12/31/18

Nissan TITAN Utili-Track System



Nissan TITAN and TITAN XD are available with Utili-track, a class-exclusive, 5-channel tie-down system. 2 floor channels help with hauling odd-shaped cargo. Heavy-duty metal cleats slide along the top channels, so you can precisely psition the tie-downs – great for top-heavy loads. And with a variety of accessories designed for Utili-track, you work smarter than ever.

Featured Vehicles: 2016 TITAN XD Crew Cab Platinum Reserve 4x4 with Cummins V8 diesel engine

12/29/18

CK Power Knapheide Customer Story



CK Power began in 1976, with roots dating back nearly 90 years – always focused on diesel and gas engines, and power generation. Watch how the business utilizes Knapheide truck bodies to increase their success.

12/28/18

Spitzlift for Vans

 

The SpitzLift 3-foot fold down crane is the ideal lifting solution for vans and enclosed service vehicles. Here’s why:
  • when not in use the crane stores neatly out of the way to maximize workflow (takes up less than 12″ of cargo space)
  • user-friendly design allows for simple set up to the operational and fold-down positions
  • easily spec’ed in with shelving units or other accessory items
  • adds less than 100 lbs. of payload to the vehicle
  • robust 650 lb. load capacity
Our standard 3-foot crane is also a great option should you not need the fold-down feature. Our standard cranes have a load capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. When not in use, the crane can be conveniently folded and stowed away in a SpitzLift carrying case. Every SpitzLift is load tested, comes with a load test certification, and meets ASME & OSHA standards. Carrying case sold separately. Hardware kits are OEM specific for easy installation. Call a SpitzLift application expert to find the perfect solution for your service van. 

Call to speak with a SpitzLift application expert or get a quote.

Request a Quote | (619) 713-5061
 
Custom Lift Request

Do your current lifting solutions meet OSHA and ASME requirements? SpitzLift does.



Lifting is a huge, unavoidable part of job sites. Whether it's field services equipment or construction materials, lifting is required. SpitzLift lightweight aluminum cranes are portable, easy to use, and have robust load capacities of 900 lbs. making it the ideal lifting tool on job sites.

REDUCE RISK and BOOST PRODUCTIVITY.

Be job site ready with SpitzLift.

Learn more at: https://spitzlift.com/

12/27/18

3 Misconceptions about Advanced Composite Truck Body Construction

 56LS Service Body

For years, metal construction has dominated the truck body industry conversation. Steel and aluminum have proven to be safe choices as fleets look to deliver in the toughest environments. But where does fiberglass-based composite construction rank in this mix? Frankly, pretty high on the list. These modern day wonders often exceed the performance of steel and aluminum truck bodies in head-to-head comparisons. But the myths surrounding these composites persist. Below we address a few of these.

1) Advanced Composites Can’t Handle the Most Demanding Work

Lack of toughness. Often this comes to the minds of fleet managers when considering composites as an option for purchase. However, this thinking has proven to be unfounded. Why? Because advanced fiberglass-based composites have a unique combination of lightweight construction and high-strength performance. In fact, some of the largest service companies in the U.S. opt for advanced composite service and line bodies. So, ultimately, we are talking about some seriously demanding conditions. Additionally, fiberglass composite trucks are compatible with most crane and aerial applications – again another key test in strength and durability. And advanced fiberglass composite material won’t dent, bend, crack or corrode, even in the worst climate conditions. When you add in the fuel savings received as a result of composites’ light weight construction, these advanced bodies should be considered on the modern fleet manager’s short list.

2) They’re Difficult to Repair

Repairing damaged fiberglass composites may seem to be a difficult task. In reality, this is not the case as composites are far easier to repair than steel or aluminum bodies. With some common tools, most damage can be isolated and repaired with a few key steps. Basic tools required include a buffing wheel, an orbital sander, a putty knife, some industrial tape, a straight edge for smoothing, and a utensil for mixing. In general, when compared to a steel or aluminum bodies, the repair effort is significantly more simple. And with composites, the smaller damaged area can be isolated, cutout and repaired…unlike metal bodies where bent steel or aluminum often requires full section repairs. With some basic body shop work your composite body will show no evidence of repair.

3) Composites are Pricey

Another misconception relates to affordability. Sure, composite bodies are more expensive than steel and aluminum on the front-end. And some might assume that because steel and aluminum bodies require a lower initial investment, that they are more cost effective. This simply isn’t true. A few key factors support the opinion that composites are the smarter investment:
  •     The long life of the composite body (averaging 20+ years), and the ability to transfer composite bodies from one chassis to another.
  •     Fuel savings from the lightweight design, which can equal up to $1,600 per year for a single truck driven only 25,000 miles.
  •     Reduced routine maintenance costs because of the reduced stress forced on brakes, shocks, and suspension components.
A final thought – myths and misconceptions can lead to purchase decisions that might not be the right fit or the smartest financial move for your company or fleet. Know the facts and make the move to advanced fiberglass composites. Because modernizing your fleet can be this simple.

_________

Ben Rookey
Marketing Manager at BrandFX Body Company

12/26/18

Stahl Peterbilt wins top award with VMAC’s multi-power system

Randy-Kerry

Kerr is the Service Operations Manager at Stahl Peterbilt in Northern Alberta, with locations in Edmonton, Fort McMurray, and Grande Prairie. As such, he manages all service departments, including the body shop, pre-delivery inspection, service dealerships, and mobile truck servicing. He is responsible for maintaining his fleet of service trucks, ordering and upgrading equipment and vehicles, and managing all service personnel.

After almost 4 years as the Service Operations Manager, Randy continues to appreciate being part of this reputable company. “Stahl Peterbilt is owned by the Stahl family, who built this dealership, and continued to grow the company over the years,” says Randy. “They’re phenomenal to work for and work with. It’s very family-oriented.”

Stahl Peterbilt: Best in Class

Stahl Peterbilt’s mission statement is to “Consistently provide high quality customer service in all areas of our business”, and Stahl Peterbilt lives this mission every day. It’s this dedication to their customers and this team that has led the Edmonton branch to consistently rank in the top 10 of all Peterbilt dealerships in North America over the years. Most recently, at Peterbilt’s Best in Class awards for North American dealers, Randy and his team were awarded the Top Service Department in North America for 2017. This prestigious honor recognizes the dealer that scores highest for standards of excellence, financial performance, parts and service performance, and utilization of Paccar (Peterbilt’s parent company) training and programs.

So what does it take to foster a high-performing service center dedicated to customer service? Randy took some time to delve into how he keeps things running smoothly.
Managing an Award-Winning Service Center

“We are proactive when it comes to our customers’ needs,” says Randy. “Stahl Peterbilt offers fleet health checks, where we have our technicians check our customers’ entire fleet.” This proactive and free service enables Stahl Peterbilt techs to diagnose problems early and make recommendations for future maintenance. It has big rewards for their customers, allowing them to catch potential issues early, plan for maintenance, and most importantly, decrease downtime.

