The marketplace is changing for trucks.
Over the last several years, you’ve probably noticed a large shift in the market for highway trucks.
The reason for this is vertical integration. For fuel efficiency to improve, engine builders and truck manufacturers have been designing proprietary configurations for the engine drivetrain. Today, we wanted to take a deeper look at how the highway truck industry has transformed.
Transmission Fluids
One major change every driver and fleet owner is talking about is the complexity of transmission fluids and gear lubricants. Fleets often had or currently have a variety of different makes of vehicles that are operated daily. Now, one lubricant may no longer be compatible with components from different manufacturers. Not only can unapproved fluid start to cause performance issues for your truck fleet, but it can also void your warranty coverage. Right now, this also makes things complicated in fleet shops. Vehicles will have to have an inventory number to correctly identify what type of gear lubricants and fluids it needs.
Lower Viscosity Drivetrain Fluids
Because of fuel economy standards, there is a bigger focus on using lower viscosity drivetrain fluids. That’s because lighter oils can help to improve the fuel efficiency of highway trucks by reducing parasitic losses and reducing fluid friction. The use of lower viscosity transmission oils is also a growing trend in automated manual transmissions. Since automated manual transmissions already focus on fuel economy and safety, these designs are naturally suited for the use of lower viscosity lubricants.
New Regulations for Highway Trucks
Right now, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are working to impose tighter greenhouse-gas emissions standards on heavy-duty trucks and medium-duty trucks. These standards will most likely start to take effect in 2021. These standards are a continuation of some of the government’s fuel-efficiency standards for highway trucks that began back in 2014. Most highway truck fleet owners are realizing these are more than just trends, so trucking companies are making decisions that focus on the changes that are ahead. The highway truck market is slowly shifting, so it’s important fleet owners focus on improving the efficiency within their company.
Get In Touch With Baltimore Freightliner Western Star Today
If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to discover more about commercial truck sales, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474 or email us your questions and concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com. Does your truck need repair, maintenance, or service? Contact our service manager, Jessica Levine, at jessica.levine@baltimorefreightliner.com.
Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, grow your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the best choice in trucking. Become one of our many satisfied customers today!
Be sure to follow us on Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest from Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star.
Tags: business, highway, marketplace, trucks