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JUNE2023HEAVY DUTY THE BYD 8TT AN EV WITH INDUSTRY EXPERIENCECOMPLEXITIES OF HEAVY-DUTY TOWINGWHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWONE PLATFORM FOR FLEET TECHA SEAMLESS FLEET EXPERIENCETPMS FOR FLEETSREDUCE ISSUES, IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMYWWW.MWSMAG.COM
CONNECT WITH US on Twitter (@mwsmag), Facebook (www.facebook.com/modernworktruck), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/modern-work-truck-solutions).INSIDE THIS ISSUEJUNE 2023 VOL-8 NO-6HOLMANPRO RACKThe Holman Pro Rack—available this summer—is the brand’s new line of heavy-duty racks for full-size work trucks, service bodies, and platform bodies. It now features optional forklift loadable side rails. www.holman.com/equipmentPROTECTING NIGHT VISION WITH LIGHTING ............................... 36JUNE2023HEAVY DUTY THE BYD 8TT AN EV WITH INDUSTRY EXPERIENCECOMPLEXITIES OF HEAVY-DUTY TOWINGWHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWONE PLATFORM FOR FLEET TECHA SEAMLESS FLEET EXPERIENCETPMS FOR FLEETSREDUCE ISSUES, IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMYWWW.MWSMAG.COMCOVER STORIESOPERATIONSCOMPLEXITIES OF HEAVY-DUTY TOWING ....16What you need to knowINDUSTRY NEWS ................................6INDUSTRY INSIGHT ........................... 10 PRODUCT SHOWCASE ......................34IN EVERY ISSUE20LIGHT-DUTYSUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIES NAVIGATE VEHICLE BUYINGBYD 8TT AN EXPERIENCED EVHEAVY-DUTY12TPMS FOR FLEETS REDUCE ISSUES24MEDIUM-DUTYSHOWCASEMAINTENANCETPMS FOR FLEETS ..................24Reduce issues, improve fuel economyTECHNOLOGYONE PLATFORM FOR FLEET TECH ...................30One dashboard for a seamless customer experience
TECHNOLOGY ESSENTIAL FLEET INSPECTIONS ...........................................28 Safeguarding road safety and efficiency28www.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 JUNE 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 PresidentWhen the kids are out of school and the weather is unbearable, that’s when most of us know it’s summertime. But in our office, working on the Heavy Haulers issue is our indication that’s it’s summer. We’ve dedicated this issue to our readers in the heavy hauling segments, be it construction, specialty, or otherwise. This June edition of Modern WorkTruck Solutions features a truck showcase on the electric BYD 8TT. This vehicle isn’t still in development stages or even being tested in the field. This vehicle is currently used in fleets today and has been for a few years now. Check it out on page 12. This issue also features a conversation between MWS and PPG about how to keep your heavy haulers in pristine condition. Read the conversation in the Industry Insights column on page 10. For those whose heavy hauler encounters problems on the road, we’ve got an educational piece on the complexities of heavy-duty towing (page 16). For those that don’t employ heavy vehicles in their fleet, we’ve got pieces for fleets of all sizes such as navigating the ordering cycle due to supply chain woes (page 20) and an essential fleet inspection to-do list on page 28. If it’s fleet technology that’s keeping you bogged down, find relief by combining all your tech on one platform. Read about a solution on page 30. If you're looking for ways to mitigate tire-related issues and improve fuel economy, read the article on page 24.All of this and so much more is waiting for you—just flip through to find out! Jade Brasher EditorEDITOR’S NOTETalk soon! Jade
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 20236INDUSTRY NEWSMULLEN ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF LIGHTWEIGHT EV TRUCK BODY WITH PHENIX TRUCK BODIES & VAN EQUIPMENT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAMullen Automotive, Inc., an emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, announced the development of a lightweight truck body for its Class 3 EV with Phenix Truck Bodies & Van Equipment. Phenix will develop a lightweight body configuration designed to satisfy the needs of Class 3 service body truck fleets. The goal is to offer an EV alternative to ICE vehicles. Upon upfit completion, the Class 3 vehicle will be available to Phenix commercial fleet customers for evaluation and pilot programs.“Since revealing our Mullen THREE all-electric tilt cab in March, we have had very positive feedback and strong interest,” says John Schwegman, chief commercial officer, Mullen Automotive. “With availability later this year, we are excited to have fleet customers begin piloting our Class 3 product and experience how an all-electric truck can work in their fleet of vehicles.” For more, visit www.mullenusa.com. PARKER HANNIFIN CHECK VALVES SERVE CRITICAL ROLE IN WORK TRUCKS WITH AERIAL WORK PLATFORMSDuring emergencies, damage to backup emergency pumps via backflow or pressure must be prevented in case the main pumps fail. Emergency pumps are typically found in trucks that operate aerial work platforms. These include bucket trucks used in sectors such as utilities, tree care, construction, agriculture, and cleaning and maintenance. Check valves installed in a bucket truck’s hydraulic system help prevent backflow, only allowing the fluid to flow one direction. This protects the emergency pump from any potential damage. Check valves also protect against contamination in the hydraulic system. This prevents foreign particles or debris from entering and causing damage to the pump or other hydraulic components. Check valves are one of the most overlooked machine components but are crucial in an emergency. Choosing the most reliable one for your application is critical. For more, visit www.discover.parker.com/check-valves. PRE-Q GALGO CORPORATION EXHIBITS PRE-Q® GALGO Corporation exhibited at the annual Tennessee Association of Pupil Transportation conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. “This year’s show far exceeded our expectations,” says Ron Elliott, PRE-Q GALGO marketing manager. “We were met with many questions about retreading. We crave questions about retreading and always look forward to busting the many myths surrounding
INDUSTRY NEWS them We informed them that retreads are a manufactured product and like with any product quality in equals quality out For more visit www pre q com ISUZU AND BUILTMORE CELEBRATE ASSEMBLY OF 100 000TH ISUZU N SERIES GASOLINE TRUCK Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc distributor of America s best selling low cab forward trucks has announced that the 100 000th gasoline powered Isuzu N Series truck was produced today at the Builtmore Contract Manufacturing facility in Charlotte Michigan Since 2011 all Isuzu N Series gas trucks for the US and Canada markets have been assembled in Charlotte by Builtmore The production milestone comes less than five years after the Charlotte facility produced the 50 000th gas powered N Series truck For more visit www isuzucv com VISIONTRACK AND APPLIED DRIVING JOIN FORCES TO TARGET SAFER DRIVING VisionTrack teamed up with Applied Driving a driver safety and performance management specialist to develop a video enabled safe driving solution The companies will bring together the benefits of automated risk reduction 360 degree vision and cloud based video analysis Under the partnership Applied Driving s online web application Riskmapp will integrate with VisionTrack s award winning IoT platform This will enable fleets to optimize driver engagement and coaching through the targeted training supported with video and data insight Additionally the solution will use camera and AI captured footage from around the vehicle Footage of collisions and near misses will upload to Riskmapp having been assessed and verified by VisionTrack s AI powered post analysis tool NARA Both Applied Driving and the fleet customer will be able to review the footage For more visit www visiontrack com NEXIQ TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCHES NEW BLUE LINK 2 MOBILE VEHICLE INTERFACE NEXIQ Technologies announced the release of its Blue LinkTM 2 Mobile Vehicle Interface Blue Link 2 enables seamless communication with vehicles for access to diagnostic information Our second generation Blue Link provides easier connectivity to iOS has greater throughput than our previous version and is more powerful in supporting the development of iOS and Android solutions for communicating with vehicles says Dave Shock NEXIQ Technologies product manager Additionally this advanced mobile vehicle interface supports CAN FD protocol and includes Wi Fi connection capability For more visit www nexiq com 8 MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW MWSMAG COM JUNE 2023
