Modern WorkTruck Solutions September 2023 : simplebooklet.com

CONNECT WITH US RAMSEY INDUSTRIESAUTO CRANE Engineered to last, the Ramsey Industries’ Auto Crane brings safety, reliability, and productivity to the worksite with a selection of electric and hydraulic cranes to do all the heavy lifting. www.ramseyindustries.com INSIDE THIS ISSUESEPTEMBER 2023 VOL-8 NO-9SEPTEMBER2023WWW.MWSMAG.COMSHOULD YOU INVEST IN FUEL-EFFICIENT TRUCKS?WHAT TO CONSIDERFORD PRO CHARGING SOLUTIONS EXPLAINEDSCALING THE ADOPTION OF EVSHEAVY DUTY PETERBILT 567, 579, AND 589 WITH HENDRICKSON PRIMAAX EXTHETHEGREEN FLEET GREEN FLEET ++ALT FUELS ALT FUELS ISSUEISSUECOVER STORIES32LGIHT-DUTYSIGNIFICANT DECISIONS EQUIPMENT ASSET AWARENESS SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY PETERBILT+HENDRICKSON PRIMAAX EXHEAVY-DUTY16COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION FUNCTIONAL + VERSATILE HOIST58MEDIUM-DUTYSHOWCASEOPERATIONSSHOULD YOU INVEST IN FUEL-EFFICIENT TRUCKS? ......................................... 26What to ConsiderOPERATIONSFORD PRO CHARGING SOLUTIONS EXPLAINED ................................................... 36Scaling the Adoption of EVs@mwsmag www.facebook.com/modernworktruckwww.linkedin.com/company/ modern-work-truck-solutions.GREEN FLEET GREEN FLEET ++ALT FUELS ALT FUELS ISSUEISSUEIN EVERY ISSUEINDUSTRY NEWS .....................................................6INDUSTRY INSIGHT .............................................. 12WORK TRUCK PRODUCTS ................................ 64A NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN TRUCK IN SWEDEN AND A BREAKTHROUGH IN JAPAN66NEWSNEWS FROM ABROADFROM ABROAD

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OPERATIONS COLORADO MAIL DELIVERY FLEET MAKES A COMMITMENT TO CLEAN ENERGY ..........................22 An alternative fuel that makes sense for this business OPERATIONS THE PERFECT STORM ...........................................................30 Navigating union strikes, seasonal work, and driver resignations OPERATIONS NO MORE COMPROMISES ....................................................40 Today’s e-ptos are good for the job and the environment OPERATIONS SAVE MONEY AND REDUCE EMISSIONS WITH PROPANE AUTOGAS ....................................................44 With the lowest total cost of ownership, propane autogas can transform a fleet for the better MAINTENANCE DPF REGENERATION: A CASE STUDY .....................................48 Active, passive, and manual regeneration and its importance TECHNOLOGY NAVIGATING DRIVER HESITANCY ..........................................52 Onboarding strategies for successful fleet technology adoption MANAGEMENT UNVEILING THE FUTURE ......................................................56 Alternative Power Trendswww.mwsmag.com 3100 Lorna Rd., Ste 101Birmingham, AL 35216DONNA CAMPBELL Editor in Chiefdonna@mwsmag.com ELISA WALKER Editorelisa@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 elisa@mwsmag.com.SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES OR CHANGES CALL:205.380.2048CHRIS GARMONCFO DONNA CAMPBELLVP, Editorialwww.highlandspublications.com TIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresidentTONYA BROWNINGVice PresidentThe leaves are falling, announcing the beginning of fall and our September Green Fleet + Alt Fuels issue that’s brimming with solutions for the transition to eco-friendly alternatives in the industry. I’m Elisa (ee-lee-suh), the new editor of Modern WorkTruck Solutions, and I look forward to bringing you interesting and innovative content! For those curious about implementing greener fleets, read about charging solutions from Ford Pro Charging on page 32 and perspectives on propane autogas on page 18 and 40. Not sure where to start? Check out page 22 for fuel-efficient truck options or alternative power trends in our new Management section (page 52). Looking for something to make operations smoother? Visit page 54 for durable, versatile hoists and page 36 to learn how e-ptos have transformed. There are also topics about decisions for construction fleet procurement (page 28), navigating stormy situations in the industry (26), DPF regeneration (page 44), and driver hesitancy (page 48). Don’t forget to check out News from Abroad (page 60). As a tribute to the years I lived and worked in Tokyo, I found it fitting to highlight a scientific breakthrough from Tokyo, Japan, along with an interesting experiment that’s hitting the roads in Södertälje, Sweden.Elisa Walker EditorEDITOR’S NOTEEnjo! lis

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 20236INDUSTRY NEWSLIGHTNING EMOTORS VEHICLES SURPASS FIVE MILLION ALL-ELECTRIC MILESLightning eMotors, a leading provider of zero-emission, medium-duty commercial vehicles and electric vehicle technology for fleets, announces its fielded units deployed to commercial electric vehicle fleets have surpassed five million real-world miles. Lightning has delivered more than 600 zero-emission commercial vehicles to customers, dealers, and upfitters. Lightning’s vehicles are operating at over 80 fleet depots across North America. For more, visit www.lightningemotors.com.BNSF LOGISTICS PARTNERS WITH TRUCKER TOOLS TO BOOST REAL-TIME TRACKING, FREIGHT MATCHING, AND DIGITAL BOOKINGTrucker tools announces that it is partnering with BNSF Logistics for real-time freight tracking, digital freight matching, and automated booking across its North American operations. BNSF Logistics chose Trucker Tools as its new technology provider due to its long track record as a successful technology innovator in logistics offering power, flexible tools that are fueling the freight networks of the future. BNSF has recently implemented Trucker Tools’ real-time load tracking technology to increase freight visibility and augment its shipper service. The goal is to arm employees with the right tools to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently with fewer errors while maintaining a personal touch and high level of service. Find out more at www.truckertools.com and www.bnsflogistics.com. MARITZ PARTNERS WITH WORK TRUCK SOLUTIONS TO MODERNIZE THE COMMERCIAL BUYING PROCESSMaritz, a leading provider of automotive training and marketing services, partners with Work Truck Solutions, an industry-leading provider of software services for commercial dealers and upfitters, to provide assessments and sales coaching and training services to commercial dealership customers using the Work Truck Solutions dealership platform. Both organizations intend to grow commercial sales for dealers by nurturing positive sales and prospecting habits and equipping commercial sales teams with the tools and insight they need to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace. For more, visit www.maritzautomotive.com and www.worktrucksolutions.com. STELLANTIS SELECTS CHARGE ENTERPRISES AS INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDER FOR US DEALERSHIP NETWORKStellantis announces its partnership with Charge Enterprises, Inc., in which Charge has become an EV charging installation

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 20238INDUSTRY NEWSpartner for Stellantis’ 2,600-plus US dealer network. Charge is the fourth recommended partner for dealer EV readiness for Stellantis dealers across the US, joining Future Energy, Vehya, and AGI. Partnering with Charge Enterprises will support the implementation of Stellantis’ required timeline. For more information, visit www.charge.enterprises and www.stellantis.com. MACK’S ROANOKE VALLEY OPERATIONS NOW CERTIFIED FOR SUPPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCESRoanoke Valley Operations (RVO) in Virginia, where all Mack Trucks’ medium-duty vehicles are assembled, is certified and participating in Appalachian Power Company’s 100% Renewable Wind-Water-Sunlight Service (WWS). RVO purchases 100% of its renewable energy with zero CO2 emissions from Appalachian Power, meeting the needs of Mack’s and RVO’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Mack invested $13 million to establish RVO for the production of the Mack MD Series, which went into production in 2020. The Mack MD Electric, introduced in March 2023, will be produced at the facility at the end of the year. For more, visit www.macktrucks.com. VOLVO TRUCKS INTRODUCES TURNKEY SOLUTIONS PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FLEETS FULL-SERVICE EV INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTVolvo Trucks launches its customer-focused Turnkey Solutions program, a consolidated fleet management process for procuring vendor services, parts, and products for EV charging, in addition to outlook planning for incentives, installation, and interfacing with utility companies to streamline solutions for EV infrastructure development. The Turnkey Solutions program has two full-service partners—InCharge Energy and Gilbarco Veeder-Root—and is available to all Volvo Trucks North America customers. Find out more at www.volvotrucks.us. NYC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROPOSES REPLACING DELIVERY TRUCKS WITH FOUR-WHEELED ELECTRIC CARGO BIKESThe New York City Department of Transportation proposes to replace delivery vans with four-wheeled electric cargo bikes to promote safety and sustainability on NYC streets. The department’s figures estimate that just two cargo e-bikes can replace one box truck, which will reduce CO2 emissions by 14 tons per year—the equivalent to 30,872 car miles traveled. Since the launch of the Commercial Cargo Bike pilot program in 2019, cargo bike deliveries have significantly increased. In 2022, more than 130,000 trips delivering over five million packages were made by cargo bikes, resulting in the reduction of over 650,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions. Bicycle laws in the US require two or three wheels to be

