May01 2013 NEW TRUCK

Peterbilt Launched all-new vocational model 567 at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY.

The new Model 567 is specifically designed with rugged durability and quality construction to endure the rigors of dump, logging, construction and the harshest of vocational applications.

OCT 01 2012 TRUCK BREAKDOWN
 
The Importance of Planning Ahead

There are a number of procedures a trucking company must perform to protect its investments. The motor and other parts must be maintained or replaced regularly to keep trucks running as long as possible. Not only does this maintenance help to extend the life of the vehicle, which reduces overhead, but it also reduces the number of frantic truck breakdown calls that drivers have to make. It is important for trucking companies to plan ahead by scheduling periodic diagnostic evaluations and by regularly replacing parts and fluids at a trustworthy truck service center. To spot an ideal truck service center, follow the tips below.

Inquire about the facility’s parts inventory

Time is of the essence, no matter what kind of repair a trucker needs to have completed. If the truck service center does not keep an adequate parts inventory, the repair will be delayed while the facility waits for necessary parts to arrive. Check to make sure the facility keeps a wide variety of parts stocked at all times to prevent delays.

Evaluate the staff

One critical factor with every repair is how qualified the technicians are. Ideally, employees should have substantial experience to be capable of diagnosing a number of issues. Another consideration is whether the facility provides sufficient training for new employees, as this contributes to their overall expertise. Finally, one should ask about employee turnover. If employees have been with the truck service center for many years, this will indicate the facility invests in quality employees.

The tips above will help one find a truck service center that can handle maintenance, but what about when there is a truck breakdown? The following offers further considerations.

Check the facility’s hours

Unlike maintenance, a truck breakdown is unscheduled. A facility that only opens from 9-6pm will not help drivers that are working during off-peak hours. Facilities that have extended hours, both early in the morning and at night, will be a better option during an emergency. In some cases, facilities will even have weekend hours, so drivers that work on weekends should have contact information for facilities open at these times.

Determine if the facility offers truck breakdown service

Some facilities offer mobile and emergency services. When the driver calls the dispatcher, a technician is sent to the site of the breakdown so that he or she can begin repairs. Rather than having to bring the truck back to the facility, the truck will be repaired quickly so that the driver can get back on the road.

Peterbilt of Atlanta invests in its employees by finding specialists with many years of experience, along with providing quality training so they continue to improve their skills. Additionally, Peterbilt of Atlanta offers truck breakdown services so drivers can get back on the road as fast as possible. Reach out to us to learn more about how our staff and facility will help keep trucks running longer.

SEPT 17 2012 QUALITY RIG ALIGNMENT

The Importance of Finding an Excellent Service Center

All trucking companies need to perform maintenance on their rigs. Regularly scheduled maintenance reduces the number of distress calls made by drivers, and protects the expensive investment trucking companies made in their fleet. Over time, a maintained truck will last longer and save the company money. However, if the company is not thorough when evaluating service centers, then its decision to perform maintenance will not have the desired effect. When the vehicle needs a wheel alignment, some facilities are better equipped to provide maintenance than others. This post reviews medium & heavy truck alignment to explain what role a good service center plays in each repair job.

 Medium & Heavy Truck Alignment

When a truck goes over a pothole or hits the curb during a turn, its alignment could have been offset. Even something as trite as “too much wear on the right tire” can be enough to throw off the alignment. The alignment refers to the precisely configured components that help the truck’s wheels stay straight and prevent premature tire wear. The wheel alignment will be determined by the caster, camber, and toe measurements. However, when it comes to medium & heavy truck alignment, most dealers are not equipped to complete a rig alignment on such a large truck. By finding a service center that has the heavy truck specific equipment and a workforce factory trained to complete a three axle rig alignment, the trucking company will save money on fuel and help to control tire wear.

In summary, rig alignment work should not be taken lightly if trucking companies want to preserve the life of their fleet. It is not only necessary to find a facility that performs quality service work, but one must also find a facility that has the capacity to perform these services on large trucks. Peterbilt of Atlanta has a world-class service facility with the space and state-of-the-art equipment needed to perform medium & heavy truck alignment service for large trucks.