Though there are shop locations in Edmonton, Fort McMurray, and Grande Prairie, with technicians in each one, the mobile technicians really enhance and expand Stahl Peterbilt’s service business. Just four years ago, there were only four service trucks—now they’ve expanded to nine.

“A service truck is a profitable expansion of our shop footprint, having our technicians travelling to our customers is much more convenient for them,” explains Randy. “We entrust our technicians to manage our customers as their own; they’re responsible for customer retention and acquisition. Our mobile techs are paid a premium, and by empowering this team, they run their service truck like it’s their own business.” Not only does this organizational structure produce remarkable results (like Top Service Department for North America!), it keeps employee turnover low and the knowledge base high. Many of Stahl Peterbilt’s most talented and experienced technicians have been in the same territory and with the same truck for years.

The Right Equipment For the Right Job

Stahl PeterbiltAs Stahl started growing their fleet over the years, from 4 trucks in 2015 to 9 trucks in 2018, they took advantage of the opportunity to review the equipment their technicians were using. Reviewing the truck-mounted air compressors, they found that their gas-powered compressors had several problems. “It was a nightmare. The air compressors took up too much space, they wouldn’t start in cold weather, they had no power, no capacity, they were completely substandard,” explains Randy. “And because our trucks are diesel, using gas-powered air compressors meant we had to use two different types of fuel.” Randy knew it was time for a change, so he contacted Jim Raymond, VMAC Sales Manager, to discuss switching to VMAC air compressor systems.

“Jim listened to our concerns, and understood our needs, and suggested we test out the VMAC Multifunction Power System,” says Randy. “We tried it out and loved it.” From there, Randy called Dematco, a custom truck builder in Acheson, Alberta, to build a new service truck, and included a VMAC 6-In-1 Multifunction Power System on it. “Mike, the Dematco owner, is amazing. We’ve worked with other dealers, but Dematco has the best quality products, and the best service, it’s superior to anything we’ve experienced,” acclaims Randy.

Stahl PeterbiltAs for the equipment, this VMAC multi-power system ticks all the boxes—it’s proven to work in extreme cold climates and diesel powered, plus it’s compact, up to 6 cubic feet smaller than other leading multi-power brands. This one piece of equipment provides the Stahl Peterbilt technicians with everything they need, including a 45 CFM rotary screw air compressor, an 8 kW continuous AC generator, 250 A DC welder, 12-48 V battery booster and charger, a 2,800 RPM PTO port, and a factory-installed cold climate kit, tested to -40°F (-40°C).

It’s now been two years and Stahl Peterbilt’s fleet has grown dramatically, with each new truck being equipped with a VMAC 6-in-1 Multifunction. “We get air 100% of the time,” says Randy. “It works incredibly well. The VMAC Multifunction never fails.”

And his advice to someone considering a VMAC Multifunction? “Just buy it.”

Setting The Standard

Being an award-winning Peterbilt dealership and service center, Stahl Peterbilt employees like Randy are always trying to improve their business and better serve their customers. The VMAC Multifunction helps achieve these goals of continuous improvement: “The VMAC offers better performance and better productivity. After being recognized as the Peterbilt Service Center of the Year in North America, Peterbilt started looking at our trucks, and how we do it to help set standards for other dealerships,” say Randy. “Part of our success is due to our equipment, and Peterbilt is looking at the VMAC Multifunction as the benchmark for service truck business.”

Overall, under the leadership of Randy Kerr, and through the contributions of his exceptional team, Stahl Peterbilt’s success continues to trend upwards. “Expanding in Alberta is a big opportunity for Stahl Peterbilt,” says Randy. And the VMAC 6-In-1 Multifunction Power System plays a role in that expansion, ensuring his technicians have the right tools and equipment to do their jobs. “The VMAC Multifunction improves efficiency, which allows for business growth. We want to expand our business, and the best way to do it is through our service truck business.”

About Dematco Manufacturing

Dematco Manufacturing Inc. is located in Acheson, Alberta, and has served customers all over Western Canada, including Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Fort St. John, and Lethbridge. Dematco was started 12 years ago by company President Mike Dejanovic, who has over 35 years of experience in the industry. Dematco is known for building custom truck bodies, upfitting them with accessories, and even offering custom fabrication, allowing for a product to be built to their customers’ exact specifications. Each truck service body is built for reliability, serviceability, maximum payload, while conforming to rules and regulations.

Like Stahl Peterbilt, Mike at Dematco ensures his customers are treated to high levels of service, and a superior product. This is where VMAC fits in: “We’ve been a VMAC dealer for about 5 years now,” says Mike. “I love working with VMAC. It’s a great product, and I enjoy working with the people; they all have a good sense of humor.”

And while Mike has been selling VMAC products for years, it’s the VMAC Multifunction Power System that has many of his customers, including Stahl Peterbilt and Finning, interested. “The VMAC Multifunction is smaller and lighter than the other multi-power systems, and that’s important when you’re building a truck,” says Mike. “And what’s most important, is that it’s well-designed and functional. We get lots of positive reviews from our customers about the VMAC Multifunction.”

And with positive reviews on the VMAC Multifunction from experienced customers (like Randy and Stahl Peterbilt) Mike knows VMAC is a product worthy of promoting. “Randy is very easy to work with. He understood what he needed and was very precise in his request. It’s a pleasure to work with a customer like this. Stahl Peterbilt is a great company offering a quality service.”

From VMAC and Dematco, to Stahl Peterbilt Service Department and the entire Stahl Peterbilt team, congratulations on being recognized as the Top Service Department for North America!

For more information on Stahl Peterbilt: https://www.stahlpeterbilt.com/

For more information on Dematco: https://www.dematco.com/

To learn more about the VMAC Multifunction Power System: https://www.vmacair.com/product/multifunction-power-systems/multifunction-6-in-1-power-system/

Avoiding brake-related CSA citations



The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s CSA violations should be an unnecessary problem, especially since they can lead to costly delays, and unexpected downtime may cause fleets to lose customers not only because of delays.

12/25/18

12/24/18

Sierra AT4 Powers Up With New Off-Road Performance Package

 2019 GMC Sierra AT4

DETROIT —
Defining the premium off-road segment, the 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 is now available with the all-new Off-Road Performance Package. The Off-Road Performance Package adds factory-installed performance upgrades that bring additional power and purpose to the Sierra AT4.

