The Technology & Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Associations will hold its 2011 Fall Meeting and TMCSuperTech2011 National Technician Skills Competition on Sept. 19-22 at the Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, N.C. The meeting theme, “Maintenance Solutions You Can Count On,” will be carried out through technical sessions covering management, training, product selection, regulations and the environment.

Full technical sessions include ” Update of U.S. DOT’s Wireless/Smart Roadside Initiative” and “OEM Response to TMC Recommended Practice Usage.” Study Group mini-technical sessions include:
• “Guidelines for Protecting Vehicle Electrical Circuits”;
• “Fuel Efficient Engine Oils”;
• “In-cab Cleaning and Deodorizing”;
• “Disaster Recovery Planning: A Framework for Business Continuity”;
• “Limitations of Wide-Base Wheels”;
• “The Increasing Importance of Intermodal and the Changing Requirements for Its Equipment and Maintenance”;
• “Energy Overview of Alternative Fuels”;
• “Condition-Based Maintenance: Part II”;
• “Design/Specifications and Maintenance of Liftgates for Light/Medium Vehicles”; and
• “Hybrid, Alternative Fuel and Electric Vehicle Update”.

TMC’s Service Providers Committee will present the technical session “Repair Order Approval and Authorization: Part I,” and the Corrosion Control Action Committee will present “Merlin’s Magic Coatings: An Overview of Coatings for Corrosion Prevention.”

More than 100 Task Forces will meet on Monday, Sept. 19, to continue work on Recommended Practices, Information Reports and Position Papers. TMC’s Fleet Operator’s Forum, Fleet Talk and Shop Talk again will provide the opportunity for maintenance and equipment professionals to seek redress to equipment problems and exchange information related to equipment problems.

Additional educational opportunities for meeting attendees will be available at the Technician Training Fair, held in conjunction with TMCSuperTech2011. Six training sessions will be held on Monday and repeated on Wednesday to maximize training opportunities. The training qualifies for National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation continuing education credits.

TMCSuperTech2011 contestants from across the country will attend the PTDC Training Fair, take their qualifying written exams and attend a reception in their honor on Monday, following by the daylong Hands-on Skills Challenge on Tuesday. Wednesday’s TMCSuperTech2011 Awards Luncheon – open to both contestants and meeting attendees – will be the setting for the announcement of this year’s top truck technicians.

Additional information and registration for TMC’s 2011 Fall Meeting and National Technician Skills Competition is available online at http://tmc.truckline.com.

Compli has announced the addition of social media policies to the Compli platform.

The new content will be provided by Fisher & Phillips, LLP and Wallace Welch & Willingham. According to Compli, the content will include policy recommendations for the use of social media in the workplace, including: blogging, social networking, online public communications and progressive social media.

“Social media is unique in many ways, but one of the most fundamental differences is it developed through a change in society, not a ruling in court or the legislature,” says Chris Hoffman, partner at Fisher & Phillips. “Many of our clients know they need to have policies and programs in place but don’t know where to start.

“From an employer’s standpoint, it’s important to control the information that’s coming out of the business, whether that takes the form of forums, chat rooms, blogs or text messages. It is imperative for management to have policies and procedures in place that spell out how employees are expected to conduct themselves within social media when working on behalf of the company.”

Lon Leneve, president and CEO of Compli, says customer requests motivated the changes in the company’s platform.

“Social media is currently a new landscape, so we’re filling in the gaps for our customers with policy recommendations and best practice recommendations,” he says. “Our new content helps clients analyze their needs, adopt and implement written policies and educate their employees on what is expected when using social media tools and channels.”

Cummins on Friday, May 27, announced that the company exceeded its 25 percent greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitment upon completion of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders Program. Companies in the program complete a corporatewide inventory of their GHG emissions based on a quality management system, set aggressive GHG emissions reduction goals and report their progress annually to EPA.

Cummins joined the program in 2006 and set the goal of a 25 percent reduction of GHG emissions per dollar revenue from 2005 to 2010. The company says that as of yearend 2010, it achieved a 28 percent reduction in GHG emissions. “Cummins strongly believes in the business case for climate change actions,” says Dr. John Wall, vice president and chief technical officer. “It is good business, good for our business, and it is the right thing to do. Meeting our goal not only has been good for the environment, it saves Cummins more than $20 million dollars annually.”

Ignacio Garcia, vice president and chief manufacturing officer, says the company’s global energy efficiency team has implemented nearly 300 energy efficiency capital projects across seven specific energy themes, with an average return on investment of 50 percent. “In addition to implementing capital projects, we have trained a broad network of Energy Champions who coach and mentor site Energy Leaders to find and implement low and no-cost energy projects that also save money for their sites,” Garcia says.

The company says its wide-ranging energy savings actions have included projects such as high-efficiency lighting upgrades, power management systems, energy efficient motors, pumps and fans, compressed air optimization, heating and cooling equipment upgrades, and energy recovery from engine test cells. Energy efficiency also is incorporated in Cummins’ global environmental management system, implemented at 69 sites around the world and the key mechanism for driving environmental improvements at Cummins facilities.