SEPT 5 2012 VISITING COMMERCIAL TRUCK DEALERS

How to Purchase Necessary Vehicles

Businesses need trucks for a variety of reasons, but regardless of the reason, it is safe to say a truck is purchased because the business believes it will improve operations. Once careful analysis has determined that a truck purchase will benefit the organization, it is time for the company to decide with which of the many commercial truck dealers it wishes to work. This post will look at the systematic process businesses typically use to acquire a new vehicle. It will also give tips for finding a dealer that can meet the needs of the business over the life of the vehicle by offering quality service centers and stocking plenty of medium & heavy truck parts for when replacements are necessary.

Step 1: Determine needs

Once a company has determined it needs a new truck, that company must then determine how the truck will be used. A company might opt for many customization options that will help make a better decision on features if it has evaluated needs beforehand. There are a number of comfort and ergonomic options that could be employed for drivers who will be in the truck for many hours or on extended trips. Commercial truck dealers will have models with swivel seats and dual arm rests to increase driver comfort, custom gauges and navigation screens, as well as sleeper compartments equipped with refrigerators and TV hook-ups.

Step 2: List truck sources

Once a company has determined its needs, it is time to compile a list of commercial truck dealers in one’s area. The company must make sure the seller stocks the type of truck necessary (medium or heavy duty.) Some websites will even offer a truck locator buyers can use to determine where the closest needed truck can be purchased.

Step 3: Evaluate commercial truck dealers

In addition to looking at basic elements, such as where the dealer is located and what they have in their inventory, one will want to see what other services the dealer offers. If the dealer has a service center within its facility, this will make it easier for maintenance issues to be addressed down the line. Additionally, if the dealer stocks medium & heavy truck parts, then one can rest easy knowing that service issues will be resolved. A facility that does not stock medium & heavy truck parts will require more time for maintenance since it has to wait for parts to arrive.

Step 4: Compare prices

This step is not as simple as making a list and then choosing the lowest priced vehicle. Instead, a company must also evaluate different versions of the same truck (some trucks come pre-equipped with certain features, while others are more bare-bones.)

Step 5: Make the final purchase

Once an individual has chosen a dealer with exceptional products and facilities, it will be time to make the final purchase. Make sure the dealer has proper documentation, and then arrange to pick up the truck or have it delivered.

Peterbilt of Atlanta will help customers make their way through all five of these steps. Peterbilt of Atlanta will help a business determine its needs; and its two service centers are stocked with medium & heavy truck parts to keep your new truck purchase on the road for years.

AUG 01 2012 PETERBILT TO DISPLAY AT THE GREAT AMERICAN TRUCK SHOW

DENTON, TX (August 1, 2012) – Peterbilt Motors Company announced today that it will participate in the Great American Trucking Show (GATS) August 23-25 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, TX. Attendees will have opportunities to attended business strategy meetings and participate in educational seminars.

“For trucking professionals, an event like this is a great venue to interact with our new Model 579 and other Peterbilt models,” said Bill Kozek, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President. “We encourage everyone to stop by our exhibit and see our lineup of over-the-road, construction, and medium-duty vehicles.”

Products on display will include the all new Model 579, the Model 587 and the 210 medium duty COE, as well as the PACCAR MX 12.9 Liter engine. Attendees at the 14th annual convention will have access to key Peterbilt representatives to ask questions about these exciting products.

Jul 24 2012 BENDIX AIR DISC BRAKES AVAILABLE ON MODELS 382 and 348

DENTON, TX (July 24, 2012) – Peterbilt Motors Company has announced Bendix® air disc front brakes are immediately available on the Models 382 and 348. The Bendix air disc brakes offer improved performance and productivity.

“Peterbilt’s vocational duty customers will recognize the value of this addition to these models,” said Charles Cook, Peterbilt Vocational Market Segment Manager. “These brakes will add value to customer’s bottom line as it will require less maintenance, and last longer.” Air disc brakes offer a number of operation advantages including:

· Reduced stopping distance.

· Extended service intervals for reduced maintenance.

· Reduced downtime during service.

· Straight, stable stops due to minimized brake force variation between brakes.

· Compact design minimizes weight and maintenance.

· Internal automatic brake adjustment allows the brakes to always be in a state of optimum adjustment.

· Optimized friction pairing results in minimal noise and maximized pad and rotor life.

Peterbilt’s Model 382 is designed for regional haul markets such as pickup and delivery, as well as a range of vocational markets, ideally suited to meet municipal specifications and a variety of construction, refuse, fire service and emergency applications.

