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WWW.MWSMAG.COMDIGITAL EDITIONJANUARY 2023
SEE OUR AD INSIDE THIS ISSUE ON THE INSIDE BACK COVERAND VISIT US AT WORK TRUCK WEEK 2023 IN BOOTH 3831
TIPS FOR THE WINTER AHEADINSIGHT FROM THE EXPERTSJANUARY2023WWW.MWSMAG.COMFUEL ECONOMY AND M&R STRATEGIESCOMBAT SUPPLY CHAIN AND FUEL COSTSSAFETY SHOES FOR LANDSCAPERSSTYLISH, DURABLE FOOTWEARFEATURINGTRUCKS IN LANDSCAPE& FUTURE-FOCUSED ISSUEMEDIUM DUTY ISUZU N-SERIES
CONNECT WITH US on Twitter (@mwsmag), Facebook (www.facebook.com/modernworktruck), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/modern-work-truck-solutions).BEAU-ROC INC.DIAMOND DUMP BODYBeau-Roc’s flagship, Diamond design, dump body is made with Hardox and equipped with internal air high lift tailgate and single coal door.www.beauroc.comINSIDE THIS ISSUEJANUARY 2023 VOL-8 NO-1DIESEL VEHICLE AND DIESEL FUEL PRICE OUTLOOK FOR 2023 ......................... 44TIPS FOR THE WINTER AHEADINSIGHT FROM THE EXPERTSJANUARY2023WWW.MWSMAG.COMFUEL ECONOMY AND M&R STRATEGIESCOMBAT SUPPLY CHAIN AND FUEL COSTSSAFETY SHOES FOR LANDSCAPERSSTYLISH, DURABLE FOOTWEARFEATURINGTRUCKS IN LANDSCAPE& FUTURE-FOCUSED ISSUEMEDIUM DUTY ISUZU N-SERIESCOVER STORIESMAINTENANCEFLEET TIPS FOR THE WINTER AHEAD ..............30Insight from the expertsMAINTENANCEFUEL ECONOMY AND M&R STRATEGIES ..........34Combat supply chain and fuel costsINDUSTRY NEWS ................................6INDUSTRY INSIGHT ............................12PRODUCT SHOWCASE ...................... 42IN EVERY ISSUE26LIGHT-DUTYFUEL TANK SELECTION THE BEST SOLUTIONSUPERCAPACITORS SOLVING COLD WEATHER STARTSHEAVY-DUTY38ISUZU N-SERIES FOR MEDIUM-DUTY JOBS16MEDIUM-DUTYSHOWCASEFEATURINGTRUCKS IN LANDSCAPELANDSCAPERSSAFETY SHOES FOR LANDSCAPERS ..............43Stylish, durable footwear
OPERATIONS HOW SUMMIT BODIES AND VANAIR HELPED RESURRECT A 1987 PETERBILT 362 CABOVER…….. ...............................20 J&L’s labor of loveHow is it already 2023? This year marks my fifth year working with Modern WorkTruck Solutions magazine, and in my time here, I’ve seen the work truck industry experience some wild things. I watched electric vehicles go from an exciting idea to show floor concepts to field-testing prototypes, and now, to being used in fleets across the country. Electric vehicles still have a long way to go in terms of charging infrastructure and being tested in extreme environments, but I’m excited to see how far they go! In 2020, I witnessed the nation rely on the truck fleet industry more than many of us have seen in our lifetime. Business grew, shifted, and adapted to a “new normal.” Although many effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have worn off, the fleet industry is still grappling with an even larger driver shortage, issues with the supply chain, and rising fuel costs.Speaking of supply chain issues and rising fuel costs, is it possible fleets will see a bit of relief this year? Check out this month’s Outside the Cab piece on page 44 to see the Diesel Technology Forum’s 2023 predictions. Combat current supply chain and fuel cost issues using insight from the article on page 34. For those of you in the landscape industry gearing up for a busy season, check out new footwear from a company that seeks to take safety and work shoes “up a notch” on page 43.This issue is packed with insight for the future, maintenance tips, and more. Go ahead, flip through the pages, and let us help you begin the new year as a highly informed fleet owner. Happy reading, and Happy New Year!Jade Brasher EditorEDITOR’S NOTEwww.mwsmag.com 3100 Lorna Rd., Ste 101Birmingham, AL 35216DONNA 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 TIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresidentTONYA BROWNINGVice PresidentTalk soon! Jade20
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 20236INDUSTRY NEWSKNAPHEIDE MANUFACTURING ANNIVERSARYThe Knapheide Manufacturing Company will celebrate its 175th anniversary this year, marking nearly two centuries as a family-owned and operated business in Quincy, Illinois. In 1848, Herman Heinrich Knapheide, a German immigrant, moved to Quincy and opened a wagon-making shop. The business was incorporated in 1893 as the “Henry Knapheide Wagon Company.” Knapheide began vehicle upfitting in the 1910s with the Ford Model T. The company later became known for its grain bodies, tailored for agriculture. The company shifted toward services bodies in the 1980s, which continue to contribute to the company’s success under H.W. “Bo” Knapheide IV, the sixth-generation leader of the company. For more, visit www.knapheide.com. LIFT OFFERS WIDE SERVICE CAPACITY RANGE IN A SMALL FOOTPRINTRotary, part of Vehicle Service GroupSM (VSG), a Dover company, announced the new XA12 Alignment Scissor Lift. The lift is an addition to its line of lifts for independent shop owners, dealership service departments, and car enthusiasts. The XA12 serves as a small bay alignment lift solution with the largest 4-wheel alignment wheelbase range in its class. With a 78 to 164-inch 4-wheel alignment wheelbase range and 12,000-lb lifting capacity, Rotary designed the XA12 for space savings and flexibility. Shops can offer alignment services with bay space to spare; technicians can perform alignments on a wider range of vehicles. For more, visit www.rotarylift.com. LIGHTNING EMOTORS LAUNCHES ONLINE FLEET PLANNER, VIRTUAL FLEET CONFIGURATION TOOLLightning eMotors, provider of zero-emissions, medium-duty commercial vehicles and electric vehicle technology for fleets, announced its new virtual Fleet Planner. Fleet Planner is a free fleet configuration tool. It allows fleet managers to input their individual fleet characteristics and receive customized operating cost analysis and carbon reduction metrics based on the recommended Lightning electric vehicle (EV) that best fits their specific needs.Within the Fleet Planner, users first select the type of fleet they manage (passenger, cargo, school bus, or ambulance). Next, they input a variety of information that is important to effective fleet management, including route distance and payload. They can also input terrain type, average temperature, drive cycle, driver behavior, shift duration, charging opportunity time, and dwell time. This tool allows fleet managers to configure EV fleets and
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 20238INDUSTRY NEWSunderstand the savings and environmental impact of a zero-emissions fleet. For more, visit www.lightningemotors.com. 2022 was a significant year of milestones for Volta Trucks, a full-electric commercial vehicle manufacturer and services provider. The company continues its journey toward production of the full-electric Volta Zero vehicles for customers in early 2023. The milestones reached by Volta Trucks include: company growth of over 200%; validation of continued progress with total investment to over €360 million; completion of first on-road engineering test; completion of first customer driving evaluation; revealed Truck-as-a-Service customer operations center; first Volta Zero rolled off the production line; and partnerships with industry leaders. For more, visit www.voltatrucks.com. THE SHYFT GROUP ACQUIRES XL FLEETThe Shyft Group, Inc. announced its acquisition of XL Fleet as planned and initially announced by Spruce Power last month. The acquisition includes the option to extend employment opportunities to XL Fleet technical talent. Shyft will also assume a short-term leased facility including equipment in Wixom, Michigan. It will also support the completion of a pilot development agreement with the Department of Defense. The incoming team members will be based either in Plymouth or the 24,655-sq-ft Wixom Technology Center. Shyft will use the Wixom facility for technical and test work while evaluating how the facility complements its footprint. For more, visit www.theshyftgroup.com. CROSS UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT, LLC. CONVERTS FLEET TO FELLING TRAILERSCross Underground Development, LLC. is a Class A Specialty Contractor located in Chesapeake, Virginia. The company specializes in the natural gas distribution industry. Cross Underground's fleet consists of various equipment from excavators, backhoes, and horizontal drills to the trucks and trailers moving them. Cross Underground acquired the first Felling trailers paired with horizontal directional drills. For Cross, like many others in the industry, the Felling HDD Series (horizontal directional drill) FT-20 I and FT-24 I Drill Series (DS) trailers had what they needed: capacity, load-ability, safety, and reliability. For more, visit www.felling.com. STERTIL-KONI INTRODUCES NEW FEATURES FOR DIAMONDLIFTA Continuous Recess feature is now available with the Stertil-Koni inground telescopic piston DIAMONDLIFT. Continuous Recess allows the bolster to be lowered into the
