROI.ABOUT THE AUTHORJim Smith is the director of sales in the commercial division of Monroe Truck Equipment. Find out more about road clearing equipment and get advice from the experts, visit www.commercial.monroetruck.com.

Page 27

Page 28

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202224OPERATIONSRecent Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases continue making front-page headlines across the country, with impacts seen and felt in every industry, including transportation. Sure, rising CPI directly correlates to the cost of financing equipment, but it can also have a significant ripple effect on other cost centers, such as maintenance and repair (M&R). Knowing how to navigate this, as well as understanding your options, can potentially save millions toward your organization’s bottom line. The CPI measures the price of many goods and services, including groceries, clothes, restaurant meals, recreation, and vehicles—light vehicles as well as commercial. According to a recent CPI report, price pressures remained elevated year-over-year. The CPI accelerated 8.3% in April, more than the 8.1% estimate and near the highest level in more than 40 years, according to CNBC.DEALING WITH INFLATIONOne of the challenges fleets face today is that there has been little or no inflation for many years. There's a whole generation of fleet professionals who have never had to deal with the CPI increase. They negotiated with their vendors for a long time, and prices mostly remained stagnant. Now suddenly, they're seeing 2, 3, and 4% increases and must evaluate their How the Rising CPI Impacts Fleet Operating and M&R CostsA FLEET’S LEASE STRUCTURE COULD AGGRAVATE OR ALLEVIATE IMPACTS By Brian Antonellis

Page 29

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 25options to keep costs under control as much as possible. Moreover, they need to answer the C-suite and provide alternate options and recommendations.M&R & LEASINGM&R is a significant area where cost control options exist. First and foremost, depending on your lease structure—full-service or unbundled—fleets may have an important choice when understanding what is included in their M&R costs. There are variable inputs that make up these costs, and it’s not as simple as just looking at M&R as a single bucket, per se. Fleets must be able to dissect all critical M&R parts and components, such as tires, brakes, service and repair, etc. Because of this, more fleet personnel are taking a closer look at unbundling their lease structure so they and their asset management partners can work with vendors and parts suppliers on the most cost-competitive components. However, in a full-service lease structure (FSL), fleets are confined to a single, bottom-line figure with little power in negotiating. One of the most significant differences between an unbundled and full-service lease is how M&R costs are calculated. M&R is “Front Loaded” in an FSL. Companies can pay a minimum of .07 per mile in year one versus .02 per mile when unbundling. All trucks have a two-year bumper-to-bumper warranty that can be extended to four years. Expenses for year one include wearable items (tires, brakes) and preventive maintenance. A shorter truck life cycle produces long-term savings beyond the first year. In a UBL, the CPM average equals 5.675 cents over five years. However, in an FSL, fleets pay up to 9 cents per mile. Rising CPI exacerbates this further since those rates are not flat. If the CPI increases, as it has recently, you will undoubtedly see an increase in your monthly payment.ITEMIZE M&R COSTSBut the pressures listed above aren’t the only pressures fleet managers have to deal with. They also have the internal pressures of explaining to their leadership. The fleet professional speaks for each individual cost center buckets—truck procurement, fuel, financing costs, M&R, etc. It becomes very difficult to pinpoint precisely where rising CPI is having the most significant impact on the bottom line. However, when fleet personnel have each cost center unbundled and broken out individually, they can go line item by line item and review efficiencies in each bucket: How do rising costs affect scheduled maintenance, preventive maintenance, tire and brakes replacement, etc.? In many of these lease agreements, fleets have the maintenance included and additional time and materials on top. Therefore, they’re seeing the CPI increase in general and in parts that can be anywhere from 15% to 30% on the individual items. Parts availability and supply chain shortages further complicate this.So, if a fleet typically runs 500 tractors and there was an expected downtime of 8% to 10%, they've seen their parts costs increase and their labor increase when they're tied to a full-service agreement and the CPI increase. With an unbundled agreement, these fleets aren’t tied to any one parts supplier in particular, freeing up the fleet organization to shop around for the best price and availability.FIND WHAT WORKSA plan and additional line-item visibility can make all the difference in the world in front of the leadership team. Fleet personnel should be able to address leadership and say: “Here's what we foresee happening; this is why maintenance is rising in relation to the rising CPI; this is why our tire cost is rising; this is why our fuel cost is rising; and here's what we plan to do about it. We're going to unbundle our leases and separate these payments to try to drive some efficiency and fuel/M&R sections. We're going to go back and look at our programs tied to CPI and see if we should renegotiate, and we'll look at different approaches to maintenance.”With this visibility, fleets can instill much-needed confidence in the leadership team despite the rising CPI rates and equipment supply challenges. What’s more pressing for fleets locked in a Full-Service Lease is the notion that few economists see the CPI rate declining significantly in the near future. Continued supply chain issues in the foreseeable future are expected to keep pressure on the cost of goods—heavy-duty trucks included. This means these fleets won’t see any relief to their profits anytime soon, a business strategy that won’t please investors and other financial stakeholders. While they are locked in their current lease agreements, they would be wise to re-evaluate their longer-term truck acquisition strategies and begin planning for the right time to convert to a more flexible, bottom line-friendly unbundled lease structure.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brian Antonellis, CTP, is senior vice president of eet operaons at Fleet Advantage, a leading innovator in truck eet business analycs, equipment nancing, and life cycle cost management. Find out more, visit www.eetadvantage.com.