Available in GVW ratings from 31,000 to 66,000 pounds, the Model 348 is designed for low horsepower and torque vocational environments such as dumps, mixers and cranes, where a more compact overall vehicle envelope is required.

Peterbilt was the first commercial vehicle OEM in North America to offer air disc brakes as standard equipment on its Class 8 product line-up.

Jul 20 2012 PETERBILT ADDS PROPRIETARY SUSPENSION LINEUP TO MODEL 382

DENTON, TX (July 20, 2012) - Peterbilt Motors Company announces the expanding availability of the proprietary Air Leaf®, Low Air Leaf, and Air Trac drive axle suspensions to the Model 382. These suspensions provide a smooth, controlled ride as well as excellent braking and handling features.

"The 382 has established a reputation for outstanding quality, reliability and exceptional serviceability with regional haul Class 8 customers where overall low cost of ownership, performance and durability is critical to their success," said Charles Cook, Peterbilt Vocational Market Segment Manager.

"Offering Peterbilt’s complete line-up of proprietary air suspensions increases the specification flexibility for customers to further optimize the 382 to their operational needs." Peterbilt’s Air Leaf and Low Air Leaf suspensions require very low maintenance and no lubrication.

They are available for single or tandem rear axle configurations and have a rated capacity of up to 40,000 pounds. The Air Trac is also available in both single and tandem drive axle configurations with maximum capacity ratings of 46,000 pounds.

Peterbilt’s Model 382 is designed for regional haul markets such as pickup and delivery, as well as a range of vocational markets, ideally suited to meet municipal specifications and a variety of construction, refuse, fire service and emergency applications.

Jul 13 2012 PETERBILT’S MODEL 579 RECEIVES SMARTWAY® DESIGNATION

DENTON, TX (July 13, 2012) – Peterbilt Motors Company announced today its innovative new Model 579 received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay® designation. The Model 579 joins Peterbilt’s lineup of SmartWay designated vehicles, which includes the Model 587, Model 386 with and without LNG, and Model 384.

"After extensive product development and aerodynamic refinement, we are very proud to obtain the SmartWay designation for the Model 579," said Bill Kozek, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President. "The Model 579 SmartWay designated vehicle offers integrated aerodynamic features and fuel efficiency solutions for customers, further demonstrating Peterbilt’s leadership in developing innovative quality products."

The Peterbilt Model 579 meets SmartWay’s established comprehensive set of fuel-saving, low-emission equipment specifications for new Class 8 long-haul tractors and trailers. Class-8 tractors equipped with the required components and features are considered EPA-designated SmartWay Tractors.

"Fleets are continuously managing diesel price fluctuations, a stronger environmental focus and a desire to recruit and retain the best drivers," said Kozek. "And the 579 addresses these issues through innovative, advanced technologies, optimized powertrain packaging, including the PACCAR MX engine, and aerodynamic designs."

The Model 579 features:

· Distinctive Aerodynamic New Styling – Performance and productivity drove the design process to create distinctive, new Peterbilt styling that is purposeful and efficient.

· New Interiors Equal Productivity, Comfort – Two trim levels provide the optimal balance between comfort and driver performance.

· Vehicle System Enhancements – An electrical system is designed on a robust architecture that includes innovative protection, routing design elements, and improved electric-over-air rocker switches. And, an optimal chassis system reduces overall vehicle noise, vibration and harness as well as provides a durable foundation for a long, reliable vehicle life that translates into exceptional resale value.

· Optimized Powertrain Configurations – The Model 579 is available with the PACCAR MX engine and PACCAR by Eaton transmissions, and can be synchronized to achieve the highest fuel economy based on customer operational requirements.

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"Achieving the EPA’s SmartWay Designation is a validation of our extensive design of testing process," added Landon Sproull, Peterbilt Chief Engineer. "The continuous refinement of aerodynamic efficiency through hundreds of iterations of Computational Fluid Dynamics, wind tunnel testing, and customer feedback has resulted in best-in-class performance, and our engineering teams couldn’t be more excited."

