Truck Topics

Another year, Another MATS!

The 32nd annual Mid-America Trucking Show is now history, and it was another great show. 

The enthusiasm of this year's event was, of course, tempered by the knowledge that coalition military personnel were going into harm's way with the kick off of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The conflict in the Middle East was a frequent topic of discussion, as was the economic outlook for the rest of 2003 and it's bearing on expediting and trucking.

Over 1,000 exhibitors spotlighted their goods and services in the three wings of the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center.  Show Management even opened the Pavilion just off the West Wing to accommodate the need for additional exhibit space, resulting in an exhibit floor space of over 1,000,000 square feet.

The West Wing is the traditional exhibit area for the expediting companies with all of the major carriers being represented, including some carriers displaying at MATS for the first time.  According to reports from the carriers, it was a successful show as measured by the number of prospective expediters seeking information about this business.

For the staff of Expediters Online.com, the 2003 MATS gave us an opportunity to meet many new people at our booth in the South Wing, where we were partnered with our friends at Freightliner of Knoxville.  Many of our long-time expediting friends dropped by as well, and we had a great time renewing those relationships.  It was interesting as well to put faces with names when meeting some of the fine folks who post on our site's Open Forums.

A special mention and heartfelt Thank You! has to go to Terry and Rene O'Connell for their dedication, hard work and long hours in manning the booth!  This was the couple's second year with us at the Mid-America Trucking Show and working with them is always a pleasurable experience!

Terry and Rene have been expediting owner/operators since the late '80's, and they shared their wealth of knowledge about expediting with our booth's visitors in a friendly, yet professional manner. 

As an example, the two spent well over an hour with a soon-to-retire couple that had questions about the expediting business.  The couple was so impressed with the help and guidance that Terry and Rene provided that they later returned to thank the O'Connells for all of their assistance.

Thanks again to the O'Connells for their hard work, friendship and support during the show and throughout the year. We couldn't do it without you!

The display

Expediters Online.com had a great looking backdrop for our modest display - a 2003 Sterling Acterra "American Expediter" straight truck that received its fair share of attention over the three days of the show.

Powered by a 280 HP Mercedes-Benz engine hooked to a 6-speed Fuller transmission, the truck featured an 84" Bentz double bunk sleeper with fridge, sink and a host of other options and goodies.  Its white paint scheme was highlighted by the patriotic-styled striping and was further detailed with lots of chrome.

The head of Expediters Online.com, CEO Lawrence McCord, says, "This was our fourth year at MATS, and it was a great to meet the many visitors who visit Expediters Online.com regularly.  I noticed that because of the seemingly smaller crowds this year, it gave us more time to visit with the folks we might only get to see once a year or so."

Truck beauty

What would a trucking show be without the prerequisite truck beauty show?  Stars & Stripes Truck Beauty Events presented the 3rd Annual Paul K.Young Memorial Truck Show at this year's MATS, but the number of entrants in the "Expedite Truck" category was disappointingly small.

And the winners were:

1st - Morgan Morris - 2000 White KW W900L

2nd - Ron Miles Truck & Trailer Repair/Ron Miles, Sr. - 2001 White Pete 330

3rd - Richard Harlow - 1999 White Pete 330

Morgan Morris and Richard Harlow richly deserved their awards, however, with their fine looking straight trucks.  Both Morgan and Richard are past winners of the Expediter Pride Truck Beauty Show held at the Expedite Expo and are true competitors.

The XM Satellite Radio Giveaway

This contest, sponsored by Freightliner of Knoxville and Expediters Online.com, featured a drawing at the close of each show day, with a lucky registrant winning an XM SkyFi Satellite Radio with one year's free service. 

And the winners are:

Walt Wheeler - Morganton, NC
Landstar Express America

Roger Sanders - Hammond, IN
Panther II Transportation

Ron Perry - Roscoe, IL
FedEx Custom Critical

Congratulations to all of the lucky winners!

This year's MATS was a great show all right, but there's another show headed your way, and this one's just for the expediters!  Expedite Expo will happen on August 13-14 at the Detroiter Truck Stop in Woodhaven, MI.  It's just around six months away, so mark your calendars and we'll see you at the Expo!

Other items of interest from the 2003 Mid-America Trucking Show

Freightliner unveils new models

Freightliner Trucks announced a 112-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab version of its Columbia heavy-duty truck and tractor.
 
The company says that the new model's shorter length offers better maneuverability, visibility, payload and ease of operation for regional and bulk operations, LTL, distribution and inner city delivery applications.

The unit's set-back front axle and up to 50-degree wheel cut offer improved maneuverability. A wide, two-piece windshield and sloped hood reduce air drag and improve visibility. A 12,000-pound leaf and a half front suspension is standard; Freightliner's AirLiner Rear suspension is optional. Ratings up to 52,000 pounds are available.

