NIFTY FIFTY

  Heavy Duty Trucking's Nifty Fifty awards showcase our editors' picks of the best new product introductions over the last year.
      The 50 winners were selected from hundreds of new product articles appearing in the magazine, in our interactive New Product News and at www.truckinginfo.com during 2006.
      Products were judged on their usefulness to the truck operator in terms of innovation, serviceability and performance.

HDT New Product News is our Internet-delivered showcase for all the product and service announcements that pour in to the magazine. New Product News is viewed on screen, but it has the look and feel of a magazine, complete with turning pages. It also has the interactivity of the Internet, allowing for almost instant processing of requests for more information. A button for New Product News is on the home page of www.truckinginfo.com. You can get New Product News free by sending us an e-mail address. Send request to bjspearing@truckinginfo.com.

LOCKING DEVICES BY TELC

      TELC, which makes anti-theft devices for the construction industry, now offers locking devices for the trucking industry.
      The Cargo Door Lock secures both doors of a trailer or container by securing the vertical locking bars together. There is also a heavy-duty version. Both can be purchased with a built-in keyless, changeable four-digit combination lock or with a barrel-style key lock.
      Trailers and converter dollies can be secured with the Ball & Ring Hitch Lock, which fits nearly every type of trailer using a ball or ring hitch of any size.

DROP-IN REPLACEMENT FAN DRIVE

      SKF has added the Kysor HRU On/Off Fan Drive Assembly to its line of BorgWarner Cooling Components.
      Engineered to meet or exceed OE specifications, the Kysor HRU is a drop-in replacement for existing OE fan drive assemblies and is available for 22 competitor applications.
      The Kysor HRU fan drive consists of a two-piece modular design, which makes service of the component faster and easier. The dynamic torque capacity of the fan drive assembly enables higher performance and increased engine power. The unit's Failsafe component keeps the fan clutch engaged in the event of air system pressure failure.

GREAT WHITE BACK-UP LIGHTS

      Peterson Manufacturing's new Great White LED Back-Up Lights for working trucks and trailers complete Peterson's series of premium LED products.
      Labeled the 417C/418C Series, the new 4-inch round Great White LED Back-Up Lights feature the latest white diode technology. Ultra-bright white diodes and custom-cut optics produce a brilliant rectangular light pattern that exceeds DOT specifications by 25 percent. They have a 100,000-hour rated life. Hard-wired terminals potted in polyurethane shield the lamp from moisture and corrosion.

TMW SYSTEMS DRIVERZONE

      TMW Systems has introduced a new management tool designed to strengthen relationships between carriers and drivers.
      DriverZone gives driver managers an easy-to-read, up-to-the-minute calendar-based view of all the factors needed to manage driver relationships, including work schedules and history for each driver, available log hours, current location, and scheduled events such as CDL renewal dates and vacation time. It also can document communications with drivers on non-dispatch topics, such as requests for time off and pay inquiries.
      Developed with Schneider National Bulk Carriers, DriverZone is available through TMW's flagship TMWSuite platform.

CARRIER TRANSICOLD'S VECTOR 1800MT

      Carrier Transicold says its Vector 1800MT multi-temperature refrigeration unit offers higher reliability, easier maintenance and significantly lower lifecycle costs than ever before.
      Through expanded use of electronics and maintenance-free electrical components, the Vector 1800MT offers a streamlined design that does away with most serviceable mechanical parts, such as belts and clutches, and it greatly reduces the refrigerant charge compared to conventional systems. Carrier estimates its technology can reduce lifecycle costs by as much as 30 percent.
      The Vector 1800MT multi-temperature refrigeration unit is the first to use the new Deltek hybrid technology.

EASY TAILGATESWING CONVERSION

      East Manufacturing now offers an optional mechanism that simplifies conversion of the tailgate from top-swing travel simply by actuating a handle located at the bottom of the driver's side rear post. The apparatus that engages and releases the top pin is hidden and protected inside the rear post itself. This eliminates the need for the driver to climb a ladder or otherwise get to the top of the rear post in order to pull or insert pins.

DELPHI POWER PACK CONNECTORS

      Delphi's new Power Pack Connection Systems series is a high-power interconnect technology ideal for battery cable, electrical center, alternator/starter motor and front-wall pass-through applications.
      Design criteria primarily addresses rigorous power requirements and robust performance in extreme in-vehicle environments.
      Capable of carrying up to 200 amps, the Power Pack series features a silver-plated terminal design that allows the connection system to withstand temperatures over 300 degrees. It also provides ease-of-assembly benefits, with its hand engage/disengage capability and its indexed configuration, designed to prevent plugging misalignment upon installation.