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202310INDUSTRY INSIGHTAQSCOTT COLVINHelping Work Trucks Look Good in Some of the Harshest Working EnvironmentsMWS: PPG IS A HOUSEHOLD MANY INDUSTRIES. HOW DID PPG FIND ITS WAY INTO THE WORK TRUCK INDUSTRY? COLVIN: PPG’s long history of innovation in transportation coatings spans more than 10 decades, back to 1928 when we purchased Ditzler, Inc.—the leading OEM supplier of paints for automobiles at the time. In the 1980s, we introduced the PPG DELTA® line of commercial coatings, the forerunner to the PPG DELFLEET® brand we offer today. Our commercial coating innovations were specifically created to address the harsh conditions that work trucks, heavy-duty vehicles, buses, emergency vehicles, and the like operate within. The goal back then, just like today, was to provide these commercial vehicles with coatings that deliver a high level of durability and corrosion resistance. By combining quality products with a strong commitment to support and service, PPG today is a world leading supplier of commercial coatings.MWS: LET’S TALK ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTS IN WHICH WORK TRUCKS AND HEAVY HAULERS OPERATE. WHEN IT COMES TO COMPROMISING A TRUCK’S THE EXPOSURES THEY FACE AND WHAT TYPE OF COATINGS DO YOU RECOMMEND TO HELP WITHSTAND THESE CONDITIONS?COLVIN: The obvious one is road salt. When applied to ice and snow, road PPG OFFERS PAINT PROTECTION ADVICE FOR HARD-WORKING TRUCKS
JUNE 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 11salt dissolves in the moisture and creates a saltwater solution, which can be highly corrosive to a vehicle’s undercarriage and body panels. The key to preventing corrosion damage seems fairly simple—protect the metal substrate. However, this is much easier said than done when we’re talking about work trucks, which typically suffer more day-to-day abuse than most vehicles and would benefit from a coating that contains a higher level of corrosion protection. For a heavy hauler or work truck fleet that faces prolonged exposure to road salt, for example, I would recommend a PPG corrosion-resistant system that includes a zinc-rich primer and a polyurethane topcoat. 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.MWS: WHAT ABOUT EXPOSURES THAT ARE NOT CLIMATE AND GRAVEL?COLVIN: The unfortunate reality is that no matter where you operate your vehicle, there’s no way to escape airborne stones and gravel. And just like road salt, they can wreak havoc on a vehicle’s finish. But there’s a difference between road chips that remove a top layer of paint and those that penetrate all the way down to the metal substrate. That’s when you start seeing corrosion. To limit the damage caused by flying stones and gravel, start with an epoxy primer. You’ll find this provides strong adhesion to the substrate. Follow this with a high-quality polyurethane topcoat and a durable clearcoat. Again, you can’t avoid road chips, but I believe a PPG coating regimen is your best defense.I think it’s also important to mention the damaging effect the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays have on a vehicle’s finish. This is especially true for work trucks and heavy haulers, which are typically stored outdoors on a 24/7 basis. Direct, prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage a vehicle’s finish in a number of ways. At the top of the list is fading. UV light breaks down the pigments in the paint, causing them to fade, change color, or create a “yellowing” effect, which is more common in light colors. UV rays can also cause oxidation, paint surface degradation, and clearcoat damage. Taking everything into consideration, one of the best ways to combat the damaging impact of UV rays is a premium PPG coating system that includes an epoxy primer, a polyurethane topcoat, and a relatively new clearcoat that in addition to delivering a deep, high-gloss appearance, is very effective in preventing the yellowing effect.MWS: FROM A MAINTENANCE TIPS THAT FLEET OWNERS CAN IMPLEMENT INTO THEIR OPERATIONS TO PROLONG THE LOOK AND LIFE OF THEIR VEHICLES’ FINISH?COLVIN: Keeping a vehicle clean is vitally important—especially for trucks exposed to winter conditions. The sooner you can wash off contaminants such as road salt and other harmful chemicals like acids, solvents, and fuel spills, the less likely they are to cause damage to your coating. Much like your car in winter, the more often you wash it, the less likely it is to rust. It’s also important to perform routine touch-up maintenance on painted surfaces. If you have chipped paint or even small scratches, you should take care of them promptly because exposed bare metal will eventually corrode.While you’re touching up your paint work, don’t forget about the wheels. The PPG Wheel Refurbishing System makes it easy to perform fast, high-quality wheel refurbishments without the use of a paint booth. This aerosol-applied method is a cost-effective alternative to outsourcing the refurbishing of dirty, corroded wheels in order to preserve their appearance and structural integrity. MWS: WHY IS HAVING A PRISTINE FINISH IMPORTANT FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES?COLVIN: I think you should look at your work truck as a rolling advertisement that can reflect a positive or negative business image—depending on how well or how poorly it’s maintained. Would you want to do business with a company that has a fleet of vehicles covered in rust? On the other hand, when a company has a fleet of vehicles in pristine condition, it says a lot.MWS: ANY ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS?COLVIN: PPG, along with our distributor network, believes that there’s great value in finding a coating supplier that offers more than just a can of paint. You want a partner that understands your business and provides coating solutions based on your individual needs. That’s what we’re all about. And I think that makes a big difference.FOR MORE INFORMATION Sco Colvin is the PPG brand manager, eet segments, USCA Commercial Coangs – Renish. His experience in the coangs industry spans 30 years, of which 16 years have been in the commercial coangs segment. Along the way, he has worked in renish training, customer service management, and product management. Find out more about PPG, visit www.ppgcommercialcoangs.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202312HEAVY-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASEHEAVY-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASE
JUNE 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 13The BYD 8TTAN ELECTRIC VEHICLE WITH INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202314HEAVY-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASEHeadquartered in Los Angeles is an electric truck company with trucks working in the field today. Trucks from this company are no longer in development stages, in field testing, or customer trials. These trucks currently operate in ports and terminals, they’re on city and neighborhood streets in refuse applications, and they’re delivering goods in the distribution and logistics segment. These trucks aren’t an experiment—they’re fleet assets.Touted as “the world’s first commercially available all-electric Class 8 day cab tractor,” the BYD 8TT Class 8 tandem axle is ready for heavy-duty jobs. With its manufacturer-backed battery, its state-of-the-art technology, and its proven capabilities, this truck is worth a look for fleet owners in the market for an electric vehicle.BYD POWERThe powertrain of an electric vehicle is the vehicle’s battery. Therefore, when purchasing an electric vehicle, fleet owners should pay close attention to the vehicle’s battery composition and how the brand stands behind it.BYD vehicles have an advantage when it comes to battery design. The brand has more than 25 years of battery system design and manufacturing. Today, the company is one of the globe’s largest manufacturers of commercial and industry battery systems. All BYD trucks feature the brand’s proprietary iron phosphate battery systems. Further, as previously stated, the brand backs up this system with its factory warranty. BYD’s iron phosphate battery systems were originally designed for utility-scale energy systems that required a 30-year service life. Utility-scale energy systems are “stationary batteries that can be connected to distribution/transmission networks or power-generation assets,” according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. As one could imagine, battery systems of this scale require safety, reliability, and consistent power. Good news for fleets considering the purchase of a heavy BYD truck, that same iron phosphate chemistry is used in BYD truck batteries.As a result, the BYD 8TT pumps out a maximum of 483 hp, a maximum torque of 664 lb-ft, and a GCWR of 105,000 lbs. The BYD 8TT features an initial battery capacity of 422 kWh and charges with DC power in just 2.5 hours.THE BATTERY SYSTEMBecause of BYD’s history as a battery manufacturer, its batteries are tough and reliable. After 10,000 cycles, the battery retains 70% of its original capacity. Therefore, BYD offers a 12-year warranty on its batteries, which is the longest warranty in the industry. It’s also been proven to operate in the most extreme temperatures; the BYD battery is reliable in conditions from minus 40 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, these battery systems have been proven in over 800,000 passenger cars and over 50,000 electric buses worldwide—and counting, not to mention the years and miles those 850,000-plus vehicles have on them (such as a 10-year track record and millions of on-road miles).SAFETYWhen electric vehicles first became popular, battery safety was a big concern. EV manufacturers put their battery systems through stringent testing to ensure a safe vehicle for both those inside the EV and those on the road around them. BYD is no different.BYD’s iron phosphate battery systems endure a rigorous testing program. The program includes tests such as puncture, impact, crushing, thermal shock, water submersion, vibration, short circuit,
JUNE 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 15corrosion, and more. Further, BYD’s batteries are designed for stability under extreme conditions—and that includes destructive testing.TECHNOLOGYAnother feature of all BYD trucks is the way the company designed its batteries, motors, and controls—or as BYD calls them, its “core technologies.” These parts are designed as an integrated system. BYD integrates these parts to allow the BYD 8TT to “achieve the highest levels of performance, endurance, and reliability.”IN THE FIELDUnlike other electric trucks that have only recently been announced, are in the development stages, or still in fleet tested trials, the BYD 8TT has proven itself in the fleet of companies that are household names—and these companies have had these trucks in service for more than a year already. Take for instance, in preparation of the 2022 Super Bowl, Anheuser-Busch teamed up with BYD in February of last year to deliver its beers from one of its breweries in California to Los Angeles bars and retailers using only zero-emissions trucks. This happened after Anheuser-Busch already had 25 BYD trucks in its fleet. Of those 25 trucks, Anheuser-Busch received 21 in 2020. After the Super Bowl event, Anheuser-Busch ordered 20 more BYD distribution trucks to place into service in 2022.In 2021, the city of Jersey City, New Jersey ordered five BYD refuse trucks. The fleet consisted of two Class 8 BYD 8R refuse trucks, featuring a 25-cu-yd compactor body, and three Class 6 BYD 6R refuse trucks with a 10-cu-yd compactor body. The BYD 8R has a range of 600 pickups plus 60 miles. The BYD 6R has a range of 80 miles.In addition to the refuse and delivery vehicles in operation in the US today, BYD also has terminal tractors in operation at US ports.Although vehicle manufacturers across the globe are still in the innovation and development stages of electric vehicles, there are some on the market and in the field today that are ready for work. An electric vehicle with years of industry-proven work under its belt, such as the BYD 8TT, is worth a look from any fleet owner looking for a zero-emissions heavy-duty fleet vehicle.FOR MORE INFORMATION Find out more about the BYD 8TT, visit www.byd.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202316OPERATIONSBusiness depends on keeping work trucks, vans, and utility vehicles on the road—all day, every day. Unfortunately, all those extra miles mean those vehicles are four times more likely to have a disablement event than a typical passenger vehicle. While these events fall into several different job classes and service types, heavy-duty tows are typically complicated, and a substantial percentage involve servicing commercial vehicles. In these cases, time is money, and a speedy resolution is even more crucial to minimize business downtime. On the surface, heavy-duty tows appear similar to those for passenger or light-duty vehicles; the reality is that heavy-duty tows present a significantly higher degree of uncertainty, difficulty, and complexity. As a result, these tows require a tailored approach during the inevitable roadside event. Here’s what fleet operators can know and do to streamline the process. SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENTIt takes a special kind of tow truck—what we commonly refer to as a “wrecker”—to recover vehicles that surpass the average vehicle weight or height. Heavy-duty wreckers must be prepared to recover and haul an overturned semi-trailer or pull an overturned dump truck from a ditch. This requires a towing capacity of between 25 and 100 tons, which is much more than the standard three to five-ton tow capacity. In addition, heavy-duty recoveries can call for advanced functionality, such as outrigger legs to help with truck stability (to avoid flipping the wrecker itself) or increased boom lift capacity.The Complexities of a Heavy-duty TowWHAT WORK TRUCK FLEETS NEED TO KNOW By Tim Young
JUNE 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 17LIMITED SUPPLYRecovering an overturned dump truck from a ditch is more challenging and time consuming than moving a compact sedan in a similar situation. These situations can often be more time sensitive as well: a package delivery van or perishable food shipment can’t be stuck on the road for hours. Because of the higher level of skill and training required to operate heavy-duty wreckers, they are in limited supply and account for a small percentage of the national towing provider mix. On average, there’s roughly one truck available to perform heavy-duty tows for every 10 that can handle light- and medium-duty tows. What’s more, these wreckers cost three to four times as much as a standard tow truck, requiring a substantial financial investment that often proves insurmountable for smaller towing companies.CALCULATE WEIGHTOne thing that can help reduce the amount of time between an event and getting back on the road is proper vehicle identification. Work trucks are often altered after purchase. For example, the owner may buy a chassis and an engine but then make modifications to add a crane or box, which can add significant weight or introduce new variables when a tow is needed. If these modifications do add weight, it can put the vehicle into a higher class of tow compared to its base configuration, which can result in delays to secure the appropriate operators and wrecker equipment.It's important for drivers and fleet management companies to communicate these modifications during the initial call to the roadside assistance dispatcher so they can ensure the correct wrecker arrives to service the breakdown event. It’s also necessary to communicate if a truck is loaded with work equipment or packages, as the extra weight of these loads could change the class type of a vehicle from medium to heavy for towing purposes.ROADSIDE PROGRAMSHeavy-duty tow jobs are complex, and there are many variables to consider. For example, is the heavy-duty tow absolutely necessary, or could a mobile mechanic provide faster on-scene repairs, tire delivery and installation, or other more straightforward services? With this in mind, it’s important to optimize roadside coverage for quality service,