Page 30

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202226OPERATIONSHow to Be the Most Effective when SaltingANTI-ICING AND DEICING 101

Page 31

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 27There are three fundamental snow and ice control strategies in winter maintenance: anti-icing, deicing, and snow removal. Each method seeks to address the safety issues that result from the buildup of snow and ice on pavement.Anti-icing and deicing use many of the same types of equipment and materials, but where they differ is when and how they are used. Anti-icing is a preventive measure that inhibits snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, whereas deicing is a reactive measure to break an established ice-to-pavement bond.Snowfighters armed with the appropriate tools to execute each of these strategies are optimally prepared to expedite service objectives and gain a competitive edge when a storm hits.PREVENTIVE STEPSTo achieve optimum outcomes, anti-icing requires judgment in assessing a variety of real-time conditions to determine the preferred approach. Factors impacting such decisions include pavement surface temperature, the amount of moisture (both present and anticipated), the type of deicing material used, cycle times, and the anticipated amount of sunlight and traffic during the event.ANTI-ICING 101Although anti-icing can be performed using various materials and equipment, there are a few best practices to follow to ensure a more effective snow removal no matter the equipment used.• Employ a proactive strategy: typically executed up to 48 hours in advance or at the onset of a storm, as long as rain is not in the forecast.• Employ a bottom-up strategy: to inhibit compacted snow and ice from forming a strong bond with the pavement.• A “best practice” is to use a light application of a liquid deicer (an estimated 18 to 35 gal per acre, but should be adjusted based on conditions) applied directly to the bare pavement surface; however, pre-wet solids can also be used when necessary.• New studies demonstrate that under certain conditions during a storm, Direct Liquid Application (DLA) of a deicer can be both an effective and efficient strategy as long as a strong bond has not formed.

Page 32

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202228OPERATIONS• Do not apply on top of compacted snow or ice or ahead of rain, sleet, or high winds.BENEFITS OF ANTI-ICINGActing as a preventive solution, anti-icing has its benefits, such as: • Expands operational timeframe to achieve service goals.• As a preventive strategy provides expedited safety objectives at a lower cost.• Reduces salt damage to property and landscaping when applied correctly.• Reduces time and labor required to achieve performance goals.• “Anti-icing requires about 1/4 the material and 1/10 the overall cost of deicing. It is the most cost effective and environmentally safe practice in winter maintenance,” according to the “Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance Manual,” 2010 Minnesota PCA, MLTAP and Fortin Consulting.PRE-WET SALT DEICINGThe more common (reactive) approach to snow and ice control is to wait until an inch or more of snow accumulates on the pavement before starting to plow and treat the surface with deicers or abrasives. This approach often results in compacted snow bonding to the pavement surface. When this occurs, deicing measures are called for, requiring substantially more material to undercut the ice pack and weaken the bond to allow for removal.“Because deicing is reactionary … as a result of its inherent delay, it often provides less safety, at higher cost, than anti-icing. Nonetheless, the reactive technique of deicing will remain important for snow and ice control, as there will always be lower priority service levels that preclude preventive operations,” according to the “Manual of Practice for an Effective Anti-Icing Program, A Guide for Highway Winter Maintenance Personnel,” FHA 1996.DEICING 101Before beginning deicing operations, keep the following steps and techniques in mind:• Employ a reactive strategy: Begin during or after a storm.• Employ a top-down application to penetrate and break a compacted snow or ice-to-pavement bond to facilitate plowing.• A “best practice” is to use a liquid deicer to pre-wet rock salt in the auger or chute just prior to spreading.BENEFITS OF PRE-WETUsing pre-wet salt to break up snow and ice comes with its benefits, such as:• Less salt bounces off surface, conserving material and reducing environmental impacts.• “Pre-wetting salt with brine or other liquid chemicals has proven to reduce application rates by 20-30%,” according to the “Innovative Environmental Management of Winter Salt Runoff Problems at INDOT Yards,” 2004 Joint Transportation Research Program Study Purdue University, INDOT, FHA• Pre-wetting with salt brine jumpstarts the brining process and accelerates performance, while solid deicers must first form a liquid to work.• Pre-wetting with one of the exothermic chlorides (calcium chloride or magnesium chloride) will also enable the salt to work effectively at a lower temperature.• Reduces time and labor required to achieve the desired performance goals.KEYS TO SUCCESSBefore embarking on a snow removal business endeavor—and even for those who are already in the business—consider the tips below to ensure a successful snow removal.• Obtain the right equipment and materials to execute each of these operations and monitor/control application rates.• Provide your crew with comprehensive training on best management practices for these strategies.• Obtain accurate, advance, and real-time information relative to the conditions of a given storm.• Synchronize the use of these tools, resources, and information to determine the best strategies and timing of operations to achieve optimum performance outcomes.The snowfighter who masters these elements can save thousands of dollars during the course of a season and achieve the competitive edge needed to grow their business.FOR MORE INFORMATIONThe informaon from this arcle was provided by SnowEx. Find more ps for snow removal, visit www.snowexproducts.com. Anti-icing is a preventive measure ... whereas deicing is a reactive measure.”“