“The 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 debuted all-new, purposeful technologies for the premium truck segment and the new Off-Road Performance Package takes it a step farther,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global GMC. “It offers optimized performance, both on- and off-road.”
The Sierra AT4 Off-Road Performance Package includes:
  • 6.2L V-8 engine mated to 10-speed automatic transmission.
  • 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires.
  • Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System.
  • Performance Air Intake.
Thanks to these additions, the AT4 Off-Road Performance Package delivers up to 435 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque — increases of 15 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque over a Sierra equipped with a conventional 6.2L V-8 engine. The 6.2L is manufactured at GM’s Tonawanda engine plant in New York and was recently named a Wards 10 Best Engine for 2019.

For 25 years WardsAuto editors have evaluated every all-new or significantly improved engine or electric propulsion system available in production vehicles in the U.S. Vehicles must have a starting MSRP less than $64,000. The editors score eligible vehicles on horsepower, torque, technology, observed fuel economy, relative competitiveness and noise characteristics.

The Off-Road Performance Package’s upgrades build on the Sierra AT4’s distinctive formula of authentic off-road capability, innovative technology and bold design, along with GMC’s premium refinement.

The Sierra AT4 was introduced earlier this year, and content includes:
  • Standard 2-inch factory-installed suspension lift.
  • Standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case, locking rear differential and skid plates.
  • Standard off-road-tuned Rancho monotube shock absorbers.
  • Standard Hill Descent Control.
  • Standard Traction Select System.
  • Standard GMC exclusive, industry-first MultiPro Tailgate.
  • Standard black chrome finish on the fog lamp bezels, fender surround and grille insert.
  • Standard body-color grille surround, door handles and bumper.
  • Standard exclusive athletic interior trim elements.
  • Standard red vertical recovery hooks.
  • Available segment-first Multi-Color Head-Up Display.
  • Available segment-first Rear Camera Mirror1.
  • Available GMC-exclusive, industry-first Carbon Fiber Pickup Box2.
  • A full suite of advanced available safety features including Surround Vision, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking and Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking1.
The Sierra AT4 Off-Road Performance Package has an MSRP (excludes tax) of $4,940 and is on sale now.

About GMC
With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali sub-brand representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @gmc or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

12/23/18

Nissan TITAN King Cab Overview



TITAN and TITAN XD King Cab have 4 doors with rear doors that swing 172 degrees give easy acces to the interior. The rear seat flips up for massive storage, and locking underseat storage and a flat load floor maximizes cargo space. The available rear seat delete features a channel system to secure cargo.

Nissan Titan Single Cab Overview



Nissan TITAN and TITAN XD Single Cab with Cummins V8 diesel engine gives you up to 12,710 lbs of maximum towing capacity, and an 8'1" bed is large enough to carry sheets of plywood with the tailgate closed. The front bench lets you seat up to three, and folds down to create a massive center console. Behind the seatback is additional storage, great for carrying smaller items.

12/22/18

IMT Enhances Hydraulic Loader Lineup with New, Higher Capacity Crane

Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. (IMT), an Oshkosh Corporation company (NYSE:OSK), is pleased to introduce its 42684 hydraulic loader. Launched at the 2018 Gypsum Management Supply (GMS) Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina, the 42684 is the newest addition to IMT’s portfolio of durably designed loader cranes.

“Our newest hydraulic loader crane offers customers another option for precise handling and expert maneuverability of palletized materials in the building supply construction industries,” said John Field, product manager at IMT. “IMT designs our loaders to lift more, reach farther and last longer.”
The 42684 features the highest rating in the IMT® lineup at 305,580 foot-pounds. It has a maximum lift capacity of 10,500 lb. (4763 kilograms), up to 84 feet of horizontal reach and a maximum vertical reach of 95 feet.

A hydraulic out-and-down stabilizer span provides customers with excellent stability for loading and unloading palletized goods, while a high lift-to-weight ratio allows for maximum payload on the truck.

“At IMT, we’re committed to helping our customers achieve improved productivity, profitability and efficiency with our products. The new 42684 provides the strength, reach and precision to quickly and easily load and unload materials,” said Field. “The 42684 offers the longest and highest lift capacity of any IMT loader crane currently in the market.”

IMT hydraulic loaders are manufactured with an Environmentally-Friendly Quality Coating (EQC) Surface Treatment that provides maximum resistance to impact and corrosion for improved lifetime productivity. The 42684 comes optional with an Electronic Vehicle Stability (EVS) system to increase the working area of the crane by calculating improved stability conditions, and is backed by a 3-year warranty on all IMT crane structural parts.

Additional features of the new IMT 42684 loader include:
  • Radio Remote with InfoCenter (standard), which features a two-line monochrome LED display for real-time loader conditions.
  • Progressive Crane Control (PCC) ensures smooth crane movement and improves operator efficiency.
  • Priority Flow Control (PFC) ensures maximum performance by optimizing crane movements during operation of multiple functions.
  • 420° turntable with dual planetary gear drive
  • Standard oil cooler to extend hydraulic system longevity.
The complete lineup of IMT hydraulic loaders also includes the 16000 and 28562 models.
For more information on IMT visit www.imt.com. IMT is on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/iowamoldtooling, Instagram at www.instagram.com/iowamoldtooling, Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/iowamoldtooling and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/iowamoldtooling.


12/20/18

4 Methods To Sell Your Work Truck

What is your process of getting rid of an old work truck when it comes time to buy new? If you don’t have experience with this task it can become quite daunting. While getting rid of a commercial truck isn’t as simple as trading in a used car, the technologies of today have made it substantially easier.

1. Dealer Trade-In

The majority of commercial truck dealers focus on selling new commercial trucks and their inventory reflects that with little, sometimes none, used commercial trucks. However, searching for and finding a commercial truck dealer that accepts trade-ins could create a convenient transaction for your next new work truck purchase. While you won’t get the highest dollar on your trade-in, you will save some time by not having to deal with privately selling your used work truck.

2. Auction

There are many auction companies that specialize in heavy equipment, machinery and work trucks. Instead of you managing the seller process, the auction company helps market your work truck and handle the transaction. While all of this comes with a cost, selling at an auction is a less hassle option for you.

3. Paid Listings

Cars.com, Autotrader and Carmax are all online outlets for retail vehicles. Similar online outlets exist for commercial trucks. Sites like Commercial Truck Trader, Truck Paper. Ebay and many others contain thousands of work trucks, many of which are listings from private sellers. For a nominal fee, you can list your used work truck on sites like these and gain a significant amount of exposure. Keep in mind, depending upon where the buyer is located, you may incur logistics costs with getting the vehicle to the buyer depending upon the arrangement.

4. Free Listings

There are many online sites that offer free listings to sell your stuff, including your used work truck. Social media sites like Facebook and websites like Craigslist are viable options for selling a commercial truck. While they may not be considered as high quality as a paid online listing site, they offer up additional exposure and are better than slapping a “for sale” sign on the side of the truck and parking it on the street.

Consider some of these additional thoughts before selling your used work truck. If your work truck is highly customized, it may shrink the buyer’s market size. Depending upon the economy and demand for work trucks, your used work truck may bring a premium price.

