KENWORTH T880 NAMED 2015 COMMERCIAL TRUCK OF THE YEAR BY THE AMERICAN TRUCK DEALERS
The Kenworth T880 adds to Kenworth’s heritage of quality, innovation, and technology, producing industry-leading, rugged, and reliable vocational trucks. The T880 is available in day-cab, 52-inch regional sleeper, and 76-inch mid-roof sleeper configurations. The T880 is designed for vocational customers who require a durable, reliable, and productive truck for demanding dump, mixer, heavy haul, oilfield, logging, and refuse applications. With T880, customers can expect longer service intervals, increased uptime, lower operating costs, and high resale value. The T880’s PACCAR MX-13 provides a lightweight, fuel-efficient engine for vocational applications, including dumps and heavy haul applications over 100,000 pounds. T880 is not only powerful, it provides superior driver comfort.
www.kenworth.com
EZ STAK LAUNCHES NEW, RESPONSIVE WEBSITE
EZ STAK LLC announces the launch of its new, responsive website. The site displays on mobile phones and tablets, as well as laptop and desktop computers. The website showcases EZ STAK’s modular work truck interiors, which create organized, efficient, and secure mobile work environments for service bodies, walk-in vans, and van bodies. EZ STAK has an array of products, including service body drawer systems, cabinets, lockers, workbenches, bins, and shelving units. EZ STAK’s fleet vehicle upfitting products are used extensively by municipalities, as well as large corporations in the utility, telecom, cable, oil and gas, and construction industries.
www.ezstak.com
2015’s SECOND QUARTER SHOWS HEAVY DECREASE IN FLEET FAILURES
Trucking failures fell by nearly 90 percent in 2015’s second quarter compared with last year. According to Donald Broughton, an Avondale Partners analyst, fleets that failed pulled 995 trucks off the road between April and June. There are several contributing factors, one of which is the six-year low in fuel prices, which allowed fleets to bill customers for fuel surcharges that are higher than the price actually paid later for diesel. Increased driver pay in response to the driver shortage and increased demand had a positive effect, as well. As carriers boost pay, often twice in one year, they can attract enough drivers for trucks that otherwise would have been unseated. Future period failures are uncertain due to the unclear effects of regulatory changes, such as electronic logging devices, which could curtail capacity.
THIRD QUARTER SEES TEN COMPANIES ADDED TO THE MVP LIST
The Association for the Work Truck Industry recognizes 10 organizations that distinguished themselves as Member Verification Program (MVP) companies. During its 10-year existence, MVP has recognized hundreds of companies for successfully implementing specific business standards and processes, while complying with applicable government regulations. Suppliers and upfitters with MVP status are identifiable to fleet managers and truck dealers as having achieved a higher commitment to excellence. The newest MVP companies are: American Eagle Accessories Group (Garner, IA), American Equipment & Trailer Inc. (Lubbock, TX), Aspen Equipment Co. (Omaha, NE), Casper’s Truck Equipment (Appleton, WI), Lee Transport Equipment Inc. (Columbia, SC), Leggett & Platt CVP (Taylor, MI), Leggett & Platt CVP (Wentzville, MO), Power-Packer (Menomonee Falls, WI), Vac-Con (Green Cove Springs, FL), and Whiting Door Mfg. Corp. (Akron, NY).
www.ntea.com/mvp
NTEA TRUCK PRODUCT CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Back in Sept, Dearborn, MI, hosted the NTEA Truck Product Conference, where vocational truck professionals learned about the latest specs and designs, viewed and measured the latest offerings from 13 truck manufacturers, and asked OEM representatives technical questions. Day one of the conference saw International Truck, Hino Trucks, Toyota, Western Star, and Ram Commercial; the second day hosted Kenworth, Isuzu, Peterbilt, and Chevrolet Commercial Vehicles; and the third day saw Mitsubishi Fuso, Freightliner Trucks, and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. Highlights of the Truck Product Conference include: International Truck’s new electronics capabilities, expanded applications, and key truck models; up-to-date technical content from Hino Trucks; technical information on chassis specifications from Ram Commercial; Kenworth’s new medium- and heavy-duty products; technical information from Isuzu regarding chassis specifications and design; Peterbilt’s model lineup and information on chassis specifications; Chevrolet’s new 2016 LCF medium-duty truck; and Freightliner’s presentation of available options and features.
RANGER DESIGN LAUNCHES NEW 2016 MERCEDES METRIS PRODUCT LINE
Ranger Design Inc.’s new 2016 Mercedes Metris cargo van product line is now available. The new line of van storage equipment and accessories for the Metris is available in steel or lightweight aluminum and Max View composite safety partitions are also available. Other new products include: van shelving, ladder racks, and accessories. Complete Metris upfit packages are also available for the following trades: contractor, service, locksmith, electrician, telecom, HVAC, plumbing, and delivery. The new line’s rattle free design reduces noise and fatigue. This new product launch underscores Ranger Design’s commitment to providing products that offer the highest degree of quality and safety. All products are backed by an industry leading warranty and an outstanding customer service department.
www.rangerdesign.com
MORGAN OLSON’S “ROUTE STAR” CATERS TO THE DELIVERY INDUSTRY
Morgan Olson—North America’s leading producer of walk-in vans and dry freight delivery vehicle bodies—provides delivery vehicles for successful, industry-leading companies. The Morgan Olson “Route Star” walk-in van provides a safer and more efficient delivery solution for a variety of industries. Best known and most recognizable for the thousands of package delivery vehicles seen delivering goods every day, the Morgan Olson walk-in van serves additional industries, including baking and snack food services, textile rentals, newspaper delivery, and beverage delivery. It also fits a variety of telecom and utility truck needs. Morgan Olson walk-in vans have become the backbone for small businesses, too. From Fortune 500 companies to smaller service-connected businesses, from plumbers, electricians, and office supply delivery to the recent growth in the food truck industry. The Morgan Olson “Route Star” walk-in van is the American icon delivery and service work truck.
SHELL ANNOUNCES NEW LINE OF ROTELLA FILTERS FOR DIESEL ENGINES
Shell announces a new line of ROTELLA® oil filters, designed to help reduce engine wear and promote longer oil life. The new line of six oil filters, which works with both conventional and synthetic oil, is designed to fit almost every diesel pickup on the road today. Shell ROTELLA filters are designed to capture dirt and contaminants, while meeting the capacity requirements of a diesel engine. “For years, Shell ROTELLA® heavy-duty engine oils have delivered excellent protection and performance, so it seems only fitting that we introduce an oil filter that works as hard as the individuals who use it—and from a brand they can trust,” says Chris Guerrero, global brand manager, Shell ROTELLA.
www.rotella.com/filters 
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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS
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