Trucks and Truckers

March 1st, 2008

Trucking by Association

You’ve heard the names, but exactly what do these trucking-related organizations do?

You’ve heard the names, but exactly what do these trucking-related organizations do?
ATA: American Trucking Associations
Who are they?: The largest trucking association in the country, ATA lobbies federal, state and local governments on legislative and regulatory issues that affect the trucking industry. ATA also works to enhance the image of the industry, educate the public and promote…

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January 1st, 2008

Driving with Dave: Safety Is a Snap

So why do some drivers refuse to buckle up?

By David A. Kolman, Senior Editor

I consider myself a professional trucker, and I take great pride in it. As such, I strive to perform my duties and responsibilities conscientiously. That’s why I always wear a seat belt. Seat belt laws and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are not my motivation. I buckle up because there is no question that seat belts save lives and prevent…

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January 1st, 2008

Everything Has Changed – Almost

Freightliner’s Cascadia combines the best of the old with impressive new tricks

By Paul Hartley

Amid the flash of a pyrotechnic display and rhythmic thump of some bass-heavy, amped-up rock ‘n’ roll, Freightliner introduced its Cascadia on-highway truck last May to an audience inside a darkened, cavernous sports arena in Charlotte, N.C. The event’s theme: “Everything…Has Changed.” The claim of that grammatically dubious tag line was almost accurate. The vehicle, intended to replace the Century…

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January 1st, 2008

2010: A Look Ahead

The engines of the future must meet increasingly stringent environmental standards

By Paul Abelson

The EPA 2007 engines are barely on the road, and attention is quickly turning to the next round of emissions regulations: 2010. Early 2007 test engines seemed to operate quite well. However, the extra heat rejected through the radiator and into the under-hood spaces was tough on accessories and components. Fleets involved in development reported at the Fall Technology and…

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January 1st, 2008

Blazing Trails

The future of fuel economy may lie in trailer aerodynamics

By Paul Abelson

The price of diesel may have a new floor: $3 a gallon. That’s spending 50 cents or more a mile just for fuel. Something has to be done to improve fuel mileage — but what? Engine efficiency is holding or improving slightly despite all the new hardware needed to meet emissions regulations. Tractors have become more aerodynamic, helping bring us…

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