Source: https://www.knapheide.com/news/blog/2018/08/4-methods-to-sell-your-work-truck

12/19/18

Hours of Service - Who Must Comply?

Most drivers must follow the HOS Regulations if they drive a commercial motor vehicle, or CMV. In general, a CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business and is involved in interstate commerce and fits any of these descriptions:
  • Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
  • Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
  • Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
  • Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards

Hours of Service Final Rule for Truck Drivers

The Hours of Service of Drivers Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2011. The effective date of the Final Rule was February 27, 2012, and the compliance date of remaining provisions was July 1, 2013.

NOTICE: The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 was enacted on December 16, 2014, suspending enforcement of requirements for use of the 34-hour restart, pending a study. Based on the findings from the CMV Driver Restart Study, the 34-hour restart rule in operational effect on June 30, 2013, is restored to full force and effect.  The requirement for two off-duty periods of 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. in section 395.3(c) of the Agency’s hours-of-service rules will not be enforced, nor will the once-per-week limit on use of the restart in 395.3(d).

Summary of the Hours of Service Regulations

Hours of Service: How Familiar Are You? Webinar

The FMCSA hours of service (HOS) rules are designed to eliminate the type of drowsiness that can lead to crashes.  Although many commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers feel that they know when they are getting drowsy, various laboratory tests have shown that persons are not good at estimating their own drowsiness.
The following topics are discussed in the "Hours of Service: How Familiar Are You?" webinar:
  • Purpose of the Hours of Service Rules and Regulations
  • Applicability
  • Drivers' Responsibilities
  • Carriers' Responsibilities
  • Property Carrier Hours of Service Driving Time Limits
  • Passenger Carrier Hours of Service Driving Time Limits
  • Acceptable Recording Methods
  • Important dates and deadlins for Electronic Loggind Devices (ELDs)
  • Limited Exceptions to the Hours of Service Rules and Regulations

"Hours of service: How Ready are You?" transcripts

Color/508 Compliant

Black and White

Hours of Service Live Question and Answer Session

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) hour-long Hours of Service (HOS) Question and Answer Session allowed participants the opportunity to submit HOS related questions and have them answered by FMCSA’s HOS subject matter experts Tom Yager, Chief of the Driver and Carrier Operations Division, and Peter Chandler, Lead Transportation Specialist in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Passenger Carrier Division.
The HOS Question and Answer session addressed the number hours that a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver may be on the road, the HOS exemptions, and the number of hours a CMV driver may be on duty before a required period of rest.  In addition, the session addressed the permitted driving time based on a driver’s on-duty hours in a “work-week”.

Source:  https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service

"Hours of Service Live Question and Answer" Session transcripts
Updated: Thursday, May 31, 2018

Experience DiamondBack: Theft Protection


Check out how DiamondBack Truck Covers provide your bed with theft protection that's second to none. Peace of mind knowing your gear is safe is a great feeling.

12/17/18

West Coast Fleets Deploy XL Hybrid Electric Technology to Save Fuel, Reduce Emissions


Los Angeles County, Cities of Long Beach and Seattle electrify fleets to improve MPG and promote sustainability

BOSTON -  XL, the leader in connected vehicle electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets, is upfitting a combined 38 hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric trucks and vans for the City of Seattle, Los Angeles County and the City of Long Beach to improve fleet efficiency, increase MPG and reduce CO2 emissions. The municipalities expect to see a 25 percent increase in MPG on hybrid electric models and a 50 percent MPG increase in plug-in hybrid electric models compared to their standard gasoline fleet vehicles. The orders represent the first hybrid electric cargo and passenger van purchases for Los Angeles County and the City of Long Beach.

The West Coast of the United States has some of the most stringent emissions regulations and aggressive sustainability targets in the nation, and these three municipalities are among those making a long-term commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their fleet vehicles with XL hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) electrification systems. With XL’s Fleet-Ready™ electrification technology, customers can improve fuel economy and reduce emissions without needing to invest in additional charging or fueling infrastructure, and with no impact on vehicle performance or driver requirements.

For example, California’s goalis to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent to reach 1990 levels by the year 2030, advancing the state’s leadership in alternative fuels and clean energy usage. Additionally, the City of Seattleis working to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by the year 2025.

XL hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric technologies both leverage regenerative braking to capture and store energy during the braking process, and provide electric torque for acceleration. The company’s plug-in hybrid system, which leverages a 15 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, can be charged using standard wall outlets, or level 1 and 2 chargers. Following is what the municipalities are saying about their work with XL:

John Seevers, the City of Long Beach’s acquisitions superintendent (8 PHEV Ford F-150’s, 11 HEV Ford cargo vans): “We are always striving to be a leader in leveraging alternative fuel options for all applicable vehicle purchases. XL provides our fleet with cost-effective fleet electrification technology for our fire department, public service, parks department and other applications to help us save fuel and achieve our sustainability goals.”

Mike Quan, C.P.M for the County of Los Angeles Internal Services Department - Fleet Services (6 HEV Ford cargo vans): “The XLH system is helping us to be in line with the California greenhouse gas reduction standards for the vehicles we use in the County. And the XL Link telematics program will allow us to measure and analyze speed, idling, vehicle drive cycle, CO2 emissions reductions and MPG.”

Andrea Pratt, Green Fleet Program Manager of City of Seattle (13 HEV Ford ambulances and cargo vans): “We are constantly looking for ways to reduce fuel and emissions, but most options come with a heavy price tag. XL, however, does not have high incremental costs, and it’s an easy technology to incorporate, so our partnership with the company allows us to stay competitive with our green technology and work towards our sustainability goals.”

“The aggressive goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are driving the priorities for many state fleets and utilities,” said Clay Siegert, co-founder and chief operating officer of XL. “The XL technology is one of the few ways that local city and county fleets can immediately move closer toward these goals in a cost-effective and scalable way, without having to wait for charging or alternative fueling infrastructure to catch up to vehicle demand.”

The XL team will showcase its XLH hybrid-electric Ford F-250 and XLP plug-in hybrid electric Ford F-150 at the Government Fleet Expo in San Diego, California, June 4-7. Attendees can see the new Super Duty hybrid pickup truck in booth 920 and register to drive the plug-in hybrid F-150 during the Ride & Drive on June 4. For more information about XL fleet electrification technology, fleet managers can also contact sales@xlfleet.com.

About

XL is the leader in connected fleet electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets, relied on by customers such as The Coca-Cola Company, Verizon, Yale University and the City of Boston. XL’s fleet customers can increase fuel economy by up to 25 percent and 50 percent respectively for Class 2 to 6 commercial fleets, as well as decrease operating costs, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and meet sustainability goals with zero impact on fleet operations or service. For more information, visit www.xlfleet.com or on Twitter @XLFleet.

