News
Is Downspeeding Killing Your Brakes?
Due to the attendance numbers at a recent technical session at this year’s TMC Fall Meeting in Cleveland about the impact of downsped drivelines on brakes, this question is apparently on the minds of more than a few fleets who worry that downpseeding is responsible for premature brake wear.
Nussbaum Transportation’s Maintenance Coordinator, Justin Worden, doesn’t believe that downspeeding is contributing to excessive brake wear at Nussbaum.
“We actually think with downspeeding and all the other systems, that we’re getting longer brake life,” he said. “If treated correctly, and with the right PM, we’re often not even [changing] one set of pads over the life of the truck.”
What is downspeeding?
Downspeeding is the modern term for gear-fast-run-slow. Cruising at a lower engine speed consumes less fuel, reduces carbon emissions, and can also reduce maintenance costs. Since the engine is running slower, so are all the auxiliary components such as compressors, pumps, and fans, which all contribute to lower parasitic losses and reduced wear and tear on those components.
These downsped drivetrains offer many benefits, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. It’s an application best suited to truckload operations on flat or rolling terrain, mostly on highways or long hauls. The benefits are reduced for regional and local applications with higher ratios of stop-and-go driving and less time spent in top gear. It’s also not really the best for fleets with a lot of mountain driving.
Is the problem the equipment, or the way it’s managed?
Kristopher Ptasznik, Cummins Technical Support Manger, explained in the session how engine brakes work, and described factors that affect engine brake performance. He mentioned displacement, turbo size and design, cam lobe design and valve lift duration, etc., all critical factors in engine brake performance. He also mentioned engine speed and described how it is relative to retarding power.
According to Ptasznik, Cummins had recently reconfigured its line-laul engine breaks to provide a bit more power at lower engine speeds. The engine brake retarding capability at typical downsped engine speed (1,100-1,200 rpm) is only about 150-250 horsepower. Before you write off the engine brake, consider the impact of dropping a single gear: the engine rpm bumps up by 300 rpm or so, which increases the engine brake retarding power to between 375 and 425 horsepower.
If the driver needs a little more retarding capability, another downshift will push the engine up to 1,700 or 1,800 rpm, pushing retarding power close to 500 horsepower. That’s sufficient to hold an 80,000-pound truck to a reasonable speed on a 6% grade all day long — without ever touching the service brakes. At 2,100 rpm, the line haul engine brake in Ptasznik’s example delivers about 525 retarding horsepower.
Ptasznik said the company made some hardware changes to increase the output at lower engine speed but that resulted some compromise at higher speeds.
He goes on to explain that it’s important for drivers to understand that engine sped can go higher under braking, that the rpm the engine will achieve when fueling is not necessarily the rpm where stuff starts coming apart, and that automated manual transmissions will not allow an engine to overspeed.
If drivers are accustomed to driving between 1,000 and 1,500 rpm, and believe bad things will happen over 1,500, they are robbing the rig of some serious retarding capability. When this happens, the natural thing for a driver to do is to hit the service brakes.
If you’re unsure of the top speed limit for your engine under engine braking, check with a rep from your engine supplier. They’ll likely tell you it’s around 2,000-2,200 rpm.
Nussbaum’s Justin Worten also spoke to the importance of driver training.
According to the TMC study, excessive brake wear is more of a driver training issue than a reason to condemn downspeeding. The only connection between brake wear and downspeeding is low engine speed, and thus, lackluster engine brake performance. However, when this is coupled with the reluctance to let the engine run at a higher rpm, with the threat of overspeed warning and write-ups, it’s understandable why drivers aren’t always using the full capabilities of the engine brake.
Summary:
Truck drivers often face safety concerns on the road, leading many to consider carrying a firearm for protection. However, rules about carrying guns in trucks vary by federal and state laws, and there are even more restrictions when crossing borders into Canada or Mexico. This article breaks down these rules to help drivers understand what is and isn’t allowed.
News for You
Carrying a firearm in your truck might seem like a good way to stay safe, but there are important laws you need to know about before bringing a gun on the road. The rules can be confusing because they differ between federal and state laws, and if you’re driving into Canada or Mexico, things get even more complicated.
Federal vs. State Laws
There isn’t a specific federal law that stops you from having a gun in your truck, but federal regulations do come into play when you’re transporting goods between states. If you have a firearm, it needs to be stored correctly — usually unloaded and in a locked case separate from ammunition. Some states have their own rules about carrying guns in vehicles, so it’s important to know the laws of each state you’re traveling through. For example, states like California and New York have stricter gun laws compared to others like Texas or Arizona.
Crossing Borders into Canada or Mexico
Taking a firearm into Canada or Mexico is a whole different story. Canada has very strict gun laws, and you need special permits that are hard to get, especially if you have a criminal record. If you try to bring a gun into Canada without the right paperwork, you could be arrested and face serious penalties. In Mexico, the laws are even stricter — bringing a firearm can lead to arrest, heavy fines, and even imprisonment.
Driving Professionally
For professional truck drivers, carrying a gun could also affect your job. Many companies have their own policies that ban firearms in their vehicles, regardless of state or federal laws. If you’re caught breaking these rules, you could lose your job or face other penalties. It’s best to check with your employer’s policy before deciding to carry a firearm in your truck.
