http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:01:36 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Well, we have a highway bill proposal. The House of Representative’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is set to mark up a bill, said to be $260 billion over five years, today. But, like anything in Washington, the bill has little chance of passing. And once again, it will be ... http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/2012/02/02/memo-to-boehner-keep-keystone-pipeline-out-of-the-highway-bill/ It’s time to skip the highway and hit the city streets. OK, maybe it’s not that simple. But according to research from the University of Buffalo, driving along surface streets rather than along highways could potentially reduce carbon monoxide emissions. The research, led by UB researchers Adel Sadek and Liya ... http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/2012/01/06/finding-the-greenest-route-possible/ One of the concerns about electric vehicles is the range. That is certainly true of the most popular commercial vehicle to date – the Newton, from Smith Electric Vehicles, which has an effective range of 100 mi. on a single charge. But what if range was not part of equation? Certainly ... http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/2012/01/04/taking-electric-vehicle-range-limitations-out-of-the-equation/ Emerald Technology Partners is preparing to test a new refrigeration system that it says will eliminate the use of fossil fuels and still maintain a cool operating environment for refrigerated loads. The Wedway Refrigeration Power System does this through kinetic energy. For all of us who remember learning about kinetic energy ... http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/2011/12/28/reefer-ditches-diesel-in-favor-of-kinetic-energy/ After 65 years in the employ of Meritor, Loraine Simler is calling it quits. The long-time employee, who achieved a number of firsts in the company history, has decided that at age 83, it’s time retire. “I’ve enjoyed my time here,” she said. “I consider everyone here part of my family.” Spending ... http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/2011/12/19/after-65-years-meritors-first-female-manager-retires/ During a press event announcing that Smith Electric Vehicles will be building a manufacturing plant in the South Bronx to produce the all-electric Newton, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also made plenty of alternative-powered supporters smile with another announced. New York State will make $10 million available next year as part ... http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/2011/11/16/ny-offering-big-incentive-to-go-electric/ Estes Express Lines has gotten involved with two organizations – Give2TheTroops and Wreaths Across America – as part of its Encourage the Living, Honor the Fallen initiative to support the U.S. military and the men and women who protect this country and way of life. Give2TheTroops is designed to encourage the ... http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/2011/11/11/estes-honors-our-veterans/ The U.S. Tolling Coalition has called on Congress to give states more flexibility to install tolls on Interstate highways as a way to raise revenues for highway improvement projects. Now it’s not surprising the U.S. Tolling Coalition is in favor of making it easier to install tolls, after all, the organization ... http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/2011/11/04/tolls-dont-address-our-long-term-infrastructure-needs/ One of the great advantages of the Volvo I-Shift automated mechanical transmission is its ease of use. Many drivers entering the driver workforce these days no longer have the experience operating a standard transmission vehicle. As a result, more and more fleets are finding they either have to spend valuable time ... http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/2011/10/25/for-a-first-drive-a-lasting-impression/ A company called Puratos operates a rather specialized trailer in its operations. The trailer is so specialized, in fact, that it was awarded a “Silver Certificate” for “Best Vehicle Design” in the 18-wheeler category at the Ex Awards, which recognize live event marketing campaigns. The Ex Awards are put on ... http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/2011/10/05/unique-trailer-brings-food-tasting-to-your-local-store/