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202318OPERATIONSnationwide coverage, efficient resolution, and job process transparency. Let’s delve into each in a bit more detail. • KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: With all the variables that can lead to delays in heavy-duty jobs, work truck fleets need a well-oiled roadside care machine optimized for high-quality customer service. This should include capabilities like ASE-certified technicians and customer care agents that understand the needs and requirements of work trucks and heavy-duty tow events. In addition, consider the importance of a dedicated case management team experienced in matching and optimizing the nine classes of heavy-duty vehicle types and five classes of heavy-duty wreckers to get you back on the road.• COVERAGE: I’ve already touched on a number of factors contributing to the limited supply of heavy-duty wreckers. If the right truck isn’t available, then nothing else matters. While a roadside assistance program may claim to offer service to every zip code, ensure they also maintain a curated network of providers that not only has the wreckers to handle heavy-duty tows when and where you need them but also has deep expertise managing complex work truck fleets and heavy-duty roadside programs.• EFFICIENCY: There are several factors that impact a resolution. For example, a skilled roadside assistance dispatch agent should possess a combination of human knowledge (e.g., asking the right probing questions to ensure the correct vehicle is dispatched to the scene) and system knowledge (e.g., having the experience to understand different event types and what each means based on the type of vehicle) in order to successfully complete any job quickly and correctly.• TRANSPARENCY: While job speed is important, so is transparency into job updates. With so many inputs in a heavy-duty tow, delays can happen. When they do, you need to be able to track the extent of the delay and plan accordingly. The technology in this space is constantly evolving, but look for programs that offer SMS text messaging, in-app chat, or even digital portal access for real-time status updates. From tonnage to height, there are many considerations that go into the decision-making behind a heavy-duty tow. Understanding the complexities that influence accurate dispatch and knowing what information to provide can help ensure timely resolution during an event. Because of the uniqueness of heavy-duty tows, look for a roadside assistance program that focuses on offering quality service, efficient resolution, transparency throughout the event life cycle, and a nationwide network of heavy-duty wreckers to ensure matching of the best trucks and equipment for each event.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Young is a vice president for Agero’s Automove Division, leading its eet business and driving new business development. Find out more, visit www.agero.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202320OPERATIONSIn a typical year, most fleet operators would now be preparing for ordering season by determining their budget, assessing models, developing specs, and coordinating with their supply chain vendors. However, the outlook for this year’s ordering cycle is clouded with lingering uncertainty. Although disruptions are subsiding, challenges remain, and most fleets find themselves still trying to catch up after two-plus years of limited vehicle availability. With ordering season right around the corner, it is more critical than ever to be proactive in your strategic planning and budget allocation while also ensuring you’re well prepared to adjust for unforeseen detours. To help you craft a comprehensive supply chain strategy for the upcoming ordering cycle (and beyond), here are a few key factors to consider. REASSESS THE STRATEGY As the supply chain continues to rebound now’s a terrific time to take a fresh look at your overall fleet and cycling strategy. Ask yourself, how have three years of supply chain delays, limited vehicle availability, and Preparing Your Supply Chain Strategy for a Decidedly Different Ordering CycleIT’S TIME TO ASSESS BUDGETING AND ORDERING TO BREAK OUT OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN SILOlight-duty feature
JUNE 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 21extended life cycles affected your fleet operations through all stages of the vehicle life cycle—buy, drive, service, and sell. With many units remaining in service longer than originally anticipated, you’ll want to ensure you develop a holistic strategy to address issues that may arise throughout each phase of the vehicle’s life cycle. You may also need to adjust your operating budget to account for variables such as increased downtime and higher maintenance.OPTIMIZE & MAINTAINWith some models still in limited supply, taking care of the vehicles you do have is critical. In all likelihood, your vehicles are poised to remain in service much longer than you initially anticipated and will likely require some additional TLC to keep them on the road as you await replacement units. Start by re-examining your preventive maintenance (PM) strategy to better align with the reality that your vehicles will be logging more miles, incurring additional wear, and stretching their life cycle well beyond their original forecast. With life cycles extended, you’ll also want to review the services included in your PM schedules and, if necessary, add important services that typically occur later in a unit’s life cycle. Additionally, make sure you use full-service repair facilities (rather than quick lube locations) that perform a multi-point vehicle inspection to help identify potential issues early and avoid catastrophic component failures. BUDGET ACCORDINGLYUnfortunately, there’s no way around it. The reality is that the vehicles you order today are going to cost more than your last ordering cycle. Acquisition costs are up across virtually every segment of the industry. This sentiment holds true for the upfit sector as well amidst an uptick in commodity (aluminum, steel, etc.) and component pricing.Given those factors, you’ll want to be proactive in your planning and budget allocation to ensure you’re well positioned for this ordering cycle. Also keep in mind the window for ordering may be volatile and you may need to reallocate funding quickly to meet a particular deadline. Maintain an open dialogue with your finance team and have a variety of options in place so you’re ready to adjust accordingly.Rather than simply planning for the year ahead, most fleet operators will