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202310INDUSTRY NEWSfloor and travel anywhere along the horizontal travel range while fully recessed, which is ideal for lifting low-ground clearance vehicles—notably the wave of new electric trucks. It also provides enhanced ergonomics and safety for the busy tech on the shop floor. From a broader perspective, the DIAMONDLIFT is ALI certified, features a lifting capacity of up to 35,000 lbs per piston, and is available in 2-, 3-, and 4-piston configurations. The lift is electronically synchronized for maximum safety and convenience and allows for wheels-free lifting. For more, visit www.stertil-koni.com. FLEET ADVANTAGE SUPPORTS JANUARY FINANCIAL WELLNESS MONTH, HELPS FLEETS OBTAIN FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITYWith the continued challenges to the overall economy and companies with transportation fleets, Fleet Advantage will extend the focus of Financial Wellness Month by offering a complimentary financial analysis of fleet operations, including a lease versus purchase analysis. As part of its Asset Management solutions, Fleet Advantage conducts a Fleet Modernization Study to directly address key operational as well as financial areas and provides recommendations for cost savings. Additionally, the study analyzes multiple data points including a fleet’s performance and use and current cost per mile (CPM). Further, the analysis factors depreciation, finance, maintenance, repair, and used truck values. Each of these areas are critical in promoting better safety, economic competitiveness, life cycle flexibility, and quality of life for drivers and also other motorists. For more, visit www.fleetadvantage.com. MACK TRUCKS DONATES MACK GRANITE TO CONCRETE INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATIONMack Trucks will again support the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) auction with a donation of a 2023 Mack® Granite® model that will be auctioned at World of Concrete 2023 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Proceeds from the auction will help establish as well as develop CIM programs throughout the US. The CIM program awards students with a four-year bachelor's degree in science in Concrete Industry Management. The Mack Granite chassis features an 11-cu-yd M80 Series Drum, the McNeilus FLEX Controls Bridgemaster, donated by McNeilus. Powered by an 11-L, 395 hp Mack MP®7-395C engine, the donated Mack Granite model has power fed through Mack's 14-speed Mack mDRIVE™ HD automated manual transmission. The winning bidder will receive free delivery of the Mack Granite model to anywhere in the contiguous US. They will also receive a 60-month/250,000-mile Mack Engine Plan 2 extended warranty. For more, visit www.macktrucks.com.
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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202312INDUSTRY INSIGHTAQGINA BONINIEmploying EVs in Extreme ClimatesMWS: CAN YOU GIVE A RUNDOWN OF MODINE’S HISTORY IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR AND HOW IT’S EVOLVED TO BECOME A PROMINENT PLAYER IN THE MODERN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY TODAY?BONINI: Modine’s history in transportation goes back to when we were founded in 1916 by a young engineer and innovator, Arthur B. Modine. In 1925, Modine began manufacturing the radiator for the Model T Ford, entering mass manufacturing for the automotive industry and scaling up the company. This foundation of innovation has continued throughout Modine’s history, and in 2018 we began design on our Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) for commercial electric vehicles. Today, Modine, headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, leverages 100 years of thermal management experience to offer start-to-finish services from design to validation testing and scaled production for commercial electric vehicles. Our EVantage BTMS solution is a complete, plug-and-play thermal management system that can be customized to meet customer needs and specifications. MWS: SOME FLEETS HAVE ALREADY TAKEN THE PLUNGE WITH ELECTRIC ALTHOUGH THESE VEHICLES PERFORM SIMILAR FUNCTIONS AS VEHICLES WITH CONVENTIONAL ENGINES, THEIR OPERATION IS DIFFERENT, WHICH MEANS THEIR MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS ARE DIFFERENT. AS WE GET CLOSER TO WINTER, WHAT SHOULD EV OWNERS KNOW ABOUT HOW COLD TEMPERATURES CAN AFFECT THEIR EVS?BONINI: First, let’s talk about range. For electric vehicles, cold weather can reduce range by up to 40%, according to Recurrent Auto. Nearly two-thirds of the range reduction is due to extra draw on the battery to heat the cabin—heaters, heated seats and steering wheel, and defrosters. The less cabin heating required, the lower the impact on the battery’s range.The next significant factor is lower battery performance. The optimal temperature for a battery pack is 77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. As the temperature drops, the battery is less efficient, causing it to deplete a charge faster and take longer to recharge. To ensure optimal range and charging time, a battery thermal management HOW TO KEEP YOUR EVS AT PEAK PERFORMANCE DURING WINTER
JANUARY 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 13system with a heating loop will be essential to keep the battery pack between 77 and 95 degrees during both charging and operation.MWS: DO THESE ISSUES AFFECT ALL EVS, EVEN LARGER ONES SUCH ANY DIFFERENCES IN HOW LARGER BONINI: You can think of the battery pack of an EV as thermal mass. A larger truck or one that pulls a heavier load will likely require a larger battery pack. If this truck sits outside in frigid weather, the battery pack will continue to cool down until it reaches equilibrium with ambient temperature. The larger the battery mass, the longer it will take to warm the battery pack to optimal temperature when it’s time to start using the vehicle. Plugging in whenever possible, especially during extreme temperatures, will greatly benefit these larger commercial EVs. Keeping the vehicle plugged in allows the BTMS to maintain the temperature on the battery pack and avoid extremes. Of course, parking or storing the vehicles in a heated space is also a good option.MWS: WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO MANAGE THE TEMPERATURE OF EV MOTORS? WHAT COULD GO WRONG IF TEMPERATURES AREN’T MANAGED WELL?BONINI: On an EV, managing temperature is important for the inverter, converter, and traction motor for performance, durability, and safety. In general, heavy-duty vehicles demand more power during operation than the average light-duty vehicle or car, requiring consideration of thermal management for the power electronics. For the inverter, the power output will rely on the maximum temperature limits of its power module, which runs the risk of overheating and shutting down if the temperature is not managed. Commercial EVs typically have a cooling package for the inverter, converter, and traction motor. Each of these power electronics will have a coolant loop to cool them down. This coolant is then routed through the cooling package to reject the heat before circulating back through the power electronics. This circuit keeps the power electronics at the optimal temperature for performance and to minimize damage.MWS: IS IT ONLY UP TO THE OWNER TO MANAGE THE EV’S TEMPERATURE, OR DO THESE VEHICLES HAVE THEIR OWN TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS?
