Fleet Maintenance
Driving Smarter, Location-Based Maintenance Fleet managers constantly seek new ways to cut maintenance costs and maximize vehicle uptime. Aperia Technologies Inc., a leader in tire management, recently unveiled a powerful solution to this universal challenge. The company announced the launch of its Nearby Issues feature ... Read More »
Why Total Cost of Ownership is Your Top Priority New fleet managers must focus beyond the sticker price of a vehicle. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the vital metric for your first year. It includes every expense over a vehicle’s life. TCO covers the ... Read More »
Dedication to Sustainability Mack Trucks is celebrating a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of its industry-leading remanufacturing division, REMACK. For half a century, REMACK has been at the forefront of sustainable business practices, transforming used truck components into premium, like-new parts that offer the same ... Read More »
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A truck's electrical system is a complex network of wires, fuses, and components. A single failure can leave a vehicle stranded, causing significant downtime. As a new fleet manager, you need to understand the telltale signs of a failing electrical system. A slow crank when ... Read More »
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A truck's engine relies on a variety of fluids to operate correctly. Problems with oil, fuel, and coolant systems can be disastrous. The good news is that you can spot many of these issues without being a mechanic. The most common sign of a problem ... Read More »
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Tires are often overlooked but are among the most critical components of any heavy-duty truck. Improper tire maintenance is a leading cause of roadside breakdowns, which can result in significant downtime and unexpected costs. To begin with, you don't need to be a mechanic to ... Read More »
A properly functioning brake system is the most important safety feature on a heavy-duty truck. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to dangerous situations and expensive repairs. So, as a new fleet manager, understanding these signs is paramount. The most common issues are worn pads, ... Read More »
The dreaded amber glow of a fault light on the dashboard. For a fleet manager, it’s a familiar sight that triggers a cascade of questions and a sinking feeling in your gut. When the driver calls in, the diagnostic scramble begins. Is it a chassis ... Read More »
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Fleet safety is entering a new era of technological integration. Consequently, fleet managers must stay informed about regulatory shifts that could impact their operations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently took a significant step in this direction. The agency announced a notice of ... Read More »
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Shifting from Reactive to Proactive Maintenance For a new fleet professional, unexpected vehicle downtime is one of the most disruptive and costly challenges. A truck sitting in the shop not only incurs repair expenses but also represents lost revenue. The traditional approach to maintenance often ... Read More »
Hyliion’s Q2 2025 Financial Results Highlight Progress Hyliion recently reported its second-quarter 2025 financial results, providing some significant updates on the development and commercialization of its KARNO generator platform. This technology is a modular power plant that can run on various fuels, making it a ... Read More »
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., recently celebrated the best of the best from its national dealer network at the annual "Week of Weeks" competitions. Over 800 participants from across the country competed in their respective fields to qualify, but only a select few were ... Read More »
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For a new fleet, nothing is more disruptive than unexpected downtime. When a truck is in the shop for an emergency repair, it's not earning revenue. The most effective way to fight back is to shift from a reactive "fix it when it breaks" model ... Read More »
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As a new fleet manager, you're watching every line item on your budget, and none is bigger or more volatile than fuel. Gaining control over your fleet's fuel consumption is one of the fastest ways to improve your bottom line. While you can't control the ... Read More »
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In a world of tight schedules and mounting pressure, the daily pre-trip inspection can sometimes feel like a formality to be rushed through. However, this routine check is arguably one of the most critical safety procedures a driver performs. A thorough and consistent pre-trip inspection ... Read More »
Alright, let’s talk about that sinking feeling. It’s 3:00 PM on a Friday, and your phone rings. It’s your driver, stranded on the shoulder of I-80 just west of Cheyenne, with a truck full of high-priority freight. The engine decided to impersonate a boat anchor, ... Read More »
When it comes to trucking and FMCSA violations, size matters. It’s not just a headline—it’s the stark reality. As the numbers show, larger fleets (those with 100+ trucks) consistently rack up fewer violations compared to their smaller counterparts. But why is that? Are big fleets ... Read More »
Securement violations remain one of the most frequent and avoidable issues flagged during roadside inspections across the country. On average, thousands of securement-related citations are issued each month, with some states consistently seeing over 1,000 violations in a single month. These numbers point to a ... Read More »
The FMCSA’s Crash Preventability Determination Program, updated in December 2024, introduces a fresh approach for carriers and drivers to challenge the classification of crash preventability using DataQs. This new program reflects an evolving regulatory landscape where modern data analytics and technology are at the forefront ... Read More »
Properly functioning fleet assets are critical for any operation using them to complete jobs. Whether it’s equipment, vehicles, or tools, tracking key asset service and utilization metrics can help surface potential issues before they become costly, time-consuming problems. Service Metrics Service histories provide an in-depth ... Read More »
At this year’s NAFA Institute & Expo (I&E) in Long Beach, NAFA recognized the 2025 100 Best Fleets in the Americas, honoring outstanding performance across public and commercial fleet operations. Top honors went to: #1 Public Fleet: Palm Beach County, FL Sheriff's Office #1 Commercial ... Read More »