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202322OPERATIONSbenefit from a more macro approach. If you’re able to forecast three to five years out, you’ll have greater financial flexibility to adjust to unforeseen challenges or have capital available to take advantage of cost-savings opportunities that may arise.PROACTIVELY PLANWhile lead times and production delays aren’t as significant as they were last year, you still need to expect—and plan accordingly for—longer lead times. A good rule of thumb is to anticipate a minimum of six months to receive your vehicles. Additionally, some order cancellations are unavoidable, so you’ll want to have contingency plans in place to minimize the impact on your business. EMBRACE EVsAs organizations prioritize corporate social responsibility, a growing number of businesses are exploring a variety of sustainability initiatives. This often means fleet operators find themselves evaluating the feasibility of electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and other alternative fuel options to align with your company’s overall sustainability strategy.As you examine your supply chain strategy, now may be the ideal time to determine if your organization is ready to embrace EVs. While the transition to electric vehicles won’t happen overnight, many businesses are ready to begin integrating EVs into their fleet mix. The good news is you don’t need to wait to get started. You can begin with an initial pilot program or portion of your fleet. Then, you can build on your successes by applying the insight and knowledge you gain to other segments of your fleet. Additionally, there are a variety of partners and resources available to help simplify electrification projects. By streamlining vehicle acquisition and infrastructure development, you can make integrating EVs into your fleet virtually seamless.REMAIN AGILEWith vehicle availability still somewhat limited, flexibility and quick decision-making are incredibly important. You’ll want to be well prepared to make acquisition decisions as quickly as possible. Discuss your strategy and budget allocation with the necessary stakeholders well in advance to have the framework of your solution in place. When order banks open or a particular model becomes available, act immediately. You’ll also want to maintain an ongoing dialogue with your supply chain partners. Strong partnerships and transparent communication will allow you to remain agile and flexible. DIVERSIFY SUPPLYFostering an increasingly diverse supply chain continues to be a top strategic priority for a number of organizations. Today, your supply chain partners have to provide the services and resources your business needs to maximize revenue while also aligning with your corporate social responsibility philosophies and goals. However, as you look for ways to diversity your fleet spend—often among the largest line items in your operating budget—you’re left with limited, if any, options.FOR MORE INFORMATIONFind out more about Holman’s holisc eet and mobility soluons, visit www.holman.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202324MAINTENANCEThirty years ago, a private company was founded based upon a new and innovative concept of automatically filling underinflated trailer tires—even while the trailer is moving. This company is Pressure Systems International (PSI), and it introduced an industry-first in Automatic Tire Inflation Systems, or “ATIS,” for commercial trailers.It is no secret that underinflated tires represent a significant part of a fleet’s operating costs when adding up the impact on fuel, maintenance costs, downtime, and the cost of the tires themselves. It is a common statistic that 10% underinflation causes a 1% degradation in fuel economy, according to the Goodyear Computer Fuel Economy Model. Combine this with the fact that numerous studies have found that a significant percentage of tires are found to be underinflated. An FMCSA 2007 study found that only 44% of tires were within 5 psi of their target pressure. Numerous studies have shown that tire management solutions such as ATIS or TPMS can provide an ROI of less than one year.Having the proper systems in place can help operators reduce the risk of tire-related issues and increase fuel economy. While a pre-trip inspection can be effective to verify proper inflation at the beginning of the trip, the driver does not have tire visibility after the vehicle leaves the terminal. The likelihood of tire damage, such as punctures, increase dramatically when vehicles operate in off-highway environments. The loss of fuel economy, increased tread wear, and the potential of a roadside call can be avoided with appropriate intervention. A Tire Pressure Management System Designed for FleetsREDUCE TIRE-RELATED ISSUES AND IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMYmedium-duty feature
JUNE 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 25THE PSI SOLUTIONWhen considering ATIS versus TPMS, ATIS will provide a faster payback given its immediate response to an underinflated tire. For ATIS, trailer applications are the most obvious, whereas TPMS is usually the best choice for tractors and straight trucks. PSI recently released a video for drivers offering a short but informative review of the brand’s Automatic Tire Inflation System. This four-minute video offers a detailed explanation of the PSI ATIS system operation and expectations when the system indicator light illuminates, walking you through basic operations. It’s perfect for onboarding new drivers or for a periodic refresher and safety training. The video can also be accessed on a mobile device or tablet.Fleets using the PSI ATIS get the added benefit of ThermALERT, which provides an early warning of wheel end “thermal events.” Such unsafe events can be due to bearing issues, low tires causing high temperatures, mis-adjusted or dragging brakes, or other factors. In the case of an activation, the problematic wheel end is easily identified by the indicator light illuminating and an audible noise caused by air escaping through the wheel end. THERMALERT & TIREVIEWRecently introduced, a “Digital ThermALERT” version of the same feature is now available for real-time data that can be integrated into smart trailer solutions using telematics. Think of it as traditional ThermALERT with benefits. With Digital ThermALERT, operators now have full visibility of wheel-end temperatures via a telematics portal through PSI’s integration partners.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202326MAINTENANCEHere’s how it works: A thermocouple is installed inside the axle spindle that senses the actual temperature under the bearings, and a sensor mounted on the axle transmits the data to the receiving unit. Live notifications will appear on the telematics solution. Digital ThermALERT can help operators determine their normal operating temperature and determine the optimal time and place to repair the trailer, avoiding a roadside call or worse. Recognizing that fleets needed to improve their tire management program beyond just trailer tires, PSI launched TireView TPMS, engineered to meet the needs of the commercial vehicle industry. With a signal booster that is standard in every kit, TireView offers unmatched signal reliability with a multitude of sensor types providing best fit solutions for the fleet. All sensors are IP67-rated for dust and water intrusion.FLEET FOCUSEDA fleet’s maintenance practice and sensor management is important to consider when specifying a TPMS solution. Fleets may determine that using multiple sensor types for their tractors, trucks, and trailers may be the best way to minimize issues such as sensor loss or misplacement. Easy installation options can include Cap Sensors that screw on to valve stems, Flow-Thru Sensors that allow airing up tires without removal, or Band Sensors that are internally mounted to the wheel/tire assembly. You may also use Flow-Thru Brackets and Check Port (CP) Hoses on drive and trailer axles. The CP hoses bring the valve stem of any tire within easy reach and allow airing up of tires without need for TPMS sensor or valve cap removal. This CP hose is especially convenient for dual tire applications on trailers, tractors, and other dual tire equipped vehicles.The TireView LIVE data analytics platform is just one of many offerings in the telematics market that provides actionable data at a glance using vehicle data that has been pushed to the fleet’s operations, reducing reliance on the driver. Depending on the access portal or telematics system, the fleet can access a dashboard that can give a tire health snapshot of all fleet assets. This allows maintenance or dispatch to make best decisions about scheduling maintenance or asset deployment. All of these solutions are designed to be easily retrofittable to existing equipment for fleets of all sizes and to improve efficiency.FOR MORE INFORMATION The North American Council on Freight Eciency (NACFE.org) rate ATIS and TPMS with a high condence rang and consider them “very adoptable” with an ROI of less than one year, depending on applicaon. Find out more, visit www.psireinaon.com.
