There has been extensive discourse surrounding the rise of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including their impact on the transportation sector, especially in regard to trucking. In a diesel fueled industry: whatare zero-emission vehicles?
Zero-Emission Vehicles
Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are vehicles that produce no emissions of greenhouse gases or other pollutants during operation. The design is focused on significantly reducing or eliminating emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change. Culprits include carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), as well as other harmful pollutants. Various energy sources, including electricity, hydrogen fuel cells, and renewable fuels such as biofuels, are used to power ZEVs.
The main types of zero-emission vehicles include:
Battery Electric Vehicles(BEVs): BEVs are powered entirely by electricity stored in rechargeable batteries. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and are typically charged by plugging into an electric power source. Sources include charging stations or standard electrical outlets.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles(FCVs): FCVs use hydrogen gas as a fuel and convert it into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen in the air. In turn, this generates power to drive an electric motor. The only byproduct of this process is water vapor, making FCVs emission-free during operation.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles(PHEVs): PHEVs combine a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. They operate in all-electric mode for a certain range of time. Then, it switches to the internal combustion engine or can use both power sources simultaneously. While emitting some carbon, PHEVs are considerably more efficient, cleaner, and quieter than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Replacing old, high-polluting diesel- and gasoline-powered heavy-duty trucks with clean, quiet, electric hybrid vehicles can significantly reduce transportation sector emissions and improve air quality.
The future is eco-friendly. Zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks represent a promising solution for decarbonizing the transportation sector and transitioning to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly future. Continued investment in research, development, and infrastructure can be crucial to understanding the long-term effects of not only how these vehicles operate, but how they affect the environment as well as human health and quality of life.
Read more of our Zero-Emissions blog content, here.
Roadside emergencies can happen unexpectedly, but being prepared and knowing what to do can make a big difference, especially in trucking. We are going to arm you with some essential tips to ensure you are well-prepared and confident to tackle any roadside emergency head-on.
1. Safety First
Pull your truck over to a safe location, ideally completely off the road and onto the shoulder, as soon as possible. Use hazard lights to alert other drivers. Use reflective triangles or flares to increase visibility, especially at night or in low visibility conditions.
2. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
First things first, take a deep breath.Panicking won’t help you or the situation. Assessing the situation calmly will help you make better decisions. Determine the nature of the problem. Is it a flat tire, engine trouble, overheating, or something else?
3. Contact Roadside Assistance
Contact your company’s dispatch or roadside assistance immediately to report the issue. Provide your location, a brief description of the problem, and any other relevant details.
Roadside Assistance services typically include:
Towing Services for Mechanical or Electrical Breakdowns
Battery Failure – Testing/Jump Start
Flat Tire – Repair/Replacement
Lockout Assistance
Fuel/Fluid Delivery
Make sure your roadside assistance coverage includes all of these services (and more) to make your job a little more stress-free.
4. Be Prepared with an Emergency Kit
Keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your truck can be a lifesaver.
Your kit should include items such as road flares, a first-aid kit, water, non-perishable snacks, flashlights with extra batteries, and basic repair tools. Keep your phone charged and have emergency contact numbers, including roadside assistance services, readily available.
5. Stay Safe and Stay with Your Vehicle
Naturally, there might be a temptation to fix everything yourself. But it is essential to know when a situation is beyond your expertise.
Never attempt repairs on the side of a busy highway or in an unsafe location. Your safety and the safety of other drivers is top priority. If you have to leave your vehicle (e.g., for safety reasons), be sure to lock it and take your phone and essential items with you.
6. Document the Incident
Take photos of the scene, including any damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area. This documentation may be helpful for insurance claims or legal purposes.
7. Stay Informed
Stay updated on the progress of assistance. If there are any changes or delays, communicate with your company or roadside assistance provider.
8. Know When to Call for Help
Once you’ve secured professional help in getting your vehicle off the road, your next priority should be scheduling a service appointment to find out what went wrong.