“We congratulate Cummins for meeting their goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Climate Leaders Program,” said Beth Craig, EPA’s acting director of the Office of Atmospheric Programs. “They are proving that they can be both industry leaders, and leaders in the fight against climate change.”

Dana Holding Corp. has introduced new, integrated drivetrain systems that represent the company’s deepening support for construction OEMs in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Dana presented its new Spicer TZL Series powershift transmission to the Russian market at the ConExpo Russia at CTT 2011 construction equipment show.

Designed for added performance and durability, the Spicer TZL Series is the first in a line of transmissions scheduled to begin production this year at Dana’s assembly facility in Wuxi, China. The TZL Series is shown as part of a complete 21-tonne front-end loader system that also includes Spicer Hercules Series axles and Spicer Wing and Compact Series driveshaft options.

“The vitality and growth of the construction market in Russia and the CIS has never been more evident,” says Mark Wallace, president of Dana’s Heavy Vehicle Group. “We are eager to work closely with vehicle manufacturers in this region as a Tier 1 supplier with unique capabilities in the integration of value-added drivetrain systems for construction machines.”

Dana will debut a 21-tonne drivetrain system for front-end loaders that features the new Spicer TZL Series powershift transmission, Spicer Hercules 37R and 43R axles, and the Spicer Wing Series Model 7C driveshaft. The Spicer TZL16 transmission has been engineered to supply superior 17-tonne front-end loaders with higher horsepower capability, reduced maintenance and smoother, quieter operation. An enhanced TZL18 version designed for 21-tonne front-end loaders is planned shortly after the launch of the TZL16.

The Spicer TZL is a new four-speed transmission platform that uses proven internal components from the extensive line of Spicer powershift transmissions already available for the off-highway market. It includes high-energy-capacity forward and reverse clutches, adaptive clutch modulation and helical gears for improved shift quality.

Engineered with a rigid, multipiece load-bearing structure including the differential carrier, housing arms, high-energy wet brakes and planetary wheel ends, Spicer Hercules 37R and 43R axles accommodate multiple vehicle platform configurations and are available with Posi-Torq and Hydraloc differential designs that provide excellent torque bias performance in a wide range of ground traction conditions. Using large multiplate clutch discs actuated by gear-separating forces, the Posi-Torq design provides a 45-percent locking capacity, resulting in up to 72-percent torque transfer to the high-traction wheel.

As an operator-controlled differential, the Hydraloc design for 37R and 43R series axles allows for moment-to-moment lock-and-release control, delivering added ground torque bias in severe traction conditions. In its unlocked condition, the Hydraloc differential permits free vehicle steering to facilitate maximum maneuverability. Once locked, a hydraulic piston applies force to a large multiplate wet clutch, resulting in up to 100-percent torque transfer to the high-traction wheel.

Colson Caster Corp., a manufacturer of standard and custom application caster and wheel products, has offered its customers the opportunity to “spy” on the testing procedures performed on their products. The company’s new program provides its customers, and potential customers, with video of custom wheels and caster products taken during Colson’s actual testing processes.

“Our testing procedures are rigorous and unique,” says Charles Harris, engineering manager for Colson. “We thought that just a photo and data of the complete process did not do the testing programs justice, and certainly did not provide the type of active review for the customer that this new methodology does.”

Colson has three electronic cameras detailing the testing processes designed for both turntable test machines and its drum tester. As Colson can create unique quality and performance procedures dictated by each customer’s needs, the written description and photographic testing sometimes was still difficult to visualize and evaluate.

With actual video of the testing, accompanied by supporting and informational data and results, it is easier for customers to understand the value of the testing performed by Colson engineers. The company says the benefits of this new “test viewing” ensure that adequate and appropriate products are secured without the fear of limited performance or the unnecessary cost of overperforming product selection.

ALK Technologies, Inc. has created a comprehensive enterprise Software Developer Kit (SDK) that allows CoPilot Live and CoPilot Truck navigation software to be integrated into professional mobile solutions running on the Android platform.

“We are seeing increasing Android demand both in terms of end-customer requirements and channel partner solutions,” says Dan Popkin, vice president of the CoPilot Division at ALK. “The development of an API set and SDK enabling our enterprise solutions, CoPilot Live Professional and CoPilot Truck Professional, to be integrated with third party applications on the Android platform allows our partners to address this significant market opportunity now.”

By integrating CoPilot navigation and routing into mobile workforce management and telematics solutions, corporations are able to achieve a rapid and proven return on investment, ALK says. The CoPilot Android SDK is said to provide seamless two-way communications to the navigation application, enabling fully automated destination entry, better visibility of mobile resources and improved customer service through accurate and monitored arrival times.

Yokohama Tire Corp. announced it has hired Culver City, Calif.-based United Future as its digital marketing agency in an overall corporate strategy aimed at enhancing customer engagement opportunities and managing its brand digitally. In the newly-appointed role, United Future will develop with Yokohama strategies, implementation tactics and business analytics that will make communicating with the tire maker’s customers even stronger.