Source:  http://www.xlfleet.com/content/news-and-events/news-releases/west-coast-fleets-deploy-xl-hybrid-electric-technology-to-save-fuel-reduce-emissions/


Nissan TITAN King Cab Overview



TITAN and TITAN XD King Cab have 4 doors with rear doors that swing 172 degrees give easy acces to the interior. The rear seat flips up for massive storage, and locking underseat storage and a flat load floor maximizes cargo space. The available rear seat delete features a channel system to secure cargo.

12/16/18

Erb at the wheel for cool, seasonal move

 

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – Erb Group founder Vernon Erb is always eager to spend time behind the wheel. It doesn’t even matter that the latest load of produce in his trailer is being moved for free. In fact, that was by design.

The longtime industry executive is donating his time for the shipment heading to food banks in remote northern communities, working through the Trucks for Change Network that helps coordinate free or discounted shipments on behalf of Canadian charities. Navistar is even covering the cost of the fuel.

Erb Group has supported the organization in the past, but when the senior Erb heard about this one – in the midst of the Christmas season – he jumped at the chance to haul the load himself.

“I left at noon yesterday [from Leamington] and got to Cochrane last night in a snowstorm,” he said on Thursday morning, from the bunk of his prized 2014 International 9900. “There’s lots of snow up here and it’s two or three below Fahrenheit [-19 Celsius]. Now the sun’s out and it’s a beautiful day to be trucking.”
Vernon Erb


Such temperatures aren’t that friendly to fresh food, but the veteran of moving temperature controlled freight is ensuring that everything keeps above freezing.

Erb arrives in Thunder Bay on Friday, ensuring the food can be prepared for flights into remote areas further north. And that’s all part of CBC’s annual Sounds of the Season programming, which spreads the holiday cheer.

“Transportation is a key part of it,” said Volker Kromm, executive director of the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA), which serves as a hub for food banks throughout northwestern Ontario. “The discounted rates, they save a huge cost.”

Contributions from Erb and Navistar will save about $4,000 on this shipment alone.

Trucks for Change supports dozens of charities that are vetted and then connected with offers of reduced-rate shipments, says Pete Dalmazzi, that organization’s president.

“We’re connected to the food bank system in Canada at all levels,” he adds, referring to close to a dozen related loads that need to be moved a month. “To the charities involved it makes a big impact.”

The donations to remote areas are particularly important. “It’s so expensive to get stuff up there and it’s a completely empty backhaul all the time,” Dalmazzi says.

He hopes coverage of this shipment will engage other carriers in similar work. About 60 carriers participate in Trucks for Change today. He’d like to see that number double. “So we can say yes every time, and make it sustainable.”


Source: https://www.todaystrucking.com/erb-at-the-wheel-for-cool-seasonal-move/

12/15/18

Harbor Does Custom BIG TIME!!! - Harbor Truck Body



Warren Mason with Harbor Truck Body shows off a custom Workmaster with all types of LED lighting and space galore. This was made custom per the customers request and specifications. See more at http://www.harbortruck.com

Highway Products Truck Accessories -Military-grade strength, style and function.



Highway Products builds a massive range of military-grade aluminum truck accessories. Our products have been engineered and overbuilt for every job, lifestyle and need. Whether you're a contractor, plumber, highway maintenence crew or just a "truck guy," we've got the ulitmate solution just waiting to be put on your truck. Your lifestyle and job commands respect, and our truck accessories will help you earn it.

Learn more at: https://www.highwayproducts.com/collections/truck-accessories/

12/14/18

PTO Driven Underdeck Systems Walk Around Video



Understand the unique and powerful components of Vanair's PTO Driven Underdeck Air Compressor/Generator Systems, their benefits and features.

12/13/18

ZONAR - Smart Fleet Management Solutions

Access essential information easily, accurately and instantly

 Zonar’s fleet management system lets you access essential information easily, accurately and instantly. Zonar gives you a clear picture of every asset’s location, fuel efficiency, speed, stops, idling, maintenance needs and more. Dramatically minimize total cost of ownership by knowing where every vehicle and piece of equipment is at all times, as well as with how they are operating and when service is needed.

Our solutions are affordable, easy to implement and easy to access from any computer or smart device. Plus, our customer care team is available 24/7/365 to answer any questions. From onboarding to installation, we make sure you’re set up for success from the start, and we stay with you for the entire journey.

  •     Ongoing visibility of all assets and how well they’re running
  •     Replace manual meter reading with automated meter collection
  •     Avoid unnecessary rental costs with verified utilization reporting
  •     Prevent serious problems before they happen with real-time engine diagnostics
  •     Reduce down time with automated integration of inspection data into maintenance software
  •     Manage fuel by decreasing idle times, monitoring speed, and automating IFTA filings and reimbursement
  •     Optimize your driver's time with efficient dispatching
  •     24/7/365 Customer Care by Zonar employees
  •     Easy to implement and use 
Learn more at: https://www.zonarsystems.com/industries/vocational-fleets/

Introducing Transfer Flow's TRAX 3™ Fuel Monitoring System!



The next generation of Transfer Flow's TRAX auxiliary fuel tank operating system is here! TRAX 3™ is a computer controlled, self-diagnosing fuel monitoring system that transfers fuel from your Transfer Flow auxiliary fuel tank to your main fuel tank. For your peace of mind, the TRAX 3™ computer module constantly monitors fuel levels in both tanks. Now, you’ll always know the percentage of fuel in your Transfer Flow auxiliary fuel tank and main fuel tank!

12/12/18

Nissan TITAN Crew Cab Overview



With four full-size doors, TITAN and TITAN XD Crew Cab give you plenty of space for people and cargo. Front captain's chairs give seating for five while an available front bench lets you seat up to six. The rear seat flips up for massive storage, and locking underseat storage and a flat load floor maximizes cargo space.

12/11/18

Electric Powertrains Are the Future. Will Fleets Be Ready?

 Many automakers are making a switch to producing battery-electric and hybrid electric vehicles across all vehicle classes. Image:Josh Bauer/NREL

Most readers of Government Fleet are seasoned professionals pursuing careers either in public fleet management or in corporate roles in support of public sector fleets. For a moment, however, put aside your current career history and aspirations and try to remember when you were a younger person, weighing career options and considering just what path to take.

The public fleet industry is on the threshold of a truly cosmic shift, and it’s quite possible that young people today are looking at our industry and questioning those options. We should, as those young people may be doing, consider what this shift will mean when it occurs.

The shift will be toward a predominance of electromotive powertrain technology and away from the internal combustion engine (ICE). Is it true that the demise of the ICE is greatly overstated, or, should we, like those young people still contemplating their career paths, be reading the tea leaves and presume they portend a very different future for us?

