In this segment Bruno Massel and Matt Steele hosts of Speed channel's Truck U Talk about the benefits of using BOLT Locks. This segment was featured on Episode #905 "Tundra Daily Driver" which aired on March 30th 2013.
To learn more go to
http://www.boltlock.com/
6/30/24
6/28/24
Flexible Municipal Fleet Financing | Customer Interview | Ford Pro™ FinSimple™
After the Woodbridge Township, New Jersey Mayor explains the unique vehicle needs of municipalities, the various payment options available to cities wanting to bundle fleet vehicle purchases with upfits are detailed by a Ford Pro FinSimple Municipal Finance Operations Specialist.
6/26/24
Plywood vs. Legend Composite Van Flooring
Here’s the thing. We have a plywood van floor in our lineup too.
But as Experts in Fleet Protection, we’ve come a long way to create a unique, industry-leading composite rigid floor, which is safer, stronger, and much more sustainable than any plywood on the market.
As the EV market continues to take the world by storm, Legend works hard to protect the future of transportation. This starts by protecting the van drivers, and where they walk hundreds of times every day - the floor of the cargo van.
We’d like to share some of the most significant highlights of Legend Composite Flooring in this video.
See floor here: https://blog.legendfleet.com/products...
6/24/24
Tongue Weight Safety Demonstration
Proper trailer tongue weight improves the vehicle and trailer towing experience by improving performance. Not enough tongue weight or force on the hitch/tow ball causes an increase in trailer sway from side to side, making it difficult to control. Conversely, too much tongue weight or force on the hitch/tow ball could overload the rear tires of the towing vehicle, pushing the rear end of the vehicle around. This could also negatively affect the vehicle handling. Performance is impaired as you might not be able to go around corners and curves properly, and your vehicle may not stop quickly enough when you press the brake pedal.
6/22/24
Why Ford Pro™ | Ch. 1 | This is Ford Pro™
Watch as Ford Motor Company President and CEO Jim Farley discusses the history of Ford’s commercial vehicle success and the direction in which the company is headed. He details the inspiration behind Ford Pro and shares how our physical products combine with software and services to provide a comprehensive solution made for CEOs, local governments, and businesses of all sizes.
About Ford Pro: Ford Pro™ is a productivity accelerator designed to drive business forward, delivering solutions to commercial customers of all sizes. We offer the right tools, software and services designed to keep your business on track and your crew on the road.
6/20/24
6/18/24
Harbor 12' Contractor Body Demo - Harbor Truck Bodies
Warren Mason with Harbor Truck Bodies gives us a demonstration of the versitile Harbor Contractor body. See more at http://www.htbi.net
6/16/24
Towing Overview | Ford How-To | Ford
This informative video will help explain some of the features your vehicle may have that can help with towing a trailer.
6/14/24
Ford Pro Electric SuperVan: The Fastest Transit Yet
The Ford Pro Electric SuperVan is a van unlike any other. Its four electric motors and approximately 2,000 PS produce colossal performance, and the embedded modem and advanced telemetry software help engineers optimize performance for the track. Inspired by the new E Transit Custom and combining horsepower with processing power, the Electric SuperVan is the ultimate showcase of Ford’s EV and connectivity capabilities.
6/12/24
Celebrating Ford Pro
Innovative since its inception – explore our favourite highlights from Ford Pro’s first two years!
Discover more on the Ford News Europe blog 👉 https://ford.to/FordPro
6/10/24
Fleet 101: Understanding Truck Tires and Rolling Resistance
Do you genuinely understand how rolling resistance in commercial truck tires impacts your operation? Understanding rolling resistance, its impacts, and why it matters is vital for fleet managers looking to enhance fuel economy and reduce operating costs.
Several factors impact rolling resistance, including tire design, pressure, load distribution, road conditions, weather, and speed. Adopting strategies such as selecting low rolling resistance tires, maintaining proper tire pressure, conducting regular tire maintenance, and load management can help minimize rolling resistance.
Read on for more information and tips! Want to make sure you never miss an update from Work Truck? Subscribe to our eNewsletter today!
What is Rolling Resistance?
In simplest terms, rolling resistance is the amount of energy a tire uses over a specific distance. It can also be explained as the force resisting the motion when a tire rolls on a surface. Rolling friction is a key factor contributing to rolling resistance, affecting the energy losses and overall efficiency of a vehicle. It’s a crucial factor in the physics of moving vehicles, directly influencing fuel consumption, vehicle performance, and how fast tires wear.