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202310INDUSTRY NEWSlegally classified as a bike, meaning the laws will need to be updated for these types of cargo e-bikes. The proposal isn’t final. NYC DOT will hold a public hearing in mid-September. For more, visit www.nyc.gov. CUMMINS ANNOUNCES APPROVAL OF UNBLENDED RENEWABLE DIESEL USE IN ALL INDUSTRIAL HIGH-HORSEPOWER ENGINESCummins Inc. announces the approval of its entire line of diesel high-horsepower engines across all ratings for use with renewable diesel, including hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Utilizing renewable diesels like HVO are shown to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%, compared to conventional diesel, dependent on the exact feedstock and fuel pathway. This approval applies to all high-horsepower engines—QSK19, K19, QSK23, QST30, QSK38, K38, QSK45, QSK50, K50, QSK60, QSK78, QSK95, V903, ACE— for all applications used across a variety of industries. All industrial engines in the field can be fueled with 100% renewable diesel, or any blend of renewable and traditional diesel, with no engine modifications required. Any renewable diesel used must meet the EN15940 standard. Operators should contact the local Cummins distributor for more information and the most recent fluids manual. Find out more at www.cummins.com. DRIVEWYZE EXPANDS SMART ROADWAYS SERVICE WITH REAL-TIME SUDDEN SLOWDOWN ALERTSDrivewyze, the North American leader in connected truck services and the largest public-private weigh station bypass network operator, expands its Smart Roadways service through a partnership with the Delaware Department of Transportation. Commercial truck drivers, traveling on all freeways through the state, have access to real-time heavy congestion and slowdown traffic alerts in the form of visual and audible notifications. The alerts are also available in North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Virginia, New Jersey, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike with more states expected to be added soon. Drivewyze software is in most electronic logging devices and available for free on smartphones. For more, visit www.drivewyze.com. ACCELERA BY CUMMINS, DAIMLER TRUCK, AND PACCAR TO ADVANCE BATTERY CELL PRODUCTIONAccelera by Cummins, Daimler Trucks, and PACCAR form a joint venture to accelerate and localize battery cell production and the battery supply chain in the US. The joint venture will manufacture battery cells for electric commercial vehicles and industrial applications, creating highly desirable US manufacturing jobs in the growing clean technology sector. For more information, visit www.accelerazero.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202312INDUSTRY INSIGHTAQSKEPTICISMS SURROUNDING ELECTRIC VEHICLES LARGELY HAS TO DO WITH THE RELIABILITY AND SAFETY PERFORMANCES IN EXTREME CONDITIONS, FROM FREEZING ALASKAN WINTERS TO THE DESERT HEAT OF SOUTHWEST US. FORD’S MARK POLL EXPLAINS HOW THE F-150 LIGHTNING PRO® GOES THROUGH THE SAME GRUELING PROCESS AS THE REST OF ITS TRUCK LINEUP AND OFFERS OTHER SOLUTIONS TO ENSURE OPERATORS’ DAYS RUN SMOOTHLY. MARK POLLFord F-150 Lightning Pro’s Winter ReliabilityMWS: WHAT ARE SOME CONCERNS FORD HEARS ABOUT WINTER EV PERFORMANCE, SUCH AS A DROP IN RANGE DURING COLD WEATHER?POLL: Our customers work in a wide variety of weather conditions in some of the toughest environments. Ford EVs are designed to operate and tested in demanding conditions in these same locations. The cold weather brings both opportunities and challenges for electrification. First, the F-150 Lightning® offers standard dual motors that provide an always-on 4x4 experience, with the two motors working together to deliver the intended amount of power to each axle. Second, the low center of gravity that results from the motors and battery being integrated into the frame of the vehicle below the cab improves handling. Cold temperatures have a temporary impact on the battery that reduces the amount of usable energy that can be pulled back out. An EV must generate its own heat to warm the cabin, unlike an internal combustion engine vehicle that generates heat from the combustion process. These factors impact range. Ford Pro helps clients manage these impacts with a simple-to-use, automatic feature in our EVs called scheduled preconditioning. Preconditioning can be scheduled up to two times per day to automatically heat or cool the battery and cabin to prepare for the next shift or delivery. It can be managed across the entire EV fleet through the Ford Pro E-Telematics platform, or individually scheduled. The feature is smart enough to monitor the external temperature and start heating or cooling the vehicle up to an hour in advance while still connected to “shore power”—using energy from a charger for preconditioning instead of discharging the battery.MWS: DOES A DROP IN RANGE AFFECT THE PAYLOAD OR TOW CAPACITY? POLL: The Lightning payload and tow capacity depend on the vehicle’s configuration, such as battery size and the inclusion of the Max Tow Package. Payload and towing both have impacts on range because additional power is required to drive the vehicle and loads. Hilly roads also have an impact on range, though, unlike gas- or diesel-powered vehicles, an electric vehicle can recover the energy used to climb a hill while descending with regenerative braking, which reduces the burden on the vehicle’s friction brakes. When looking at elevation changes, it’s necessary to ensure the vehicle has enough energy to reach the highest point of its journey, not just enough charge to reach its destination after driving downhill. Through our TESTING THE LIMITS OF EVS

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 13E-Telematics and Cloud-Connected Navigation products, a driver can enter a destination to have the route assessed for the energy required and identify if a charging stop is required. These features work together to estimate the energy required based on driving history, temperature, traffic speeds, and elevation.MWS: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OUR READERS TO HELP QUELL THESE CONCERNS?POLL: EVs offer significant opportunities for cost and time savings in cases where the daily driving needs can be met by charging when the vehicle is already going to be parked. Ford Pro EVs have solutions that help drivers complete their journey and recommend charge stops along the way. We also help drivers find and activate chargers and bill the charge event to the fleet through a vehicle touchscreen app, Charge Assist, paired with our Public Charge Management service. MWS: HAS FORD CONDUCTED ANY WINTER PERFORMANCE TESTS?POLL: Absolutely—the F-150 Lightning is Built Ford Tough, just like the rest of our truck lineup. Ford engineers tested and fine-tuned cold-weather performance and drivability in a variety of locations and snow and ice conditions as low as minus 30 degrees. Ford tested Lightning in a variety of conditions to demonstrate the potential impacts on range, factors like payload, speed, towing, and the benefit of the preconditioning feature in cold weather.MWS: WHAT HAVE BEEN THE RESULTS OF THESE TESTS?POLL: At 14 degrees, the estimated range was 17% higher with 1-hour of scheduled preconditioning compared to the estimated range at that temperature without preconditioning. The results of this testing and additional tips are available on our website.All vehicles face challenges in extreme temperatures. To understand how these challenges affect EVs, AAA tested (2019) how weather impacts the range of several popular EVs. They found that when outside temperatures heat up to 95 degrees and air conditioning is being used in the vehicle, driving ranges can decrease by 17%. 20-degree weather alone could reduce range by 10-12%, while the use of in-vehicle climate control could amplify range loss to 41%.MWS: HAS THE FORD LIGHTNING UNDERGONE CUSTOMER TRIALS OR TESTING IN REAL WORK FLEETS THAT OPERATE IN EXTREME CONDITIONS?POLL: On the commercial side, our customers range from small and medium size businesses with just a few trucks to large businesses with 500-plus trucks. Lightnings are also in use across the US in a variety of vocations: construction, utilities, oil & gas, mining, and many others. These trucks go through the same torture testing our other truck products endure.MWS: HOW WILL THE RECENT PRICE DROP AFFECT THE FLEET INDUSTRY?POLL: As our EV production scales and we move past the pandemic related supply bottlenecks, we can offer more competitive pricing for our customers—this remains fluid to market conditions. Lightning is in heavy demand across fleets for numerous reasons. Delivering solutions that help our fleet customers run their businesses more efficiently is what Ford Pro is all about.MWS: ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS?POLL: Ford Pro EVs are designed to support a wide variety of use cases and operating environments. While some use cases might be better suited for a gas, diesel or hybrid powertrain, many Ford Pro customers have already incorporated EVs into their fleets and are experiencing the potential operating benefits of electrification. Ford Pro offers a planning tool called Ford Pro E-Switch Assist that helps customers determine if an existing Ford Transit® van is a good candidate to switch to an E-Transit™.Ford Pro solutions are available to help customers through the transition to electrification. Some tools include a complimentary trial period. Ford Pro can help clients through their electrification planning with solutions beyond the vehicle itself, including charging, vehicle monitoring, and management tools.FOR MORE INFORMATIONMark Poll is a manager of EV Consulting at Ford Pro Charging and has more than ten years of experience working with Ford Motor Company. Find out more at www.fordpro.com. 866.251.1777 • 205.824.9796 randym@mwsmag.comREACH KEY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS get your media planner mwSmAg.COmLOAD ING AN D UNLO ADINGRAMPS PROVIDE A SECU RE PATHOBTAI NING EQUI LIBRIU MQUICK ROUTE TO BR INGING WHEELS IN BALAN CEOCTOBER 2017LIGHT-DUTY2018 TOYOTA TUN DRAMEDIUM-DUTYFORD CUTAWAY E-450 DRWHEAVY-DUTY HINO 338THE MORE THIN GS CHA NGESOMETI MES STIC KING WITH WHAT WORK S IS KEYICUEE Booth #L127 FEEL ING WARM INSID ECHOOSI NG THE BES T AUXILIA RY HEATERTHE MORE THIN GS CHA NGEADVERTISING OPSREACH KEY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202318HEAVY-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASEJust because the work is heavy-duty doesn’t mean the ride needs to be. While air suspensions have high initial costs, they can make for a smoother ride, improve the fuel economy, and create less untimely wear and tear on the truck body and equipment. Peterbilt Motors Company expands its partnership to Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicles by adding the PRIMAAX® EX, a severe-duty vocational air suspension system, to its suspension offerings.QUALITY SOLUTIONSThe PRIMAAX EX improves durability and performance while delivering a substantial weight-savings alternative to competitive systems. In addition to improved handling and resistance to torque rod bushing walk-out, the suspension is available in the capacities of 46,000 and 52,000 lbs with a 10-inch ride height, which is compatible with drum and air disc brakes. The suspension provides amplified stability and handling for vehicles with heavy loads and high centers of gravity, creating an easy ride that will keep the truck level through bumps, dips, and turns.The advanced suspension offers customers the opportunity to expand their options to configure their trucks with specific applications that will meet their needs and fulfill the demands of vocational and severe-service, such as construction, refuse, mixer, and heavy-haul applications. The PRIMAAX EX is available as a part of the chassis enhancements on Peterbilt Models 567, 579, and 589.The PRIMAAX EX is approved for vocational and heavy-haul vehicle applications including: truck, tractor, dump, front and rear discharge mixer, crane mounted, platform, specialty, and vehicles equipped with outriggers. All applications must comply with applicable Hendrickson specifications and must be approved by the respective vehicle manufacturer with the vehicle in its original, as-built configuration.FEATURES & BENEFITSAlong with a rugged, weight-efficient design, the PRIMAAX EX possesses state-of-the-art cast structural beams made up of premium materials for higher reliability, joint integrity, and increased ground clearance, which is enhanced by frame hangers that meet a variety of grueling vocational and severe-duty applications. The optimized suspension geometry contributes to more than twice the roll of stability of competitive