LEARN MORE AT: http://www.greenfleetmagazine.com/channel/electric/article/story/2018/03/electric-powertrains-are-the-future-will-fleets-be-ready.aspx

GMC Sierra Denali - 2019

 2019 GMC Sierra Denali

2019 SIERRA DENALI         

The 2019 Sierra’s industry-first MultiPro Tailigate offers six functions and positions for enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions.

NEW FOR 2019
  • Redesigned from the ground up and larger in almost every dimension, including a longer wheelbase and longer crew cab body that offers about 3 inches more rear legroom than the previous model
  • GMC-exclusive, industry-first MultiPro Tailgate offers six functions and positions for enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation and easier access to items in the cargo box
  • Segment-first Multi-Color Head-Up Display projects key, customizable vehicle data on the windshield in a 15-inch diagonal display
  • GMC-exclusive, industry-first CarbonPro carbon fiber cargo box was developed to increase durability, efficiency and functionality, while offering best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance
  • Segment-first Rear Camera Mirror.  Compared to a traditional inside rearview mirror, this rearview mirror display can function either as a traditional mirror or as a camera screen, helping to eliminate obstructions such as rear seat passengers and head restraints while providing a wider, less obstructed rear field of view
  • ProGrade Trailering System with Trailering App offers a connected and comprehensive suite of trailering technologies 
  • Up to 360 pounds (163k) lighter than the previous model, thanks to a mixed materials approach — including aluminum for the doors, hood and tailgate, with steel for the fenders, roof and standard cargo box
  • Fully boxed steel frame that is 88 pounds (40 kg) lighter than its predecessor, while offering 10 percent greater torsional rigidity
  • Enhanced front and rear suspensions incorporate new, lightweight components, including composite second-stage leaf springs on the rear suspension
  • Denali-exclusive Adaptive Ride control offers premium ride comfort through real-time monitoring of the road and driver inputs, reacting in milliseconds to adjust damping for exceptional body control and ride isolation
  • Dynamic Fuel Management featured on Sierra Denali’s V-8 engines expands cylinder-deactivation capability with 17-cylinder activation combinations to optimize performance and efficiency in all driving conditions
  • Improved brake system featuring electro-hydraulic power assist, larger-diameter Duralife brake rotors and larger brake pads
  • Best-in-class cargo volume, with Sierra Denali’s 5’ 8” box offering 63 cubic feet of volume; most of that volume was created by widening the maximum width of the bed floor nearly seven inches
  • Higher-strength standard steel floor: a roll-formed, high-strength steel bed floor featuring a higher-grade steel that is 50-percent stronger than the previous model
  • Additional bed functionality with enhanced LED cargo lights, 12 fixed cargo tie-downs rated at 500lbs per corner and larger rear CornerStep openings 
  • Expanded roster of active safety features, as well as new HD Rear-Vision Camera, Lane Change Alert with Size Blind Zone Alert and HD Surround Vision
  • All-New Traction Select System allows the driver to choose from preset drive modes that have been tailored for different terrain or weather conditions. Selecting one of these modes adjusts Sierra’s transmission shift points, throttle mapping and StabiliTrak to optimize performance for the situation at hand.
  • Next-generation GMC Infotainment systems and connectivity
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
  • Sierra Denali is offered exclusively as a crew cab in 2WD and 4WD
  • Denali-exclusive exterior elements include a bright, multidimensional grille, chrome exterior accents and body-color bumpers
  • New high-intensity LED headlamps that incorporate C-shaped "light blade" signature lighting elements, LED fog lamps and C-shaped LED elements within the taillights
  • 20-inch aluminum wheels are standard, with 22-inch wheels available
  • Integrated dual exhaust with bright polished outlets standard
  • Denali-exclusive materials, including premium Forge leather-appointed seating, authentic open-pore ash wood trim and dark-finish aluminum décor
  • Heated and ventilated perforated leather-appointed front bucket seats and heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel are standard
  • Premium Bose Audio System standard
  • Available Technology Package includes HD Surround Vision, Rear Camera Mirror and Multi-Color Head-Up Display
  • Standard 5.3L V-8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management and an eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Available 6.2L V-8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management – the largest and most powerful V-8 engine in the class – paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is available exclusively with 4WD
  • Available 3.0L turbo-diesel engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission (late availability)
  • Dynamic Fuel Management standard
  • Automatic locking rear differential is standard and reacts in milliseconds in low-traction situations to improve safety and confidence on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces
  • 2-Speed AutoTrac Transfer Case standard on 4WD
  • Adaptive Ride Control is standard
  • ProGrade Advanced Trailering Package is standard and includes Hitch Guidance with Hitch View and Trailering App
  • MultiPro Tailgate is standard
  • Spray-on bedliner with Denali logo is standard
  • GMC Infotainment system with an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen and embedded navigation, is standard. System features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection compatibility, advanced voice recognition, in-vehicle apps and personalized profiles
  • GMC 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot (includes one-month/3GB data trial)
  • Remote vehicle starter system is standard
  • Keyless Open and Start is standard
SAFETY FEATURES
  • Air bags: dual-stage frontal and seat-mounted side impact, driver and front passenger, and roof-rail for all outboard seating positions
  • Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, trailer sway control and hill-start assist
  • Standard Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Driver Alert Package II is available on and includes Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control, Following Distance Indicator and Safety Alert Seat
  • Standard Teen Driver feature and Rear Seat Reminder

  
 


2019 GMC Sierra in Newfoundland: B-roll
The all-new 2019 Sierra set the new benchmark for capability, refinement, and innovation when introduced earlier this year.
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Contacts


Sierra Media Contact
Fred Ligouri
Mobile 1 312-405-0160


GMC CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Phone 1-800-462-8782

Contact Us | @GMC
GMC Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172

12/10/18

TRACTOR TRAILER SEMI SCALE SYSTEM ALL AIR SUSPENSION




The Vulcan all-digital air scale system for tractor / trailer combinations provides an accurate way to obtain axle and/or payload weights. Corrosion resistant, stainless steel air sensors provide a rugged and reliable solution well suited to meet the requirements of on-board trucking applications. Air sensors are altitude and temperature compensated to enhance performance and accuracy. Vulcan VSL electronics allow unlimited mixing of tractors and trailers without any adjustments.

Learn more at: http://www.vulcanscales.com/index.php/general-trucking/tractor-trailer-semi/


12/09/18

The DECKED Brand Product Story


Born in Idaho, made in the USA, DECKED innovates products that make working in and around vehicles more efficient, safer and easier. Our manufacturing partners help us produce the highest quality products on the market right from the heartland of America.

We started thinking about DECKED in 2011, and by 2014 we were shipping our first full bed-length drawer storage systems. With a relentless eye on product quality and customer satisfaction, we are driven by the needs of the working man and woman.