Rolling resistance impacts fuel consumption and vehicle performance by indicating how different factors like tire pressure and load affect the resistance a vehicle faces.
When a tire rolls, it deforms and dissipates energy as heat, necessitating additional energy (fuel) to maintain speed and overcome this resistance.
According to Continental Tire, rolling resistance accounts for up to 30% of a truck’s fuel consumption and C02 emissions. Whether you operate a small fleet of a few trucks or a large fleet with several hundred vehicles, ANY fuel savings and emissions reductions can add up.
Understanding 'Tire Hysteresis' in Commercial Fleets
No, we didn't start making up words - tire hysteresis happens when a tire flexes as it touches the surface of the road. This process leads to an energy loss that reduces forward momentum.
This one element can equate to 85-90% of a tire's rolling resistance, according to research.
Additional Factors Impacting Truck Tire Rolling Resistance
Several factors can affect the rolling resistance of truck tires, including:
Tire Design: A tire’s materials and structure influence its flexibility and deformation while rolling. Tires with low rolling resistance typically use special rubber compounds and tread designs.
Tire Pressure & Alignment: Underinflated tires have a higher rolling resistance than properly inflated ones. Maintaining optimal tire pressure is critical to minimizing resistance. Proper inflation pressure directly impacts rolling resistance by stabilizing tire temperature, reducing tire deflection, and stiffening the tire belt. Additionally, properly aligned tires will wear evenly and smoothly, reducing friction with the road.
Load Distribution: The weight of the vehicle and its cargo also affects rolling resistance. Heavier loads increase resistance, requiring more fuel to maintain speed. Where you place your loads can also increase rolling resistance and uneven tire wear.
Tire Deflection: Minimizing tire deflection is crucial for reducing energy loss. Engineering tires to minimize deflection can significantly lower rolling resistance, contributing to better fuel efficiency.
Tire Width: The width of a tire plays a significant role in its rolling resistance. Wider tires, which have become more common in recent years, can increase rolling resistance, affecting fuel efficiency.
Road Conditions: Surface texture and terrain play a significant role. Smoother surfaces offer less rolling resistance than rough or off-road conditions.
Weather: Higher temperatures can soften tire rubber compounds, improving grip but increasing rolling resistance.
Speed: The effect of rolling resistance becomes more pronounced at higher speeds, making it an important consideration for long-haul operations.
According to Continental Tire, rolling resistance is one of five sources, including gravity, aerodynamics, inertia, and mechanical friction, which must be overcome for a work truck to move forward.
Why Does Rolling Resistance Matter to Commercial Work Truck Fleets?
Rolling resistance is critical for fleet managers because of its impact on fuel economy. A lower rolling resistance means the vehicle consumes less fuel to maintain speed, directly translating to cost savings.
For fleets operating across vast distances, even a slight improvement in fuel efficiency can significantly reduce operational expenses.
Furthermore, reducing rolling resistance contributes to a fleet's environmental sustainability efforts. Lower fuel consumption means reduced greenhouse gas emissions, helping fleets to meet regulatory requirements and environmental targets.
Strategies to Minimize Rolling Resistance in Truck Tires
So, can fleet managers make any impact when reducing rolling resistance on their fleet tires? Can rolling resistance be avoided? Not completely, but work truck fleet managers can adopt several strategies to minimize rolling resistance and optimize fuel efficiency. By implementing these strategies, fleet managers aim to overcome rolling resistance, which is crucial for maintaining steady speed on level ground and optimizing fuel efficiency.
Select Low Rolling Resistance Tires: Consider those specifically designed for low rolling resistance when choosing tires. These tires can help achieve better fuel efficiency without compromising safety or performance.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Regularly check and maintain tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Implementing a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) or automatic tire inflation system (ATIS) can automate this process.
Perform Regular Tire Maintenance: Routine inspections and maintenance, including checking treadwear, alignment, and balance, can prevent uneven wear and extend tire life, reducing rolling resistance over time. Replacing worn tires saves more than fuel: it can also help avoid dangerous blowouts.
Keep an Eye on Load Management: Consider vehicle weight, how you distribute your cargo, and how much your load weighs. Efficiently managing vehicle and cargo weight can also help minimize rolling resistance. Use load optimization strategies to distribute weight evenly and avoid overloading.
Lauren Fletcher
Executive Editor - Fleet, Trucking & Transportation
Lauren Fletcher is Executive Editor for the Fleet, Trucking & Transportation Group. She has covered the truck fleet industry since 2006. Her bright personality helps lead the team's content strategy and focuses on growth, education, and motivation.