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202314INDUSTRY INSIGHTBONINI: A battery thermal management system (BTMS) is common for commercial electric vehicles. A BTMS will provide heating or cooling depending on the battery pack’s temperature. During a cold winter day, the BTMS can heat the coolant that circulates around the battery pack to maintain its optimal temperature. During a hot summer day, the BTMS will cool the coolant to maintain the temperature at the optimal state. A key consideration with a BTMS is optimizing cooling while minimizing power draw. To do this, some BTMS units will include a passive cooling loop, which uses a radiator and fans to reject heat, and an active cooling loop, which uses a refrigerant circuit. MWS: DOES TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT FOR EVS ONLY AFFECT ITS PERFORMANCE, OR CAN PROPER AND IMPROPER TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT AFFECT OTHER ASPECTS OF THE EV?BONINI: The life cycle of lithium-ion batteries relies heavily on stress factors like storage conditions and operating temperatures. Temperature can also impact the battery’s performance, safety, and capacity. According to Lithium FAQ, lower temperatures can reduce the capacity as the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down. In extreme cold, the battery may even stop functioning. For high temperatures, the chemical reactions in the battery speed up, draining the battery at a higher rate. Permanent degradation can also happen with continued exposure to high temperatures.Fortunately, a BTMS helps maintain a battery pack at its optimal temperature of 77 to 95 degrees regardless of ambient temperature, improving time to charge, optimizing range, and minimizing degradation of the battery pack. MWS: ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS?BONINI: Commercial electric vehicles should have a battery thermal management system in place that is designed to regulate battery temperature in a way that maximizes range and minimizes charging time.FOR MORE INFORMATION Gina Bonini is the vice president and general manager of Advanced Thermal Systems at Modine. Find out more, visit www.modine.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202316MEDIUM-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASEMEDIUM-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASEThe 2023 Gas-powered Isuzu N-Series
17The 2023 Gas-powered Isuzu N-Series A SOLUTION FOR MEDIUM-DUTY JOBSJANUARY 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 17
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202318MEDIUM-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASEAnyone who’s driven one before knows a low cab forward (LCF) definitely has its advantages. The gas-powered Isuzu N-Series is a testament to that fact, beginning with its increase in visibility and maneuverability compared to conventional trucks. But what else about the gas-powered N-Series makes it a top contender for a fleet owner's next vehicle purchase? Read on to find out.N-SERIES POWERLet’s begin with the series’ power. The Isuzu N-Series gas-powered NPR and NPR-HD both feature a 6.6-L V8 engine that offers 350 hp at 4,500 rpm and 425 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. This engine is durable, efficient, and powerful. Direct injection, electronic throttle control, and variable valve timing increase the engine’s acceleration and efficiency.The 6.6-L V8 is paired with a 6-speed automatic, Hydra-Matic transmission, which includes a lock-up torque converter and two overdrive gears. Additionally, it’s programmed for optimal efficiency and acceleration.The Class 3 NPR features a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 12,000 lbs, and the Class 4 NPR-HD features a GVWR of 14,500 lbs. Axle ratings are the same for both vehicles, with a front axle capacity of 6,830 lbs and a rear axle rating of 14,550 lbs. The NPR offers a payload capacity of up to 6,796 lbs, and the NPR-HD offers a payload capacity of up to 8,941 lbs. Both trucks can accommodate bodies up to 20-ft long thanks to their four different wheelbase choices: 109, 132.5, 150, and 176 inches.Further, the Isuzu N-Series features a 38.6-gallon fuel tank that rests between the rear frame rails. This prevents the tanks from interfering with body components.The clear frame rails along with the N-Series’ engine and transmission pairing is a good start, but what about from a driver’s standpoint?N-SERIES COMFORTFleet drivers typically prefer driving a truck that’s comfortable and less fatigue inducing. They’ll find that in the N-Series. The series' comfortable cabs feature a newly designed interior and improved forward visibility. The interior includes seat covers with a gray and blue fabric that improves the look and feel of the interior while protecting the seats from long days on the job.A large windshield and low cab forward design offers eight more feet of visibility for the driver. Isuzu strategically located the vertical A-pillars to improve the driver’s peripheral view as well.Speaking of visibility, one thing Isuzu does that even further improves the driver’s view is found in the cab roof’s construction. Isuzu engineers designed the roof to direct water away from the windshield. It also helps minimize the amount of water that spills over the door when the driver exits the cab. This roof construction detail could be easily overlooked, but it makes a big difference to the driver.Keeping in the theme of visibility (after all, that’s one of the main points of attraction to low cab forward trucks), the Isuzu N-Series features new LED headlamps and running lights that improve illumination and add style.Another main point of attraction of the low cab forward design is its maneuverability. Isuzu trucks have a smaller turning radius and tighter wheel cut than conventional trucks. This leads to fewer three-point turns and greater maneuverability in residential spaces, parking lots, and city streets.
JANUARY 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 19Put it all together, and the Isuzu N-Series becomes a driver’s dream.TO YOUR LIKINGThe Isuzu N-Series is available with several features, depending on the owner’s needs and preferences. Exterior features include: power and heated side mirrors to further improve the N-Series’ already outstanding visibility; a roof air deflector to maximize fuel efficiency; a chrome grille to add style; keyless entry; back-up alarm; an absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery for a sealed, maintenance-free battery; and a block heater and receptacle.In-cab features include: Mobileye, a driver-assistance system that alerts and warns drivers of collisions, lane departure, and more for enhanced safety; a suspension seat to improve comfort; seat covers to reduce seat wear; a touchscreen audio system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; high-visibility seatbelts; and more.THE LCF DIFFERENCEThere’s no denying the improved visibility and maneuverability of a low cab forward, specifically an Isuzu low cab forward. As Modern WorkTruck Solutions’ editor, Jade Brasher, has attested in past articles, the difference in the maneuverability and visibility definitely makes the Isuzu lineup worth a look when it comes to considering future fleet purchases. With the Class 3 and Class 4 gas-powered N-Series trucks, equipped with a powertrain and driver features that can’t be ignored, fleet owners will find a solution to their medium-duty needs in this capable, comfortable medium-duty truck.FOR MORE INFORMATION Find out more about Isuzu and the N-Series, visit www.isuzucv.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202320OPERATIONSHow Summit Bodies and Vanair Helped Resurrect a 1987 Peterbilt 362 CaboverJ&L’S LABOR OF LOVE THE 1987 PETERBILT 362 CABOVER HAS FOUND ITSELF PERFORMING ITS DUTIES IN SOME UNCOMMON ENVIRONMENTS, LIKE THIS MINE.
JANUARY 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 21When one particular Peterbilt 362 Cabover rolled off the assembly line in 1987, it’s doubtful that any of the factory workers imagined that it would still be in service some 35 years later. Originally outfitted with a 425-hp Caterpillar 3406B engine and a 9-speed Eaton transmission, the heavy-duty, Class 8 vehicle was much, if not exactly like many others that Peterbilt produced on that day and in that year.The vehicle ultimately made its way to California and was upfitted with a flatbed and a crane. There, it spent its days—three and a half decades of them—moving beehives from one agricultural location to another, playing its own small role in helping to pollinate the vast array of crops the state produces virtually year-round.During that same period, a man named James Williams and his family were busy building a business—actually three businesses to be exact. Williams Construction Company, WCC Excavation & Demolition, and J&L Contracting, a heavy-haul transportation and construction business based in Springfield, Missouri. Now doing business across the 48 continental United States, J&L’s fleet and crews are capable of moving heavy equipment and other massive loads of up to 170,000 lbs.“Today, with our large fleet and close-knit team of fully-qualified and experienced hauling experts, we are more than capable of just about any heavy-haul job,” says Williams, J&L’s president. “Whether that be transporting huge pieces of construction equipment or moving large quantities of earth, if it’s big and it has to be moved, we move it.”SERENDIPITYAs Williams’ companies have grown over the years, so too has his penchant for customizing the vehicles in his fleet. He has also been known to have taken on a vehicle restoration project or two in the past.So, nobody was surprised when Williams purchased the old Peterbilt 362 Cabover and decided to restore it and to use it as a service truck to support and maintain other vehicles in his fleet. Williams drove out to California to pick up the Pete 362 and haul it back to Missouri.While work began on the 362, Williams put an internal team together to start reimagining the Pete’s transformation to a state-of-the-art service and support truck. A friend of one of the J&L teammates was a local Caterpillar dealer. He suggested the group speak with Summit Truck Bodies to discuss the possible body configurations needed to meet the duties and functions that the group envisioned for the resurrected Peterbilt. “We started a conversation with the folks at Summit,” says Matt Schreiner, heavy equipment mechanic for J&L
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202322OPERATIONSContracting. “They didn’t balk at the amount of custom work we were envisioning. In fact, they seemed ready to embrace it.” Schreiner quickly made Dustin Sonderegger, Summit’s sales representative, part of the J&L design team, and they got to work on fleshing out all the details for the one-of-a-kind truck. Sonderegger, along with Summit Sales Engineer Brody Riddle and Summit Designer Braden Sumner, traveled to Springfield to take a good look at the ‘87 Pete. The J&L and Summit folks all started brainstorming and discussing what kind of features needed to be included in the build.After the brainstorming, Sonderegger says “the resulting concept was probably one of the most customized service trucks out there, or that any one of us had ever seen.”PROBLEM SOLVINGJ&L had numerous parameters that the design had to support. They knew they wanted the 12,000-lb crane with longest reach Summit had available, which was 29 ft. They also had requirements for various truck-mounted equipment functions, including air compressor, power generation, welding, battery service, and hydraulics.However, on top of the extensive laundry list of equipment that would provide the vehicle with its exceptional functionality, the team faced a major impediment. The 1987 Peterbilt 362 Cabover was never designed to be compatible with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1939 protocol, which was only introduced 17 years later, in 2004.SAE’s Truck and Bus Control and Communications Subcommittee developed J1939 protocol concerning the design and use of devices that transmit electronic signals and control information among vehicle components. SAE J1939 quickly became the accepted industry standard and the intra-vehicle communication network of choice for on- and off-highway machines of all types. Without the proper J1939 interface, there was no way for all the truck-mounted equipment planned for the Peterbilt 362 to function together, nor could any of the safety features on Summit’s Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE) operating system begin to function.Fortunately, the Summit crew had an idea. They had a close relationship with Vanair, an industry leader in mobile power solutions, and Vanair had a product that Summit thought could solve the problem.“We ended up suggesting going with a Vanair Air N Arc I-300D,” Sonderegger says. “With the Air N Arc I-300D, not only would we have an all-in-one unit that could deliver the desired air compressor, power generation, welding, battery service, and hydraulics, but we could tie the Air N Arc's J1939 interface into our ASE system to use the crane, outriggers, and load management safety features.” Summit’s Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE) Phase 4 operating system is essential to ensure safe crane operation and provide other innovative system functions that communicate through the J1939 CAN bus network, letting users efficiently operate and monitor the crane, outriggers, engine, PTO, air compressor, hydraulics, lights, and more in real time.