How This Affects You
For truck drivers, knowing the rules about carrying a firearm can help you avoid legal trouble and keep your job secure. If you’re considering carrying a gun for protection, it’s crucial to understand the differences in state and federal laws, as well as the specific rules for crossing into Canada or Mexico. Always check with your employer’s policy on firearms, as company rules may be stricter than the law. Staying informed will help you make the best decision for your safety and your career.
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#TruckDriverSafety #FirearmLaws #Truckers #CrossingBorders #StateVsFederalLaw #GunSafety #TruckingRegulations #CanadaMexicoLaws #ProfessionalDrivers #TruckingJobs
Business
Good Greek Moving & Storage Extends Partnership as the Official Movers of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Good Greek Moving & Storage, recognized as the 2024 National Mover of the Year by the American Trucking Association, announced the extension of its multi-year partnership as the official movers of the National Football League’s (NFL) Tampa Bay Buccaneers today. This multi-year extension solidifies a decade of dedicated service to the Buccaneers, ensuring seamless transportation logistics for the team both on and off the field.
As the official movers of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Good Greek Moving & Storage is entrusted with the crucial task of transporting everything the team needs, from essential game-day equipment to the personal relocation needs of players, coaches and management. The company ensures the timely and secure transportation of all Buccaneers’ equipment to every away game during the NFL pre-season, regular seasons and playoffs. This partnership allows the Buccaneers to concentrate on their game, confident in the reliable logistics support provided by Good Greek.
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team that embodies the spirit of excellence both on and off the field,” said Spero Georgedakis, founder and CEO of Good Greek Moving & Storage and Good Greek Relocation Systems. “As a proud member of this community and a lifelong Bucs fan, it’s an honor to continue supporting the team, their loyal fans and the entire Tampa Bay community. We’re committed to delivering the same championship-level service that has made us the trusted movers of the NFL, ensuring that our hometown team is always ready to perform at its best.”
This extension marks an exciting chapter in Good Greek’s involvement with the NFL, with additional NFL Partnership announcements expected soon. Beyond managing the team’s equipment logistics, Good Greek is also committed to serving Buccaneers fans, offering customized moving services that keep them close to the action, whether they’re relocating within the Tampa Bay area or beyond. Through this partnership, fans will benefit from exclusive discounts and promotions, reinforcing Good Greek’s commitment to providing the Best Move Ever.
Fans attending home games at Raymond James Stadium can also look forward to a new, co-branded mural at sections 136/137, celebrating the enduring partnership between the Buccaneers and Good Greek Moving & Storage.
“We value Good Greek Moving & Storage’s commitment to award-winning service and are pleased to continue that relationship into the future,” said Buccaneers Chief Commercial Officer Atul Khosla. “In order for our team to perform at its best on the road, it is essential that travel logistics run smoothly. Good Greek’s expertise in working with professional sports teams throughout the state makes them an ideal partner to handle our moving and storage needs.”
The partnership with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is just one of 18 professional and collegiate sports partnerships for Florida’s most trusted and most referred mover. Along with the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Rowdies, Good Greek is the official mover for The University of Miami, The University of Central Florida, Orlando Magic, Orlando HEAT, Miami Marlins and more. Through these partnerships, Good Greek demonstrates its commitment to community involvement and excellence, aiming to create lifelong customers by embodying the values of Honor, Faith, Strength and Courage—the four pillars of the Good Greek Way.
ABOUT GOOD GREEK
The American Trucking Associations named Good Greek Mover of the Year in 2024 and is the World’s First and Only Total Relocation Company. Good Greek Relocation Systems offers Realty Services, Insurance and Title Services, Junk and Debris Removal, Auto Transport, and of course, Moving and Storage. For over 25 years, the Good Greek, Spero Georgedakis, has provided game changing services in South Florida. Credited with revolutionizing the perception of the industry, Spero and his team promise to provide the “Best Move Ever” – putting respect for the client and customer service first. Headquartered in South Florida with locations throughout the state, Good Greek is the Official Movers of Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, Orlando Magic, Orlando Solar Bears, Miami HEAT, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Inter Miami CF, University of Central Florida, University of Miami Hurricanes, Florida International University Golden Panthers, Florida Atlantic University Owls, and the University of FloridaGators. Good Greek also is partnered with Lakeland Flying Tigers, JetBlue Park in Fort Myers (the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox) and Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter (the spring training home of the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals).
Media Contact: Dave Murphey
murph@goodgreek.com
Mobile – (305) 205-0808
Do you know an outstanding trucking fleet executive who is committed to elevating safety measures? Heavy Duty Trucking is seeking nominations for the prestigious 2024 Safety & Compliance Award. This accolade honors individuals within trucking fleets who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovative leadership, and a creative approach to enhancing safety protocols.
Eligibility Criteria for Nominations
HDT invites nominations for professionals leading in safety, risk management, human resources, and similar capacities across the trucking industry. Whether you are nominating yourself or someone you admire for their contributions, we welcome submissions from colleagues, clients, vendors, and self-nominations alike.
The award recipient will be celebrated during the Fleet Safety Conference segment at the upcoming Fleet Forward Conference, taking place from November 6-8, 2024, at the Sheraton Marina in San Diego. Nominees should exemplify innovation in safety management and measurable progress in protecting drivers and other road users. The winner will gain significant visibility in the November/December issue of Heavy Duty Trucking magazine, as well as on Truckinginfo.com and other reputable platforms.
Are you or someone you know a worthy candidate? Be sure to submit your nomination here by September 20.
Source: Trucking Info
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