COMPOSITE TRAILER

      Anew fiber-reinforced-composite platform trailer, developed by Martin Marietta Composites, won the 2005 ACE Award for Technical Innovation for Corrosion Applications from the American Composites Manufacturers Association.
      The trailer has a composite deck, subframe beams, suspension cross-members, outriggers and rear impact guard. The trailer is lighter than conventional trailers and much more corrosion resistant.
      The manufacturer also expects the composite trailer to be more durable and offer lower maintenance requirements.

TRUCKWEIGHT SMART SCALE

      TruckWeight says its wireless onboard scale, Smart Scale, can be used to monitor the effects of snow loading as well as more typical onboard scale applications.
      An accumulation of snow and ice on the undercarriage or on top of a truck or trailer can add several thousand pounds, reducing your legal payload, stressing your equipment, and increasing the risk of overweight violations.
      Smart Scale is an inexpensive, accurate wireless onboard scale for trucks, tractors and trailers with air suspensions. It includes a sensor with an integrated antenna, DOT fittings for the vehicle's air line and a wireless handheld receiver.

SMARTWAVE

      SmarTire Systems' new wireless gateway product line will carry the SmartWave brand.
      Under the SmartWave brand, the company will initially introduce three versions of its tire pressure and monitoring systems: Alert, Plus and Fleet. Alert provides basic safety features, while Plus provides additional functions that offer savings in fuel and tire costs. SmarTire's Fleet product will provide off-vehicle communications to the fleet's service centers. Fleets will provide additional information such as tire history, diagnostic and prognostic information.
      Dana's Commercial Vehicle Systems group recently signed an agreement to market and sell SmarTire's tire pressure and temperature monitoring systems.

IMPROVED TIRE PRESSURE CONTROL

      The Dana Spicer Tire Pressure Control System now has a new integrated Driver Display Module that, in conjunction with new dash-mounted rocker switches, simplifies the selection of tire pressures to maximize vehicle mobility under varying load and terrain conditions.

MCLEOD AND MAPTUIT

      McLeod Software partnered with Maptuit Corp. to integrate Maptuit's FleetNav Suite into McLeod's LoadMaster v7 enterprise transportation management software.
      The integration of Maptuit's FleetNav Suite (FleetNav Fuel, FleetNav Alert and FleetNav Directions) provides LoadMaster enterprise software users with accurate turn-by-turn directions, optimized fuel plans for single-point or multi-point routes on truck-designated roads and extensive fleet monitoring capabilities.

WORKHORSE WITH INTERNATIONAL ENGINE

      Workhorse Custom Chassis marked production of its first diesel chassis with an International diesel engine.
      The new W42 Workhorse chassis uses the International VT275 4.5L diesel V-6 engine with 200 horsepower and 440 pounds-feet of torque. Workhorse's discussions with International involving the use of the VT 275 in Workhorse's new diesel chassis led to International's purchase of Workhorse last summer.
      Among other improvements to the chassis are an upgraded transmission for the diesel application – the Allison LCT-1000 electronic five-speed – which provides smooth shifting and longer lifecycle.

MODULX AIR DISCS FROM HALDEX

      Haldex ModulX Air Disc Brakes are designed and engineered specifically for heavy-duty applications to out-perform standard S-cam brakes in practically every category, according to the manufacturer.
      ModulX brakes are less sensitive to speed and temperature variations common in any extreme demanding grade or braking application. ModulX does not suffer from significant hysteresis like traditional S-cam drum brakes.

NANOSTRATE GRAPHICS

      Graphics Fusion has introduced Nanostrate, which will be used in a new generation of automotive graphics transfer products.<\f>
      Nanostrate is as thin as a coat of paint – die cut vinyl decals are seven times thicker. It combines the best of custom paint and vinyl decals.
      Nanostrate is easier to handle and apply than vinyl or paint, but looks and feels like paint. It's easy to remove, won't peel or chip, comes in nine color options including metallics, and is clear-coat compatible.

ANCRA IMPROVES SILVERCAP WINCH

      Ancra International has introduced the next generation of its SilverCap ratchet-cap winch for flatbed load securement.
      The self-contained system, which eliminates the need to re-insert a winch bar to tighten load straps, now features GrimeGuard, an extra weather-tight seal that protects the key moving parts from moisture and road grime. This seal is made of EPDM rubber, a synthetic material resistant to heat, oxidation, ozone and salt spray.
      The new SilverCap also has been engineered with a tamper-resistant center shaft with locking threads that ensures that the ratchet-cap holds fast and cannot be removed.

