You now have trucks that are capable of much more than they were ever used to being capable of on their own. Trucks aren't driverless and likely won't be for a while, so there is always a driver to do all of those little things that an automated vehicle cannot do on its own. When it comes to inspections, vehicles will still need to be inspected even with the automated things in place for all those things that aren't automated.

Key Takeaways:

• Because its an emerging issue, how to deal with the advent of autonomous trucks, remains problematic. For example, legislation may have not even been thought of yet for certain circumstances.
• What the protocol for dealing with a vehicle minus a driver is yet to be finalized.
• An enhanced and more thorough pre-trip review may be one way to deal with the evolving possibility of driverless trucks.

“Asked for his thoughts on how CVSA and the overall enforcement community is viewing the advent of highly automated and eventually fully automated (aka autonomous or “driverless”) trucks, Schaefer told HDT Talks Trucking that “it’s a very fluid discussion. We established some recommendations for policy at the end of 2019. They're evolving. So, what we recommend might be a little different in the near future.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10133741/how-truck-automation-may-change-roadside-inspections

The California truck company known as Dependable Highway Express, is going for a more sustainable future as part of its core mission going forward. To that end, the company has taken big steps to improve its profile vis a vis climate and air quality measures. Part of this initiative has included taking on two new Volvo electric trucks. With the successful inclusion of the two vehicles into the DHS fleet, the company has signed an agreement to take on 10 more such vehicles in 2022. Meanwhile, the company's strong commitment to environmentally friendly energy and sustainability is continuing very much on point. To wit, the company has added Class 8 trucks, batter-electric yard trucks and charging equipment to their infrastructure. The charging equipment services fleet needs and company employee vehicle needs as well. Solar panels and energy storing options have also been added to the company's receiving facility. Much of this lauded move to sustainability falls under the management of the Volvo Lights project. This is a tandem project instituted between Volvo Truck and South Coast Air Management Quality District, as well as a host of like-minded organizations. The goal has been to introduce these electric trucks into the market at scale.

Key Takeaways:

• Dependable Highway Express has been turning to sustainability efforts as they've been trying out two new Volvo electric trucks since last September.
• The South Californian carrier has plans to purchase ten more Volvo trucks by 2022.
• A statement from Volvo claims that their partnership with DHE has been pivotal to the success of the Volvo LIGHTS project.

“Through the Volvo LIGHTS project, DHE introduced Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 trucks, battery-electric yard trucks and forklifts, charging infrastructure for fleet vehicles and employees’ personal vehicles, as well as solar panels and onsite energy storage at its shipping and receiving facility in Ontario, California.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10134739/southern-california-fleet-turns-to-volvo-to-electrify-its-fleet-operations

Kenworth is now offering their W990 with an optional Kenworth AG130 front air suspension which will bring this heavy weight titan into a new class capable of supporting 13,200 pounds. The new suspension is special proprietary technology that will allow for faster repairs and a more comfortable drive. This new suspension is available on the T680 and T880 models as well. This is a welcomed move forward for the Classic truck and Kenworth customers should be quite pleased.

Key Takeaways:

• As of mid-month January of 2021, the Kenworth Company has optimized its W990 with availability of the AG130 front air suspension option, rated at 13,200 pounds.
• The W990 is the Kenworth bread and butter vehicle, it's most classic truck design. The model features 131.5 inches from bumper to back of cab.
• Besides gracing the iconic W990 model, the new front air suspension option will also be available in the Kenworth T680 and the Kenworth T880 units.

“Kenworth said in a news release that its proprietary AG130 front air suspension uses an innovative design and high-performance components to provide serviceability while reducing the total cost of maintenance and ownership.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10134822/kenworth-adds-ag130-front-air-suspension-option-for-w990-model-trucks

Colorado's famed Pike's Peak, which was named for a military explorer in 1908, is a grueling piece of natural architecture which has been a proving ground for even the staunchest of motor vehicles. With the advent of the emerging automotive industry arrived a need to best one another in proving the to have the best vehicle endurance. A trek up Pike's Peak was the approved venue for such quests to prove vehicle endurance and capability. The long and winding path includes more than a hundred turns. Because of the length, drivers often must expect differences, sometimes amounting to extremes, in weather change, as they mount to greater elevations. This natural test-ground for automotive worth has stood the test of time as the gold standard of how strong a vehicle can claim to be. Of late, two new trucks have endured the challenge to prove that sustainable and zero-emission vehicles are just as capable of rugged terrain as the next truck. The Paccar Company threw its hat into the ring with its Kenworth truck, likewise Peterbilt has put forth its own sustainable model. Both vehicles are victoriously claiming that their sustainable model is the first of its type to make it to the apex of the peak.

Key Takeaways:

• An army explorer by the name of Zebulon Pike founded the highest peak in the south part of the Rocky Mountains.
• Originally Zebulon named it Zebulon's Mountain but everyone call's it Pike's Peak because it's simple.
• To get to the top drivers must make 156 tough turns and drive through tough weather conditions many times even when it starts out sunny.