Page 33

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 29JANUARY 2021WWW.MWSMAG.COMLIGHT-DUTY SHOWCASE: FORD F-250 TREMOR REVIEW FOR WORK AND PLAYCONCRETE INDUSTRY TELEMATICSINVEST IN KNOWLEDGE THE TELEMATICS AND FLEET MANAGEMENT ISSUETHESEAMLESS TELEMATICS SYSTEMSSMART SOLUTIONS FOR FLEETS COVERING ALL THINGS WORK TRUCK - FOR ALL TRUCK CLASSESWWW.MWSMAG.COMWWW.MWSMAG.COMTHAT’S 60+ ISSUES OF MONTHLY MUSCLE You’re welcome!CELEBRATING A MILESTONECELEBRATING A MILESTONE

Page 34

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202230MAINTENANCEHow to Prevent Corrosion on TrucksEMPLOY FENDERS AND FLOOR MATS TO PROTECT YOUR FLEETlight-duty feature

Page 35

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 31

Page 36

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202232MAINTENANCEThe time for salting and plowing roads is just around the corner. Unfortunately there is no way to avoid the damaging chemicals used to clear roads during the winter, and these compounds wreak havoc in more ways than one.The spray that comes off the road impacts the exterior of the truck and its equipment, while driver footwear constantly brings corrosive chemicals into the cab.Most highway departments have switched to chloride deicers, such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, to keep roads passable during winter. Both chemicals are more effective than sodium chloride because they provide lower freeze points, cost less, and are less harmful to the environment. Many DOTs also mix in liquids such as sugar beet juice or vegetable oil to improve adhesion to road surfaces, and they often spray road surfaces before storms hit to get ahead of the snow and ice.In his blog, Dave Budd, vice president of product development and marketing at Great Lake Chloride, says, “Ice melter speed of action is determined by how easily it dissolves when exposed to snow or ice to form a brine solution. This brine lowers the freezing point of water to melt additional snow and ice on contact.”It’s easy to see why highway departments prefer calcium chloride or magnesium chloride because of their natural advantages, but these compounds still create massive corrosion issues.INEVITABLE CORROSIONDuring a 2016 TMC task force meeting on cab and controls corrosion, chairman Tim Brune said, “We are seeing a lot of corrosion happening in cabs.”Drivers constantly get in and out of their trucks and track whatever is on the ground into the cab. It’s bad enough having snow and ice combined with the deicing chemicals, but the problem is made worse because of the chemicals’ hygroscopic nature. According to the Identification and Laboratory Assessment of Best Practices to Protect DOT Equipment from the Corrosive Effect of Chemical Deicers, hygroscopic material continues to draw moisture from the air even in seemingly dry environments. As the driver’s shoes dry out, the remnants of the deicing chemicals get sucked into the truck’s HVAC system and recirculated throughout the cab, where they continue to attract moisture because of their hygroscopic nature.Several task force attendees said that when they rolled up cab rugs on two to three-year-old trucks, the floor had almost been eaten away by corrosion. However, the floor isn’t the only thing impacted by deicing substances. Seat belt mounts and retractors can also be damaged, and the cost to replace electrical wiring and connectors can be thousands of dollars. During the task force meeting, one attendee said that corrosion had destroyed a $4,000 sensor within six months. The task force’s advice was to inspect all sealed connectors in the cab because once moisture gets in the cab, it gets in the wires.

Page 37

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 33EMPLOY FENDERSJust as damaging is the spray off the tires, which impacts the truck’s exterior and any equipment it’s hauling. Protective fenders covering individual or tandem tires minimize the spray, meaning those winter chemicals used on roadways don’t find their way onto the back of the cab or the equipment.But what about the fenders? Won’t they corrode?It depends on the material. Poly fenders work best in harsh winter conditions because they don’t rust or corrode and are lighter than metal.TRY FLOOR MATSWhat about the cab’s interior? Is there any way to prevent significant interior corrosion?K&B Transportation uses tray-style floor mats, and its president, Brock Ackerman, says the mats are an investment, not an expense.A K&B truck typically lasts about 48 to 60 months, and Ackerman says there will be eight to 10 drivers during that time, meaning his fleet cleans the cab’s interior eight to 10 times. This would typically be a time-consuming process, thanks largely to winter chemicals, but Ackerman says the tray-style floor mats save his fleet time and money.“We can remove the mats and take a pressure washer to them. It takes about 30 seconds,” Ackerman says.The mat’s raised edge will contain any spills or messes—including deicing chemicals—and keep them off the floor. Rather than spend a day in the shop scrubbing and detailing the cab, the cleaning process takes seconds.Ackerman insists K&B Transportation has saved a lot of money since installing tray-style floor mats. “Probably saved me about a thousand dollars a truck over the life of the truck,” Ackerman says.Many fleets invest in rubber mats. Unfortunately, these mats may not do a quality job of keeping the floor clean and free of corrosive deicing chemicals. Unlike most tray-style floor mats, they are not laser fitted for a specific cab.PROTECT YOUR FLEETCorrosion is a formidable opponent. Old Man Winter isn’t going away, so fleets must find solutions to keep deicing chemicals from impacting their trucks’ interior and exterior.FOR MORE INFORMATIONFind out more ways to protect eet trucks from corrosion caused by deicing chemicals, visit www.minimizer.com.