The Columbia 112 is powered by the Mercedes-Benz MBE4000 or Caterpillar engines, with horsepower ratings to 470. Eaton-Fuller, Meritor and Allison transmissions are available. The Columbia 112 comes in a day cab or choice of sleeper cab options and is covered by a one-year, 100,000-mile warranty; a three-year, 300,000-mile warranty covers drive train components, cab structure and sheet metal.

Freightliner also introduced two new models to its Class 5-8 Business Class M2 truck line - the M2 112 and M2 100. The M2 112 features a 112-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab measurement and is available in gross weight ratings to 66,000 pounds. It comes with a range of cab, chassis and component options, including a factory-installed crew cab and extended cab.

Available as a truck or tractor, the M2 112 offers front axles rated from 12,000 pounds to 20,000 pounds and rear axles up to 46,000 pounds. Freightliner rear AirLiner suspensions and heavy-duty TufTrac suspensions with ratings of 40,000 pounds and 46,000 pounds are offered as options.

Standard power is the Mercedes-Benz MBE4000 engine with horsepower ratings to 450. Caterpillar engines are offered as options. Eaton-Fuller Auto Shift and Eaton-Fuller manual 10- or 13-speed transmissions, along with Allison HD series transmissions, are also available.

The M2 112 features a lower step-in height and wider cab doors for easier entry and exit. A sloped hood, lowered dash and 2,500-square-inch windshield maximize visibility.

Volvo sponsoring NASCAR teams

Volvo Trucks has become the official heavy-duty truck for two of the biggest names in NASCAR: Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Roush Racing
 
The sponsorships include the placement of Volvo Trucks logos on tractors and transporter trailers, show cars and at driver appearances and public events. New Volvo VN780s will pull the teams' transporters.

The pairing is a good fit, said Susan Alt, vice president of marketing. "Our trucks are designed with the latest technology, innovation and advancements in safety, just like the cars of the DEI and Roush teams."

Volvo spotlighted new technology at the show with its VN780 Tech Truck. Its features include a seat massage, video conferencing and adjustable foot pedals.

Cat unveils ACERT engines

Completing its most expensive product launch in history, Caterpillar officially launched its long-awaited ACERT engines at the Mid-America Trucking Show

The company claims the technology not only meets clean air standards but also gives the engine significant advantages over the other emission-friendly highway truck engines on the market.

Cat's ACERT engines will be available across Cat's product line by the end of the year,

ACERT meets EPA standards and offers reliability, durability, power comparable to pre-October 2002 emissions standard engines and fuel economy, which leads the industry "by a significant margin."

Cat's heavy-duty ACERT (Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology) engines feature a double turbo system, which Cat has already used in some mining trucks and marine applications, and an air management system designed for maximum fuel combustion efficiency in the cylinders. It also employees an exhaust treatment system already in use on other Cat engines.

The company also said ACERT-equipped engines will achieve fuel economy comparable to the company's 2001 engines.

Cat will build five ACERT engines: the C7, for mid-range use; the C9 and C11, for vocational operations; and the C13 and C15, for heavy-duty trucks. The C7 and C9 have already received Environmental Protection Agency approval, and the other engine will before the end of the year, the company said.

The exhaust system on ACERT engines features a tailored after treatment, which changes particulate matter into carbon dioxide or water.

Eaton launches two-pedal heavy-duty transmission

The UltraShift 10-speed allows drivers to use the transmission in full automatic mode or with manual intervention, depending on conditions and driver preference.
 
Eaton introduced a fully automated, two-pedal heavy-duty truck transmission called the Eaton Fuller UltraShift 10-speed at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

The UltraShift 10-speed is based on the Eaton Fuller 10-speed "B" ratio transmission and is offered in four torque capacities from 1,050 lb-ft to 1,650 lb-ft. The UltraShift 10-speed is currently available in limited quantities. Eaton will produce 1,000 during the next 12 months. Full production begins in the spring of 2004.

Key features of the UltraShift 10-speed:

An automatic start with no clutch pedal that reduces drive train abuse. Automatic shifting that lets drivers to keep both of their hands on the steering wheel. Computer-controlled shifts, made at ideal engine speeds for improved efficiency and performance. Skip-shifting provided as operating and load conditions allow, for optimum performance and fuel efficiency. A patented automated mechanical Eaton Fuller DM AutoClutch that uses a time-tested 151¼2-inch, two-plate design with industry-standard ceramic facing material. A high-capacity inertia brake that speeds automated up-shifts, and serves as a clutch brake. Clutchless float shifting between gears, eliminating hundreds of clutch actuations per day and providing extended clutch life.

The UltraShift 10-speed allows drivers to use the transmission in full automatic mode or with manual intervention, depending on conditions and driver preference. A manual mode holds the current gear and allows driver-selected upshifts or downshifts.

The low mode feature can be used in any gear to prevent the transmission from upshifting, and initiates downshifts to optimize engine braking performance. Low mode can also be used to select first gear at a standstill, and will hold in low until drive mode is selected.

Eaton also renamed its medium-duty, two-pedal automated transmission, the Eaton Fuller UltraShift 6-speed and announced that it will be in full production after Oct. 1.