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 19air suspensions, helping improve the handling and roll stiffness for expanded applications while significantly controlling suspension-induced driveline vibration.Additional features include:• Integrated end caps on the cast structural beams form a solid connection with the square cross brace to form a rigid torsion system for improved stability and control without the need for re-torque• Off-road mobility with up to 12.5 inches of diagonal wheel travel and 8 inches of vertical axle travel for improved traction with 10.75 inches of ground clearance so trucks can traverse uneven terrain on more demanding jobsites• Large-volume air sprints that lift and support the load with less air pressure while maximizing driver comfort and equipment protection• Premium, heavy-duty bushings that require no lubrication for reduced maintenance and have been tested for longer service life• QUIK-ALIGN® system that helps simplify axle alignment for reduced maintenance time and extended tire life• D-pin axle connection and clam group reduces stress input to the axle housing by transferring the torsional loads to the integrated stabilizer system, helping extend axle and joint service lifeHEAVY-DUTY WORKWith rough work and even rougher roads, the PRIMAAX EX could be the answer to increasing driver confidence and control, and to getting the most out of your truck without prematurely maxing out its life cycle. Initial costs can be daunting, but the undeniable versatility, enhanced safety, improved fuel economy, and reduced maintenance costs can more than make up for it in the long run.FOR MORE INFORMATIONPeterbilt Motors Company has a complete lineup of diesel, natural gas, and electric vehicles, and has earned a global reputation for superior engineering, quality, and craftsmanship. Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicles is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of medium- and heavy-duty mechanical, elastomeric, and air suspensions, and more. Find out more at www.peterbilt.com and www.hendrickson-intl.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202322OPERATIONSOPERATIONSColorado Mail Delivery Fleet Makes a Commitment to Clean Energy AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL THAT MAKES SENSE FOR THIS BUSINESS By Todd MouwHi Pro, Inc., a postal service contractor in the Denver metro area, is now providing cleaner mail delivery to the communities it serves with new propane vehicles. When Hi Pro received its first five Ford F-750 trucks in 2022, the community celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new trucks and zero-cost fueling infrastructure. The company has had so much success with the clean fuel initiative that it is now working to completely move its entire contract from diesel to propane and will acquire an additional four trucks this year.IMMEDIATE RESULTSWith the first wave of propane trucks, Hi Pro will reduce its CO2 emissions by 20% and reduce fuel costs by a whopping 50%.“We’ve all felt the pain of filling up at the pump with gasoline or diesel,” says Joshua Stoneback, Hi Pro, Inc.

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 23CEO. “With propane, I won’t feel that anymore. The cost of propane autogas is a fraction of what I would be paying for diesel. And to top it off, the fleet is reducing emissions at the same time. It’s a win-win for everyone.” Propane autogas, the term used for propane when used in an on-road engine, offers both economic and environmental benefits. As a domestically produced resource, propane is affordable, abundant, reliable, and offers an immediate emissions reduction solution for fleets looking to meet federal emissions standards. Propane autogas vehicles—like Hi Pro’s new trucks—are proven to reduce greenhouse gases and NOx emissions to near-zero levels. According to Drive Clean Colorado, a Clean Cities coalition, the company’s propane trucks have a comparable lifetime low-carbon footprint to electric vehicles but achieve results at a fraction of the price over the life of the truck. Each truck will produce 281 metric tons of CO2 less per year than the same EV trucks, which would rely on Colorado’s electric grid for charging and operating needs.Propane autogas makes sense for the fleets servicing the postal market because the emissions-reducing, cost-cutting fuel technology is available to them today.“Propane autogas is a viable solution to provide contractors with the low-emissions energy they need to best service their communities right now,” says Jennifer Beiro-Réveillé of USPS at last year’s ribbon cutting ceremony.EASY TO ORDERAfter hearing about the benefits of propane autogas during meetings with the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association and the Propane Education & Research Council, Stoneback began to consider launching a cleaner initiative for the company’s fleet. And he learned that ordering propane vehicles is as easy as ordering diesel or gasoline. The propane engines are built by ROUSH CleanTech, a trusted OEM propane fuel system provider for Ford Motor Company. That means customers like Hi Pro can order their chassis at their Ford dealer like they would for gasoline or diesel vehicles. EASY TO OPERATEOperating propane vehicles offers a reliable option that does not impact daily operation because Hi Pro can count on the trucks being on the road in any weather. Propane vehicles have

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202324OPERATIONSno cold start issues and have a range of up to 400 miles on a single refuel. Stoneback is especially excited that the propane vehicles will be a cleaner option for rural operators. The trucks, which travel 400,000 miles per year, will be used for bulk delivery in Denver, up in the mountains to the west, and to the plains to the east.While Hi Pro still operates part of its fleet on other conventional fuels including diesel, they’ve seen dramatic savings with propane—both on fuel and on infrastructure. Hi Pro’s current per gallon rate for diesel is $3.69; for propane, it’s $2.03. For fueling, Hi Pro worked with AmeriGas to install propane infrastructure at zero cost with a fuel contract. Propane offers the most flexible and cost-effective fueling infrastructure of any fuel—conventional or alternative. Fueling options include: on-site infrastructure, mobile fuel delivery, or public fueling stations. Many businesses install an on-site fueling station because it’s cost-effective and easy to maintain. Propane’s availability is steady, allowing customers like Hi Pro to lock in pricing and create more security for their budgets even when markets fluctuate. TIPS FROM THE FIELDWhen asked to share top tips for fleet managers considering adopting propane as a clean alternative fuel, Stoneback recommends analyzing several factors.“Compare the numbers as if you are going to pay 40% less on fuel, remove all the maintenance costs per mile of DPF filters and related breakdowns and derates, and remove DEF costs,” Stoneback says. “There is less time, money, and labor for fueling if the fueling station is on your site. Then compare your total cost of operation per mile over the life of the vehicle on propane versus diesel.” RELIABLE & SUSTAINABLE Greg Reed, executive director for the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association believes that propane autogas is a reliable domestic source of energy and a great option for parcel delivery.“If there is anything that should move with a reliable, domestic source of energy, it is the mail,” Reed says. “The postal service is embracing this technology and urging more contractors to use it.”Stoneback says that Hi Pro strives to embody a culture of serving others and that the company sees a future in which clients demand environmentally conscious decisions and outcomes. “We wish to serve those customers with a commitment to clean energy,” Stoneback says.ABOUT THE AUTHORTodd Mouw is executive vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of alternative fuel vehicle technology. Mouw has served as president of the NTEA Green Truck Association. Find out more, visit www.roushcleantech.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202326OPERATIONSCommercial trucks are a large part of production for many business owners, and truckers need their vehicles to run smoothly. Many fleet owners and managers are considering fuel-efficient trucks for their small businesses. Read on to discover:• What makes a truck fuel-efficient?• What fuel-efficient trucks are currently available?• What are the advantages and disadvantages of eco-trucks?• How much do fuel-efficient trucks cost?The future of commercial trucks is changing to become more fuel-efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly. Small businesses need to adjust and keep up when updating or expanding their fleets, which can lead to saving time and money along the way.Fuel efficiency in trucks can be achieved through a variety of methods, including using electric batteries in electric or hybrid trucks, using alternative fuels, and adjusting the truck’s design to make it more aerodynamic to limit wind resistance, ultimately using less fuel. Newer, full-size fuel-efficient electric trucks utilize multiple batteries to maintain the same torque and towing capacity as traditional trucks while keeping desirable features such as four-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, payload rating, hauling capability, and standard safety features. Should Your Small Business Invest in Fuel-Efficient Trucks?WHAT TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR FLEET

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 27TYPES OF TRUCKSWhen choosing a new truck, there are many factors to consider outside of their fuel economy ratings. Eco-friendly trucks with higher mpg city and mpg highway ratings come in various shapes and sizes, allowing truck buyers to search for the right fit.ELECTRIC TRUCKSNewer EV pickup trucks, commercial trucks, and full-size trucks have towing capacities and power compared to traditional gas-powered trucks. They require less maintenance and are cheaper to own. However, they require regular charging, which can be difficult to find outside metropolitan areas.HYBRID TRUCKSHybrid powertrains are the middlemen of gasoline and e-trucks. These vehicles use an electric battery, but also have a combustion engine. This offers a higher gas mileage and lowers gas costs without charging the vehicle regularly. Different hybrid options vary on how much they rely on the electric battery versus traditional engine choices.BIOFUEL TRUCKSBiofuels have come a long way and are constantly improving. Some can even be used in a turbodiesel engine. Fuels include biodiesel, HVO, synthetic diesel fuel, ethanol, and others. Many of these are cheaper than gas and diesel, increasing truck fuel efficiency. It’s important to keep in mind that biofuel is still new and developing, meaning it can be difficult to find in many areas.AERODYNAMIC DESIGN TRUCKSTrucks that utilize a more aerodynamic design limit wind resistance, allowing for a higher mpg city and mpg highway rating, resulting in lower gas costs. Aerodynamic truck shapes can be combined with any other fuel-efficient truck type or as a traditional combustion engine truck.THE PROSThere’s a reason many companies are turning to electric and hybrid trucks for their fleets. Amazon has begun switching to electric delivery trucks, and major truck dealers are creating fuel-efficient trucks with the same power, tow rating, and other desirable features as traditional trucks. Small businesses are beginning to join larger corporations and invest in fuel efficiency. EVs require less maintenance and associated costs and fully eliminate fuel costs. According to Truckers Report (2013), maintaining and repairing a