FLEETGUARD USER-FRIENDLY FILTER

      Fleetguard's new "user-friendly filter" is made of an advanced polymer composite that offers a number of innovations that will make technicians' jobs easier.
      The polymer makes the filter 50 percent lighter and resistant to dents or corrosion. Other features include:
      • Easy-grip surface with ribs for easy installation and service
      • Flat no-spill bottom
      • Built-in one-way socket for easy removal with 1/2-inch wrench
      • Eliminates damage to filter spud due to cross-threading.
      Two diameters, 3- and 3.75-inch, started shipping in February, aimed at the Cummins B and C series and similar sized engines. The filters replace Fleetguard's current metal fuel and lube filter counterparts, and are offered at the same price point.

DAVCO PROCESSORS FOR BIODIESEL

      Davco Technology has introduced new fuel processors designed specifically for biodiesel blends in diesel engine applications.
      The new Fuel Pro 384 is based on the current Fuel Pro 382, which has been widely used in diesel engine applications for more than 25 years. In addition to the clear cover "Seeing Is Believing" technology, the Fuel Pro 384 includes seal technology compatible with biodiesel blends.
      The Diesel Pro 234+ is based on the Diesel Pro 233, designed for medium-duty applications. The processor has been updated to be compatible with biodiesel blends.

DENSO HEAVY-DUTY STARTER

      Denso Sales California, an affiliate of Denso Corp., announced the availability of its 12V 5.0 Offset Gear Reduction Starter, designed specifically for use on heavy-duty vehicles, and equipment with 10-to-16-liter diesel engines.
      The new compact and lightweight design allows for easy installation, and reduces total vehicle weight. The high torque model maximizes starting power and improves cold starting.

SHELL VIDEOCHECK SEES INSIDE ENGINE

      Shell Lubricants' VideoCheck service allows you to inspect diesel engine components without tearing down the engine.
      The Shell VideoCheck service uses a digital fiber optic camera that is fed into the diesel engine through a cylinder fuel injector port by means of a fiber optic cable, illuminating the engine's insides and transmitting images to a high-resolution monitor. The VideoCheck operator can inspect the piston crown, combustion chamber, cylinder wall, valve seats and head. The video images can then be recorded and interpreted.

EXTERNAL BATTERY KIT

      Thermo King's External Battery Charging Kit allows the reefer alternator to recharge liftgate or other accessory batteries, preventing the external system from drawing directly from the reefer battery. Providing power to liftgates and other accessories can be a challenge when the vehicle engine is turned off. The liftgate will use batteries to provide power, which generates a large current draw and can drain the batteries.

SPECIALTY TRAILER SUSPENSION

      The Holland Group introduced its CB2300 Trailer Air Suspension/Axle System. The CB2300 is a 23,000-pound-capacity offering for the fixed-frame specialty trailer market.
      The CB2300 features SwingAlign, the industry's fastest and most convenient axle alignment system, and high strength cast equalizing beams that provide exceptional strength.
      "The CB2300 will significantly advance our specialty offering," said Ken Griswold, trailer suspension systems product manager. "The product has new technologies, reduced weight and will be a unitized system with value-added features such as SwingAlign and extended life brake linings positioned as standard features."

DOME LAMP CONTROLLER

      Phillips Industries' new Permalogic controller eliminates any chance of accidentally leaving interior trailer dome lamps on by cutting off power to the lamps when the brake pedal is depressed.

TMW SYSTEMS DRIVERSEAT

      TMW Systems has announced DriverSeat, a web-based solution for deploying customized driver portals.
      Using the Internet, drivers can log into their company's DriverSeat portal to access services designed to help them manage their work and personal lives.
      A carrier can tailor the services offered specifically to each driver over their secure Web portal, such as viewing past and pending pay information, viewing and requesting pending loads, submitting requests for time off and accessing company news and training videos.
      Services to enrich a driver's life include private appointment calendars, favorite web links and news feeds, photo galleries, access to personal e-mail and customized links to weather, traffic and fuel price information.

LITE-CHECK 910B READS ABS, MORE

      Lite-Check 910B is a universal tool for checking vehicle brakes, lights and electronics and is easy to use by a single technician.
      Standard features include remote control operation, digital display with full messages, precision electrical measurements, automatic fault message and alarm, ABS supported PLC4TRUCKS read and clear functions, air operation and leak test, automatic seven-way cable test, and tractor electrical test. The software can be upgraded as technology advances.