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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202328TECHNOLOGYWhen people think of road safety, they typically consider how drivers operate—how fast they’re driving, tight turns, level of braking, and their concern for others. However, another component that plays a significant role in road safety is preventive maintenance on a fleet. Inspections should be conducted regularly to cover various components, including brakes, tires, suspension, lights, and more. These inspections help identify potential problems early, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and costly vehicle repairs in the future.In addition to safety, regular inspections also contribute to vehicle efficiency. Maintenance and repairs can ensure vehicles run optimally, reducing fuel consumption, saving money on repairs, and increasing vehicle lifespan. Preventive maintenance programs, which include regular fleet inspections, can result in cost savings ranging from 12% to 18% in overall maintenance costs. So, fleet inspections are a regulatory requirement and a critical aspect of fleet management. By conducting regular inspections and keeping detailed records of maintenance and repairs, fleet managers can demonstrate their commitment to safety and compliance, reducing the risk of costly fines and legal issues.The COVID-19 pandemic created significant bottlenecks in the vehicle service industry for fleet trucks and vans, including the skyrocketing fuel, parts, and labor prices, increasing the cost of operating a fleet and causing delays to ensure preventive maintenance to get vehicles back on the road. According to the American Trucking Association, vehicle parts and labor costs increased 14.4% and 10.8%, respectively, with combined expenses up 13%, and they’re expected to continue rising. Now, as the world puts the pandemic in the rearview mirror, there are still challenges fleet managers face, but regular fleet inspections are one area they can’t put a brake on.WHY INSPECTThe adage “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” was not directed toward a fleet manager. As with any vehicle, commercial trucks and vans must receive regular maintenance to ensure everything is running correctly and there aren’t any possible issues that could derail a truck’s schedule and cause driver downtime. Vehicle downtime from unplanned maintenance is expensive for organizations, and unexpected repairs drain profits, especially if they occur repeatedly. Manual maintenance tracking also incurs costs in terms of labor hours spent entering and retrieving information. This involves physically recording odometer readings, conducting tests, and researching diagnostic codes.Properly investing in preventive maintenance before an issue becomes irreversible reduces the cost and safety risks associated Essential Fleet InspectionsSAFEGUARDING ROAD SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY By Ray Kosick
JUNE 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 29with a mechanical problem. It can mean the difference between having a $50 part replaced and spending $5,000 on a critical replacement later on. By leveraging the proper preventive maintenance system, fleet managers will experience reduced equipment due to breakdowns and driver downtime, reduced service and towing costs, and enhanced customer service via on-time performance. In addition, automating maintenance eliminates guesswork and manual processes, keeping a fleet up to date.MAINTENANCE TECHA robust tech solution alerts fleet managers of potential issues before they become costly problems. Preventive maintenance tools built into technology offer valuable vehicle data to keep operators apprised of what’s going on with the truck or van internally to avoid system failures. GPS tracking is one tool fleets have implemented to improve maintenance management. GPS tracking software automates various vehicle and asset services, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and car washes. It provides automated reminders for service due dates and maintains a digital log of service information and costs. In addition, service intervals can be set based on mileage, runtime hours, or specific dates for inspections, registrations, and warranty renewals.GPS tracking helps manage vehicle maintenance and reduces the risk of breakdowns by improving maintenance scheduling through notifications and generating reports for upcoming or overdue maintenance. By optimizing vehicle use, GPS tracking software can extend their lifespan. It provides data on trips, usage duration, engine hours, mileage, and driver information. Implementing preventive maintenance through GPS tracking software ensures trucks operate efficiently and helps avoid unnecessary costs and risks associated with poor upkeep, keeping revenue-generating vehicles on the road and customers satisfied.SUSTAINABILITYPart of preventive maintenance involves ensuring fleets do their part in helping the environment. Regular fleet inspections and preventive maintenance help make sure vehicles are as up-to-date as possible before hitting the road. Staying on top of maintenance and inspections helps keep quality vehicles on the road and ensures they aren’t increasing emissions due to unmaintained parts.Fleet management solutions offer ways to be greener by supplying fleet managers with actionable insights on reducing idle time, limiting carbon emissions, and keeping operators aligned with their sustainability goals.SIMPLIFY & IMPROVERegular inspections and maintenance help identify potential problems early and contribute to optimal vehicle efficiency, resulting in fuel savings and reduced repair costs. By conducting regular inspections and keeping detailed records of maintenance and repairs, fleet managers demonstrate their commitment to safety and compliance, minimizing the risk of fines and legal issues. Automated maintenance systems, such as GPS tracking software, simplify maintenance scheduling and improve fleet management. Implementing preventive maintenance through technology reduces costs and risks and extends the lifespan of vehicles, keeping revenue-generating assets on the road. By prioritizing regular inspections and preventive maintenance, fleet managers can enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability while optimizing operations.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ray Kosick is a product manager at GPS Insight. Kosick has worked at GPS Insight on the product team since 2008. As product manager, Ray focuses on hardware, safety, and compliance, managing internal and external product communicaons, new product analysis, and posive team management. Find out more, visit www.gpsinsight.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202330TECHNOLOGYMWS: SHOULD OUR READERS KEEP THE COMPANY ON THEIR RADAR?JAIN: Roadz is a Silicon Valley-based fleet-tech company that is transforming the fragmented and siloed commercial fleet industry segment into an open and integrated ecosystem. In a three-pronged approach, Roadz connects the data, the commerce, and the user experience for fleet operators. Roadz white-labels its platform to larger fleet management solution providers such as telematics companies, commercial auto insurance carriers, tier-1 automotive suppliers, fuel providers, and others.Fleet operators can leverage these Roadz-powered, simple, and intuitive marketplaces to discover, compare, and purchase curated Connect All Your Fleet Technology on a Single Platform ROADZ OFFERS CURATED THIRD-PARTY SOLUTIONS, COMPETITIVE PRICING, AND AN INTEGRATED DASHBOARD FOR A SEAMLESS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCEAModern WorkTruck Solutions