“There is a fundamental shift taking place in the way customers communicate,” says Dan King, Yokohama vice president of sales and marketing. “Increasingly, customers are using digital channels to talk and not just with companies but with other consumers as well – seeking their reviews on products, opinions or support in general. To effectively address this emerging need, companies will have to master the new digital front, and that’s why United Future is the perfect partner for us. Their expertise across multiple digital channels and their incisive approach to integrate them – website, social media, content management systems and mobile applications – will help Yokohama create a powerful user experience never before seen in the tire industry.”

United Future joins two other agencies of record for Yokohama: PCGCampbell Inc. of Torrance, Calif., which is responsible for all the public relations efforts of the company; and Kovel/Fuller of Culver City, Calif., which is responsible for advertising activities across all media, including print, radio and television.

“We’re very excited to be retained by a forward-thinking organization,” says Scott Holmes, managing partner at United Future. “Even more exciting is the fact that creating an integrated Web experience fueled by social media is just the beginning. The interaction habits of the tire consumer are evolving as technology evolves, and we are proud to have a partner in Yokohama that’s fully vested in its commitment to continually make the customer its primary focus.”

BeverageTruckParts.com, which services the beverage trucking industry with replacement parts for beverage bodies and trailers, has teamed with National Liftgate Parts to offer a new product line of aftermarket liftgate parts.

“We already have a proven track record for providing affordable high-quality parts to the beverage trucking industry,” says Eileen Pape, chief executive officer of BeverageTruckParts.com. “By teaming up with National Liftgate Parts, we’re building out our business model to sell more goods and serve a greater number of target markets.”

All National Liftgate Parts products can be used on OEM liftgates and include motors, drain valves, switches, solenoids, remote controls, power units and more. With BeverageTruckParts.com selling these and many other goods direct to customers, the company is taking a proactive role in catering to a recent rise in consumer need, says Russ Morrison, National Liftgate Parts’ sales and marketing director.

“I’ve been communicating daily with customers, and there’s no question that demand for replacement liftgate parts has been on the uptick,” Morrison says. “Providing those in-demand products through such a reputable service-oriented venue as BeverageTruckParts.com is simply a win-win for all.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday, May 25, unveiled new fuel economy labels designed to help consumers take advantage of the increased efficiency standards starting this year. The new labels, which are the most dramatic overhaul to fuel economy labels since the program began more than 30 years ago, are designed to provide more comprehensive fuel efficiency information, including estimated annual fuel costs and savings, as well as information on each vehicle’s environmental impact.

The new labels are designed to underscore the benefits of the passenger car and truck fuel economy rule adopted by EPA and DOT in 2010 and to will give consumers better, more complete information to consider when purchasing new vehicles that are covered by the increased fuel economy standards.

Starting with model year 2013, the improved fuel economy labels will be required to be affixed to all new passenger cars and trucks – both conventional gasoline-powered and “next generation” cars such as plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. Consumers will see the new labels in showrooms early next year, when 2013 models begin arriving. Automakers also may voluntarily adopt the new labels earlier for model year 2012 vehicles.

“Our new fuel economy and environmental labels are a win for automobile consumers and for the nation’s energy independence,” says U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “These labels will provide consumers with upfront information about a vehicle’s fuel costs and savings so that they can make informed decisions when purchasing a new car.”

President Obama directed DOT and EPA to prioritize the development of new fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards, resulting in the standards that will be represented by these new labels. DOT and EPA say the 2010 fuel economy rule, developed with input from major automakers, environmental groups and the states, will dramatically increase the energy efficiency of cars and trucks built in model years 2012 through 2016, saving 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the life of the program and the average consumer $3,000 in fuel costs.

In July, the administration plans to finalize the first-ever national fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards for commercial trucks, vans and buses built in 2014 to 2018. DOT and EPA say these standards are expected to save hundreds of millions of barrels of oil over the life of the vehicles covered and promote the development and deployment of alternative fuels, including natural gas. The administration also is developing the next generation of joint fuel economy/greenhouse gas emissions standards for model year 2017-2025 passenger vehicles and expects to announce the proposal in September.

“President Obama’s work to shape a Clean Cars program is fostering a marketplace of cutting-edge American vehicles that are more fuel-efficient than ever before,” says EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. “The EPA and DOT are creating a new generation of fuel economy labels to meet the needs of a new generation of innovative cars. Today’s car buyers want the best possible information about which cars on the lot offer the greatest fuel economy and the best environmental performance. The new labels provide comprehensive information to American car buyers, helping them make a choice that will save money at the gas pump and prevent pollution in the air we breathe.”

Matthew W. Long was appointed to the position of chief financial officer, treasurer and assistant secretary for Supreme Industries. In this role, he will assume the duties of the company’s principal financial and accounting officer.

Previously, Long, served for eight years as treasurer of CTS Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of sensors and actuators, electronic components and a leading provider of value-added electronics manufacturing services.

“Matt adds significant depth to our leadership team,” says Supreme President and Chief Executive Officer Kim Korth. “His extensive experience in a public company setting, combined with a strong background in financial planning and cost management, will allow Matt to play a key role in helping return Supreme to consistent profitability.”