Roadside Medical teams up with Apnea Management Services to help reduce highway accidents
Roadside Medical Clinic + Lab announced its partnership with Apnea Management Services in an effort to help detect, diagnose and treat truck drivers with sleep apnea, a health disorder affecting 1 in 3 drivers, according to a study sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier’s Safety Administration and the American Trucking Association.
As part of the partnership, Roadside Medical Clinic + Lab will offer the world’s smallest and most advanced sleep apnea detection device in each of its clinics throughout the United States from Braebon Medical. Roadside Medical Clinic meets the specific needs of the trucker while driving down healthcare costs for the entire industry through Convenient Care Medical Services, Lifestyle and Wellness Programs, and DOT Testing.
"Roadside Medical Clinic + Lab is pleased to work with Apnea Management Services and Braebon to offer this life-saving tool to truck drivers," says Joe Neely, chief executive officer for Roadside Medical. "Together, we will help drivers get healthier and save lives on the road every day."
Nearly 1.1 million commercial truck drivers are affected by sleep apnea – defined as the struggle to breathe during sleep that can lead to many other health problems including, excessive daytime sleepiness, heart disease, hypertension, stroke and other life-threatening diseases. Untreated sleep apnea in the truck-driver population is dangerous to both drivers and others. Many fatalities involving truck drivers are related to falling asleep at the wheel—one of the direct consequences of untreated sleep apnea.
Illinois makes out-of-state CDL transfers tougher
By eTrucker Staff
Effective May 1, the Illinois secretary of state’s office will require out-of-state commercial driver's license holders to take both the written exam and the road exam before receiving an Illinois CDL.
The new policy is designed to ensure that all Illinois drivers holding a CDL have demonstrated their driving skills and knowledge.
For more information, call Illinois CDL Administrator Terry Montalbano at (217) 785-1350 or visit the Illinois CDL website.
Navistar makes personnel changes, Hebe named vice-president
CHICAGO, Ill. -- Navistar has announced several key upper management appointments, including the promotion of former Freightliner president and CEO Jim Hebe.
Hebe, who was president and dealer principal of Co-Van/Cascadia International in B.C., has been named senior vice-president, North American sales operations with Navistar. He replaces Dave LaPalomento, who moves on to a senior leadership position in the engine group.
Hebe will oversee Navistar's North American sales, dealer operations and central sales administration, Navistar has announced.
Meanwhile, Bernardo Valenzuela has been promoted to the newly created position of vice-president, global operations. He will focus on global product development, sales, marketing, distribution, manufacturing, service and support. His goal will be to grow truck and parts sales to global markets outside the US, Navistar announced.
Carlos Currlin will take over at Valenzuela's latest post as managing director, CMI, where he will focus on Navistar's Mexico operations.
ATA Projects Record-High Fuel Expenses for Trucking in 2008
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Trucking Associations announced today that it is projecting a record high diesel fuel bill in 2008. ATA said the trucking industry will spend $135 billion on fuel in 2008, based on current fuel price forecasts. This marks a $22 billion increase over the $112.6 billion spent by trucking in 2007.
ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said the trucking industry is experiencing the highest prolonged fuel prices in history. Historically, fuel represented the second-highest operating expense for motor carriers, accounting for as much as 25 percent of total operating costs. For some motor carriers, however, fuel is beginning to surpass labor as their largest expense.
“The trucking industry is making great strides in its efforts to reduce overall fuel consumption. But an affordable supply of diesel fuel is imperative to keep our trucks moving,” said Graves. “There is little to suggest that fuel prices will decline any time soon. Yet every day, ATA hears new stories from its members about how escalating fuel prices are hurting their businesses and affecting their livelihood.”
The cost to fill the fuel tanks on a typical tractor trailer has increased 116 percent, or $615, in just five years. Because trucks haul 70 percent of all freight tonnage, rising fuel costs have the potential to increase the cost of everything transported by truck, including food, retail and manufactured goods.
To alleviate future significant fuel price fluctuations, ATA calls upon Congress and the Bush Administration to address this crisis situation and move immediately to take steps to increase diesel fuel supply. These include increased refining capacity and the environmentally sound exploration of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Outer Continental Shelf. The trucking industry promotes common-sense measures to expand the fuel supply while reducing emissions and improving the efficiency of truck transportation.