Staying Calm and Prepared for Roadside Inspections For truck drivers and fleet operators, roadside inspections are an unavoidable part of the job. These inspections ensure compliance with safety regulations and help keep the roads safe for everyone. However, they can be stressful, especially if a ... Read More »
For OTR (over-the-road) trucking companies, idle time is one of the silent profit killers. When trucks sit idling, they burn fuel without moving freight, wear down engine components, and rack up unnecessary costs. With fuel prices fluctuating and pressure to maximize efficiency at an all-time ... Read More »
Fullbay, the turn-key platform that improves the operational efficiency of heavy-duty repair shops, introduced four new product innovations during its annual Diesel Connect conference, held May 20-22 in Phoenix. With a lineup of influential industry experts and over 300 attendees, the conference featured an in-depth look at ... Read More »
Great new webcast from J.J. Keller covering the new FMCSA CPDP program. This webcast helps you use the FMCSA’s Crash Preventabilty Determination Program (CPDP) to protect your Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores from non-preventable accidents, such as being struck by a reckless driver or rear-ended ... Read More »
1. Do Dash Cams Actually Reduce Accidents? (Spoiler: Yes, They Do) If you think dash cams are just fancy GoPros for truckers, think again. Studies show that fleets using dash cams see a significant drop in accident rates: 52% reduction in accidents when dash cams ... Read More »
Optimize Your Fleet Operations with the JJ Keller® FleetMentor® Program Managing a fleet can be complex, but the right tools can make it easier, safer, and more efficient. The JJ Keller® FleetMentor® program is a comprehensive online fleet management solution designed to help fleet operators ... Read More »
The Class 8 truck industry is experiencing a technological revolution, with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) introducing advanced features to enhance performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Here's an overview of the latest innovations from leading manufacturers. International Trucks: Advancing Efficiency and Driver Comfort International Trucks continues ... Read More »
If you run an over-the-road (OTR) trucking operation, you’ve felt the pressure of diesel prices firsthand. Whether you're an owner-operator or managing a small fleet, fuel is one of your biggest expenses—and one of the most unpredictable. Over the past year, diesel prices have moved ... Read More »
The trucking industry continues to evolve at full throttle, with fresh innovations, policy debates, infrastructure developments, and major business moves shaping the road ahead. Here’s a roundup of what’s making headlines in the world of trucking right now. Einride Eyes U.S. IPO Amid Autonomous Tech ... Read More »
Managing a fleet of refrigerated trucks comes with unique challenges that go beyond standard fleet operations. Ensuring temperature compliance, maintaining vehicle efficiency, and optimizing logistics are crucial for delivering perishable goods safely. Implementing strategic fleet management practices can help maximize efficiency while minimizing costly breakdowns ... Read More »
Let’s face it: the trucking industry in 2025 feels like being stuck in a high-tech episode of "Survivor." Between futuristic tech upgrades, looming 2027 diesel regulations, and the constant quest for efficiency, managing a fleet of Class 8 trucks requires more than just mechanical know-how. ... Read More »
Avoiding the ‘Violation Vortex’: How to Reduce Unsafe Driving Incidents in Your Fleet Despite best intentions of most drivers and fleet managers, and a load of new safety tools, violation reports have a habit of showing up on the desk of most fleet professionals with ... Read More »
Successfully navigating an FMCSA audit hinges on understanding what to expect and ensuring all necessary documentation is in order. Here’s a helpful overview from JJ Keller on how these audits are conducted and how to prepare for them. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ... Read More »
The Top 10 Fleet Management Tech Tools You’re Probably Ignoring As a fleet manager, you’re bombarded with tech solutions promising to revolutionize your operations. But with so many options, it’s easy to overlook tools that can make a real difference. Here’s a rundown of ten ... Read More »
Most fleets today take a preventive approach to maintenance – pulling a truck off the road for scheduled service based on a predetermined number of miles or hours in operation. If a problem is not caught in time, what started as a minor issue can ... Read More »
In the trucking industry, semi-trailer tire blowouts pose a significant risk to road safety and operational efficiency. As you may have experienced, they not only cause unforeseen downtime but also contribute to hefty repair costs. Luckily, proactive and cost-effective measures such as consistent auto-tire inflation can mitigate ... Read More »
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San Diego, CA (Nov. 19, 2024) – Mitchell 1 today announced its partnership with FinditParts Inc. to launch the first comprehensive, heavy-duty parts eCatalog within its shop management software suite. The FinditParts E-Commerce platform is now integrated with Mitchell 1’s Manager SE Truck Edition, which ... Read More »
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Most fleets take a preventive approach to maintenance – pulling a truck off the road for scheduled service based on a predetermined number of miles or hours in operation. Unfortunately, when minor problems arise between service intervals, what started as a minor issue can rapidly ... Read More »
Analysis of Brake Violations For U.S. Truck Fleets (2023-2024) The graph titled "Brakes Out of Service 2023-2024" highlights brake violation trends across different truck fleet sizes over a span of 17 months. This data offers insights into brake-related compliance issues within fleets of ... Read More »
Top 5 Trends for U.S. Truck Fleet Operators in 2025 Adapting to new trends will be crucial for fleet operators to remain competitive, reduce costs, and comply with new regulations in 2025. Here are the top five trends we see facing truck fleet operators in ... Read More »
Mounting a wheel may seem straightforward – just pop it on and use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts. However, this process is more crucial than expected. Properly mounting and maintaining your wheels is essential for ensuring safety on the road. WHY IS ... Read More »
Are you losing 20% in unchecked operating costs every month? Check out this great blog from Fleetworthy on how fleet operators can enhance operational efficiency and protect the bottom line in the face of regulatory evolution.