Truck Service Center
At Coopersburg Kenworth, our Service Center has everything you need to get your truck back on the road quickly. From oil changes and brake jobs to engine overhauls and warranty work, we do it all here at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth. We also have a Body Shop! Schedule your appointment online, by phone, or in-person.
Remember, being prepared and knowing how to respond effectively can make all the difference in a roadside emergency. Stay safe out there!
When you’re the captain of your heavy-duty truck, there’s a certain sense of pride and responsibility that comes with the territory. For owner-operators, the sage advice of Ben Franklin couldn’t ring truer — “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is especially true when it comes to heavy-duty truck maintenance. Luckily, we have three essential maintenance tips every owner-operator should have on their checklist for smooth rides and business success.
Tip 1: Regular Inspections
Inspect Like Your Job Depends on It
Tires, brakes, fluids, and lights are the unsung heroes of the American trucking industry. Begin with the first point of contact with the road: tires. Uneven wear or tears could signal more significant issues or a looming blowout, imperative to address before they sideline you. Brake inspections are critical, ensuring you have the stopping power when you need it most.
Staying on top of your fluids is equally important. Whether it’s something as innocent as having no wiper fluid or as serious as an engine with no oil in it, the last thing you want while you’re on the road is problems. If you’re like most owner-operators, our last tip about lights is a no-brainer. Keep your lights bright and bulbs blaring to avoid any visibility issues while you’re on the road.
All in all, giving your truck a once over is a simple, yet amazing piece of advice. Ten minutes of your time could save you thousands of dollars, so do that daily walk around!
The Frequency Game
Performing thorough DIY inspections before and after every trip can help eliminate any headaches before they begin. We’ve come up with a list of “best practices” regarding routine checks of your heavy-duty truck.
For tires, every two weeks isn’t overkill — it’s proactive. Brake inspections should coincide with tire checks. Never neglect the fluids; they’re what keeps your heavy-duty engine revving and your revenues rising.
In addition to routine DIY inspections, we always recommend having your truck inspected by our team of certified technicians. We suggest inspections at least twice a year. Not only will this prevent a variety of issues from occurring, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing that your source of income will be available year-round.
Your truck is a finely tuned machine, and manufacturers provide a roadmap for keeping it that way. From nose to tail, following OEM guidelines is the best way to ensure peak performance and warranty validity.
The Plan of Action
When you’re dealing with engines that clock millions of miles, it’s essential to check your oil regularly and have it changed on a routine basis. According to Lube Zone, “The average lifespan of an oil change on a truck is anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 miles.” Although factors such as older vehicles and driving habits may impact how long the oil in your truck engine may last. Transmissions deserve attention too; it’s recommended your transmission be serviced every 100,000 miles or so. This is to ensure you get the most longevity out of it.
Now while these are merely our recommendations, we always advise that you consult your owner’s manual to verify what the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals are.
Tip 3: Seasonal Maintenance
Seasonal commercial truck maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and safety throughout the year. As seasons change, various elements like temperature, road conditions, and precipitation can affect the operation of commercial vehicles.
Winter
During the winter months, attention should be given to inspecting and replacing worn tires, checking and replenishing antifreeze levels, and ensuring adequate battery strength for cold starts. Regularly check and replace cabin air filters to ensure efficient airflow. Adequate defrosting capability is vital for keeping the windshield clear of frost and ice, ensuring optimal visibility during winter driving conditions.
Spring
In spring, focus shifts to cleaning and inspecting the undercarriage for any signs of corrosion from winter road treatments, as well as checking brake systems and fluid levels. Consider flushing and replacing the coolant if it’s dirty or hasn’t been changed according to manufacturer recommendations.
Summer
Summer maintenance involves monitoring for tire pressure fluctuation due to increased heat, checking air conditioning systems, and inspecting engine belts and hoses for wear and tear. It’s also essential to regularly inspect and clean the truck’s cooling system. Summer heat can place extra stress on the engine’s cooling system, potentially leading to overheating if not properly maintained.