VIEW BIO6/08/24
This is Ford Pro™ | Ford Pro
Press Play to hear our Ford Pro executives – Jim Farley, Ted Cannis, Wanda Young, Rahul Singh, Doug Field, Darren Palmer, and Muffi Ghadiali – explain the power of Ford Pro products and services working together seamlessly, and to learn about the customer inspiration behind our comprehensive solutions built to accelerate productivity for commercial and government fleets: Our customers shared what impacts their productivity, how they seek to streamline outdated processes, their experiences working with Ford Pro vehicles, and discuss how our custom offerings can help them to improve their businesses.
6/06/24
Unlock the Full Potential of Telematics: Modern Uses Beyond Tracking
1. Dynamic Route Optimization for Efficient Deliveries
Gone are the days of static route planning. Telematics has ushered in a new era of dynamic route optimization, where real-time data is used to adjust routes on the fly.
Fleet managers can ensure timely deliveries by considering traffic conditions, weather, and delivery schedules while reducing fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear.
Embracing this technology can lead to substantial savings and improved customer satisfaction.
2. Proactive Maintenance & Predictive Analytics
Telematics goes beyond tracking; it's about preemptive maintenance. With sensors gathering data from various vehicle components, fleet managers can identify potential issues before they escalate into costly breakdowns.
By utilizing predictive analytics, maintenance schedules can be optimized, reducing downtime, and increasing vehicle lifespan.
This proactive approach not only saves money but also enhances fleet reliability.
3. Driver Performance Monitoring and Training
Telematics provides a window into a driver’s behavior like never before. From harsh braking to aggressive acceleration, these insights allow fleet managers to provide targeted training to improve driver performance.
By promoting safer driving habits, fleet managers can significantly reduce accidents, insurance premiums, and vehicle maintenance costs.
This technology empowers fleet managers to enhance overall driver safety and efficiency.
4. Emission Tracking & Environmental Sustainability
In an era of increased environmental awareness, telematics is stepping up to monitor emissions.
Commercial fleets can use this technology to track vehicle emissions, identify inefficiencies, and implement strategies to reduce their carbon footprint.
Fleet managers can align their operations with sustainability goals by optimizing routes, promoting fuel-efficient driving, exploring alternative fuels, contributing positively to the environment, and corporate social responsibility.
5. Cargo Monitoring & Security Enhancement
Beyond vehicles, telematics extends its reach to cargo monitoring. Real-time tracking and temperature sensing ensure the integrity of sensitive goods during transit.
Fleet managers can receive instant alerts for deviations from optimal conditions, safeguarding the quality and safety of transported cargo.
This feature bolsters customer trust and protects against potential losses due to spoilage or theft.
6. Data-Driven Decision Making and Business Intelligence
Telematics generates a wealth of data that can be transformed into actionable insights.
Fleet managers can analyze trends, identify operational inefficiencies, and make informed decisions to optimize their operations.
This data-driven approach enables better resource allocation, more intelligent investment decisions, and improved fleet performance.
7. Integration with IoT and Future Possibilities
The world of telematics is constantly evolving, with integration into the Internet of Things (IoT) opening doors to even more advanced capabilities.
From vehicle-to-vehicle communication to automated maintenance requests, the future holds exciting possibilities.
Fleet managers who stay abreast of these developments can position their operations at the forefront of innovation, gaining a competitive edge in the industry.
Driving Forward with Telematics
As commercial fleets navigate the challenges of the modern business landscape, telematics emerges as an indispensable ally. Beyond its foundational role in vehicle tracking, telematics offers many advanced applications that redefine fleet management.
From dynamic route optimization to predictive maintenance and environmental sustainability, the potential benefits are undeniable.
By embracing these capabilities, fleet managers can unlock new levels of efficiency, cost savings, and operational excellence, propelling their fleets toward a successful and sustainable future.
Want More?
6/04/24
NHTSA’s New SaferCar App
Our new SaferCar app allows you to save your vehicles, car seats, equipment, or tires in a virtual garage on your smartphone. If a recall is issued, you’ll get an alert.
6/02/24
THE GMC SIERRA | “THE Next-Level Technologies” | GMC
This is THE GMC Sierra. Featuring THE Next-Level Technology—including available 40” diagonal combined driver-focused digital displays. See how GMC Sierra is THE Truck.
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