Page 38

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202234MAINTENANCEWHAT CAUSES CORROSION, AND WHAT IMPACT DOES WINTER WEATHER HAVE ON ITS DEVELOPMENT? REDD: Corrosion is a chemical process through which metallic objects degrade and dissolve to create rust. When trucks and equipment are exposed to excess moisture resulting from rain, snow, ice, and sleet, they’re at an increased risk for sustaining corrosion damage, which can ultimately lead to vehicle and/or equipment failure. Making matters worse is road salt. While it serves an important role in making roads safer for winter travel, road salt creates chemical reactions that speed up the corrosion process. Once the rust starts, it moves very fast.SNOW REMOVAL TRUCKS AND EQUIPMENT ARE EXPOSED TO ROAD Harsh Winter Weather Conditions are No Match for Paint Systems with Zinc-rich PrimerTAKING CORROSION PROTECTION TO ANOTHER LEVEL By John McQuillanThe winter months can be pretty tough on commercial vehicles, but especially brutal when the job involves snow removal. Because trucks and equipment are primarily comprised of metallic components, they’re extremely vulnerable to corrosion damage associated with winter weather. To provide insight on the challenge of winter conditions from a corrosion protection perspective—and to outline a very resilient solution—Jamie Redd, PPG technical sales instruction supervisor, answers a number of important questions in anticipation of the next season of snow.

Page 39

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 35SALT OR OTHER HARMFUL DEICING CHEMICALS WHENEVER THEY ARE IN OPERATION. IS IT SAFE TO ASSUME THEIR METALLIC SURFACES ARE PRETREATED WITH AN ADEQUATE CORROSION RESISTANCE COATING AT THE OEM LEVEL?REDD: In most cases, the trucks themselves get the same protective coating that standard commercial vehicles receive. However, it is my opinion that trucks exposed to harsh winter road conditions—whether involved in snow removal—would benefit from a coating that contains a greater level of corrosion protection. Now, if we talk about snow removal equipment specifically, it’s a different story. Snowplows and salt spreaders are often coated with less costly, lower-grade paint applied to metal with little or no undercoating. This amazes me because these components are easily scratched and chipped during use, exposing the substrate and creating the potential for corrosion.RESISTANT COATING WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT EXPOSED TO HARSH WINTER CONDITIONS, OR ANY ENVIRONMENT WHERE CORROSION DAMAGE COULD OCCUR?REDD: For a maximum level of protection, I suggest a corrosion-resistant system that includes a zinc-rich primer. Zinc is a crucial ingredient because it acts as a sacrificial coating that prevents oxygen and water from reaching the steel substrate. Even if the zinc coating is scratched off, it will continue to help protect adjacent areas of the underlying steel by forming a protective coating of zinc oxide.YOU MENTIONED ZINC AS PART OF A SYSTEM. WHAT OTHER COMPONENTS WOULD THIS INCLUDE?REDD: Zinc would be your first layer of coating on a bare metal substrate. When using zinc in this application, it’s very common to introduce what is called an intermediate or “middle” epoxy primer. This will add extra protective qualities because it will help keep moisture from reacting to the zinc. You’ll also want to use a high build urethane topcoat and a durable clearcoat. While using a clearcoat is optional, it will enhance the longevity of the substrate and help increase the longevity of the color from an aesthetics perspective.SYSTEM IS A GAME CHANGER. BUT CAN IT BE DIFFICULT TO BRING ZINC INTO THE EQUATION?REDD: There are a lot of zincs in the marketplace that can be complicated to work with. For example, a common option is a three-component zinc powder, which includes a curing agent and requires a lot of mixing and intensive agitation during application. I can’t speak for all brands, but there are less complicated options, such as a system that features PPG ZNP-300 zinc rich primer. This two-component liquid primer is significantly easier to work with compared to a powder-based zinc product. An alternate option is PPG ZNP-101 1K organic zinc rich primer, which is a one-component, ready-for-use product. A rule of thumb in this arena is that fewer components equate to greater simplicity. ALONE PRIMERS?REDD: Absolutely. When applied to an abraded or sandblasted substrate, both will provide excellent adhesion and outstanding corrosion resistance. But if you’re looking for a highly protective coating package to help maximize the longevity of vehicles and/or equipment exposed to harsh winter weather, consider using one of these two primers as your starting point.For a middle coat of epoxy primer, I suggest the strong corrosion and chemical resistance of PPG CRE-X21 series primers. Follow this with PPG AUE-370 polyurethane topcoat, or equivalent, and round out your corrosion resistant package with PPG AUE-20 clearcoat, a relatively new, high-gloss urethane clear that provides exceptional durability. TO PROVIDE A HIGH LEVEL OF CORROSION PROTECTION COME AT THE EXPENSE OF APPEARANCE?REDD: Again, I can’t speak to all the brands. However, I do know that with this PPG offering, you can get the benefit of extreme corrosion protection plus really good color capability and appearance. The key to this is the middle coat of epoxy primer along with the high-gloss clearcoat.But I think the single greatest benefit of a complete system like the one I’ve described is the peace of mind knowing that you pretty much have to intentionally blast off the coating to get to the substrate. You’ll be hard pressed to match that level of protection with anything else out there.ABOUT THE AUTHORSJohn McQuillan is a senior writer for the Group-eX agency and has been covering the automove industry for more than 20 years.Jamie Redd is the PPG technical sales instrucon supervisor. In this role, he oversees day-to-day operaons and leads PPG eet and commercial coangs training classes at the PPG business development center in Columbus, Ohio. Jamie is also one of PPG’s lead commercial coangs instructors specializing in heavy-duty truck collision repair. Find out more, visit www.ppgpaints.com.