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202328OPERATIONSlarge commercial truck can cost up to $15,000 annually. Commercial Truck Trader conducted a survey (2023) of 500 truck shoppers about electric trucks. Among those looking to purchase an EV, the top reason for doing so was the desire to spend less money on gas (44%). Other top motivators included believing electric is the future of commercial driving (38%), less engine maintenance (30%), and lower emissions (21%).Some additional benefits include:• Electric batteries last longer than combustion engines, resulting in trucks that last longer—3 to 8 years longer on average, as an article on EVBOX (2021) references • All trucks that aim to be more efficient require less gas and may qualify for local tax credits, especially electric and hybrid vehicles • Many large cities and some countries are beginning to ban diesel vehicles altogether and push for improved fuel efficiency • As consumers look for more environmentally conscious business, using eco-friendly vehicles could attract more customers THE CONSThe top drawback identified by Commercial Truck Trader survey (2023) participants is that they believe electric trucks had a low mileage range/short battery life. However, for businesses that have a small driving range, this should not pose a problem. There are also other large trucks being released that address this problem of long-range drives.Other top perceived drawbacks to EVs reported by commercial truck shoppers includes charging time (49%), finding charging stations (45%), being unsure the power grid can handle EVs (41%), and the higher cost (39%). Long charging times, cold weather, and few charging stations, especially in rural areas, would make it difficult to plan long-haul drives. Higher prices are often inhibitive to smaller companies and individual truck owners. However, the high cost may change as more vehicle manufacturers turn toward creating electric and hybrid vehicles.ECO TRUCK COSTSThe starting price of the truck itself can vary depending on the class of truck, type of fuel efficiency, brand, and any additional features. A fuel-efficient, full-size pickup truck can range from $25,000 to over $100,000 for luxury models.EVs require less maintenance costs in comparison to combustion engines. Batteries eventually need to be replaced, costing between $10,000 to $15,000; however, electric batteries last between 10 to 15 years, or 100,000 to 200,000 miles, before needing to be replaced. For trucks requiring charging, it costs roughly 3 cents a mile, which varies by location, vehicle, and battery type.IN THE FUTUREDespite the attitude among current truck shoppers toward EVs, alternate fuel-efficiency options are seen as a bridge to EVs as electric trucks continue to develop and companies try to keep up with local and federal regulations. While the demand is currently low, manufacturers are beginning to change and improve their hybrid and electric truck options.FOR MORE INFORMATIONFind out more at www.commercialtrucktrader.com. RESOURCES www.thetruckersreport.com/infographics/cost-of-trucking/ blog.evbox.com/ev-battery-longevitywww.commercialtrucktrader.com/blog/2023/04/17/addressing-your-second-biggest-concern-with-electric-trucks-battery-life-distance-range/

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202330OPERATIONSSet the wipers on high. Companies are entering The Perfect Storm of new union leaders flexing their muscles, seasonal shortages, resignations, compliance issues, and more. Like following the path of a hurricane, this storm has been on the radar for a while.On March 22, 2022, Sean M. O’Brien was sworn in as the new general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. According to Teamster (2022), he “will bring a more militant, grassroots approach to taking on employers and will prioritize mobilizing rank-and-file members to get involved in the union.”THE STORM As with any first-term president, O'Brien seeks to demonstrate his value by delivering on campaign promises. Setting his sights on UPS, O'Brien flexes his union muscles to eliminate a two-tier wage system for part-time and full-time workers, establish better overall pay, and air conditioning in every vehicle, similar to Herbert Hoover’s 1928 campaign slogan of "a chicken in every pot."O'Brien finds himself firmly established on higher ground, knowing that UPS handles approximately a quarter of the U.S. parcel deliveries. A work stoppage could result in company losses in the billions of dollars—hedging against more than $1 billion in lost wages for 340,000 UPS employees. An article by ABC News (2023) states, "The value of the goods it [UPS] delivers annually has been estimated at 6% of the U.S. economy.”Is the International Brotherhood of Teamsters battle a precursor to a Federal Express showdown? FedEx workers are also part of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Teamsters’ Warehouse Division, which represents lift truck operators, equipment operators, drivers, and clerical employees. A sympathy strike with all these union members could cause a supply chain disruption that eclipses COVID’s goods and services slowdown. MORE TO CONTEND WITHBesides worker strikes, organizations are challenged with filling the gap for resigned drivers, securing additional truckers for seasonal work, and never-ending compliance considerations. Many organizations turn to third-party staffing providers; however, not all are the same, and finding the best match can be challenging. Organizations The Perfect Storm NAVIGATING UNION STRIKES, SEASONAL WORK, AND DRIVER RESIGNATIONS By Trevor Fandale

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 31seeking temporary help with Class A CDL drivers need to consider the following:• DRIVER RESIGNATIONS. Many organizations first turn to local replacements to fill the need for driver resignations. This approach may not yield successful results as these temporary workers sometimes don’t demonstrate the commitment to follow through with the assigned job. Rather than seeking local workers, organizations should seek help from staffing agencies with a deep database of drivers who demonstrate full commitment to their designated locations. • THIRD-PARTY VENDORS. Third-party vendors have to be carefully vetted. Some organizations are often unionized. Drivers will not cross picket lines if a strike occurs. Organizations must carefully review any contractual arrangements, especially during a strike. • INSURANCE. Staffing agencies that offer a fully insured workforce are highly desired. Drivers fully insured by the staffing agency insulate any hiring organization from insurance-related claims. • SEQUESTERED WORKFORCE. Unlike local workers who can easily take another local job during an assignment, sequestered drivers are individuals the staffing agency houses and allocates a per diem for expenses. The sequestered drivers have a history of being more loyal to the project and have little to no sick days. Contracting these individuals for a defined period of 45 days reduces the likelihood of leaving the assignment for local work. • SEASONAL CHALLENGES. Understanding seasonal issues is crucial for effective planning. Organizations must anticipate surges in demand or short-term staffing needs during peak seasons or holidays. In addition, staffing agencies must have a certified professional talent pool readily available to secure uninterrupted services. • QUALIFICATIONS. Organizations need to ensure that drivers who temporarily work for them have a minimum of 1-year experience and have been screened for safety issues and compliance violations. The staffing agency must provide proof of each driver's CDL, medical card status, and drug test. They must also ensure yearly motor vehicle records for each individual are current with compliance and record-keeping requirements. • CONTINGENCY PLAN. A contingency plan ensures business continuity. Each plan must designate clear points of contact and identify the ultimate decision-maker within the organization. The plan should also have provisions for collaborating with local law enforcement, determining picket line locations, and requirements for dealing with the media. • DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND NLRB COMPLIANCE. Organizations must develop a deep understanding of labor regulations, particularly those governed by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Any temporary security personnel must be well-versed in these regulations, enabling good-faith negotiations, avoiding confrontations with strikers or the public, and preventing legal complications.CAREFUL CONSIDERATIONSThe trucking industry is entering a challenging period propagated by new union leadership, labor disputes, and never-ending seasonal challenges. Amidst these difficulties, organizations are burdened with driver resignations and compliance considerations. However, turning to third-party staffing providers can help bridge these gaps—but only if they are properly equipped. It's important for any organization dealing with worker issues to carefully vet their staffing agency options and ask qualifying questions to ensure reliable assistance.Remember: cheaper is not always better. The lifeblood of any organization should never come down to hasty decisions made in stressful situations.ABOUT THE AUTHORTrevor Fandale is the president of Huffmaster. He joined the company in 2016 as vice president of Finance, bringing with him a strong background in financial analysis and strategic planning. Trevor has provided executive assistance to develop short and long-term company goals, plans, and development strategies. Trevor's expertise and vision have been invaluable to the company’s success. For more information, visit www.huffmaster.com. RESOURCES teamster.org/2022/03/obrien-zuckerman-general-executive-board-begin-five-year-term/abcnews.go.com/Business/ups-workers-union-leader-explains-stake-strike-edges/story?id=100839350

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202332OPERATIONSEquipment asset awareness has never been more critical, especially in today’s rapidly changing economy. Reviewing contract renewals and equipment replacement cycles is difficult for many construction companies, as one study shared by CloudCover (2023) shows that 91% of companies do not have a dashboard that tracks renewal status. This is so important that the business world dedicates the entire month of March acknowledging the importance of asset awareness.As such, March serves as a special reminder to construction businesses that, no matter the time of year, it’s essential to understand how improved asset management practices can contribute to their organization’s overall mission and revenue goals. Asset management is vital to any organization looking to properly manage its fleet of trucks and equipment. No matter the kind of organization, the benefits of asset management are valuable:• Improve budgeting and planning• Increase efficiency• Manage equipment and improve maintenance• Provide compliance with regulationsSCRUTINZING CONTRACTSAsset management is especially critical today because flexibility is at the forefront of every successful business strategy when operating a fleet of trucks in construction. Today’s top fleets realize they must scrutinize every detail of each truck’s lease structure since the contract can mean the difference of millions gained or lost toward their bottom line. To help executives maximize their asset management strategies, asset management firms are providing a full suite of data analytics to determine the best finance option for their operation. Equipment Asset AwarenessTHE INCREASING SIGNIFICANCE OF MAKING ACCURATE CONTRACT DECISIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION FLEET PROCUREMENT By John Rickettelight-duty feature

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 33These tools are needed to help fleets and construction businesses make better decisions because finance costs are a significant calculation in any equipment acquisition. The most effective process to reduce truck and finance costs is to have competitive finance options. For example, competitive options can be achieved when full-service lease agreements are unbundled, allowing the freedom and flexibility to shop for the most competitive options. To determine if unbundling is a good fit for an operation, a UBL/FSL Comparative Cost Analysis should be utilized. In the example provided (Image 1), the calculation captures significant savings in a UBL compared to finance/monthly costs against an FSL ($31,900 per vehicle), even for daycab trucks running roughly 55,000 miles per year. The CPI increases are based on actual history (4.0% Cap). These amounts will differ by cab type, application, utilization, and OEM, but savings versus a traditional FSL will likely be achieved.In addition to a lease type analysis, various metrics should be deployed, such as the lease versus purchase analysis, lease versus loan analysis, sales tax analysis, etc.STARTING POINTEvery truck has a different in-service start date and keeping track of all units is cumbersome but imperative. In addition to monitoring Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) expenses, construction-focused organizations must analyze their complete truck life cycle data to determine when trucks are nearing the right time for a replacement, starting at 18 to 20 months before contract expiration. It is also important not to get locked into a financial structure that does not match the usage of the asset, which could limit the flexibility to get out when the market changes or when it’s time to pivot. When reviewing contracts and various in-service dates, some important checklist items include: • Monitoring lease expirations by truck• Checking if there is flexibility to exit the lease in 90 days• Determining what type of extension provisions are in placeUNBUNDLED FSLCUMULATIVE FA SAVINGSYEARLEASE PAYMENTM&R COST TOTALCUMULATIVE COSTFSL PAYMENT VARIABLE M&R FSL TOTALFSL CUMULATIVE1 $28,312$1,974 $30,286 $30,286 $32,400 $4,675 $37,075 $42,375$6,7892 $28,312 $2,992 $31,303 $61,589 $32,730 $4,738 $37,468 $74,543 $12,9553 $28,312 $3,767 $32,079 $93,668 $33,243 $4,803 $38,046 $112,589 $18,9224 $28,312 $5,593 $33,905 $127,572 $33,485 $4,868 $38,353 $150,943 $23,3705 $28,312 $8,701 $37,012 $164,585 $34,490 $5,063 $39,552 $190,495 $25,9106 $28,312 $1,974 $34,795 $199,380 $35,524 $5,265 $40,790 $231,285 $31,905Image 1