“A carriage road to the summit of the mountain was the perfect place for manufacturers and drivers alike to showcase their technology, durability and skills on a tough, 12-mile course that begins at 9,390 feet elevation and finishes at 14,115 feet.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10134825/electric-trucks-and-hydrogen-fuel-cells-conquer-pikes-peak

Paccar Parts is anticipating the global launch of electric vehicles by revealing new charging stations. They are releasing multiple fast chargers that are rated up to 920V DC. Chris Scheel says that they offer a range of products that range from 20 KW to 350 KW. They anticipate that their chargers will get a truck up to full battery in around four hours. They are compact is size which is nice for the urban market.

Key Takeaways:

• Early in 2021 Paccar Parts has proudly lifted the veil on a stunning institution, the creation of new electrical charging stations.
• This successful launch on the part of Paccar Parts is meant to synch with the global launch of electrical vehicles world-wide.
• The station is designed to work with an array of vehicle types and brands, including Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF electric.

“The 20 kW charger option is a UL-certified DC Wallbox and the perfect charger for commercial parking and fleet or dealership service facilities. The low power DC charger is easy to install and ideal for vehicles with extended dwell times.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10134398/paccar-parts-introduces-new-vehicle-charging-stations-for-all-electric-vehicles

The Santa Monica Seafood Company is a high profile distributer, as it is the largest specialty seafood distributer of fresh and frozen seafood in the U.S. Southwestern region. The company has earned it valid and well-regarded reputation in the industry by making timely deliveries a core commitment. The trucks are also regulated to deliver the contents at the right temperature. Across the region in which it operates the company has about 80 trucks. of which almost 90% are medium duty and of a class 3-8 box style vehicle. The eclectic fleet has an array of models, including Peterbilt, Kenworth and Freightliner models. The 10% of the fleet that is not allocated as medium duty are heavy duty vehicles, including 53 foot tractor-trailer models. A typical service stop includes about 10 cases. Generally routes are considered dense, that is consisting of more than a dozen stops to finish the route. Destinations include hospitals, groceries, military bases and even theme parks. Going forward, a big concern for the company, instituted in 1939 is acquiring up-to-date and relevant technology for its mostly medium-duty trucks, as its been historically the precedent to offer the most cutting edge advantages to the heavier truck models first.

Key Takeaways:

• At the top of the heap size-wise, as regards fresh seafood distribution, is Santa Monica Seafood Company, at least so far as the Southwest region is concerned.
• The landlocked Southwest loves its seafood, and SMS delivers the goods in a timely manner, packed at the proper cold temperatures.
• The SMS food delivery fleet consists of about 80 medium-duty sized trucks and class 3-6 box style vehicles.

“Most trucks drive dense delivery routes (15-35 stops per route) for foodservice customers — restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, hospitals, event venues, casinos, country clubs, military bases, and theme parks (e.g., Disneyland).”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10133346/santa-monica-seafood-delivers

Electric Last Mile Solutions is a new electric van start up that wants to shake up the industry to be more sustainable. Their new van is set to be released by the third quarter of 2021. It's set to be made for rural deliveries where the van only has to rely on it's 150 mile range. The van will be able to charge completely in two hours and should make last stop trips truly sustainable.

Key Takeaways:

• Electric Last Mile Solutions is a new startup that focuses on electric delivery vehicles.
• ELMS is building vans that are made for the final step in delivery for urban markets.
• ELMS plans to have their first product released in the third quarter of 2021 with the goal of the van being able to charge in two hours.

“With the launch the company is also ensuring that it is developing a product aimed at giving fleets a low total cost of ownership (TCO), an essential component to what every fleet manager looks for in vehicles it acquires.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10133556/electric-last-mile-solutions-is-bringing-electrification-to-e-commerce-delivery

Self-driven vehicles are in our future, and we’ve seen the technology improving in the recent years. Yet, when we envision the driverless cars, few of us actually thinks of trucks without drivers. While autonomous truck prototypes are already presented to the general public, we can imagine and take this step further imagining a truck that is completely automated. Such truck would not have a cab, infotainment or stereo systems. Drive data would be transmitted remotely to a control center, where all monitoring would be done.

Key Takeaways:

• Although the idea of a driverless truck has been on the radar for a while, a true design for one is non-existent. Currently, there are only models that include some experimental autonomous controls.
• Such a vehicle would be very stripped down, as human needs would be a non-issue. Gone would be anything having to do with human comfort. or entertainment. No cup holders.
• What would probably remain would be the electronic capability and the temperature parameters to accommodate the product being hauled.

“In addition, the truck cab has to be arranged in a way to serve as a home away from home for long-haul drivers. All of that stuff – and all of that space and weight and materials – would suddenly be superfluous for an autonomous truck designer.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10133617/imagining-a-completely-driverless-truck