Fleet Maintenance magazine’s Post

This year's Brake Safety Week placed 2,149 vehicles out of service for brake related issues, most prevalently for stand-alone violations and 20% defective brake criteria issues. To cut down on these violations, motor carriers need to make sure their drivers are well-versed on brake safety inspections, said Kerri Wirachowsky, director of inspection programs at Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. “Many times I have presented to drivers or taught industry courses, and they feel it is either not the responsibility of the driver to inspect the brakes or not possible for the driver to inspect the brakes,” she noted. “This is not a true statement with proper training." #truckingindustry #safety #brakesafetyweek

Nowadays, #remotediagnostics don't just deliver fault codes to technicians before a vehicle arrives. They can also identify potential problems and, with the proper diagnostic platform, help new technicians understand each fault's urgency and evaluate different repair processes. “Alongside fault data, remote diagnostics solutions also share convenient, accessible information about the code: what it means, how urgent it might be, and the likely parts and services necessary for repairs,” said Magnus Gustafson, Volvo Trucks North America VP of connected services. For other ways that remote diagnostics have evolved over the years, see below for an excerpt from our recent diagnostic supplement. #truckingindustry #vehiclerepair #technology

Driver turnover is no stranger in the trucking industry, and part of the reason for that turnover can be anxiety over running afoul of a lawsuit after an accident. But according to Bobbi Farrow, senior manager for the Insurance Channel at Netradyne, one way to reduce this fear is through AI-powered technology, specifically dash cams. "These cameras provide clear and unbiased evidence in the event of an accident," Farrow said. "They use advanced AI to analyze driving behavior in real time and assign safety scores based on factors such as speed, braking, and following distance. These metrics provide an objective measure of a driver's performance, offering a level of transparency that benefits all stakeholders by offering a definitive account of any issues that transpire along shipping routes." #truckingindustry #technology #safety

For independent shops, one of their strengths can be their flexibility. While dealerships might be limited to corporate policies that apply to all locations, indie shops can adapt to suit their own, and their technicians', needs. Evan Lang, owner of E.L.M. REPAIR & REFRIGERATION, INC., and Will Hendrickson, president of Black Stack Mechanical, discussed how this leverage this flexibility in work schedules, bonuses and compensation, and more in a webinar hosted by Fullbay. “We will let [our techs] pick their hours,” Lang explained. “Not daily, but if they have a life-changing event, then we can change it from, ‘Hey, I came in at six, now it's eight so I can get the kids on the bus.’” #truckingindustry #technician #hiring #independentrepair

When it comes to streamlining the diagnostics process, sometimes technicians can increase their efficiency not with a new scanner or piece of testing equipment, but by revamping their mental game. In this case, the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) of American Trucking Associations, Inc. has a suggestion in Recommended Practice 551: Root Cause Analysis. RP 551 includes two methodologies, the fishbone diagram and 5 Whys, both of which ask a technician to build out a list of possible causes to a problem and work backwards to find the root of those issues. But do these tactics actually work? We had Master Technician Dieselgirl Missy Albin try out both processes and then walk us through her experience in a piece from our latest print issue. #truckingindustry #diagnostics #technician

The new fifth generation of Daimler Truck North America's Freightliner Cascadia is set to begin production in 2025. Daimler's latest truck features new additions to the body, including a more aerodynamic hood and a hood-to-bumper seal; multiple powertrain options; increased safety technology, including Active Brake Assist 6 and Active Lane Assist 2; plus an intelligent braking control system that features "Comfort Braking." "It's softer and more accurate," said Samantha Parlier, director of marketing communications at DTNA, on the 'Comfort Braking" technology. "It keeps also the wheel-ends using the exact right amount of force, so the brake pad wear is going to be distributed, because one's not getting more air than the other." For a walkthrough on all of the Gen 5's features, see the below video from Fleet Maintenance and our sister publication FleetOwner. #truckingindustry #freightlinercascadia Josh Fisher John Hitch

Stellantis may be facing more upheaval as the company confirmed that CEO Carlos Tavares plans to retire at the end of his CEO term in 2026 and the International Union, UAW is threatening to strike against the auto manufacturer. Tavares himself was called out by the union in a statement and video discussing the potential strike.   “Carlos Tavares is out of control, and it’s once again up to UAW members to save this company from itself,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “But it’s clear that Stellantis is scared. They’re scared that our union will finally start fighting back to save our plants and save our jobs.”   This news comes after several rounds of factory worker layoffs throughout the summer, the release of Stellantis' latest financial expectations, and various top leadership changes. #truckingindustry #manufacturing

The American Transportation Research Institute has released its latest list of top fleet concerns, with the economy, truck parking, and lawsuit abuse reform ranking as most concerning, while fuel prices and driver retention dropped off the list entirely. Additionally, concern about battery-electric vehicles (BEV) also moved up in fleet concerns, especially regarding total cost of ownership and emergency responses to BEV collisions. As for what fleets can actually do about these concerns, there are some options include pushing to reform/repeal regulations that don't benefit the industry. For more information on ATRI's latest report, see below. #truckingindustry #economy John Hitch

While clean-up and recovery efforts begin in the Carolinas from Hurricane Helene, Noregon Systems, itself based in Grensboro, North Carolina, is stepping up to help. The company has begun a GoFund Me campaign, with Noregon President Darren Mangus matching the first $10,000 donated, and founder Bill Hathaway matching the total amount raised. See our video recap below for how you can help the victims of both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. #truckingindustry #hurricanehelene #disasterrelief

Diesel Laptops, based in Irmo, South Carolina, is helping with recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene in its sister state by offering 60 days of free diagnostic software to anyone involved in recovery efforts from the storm. See our video recap below for how you can help the victims of both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. #truckingindustry #hurricanehelene #disasterrelief