Heavy Duty Trucking, July 2015

FuelSmarts The fleets latest aerodynamics retrofit project is the FlowBelow AeroKit with quick release wheel covers and tandem fairings that fill the gap between and behind the tractor drive wheels most efficient routes are determined with computer software even how often they stop Every time you stop and get back up to highway speeds youre consuming a gallon of fuel he notes Testimonials and interviews with the highest scoring drivers tease out best practices that are shared with other drivers Fuel efficient drivers are eligible for bonuses and every month each drivers fuel economy is posted on a board from best to worst No one likes being on the bottom things such as mode of operation and temperature but also to change things on the fly without relying on the driver It has created settings for specific commodities whether they be bananas meat or ice cream and its worked with customers to make sure it can keep product in top condition without wasting fuel Because continuous mode uses a lot more fuel than start stop the computer system helps make sure continuous mode is used only for customers that require it Some customers want fleets to use reefer settings lower than what is actually needed but Hirschbach has been able to demonstrate that with its new trailers and reefer technology that insurance policy isnt needed Our quest will always be to try to be the best and well never be satisfied and feel like were there Pinchuk says Theres always room for improvement and it just becomes part of your culture to continuously improve For a photo gallery showcasing some of Hirschbachs fuel efficiency efforts go to www truckinginfo com HirschbachPhotos Hirschbach uses the UT 6 plus system from Smart Truck with four separate components that work together to sculpt the air flow under over and around the trailer of the list Pinchuk says People are competitive Theyre trying to move up the list and asking us what they can do to improve fuel economy 4 Fine tune refrigeration Hirschbach buys the most fuelsaving refrigeration units available then uses telematics to make sure theyre operating most efficiently StarTraks two way communication reefer management system ReeferTrak Sentry allows Hirschbach not only to remotely monitor This department is brought to you with the support of IMI The editorial content is produced entirely by HDTs editorial staff with no sponsor input or control FUEL in the News Clean diesel truck share tops 37 More than 37 of all diesel medium and heavyduty commercial trucks registered in the U S are now equipped with newer technology clean diesel engines MY 2007 or newer with near zero particulate emissions according to data compiled by IHS Automotive for the Diesel Technology Forum Agility Freightliner ink deal Agility Fuel Systems is now the exclusive provider of natural gas fuel systems to Freightliner Under a seven year agreement Agility will provide custom designed compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas fuel systems for heavyduty trucks Freightliner has worked with Agility since 2002 and Agility is opening a new facility in Salisbury N C near Freightliner plants in Cleveland and Mt Holly Sacramento County testing electric refuse trucks Californias Sacramento County will test two battery electric heavy duty refuse trucks to see how they compare with diesel and natural gas vehicles The county will demo the TransPower ElecTrucks at no cost for two years 32 HDT JULY 2015 www truckinginfo com