JANUARY 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 23AIR N ARC SOLUTIONVanair’s Air N Arc I-300 was the first system in the world to offer six forms of power in a single 48-inch unit with multi-functioning capabilities. The Air N Arc I-300’s system would allow J&L’s operators to turn off the truck’s engine while still supporting the entire electrical functionality of the truck, so all the emergency lighting could still be used without fear of depleting the truck battery. The Air N Arc I-300 would endow the antique Peterbilt 362 with an integrated 40 CFM rotary screw compressor, 7 kW AC generator, 300 AMP welder, battery booster, and battery charger, all with the added power of a hydraulic pump—and all driven by a small, 24.8-hp diesel engine. The Air N Arc I-300 offered enough power to run everything, including the proposed 29-ft crane. And the unit’s J1939 interface could connect it all, including Summit’s crane control.“We were excited to be invited to participate in the J&L project,” says Chip Jones, strategic account manager for Vanair. “Our all-in-one unit is compact and offered six forms of power without the added bulk of six independent pieces of truck-mounted equipment. We also knew our central control system would allow users to interact with all six separate functionalities of our unit, so users wouldn't have to climb up and down, onto, or into the vehicle to turn things on and off or to operate them—which was very convenient.”With the addition of Vanair’s solution, the group was free to let their creative juices flow. They added a killer surround-sound system and a lighting package that could humbly be described as audacious. They planned to top it all off with a custom red paint job with accent racing stripes.METAMORPHOSISAs the vehicle took shape, there was no doubt that this truck was going to be something special. Its imposing dimensions alone were quite striking. They started with Summit’s Custom 20 Series body but went well beyond.“We couldn’t stick with our standard bed height of 62 inches because we wanted to match a body line that was part of the Peterbilt’s cab design,” Schreiner reflects. “We ended up moving our bed height up to 78 inches just to follow that line.”It was time to install Summit’s heavy-duty hydraulic crane and proprietary ASE system. Summit’s ASE Phase 4 operating system is essential to ensure safe crane operation and provide other innovative system
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202324OPERATIONSfunctions that communicate through the J1939 CAN bus network. Users can efficiently operate and monitor the crane, outriggers, engine, PTO, air compressor, hydraulics, and lights. Crane capacity and stability charts are programmed into the system, automatically computing the crane limits. Based on that data and crane position, the crane will derate to maintain a safe lifting situation. As Summit’s ASE senses crane movement, its real-time load moment indicator (LMI) data will display on the main control panel, and the crane’s remote control will continuously update in real time.When a crane load approaches its maximum capacity, the ASE will slow the crane, and the remote control’s haptic features will create a tactile, rumbling sensation, while also showing the user a notification banner. If the crane reaches its limit, it automatically stops moving, and only safe maneuvering is enabled.The crane’s remote-control functions also include switches to start and stop the air compressor, the engine, and allow users to increase the idle. Two fully-proportional joysticks have built-in detents to guide crane controls and provide smooth operation. Users can also auto-deploy and stow outriggers with the hand-held device.TOUR DE FORCEBuilt to be noticed, the finished truck began collecting truck show awards right out of the gate. It will complete its one-year truck show tour in the Summit booth #S63207 at CONEXPO in March of 2023.“I’m not bashful about my passion for trucks,” Williams says with a smile. “I genuinely enjoyed the restoration and rehabilitation of this Peterbilt 362 Cabover. It was truly a labor of love.”FOR MORE INFORMATIONFind out more about Summit Truck Bodies or Vanair, visit www.summitbodies.com and www.vanair.com. The team started with Summit’s Custom 20 Series body but went well beyond the standard bed height of 62 inches to 72 inches, because they wanted to match a body line that was part of the Peterbilt’s original cab design. Williams says his award-winning ’87 Pete 362 service truck was a “labor of love.”
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202326OPERATIONSSome things change constantly. Take cars, for example: Each year brings significant changes and advancements and someday, fully autonomous cars will likely rule the road. Fuel storage tanks on the other hand aren’t traditionally thought of as a rapidly changing product. However, more manufacturers are realizing the necessity of designing fuel storage solutions for the modern business, with features such as cloud-based remote fuel monitoring and global transportation approvals.Diesel—the source of roughly 98% of energy consumed at the average jobsite—is a universal expense for operators. And as the construction industry changes and companies become more competitive globally, profit margins will continue to shrink for businesses that don’t find new and efficient ways to manage assets, including fuel storage.Today, on-site tanks can simplify fuel management like never before and serve as more of an asset than the large steel cylinders they once were. To make the most of a fuel tank purchase, there are a number of factors to consider, such as the benefits of fuel monitoring, cleaning and maintenance costs, tank transportation, theft prevention, and more.Fuel Tank SelectionTIPS FOR SELECTING THE BEST MODERN FUEL STORAGE SOLUTION By Ken Steury WESTERN GLOBAL’S CUBE-SHAPED TRANSCUBE TANKS FEATURE 110% FLUID CONTAINMENT AND MEET GLOBAL TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS TO PROVIDE SAFE FUEL TRANSPORT ANYWHERE IT’S NEEDED.light-duty feature
JANUARY 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 27CAPACITY & MOBILITY The larger the tank, the more stationary it tends to be. With options ranging from tanks that hold less than 150 gallons to ISO containers that hold upward of 25,000 gallons, determining the ideal solution starts with knowing how much fuel is used and how mobile the fuel supply must be. Transportation options can range from certified lifting lugs for handling with a crane to DOT-approved trailers. The most easily transported options are smaller trailer-mounted tanks typically holding between 200 and 1,000 gallons that are ideal for delivering fuel to remote sites. Some of the more important items to look for when buying a trailer-mounted tank include a sturdy trailer engineered to withstand the dynamic forces of the moving liquid while navigating rough, unpaved roads at jobsites. Tanks designed to comply with worldwide approvals, including UL, ULC, UN DOT, and Transport Canada, are usually the most rugged and well-designed. However, just because a tank is approved does not necessarily mean it’s the safest option. A lower center of gravity, for example, will make the tank less susceptible to tipping during transport. And for full-fuel transport, internal baffle plates prevent fuel surging to keep the vehicle stable. In most locations, tanks without baffles must be emptied, and often cleaned, prior to transport, which can require a third-party environmental company. If the tank is moved frequently, downtime and expenses add up quickly. If the job requires a larger tank of 1,000 gallons or more, consider how it will be moved around a jobsite. Round tanks often require a crane or loader to move. Most cube tanks can also be moved this way, but for added versatility, many also incorporate forklift pockets. Having more options can come in handy when equipment operators are busy or if certain equipment isn’t on the jobsite. SIMPLIFY COMPLIANCE Environmental regulations must also be considered, and ground contamination is a major concern for on-site fuel tanks. While all tanks should meet basic environmental standards, round tanks—the traditional go-to storage option—come with the added expense of owning and cleaning secondary containment pans. The average bill for cleaning a containment pan is about $150, which can add up quickly in areas that require pans be cleaned on a regular basis or after it rains. An increasingly common feature on new tanks, particularly cube tanks, is double-walled 110% weatherproof containment. This eliminates the need for a secondary basin and can result in significant savings over the life of a tank.