What Drives Truck Specs? 

Bob Deierlein

Managing your business means managing your trucks, and that job begins with the right specs. The following advice can be applied to specifying (spec'ing)...

TECHNOLOGY: Packing a Diesel-Like Punch 

Bill Siuru

Like many waste management companies in California, Norcal Waste Systems, San Francisco, faces community pressure to reduce its truck emissions. Doing...

Alternative Fuels: The Race is On! 

By Bob Deierlein

Soaring gas prices and emissions regulations have industry groups and fleets putting a tremendous effort into finding a replacement for diesel fuel and...

Keeping the Fleets on the Street 

Randy Southerland

fleet managers take on changing conditions and regulations to keep the pace....

Maximum Payload Minimum Downtime 

By Mark Sabol

Industry experts point to trailer specifications as the key to maximizing your payload while reducing downtime. In a perfect waste hauling world, every...

When You Need It In the Clutch 

By Bob Deierlein

To maintain clutches, follow the installation guidelines/procedures provided by the component supplier. Replace any worn components that may affect clutch...

Filtering Out The Problems 

Bob Deierlein

There are four major filters: oil, fuel, coolant and air, each with different strengths and capacities. Oil Filters Fluid contamination is the cause of...

Spec'ing Trucks for Safety 

By Bob Deierlein

Closer government scrutiny, more inexperienced drivers in the workforce, the cost of covering accident scenes, and vehicle recovery and repair are just...

TRUCKS: Taking LNG to the Streets 

William D. Siuru

Against the rolling green hills of the Allegheny Mountains, Houston-based Waste Management's (WMI) Washington, Pa., landfill looks like any other. Even...

TRUCKS: Dualing Fuel 

Bill Siuru

Some haulers have been switching from trucks powered by diesel fuel to natural gas because of government mandates, environmental concerns and to reduce...

Bringing Trucks Up to Speed 

Bob Deierlein

Historically, over-the-road fleet managers have had more success in solving their maintenance and technology issues than vocational fleet managers - despite...

TRUCKS: Fueling the Diesel vs. Natural Gas Debate 

Nikki Swartz

Diesel fuel has been the fuel of choice for California trucks for decades, but recent actions from the state's regulators may increase the viability of...

A Trailer for All Seasons 

Aaron DeWeese

Steel is stronger than aluminum, but it also is heavier. Consequently, to maximize payloads, aluminum is the metal of choice for many long-distance haulers....

TRUCKS: Fund Fuels California's Clean Air Effort 

Sam Atwood

Waste haulers in Southern California are on the front lines - helping to clean up some of the nation's worst air pollution.Several waste hauling companies,...

Not-So-Risky Business 

Bob Deierlein

You can learn a lot from Joseph "Bud" Nicoletti. You can learn how a few vehicle innovations can lead to higher productivity and lower operating costs....

For Want of a Belt the truck Failed 

Bob Deierlein

Hoses Hoses carry fluids to all parts of the engine and must be properly clamped or connected. Touch, sight and smell, as well as a bit of common sense,...

Tire Costs Eating Your Profits? 

Mehrdad Farkhan

One of the best ways to keep your business running efficiently is to keep your trucks rolling. Tires represent approximately 20 percent of vehicle maintenance...

TRUCKS: Fleet Managers Required To Brake for ABS 

Bob Deierlein

Until recently, price-conscious waste industry fleet managers looking to reduce costs often omitted optional anti-lock braking systems (ABS) when spec'ing...

Tip Top Shop 

Bob Deierlein

Most refuse truck maintenance shop owners comply with federal, state and local safety and environmental regulations - when they know about them. There...