Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/119598
news and notes Progressive Insurance Offering Truck Skirt Program Last month, Progressive Commercial Auto Insurance began offering owner operators a great deal on a trailer skirt with a proven track record to increase fuel efficiency on their trucks by up to 7.45%. The AeroFlex Trailer Skirt, produced by Freight Wing, will be sold at certain Progressive Network Repair Facilities for about $700, with a seven year warranty. To put that in perspective, these trailer skirts normally retail for more than $1,000 with a standard 3 year warranty. Below are some additional offerings: • The purchase of a skirt at a Progressive Network Repair Facility will include a wrapped skirt with Progressive's logo on the side. Shipping is included in the purchase of the skirt. • To keep installation convenient for Owner Operators, Progressive strategically chose Network Repair Shops that will be carrying the skirts to geographically cover the country. The goal is to make it so truckers won't have to venture too far from their normal route to get one installed. • Some other proven strengths include: o EPA SmartWay/CARB approved o 7.45% Fuel Savings in SAE/TMC J1321 testing by independent third party o Save more than 400 gallons of fuel every 50,000 miles of trailer operation o New proprietary flexible plastic panels to maximize durability for the life of your trailer o Owner operators who are interested will be able to visit www.progressive.com/ trailerskirt. Meritor Remanufactured Brake Shoes Recognized for Product Quality Leadership Meritor's Aftermarket business has been awarded the prestigious 2012 North American Industry Product Quality Leadership Award by Frost & Sullivan for the company's remanufactured brake shoes. "We recognize that the production of high quality remanufactured brakes is a constant challenge for the heavy-duty trucking industry," said Janardan Damani, research analyst, Frost & Sullivan. "The North American remanufactured brakes aftermarket and its participants currently face several hurdles because brakes not only require immediate replacement but can also cause irreversible, extensive damage to trucks and increase the risk of accidents. "A major concern for the participants of remanufactured brakes has been imports from low-cost countries. However, due to the high cost of testing and product development on the manufacturer side, low-cost countries typically feature compromises in design and product life. Second, price is the most important competitive factor in this market, and it complicates suppliers' efforts to improve their products and develop unique advantages." The award was announced here at the industry's largest event, Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week in Las Vegas. "We are extremely proud of this recognition for our breakthrough product, but more than that, we're so grateful that we could respond to our customers with a product that works and addresses a long-standing problem in brake shoes - rustjacking," said Terry Livingston, general manager, Global Product Management and Shared Services, Aftermarket & Trailer, Meritor. According to Frost & Sullivan, "Meritor stands out from the crowd for its leading position in providing innovative braking solutions for original equipment manufacturers of trucks. Leveraging its global production base and supply chain, Meritor has established itself as a leader in brake (shoe) (re)manufacturing." More than 15 million Meritor remanufactured brake shoes have been sold to North American truck operators since it introduced them in the spring of 2009. For important information, visit the company's website at meritor.com. DAT and 4 State Trucks Announce a Strategic Marketing Agreement DAT, which operates the industry's largest network of load boards, including truckstops, / Owner operator/ April 2013 / / 24 OO 0413 edit.indd 24 3/19/13 2:20 PM