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202334OPERATIONS• Checking if the fleet is locked in a contract with limited options • Evaluating if the fleet can produce a true Cost Per Mile (CPM) Regardless of what type of lease or financing is being utilized, fleets with construction equipment must determine what is included and conduct a line-by-line comparison for each cost of item, such as the lease payment, warranty, maintenance and repair cost (whether in-house or outsourced), licensing, tires, etc.Around six to nine months (considering current build slot availability) ahead of the truck’s optimum replacement window is the right time for fleets to determine whether they should plan for a new acquisition type. This should be a part of an organization’s one-, two-, and three-year procurement strategy and holistic asset management approach, which evaluates factors such as corporate structure, balance sheet, interest rates, residual values, tax benefits, depreciation, etc., in making decisions.DATA AND RESOURCESAsset management partners help fleets gain an extra competitive edge because they leverage advanced data analytics to performance analytics, such as a Comparative Cost Analysis, to determine the optimal time to upgrade equipment and even what type of equipment. Furthermore, operating data is used to build customized fleet modernization plans using pioneering tools, such as emissions calculators to procure newer trucks that preserve both the bottom line and the environment.With all the economic changes, executives operating fleets for construction must utilize every possible resource to manage their asset portfolios properly. Today’s fleets continue to seek advanced data-driven tools that can help offer insight into their decision-making, which is why it’s critical to work with a holistic asset management partner that can help maximize efficiency and reduce cost at every opportunity. With this approach in mind, these businesses will realize how more robust asset management practices will contribute to their organization's overall mission and revenue goals.ABOUT THE AUTHORJohn Rickette, CTP, is vice president of Portfolio and manager of the Transaction Management Team at Fleet Advantage, a leading innovator in truck fleet business analytics, equipment financing and lifecycle cost management. For more, visit www.fleetadvantage.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202336OPERATIONSFord Pro™, the commercial division within Ford Motor Company, reveals new charging hardware added to its suite of end-to-end solutions to help make it easier for commercial customers to transition their fleets to electric. A SMOOTH TRANSITIONThe new Series 2 AC Charging Station 80 amp and expanded DC Fast Charger options are designed for commercial vehicle use and packed with new features. Coupled with Ford Pro’s charging management software, the company provides a fully integrated solution that simplifies EV charging for both Ford and non-Ford electric vehicles. “We’re committed to helping businesses make the transition to electric easy with a single-minded focus on curated commercial charging solutions,” says Ted Cannis, chief executive officer at Ford Pro. “With our tailored EV consulting and portfolio of charging hardware and software Ford Pro Expands Charging Solutions Revealing a New Lineup of ChargersDELIVERING RELIABLE CHARGING AND SCALING THE ADOPTION OF EVS

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 37solutions, we can design, implement, and operate solutions for Ford and other brands that will last for many years to come. And we are not afraid to tell customers when electrification is not yet a good fit and support them with other solutions.” SERIES 2 AC CHARGING STATIONThe Series 2 AC Charging Station 80 amp comes with features that simplify and help improve the charging experience at the workplace for fleet operators and their drivers, including enhanced security with RFID that limits unwanted charger access. Fleet operators can issue a unique Ford Pro RFID card to control access to chargers, enabling charging sessions to be limited to specific individuals or vehicles by specifying day and times for access. The new RFID software also supports Ford and non-Ford vehicles, unlocking the ability for fleet operators to track energy reports through Ford Pro’s charging management software. Other features include:• Improved detachable cable and connector reduces time and expense of charger repairs avoiding replacement of the entire charging station if a cable or connector is damaged. • Wide range of connectivity options with cellular pre-configured and optional Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity for locations with restricted cellular coverage. • ISO-15118 ready and equipped to enable future functionality over the air, such as advanced vehicle to charger communications that can identify and log when a specific vehicle connects. Ford Pro designed the hardware to be ready for the future, so customers are better prepared for new electric vehicles and capabilities to come. • New LCD screen on the Series 2 charger displays step-by-step instructions to initiate charging and important information, including charge duration, fault alerts, energy usage, and more.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202338OPERATIONS• Temperature sensors to monitor and alert for overheating by derating the charger automatically. • Extended operating temperature range of minus 40 degrees to 122 degrees and operating altitude of up to 2.17 miles to serve the needs of customers in more places. • The new Ford Pro charging hardware is backed by a 3-year warranty on charger parts and labor and continues to provide around-the-clock tech support to help increase uptime and productivity for customers. • Ford Pro Telematics, chargers, software, and service work seamlessly to provide fleet operators and managers with a single solution to monitor their vehicle network 24/7. DC FAST CHARGER Ford Pro is also revealing extended DC Fast Charger options in 180kW and 240kW, giving fleet operators and their drivers more versatility at their workplace with more power and shortened charge times. Aluminum pedestals feature an improved cable retractor and a sleeker look. The new Ford Pro DC Fast Chargers are available for pre-order. Ford Pro Chargers work with Ford Pro’s smart charging software to ensure vehicles are charged when customers need them. The integrated software and hardware solution helps fleet managers optimize how, when, and where EVs are charged along with utility reimbursement reporting, which is important for home-based drivers. Using Ford Pro Charging solutions can also allow customers to charge more vehicles at a given time. Customers can deploy more EVs without necessarily needing to wait for an infrastructure upgrade. The software tracks performance and provides fleet managers with insights, like kWh consumption, charge speed and distance to empty, and helps optimize total cost of ownership. POTENTIAL INCENTIVES Businesses can help lower their total cost of ownership through understanding the various incentives available to them. To help ease confusion, Ford Pro curated commercial incentives to make it easy to find available incentives for tax credits on EV, charging equipment, and charging installation costs, in addition to Ford Pro BEV Fit, a complimentary consulting opportunity available to customers to help identify available incentives, consult on charging site design and construction, and collaborate with local utilities on energy needs. The company has also launched a program with professional services firm, Ernst & Young LLP, to help give customers no-cost information to learn about IRA tax credits that they may qualify for. Available incentives include: • Up to a 30% federal tax credit on charging and installation costs • Up to $7,500 back on each new qualified EV purchased in 2023 • Hundreds of federal, state, and local EV incentives and rebatesFOR MORE INFORMATIONThis news was gathered from Ford Pro™. Find out more at www.fordpro.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202340OPERATIONSIt comes as no to surprise to fleet managers that their organizations are focusing on how fleet departments can support sustainability and net zero goals. According to a 2023 power and utilities outlook produced by Deloitte, as of October 2022, 43 of the 45 largest investor-owned utilities committed to reducing carbon emissions.Proposed rules by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could provide further momentum for adoption of green technologies. Made public in June 2023, the new rules would require public companies to annually disclose certain climate-related financial statement metrics, information related to climate-related risks, and greenhouse gas emissions in public disclosure filings. (At the time of writing, the rules were expected to be finalized in fall 2023.)Fleet managers must not only meet management requirements, but also meet the needs of customers to ensure operations can deliver services as expected. One option that helps fleet managers do both is to choose an electric power take-off (ePTO) for boom and auxiliary functions of heavy equipment. EPTOS IN THE PASTWhen powering booms and buckets at a jobsite, the traditional method of a running truck engine or generator is long-outdated. ePTOs offer a cleaner, quieter, dependable source of power, so why are fleet managers on the fence when it comes to ePTOs? The hesitancy lies with the pre-No More CompromisesTODAY’S EPTOS ARE GOOD FOR THE JOB AND THE ENVIRONMENT By Tracy Bennett

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 41conceived ideas people have based on past experience. “I came into the industry in 1983 as an installation engineer for Alabama Power Company,” says Ted Barron, international sales director for Viatec. “I remember this late 1970s model truck sitting in our yard with a big box in the truck bed. That big box was the battery for an ePTO.”Jerry Plumb, brand manager at Viatec, comments, “When we entered the market, a patchwork of engineering wove together solutions from various available components: electric motor, controller, battery, inverter, etc. The result was often incoherent, inefficient performance from an over-complicated product.” Additional functional challenges have risen from more recent ePTO attempts. They use driveline solutions and adapted them to operate as ePTOs, taking a system from a truck that drives and modifying it for a truck that idles. Second, most were deeply integrated with the vehicle rather than a self-contained system that offers redundancy, making it dependent so that when the ePTO is out of commission, the entire truck is too.“By the time we entered the market, embedding ePTO system integration into the truck had taken over. Complication meant when the system went down, so did the truck, which was

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202342OPERATIONSdevastating for emergency response. Those options were utilizing parts native to the truck to offset battery weight,” explains Plumb. “People had to give up performance to implement an ePTO, but the situation today is different. There are a lot more options, many of which have overcome the previous challenges. Fleet managers should take the time to understand how today’s solutions work when comparing products.”He says, “We knew we could offer these features in a fully enclosed system with a high-performance, electric drivetrain and come away with a lightweight product that was less invasive and more reliable. The result was a highly adaptable solution, easier to integrate into broad fleets, fast."UTILITY TESTINGIn 2018, an investor-owned utility (IOU) embarked on a pilot test with Viatec to install the company’s SmartPTO on a bucket truck. Over six months, two crews using the bucket truck validated the performance claims. Stories of unworkable trucks at jobsites and constant technical issues permeated the industry, souring most companies on the concept, but in a month’s time, the IOU’s crews reported that the SmartPTO matched the truck’s PTO performance and claimed “it’s reliable” and “always works.”By the end of the six-month pilot, IOU was ready to deploy an additional 23 units and start a new pilot test with Viatec for step-van electrification, while looking at additional electrification options. ALL CHARGED UPAfter weighing the pros and cons of integrating a charging system with a drivetrain, the Viatec team chose not to include this feature and focused more on reliability. In situations where electric power is not available—such as storm response or a round-the-clock job that completely depletes the battery—they designed SmartPTO to be completely redundant, allowing the equipment to be used conventionally, powered by the vehicle engine when necessary.Terex introduced the the Viatec SmartPTO concept in 2019 and began delivering it to customers in 2021. The SmartPTO comes standard with a 14-kWh battery, which gets most crews through the normal workday. In higher-use applications, an optional 21-kWh battery is available.“14000W is 19 horsepower. Would you rather take 19 hp plus two energy conversion losses out of the tank and pull it off the alternator, or simply plug into your grid?” asks Barron. “Choosing the grid is not only an intelligent choice, your alternator and the truck electrical system will love you.”It’s also possible to fast charge the SmartPTO in just two hours from a 240V outlet for fast charger. The Terex and Viatec solution delivers all the flexibility of your current IC engine, while electrifying boom operation, outrigger operation, and winch functions. You can also opt to provide A/C in the cab without idling the engine.