ITERIS LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM

      Iteris Inc. has introduced the second generation of its Lane Departure Warning system.
      The system uses a windshield-mounted camera that tracks lane markings using image recognition software and monitors the relative position of the truck within the lane. If the truck inadvertently crosses the lane markings, the system automatically emits a distinctive rumble strip sound to alert the driver.
      The second-generation system now requires visibility of just one lane marking, either the center or side line. It also more accurately tracks lane marks through tighter curves, and features enhanced performance across a broader range of lighting conditions.

QUALCOMM AND MAGTEC JOIN FORCES

      Qualcomm and Magtec Products are working together to integrate Magtec's M5K onboard control device with the OmniTracs system to allow dispatchers to communicate over the air with the M5K.
      The M5K focuses on driver management, vehicle control, asset protection and prevention of cargo theft. It will integrate with Qualcomm's Vehicle Command & Control, a web-based vehicle security and driver management tool.
      Carriers with high-risk or high-value cargoes will be able to limit access to authorized drivers, and dispatchers can manage driver authentication codes and truck identifications, change codes in route and even disable a moving vehicle.

DOMETIC A/C FOR DAY CABS

      Dometic has introduced an auxiliary air conditioning system designed to reduce engine idling for daycab and small-sleeper trucks while waiting at shipping terminals and loading docks.
      The new Dometic air conditioner operates from the truck's batteries and does not require a more-expensive onboard diesel auxiliary power unit.
      The package consists of an air conditioning system, a DC-AC inverter, an upsized high-capacity alternator, thermostat control and optional shore power plug.
      The inside units can fit between or behind the seats, or in lieu of the passenger-side seat.

AIR TOP 2000 UPDATE

      Webasto has updated and improved its popular fuel-operated heater, the Air Top 2000, giving it new functions with more flexible installation options while using fewer components.
      Now called Air Top 2000 ST, the heater complies with the latest governmental emissions regulations and is now also configured to consume biodiesel fuel up to a 20 percent blend.
      The new heater includes a weather-tight sealed control unit with improved corrosion resistance, allowing for external mounting if desired.
      Air flow has been improved by 20 percent, from 46 to 55 CFM.

TRUCK-LITE MINI-MARKER LED

      Truck-Lite has introduced two new Mini-Marker variations that provide trailer manufacturers with even more versatility and trailer users with even more benefit.
      Amber Model 33 lamps provide protection from trees and flying debris at all forward and side lamp positions. Amber Model 33 PC corner lamps can be flush mounted on trailer corners at a 45-degree angle. They shine in a wide arc, exceeding federal requirements.

STEMCO PROGRAMMABLE MILEAGE COUNTER

      Stemco says its new DataTrac Pro is the first programmable mileage counter on the market for the trucking industry, enabling users to customize the device to individual tire specifications.
      Using a corresponding Stemco programmer, customers can program the DataTrac Pro to fit any of the 2,500 most common tire models and sizes. Because the DataTrac Pro can be calibrated on site, ordering is simplified for distributors and fleet managers, and inventories can be reduced.
      DataTrac Pro is a completely electronic, highly accurate and extremely durable mileage counter.

AUTOCAR HYBRID-DRIVE REFUSE TRUCK

      Autocar LLC introduced its E3 hybrid-drive Class 8 refuse truck, which is designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption in high start-and-stop applications. The truck features Parker Hannifin's RunWise hybrid-drive system. Autocar will offer its first vehicle featuring the Parker system in North America in the fall of 2007.
      The E3's RunWise drive system is designed to recover brake energy and store it to be used later. Upon braking, the RunWise controller commands the hydrostatic motors to become pumps and brakes the vehicle by converting vehicle inertia into stored, high-pressure energy in the accumulators. Accumulated energy is stored until the next time the vehicle launches, when it is discharged to accelerate the vehicle instead of using power from the diesel engine.

FREIGHTLINER OFFERS RACK AND PINION

      Freightliner Trucks began offering rack and pinion steering as an option on its Century Class S/T, Coronado, Columbia, Classic and Classic XL Class 8 models.

PETERBILT OFFERS FUEL EFFICIENCY SOLUTIONS

      Fuel Efficiency Solutions – advanced technologies being developed by Peterbilt – will help customers optimize fuel consumption through reduced idling, alternative power sources and route optimization:
      • A universal connection module simplifies and reduces costs for an aftermarket auxiliary power unit installation.
      • The new Comfort Class System is a battery-based power system that provides heating, cooling and electrical power to the sleeper without the need for idling.
      • A dash-mounted Peterbilt Navigation System uses the Global Positioning System for route optimization. The system uses a touch-sensitive screen interface and has a programmable MP3 feature.

