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Alternative Fuel

Industry Update - April 26, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> As we have seen time and time again, it is the trucking industry that comes to the rescue during many emergencies across the US. Few events show this heroism more than the events that took place after April 25, 2014. This was the date where Flint, MI, residents learned the dangers of their tap water. Filled with E. coli, lead and other contaminants, residents were forced to be without water. Truckers stepped up by brining in bottled water for the people of Flint so they could have life’s most basic necessity. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> Load Securement: Time consuming, potentially dangerous depending on the load, difficult but absolutely necessary. It is one of those things that seems so common place that we shouldn’t be talking about it, yet it is odd how many trucks I see where it is painfully obvious the driver hasn’t secured their load. Take an extra couple of minutes to ensure your load is tied down and secured properly. A potential danger to yourself and others is not worth it, not even mentioning the large fine that can find its way to you at a weigh station or by highway patrol. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Research</u></strong></h3> The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is looking for carriers for a research project. The research project wants to <a href="https://truckingresearch.org/2019/04/24/atri-seeks-for-hire-motor-carrier-operational-cost-data-3/">learn about the operational costs</a> of the trucking industry. This means they want access to fuel costs, insurance premiums, driver pay, vehicle costs and more. They are not just looking for information from big fleets, <a href="https://truckingresearch.org/2019/04/24/operational-costs-of-trucking-survey-2/">they want to hear</a> from owner-operators too. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Alternative Fuel</u></strong></h3> Last week, Nikola made headlines with the demonstration of their new hydrogen powered vehicle. <a href="https://www.mhlnews.com/transportation-distribution/zero-emission-trucking-moves-forward">This week</a>, Kenworth and Toyota made headlines with the revelation of their joint ventured project. Working with CARB (California Air Resource Board),Toyota and Kenworth are set to launch 10 hydrogen fuel celled vehicles that will operate in the southern California area sometime between October and December of this year. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Trucking and Fishing</u></strong></h3> All over the US, ponds, lakes, reservoirs and even some rivers are stocked with fish multiple times per year. There is only one way to get fish from the hatchery to their final destination and that is by truck. Little is made about the effort and care that is put in to keep the fish safe and healthy on their journey and even less thought is put in by the general public. The Mail Tribune out of Medford, OR, has created a three-part video to talk about this process. The link provided <a href="https://mailtribune.com/oregon-outdoors/oregon-outdoors-video-trout-trucking-pt-3">here</a> is to part three as it is the only page with direct access to all the videos.

Apr 26, 2019 • Carriers

Industry Update - April 19, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> By volume, Isuzu is the largest commercial truck manufacturer in the US averaging around 450,000 per year. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> 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. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Human Trafficking</u></strong></h3> Truckers Against Trafficking <a href="https://www.kjct8.com/content/news/Trucking-industry-tackles-the-topic-of-human-trafficking-with--508771901.html">made a stop in Grand Junction, CO</a> 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. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Alternative Fuel</u></strong></h3> <a href="http://www.capradio.org/articles/2019/04/18/power-companies-want-to-build-charging-stations-along-california-freeways-to-move-the-trucking-industry-to-electric-vehicles/">Power companies in California</a> 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. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Technology</u></strong></h3> 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. <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/finance/news/nikola-motor-unveils-truckings-hydrogen-future/ar-BBW2aJr">Nikola held a conference</a> 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 <a href="https://www.trucknews.com/equipment/nikola-claims-us12-billion-in-hydrogen-truck-pre-orders/1003088541/">$12 billion</a> in orders have already been placed for their branded trucks.

Apr 19, 2019 • Carriers