See more at https://decked.com/

Nissan TITAN XD Overview



The Nissan TITAN XD is equipped with an exclusive Cummins 5.0-liter V8 Diesel, you've got incredible hauling capability, plus innovative cargo features like 5-channel Utili-track. Bring what you need with a gooseneck hitch and advanced towing tech that helps you tow solo, including around view monitor, and remote trailer light check. Available in Crew Cab, King Cab, and Single Cab, there's a TITAN XD that's ready to work for you.

12/08/18

The 2018 F-150: Effective Payload | F-150 | Ford


With best-in-class* payload you’ll be able to work smart with more effective payload. Just one of the many reasons the 2018 Ford F-150 doesn’t just raise the bar. It is the bar.

*Max payload on F-150 XL Regular Cab, 8’ box, 5.0L, 4X2, Heavy Duty Payload Pkg. and 18” Heavy Duty Wheels. Not shown. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR based on Ford segmentation.

12/07/18

2018-2019 Tow Show Schedule

 Home


April 11 – 14, 2019
Florida Tow Show®
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Orlando, FL.
Phone: 407-296-3316
April 18 – 19, 2019
North American Repossessors Summit hosted by American Recovery Association 
Omni Mandalay Hotel at Los Colinas, Irving, TX
TBD 2019
AT Showplace Las Vegas hosted by American Towman
Southpoint Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Phone:  800-732-3869
Web: atshowplace.com
May 17 – 18, 2018 
Towers Family Retreat hosted by the American Towing & Recovery Institute
Crown Reef Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC
Contact: Wes Wilburn
Phone: (910) 747-9000
TBD 
New Hampshire Tow & Trade Show  hosted by the New Hampshire Towing Association
Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton, NH
Phone: (603) 863-4206
Web: nhtowingassociation.org
TBD 2019 
35th Annual ESTRA Tow Show hosted by Empire State Towing & Recovery Association
Charles R. Wood Park, Lake George Village, NY
Contact: Melissa Perlow
Phone: (631) 728-7752
Web: estratowshow.com
June 1, 2019
Nebraska Tow Show hosted by the Professional Towers Association of Nebraska
CHI Health Center, Omaha, NE
Contact: Dana Adamy
Phone: (402) 890-6531
June 14 – 16, 2019
Wisconsin Towing Association Tow Show
Chula Vista Resort (608-254-8366), Wisconsin Dells, WI.
Contact; WTA Office
Phone: 608-833-8200, ext. 17
July 31 – August 2, 2019
Towing & Recovery Management Summit (hosted by Tow Times)
Capital Hilton, Washington D.C.
Contact: Brenda Faulman
Phone: (407) 936-2494
August 9 – 10, 2019
Southern Tow Expo hosted by Tow Professionals
Orange Beach Convention Center, Orange Beach, AL
Contact: Darian Weaver
Phone: 205-223-4548
Web: southerntowexpo.com
TBD 2019
AT Tow Expo Dallas/Fort Worth hosted by American Towman
Phone:  800-732-3869
Web: towexpodfw.com
TBD 2019
Pacific Northwest Tow Show presented by Towing & Recovery Association of Washington
Greater Tacoma Trade and Convention Center, Tacoma, WA
Contact: Peter Lukevich
Phone: 206-492-5032
Web: pacificnorthwesttowshow.com 
TBD 2019
North Carolina Tow Truck And Trade Show 
Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
Contact: Elaine
Phone: (919) 876-0687
Web: nctowing.org/events
Sept. 26 – 29, 2019
Midwest Regional Tow Show Hosted By Towing and Recovery Association of Ohio
Great Wolf Lodge, Mason, OH
Phone: 513-831-7469
Oct 10 – 12, 2019
Tennessee Tow Show hosted by Tennessee Tow Truck Association and Tow Times
Chattanooga Convention Center  Chattanooga, TN
Contact: Brenda Faulman (Tow Times)
Phone: (407) 936-2494
Web: tennesseetowshow.com
Nov 2019
AT Exposition hosted by American Towman
Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
Phone:  800-732-3869
Web: atexposition.com

California Trucking Schools

 TruckersReport.com logo

A survey conducted in the year 2008 revealed that trucking companies in the United States have more than 3.2 million vacancies. It was also estimated that by the year 2018, the number of vacancies in the US truck driving industry will increase by as much as 9%. These inspiring numbers motivated many people to join the country’s trucking industry. The scenario is the same in every state across the nation. People of the most populous state of the country, California, have also jumped on the bandwagon. The basic requirement for becoming a professional trucker in California is a commercial driver’s license. The process of becoming a professional truck driver in California goes like this: you will have to attend truck driver training in California, pass the CDL skills test to obtain your commercial driver’s license and start working as a professional trucker.

Learn more at: https://www.thetruckersreport.com/trucking-schools/california/

12/06/18

Pac-Mac KB-20 Series

 

Standard Features

    Tip boom cylinder provides hydraulic cushioning/deceleration when fully stroking in either direction to reduce mechanical impact on boom structure
    All hoses are enclosed within boom structure (view)
    Pilot operated check valves integrated into boom and outrigger cylinders for safety
    Hydraulic piloted operated joysticks (view)
    H-style outrigger
    Smooth pads for minimal street damage
    Bumper meets U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, part 571.233 for rear impact guards and part 571.224 for rear impact protection
    Outboard frame-mounted twin telescopic body dump cylinders, single acting or double acting
    45° body tilt
    GXL wire with labeling enclosed in braided nylon loom


Learn more at: http://www.e-pac-mac.com/products/kb-20-series/


12/05/18

Custom Designed Welders Bodies by Harbor Truck Bodies

Harbor can custom build a Welders Body for each customers unique needs







It seems that there's no such thing as a standard Welder Body because every welder want something different.Harbor can custom build a Welders Body for each customers unique needs.Here's a 9' Low Pro 34" Open Top Service Body with Stainless Steel lids and with slightly raised front compartments to the standard height of 40" closed compartment style.

This also has a small sized transverse compartment with two compartments for tall gas bottles in storage, while in the main front compartment are bottle brackets and rings for short gas bottles. This also has the rear compartment cut off and an 18" work platform with V-groove on the back plus the standard 8" step bumper.

This is all mounted on a new Dodge 3500 regular cab chassis and makes for a very clean looking rig.

Let Harbor create a unique body for you! Call 800-433-9452. www.htbi.net

Air N Arc® I-300 ALL-IN-ONE Power System® by Vanair



welder | generator | air compressor | battery booster | battery charger | hydraulic pump


Vanair's inclusive, innovative, indispensible Air N Arc® I-300 is the first system in the world to offer six forms of power in a single 48" unit. Based on the technology of the Air N Arc® 300 diesel system, it provides an integrated 40 cfm rotary screw compressor, 7kW AC generator, 300 amp welder, battery booster and battery charger, with the newly added power of a 10.5 gpm hydraulic pump...all driven by a single engine. Designed to provide full functionality with the truck engine off, mechanics can remain productive in all areas of their workday. The Air N Arc® I-300 offers enough power to run a crane and the technology to integrate with the crane control.