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 43NET ZERO JOURNEYGreen is good, but that’s not the only reason to integrate ePTOs in your heavy equipment fleet. There are other benefits that directly impact operations.During testing with the ePTO, daily idling was reduced by 3.5 hours, translating to a monthly fuel savings of $482.34—projected to an annual savings of $5,788. Idling puts wear and tear on the engine. By reducing idling, less maintenance is required. Oil and filters were estimated to only be changed once per year instead of twice with a projected annual savings in maintenance costs of $1,150. In addition, less idling extends the projected vehicle service life from 8 to 10 years. “While some crews are hesitant initially, we find that field personnel really like the SmartPTO,” says Barron. “Noise reduction supports a better work environment. According to utility crews, it’s safer, they can hear each other, and it creates a more pleasant work experience.” DON’T PROCRASTINATEViatec SmartPTO is largely self-contained and can be installed on most equipment and chassis. The small footprint—666 square inches— makes it easy to integrate. The system has multiple pump and motor configurations so it can be installed on a wide range of Terex Utilities products and other brands. While many initial buyers of Terex equipment with Viatec SmartPTO specified the ePTO on new orders, there’s no need to wait until you’re replacing equipment to integrate this solution. It’s worth looking at 1- to 2-year-old units in your fleet. “It may not make sense to fund a conversion out of the operating budget,” Barron notes. “Another option is to capitalize multiple conversions in one capital project.” Field installation requires installing a couple hydraulic hoses, giving up about 500 lbs in payload capacity, and taking up just over 4.5 square feet. It takes about 12-15 hours to upfit. If your new order is on backlog, consider adding systems to your order.“Don’t be swayed by previous experience,” Plumb advises. “There are solutions that are simple and reliable that will make the C-Suite happy, will check all the boxes that the fleet manager needs to support operations, and will also make the crew happy.”ABOUT THE AUTHORTracy Bennett is president of Mighty Mo Media Partners, a PR firm serving utilities, construction, and heavy equipment markets. For more information, visit www.terex.com/utilities and www.viatec.us.

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 45Now, more than ever, fleet owners are considering a move to alternative energy sources like propane autogas. Clean energy sources not only help companies meet emission benchmarks, but also allows businesses to position themselves as mindful of the local environment to customers within their communities. Today’s propane autogas engines exceed emission standards and are 90% cleaner than EPA standards, reducing harmful nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 94%.However, there’s still a misconception in the transportation industry that the move to a clean energy source must come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there’s one alternative energy source—propane autogas—that is providing reduced emissions along with the cost savings and duty cycle performance fleet owners require of their fleet today. CUT FUEL COSTSWhen you factor in the cost of a new vehicle, fuel, fluids, maintenance, and repairs, propane autogas has the lowest cost of any energy source for the lifetime of the vehicle. Propane autogas makes it easier for fleets to manage annual fuel budgets and cost objectives because, no matter how you approach it, propane autogas costs less than gasoline or diesel. As oil prices fluctuate, propane autogas can beat gasoline or diesel on price per gallon by as much as 40%. The wholesale cost of propane autogas falls between the price of oil and natural gas, which are the fuel’s two sources. Because of this, propane autogas prices don’t fluctuate as sharply as other fuels, so fleet owners are able to manage fuel budgets and meet year-end objectives more easily. COSTS & DOWNTIMEAnother major advantage in using propane autogas is that the fuel doesn’t need added fluids and filters, which is a necessary and costly expense for other fuels, such as diesel. Additionally, since propane autogas is a clean energy source, the engine doesn’t require the expensive exhaust after-treatment systems diesel engines need to meet emission standards. Propane autogas has fewer residual contaminants in the oil that can damage engines, and there is also less carbon build-up on the valves, which means fleet owners can expect to see less downtime with their vehicles for unexpected maintenance issues that occur with the extra parts diesel vehicles require.It’s highly likely that fleets adding propane autogas vehicles also won’t need to make costly modifications or upgrades to maintenance or garaging facilities, as can be the case with other alternative fuels. In fact, if buildings are code compliant for diesel and gasoline, there are often no infrastructure changes required. Segregation of major and minor repairs is not required either. Facility managers should always check with their local Authority Having Jurisdiction.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202346OPERATIONSLEASING INFRASTRUCTUREAffordable and scalable refueling infrastructure is another reason propane autogas vehicles boast the lowest total cost of ownership of any fuel. While there are options for fleet owners to utilize public stations around the US, or set up a temporary refueling solution with their propane supplier, most fleet owners choose to install a private station to refuel vehicles because fleets may have the option to own the infrastructure or lease it at low or no cost in exchange for a mutually beneficial fuel contract.A standard or advanced private station can be perfect for both small and large fleets that require a centralized refueling station. Each option includes a propane storage tank and dispensers to meet the needs of the size of the fleet. The station can easily grow with the expansion of a fleet because it’s convenient and easy to add more dispensers and increase fuel storage capacity as demand increases. Propane suppliers and infrastructure providers will work with you to determine the best solution for your fleet. With all the combined savings, some high-mileage fleets have observed a complete return on their investment in months instead of years.ABOUT THE AUTHORSteve Whaley is the director of autogas business development for the Propane Education & Research Council. He can be reached at stephen.whaley@propane.com. For more information, visit www.propane.com. SOCIAL CLIMBINGADVERTISERS MWS SOCIAL MARKETING CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS:• INCREASE brand awareness• BOOST inbound traffic• BECOME an industry authority• IMPROVE web search rankings• RAISE conversion rates

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202348MAINTENANCEDiesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) play an important role in diesel engines. They’re designed to trap and store particulate matter (soot) that is produced by the diesel engine during driving. The DPF allows exhaust gases with particulate material to enter the DPF where the soot is trapped inside the filter, allowing cleaner exhaust gases to exit into the atmosphere, which then reduces the exhaust emissions from the engine. DPF HISTORYI love clean air. I appreciate the way it smells after rain, especially out in the countryside. On the other hand, the smell of exhaust fumes is sickening and potentially deadly. We have all probably seen a vehicle blowing black smoke as it accelerates. If it happened to be a semi-truck, we would see the smoke roll, then stop when the driver shifts gears, to then roll again. Whether the engine is gas or diesel, air pollution has drastically driven major changes in the transportation industry over the last 60 years. In the 1960s, there was a substantial smog problem in Los Angeles, California. In response to this, the US enacted the first automobile emission standards in 1963. It wasn’t long until other nations followed in similar footsteps. Japan enacted their first emission rules three years later and, between 1970 and 1972, several European nations followed suit. DPF Regeneration: A Case StudyACTIVE, PASSIVE, AND MANUAL REGENERATION AND ITS IMPORTANCE By Keith Wray

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 49As a result of California’s emission laws, the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve was the first component created to help reduce emissions in 1961. In a nutshell, it removes gasses called blow-by from the crankcase.Fast forward to the 2000s, the DPF first appeared on Mercedes-Benz® sold in California. By the late 2000s, they were becoming common on both passenger cars and commercial trucks around the world. DPF’S LIFE CYCLEA DPF should typically last for around 100,000 miles before needing to be replaced. The DPF's level of maintenance will have a big impact on how much this figure varies. While a well-maintained DPF may even go 150,000 miles before needing to be replaced, a badly kept DPF may last a much shorter time. To help extend the life and maintain performance of a DPF, a process known as DPF regeneration can be used to clean the filter and restore its performance.DPF REGENERATIONDPF regeneration refers to the procedure of cleaning and emptying the DPF of soot that is created by the process of combustion. Burning off the soot particles requires heating the diesel particulate filter to a very high temperature. Active regeneration and passive regeneration are two methods that can be used to accomplish this. There are several factors that can affect the effectiveness of DPF regeneration: • The make of engine • The type of DPF • The driving conditions the vehicle has been put through For example, engines that are used primarily for short trips or in stop-and-go traffic may require more frequent regeneration to prevent the DPF from becoming clogged. Moreover, certain DPF systems are more likely than others to clog, meaning they may need more frequent maintenance. Passive DPF regeneration occurs naturally during normal driving conditions when the temperature of the exhaust gas is high enough to burn off the particulate matter. However, this process is not always effective, especially for vehicles that are used for short trips or in cold weather conditions. Active DPF regeneration is a more controlled process that is initiated by the engine control unit (ECU) when the DPF reaches a certain level of saturation. The ECU uses various sensors to monitor the exhaust gas temperature, pressure, and flow rate to determine when active regeneration is necessary. When the DPF is ready for regeneration, the ECU injects additional fuel into the engine to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas and initiate the cleaning process.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202350MAINTENANCEDuring active regeneration, the temperature of the exhaust gas must reach a certain level to burn off the soot. This temperature is typically around 1100 to 1300 degrees, which is much higher than the normal operating temperature of the engine. To achieve this, the engine may run in a high-idle mode or the vehicle may be driven at higher speeds for a period of time to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas. MANUAL REGENERATIONManual regeneration is often required when vehicles are driven at insufficient speed to allow regeneration to be carried out automatically by their engine management control software. The vehicle is already suffering with drivability and lack of power problems. At this point, as long as the DPF is not severely blocked (over 90% filled), a scan tool can be used to perform a static or (up to 60% filled) dynamic regeneration to clear the soot levels in the DPF. How to perform manual DPF regeneration:• Connect the scan tool to the vehicle's diagnostic port and follow the manufacturer's instructions for accessing the DPF regeneration function • Ensure that the engine is fully warmed up and that the DPF is not excessively clogged. The scan tool may provide diagnostic information on the DPF's condition • Follow the prompts on the scan tool to initiate the manual regeneration process. This typically involves commanding the engine to run at a higher temperature to burn off the accumulated soot • Perform a test drive and confirm that the DPF warning light is no longer illuminated• Some OEMs require a special function "Replace or Reset DPF" after the replacement of the filterDPF regeneration is a critical procedure that lowers harmful emissions while maintaining the performance of diesel engines. While active regeneration is a more controlled process that’s started by the engine control unit, passive regeneration happens naturally while driving normally. To make sure the DPF keeps working well over time, proper maintenance is required, which could involve performing a manual DPF regeneration or replacing the DPF filter entirely.ABOUT THE AUTHORKeith Wray has over 45 years of experience in the automotive industry as a technician/automotive machinist and service manager for an OEM dealership. He currently serves as the national training manager for Snap-on Diagnostics, where he co-develops training materials and conducts technical courses for franchisees, employees, end-users, and vocational students. For more, visit www.snapon.com/diagnostics