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202328OPERATIONSBE SITE SPECIFICTo meet the specific needs of different construction sites, it’s important to evaluate which features have the potential to increase value for a given operation. Tanks with multiple in- and out-ports, for example, allow the tank to serve as an auxiliary fuel supply while still being able to fuel trucks and other equipment. This can drastically extend runtimes for generators and light towers, as well as reduce the risk of running them dry. For jobs at remote locations, the benefits of remote tracking technology can pay dividends. Remote fuel tracking helps operators monitor and manage supplies from anywhere via the cloud. For those with multiple projects at different sites, this can make it easy to stay on top of fuel supplies and know when a delivery is necessary. Another location-specific consideration is the tank’s power supply. For mobile tanks and tanks at remote sites, adding options such as battery power storage and solar panels can help ensure the tank will always have the necessary power to run the pumps. And for locations with space limitations, tanks that can be stacked help free up space. FUEL SECURITYFor improved tracking and added security, cardlock systems are an efficient way to monitor who is pumping fuel and how much is dispensed. Businesses without fuel security often expect 2 to 5% of their fuel supply will go unaccounted for each year. For example, an operation using 20,000 gallons of diesel per week may lose as much as 1,000 gallons per week if 5% is unaccounted for. At $3 per gallon, that’s a $3,000 loss each week, or $156,000 each year, as a result of not closely monitoring fuel use. By tracking with a cardlock system, employers can easily monitor dispensing and greatly reduce losses by preventing employees and others from filling personal vehicles. Having tanks with secure access to fittings and dispensing equipment can also prevent unauthorized access and deter fuel theft. While many rely on regular padlocks, these are easy to cut and do little to deter thieves. Investing in more secure cabinets that position locks to be inaccessible to bolt cutters will better keep thieves The remote fuel management systems available on Western Global tanks help employers monitor dispensing and reduce fuel theft. Western Global’s Fuel Island is a self-contained, moveable fuel station that can be deployed for fleet refueling as well as long-term, stationary applications.
JANUARY 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 29at bay. While these security features will likely bump up the initial tank price, preventing a single theft of 50 gallons—roughly the capacity of a diesel pickup—may be enough to offset the difference. ADDITIONAL SAVINGSNo matter the tank or application, it’s important to buy from a trusted manufacturer. Reputable companies are more likely to design user-friendly tanks that generate higher ROI. Built-in ladders, convenient manhole access doors, and a solid warranty are strong indicators that a manufacturer is not cutting corners. Additionally, double-walled units with removable primary tanks make cleaning easier. Over time, tanks that are easier to clean and maintain will likely last longer and yield a much higher return. To extend the life of pumps, meters, and other components, look for tanks with enclosed, weatherproof cabinets. This is a common feature on modern cube tanks and increases the longevity of components compared to tanks with top-mounted components, where they are exposed to the elements. It is also worth checking whether your tank partner can supply the tank fully fitted with all the ancillary parts including pumps, placards, and filters so that the tank is ready to use once it is unloaded at your site. Additionally, choose a manufacturer that works closely with its customers to help select the ideal tank for the size and scope of the operation. Some manufacturers will even partner with a customer to ensure all regulations, from local to state and from EPA to DOT, are met. By providing these services, manufacturers can save customers time and hassle. Similarly, consider the manufacturer’s lead-time. Some tanks can be on site within days, while others take weeks.As operators scramble to find new ways to decrease their operating expenses, fuel storage tanks should not be overlooked. And as regulations continue to change and the marketplace becomes more competitive, businesses should never ignore an opportunity to trim expenses and work more efficiently than the competition.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ken Steury leads Western Global’s North America sales team. He has over 20 years of industry experience and has worked closely with Western Global customers for nearly nine years. Western Global is a world leader in the safe and secure storage of fuel. Building on a legacy that spans ve decades, Western Global oers modular soluons used in a range of industries including power generaon, construcon, and emergency response. Find out more, visit www.western-global.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202330MAINTENANCE
JANUARY 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 31AQWHY IS FLEET MAINTENANCE HIGHLIGHTED DURING COLDER MONTHS?KORTYNA: As soon as the cool temperatures roll in, maintenance becomes essential for fleet safety and efficiency. Every year, the first cold spell creates some of the biggest maintenance issues across the country causing more crashes during the first snow than the rest of the season. While year-round maintenance is also important, if something fails during cold months and a driver gets stranded, it could be a life-or-death situation. HOW SOON SHOULD FLEETS PERFORM WINTER MAINTENANCE ON THEIR FLEET?KORTYNA: It is recommended to prepare fleets for the winter months ahead of time. Implementing preventive maintenance measures before the winter begins will help decrease downtime and keep drivers safe. Preparing in advance will give fleets and drivers peace of mind while they’re on icy and wet roads.WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO MAINTENANCE ROUTINE?KORTYNA: Adding anti-gel to fuel during the winter months is important because it keeps diesel fuel from gelling up. Anti-gel drops the freezing point of the fuel, which makes it less likely to freeze in colder temperatures and makes sure engines don’t have trouble starting. Additionally, good-quality gel helps keep the fuel tank about halfway full to avoid any extra moisture in the tank that can also lead to freezing up. ARE THERE ANY STEPS FLEETS CAN TAKE TO IMPROVE THEIR BRAKE PERFORMANCE IN WINTER MONTHS?KORTYNA: Brakes freezing up can be dangerous for the safety of the driver and others on the road. The brake system on a truck is operated by air, so properly draining the moisture from the air system attached to the brakes is vital to keep the brakes from freezing. If this step is ignored, the braking function of the vehicle has a high risk of being disrupted.HOW OFTEN SHOULD TIRES BE INSPECTED DURING THE WINTER? WHAT SHOULD THIS CHECK ENTAIL?KORTYNA: Tires should be inspected daily during the winter months, which can be easily forgotten. As the ambient temperature decreases, the pressure of tires also decreases, which leaves the tires at risk of popping or becoming flat. Reduced tire pressure is the number one reason for tire failures. This can be dangerous in cold temperatures, even life threatening, if roadside assistance is not immediately available. ARE THERE ANY OTHER PROCESSES/MAINTENANCE THAT SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS?KORTYNA: There are a few things that should be prioritized during the winter months such as using a de-icing windshield washer fluid. And making Fleet Tips for the Cold Times AheadINSIGHT FROM THE EXPERTSA new year has started, and for many, that means the coldest months of the winter are still ahead. Even though many fleet owners have likely already experienced frosts and snow, the time is now to prevent further damage to fleet vehicles. Last month’s issue featured the vice president of operations and technicians from Cox Mobility. This month we’re back with more insight from the experts at Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services on why winter maintenance is so important. Read below for more from Drew Kortyna, senior director of commercial operations for Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202332MAINTENANCEsure you read the degree range on the fluid bottle that pertains to your climate. If you live in a typically warmer city year round, your local store may not carry the right kind of fluid for colder months. Drivers should also make sure the wiper system itself is working properly to allow for clear vision, which is also vital for safety in the snowy and rainy weather. Another tip is to use block heaters when parking trucks that allow the vehicle to stay warm. These heaters ensure that the vehicle does not reach a certain temperature that would increase the chances of its systems freezing up.Additionally, testing your batteries and charging system in advance of the cold weather is very important because the cold weather takes a toll on the electrical system. Simple things like inspecting belts and making sure they are not worn are important, too, as they tend to break more frequently in the cold temperatures. Finally, checking wire connections should also be top of mind. When you get salt and snow flying up underneath the vehicles, insecure and failed connections become a concern. WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE SHOULD AVOID WHEN CARING FOR VEHICLES IN THE WINTER?KORTYNA: Common mistakes include failure to put tire chains on the vehicle, which is common for trucking companies that do not haul out West. If these trucks take a winter load out West, it becomes a safety issue, and it is also illegal to drive on certain roads without chains. Other common mistakes include operating a vehicle with less than half a tank of fuel. This is once again to avoid moisture from building up in the tank, which leads to higher risk of freezing. A lot of big accidents that happen with trucks are often in the winter months, and this can become a very dangerous environment for maintenance professionals who travel to the scene for servicing. WHAT DO YOU SEE CHANGING FOR MAINTENANCE WITH EVS ON THE RISE?KORTYNA: With EVs, you won't have to deal with the oil in tanks freezing up. Additionally, there will be no reason to buy gel because, again, the vehicle would no longer require it. However, draining the air system for moisture and using the proper windshield wiper fluid will still be relevant for EVs.FOR MORE INFORMATION Drew Kortyna is the senior director of commercial operaons for Cox Automove Mobility Fleet Services. Prior to joining Cox, Kortyna worked for TravelCenters of America, Inc., for more than two decades, helping lead the company’s retail pricing strategies and growth of the company’s mobile maintenance operaons. Find out more, visit www.coxautoinc.