Page 40

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202236SAFETY

Page 41

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 37According to the federal government, snow and ice are causal factors for over 500,000 motor vehicle crashes each year. This adds up to millions of dollars in property damage, vehicle downtime, personnel downtime, and worst of all, human injury or death. Additional reports also reveal increases in distracted driving (primarily due to mobile device use by drivers during vehicle operation) and increases in the average speed of vehicles year over year. Taken together, the statistics do not indicate a trend toward safer roadways—especially in winter climates. On the contrary, when you pack an increasingly hurried and distracted population of motorists together onto roadways with diminished visibility and reduced traction, the result is a less safe operational environment for snowplow operators.CAUSE FOR CONCERNA now-famous example of this unsafe environment occurred in January 2017. A plow driver named Terry Jacobson was run off the road by a semitruck while plowing US Route 6 in Spanish Fork Canyon, Utah. Jacobson, who had 23 years of plow truck experience, lost control when a semitruck driver tried to pass him and clipped him from behind, forcing him off the road. Another driver caught the incident with a dashboard camera. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) subsequently used that footage to help create an awareness video to tell the story and ask motorists for increased attentiveness and caution around snowplows. The video shows Jacobson cross oncoming traffic lanes on a curve after the semi makes contact. The snowplow then slices through a guardrail and disappears down a steep ridge. Footage and photos reveal the aftermath of the wrecked plow at the base of a 300-ft ravine. It was a harrowing nightmare, Plow Lighting ABCsCOMMAND RESPECT WITH BRIGHT SNOWPLOW LIGHTS—FOR SAFETY’S SAKE

Page 42

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202238SAFETYwhich Jacobson survived, albeit with significant injuries.At around the 01:35 mark of the video, there is footage following behind another snowplow clearing a similar highway in hazardous winter conditions. Upon closer inspection of that sequence, it’s notable that there are only two relatively small, slow-flashing white signal lights visible at the back of the plow. While the truck in this setting is visible to the attentive observer, there is not an attention-grabbing presentation of warning lighting that demands visual attention and respect from careless or distracted motorists.VISIBLE & RESPECTEDSo the question for fleet managers is, “How do I keep my teams and equipment safe within the increasingly hostile surroundings of slippery roads, speeding cars, and unpredictable driving habits?” The answer to that question involves a variety of safety initiatives, including personnel training, equipment improvement, and advocating for the creation and enforcement of highway safety laws regarding snowplows.However complex the issue of fleet safety can be during the winter months, one of the most crucial and economical first-step ways to improve safety is through better LED vehicle lighting installations.Snowplow drivers need a “bright wall of warning lighting” that demands attention and respect from drivers. Lighting that’s merely visible isn’t enough. It’s likely the semitruck driver was able to see Jacobson’s snowplow in the center lane he was clearing. He just didn’t respect it. He felt he had the right to crowd the margin of safety while passing on a slippery curve. Would more respect-demanding lights installed on the plow have caused the semi driver to think twice and slow down? Maybe. Maybe not. It’s true that, as any snowplow driver knows, some motorists seem hopelessly oblivious around work trucks. Yet, research has shown that driver complacency is in fact affected by different types of safety lighting. Studies continue in the field of vehicle lighting performance and effect, but key takeaways from research combined with new LED technologies have opened new roads into staying not only visible, but respected, while working—and there are strategies to employ to achieve this respect.EASY AS ABCThe goal of warning lights on a snowplow should be to send a clear message: This plow is on the job, and must be respected. Hashtag campaigns like #DontCrowdThePlow are great, but what would be the on-plow visual version of this social command? The answer is effective lighting. And like anything else involving safety technology, achieving the most effective snowplow lighting needs to begin with a strategy.The lighting strategy for accomplishing visual respect isn’t overly complicated. It simply dictates that fleets must install numerous LED

Page 43

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 39lights in multiple vehicle locations (in accordance with specific state light color laws), ensure optimum brightness, and provide flash pattern variability. This strategy can be remembered as “The ABCs of Warning Lighting”: All-over, Bright, and Changing.APosition lights in many vehicle positions for complete sightline coverage.BBRIGHT. Make sure your lumens cut through bad weather and visibility at any time of day.CCHANGING. Have dynamic and/or variable flash patterns because change commands attention.NOW’S THE TIMEIt can feel like a daunting task to plan snowplow safety lighting to achieve the goal of high visibility and respect. Like the ABCs listed above, a few additional purchasing guidelines for what makes the brightest and best lights can help. First and foremost, it’s essential to choose the best lighting supplier to make sure your fleet is not only commanding respect today, but is also ready to adapt and change in response to increased driver distraction and new levels of visual clutter on the roadways (bright lights are everywhere these days).The LED vehicle lighting experts at Opti-Luxx have some thoughts on moving the ball forward on snowplow lighting safety with this simple set of principles to remember when making warning lighting decisions:1Better warning lighting means rugged and reliable lighting because a failed warning light doesn’t warn anyone of anything.2Better lighting means flash pattern options, giving drivers the ability to make scenario-based determinations to provide the safest and most effective lighting.3Better lighting means simplicity of installation and always supported by a strong customer service team.Turning to a supplier who has led the way in LED school bus lighting for nearly 20 years makes perfect sense when looking to make fleets more visible and therefore more respected and safe. Opti-Luxx General Manager Frank Li adds, “When school districts choose a lighting supplier like Opti-Luxx to make their bus fleets command attention and keep kids safe, snowplow fleet managers can be confident they’re giving their drivers the best LED lights available to stay visible, respected, and safe. We take that same bussing industry core belief that ‘Seeing is Safety’ and carry it forward to improve safety through the brightest and best lighting for snowplows, utility vehicles, delivery fleets, agricultural equipment, and all work truck applications.” Harnessing the safety, performance, and reliability of its school bus LED products, Opti-Luxx has a full line of warning lights ready to help your fleet command attention and respect.FOR MORE INFORMATION Op-Luxx is a full-service supplier of LED commercial vehicle lighng and oers customers product development, applicaon engineering, program management, launch support for new and exisng products, and service aer the sale. Find out more, visit www.op-luxx.com.866.251.1777 • 205.824.9796 randym@mwsmag.comREACH KEY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS get your media planner mwSmAg.COmLOAD ING AN D UNLO ADINGRAMPS PROVIDE A SECU RE PATHOBTAI NING EQUI LIBRIU MQUICK ROUTE TO BR INGING WHEELS IN BALAN CEOCTOBER 2017LIGHT-DUTY2018 TOYOTA TUN DRAMEDIUM-DUTYFORD CUTAWAY E-450 DRWHEAVY-DUTY HINO 338THE MORE THIN GS CHA NGESOMETI MES STIC KING WITH WHAT WORK S IS KEYICUEE Booth #L127 FEEL ING WARM INSID ECHOOSI NG THE BES T AUXILIA RY HEATERTHE MORE THIN GS CHA NGEADVERTISING OPSREACH KEY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

Page 44

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202240TECHNOLOGYAQWHAT EXACTLY IS FUELSENSE 2.0? HARBIN: FuelSense® 2.0 uses a set of algorithms within Allison electronic controls to deliver quantifiable fuel savings of up to 6% without sacrificing performance. A key feature of FuelSense 2.0 is DynActive® Shifting, an innovative shift scheduling technology that uses an algorithm to choose the most efficient shift points based on the customer’s specifications, vehicle, and environmental parameters. Compared to older shifting technologies, which used shift schedules with fixed shift points, transmissions equipped with DynActive Shifting can continuously deliver the ideal balance of fuel economy and performance based on dynamic and real-time inputs.FuelSense 2.0 also enables vehicles to operate in Neutral at Stop, when in traffic or at a traffic light, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions by decreasing or eliminating the load on the engine when the vehicle is stopped. In addition, the Acceleration Rate Management feature mitigates aggressive driving by automatically controlling engine torque to one of five available levels of engagement, precisely managing vehicle acceleration to a calibrated rate.Lastly, Dynamic Shift Sensing allows a vehicle to toggle between performance and fuel-economy-biased shift schedules, providing further flexibility in vehicle configuration based on current vehicle load combined with the capabilities provided by the rest of the FuelSense features.Allison Transmission’s FuelSense 2.0 Saves Money and Improves PerformanceRELIEF ON THE WALLET WITHOUT SACRIFICING PERFORMANCEAlthough gas prices aren’t rising at the rate they were even a few weeks ago, fleets are still affected by the costs of fueling their vehicles. As gas prices continue to remain high, is there anything fleet owners can do to find relief? Branden Harbin, the executive director of global marketing at Allison Transmission, says the company has a solution: its FuelSense 2.0.heavy-duty feature

Page 45

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 41FuelSense 2.0 provides impressive fuel savings, all while maintaining the traditional advantages of a fully automatic transmission including optimized drivability, maneuverability, reliability, durability, and productivity.CAN ALL ALLISON TRANSMISSIONS BE EQUIPPED WITH DYNACTIVE SHIFTING AND FUELSENSE 2.0?HARBIN: The FuelSense 2.0 calibration can be integrated into Allison Transmission’s 1000 Series™ and 2000 Series™ transmissions, which are designed for light commercial vehicles, Allison 3000 Series™ transmissions developed for medium-duty commercial vehicles, and Allison 4000 Series™ transmissions, which are purpose-built for heavy-duty vehicles. IS THIS SHIFTING TECHNOLOGY SUITED TO ALL VEHICLE HARBIN: As noted above, FuelSense 2.0® can be specified for Allison transmissions that support both medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The technology is ideal for on highway applications, including vocational trucks. FuelSense has demonstrated the highest potential fuel savings in the demanding duty-cycles of distribution, city transit, refuse, and construction applications because of their frequent stop-start needs.HOW DOES THIS TECHNOLOGY HELP SAVE MONEY AT THE PUMP?HARBIN: Through its proprietary algorithms within the electronic controls, FuelSense 2.0 provides impressive fuel savings for the demanding duty-cycles of commercial fleets. As outlined above, this innovative solution chooses the optimal shift point for vehicles in order to reduce fuel consumption combined with the flexibility to customize based on specific vehicle characteristics. It also enables vehicles to operate in neutral when stopped, which further trims fuel consumption and emissions by reducing or eliminating the load on the engine. On average, Allison FuelSense 2.0 can save medium-duty fleets $2,000 per truck per year by spec’ing a FuelSense calibration when the truck is ordered. Assuming that the truck is maintained for eight years in the fleet, that’s $16,000 in savings, simply through a software calibration. By comparison, FuelSense typically costs $500 or less when ordered with a new truck, or when an existing truck is reprogrammed to include a FuelSense calibration. That recalibration process can often be completed in under 20 minutes.OEMs are beginning to evaluate electric vehicle capabilities driven by advancements in EV technology and upcoming changes to regulatory requirements, but there is much that can be done now to make the current generation of conventional vehicles cleaner and more fuel efficient. FuelSense 2.0 is an example of technology that can be integrated into transmissions now to help fleets reduce fuel consumption and emissions.ASIDE FROM FUEL SAVINGS, ARE THERE PERFORMANCE BENEFITS TO FUELSENSE 2.0 TECHNOLOGY?HARBIN: Yes, FuelSense 2.0 allows fleets to optimize both fuel economy and performance to meet their specific needs. In particular, DynActive Shifting enables vehicles to operate at peak efficiency, no matter the driving conditions. Through this algorithm in the calibration, fleets will save on fuel while maintaining the industry-leading performance they’ve come to expect from Allison propulsion solutions.HOW CAN FLEET OWNERS GET THIS TECHNOLOGY INTO THEIR TRUCKS?HARBIN: Fleet owners are encouraged to contact their Allison representative to discuss specifying FuelSense 2.0 for their trucks. They can also learn more about this innovative software solution by visiting the Allison Transmission website.FOR MORE INFORMATION Branden Harbin serves as global head of markeng and external communicaons for Allison Transmission, a posion he has held since 2019. Over the course of his career with Allison, which began in 2009, Harbin has served in a variety of posions across several dierent areas of the business including markeng, sales, strategy, nance, and operaons. Prior to his current role at Allison, Harbin served as director of North America naonal account sales. Before joining the company, Harbin worked at public accounng rm KPMG, focusing on audit and advisory services in the transportaon and government sectors. Harbin earned a bachelor’s degree in accounng and nance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and a master’s in business administraon from Butler University. Find out more about ways to save money at the pump and improve vehicle performance, visit www.allisontransmission.com.

Page 46

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202242WORK TRUCK PRODUCTSFISHER STORM BOXX PUSHER PLOW WITH TRACE EDGE TECHNOLOGYFisher Engineering announced a new line of STORM BOXX pusher plows with patent-pending TRACE Edge Technology. This technology features independent 2-ft sections that move vertically, oscillate, and trip to contour to the plowable surface. The pushers also feature a 3/4-inch cutting edge with carbide inserts, making them durable for heavy-duty commercial applications. Self-leveling side plates with replaceable shoes keep the terrain-response advanced cutting edge in contact with the plowable surface. The TRACE Edge sections allow the plow to follow closely over contours and obstacles, removing more snow and reducing the amount of ice melting material needed. www.fisherplows.comVEHICLE SECURITY INNOVATORSThe American-made CAT-RAP™ is a universally designed catalytic converter security device. With catalytic converter theft rising across the US, it’s important to protect fleet vehicles from thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs. Its patent-pending design creates up to 20 individual security loops around the catalytic converter and fits a wide variety of vehicle platforms regardless of the converter’s orientation. Made with all stainless-steel components and security hardware, the CAT-RAP™ installs within 30 minutes and deters unwanted tampering. www.vehiclesecurityinnovators.comBOSS INDUSTRIESUNDERDECK AIR COMPRESSOR AND POWER SYSTEMSBOSS Industries’ underdeck rotary screw air compressors and generator products are intelligently designed systems. BOSSAIR underdeck products produce air from 30 CFM to 900 CFM and power generating options up to 62kW. Its underdeck systems feature “Plug-n-Play” time-saving wiring systems, no-drill mounting platforms, spin-on filters, and the industry leading B-CAN digital interface. Partnered with the Boss Industries’ Lifetime Warranty Program, the BOSSAIR underdeck compressor and power systems is the number one choice for the work truck industry.www.bossair.comBACKRACKHEADACHE RACKS AND TONNEAU COVER ADAPTERSGain maximum protection for employees and fleet trucks with any Backrack headache rack, such as the original rack, safety rack, louvered rack, or open rack. Each rack offers a no-drill installation and works with toolboxes and truck bed covers. BackRack Tonneau Cover Adapters make our Cab Guards compatible with a selection of tonneau covers. The 40-Series Tonneau Cover Adaptors work with Inside-the-Rail bed covers, while the 50-Series Adaptors allow for use with Wide Top Rail style covers. Both adaptor options feature high-strength reinforced steel construction for superior rigidity and a protective layer of black powder coat to protect from scratches, chips, and corrosion.www.backrack.comSEE ADPG 9

Page 47

AUGUST 2022 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 43PeakPTT is a manufacturer of next-generation Push-To-Talk radios. Its two-way radio service leverages LTE wireless data, the internet, and rugged, purpose-driven hardware that provides businesses instant, always-on two-way radio service.GETTING MORE DONEAnswering phone calls and sending and receiving text messages are a waste of time. With PeakPTT your business communication will receive a 10-times boost in productivity with instant talk. This means:• No more missed phone calls• No more ignored text messages• No wondering your field personnel’s location• No more time wasted (the average length of a PTT call is 15 seconds)PTT SERVICE INCLUDES• Nationwide 4G LTE PTT coverage• Instant communications—less than a second• Unlimited channels• Private, one-on-one calls • Secure and encrypted communications• Record calls with instant playback and timestamp• SOS and lone worker notifications• Cross talk between different companies• 60 second GPS trackingRUGGED DEVICESPeakPTT uses purpose-built, rugged radios that are built for business use. Its devices are designed to handle some of the most challenging work environments. This means the devices are:• IP67 and IP68 Rated• Waterproof• Drop resistant• Feature long battery life• Equipped with extra loud speakers• Handheld and mobile devices availableWORKS OUT OF THE BOXPeakPTT radios arrive ready to use out of the box. Wireless LTE data on a Tier 1 carrier is included in the service—no programming or setup needed. PeakPTT can also customize radio names and create an unlimited number of additional channels. Further, PeakPTT can work without a base station. In fact, with PC dispatch software, fleet managers can have one or multiple dispatchers located in different locations, communicating with field workers.featured productNATIONWIDE PUSH-TO-TALK IS BACK! Find out more, visit www.peakptt.com.

Page 48

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM AUGUST 202244In part 1, we shared the first two steps a fleet owner should take when considering converting their fleet to electric. A panelist on The Electrification Equation panel, Brody Ayers of Xcel Energy, a utility company in Colorado, suggested focusing on charging infrastructure first. After all, an electric vehicle is useless without the chargers to power it. For this reason, Ayers says the first organization to talk to about EV conversion is the fleet’s utility company.Another panelist, Gary Van Orden of Mike Albert Fleet Solutions, spoke on acquiring the electric vehicles. A fleet isn’t confined to acquiring a vehicle by buying it outright. Van Orden suggests talking to a leasing company. His company, Mike Albert Fleet Solutions, for example, helps fleets procure EVs in a few different ways. THE FINAL STEPNow that you’ve talked to your utility company, are in the process of building your charging infrastructure, and your electric vehicles are ordered, you’d think you’re all set, right? Brandon McNeil, vice president of energy and insights for Lightning eMotors would disagree. The third and final step of EV conversion is implementing EV-specific telematics software to optimize business operations.“When looking at electrifying your fleet, software becomes a critical piece of electrification,” McNeil states. With EV-specific software, a simple program can determine the right vehicle with the right battery and the right charger to determine a pairing that makes operations most efficient. Additionally, McNeil says there are certain EV aspects that simply aren’t there with internal combustion engine vehicles. Therefore, an EV-specific telematics system can even help train drivers on behaviors that increase EV range.Finally, an EV-specific telematics system can even help fleet owners save money through charging management. Charging management, such as ensuring vehicles are charged at off-peak times, stacking charging when possible, etc., puts vehicle “fueling” in the hands of the fleet owner/operator. No longer will EV fleet owners be at the mercy of their neighborhood gas station, but instead, with depot charging and charging management, fleets can take advantage of the lowest price of electricity rates and avoid demand charges.MAINTAINING EVsWe said EV-specific telematics was the final step, but after you’ve employed EVs in your fleet for some time, you need to know how to maintain them. Ben Schroder, senior service manager for Lightning eMotors, says there are multiple maintenance options with EVs. Lightning eMotors can help train fleet technicians, leverage service partners across the US, help train a fleet’s current service providers, or even, if necessary, Lightning eMotors will come directly to the fleet, conduct a FaceTime call, phone call, etc.CHARGING FORWARDIf you’re curious about converting your fleet, taking the advice from Lightning Day’s “The Electrification Equation” panel is a good place to start.GOING ELECTRIC? LEARN TIPS FROM LIGHTNING eMOTORS. PART 2Last month we introduced you to Lightning eMotors, the company that provides electric vehicle (EV) solutions for work truck fleets of all shapes and sizes. At its Lightning Day event, attendees experienced a ride and drive of its EVs, a facility tour, and sat in on a panel discussion Q&A, “The Electrification Equation,” sharing insights about the challenges of fleet electrification and how to combat them.Find out more about Lightning eMotors, visit www.lightningemotors.com.Talk soon! Jade

Page 49

Page 50

Page 51