The American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated state trucking associations, ATA represents more than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carrier in the United States
Unoccupied tractor trailer rolls on to Route 17 at Nichols exit
Posted February 26,2008
NYS Trooper Jeremiah Allen reported that the Tractor Trailer, owned by Swift Trucking Company out of Oklahoma, drifted into the highway after
the driver, whose name was not released, failed to engage the parking
brake when he exited the vehicle to use the rest facilities at the Nichols Rest Area.
According to Allen, the tractor trailer rolled down the hill between the eastbound lane by the rest area, and crossed both lanes. He further added that the tractor went to rest in the median, with the
trailer resting across both lanes. "No one was hurt, but we had to close the highway and divert traffic
through the rest area," stated Allen.
According to NYS Police, it took an hour and a-half to unload the fuel
from the rig and load it for removal from the highway.
The highway was opened back up to traffic at 9:30 a.m.
Truck-fatality statistics at record lows
Posted February 18,2008
Three of the primary measures of fatal accidents involving large trucks fell to record lows in 2006, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Newly released Federal Highway Administration vehicle mileage figures, used to determine annual crash rates, showed that the large truck involvement rate in fatal crashes, the large-truck fatality rate and the fatal crash rate for large trucks each declined to its lowest level since the DOT began tracking large truck safety records in 1975.
The 2006 fatal crash rate for large trucks stood at 1.93 fatal crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, breaking the previous low of 1.97 in 2002. The large truck involvement rate fell to 2.12 involved trucks per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, down from 2.21 a year earlier. The fatality rate declined to 2.24 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, down from 2.34 in 2005.
According to FHWA, there were nearly 3 million more registered cars and trucks in 2006 than in 2005.
“These figures illustrate the effectiveness of the trucking industry’s continuous efforts to increase safety on the nation’s highways,” said Bill Graves, American Trucking Associations president.
from www.etrucker.com
Navistar's New Flagship - Lone Star
Posted February 8, 2008
CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2008 – The deep-throated roar of a big bore diesel engine wrapped in a sleek chrome grill announced the arrival today of the world’s most innovative big-rig truck. Navistar International Corporation (Other OTC: NAVZ) unveiled its International® brand’s new flagship product, the visually stunning and technologically advanced International® LoneStar®, at the Chicago Auto Show.
With a striking, aerodynamic appearance and breakthrough functional innovations inside 
and out, the International LoneStar is the result of extensive customer research and automotive-inspired design – a new truck that changes the game for today’s trucking professional. It creates a new category of Class 8 trucks called “Advanced Classic,” in which technology and innovative styling converge with next-generation aerodynamic design to deliver superior fuel efficiency. LoneStar also sets a higher standard for comfort – through improved ergonomics, an industry-leading suspension, advanced electronics and a quiet cab.
“This truck is unlike anything on the road today,” said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO. “The International LoneStar closes the gap between work style and lifestyle for driving professionals, combining peak productivity with emotional appeal. It is the product of Navistar’s culture of relentless innovation, and embodies the spirit both of today’s driving professionals and the dynamic, transforming energy inside our company.”
“Our customers told us they want three things: A truck that makes a statement about the
driver, comfort on the road whether working or resting, and the combination of fuel economy and serviceability that helps them make more money,” said Dee Kapur, president, Navistar Truck Group. “LoneStar delivers on all accounts. Now, drivers don’t have to compromise. They can have it all – looks, efficiency, comfort, functionality and productivity.”
LoneStar is a breakthrough product that resulted from a breakthrough process. The truck progressed directly from math and clay models to production – without any development prototypes.
“Our engineering team, which has diverse backgrounds in the automotive, aerospace and trucking industries, felt confident that we could develop this truck 
without spending months in prototyping,” said Tom Baughman, vice president and general manager, Navistar Heavy Truck Vehicle Center. “We knew we had a winning truck, and we wanted to make it available to our customers as soon as it could be ready.”
LoneStar features advanced ride and handling, class-leading quietness and the luxurious and functional Suite interior that rivals many offices and living rooms.