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202334MAINTENANCEToday’s fuel prices have re-introduced a bevy of asset management challenges for fleets that significantly impact the bottom line of every fleet organization. This is especially a concern since fuel is the largest component of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for any fleet. And while it is challenging to procure new trucks, it’s equally important to have a solid fuel economy and maintenance strategy to identify where costs erode the bottom line.Fleet professionals struggle pinpointing “why” and “where” their costs are rising—important questions often asked by C-level executives. The simple answer is that inflation, extended life cycles, and the additional maintenance repairs, component parts, and fuel degradation drives up prices—not to mention rising labor rates for drivers, mechanics, and third-party providers are all expensive. More importantly, fuel prices have overtaken driver shortage as the top concern expressed by drivers and motor carriers as reported by the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) 2022 Top Industry Issues survey. Also, when fuel prices rise quickly over a short period, it becomes tough for a fleet to pass this cost to their customers.Similarly, according to the 2022 National Private Truck Council (NPTC) Benchmarking survey, “equipment and maintenance-related issues surged into second place, and fuel-related Fuel Economy and Maintenance and Repair StrategiesCOMBAT TODAY’S SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES AND RISING FUEL COST By Al Barner
JANUARY 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 35issues driven by the spike in diesel prices leapfrogged other issues to take the number three position—up more than 10 times year-over-year.”ANALYZE THE DATAA significant problem facing the industry is that many fleets still do not use data analytics to pinpoint their diesel cost per mile (CPM), and instead continue focusing on diesel cost per gallon. Companies must analyze their OBC/ELD and maintenance data to determine KPIs such as fuel economy and mile-per-gallon per model year, mile-per-year (MPY) analysis by model year, and fleet use by miles to establish a baseline. This approach, combined with a fleet modernization plan and corresponding Fleet Services Support can help keep a fleet’s cost-per-mile in line.This level of planning and additional line-item visibility can also 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; 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. EXTENDED LIFE CYCLESAccording to Steve Smith, senior industry adviser at DDC FPO and president of Smith Transportation Consulting Services, “when the economy starts to slow down, the industry’s kneejerk reaction is to extend the life of equipment,” he commented at the recent ATA MCE 2022 conference. “However, extending the life of a tractor could help fleets save capital in the short term, but eliminate cashflow due to the cost of repairs.”Unfortunately, according to the NPTC, many private fleet respondents report they were forced to extend their equipment trade cycles due to the unavailability of equipment.CPM historical trends have increased dramatically over the past few years, and several key drivers must be tracked to independently understand how they impact the profit and loss numbers. This includes cost increases on parts, service, and fuel when trade cycles are extended. This will lead to maintenance performed at a higher rate but also components typically not addressed in a shorter life cycle, where parts and service have seen a 10% to 20% increase depending on component.CONTROL THE BASELINEFuel has been volatile with cost increases and decreases of more than 25% in a quarter, and trying to forecast future costs can be a challenge; this is why it’s recommended to focus on a controllable baseline. For example,
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202336MAINTENANCEfuel planning should be based on gallons used and not price. This allows fleets to maintain operating controls during times of prices variation. Parts can be tracked by VMRS code and frequency. Older vehicles can be used as a benchmark to determine planned expenditures, and many industry trade organizations and the right asset management partner can provide industry vertical data.“Always get current with your trade cycle,” Smith adds. “With a tractor, let’s call it five years, but it really depends on your business and how many years you are going to drive. You will go down a maintenance and repair hole very quickly if you try to extend tractor life cycles.”Ultimately, a data-driven LCCM plan (Life Cycle Cost Management) helps corporate fleets make measurable changes in both the financial and environmental bottom line. The average driving mpg for a 500-unit fleet operating a five-year life cycle is 8.41, while the average for an eight-year cycle is 7.90. Organizations have switched from an eight- to five-year life cycle, resulting in a net reduction of 2,494,770 gallons of fuel. This will have a significant impact over the next five to 10 years, producing a 6.1% reduction in CO2, or 25,122 metric tons. This calculation further confirms that a shorter life cycle is more cost-effective.FUEL STRATEGIESThat gap created from running vehicles longer results in increased fuel spend, increased carbon output, and essentially more cost overall, eating into profits. So, as we’re thinking about managing our life cycle and mitigating cost in these challenging times, there are several things to consider when it comes to fuel.First, it’s important to understand how a dual miles per gallon on tractors works for both newer and older models. There is a minimal break-in period for newer units, but it’s not like it used to be 10- or 15-years ago when we saw a half-mile penalty. Today they start at 8.41 per gallon, and as the vehicle enters the end of its life cycle, you will typically see fuel degradation. As you think about managing a life cycle, you can’t base your procurement cycle one year out. Therefore, you must have a multi-year approach and one-, three-, and five-year plan for equipment replacement. Achieving optimum fuel savings needs to be owned by everyone, including technicians, drivers, and analysts. Each needs to work together to review data, reduce and buy fuel correctly, eliminate idle time, and work on route optimization to realize proper use of the truck. What’s more, aftertreatment fault codes must be closely monitored and dealt with promptly. Organizations should also work with drivers to implement speed and accelerator limiters, which have been more widely accepted even though, for the first time since 2005, they made ATRI’s list of drive concerns because of road rage from speed differentials. However, while it’s an area of concern, it’s also why it is essential to have open communications with drivers.REDUCE M&R & FUEL COSTSIf you previously operated a truck for four or five years and are now dealing with supply chain challenges, you will be required to stretch that truck for six or seven years, and the maintenance you perform on that truck will be different. Let’s look at the aftertreatment system again. Trucks that operate for four or five years, typically under warranty, may have a system short of fueling with regeneration or possibly one cleaning the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system. Fleets that operate longer life cycles must overcome additional challenges for their fuel strategy and the broader fuel management system, tires, etc. Tires, in particular, are significant because a longer life cycle can impact replacement cycles, the type of tires, and service and repair costs over a more extended period. Furthermore, fleets may also find they need to replace their one box system, which is the box that holds the DPFs on Class 8 tractors. This may result in error codes for their DPF system, causing regenerations to increase. When this occurs, drivers must stop more often to regenerate the system between 30 and 45 minutes, which can adversely impact their business. This eventually results in DPF replacement along with components such as crossover pumps, dosage valves, and in some cases, crossover tubes—line-item expenses that add up significantly over time. However, if truck life cycles are extended but PM cycles aren’t realigned, your entire M&R operation may no longer be in sync with third-party provider recommendations in regards to internal mechanics and key operating components, which negatively affects each truck’s performance. BIG PICTURE DATAData analytics and these strategies will help you better understand the big picture and how today’s fuel prices and life cycle extensions impact your cost structures. You’ll also be able to pinpoint at the line-item level where specific expenditures are adding up. With this visibility, you can instill much-needed confidence in the leadership team to make the right procurement decisions that benefit the bottom line in the long run. Companies must also work with a partner that can help determine the cost by VMRS codes and set a strategy for asset procurement, which is critical when all your baselines for the previous 10-plus years are no longer relevant.