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202352TECHNOLOGYWhen it comes to managing a fleet, embracing new technologies and solutions can be a pivotal step in optimizing operations, enhancing efficiency, and staying competitive. However, the road to successful technology adoption is not always smooth, especially when it comes to addressing driver hesitancy—one of the leading factors in the success or failure of technology implementation. While fleet management solutions like fleet management software (FMS) provide a multitude of benefits business wide, some drivers may encounter roadblocks due to unfamiliarity with digital solutions. Let’s delve into the challenge of overcoming driver hesitancy and explore effective strategies for onboarding drivers to ensure seamless software adoption.THE HESITANCY CHALLENGEThe digital transformation happening in the fleet industry over the past several years brings with it a spectrum of technological advancements, from telematics and GPS tracking to automated workflow and reporting, and enhanced communication tools. While these innovations offer significant advantages, some drivers may find themselves apprehensive about embracing the process changes that Navigating Driver HesitancyONBOARDING STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL FLEET TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION By Rachael Plant

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 53come with new technology adoption. Common concerns include a lack of digital skills, fear of the unknown, and the perception that technology might compromise autonomy. It’s important to nail down the source of discomfort for drivers when it comes to new software adoption, as not all drivers will have the same concerns (although there may be quite a bit of overlap). “I feel like everybody is going to have that problem at some point,” says Matt Milacki, Transportation & Fleet Analyst, Newpark Mats, regarding driver adoption hesitancy. “I think—at least from our experience—whenever there’s change, people are going to get frustrated and kind of reject it before they even try it. But once we really dived into the benefits and saw the benefits that [FMS] has to offer, people developed that comfortableness and kind of just ran with it.”How well you understand and mitigate your drivers’ technology adoption concerns can directly impact successful implementation. Before starting the purchasing process, fleet managers should communicate with drivers around the need for the fleet solution, potential process changes, what the company hopes to gain by adopting the solution, and what is expected of drivers when using the solution. These topics can help surface underlying concerns your drivers may have while giving you a better idea of what to look at in a solution in order to meet fleet and user needs.• SELECT USER-FRIENDLY PLATFORMS. A pivotal step in overcoming driver hesitancy is selecting a solution with a user-friendly platform. Because the goal of FMS and other fleet technologies is to streamline processes, ease of use can make all the difference. User interface design, ease of navigation, and intuitive features play a vital role in making the technology widely accessible and appealing to drivers. When evaluating potential solutions, fleet managers should prioritize platforms that offer simplicity without sacrificing functionality.• BE INCLUSIVE IN THE DECISION-MAKING. Drivers are the backbone of any successful fleet operation, and including them in the decision-making process can be a 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 eciently, 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 Availablee Palms Resort in Las Vegas, NV

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202354TECHNOLOGYgame changer. Seek their input and feedback, address their concerns, and involve them in the software selection process to make the most of the solution you choose. This approach not only empowers drivers to take ownership of the technology but also ensures that the chosen solution aligns with their needs and tech capabilities.• OFFER COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING AND SUPPORT. Investing in comprehensive training is an investment in successful adoption. Offer drivers hands-on training sessions that cover every aspect of the software's functionality. These training sessions should be tailored to different skill levels and learning styles. By addressing any knowledge gaps and building confidence, drivers will be better equipped to embrace the technology with enthusiasm.• PROVIDE EASY-TO-USE RESOURCES. When it comes to new technology, accessibility is key. Provide drivers with easy-to-use resources, such as user manuals, video tutorials, and FAQs. These resources should be readily available and designed in a way that drivers can quickly refer to them whenever they encounter challenges or have questions. Many fleet software companies today provide a comprehensive resource center freely available to users.• HIGHLIGHT THE BENEFITS. Adopting a software that adds stress and makes workflow more burdensome is the opposite outcome you want from fleet technology. Drivers are more likely to embrace technology when they understand how it directly benefits them. Highlight the advantages of the FMS from their perspective. Whether it's reducing paperwork, enhancing safety, simplifying reporting, or improving communication, drivers should clearly see how the technology makes their jobs easier and more efficient.• CULTIVATE A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. Creating a supportive and encouraging culture can significantly influence driver attitudes towards technology adoption. Foster an environment where drivers feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, seeking assistance, and knowing their voice will be heard. This can be achieved through regular feedback sessions, open-door policies, and recognition of drivers who excel in utilizing the technology.• CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR FEEDBACK. Successful onboarding is an ongoing process. Continuously monitor the software's usage and gather feedback from drivers. Address any emerging challenges promptly and proactively. By continuously refining the onboarding process based on driver input, fleet managers can create an atmosphere of continuous improvement.Overcoming driver hesitancy is a crucial step toward harnessing the full potential of FMS and other fleet technologies. By following the tips outlined in this article, fleet managers can pave the way for successful technology adoption for improved operational efficiency.ABOUT THE AUTHORRachael Plant is a content marketing specialist for Fleetio, a fleet management software company that helps organizations track, analyze and improve their fleet operations. For more information, visit www.fleetio.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202356MANAGEMENTSustainability initiatives, new regulations, and technological innovation have opened a world of possibilities for the utility industry. With intense global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, equipment manufacturers are exploring ways to lessen the carbon impact of their machines. A range of alternative power solutions are being considered: replacing the diesel engine, reconfiguring the engine to run on alternative fuels, and making the diesel engine as efficient as possible.The utility industry is well on its way to lessening its carbon footprint with efficient diesel engines. Compared to Tier 1 engines, today’s Tier 4 Final engines offer a 96% reduction of oxides of nitrogen and a 97% reduction in particulate matter. The proposed Tier 5 emissions regulations will reduce emissions even further. The gradual retirement of an aging fleet will also reduce emissions, especially when you consider the significant reduction in emissions that occurred between Tier 3 and Tier 4.ALT FUELSModifying these already efficient, conventional engines allows them to burn alternative fuels, which doesn’t typically require widespread changes in jobsite practices, machine componentry, or fueling infrastructure. Manufacturers are beginning to produce fuel-agnostic engines and explore the usage of various low-carbon fuels, including hydrogen, natural gas, and ethanol.Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, can be used as both a low-carbon fuel and a fuel cell to charge a battery-electric machine. In a fuel cell, electrical energy and water are produced through an electrochemical process, combining hydrogen and oxygen. A clean and renewable source of high-density energy with good energy efficiency, manufacturers are working alongside the U.S. Department of Energy in the early stages of hydrogen fuel cell implementation.ELECTRICMuch of the alternative power conversation has centered on electric—particularly in the compact and utility equipment industries. Commercially available electric machines feature varying degrees of electrification, offering zero emissions, less noise, and instant response while delivering the same breakout force as a diesel-powered engine. Battery power density continues to increase as manufacturers utilize technologies to make better use of battery energy.The instant response of electric machines also correlates directly to real-time efficiency, minimizing idle time and reducing wear and tear on the machine. With fewer components and moving parts than their fuel-burning counterparts, electric machines typically require less overall maintenance, reducing downtime and operating expenses. As the reliability of these electric machines is validated in the market, the utility industry will begin to meet regulatory and societal pressures to reduce carbon emissions while seeing operational gains.There won’t be one singular solution to reduce carbon emissions, meaning the utility industry will have to adopt a variety of alternative power solutions over the next handful of years.Unveiling the FutureALTERNATIVE POWER TRENDSFOR MORE INFORMATIONThis news was gathered from The Utility Expo, which will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, September 26-28. The exhibition will highlight alternative power throughout the trade show, which will include sustainability initiatives, new regulations, technological innovations, and more. For more information, visit www.theutilityexpo.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202358SAFETYIf necessity is the mother of invention, the human drive to innovate may be its father—or so some might say about the inception of the Scott Level Lift Hoist. In 1978, when the founder of Tafco Equipment Co. / Scott Bodies and Hoists realized that his multiple suppliers simply couldn’t keep up with the volume of hoists he was ordering for his dump body production, he decided to design and manufacture his own.The then 15-year-old company had a robust business building primarily grain bodies, and for grain bodies to function properly, one needs a reliable hoist as well as a dependable supplier. Those who were there at the time remember the owner’s frustration with his supplier’s delays and him saying something like: “I’m tired of waiting in line for these hoists, and it’s hurting our business. We need a better hoist anyway, and I think we can make a superior one ourselves that is more durable, functional, reliable, stable, and versatile.”A Reliable, Functional, and Versatile Hoist Comes from Commitment to Innovation RISING TO THE OCCASION TAFCO EQUIPMENT CO. / SCOTT BODIES AND HOISTS STARTED OUT IN 1978 MANUFACTURING MOSTLY GRAIN BODIES LIKE THIS ONE.medium-duty feature