JUNE 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 31fleet management solutions across multiple categories at competitive pricing. This not only allows them to save time and money but also select the “right” solution that best fits their needs. Moreover, Roadz pre-integrates the data for many solutions, so this allows fleets to view information across many solutions holistically and thus make better business decisions. In the near future, Roadz will also offer a unified workspace that will allow the fleets to view their data from many solutions in a single pane of glass.MWS: MOST OF US ARE FAMILIAR WITH FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. HOW IS ROADZ DIFFERENT?JAIN: Unlike the majority of the fleet management systems, Roadz provides a marketplace platform that can be white-labeled and offered as a “one-stop shop” of best-in-breed fleet management solutions across dozens of categories such as telematics, cameras, driver training, fleet maintenance, and others. Our goal is to connect a fragmented fleet management ecosystem.For instance, we recently launched Fleetstore.com, a Bosch Initiative. Fleets of any size or vehicle mix can find the “right” solution across multiple categories and save time and money in the process. The “smart recommender” feature available on Fleetstore.com allows fleet stakeholders to answer four simple questions and receive recommendations on solutions that can best solve the problem. A big benefit for smaller fleets that cannot negotiate volume-based discounts is that they also receive competitive pricing from these trusted solution providers. In summary, we have solved the problem of discoverability of fleet management solutions for fleet operators so they can leverage such solutions to lower operating costs and improve productivity, safety, and regulatory compliance.MWS: WHAT IS A “SMART FLEET ECOSYSTEM,” AND HOW CAN ROADZ HELP FLEETS DEVELOP ONE OF THEIR OWN? JAIN: A smart fleet ecosystem is a digital platform that brings together best-in-breed fleet management solutions across dozens of categories and connects the siloed data from these solutions, so fleet operators can make holistic decisions based on the combined data. Fleets can leverage one of the Roadz-powered marketplaces like Fleetstore.com to develop one of their own smart fleet ecosystems. MWS: ROADZ OFFERS SO MUCH FOR FLEETS. HOW CAN A FLEET MANAGER AND OPERATOR ENSURE THEY MAKE THE MOST OF ROADZ WITHOUT GETTING OVERWHELMED? JAIN: To maximize what fleet managers and operators can get out of Roadz-powered marketplaces, the first thing they need to do is prioritize the business problem they are trying Organized by Eaton Hall Exhibitions ATTENTION WORK FLEETSOF 100+ VEHICLESRegistration includes hotel accommodations, meals, all events & sessions and comes with travel reimbursement. “If you’re directly involved in your eet’s decision-making and have any needs for products or solutions that will help your eet run more safely and eciently, then we invite you to apply to attend this year’s Work Fleet Forum”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 e Palms Resort. 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. NOV 6-92023Register Today!(800) 746-9646 www.workfleetforum.comanthony@eatonhall.comLimited Vendor Opportunities Still Availablee Palms Resort in Las Vegas, NV
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202332TECHNOLOGYto solve. Once they do that, they should visit one of the Roadz-powered marketplaces such as Fleetstore.com and use the “smart recommender” feature. Over time, as they buy more solutions from the marketplace, they will start realizing the benefit of integrated data across solutions to drive optimal business decisions.For instance, if they buy a camera or telematics solution, they will receive insight into the driver behavior. In the future, they may want to purchase a driver training solution. If they purchase a training solution outside the Roadz environment, the systems will not communicate with each other. However, if purchased via Roadz-powered marketplaces, the data will be connected. Imagine the power of issuing driving training modules based on individual driver behavior rather than just picking random training modules. The impact on safety and compliance will be exponentially higher if the training is based on the specific driver behavior that needs to be addressed.MWS: WHO BEST BENEFITS FROM ROADZ?JAIN: As there are multiple benefits with ROADZ, multiple parties also benefit from the Roadz platform. It’s a win-win for both the fleet owner/operators and the fleet service providers. As for fleet companies, they struggle with the discoverability issue. When they look for a solution, typically they will Google it. Most people rarely go beyond the first few pages of search results. However, since most solution providers don’t address the need of every fleet size or vehicle type or even industry vertical, it is likely that the fleet can make a sub-optimal decision in choosing a solution provider.On the flip side, many innovative solution providers don’t have the resources to reach out to all the fleets they can help. So, with Roadz being the connective tissue, we solve the problem for both parties. We match the “right” solution provider with the fleet looking to address a specific business challenge. Our process of curation of fleet management solutions prevents both parties from wasting their time and resources. MWS: ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS? JAIN: Fleet managers are busy and need to be able to focus on making their fleets safer, compliant, and more efficient. There are many fleet tech solutions that can help them achieve these goals. Finding the “right” solution or solutions that are integrated at the “right” price in a rapidly evolving ecosystem can be challenging. The founders at Roadz, with over 80 combined years of experience in the fleet management ecosystem, have tried to address this challenge. Leveraging one of the Roadz-powered marketplaces like Fleetstore.com, a Bosch Initiative, provides a “one-stop shop” and, along with Roadz’s unified workspace initiative, a “single-pane-of-glass” experience for fleet, safety, and operations managers.FOR MORE INFORMATION Amit Jain serves as the founder and chief operang ocer at Roadz, a Silicon Valley-based eet-tech company. Prior to Roadz, Jain was the founder and CEO at Becanso, an IoT startup that developed a car-sharing app targeng the mobility needs of kids, elderly, and the disabled. For seven years, Jain was the chief architect of Verizon's IoT vercals' strategy that included telemacs, transportaon, and smart city segments. In that capacity, he led the acquisions of companies such as Fleetmacs, Networkeet, and Telogis resulng in the creaon of Verizon Connect. Later in his tenure at Verizon, he joined the execuve leadership team at Verizon Connect as the head of strategy, business development, market intelligence, and big data. Prior to joining Verizon, Jain was a product leader at General Electric, where his team developed an award-winning eet management soluon, and a research director at AberdeenGroup, a market research rm where Jain led the M2M/IoT research pracce. Find out more, visit www.roadz.