12/04/18

Reading Master Mechanic HD Crane Bodies


Master Mechanic™ Series Crane Bodies come in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet your particular project requirements. Built to withstand your industry's toughest environment, models range from nine feet to 14 feet in body length, 60 inches to 120 inches in cab-to-axle chassis and up to 12,000-pound weight capacity.

These Master Mechanic utility bodies offer infinitely adjustable shelving that gives you control over your storage capabilities and a modular design that reduces long-term operating costs having to repair and replace components. The Master Mechanic Series is engineered with a minimum of two horizontal cross-members for a substructure that rivals the strength and stability of any other body on the market.

12/03/18

You Shouldn't Need a Ladder to Get Your Ladder


Adrian Steel's new Drop-Down Ladder Rack can be operated by technicians 5'4" or taller. These new ladder racks are constructed of durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum and have innovative adjustment knobs that allow users to set up their ladder rack in seconds.

Nissan TITAN Towing Features



The Nissan TITAN and TITAN XD have game-changing towing capabilities like Intelligent Around View monitor that gives you two camera views to make lining up to a trailer easy. And the remote trailer light check lets you check your connections with TITAN's keyless remote – no help needed. Whether working or playing, TITAN is ready to get the job done.

 2019 Nissan TITAN Towing Features -------------------------------------- - Intelligent Around View Monitor - Trailer Light Check - Tow/Haul Mode - Trailer Sway Control - Trailer Brake Controller

12/02/18

Crane operator certification deadline

 NCCCOexam0775.JPG

A candidate maneuvers the test load through the NCCCO’s service truck crane operator practical exam in Houston in 2013.Photo: NCCCO

“I spoke to the directorate last week  [early October] and they are still confident they can get this final rule out before then,” Graham Brent said in a phone interview in mid October.

“I’ll only say they’ve been pretty confident before and they haven’t managed to meet the deadline,” Brent added.

In fact, the day before the previous deadline of Nov. 10, 2017, OSHA published a notice on the Federal Register that confirmed a long-anticipated extension.

The operator certification requirement was included in an update to OSHA standard for cranes and derricks in construction — called 29 CFR Part 1926 — published in 2010. Most of the provisions went into effect soon after, Brent said.

 Some exclusions apply

The proposed rule excludes cranes of 2,000 pounds capacity or less. “This standard applies to power-operated equipment, when used in construction, that can hoist, lower and horizontally move a suspended load,” the proposed regulations say. They specifically include “service/mechanic trucks with a hoisting device” but also exclude a “mechanic’s truck with a hoisting device when used in activities related to equipment maintenance and repair.”

Since service trucks are used primarily for repairing and maintaining equipment, the certification requirement usually doesn’t apply. However, Brent outlined a scenario where a service truck operator goes to a jobsite expecting to work on an engine and someone else on the site notices the crane and asks the operator to lift some pipe.

“Of course the guy is going to do that,” Brent said. “And that’s construction. So as an employer you want to be completely covered 100 percent of the time. And the way to do that is to have them certified.”

Another grey area is that service truck cranes are also used to hoist propane tanks. The wrinkle is that when a crane merely swaps an empty tank with a full one, that’s considered maintenance. But when a crane installs a propane tank for the first time, that’s regarded as construction.

Propane group seeks exemption
The National Propane Gas Association has called for OSHA to exempt truck-mounted crane delivering propane tanks from the regulations and asked for it to delay the Nov. 10, 2018 deadline. “This certification will cost the industry an estimated $151 million every five years,” said a posting on the association website.

The association even threatened to press the case to President Trump. “With the compliance deadline coming up in November, let’s tell The White House how much this rule impacts our industry so they will intervene with OSHA on our industry’s behalf.”

The NCCCO, in a July 5, 2018 letter to Loren Sweatt, the deputy assistant secretary of labor at OSHA, said it would “reluctantly support” another six month extension to the rule-making process. “We said, frankly, no because it’s taken us so long to get here that we think six months is probably not going to make a whole of difference,” Brent said.

He added that the delay “absolutely has maintained the risk because certification is a risk mitigator.” What’s driving the call for certification is the marketplace, he said, noting that 16 states already have their own crane operator certification requirements and that many job postings for crane operators require certifications.

“So if you’re a crane operator it’s in your own interest frankly to get certified,” Brent said.
The new rule will cover states and territories lacking crane certification requirements and create a “federal floor” that state regulations must meet at a minimum.

1,000 service truck certifications
About five years ago, the service truck industry formed a committee of manufacturers, dealers, users, trainers and others to work with the NCCCO to develop a certification for service truck crane operators. In its first year, the service truck program only certified about 75 operators. But the program has picked up steam and at last count had certified about 1,000 service truck operators, Brent said.

(Another certification body, Crane Institute Certification, has also launched a certification program for service truck crane operators.)

Since the last deadline extension on the regulations, OSHA has proposed removing a provision that required different levels of certification based on lifting capacity, although testing agencies can still do so. That’s a move the NCCCO supports.

OSHA also considered but declined to include an exemption for operators of cranes in the 5,000 to 35,000 pound capacity range. The NCCCO supports that move as well.

“What they said was the same risks are present regardless of the capacity,” Brent said, although he was at a loss to explain why that proposal didn’t also cover cranes from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds capacity.

One area where the NCCCO disagrees with OSHA is a proposal that trainers not be required to be certified operators.

In its response, the NCCCO said that “while certification may not be an appropriate ‘sole’ crit
erion or a sufficient indication of competence as a trainer, it should be regarded as an appropriately necessary condition of establishing such competence and ensuring a ‘baseline’ of knowledge and skills.”

Numbers hard to estimate
Brent said the NCCCO has currently certified about 100,000 crane operators, which he “conservatively” estimated is 80 percent of all the certified operators. But how many others are still to be certified, “frankly, nobody knows,” he said.

“We won’t really know before the whole thing shakes out,” he added. “It’s obviously more than 100,000. Is it 200,000? Probably not actually. We’ve been doing this for 23 years and we’ve been talking about it now as a federal rule for at least 15. We’ve had deadlines come and go but these deadlines have had the effect of focusing people’s attention and getting trained and certified. So we’ve had spurts along the way. I’ve got to think, though, we’re it’s only half way there.”

The rules themselves might even lead to companies having fewer crane operators because firms might decide to reduce the cost of certification and only assign specific people to operate the cranes and assign others who formerly did some crane operating to other duties. Indeed, he cited the example of an unnamed petrochemical company that he recalled doing just that.

“That’s why it’s completely impossible to estimate because as soon as you can get an accurate number right this minute, they will change or probably reduce as a result of the mandatory requirement coming in,” Brent said.
Keith Norbury

Source: Service Truck Magazine 

November 19, 2018