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SEPTEMBER 2023 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 59Now in its 60th year of operation, it turns out that the owner’s hunch was literally right on the money. Today, the Scott Level Lift Hoist is considered by many in the industry to be the most robust and reliable hoist around. Tafco / Scott’s extensive product line is now comprised of over 25 truck body models in both steel and aluminum and a broad range of hoists.HELLOFA HOISTThere is no getting around the structural strength and ruggedness built into Scott Level Lift Hoists. Each of the company’s hoists carries a 10-year limited warranty on all Tafco / Scott manufactured parts, but the company reports few warranty claims have ever been filed. Comments from upfitter customers appear to support the company’s assertion.“Tafco / Scott’s bodies and hoists are a staple product for us here at our operation,” says Paul Bult Jr, Precision Truck Equipment general operations manager. “We started selling their products in the mid-1990s and have found the Scott Level Lift Hoist to be almost indestructible with zero warranty claims.”Tafco / Scott offers a full range of hoists for Class B through Class L applications. All models are engineered for lift stability, structural integrity, and safety. The hoists can be mounted in either direction for installation versatility, and the company offers an online hoist capacity calculator to assist customers in estimating and selecting the appropriate hoist for their application. The Level Lift models LL1000 through LL3000 employ a combination of twin telescopic cylinders mounted within a scissor frame and are built to give maximum torsional strength to handle uneven loads. Tafco / Scott Level Lift Hoists incorporate both telescopic and scissor advantages into one all-purpose hoist. Additional features include operating pressures up to 3,600 psi, improved seals for superior leak prevention, and long-life polished chrome stages with wide internal wear rings. Bult summed it up flatly: “There is no more reliable hoist on the market, and your Scott Level Lift Hoist is likely to outlast your chassis.”RELIEVING THE PAINIn addition to manufacturing, Tafco / Scott also does a lot of looking and listening. Its sales engineers regularly visit upfitter customers. What they saw and heard during their collective time observing the production floors of various operations got the engineers' creative juices flowing. In the traditional hoist installation scenario, upfitters need to weld a prop arm to the truck or hoist frame to provide support during installation, operation in the field, and for maintenance procedures. The welding process is time consuming, and in an environment where labor is tight, inexperienced workers are plentiful, and seasoned welders are hard to come by, it’s a task many upfitters find cumbersome. Through their observations, prop arm installation really stood out to the Tafco / Scott sales engineers as a pain point for customers. “At some point a light bulb just went on for us,” says Lucas Lunz, a sales engineer at Tafco / Scott. “We knew there was a better and more efficient way to address the need to lock a hoist, and a safer one, as well.”SIMPLICITY & SAFETYThe engineers got to work, and the result was the introduction of Tafco / Scott’s innovative dual-pin interlock system. In their effort to bring a solution to an industry problem and enhance their already robust hoist design, they invented a feature that no other manufacturer could claim. The novel system, patented in 2021, not only simplified the installation procedure, it enhanced safety in the process.“The new dual-pin interlock system design, although simple, is extremely effective and easy to use,” Bult observes. “The design eliminates some labor cost as it is integrated into the hoist. There is no need to prep and weld an old-style body prop, and it alleviates some liability for us, since a tech is unable to forget to install it.”Originally introduced at the 2020 NTEA Work Truck Week, the patented dual-pin interlock system is integrated into Level Lift Hoist models LL400 to LL700. The two spring-loaded interlock pins are positioned mid-hoist to engage at approximately 35 degrees of lift. The integral interlock system eliminates the need for installing one or more traditional body props and Tafco / Scott’s patented, integrated, spring-loaded dual-pin interlock system implemented in LL400 through LL700 hoist models replaces the need for traditional body props, enhancing safety and streamlining installation. The dual-pin interlock system solution not only saves valuable installation hours but also ensures a secure and stable platform.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202360SAFETYdoubles the benefit as the Level Lift Hoist’s dual-pin design qualifies for municipal specifications, which require dual body props. “The dual-pin interlock system is intelligently designed to protect the pins from the potential of shearing,” Lunz says. “We’ve engineered the interlock to be as tough and reliable as the hoist itself.”EASY TO SPOTThe Level Lift Hoist is distinctively yellow—a Tafco / Scott signature product trade dress. “There are no other yellow hoists in the field, and if you see a yellow hoist, it’s ours,” Lunz muses. “And at this point, there are a lot of yellow hoists out there.” The bright yellow color is designed to get attention. Lunz explained that a hoist is a very powerful piece of equipment and can be dangerous if used improperly. Thus, the yellow hoists are meant to get a user’s attention, remind them to remain alert, and urge them to always employ caution when operating them.ALIGN WITH THE MISSIONTafco / Scott’s commitment to durability and customer-centric design sets its hoist products apart from competitors. Despite its hoists being somewhat heavier due to their solid construction, it appears to be one of the things upfitters and end users like about them.The company now has a designated manufacturing plant just for making hoists. What began as a solution to a supply chain pain point has now become an integral part of Tafco / Scott’s total offering. Since the company is continually looking for ways to innovate, it now has plans to make its hoists lighter without compromising structural integrity.“The hoists unify the bodies we build with the chassis,” Lunz says. “So, instead of purchasing somebody else's hoist, we're manufacturing our own. We’ve really got an integral system of both bodies and hoists when it comes to any of the dump functions for the bodies we build.”“This product with the dual-pin interlock system enhancement has significantly benefited everyone involved in the process of utilizing dump body vehicles, from platform bodies to stake bodies and more,” Lunz notes. “Combined with its new interlock feature, the Level Lift Hoist is the physical embodiment of the company’s five core values: durability, functionality, reliability, stability, and versatility.”Precision’s Bult agrees, “It’s a premium product and really, honestly, there is nothing out there as tough as or quite like the Level Lift Hoist.” Tafco / Scott offers a full range of hoists for Class B through Class L applications, and all models are engineered for lift stability, structural integrity, and safety. Some upfitters have found the pairing of Tafco / Scott aluminum dump beds with the company’s Level Lift Hoists to be an unbeatable combination. The Level Lift models include models suitable for trailer dumps, as well. Scott Level Lift Hoists are the only ones in the industry to feature a safety yellow product coating.FOR MORE INFORMATIONFind out more about the Level Lift Hoist, visit www.tafcoequip.com.

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202364WORK TRUCK PRODUCTSVENTURO HT60KX HEAVY-DUTY SERVICE CRANE Venturo introduces the Venturo HT60KX, a made in the US heavy-duty service crane that is purpose-built to handle whatever work demands, anywhere from agriculture and construction to municipalities and truck repair. Rated at 60,000 ft with a heavy 10,000 lb lifting capacity, and 25 and 30 ft reach options, the HT60KX delivers the brute power needed to tackle any job. The operator-friendly design and safety-redundant features of the VLC™ remote control system help make the HT60KX the long-lasting, durable crane needed to get the work done.www.venturo.comLOFTNESSTILT HITCH FOR 20 AND 30 SERIES BATTLE AX EXCAVATOR MULCHING HEADS Loftness introduces a new Tilt Hitch for excavator mulching heads. Operators can hydraulically tilt the mulching head on the boom for greater versatility and enhancing productivity. With the Tilt Hitch, a mulching head can be tilted up to 45 degrees to the left or right. The 20 and 30 Series Battle Ax attachments from Loftness are compatible with excavators ranging from 10,000 to 36,0000 lbs. Loftness plans to make a Tilt Hitch for the 40 and 50 Series Battle Ax models, which are designed for 36,000 to 88,000 lb excavators.www.loftness.com PALFINGERP 570 AERIAL WORK PLATFORMPalfinger displays the P 570 Aerial Work Platform for the first time at The Utility Expo. The platform offers flexibility at elevated heights and empowers safe, confident work in challenging environments. The P 570 offers a working height of 187.01 ft, a side reach of 134.51 ft, and a cage load of 1,322.77 lbs. An additional X-jib and a basket rotation of 2 times 200 degrees enables exceptional mobility at loftier heights while providing a 2.95-ft stabilizing stroke to compensate for uneven terrain.www.palfinger.com MILLER ELECTRICBOBCAT 265 AND BOBCAT 230 ENGINE-DRIVEN WELDERS The Bobcat 265 and Bobcat 230 from Miller Electric provide dependable welding and auxiliary power for a wide variety of applications in machines that are more than 100 lbs lighter and 13% smaller than previous models. The 265 can connect to telematic systems, is equipped with a remote start/stop technology, possesses a multiprocess welder to deliver improved weld quality, has ArcReach technology that allows operators to change parameters at the weld joint without walking back to the machine, and much more. The 230 delivers a higher arc quality for 7018 and 6010 stick electrodes and have an independent welder and generator power system, meaning power spikes and other electrical imperfections are eliminated to allow jobsite tools to run without interruption. www.millerwelds.com

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 202366NEWS FROM ABROADA BREAKTHROUGH IN JAPAN AND A NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN TRUCK IN SWEDENWelcome to News from Abroad, a new column that will feature research and experiments, technology and innovations, and ideas and strategies from across the globe that could one day affect the work truck industry in the US.TOKYO, JAPANLithium-ion batteries are the powerhouse of modern-day electronics, and fuel cells are a promising candidate for sustainable energy devices. An important factor that affects the performance of both is the distribution of carbon slurries, or carbon particles that are suspended in electrolyte solution. While the carbon particles can be easily used to mass-produce electrodes, they must be consistently dispersed to ensure reliable battery performance. However, it’s extremely difficult to evaluate the dispersibility and there aren’t any satisfactory methods to evaluate whether the carbon particles are uniformly dispersed in the slurry during the manufacturing process. Until now.Led by Isao Shitanda, an associate professor at Tokyo University of Science, a research team developed a technique to estimate the distribution of carbon slurries, which has been published online in ACS Applied Electronic Materials in August 2023. Through experiments and observations, the researchers proved it possible to evaluate the carbon slurries. Dr. Shitanda comments, “The insights from this study could prove useful to improve the efficiency of large-scale electrode manufacturing processes.”Preparing slurries with higher dispersibility could lead to improved lithium-ion battery performance, a significant contribution toward building a sustainable society. The team will continue to conduct further studies in hopes of paving the way for more technologies for next-generation EVs and energy storage devices.For more, visit www.pubs.acs.org or www.tus.ac.jp/en/mediarelations. SÖDERTÄLJE, SWEDENA hybrid Scania truck with a solar panel-covered trailer is being tested on public roads as a result of a two-year research collaboration. The idea behind it is: if the solar-powered truck can operate in Sweden, where there’s significantly less sunlight than southern Europe, it will become a game-changer.The truck is being used in a research project to examine the generated solar energy powertrain and how much carbon emissions decrease. The truck’s 59 ft trailer is almost completely covered in solar panels and new, light-weight solar cells that enable a higher efficiency transformation of sunlight to electricity. The solar energy gives the hybrid truck a prolonged driving range of up to 3,106 miles annually in Sweden. In countries like Spain that have more sun hours, the truck can double the amount of solar energy and increase the driving range.One part of the project was to evaluate the charging’s impact on the grid and whether it would be possible to sell the surplus. The possibility of two-way charging isn’t entirely straightforward and the legislation is unclear. Eric Falkgrim, project manager of the development, says, “This could have repercussions for the energy industry. If you scale up the solution, you could have thousands of vehicles connected to the grid, so this could have implications for buying and selling electricity to and from the grid. I think there’s a natural development in the industry where energy provision and the transport industry are growing together. There’s a real symbiosis with electrical vehicles. You can produce your own electricity and you can drive on your own electricity, which is a completely new situation.” For more, visit news.cision.com/scania.Ut ex ti,lis

Modern WorkTruck Solutions September 2023

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