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202334WORK TRUCK PRODUCTSHIGHWAY PRODUCTSUTILITY DECKHighway Products’ latest innovation is the UTILITY DECK—a load-bearing commercial bed cover that is revolutionizing the work truck industry. As the ultimate alternative to service bodies, the Utility Deck offers numerous benefits. With its cost-saving advantages, hassle-free, 2-hour, no-drill installation process, increased secure storage capacity, PE-certified 2,000-lb load rating, and lifetime warranty, the American-made Utility Deck is a game-changer. Standard features such as utility boxes, a utility gate, and a headache rack ensure convenience and practicality. The Utility Deck’s customization options cater to diverse buyer needs and provide unparalleled versatility. Quickly convert any pickup to a service body. www.highwayproducts.com MONROE TRUCK EQUIPMENTmTEC PRODUCTS Monroe Truck Equipment’s mTEC products were created to address its customer’s core concerns. Monroe’s innovative SmoothRide system was created to address drivers’ biggest complaint: an uncomfortable ride. It produces a 50% reduction in max G-Force impact by decreasing shock impact to drivers and passengers. The self-regulating air bag system creates an air cushion that reduces bumps and jolts, reducing fatigue and creating a more comfortable and seamless ride. The three-part system also uses factory cab mounting locations for easy installation, and it integrates with all body applications. The design is currently available for Chevrolet and International medium-duty sized chassis. www.monroetruck.comFEAL RAMPSiRAMP VEHICLEFeal Ramps introduces the iRamp Vehicle with length configurations between 6 and 11 ft and compatible with all cargo vans. Capable of supporting up to 1,100 lbs, it conveniently stows within a compact 9-inch space and can be mounted either at the rear or side. Gas struts ensure a best-in-class, effortless deployment. The patented top transit plate eradicates ledges upon exit, guaranteeing a seamless transition. Maintenance is practically nonexistent, thanks to non-lubricated joints. Notably, this ramp provides unsurpassed safety during loading and unloading, maintaining optimal grip in adverse weather. The two-piece design doubles as a 1,000-lb capacity workbench, enhancing in-field versatility. SMITHCOSmithCo’s SX7 is the industry’s first 7-axle side dump trailer. With a 40-ft tub and 53-ft frame, the SX7’s advanced design allows operators with a standard commercial license to haul up to 40 tons in a single trailer with easier maneuverability and less upfront cost than doubles or train sets without exceeding a 129,000 GVWR with the right configuration. To achieve the optimal configuration, SmithCo provides custom bridge drawings that consider truck weight, axle placement, overall length, and tub placement to maximize the load capacity. The hauling capacity for the SX6 is 37.4 tons. www.sidedump.com
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JUNE 202336Human eyes have a slow adjustment following exposure to white or other high levels of visible light. This can make it challenging to view objects and information when the lighting conditions change rapidly. However, if we are exposed to low levels of red light, human eyes can adjust quickly to dark condition viewing, allowing fleet operators to work easily and safely when moving from a properly lighted workspace to a low-light area. An example of these scenarios include interior vehicle lighting. There is a quick anatomy lesson to explain this science.HUMAN VISION“Our vision uses a combination of chromatic (color) discernment and light/dark discernment ‘sensors’ in our eyes,” Baker explains. “These are typically referred to as cones and rods. Our brains automatically process all of this information together, even though it comes from different types of optical sensors.”Humans have the ability to see color through a combination of different cones, which are generally red, green, and blue sensitive. The light we can see is measured as 400 to 700 nanometers (nm) wavelength range (Figure 1), which is a small slice of the energy across the wider electromagnetic spectrum. Under daylight conditions, the brain focuses on signals from the cone sensors to provide high-resolution color vision and ignores the saturated signal from the ultra-light sensitive rods. In low-light conditions, only signals from the ultrasensitive rods are processed to provide grayscale visual sensation. We experience this at night by seeing objects but not with much color discernment. USING RED LIGHTWith the understanding that our rods are the critical sensor for night vision, we start to see the strategy to “save” those sensors for when we need to see in the dark without waiting for a photo-chemical adaptation delay in the eye.“Any sudden overload to the rod sensor will temporarily reduce the responsiveness (low-light night vision) due to the highly stimulated or saturated rod sensor,” Baker inserts.This is exacerbated by the fact our Scotopic vision is most sensitive from low to mid wavelengths (from blue to green wavelengths). For example, flipping the lights off in a room will cause a slow response in your vision as they adjust to the darkness and the same holds true for the opposite when suddenly going from the dark to lights on. Because of this effect, small amounts of red light do not stimulate the rod very much, shown in Figure 2 by the small amount of overlap between the energy in a red LED and the rod sensitivity curve. In contrast, “white” light contains energy in all the blue, green, and red regions. White light, even in low amounts, does stimulate the rod sensor. Using science to drive its engineering, SoundOff Signal’s lighting solutions include controllers, allowing for custom management of the LED lights. These purpose-driven tools are designed to help everyone get their job done effectively and safely.PROTECTING NIGHT VISION WITH LIGHTINGreveals the science behind the company’s lightning solutions inside a vehicle at night and how to best preserve night vision.thethinkCabOutsidetheCabthinkOOOOetsideeeeideOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOuuuuuuutsideueutsidedeeiutsideeitututtssssiiiiddddddddeeeeeeeeeeeedddeeeeeeeiiiiiuuuttssiiddeeeeeddeeiiCabCabCabCabThinkTheThe information in this article was provided by SoundOff Signal. Find out more, visit .Talk soon! Jade Figure 1: Response of the eye in daylight (blue, green, and red cones) and nighttime (rod), also called Scotopic vision. Figure 2: SoundOff Signal’s red LEDs produce a peak of 640 nm, making it easier for the eye to discern. As a contrast, blue light, commonly associated with cell phone screens, is in the 400-500 nm range. Fans of military-based movies will recognize green imagery in night vision goggles and that wavelength falls between 500 and 600 nm on the scale. The green light is less impactful on the Scotopic scale than blue, but not as favorable as red.