Automotive-style features built into the LoneStar include:
• Standard ABS
• Roll stability
• Traction control
• Bluetooth Integration for hands-free phone use
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Automotive-style dash and gauges with rosewood or titanium trim
• 50-degree wheel cut
LoneStar’s interior is as distinctive, innovative and practical as its skin. After listening to hundreds of driving professionals, the design team developed an interior that features a 
level of comfort and functionality typically found in recreational vehicles.
Interior highlights include:
• Wood flooring in the sleeper cab
• Sofa-bed design with back pillows
• Swivel chairs
• Closed “airline” cabinets for maximum storage
• Monsoon stereo system with 11 speakers, sub-woofer and amplifier
• Pull-down bed with 42-inch premium mattress
• Workspaces to plug in laptop computers and work in a desk-like setting
• Mini refrigerator
“In an average week, a truck driver may spend 120 hours in his or her truck – driving, eating, sleeping, running a business, even entertaining friends,” said David Allendorph, chief designer for Navistar’s Truck Group. “We designed the LoneStar’s environment to be both highly functional and comfortable. No other truck’s interior delivers the style, comfort and practicality we have built into the LoneStar.”
Fuel efficiency is increasingly important for truck owners. LoneStar is projected to be five percent to 15 percent more fuel efficient than classic trucks, equating to an annual savings of $3,000 to $8,000.
“The aerodynamic design of LoneStar’s hood, windshield and side skirts will save them real money,” Allendorph said. “Truck pros can have a unique, customizable truck 
that will reward them at the pump. When you are spending $1,000 or more with each fill-up, you really appreciate the fuel efficiency of the LoneStar.”
The distinctive grille and sloped hood were inspired by International’s D-Series trucks, which helped transform America’s cross-country transportation in the early 20th Century. A restored and modified example of that truck, the DMAXX, also is on display at the International booth.
The LoneStar will be available for order from nearly 900 dealer locations in North America beginning in April 2008. Production of the trucks will begin in August 2008 at Navistar’s plant in Chatham, Ontario, Canada and will be delivered to customers in fall 2008.
In addition to the LoneStar and DMAXX, other Navistar vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show include the International® MaxxPro™, Navistar’s mine-resistant ambush protected military vehicle that helps protect the U.S. military from roadside bombs; a military version of the International® MXT™ that includes Raytheon’s advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (SL-AMRAAM) launcher; and the civilian International MXT, an extreme pickup truck launched at the Chicago Auto Show in 2006 that can haul nearly eight tons and tops out at $135,000.
About Navistar
Navistar International Corporation (Other OTC: NAVZ) is a holding company whose wholly owned subsidiaries produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce™ brand diesel engines, IC brand school buses, and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine parts and service. Another wholly owned subsidiary offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com.
Kenworth Medium Duty Hybrid Models Qualify for IRS Tax Incentives
Credits Up To $12,000 Available
Purchasers of certain Kenworth medium duty hybrid vehicles in the United States are eligible for a tax credit of up to $12,000, under a qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit available from the federal government.
The U.S. Department of Treasury’s heavy manufacturing and transportation group recently certified the tax incentive eligibility of both the Kenworth T370 Class 7 and Kenworth T270 Class 6 hybrid models in two applications. A $12,000 credit, the maximum for Class 7 hybrids, is available for the T370 hybrid in both utility boom and pickup and delivery vehicles when equipped with a PACCAR PX-6 engine and an Eaton hybrid system. A $6,000 credit, the maximum for Class 6 hybrids, is available for both the Kenworth T270 hybrid utility boom and pickup and delivery vehicles, also when equipped with a PACCAR PX-6 engine and an Eaton hybrid system.
“These federal tax credits serve as important incentives for customers seriously considering the purchase of Kenworth medium duty hybrid trucks this year,” said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales.
The goal for Kenworth’s medium duty hybrid trucks is to enhance fuel economy by up to 30% in stop-and-go applications. Kenworth’s hybrid features an integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, frame-mounted 340-volt battery, and dedicated power management system. Above 30 mph, the hybrid operates like a standard diesel vehicle with all power coming from the engine during steady driving conditions. Below 30 mph, it uses a combination of diesel and electricity with the system automatically switching between the two modes of operation. Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine.
Kenworth, a division of PACCAR Inc, is a leading manufacturer of heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is the recipient of the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Over The Road, Pickup and Delivery and Vocational Segment Class 8 trucks. Kenworth’s home page is www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. The World’s Best.
