As super single tires gain traction, will downtime and tire damage risk brake their momentum?  No, it’s full speed ahead, as short and long haul carriers turn to a new tire sealant that’s helping curb downtime due to flats and slow leaks, while boosting tire life by up to 100%.

Mixed Reviews And Repairs And Updates Are The Norm
The low-emissions engines were mandated by the government to be on all 2007 trucks. Many of the trucks with the new engines were tested or evaluated in fleets and with owner-operators during 2006. There were generalities galore: “no big problems“, lower fuel miles per gallon”, “out-of service too often”, and  “they’ll do”. No ringing endorsements but no real disasters. However, the “devil” is always in the details.

A proposed new rule will focus the spotlight on them.
Brakes are important for safety… and uptime. For example, brakes accounted for more than half of the out-of-service vehicle defects recorded during Roadcheck 2007 held May 5-7, 2007.

There are many factors that could be listed as Number 1 on the mind of  Driving Force readers; they include the high price of diesel, a reduction in available freight and the high cost of insurance. Yet, many feel that accident-avoidance/safety are actually the top item for most, if not all drivers And because drivers are “stuck” with their specs, they tend to overlook new safety technology, yet there are advances in brakes, lights, windshields wipers, collision-avoidance devices...

Concerns Include Purchase Price, Fuel Consumption, New Oils, And The Ne w Fuel.
New federal regulations caused the need for the new low-emissions trucks that are running, with a lot more coming. While many fleets pre-bought or are adopting  a “wait and see” attitude, there still are thousands in operation.