PROSTAR BOASTS AERODYNAMICS

      International says its new Class 8 ProStar, introduced at the Mid-America Trucking Show, has 9 percent less aerodynamic drag than the nearest competitor, which can mean more than 4 percent better fuel economy.
      International used state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics, one-eighth scale and full-scale wind tunnel tests, and on-road evaluations to arrive at the design solutions that reduce aerodynamic drag.
      "Our improvements represent years of internal research on the major components that affect aerodynamic drag, from hood design, headlamps, wind visors, mirrors, windshield angle, bumpers and A-pillars," said Ron Schoon, International's chief engineer of aerodynamics.

SWING DOOR COMPATIBLE LIFT GATES

      Waltco Truck Equipment introduces the optional Swing Door Compatible Bed Extension to make lift gates and swing doors more compatible and more efficient.
      The Swing Door Compatible Bed Extension is a 1/4-inch diamond plate steel platform that extends the bed of the truck by 10 inches. A hinged, flip-away center panel creates a smooth transition from lift gate to truck floor, then flips away to access door-securing hardware.
      When operating the lift gate, the panel is flipped up to create the smooth surface necessary for cargo transport. When the lift gate is down and it's time to close the doors, the panel flips down out of the way to expose the hardware necessary to close and secure the door.

AC WITHOUT IDLING

      DC Power Solutions has introduced 12- and 24-volt DC-powered air conditioners for vehicles.
      DC Top-Cool air conditioners are high-efficiency roof mount units that provide cooling from 6,000 to 12,000 Btu per hour, keeping the sleeper cab cool without idling.
      The DC Top-Cool technology uses the starting or auxiliary batteries to power the air conditioner, without running the engine. The unit is equipped with a battery monitor and control that prevents discharging below the voltage required to start the engine.
      The self-contained system can be installed in about two hours, without the need for a certified AC technician.

HORTON VMASTER ULTRA FAN DRIVES

      Horton has introduced its VMaster Ultra Fan Drives in anticipation of new emissions regulations.
      Managed by the engine's electronic control unit for precision fan speed control, these directly controlled viscous fan drives are designed to cool higher-horsepower, hotter-running engines.
     
      The fan drive is equipped with an integral fan speed sensor to provide closed-loop control capabilities. VMaster Ultra's optimized magnetic design speeds up reaction time for better modulation and cooling. In addition, the innovative reservoir, actuator and valve system combine to deliver a lower off-speed and faster response time, resulting in optimum cooling, reduced fan noise and increased fuel efficiency.

ALTERNATOR FOR DUAL-TEMP REEFERS

      Robert Bosch Corp. has developed a new, more powerful alternator for trucks equipped with dual-temperature refrigeration units.
      The high-output alternator (AL9120N) produces 120 amps, and is intended as a replacement alternator for refrigeration units that have dual-temperature zones.
      The higher output 120-amp replacement alternators will easily accommodate the demands of 24/7 operations, plus provide additional power to handle automatic lift gates and other accessories.
      Bosch also offers a high-output 90-amp refrigeration alternator (AL929N) as a direct replacement for the original alternator.

DRIVERCARE ADDS FLEETFIT

      The CEI Group has formed an alliance with CogniFit, a pioneer in computer-based programs that measure, train and enhance cognitive psychomotor abilities, to add these capabilities to DriverCare, CEI's web-based driver safety and risk management system.
      CogniFit will provide CEI with its patented FleetFit system, a computer-accessible program based on more than 20 years of research about how the brain works. In field studies, FleetFit has been found to be a highly accurate predictor of driver accidents, and its training component proven to improve key driver safety capabilities.

UTILITY THIN WALL DRY VAN

      Utility Trailer announced that its thin-wall 4000D-X dry van features patented sidewall engineering to raise the standards in the thin-wall segment.
      The 4000D-X patented thin-wall design forges an aluminum exterior skin with 80K steel interior panels separated by a foam core material. The 4000D-X 101 version provides a full 101-1/2 inch of inside width from lining to lining and 101 inches from wearband to wearband with 4,085 cubic feet of productivity. The 4000D-X 100 version has deeper side posts with increased stiffness for bulge loads.
      Pre-painted white galvanized, high-strength interior lining panels provide a Snag Free surface and a full 100 inches of inside width from wearband to wearband.