Trucker wins rig from DaimlerChrysler

Oral Perry of Pittsburgh, Ill., won a 2000 Freightliner Classic XL
 
An Illinois trucker received the keys to a 2000 Freightliner Classic XL Friday as the winner of the Great Big Rig Sweepstakes sponsored by DaimlerChrysler Services.

Oral Perry of Pittsburgh, Ill., won the truck as part of a promotion of DaimlerChrysler Services Truck Finance. He received the keys at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY.

The sweepstakes was kicked off at last year's show to promote DCS remarketing center dealerships. Throughout the year, the truck was taken on tour throughout the United States to dealer locations, open houses, trade shows and industry events.

More than 6,000 people entered the contest. Six winners were selected. The five runners-up will receive Freightliner leather varsity jackets. Perry will drive home the truck.

In addition to DCS, sponsors of the sweepstakes include: Trucking 2000, Trucker's Connection, DaimlerChrysler Services Commercial Vehicles, XM Satellite Radio and others.

Perry, a driver for more than 25 years, is an owner-operator leased to Landstar Systems. Perry and his wife, Sherry, have three children and six grandchildren.
 
New features on Dave Nemo Radio Network

Overdrive Trucking News and the Overdrive Top Ten Countdown are now featured on the Dave Nemo Radio Network coast to coast.

Overdrive Trucking News airs daily at 4:30 am CST.  OTN is a 41/2 minute, daily program covering the latest national trucking new, including legislative issues, news analysis, technology, labor issues, regulatory reports and human interest stories.  The show is developed by the editors of Overdrive magazine.

The Overdrive Top Ten Countdown, the only syndicated radio program targeting truckers for 15 years, airs on Sundays at 5 am CST.  Hosted by Grammy-Award winner Bill Mack, the countdown features top country hits, classic favorites and the latest news from Nashville, TN, including celebrity interviews.

The Dave Nemo show includes call-ins from truckers across the country as well as several features of interest to truckers and expediters including the Expediter News Break; a 3 1/2 minute program dedicated to news and information about the emergency freight business.  Produced by Expediters Online.com, the program airs on Monday and Thursday and Saturday mornings at 4:30 am CST.

The following stations carry the Dave Nemo Radio Network:
WWL 870 AM, New Orleans
KTNN 660 AM, Window Rock, AZ
KXEL 1540 AM, Waterloo, IA

Nemo's show can also be heard on XM Satellite Radio's Open Road, channel 171.

Teleflex introduces new generation APU

Teleflex has released a new, streamlined edition of its Proheat auxiliary power unit as an alternative to idling.

The Proheat Gen4 has tapered corners to fit under current fairings.  Two removable panels allow for easy access to service components, and larger-capacity air and fuel filters extend service intervals to 600 hours.  The oil change interval has been increased to 400 hours, more comparable to the interval of the truck engine itself.

Teleflex has reduced the noise level of the APU by five decibels and included an illuminated touch pad control panel for controlling the sleeper environment.  Waterproof electrical connections and a 3-inch diameter hole in the sleeper floor (as compared to larger holes in the past) prevent dirt and water from damaging the unit or sleeper.

The Proheat Gen4 costs about $6,500 and, with current fuel prices, could pay for itself within 18 months to two years, the company said. 

Trucker Buddy honors Drivers of the Month

Trucker Buddy International recognized its 2002 Drivers of the Month on Friday during the show, presenting awards to those who were present.

The group's officers had considered choosing a Driver of the Year, then decided against it, said Ellen Voie, executive director of Trucker Buddy.  "We didn't want to have to choose one over the rest," Voie said.

There were only nine Drivers of the Month because the program, sponsored by TMI, began in April.

The nine Drivers of the Month:

Tom and Sandy Peters - Oswego, IL
Ronald Braden - Lancaster, OH
Michael DeCorsey - Little Falls, MN
John Conway - DeForest, WI
William and Robyn - Meriden, CT
Larry Huguenard -  Hollywood, SC
Charles Ramo - Little Rock, AR
Peter and Betty Born - Dunnville, ON
Andrea Watson - Lubbock, TX

New Trucker Buddy officers are Don Nehring of FedEx Ground, chairman, Greg Shipman of Delphi, vice chairman; Randy Schwartzenburg of Randall Publishing Co, treasurer; and Joan Kasicki of OOIDA, secretary.

A.S.A.P. Express expands services

The Romulus, MI-based expedited carrier announced expanded services.  A.S.A.P. Express will now provide cartage, charter/commercial air, and warehousing services to customers.  The company has also added tractor-trailers in its fleet of cargo vans and straight trucks.

Sprinter now has Dodge nameplate

Daimler Chrysler is now selling its popular European commercial van, the Sprinter, under the Dodge brand.  The Sprinter, which is also being marketed under Freightliner, is part of a strategy to expand Dodge's commercial vehicle portfolio while adding incremental sales across all brands.