Industry Update - April 19, 2019

By Jeremy Feucht

Did you Know?

By volume, Isuzu is the largest commercial truck manufacturer in the US averaging around 450,000 per year.

Trucking tip of the Week

Its that time of year where fuel costs begin their yearly ascent. Fuel economy is always a concern and the biggest factor to your bottom line. 55mph is the efficient speed for your truck. While you probably drive fast in order to keep other drivers happy (and to keep ahead of your logs, get to your next load, or finish your current load),remember that you use 27% more fuel when driving at 75mph instead of 65mph.

Human Trafficking

Truckers Against Trafficking made a stop in Grand Junction, CO this week. Their mobile exhibit has been made to not only create awareness in local communities about what to look for in a human trafficking scenario, but to engage truckers to fight against trafficking as well. Truckers are seen as a key cog in stopping human trafficking as their travel takes them to many places and brings them in contact with more people and situations than the average American.

Alternative Fuel

Power companies in California are looking into pushing truckers towards electric vehicles. The plan is to conduct a study that would determine how practical adding charging stations from Seattle to San Diego along I-5. The idea is to reduce smog. The hope is that these stations can charge a big-rig battery in about 30 minutes for drivers looking to get on the road quicker and have options for a slower charger for drivers who are parked overnight. As of now, no electric vehicle has boasted the power potential yet to become a viable option for long haul truckers.

Technology

One alternative fuel that does claim to have enough power, is hydrogen. Hydrogen produces electricity and water vapor, making it ecofriendly. The bigger issue is how and where to fuel and the overall cost of the truck. Nikola held a conference to show off their new inventions this week in Scottsdale, AZ. With over 2000 viewers, Nikola announced they have solved the power issue of electric vehicles and are actively working on the issue with refueling. Refueling is believed to take about 20 minutes and the cost to refuel will be worked into the lease payment for the vehicle. The leases will be set for 1 million miles or 84 months whichever comes first. No details were released about the cost, but claim over $12 billion in orders have already been placed for their branded trucks.