JUN 4 2012 ABOUT  PETERBILT MOTORS COMPANY

Based in Denton, Texas, Peterbilt Motors Company combines a global reputation for industry leading design, innovative engineering and fuel efficiency solutions, with superior quality to engineer a truck that stands as the "Class" of the industry. Through its 250-plus North American dealer locations, Peterbilt also provides a comprehensive array of aftermarket support programs to complement its full lineup of on-highway, vocational and medium duty products, including alternative fueled vehicles. Customers enjoy industry leading service and support, including preventive maintenance plans, expedited QuickCare services, automated parts inventory replenishment and 24/7 complimentary Customer Assistance through 1-800-4-Peterbilt. For more information about Peterbilt, visit www.peterbilt.com.

JUN 4 2012 CHOOSING  PACCAR MX ENGINE IN THE GREEN AGE

The green movement began in the 1970s as a grassroots campaign for a sustainable environment. Not surprisingly, some of its biggest targets were companies that contributed to poor air quality by using equipment that emitted excessive exhaust, and consumed a high level of nonrenewable energy resources.

Today, the principles of the green movement have penetrated many industries the world over.  The freight transportation industry is a perfect example.  Today’s heavy duty trucks and tractors utilize diesel engines that have been completely transformed from emitters of excessive exhaust pollution, to a level of clean burning optimization where the exhaust is often cleaner than the air brought into the engine for combustion.

The PACCAR MX engine is a revolutionary design that was originated to exceed the standards for clean and efficient diesel engine power.  The PACCAR MX meets all of the EPA 2010 emission standards, while delivering excellent fuel economy, reliability and durability for long engine life.   Freight carriers now have a new choice of engine to power their vehicles and deliver the goods required to sustain our nation’s economy – while participating in the green movement to improve air quality for future generations.

JUN 4 2012 PETERBILT  AND  ECO  FRIENDLINESS EPA SMARTWAY

Peterbilt trucks are reputed for their lightweight design, along with legendary hauling power and extreme reliability, but carriers should also know that using Peterbilt trucks helps reduce emissions. When a carrier needs to reduce fleet emissions, it should consider investing in the Peterbilt trucks below, which are certified as fuel-efficient and eco-friendly by the EPA’s SmartWay program:

  • Model 386 Aero —A sloped hood design with swept-back fenders, and a contoured bumper, the  Model 386 Aero has many features that have been sculpted and refined to create an overall aerodynamic design that contributes to its excellent fuel efficiency, resulting in less exhaust and emissions.

• Model 587 Aero — An integrated cab and sleeper design with highly refined hood slope and fender contours.  The rounded grill crown, curved windshield, and cab/sleeper fairings also contribute to the overall aerodynamic and fuel-efficient performance of the Model 587 Aero.

• Model 384 Aero — Similar to the Model 386, but built with a shorter bumper to back of cab dimension, this truck can be specified as either a day cab, or sleeper truck,  that combines aerodynamic styling with an advanced technology, fuel—efficient PACCAR MX engine.  The Model 384 Aero can haul heavy loads without producing heavy emissions. 

In addition to helping carriers reduce emissions, the new PACCAR MX engine helps them save money.  Research shows that using the trucks above can reduce a carrier’s fuel cost by ten to twenty percent.  For carriers that must reduce operating costs, investing in Peterbilt’s line of ecofriendly Class 8 tractors, and maintaining them with Peterbilt dealership Service resources, results in lower emissions, reduced fuel cost, and high performance, keeping trucks on the road and producing revenue .

Additional Benefits

Using SmartWay certified trucks is an excellent way for carriers to save money and support green initiatives, allowing them to benefit from the positive public image associated with the use of trucks and components which conserve fuel and reduce emissions.

A recent global survey by Tandberg, a subsidiary of Cisco Systems, revealed that 53 percent of consumers prefer to buy from companies that have a green reputation.  Consequently, Business-to—Consumer (B2C) companies whose target audience includes these consumers prefer to work with Business-to-Business (B2B) companies that have a green reputation, for it displays their commitment to green principles. A freight carrier that uses SmartWay certified trucks is the preferred carrier of retailers and manufacturers that have a green reputation.

Going Green With Peterbilt

Using ecofriendly trucks and tractor helps carriers do more than protect the environment; it also helps them reduce fuel cost by up to twenty percent, and attract the business of B2C companies that prefer carriers who have a green reputation. Investing in trucks that have a new generation  PACCAR MX engine helps carriers realize these benefits. For more information about our SmartWay certified trucks and the value of Peterbilt service resources, call us today.