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Al Barner, CTP, is senior vice president of strategic eet soluons for Fleet Advantage, an innovator in truck eet business analycs, equipment nancing, and life cycle cost management. Find out more, visit www.eetadvantage.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202338MAINTENANCE THE SKELSTART ENGINE START MODULE COMES IN 12-VOLT AND 24-VOLTMODELS AND CAN DOUBLE THE LIFESPAN OF TRADITIONAL LEAD-ACID BATTERIES.FOUR SKELSTART ENGINE START MODULES CAN CRANK THE 85-LITER ENGINE IN THIS MASSIVE CAT DUMP TRUCK AT -40 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. heavy-duty featureSay Hello to SupercapacitorAND SAY GOODBYE TO COLD WEATHER STARTING PROBLEMSSay Hello to SupercapacitorsAND SAY GOODBYE TO COLD WEATHER STARTING PROBLEMS Photo credit: Mathieu Dupuis
JANUARY 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 39It can get pretty frigid in the wilds of Western Canada, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon during the winter months. However, for the folks at Cascade Carriers out of Sherwood Park, Alberta, cold weather is just something they have learned to contend with over almost 105 years doing business.The fleet of approximately 100 power units serves remote oil and gas mining installations year-round. Something they’ve learned over time: Lead acid batteries don’t like the cold. So, when temperatures drop to -22 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, battery issues and failures rise.“If a unit is not plugged in and kept warm, then you've got to crank and crank and crank it to try and get it to start, and you'll often draw down your batteries doing so,” says Steve Smith, Cascade Carriers director of maintenance. “When it comes to winter, lead acid batteries become the weakest link in the chain.” According to Smith, it depends where the battery failure occurs that dictates how serious and costly the problem can be. Smith estimated that the total cost of a battery failure in the field can be in the thousands of dollars, and that’s only if you can get a service truck to the location where the batteries failed.REGIONAL ISSUECascade’s battery woes are not uncommon among Canadian fleet operators. The maintenance officials at Ontario-based Contrans and Quebec-based Canadian Malartic Partnership have similar stories. “We had several issues in our fleet,” says Doug Martin, Contrans director of maintenance. “One was the continuous dead battery in the morning scenario, and the other was the dead battery in the field scenario. We were spending a great deal of time and money starting trucks with dead batteries.”Martin observed that the increased use of APUs and the associated rise in vehicle hotel loads driving on-board electronics have increased over the last 10 years, taking a toll on vehicle batteries.Canadian Malartic Partnership manages and operates Canadian Malartic Mine, one of Canada's largest open-pit gold mines. In February 2021, the Partnership also officially announced the start of construction on its Odyssey Mine, which will become one of the largest underground gold mines in the country.Nicolas Legare, Canadian Malartic Partnership application specialists, says, “If our big dump trucks aren’t So much great information, so readily available.READ ON...www.mwsmag.comHot new products, reviews of trade shows and new releases, arcles from the top brands and the leaders of work truck innovaon are present in every arcle and every issue of Modern Worktruck Soluons magazine. Access your copy on every digital plaorm.Visit www.mwsmag.com and click on the digital edion tab to access the enre MWS digital library—or subscribe for free.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202340MAINTENANCErunning, our entire mining operation is negatively affected. The cold weather is not kind to lead acid batteries … So we’ve spent a lot of time and money charging, maintaining, and replacing our vehicle’s batteries. SUPERPOWER Fortunately for commercial fleets that experience cold winter temperatures, a solution has recently emerged. The solution also stores energy and looks very much like the batteries fleets already use, and it even matches their dimensional form—but that’s where the similarities end.The SkelStart Engine Start Module is a supercapacitor designed to start any engine, anywhere, and under almost any circumstances. One SkelStart will easily crank a 27-L engine, and four SkelStarts can crank an 85-L engine. Distributed exclusively in North America by Ontario-based C8 Energy, the SkelStart supercapacitor technology delivers 2,130 cold-cranking amps (CCA) for up to one million cycles. It also delivers that same starting power whether the ambient temperature is as low as -40 degrees or as high as 149 degrees F.MAKING THE SWITCHContrans has used the SkelStart Engine Start Module since January of 2022. He ordered it directly from Freightliner and Navistar when making his 2022 vehicle purchases in 2021. Those vehicles would otherwise have come with four dedicated starter batteries and four devoted to handling the vehicle’s APUs and hotel loads. Just one SkelStart replaced the four starter batteries on the new 2022 vehicles, and Contrans now has about 100 SkelStarts in service.Martin says replacing four starter batteries with one SkelStart saved 700 lbs per vehicle. “We’re an extremely weight-sensitive fleet, and that weight savings translates into greater cargo capacity and thus higher revenue per load,” Martin says.Further, Martin says converting to supercapacitors makes sense for a fleet for four primary reasons. “It cuts down on road service calls, it cuts down on cold start problems, and it improves driver safety and comfort,” Martin states. “And with a lifespan of up to one million cycles, they can theoretically outlast their vehicles.” Cascade’s Smith agrees. He is currently field testing the SkelStart in his fleet.“Though we're still in the trial phase, there have been no issues so far,” Smith says. “But if it works out, we will put the SkelStart in our units that go on- and off-highway in certain remote locations where starting power reliability is critical to asset protection and driver safety.” CAPABLE & CONSISTENTThe bigger the engine, the more cranking power needed to get it started—particularly in the dead of winter. Canadian Malartic’s big dumps each use four large, 12-Volt, Group 8D batteries paired in series to produce 24 Volts. Fortunately, for their application, the SkelStart Engine Start Module comes in 12-Volt and 24-Volt models.“We replaced two of the four Group 8D batteries with the SkelStart in order to handle the dump truck’s starting capacity,” Legare says. “We left two of the 8Ds to enable the ECU, ignition switch, lighting, and other auxiliary vehicle functions.”Legare says that the SkelStart cranks the big engines with no problem. He also observes that the cranking power does not diminish with time or with
JANUARY 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 41temperature drops like it does with a lead acid battery. “Its powerful cranking capability and consistency is one of the things we like most about the SkelStart system,” he says.GREEN ENERGY STORAGEDue in part to their exceptional reliability, supercapacitors have been used in heavy transportation for many years, particularly in Europe. However, with increasingly stringent regulations surrounding fuel efficiency, no idling laws, and emissions control globally, their use is growing exponentially. “The SkelStart technology represents the cutting edge of supercapacitor technology,” says Jean Labrie, C8 Energy CEO. “It has 60 times the power of lead acid batteries, it’s reliable down to -40 degrees, it reduces battery-related downtime, and it lasts for up to a million cycles.”In fact, the scientists that developed the SkelStart recently won an award given by the European Patent Office (EPO) recognizing their work on developing and optimizing the properties of the patented, next generation curved graphene material.“The new patented, curved graphene material development is responsible for delivering an unprecedented 72% greater power and energy density than any other supercapacitor on the market,” Labrie says.Further, unlike lead acid batteries, the cells contain no hazardous materials, so they are completely recyclable, just like a computer monitor and other electronics.The SkelStart Engine Start Module is available to North American fleets now and can be ordered as a factory option on select models from Volvo, Navistar and Daimler, and Peterbilt vehicles.