Fall
Lastly, in the fall, attention should be given to preparing for colder weather. Implement this by inspecting the heating system, checking and replacing windshield wipers, and ensuring all lights are functioning correctly. Additionally, it’s important to inspect and prepare the truck’s braking system for the upcoming colder months. Fall is an ideal time to check the condition of brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines to ensure they’re in good working order.
Schedule Your Service Appointment Today!
Now that you’ve read our top three tips for heavy duty truck maintenance, hopefully your experience as an owner-operator in the Lehigh Valley just got that much easier! From oil changes and routine inspections to engine overhauls and tire replacements, these tips will help you until you retire.
We’d be doing a disservice if we didn’t mention our top-notch service department here at Coopersburg Kenworth. If you’re a heavy-duty truck owner-operator in the Lehigh Valley area, we’re your one-stop shop for sales, service and parts. Don’t wait until it’s too late, book your next service appointment online or by calling 610-262-4500 today!
Becoming a dump truck driver might not be the flashiest career, but it can open the door to a lucrative future in heavy-vehicle operations. Whether you’re planning for a career in the vocational market or setting your sights on long haul trucking, driving dump trucks is a door opener that can lead to a long term career or serve as a stepping stone towards alternate trucking jobs.
What You Should Know About Becoming A Dump Truck Driver
1. License Requirements
Licenses are a common area of confusion because dump truck drivers need a different license than many other heavy truck operators. A dump truck operator needs a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This license allows you to operate a vehicle which weighs more than 26,000 pounds — but tows less than 10,000 pounds. Since most dump trucks are integrated, that’s the most appropriate license. Class B licenses also cover other all-in-one vehicles, such as buses.
By comparison, a Class A CDL license allows for driving vehicles which weigh more than 26,000 lbs. and tow more than 10,000lbs.
2. Licensing Procedures
Believe it or not, getting a Class B license really isn’t much different from getting a regular license. You must take an exam to qualify for a Commercial Driver’s License learner’s permit, then get a certain number of on-road hours before applying for a permanent CDL.
The main difference is that you must already have a non-commercial Class C driver’s license to start the process.
3. Going to Truck-Driving School
Strictly speaking, truck-driving school isn’t a requirement, but it’s still a very good idea in the vast majority of cases. CLD training typically lasts 2-4 weeks, incorporating both classroom and behind-the-wheel training. This training teaches techniques, road safety, first aid, applicable federal laws, and more.
4. Time Commitment
Depending on circumstances, it typically takes approximately 30 to 60 days to get a Class B license. That makes it even more enticing to get into trucking!
Even with no prior experience, once you’ve gained the necessary skills, take the exam, and earn your license, you will be ready to begin your career as a dump truck driver!
Our Bristol, PA location is expanding to add a Kenworth Approved Service Department!
Located near one of the Mid-Atlantic’s busiest trucking corridors, Liberty Kenworth of Bristol is a five minute drive from I-95, a ten minute drive from the PA Turnpike, and only twenty minutes from I-295 and the NJ Turnpike.
The Liberty Kenworth of Bristol location will have factory certified technicians with training from Cummins, Paccar, Eaton, and Bendix. Liberty Kenworth of Bristol will be able to offer everything from a quick PM to in-frame engine overhauls. They will also have an Express Diagnostics Lane.
Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth has been rated as a Top Ten Service Dealer by Kenworth and is committed to getting your truck repaired quickly, safely and correctly.
Technicians receive training and technical support directly from Kenworth, Cummins, Eaton, Bendix and several other suppliers. Liberty Kenworth of Bristol technicians also have the factory-required specialty tools and diagnostic software necessary to get to the root of the issue your truck may be having, as well as the experience and factory OEM parts required to fix it correctly.
Liberty Kenworth of Bristol plans to roll up the doors and start servicing trucks by March 2024.
Our certified technicians will ensure you peace of mind as we work to get your vehicle back on the road. Fast turnaround times, competitive pricing, and one-on-one support from service advisors set us apart from the competition.
Reach out to your preferred location to ask what we can do to help you and your business succeed.