MICHELIN SELF-REGENERATING TREAD

      Michelin Retread Technologies announced the first self-regenerating retread – the Michelin XDA Hypersipe.
      The Michelin XDA Hypersipe retread uses patented tread design and siping technology to mold tread features on both the top and bottom of a pre-cure tread band. Sipes molded into the bottom of the tread appear as the tire wears, giving improved worn traction over the life of the retread.
      The bottom sipes appear at approximately half tread depth and last down to the last usable 32nd of tread, giving the retreaded tire better traction at reduced tread depth.

BENDIX DIAGNOSTICS

      Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems released two software applications to help diagnose, repair, troubleshoot and recalibrate components of its antilock braking, traction and stability systems.
      The Bendix ACOM diagnostic software is a Microsoft Windows-based program that interfaces with the vehicle and reduces steps in the troubleshooting process and directs the technician straight to the diagnostic trouble code.

WIDE-BASED SPICER HUB

      Dana Commercial Vehicle Systems Group's new Spicer LMSTM wide-based hub system for drive and trailer axles is designed to meet the needs of customers that require a long-life, low-maintenance wheel end that is designed to maintain load ratings with single-wide tire applications. The new hub system is compatible with standard-track axle configurations.
      The new lightweight hub system allows the specification of standard-track axles, resulting in significant weight and fuel savings, say company officials.
      Available on standard track, R-series drive and P-spindle trailer axles, Dana's new LMS hubs meet growing customer demand for interchangeability and application flexibility between wide-based tires and standard dual tires.

AIR BRAKE LOCK

      CGM Security Solutions has developed and patented the TS4A Tractor Air Brake Lock.
      When engaged, this security locking device blocks the air line from the tractor to the air brakes both in the tractor, and if hooked together, to the trailer.
      The TS-4A Tractor Air Brake Lock is compatible with any air brake valve system. It can be configured for any set-up and installation is easily accomplished by your own fleet maintenance staff in under 20 minutes. An assembly guide is attached to all orders.
      The TS-4A ensures the driver will use the security device because he must in order to operate the vehicle.

LEDS FOR TRAILER INTERIORS

      Grote Industries unveiled a new line of bright, white LED lamps it says are ideal for interior trailer lighting.
      Grote's 18-diode LED lamps leave behind the typical dim, bluish cast associated with white LEDs. Twice as bright as anything else on the market, the 18-diode lamps also cast the familiar, broad light pattern of fluorescent lamps.
      Grote's new LED dome lamps have been a hit with fleet owners and original equipment manufacturers since their quiet introduction to select customers in July 2005, according to the company.

AIR-WEIGH ADDS J1708 INTERFACE

      Air-Weigh announced that its 5800 Series of on-board truck scales now allows weight information to be transferred to the truck's<\f>J1708 data bus.
      Now, on-board computers and communication systems can use Air-Weigh weight data for on-board applications or transmission over a wireless network.
      SAE-defined drive,<\f>steer, trailer, GVW, and payload weights are all available through the new J1708 data bus interface. Truck and trailer scales can also be calibrated by other on-board computer devices using SAE-defined data packets. Additionally, alarms and other system setup functions may be performed via<\f>proprietary packets.

UNIVERSAL COOLANT STRIPS

      Penray says it has the first and only test strips designed for all heavy-duty coolant types, including extended-life coolant.

MID ROOF VOLVOS FOR O-O's

      Volvo Trucks North America offers two new trucks for the premium owner-operator market: the VT 830 and the VN 730 mid-roof tractors.
      The lower roof height on these trucks significantly improves aerodynamics, yet a 6-foot-4 driver can stand upright between the seats.
      Typical applications include low trailer heights such as flatbeds, lowboys, heavy haul and containers, or other dense load applications, such as grains or liquids.
      All chassis and powertrain options currently available for the Volvo VT 880 and Volvo VN 780 are available on the new models.

RAND MCNALLY'S NEW LANE RATE INFO

      Rand McNally has launched a new commercial trucking module that integrates lane rate information and analysis with the company's IntelliRoute suite.
      The IntelliRoute Lane Rates module uses data compiled from more than 12 million actual and current freight bills from truckload carriers. Using IntelliRoute Lane Rates, truckload carriers can evaluate lanes throughout the continental United States and Canada, and bid more effectively.
      Users with Internet access also can view rate trends to help them review current lanes and give them options for bidding on new routes.
      As a result, carriers can offer more competitive quotes.