“Until now, batteries have been the leading cause of engine starting problems because of their short lifespan and their vulnerability to extreme weather conditions,” Labrie says. “Because it is the most powerful and reliable module for engine starting applications in the world, the SkelStart is about to solve that problem for good.”FOR MORE INFORMATION Find out more about the SkelStart Engine Start Module, visit www.c8energy.com. By using supercapacitors, Contrans eliminated four starter batteries, all their cables, and the battery box, thus increasing per-vehicle revenue by saving about 700 lbs on each power unit.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202342WORK TRUCK PRODUCTSFELLING TRAILERSUTILITY REEL “R” SERIESThe Felling Trailers’ Utility Cable Reel “R” series model lines have undergone design modifications to increase operator safety and ease of use. The most significant update to the model design is the auto-locking reel bar system that eliminates the use of pins and brackets; it now uses a locking plate system. The R series product line offers payload capacities ranging from 1,740 lbs to 13,520 lbs. All models have the capability to load up to a 120-inch diameter reel. The new R series design will reach full production by the first quarter of 2023.www.felling.comYOKOHAMA716U UWB REGIONAL DRIVE TIREThe Yokohama 716U™ ultra-wide base tire is a weight-savings drive tire that carries more profitability for fleets. It’s available now in the US in size 455/55R225. Benefits of the 716U UWB include: increased load capacity with a load range M (22 PR), which reduces unsprung weight without compromising carrying capacity; aggressive traction with zig-zag grooves and wet-weather grip that evacuates water away from the tread; and built to last, made with a compound that resists scrubbing, cutting, and chipping for long, original tread life. Its funnel-shaped grooves also prevent stones and debris from reaching the bottom of the groove where damage occurs.www.yokohamatruck.comHOT SHOT’S SECRETEDT+ WINTER DEFENSE DIESEL FUEL ADDITIVE Hot Shot’s Secret introduced a new complimentary formulation of its best-selling Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT) developed specifically for use during cold weather. EDT+ Winter Defense provides all the benefits of EDT fuel additive including improved power, performance, and mpg, but also prevents gelling and icing when temperatures start to drop. It also has industry leading lubricity protection with the addition of LX4 Lubricity Extreme. With a pour point of -65 degrees F, EDT+ Winter Defense is specially formulated to ensure diesel fuel tanks and lines stay fully operational, preventing fuel line freeze-ups in temps as low as -40 degrees F.www.hotshotsecret.comHILLTIPSWEEPAWAY PUSH BROOM The new SweepAway™ push broom attachments from Hilltip are a versatile clean-up solution for use on forklifts, tractors, loaders, excavators, and other vehicles. This simple, yet effective tool provides professional results when sweeping a variety of materials, such as leaves, sand, rocks, debris, snow, and slush. Offered in sizes from 59 to 118-inches wide, the SweepAway push brooms are available in a light series with eight brush rows or a medium series with 12 brush rows. Featuring polypropylene bristles, the replaceable brush rows are easy to change and clean. The brooms contain no moving parts, resulting in practically no maintenance requirements.www.hilltipna.com
JANUARY 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 43LANDSCAPERSWorking in laborious industries like trucking, construction, landscaping, farming, and more tends to require workers to wear safety or steel toe shoes while on the job. Workers are often stuck with basic colors and styles when it comes to purchasing these types of shoes. These shoes can also be heavy for folks like landscapers that are on their feet all day. But one company, Ed Hennings Co., helps employees of these industries say so long to big, bulky, and heavy safety shoes and hello to more lightweight and comfortable shoes. Ed Hennings Co. is a line of high-quality steel toe and safety sneakers and boots as well as casual leather high-top sneakers. Ed Hennings, the owner of Ed Hennings Co., is a truck driver who also owns a trucking company.“I was always looking for the latest steel toe shoes that I could wear while working,” Hennings states. “Unfortunately, what I found year-after-year on store shelves and online were the same basic work shoes.”Thus, the Ed Hennings Co. footwear line was born. “I wanted to create work shoes that not only provide the top level of safety and comfort, but that people would be proud to wear and would even want to wear outside of their jobs,” Hennings says.THE LINEUPThe footwear line consists of: • Steel Toe Footwear ($74.99) are indestructible, lightweight, and puncture resistant boots with a thick sole. The rugged boots are available in black or brown and are available for men and women. The Steel Toe Footwear is ideal for heavy-duty jobs.• Sports Steel Toe ($69.99) are high-top safety sneakers. The shoes are anti-slip, anti-static, as well as puncture resistant. The Sports Steel Toe sneaker’s high-top cut helps provide extra ankle support for workers. The shoes are available for both men and women. • Future ($70.00) are sporty steel toe sneakers that are made from breathable cotton and have a sturdy sole. The shoes are black and gray with a trendy yellow-orange stripe design. The Future safety sneaker is available for men and women. • Signature ($129.00) is a classic high-quality and comfortable leather high-top sneaker. The shoes are available in brown, grey, and black and are available for men and women. “Ed Hennings Co. is taking safety and work shoes up a notch,” Ed Hennings says. Safety Shoes for Landscapers with a Stylish Makeover STYLISH, DURABLE FOOTWEAR INCLUDING STEEL TOE BOOTS AND SNEAKERS FOR THE WORKFORCEFOR MORE INFORMATION Find out more, visit www.edhenningsco.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JANUARY 202344The Diesel Technology Forum reports that diesel sales made up 1.3% of light-duty auto sales in 2022, a 0.1% increase from 2021. For Class 2 and 3 diesel-powered vehicles, the Diesel Technology Forum reports 3.5% of total sales in 2022 compared to 3.2% in 2021. In 2023, US consumers and fleet owners will have 32 total options for diesel-powered vehicles, including vans, trucks, and SUVs. This number includes General Motors’ new engine debuting this year, the Duramax 3-L I-6 LZ0. Diesel drivers and owners today have more choices of what fuel to use in their vehicles. According to the Diesel Technology Forum, all diesel engine manufacturers have certified their engines for the use of B20 (biodiesel) fuels, and the US Department of Energy lists more than 800 retail stations where biodiesel fuel is available. DIESEL FUEL PRICESDiesel saw its highest price ever recorded in 2022. Factors contributing to that high price were petroleum supplies and their pricing, demand, and the war in Ukraine. The Diesel Technology Forum reports the current average national diesel price from $4.549 to $5.08 a gallon. This figure is up 89 cents from a year ago.One bit of good news, Clean Fuels Alliance studies show that US production of renewable diesel and biodiesel fuels reduce distillate fuel prices by increasing diesel fuel supply.It’s darkest before the dawn, as the saying goes, and the same could be said for the price of diesel fuel in 2023. A forecast from the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Short Term Energy Outlook estimates that oil inventories will fall at the beginning of the year, but rise by almost .7 million barrels per day in the second half of the year. This prediction also projects a barrel price of $92 by the end of 2023, which is $3 less than what was forecasted in December 2022.BIODIESEL FUEL OUTLOOKNot only will diesel fuel production increase, the EIA predicts biodiesel production will also increase. Biodiesel production averaged roughly 123,000 barrels per day in 2022, and EIA predicts biodiesel fuel production will increase by 5,000 barrels to 128,000 barrels per day in 2023. Biodiesel imports are also expected to increase from 1,000 barrels per day in 2021 to 3,000 barrels per day in 2022 and 2023.EIA also predicts that by the end of 2022, more renewable diesel fuel would be produced than conventional biodiesel fuels. Biodiesel and renewable diesel fuels, although composed of the same feedstocks, are produced differently, with renewable diesel fuel as a result. This renewable diesel fuel features key properties that are essentially identical to conventional diesel fuel, which makes renewable diesel fuel a drop-in replacement for petroleum diesel fuel.UNANSWERED QUESTIONS The unprecedented times faced in 2020 have caused lingering effects on the economy and supply chain that have yet to balance, and the war in Ukraine contributed to fuel price increases on a global scale. No one can predict exactly what the future holds, but one thing fleet owners and operators can continue to do is play it safe, and hope for the best.Read the Diesel Technology Forum’s full article at www.dieselforum.org.Talk soon! JadeDIESEL VEHICLE AND DIESEL FUEL PRICE OUTLOOK FOR 2023 NOW, ALMOST THREE YEARS LATER, THE ECONOMY AND THE STALLS IN PRODUCTION FROM 2020. WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON FOR THE YEAR AHEAD WHEN IT COMES TO DIESEL FUEL PRICES AND DIESEL FUEL PRODUCTION? THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM RECENTLY REPORTED ON ITS PREDICTIONS ALONG WITH INSIGHT FROM THE ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION.