Overdrive

December 2017

Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info

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December 2017 | Overdrive | 13 In a partnership with Ryder and Frigidaire, retrofitter Embark conducted tests of its semi-au- tonomous system in four states in late October. Ryder tractors equipped with Embark's Level 2 system operated in an auton- omous mode in on-highway segments during trips of about 650 miles. Drivers operated the rigs on surface streets. Embark said several loads were hauled, during which one truck traveled as many as 306 consecutive miles in automated mode, with the driver only tak- ing over control for a mandato- ry stop at a state border. "Operating with a Level 2 system, the tests involved trucks with drivers sitting at the wheel actively monitoring the road, su- pervising the system and ready to take control at any time," said Embark founder Alex Rodrigues. The tests were conducted in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Embark said it hopes to continue the partnership with Frigidaire and Ryder to test its automated system. "Ev- ery month, we're making big strides," Rodrigues said. "We're working toward commercializ- ing this technology and aim to have it operational within just a few years." – Overdrive Staff www.PrestoneCommand.com Since 1927, fleet owners have trusted Prestone to boost uptime by protecting engines regardless of their heavy-duty demands. For protection against heat, cold, and corrosion, Prestone works! BOOST UPTIME. EVERY TIME. Untitled-2 1 11/13/17 11:35 AM Semi-autonomous trucks tested MORE THAN 400 model-year 2018 trailers using Meritor axles and suspensions are being recalled because the caliper bolts did not meet torque specifications, which could result in the caliper detaching and cause a loss of braking ability. Wabash National is recalling 314 vans, and Great Dane is recalling 90 Everest reefers. The affected axles and suspensions were assembled between Jan. 1 and Aug. 4 at Meritor's plant in Frankfort, Kentucky. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall number is 17V-615. ABOUT 2.5 MILLION Kidde fire extinguishers sold with commercial trucks are part of a recall of nearly 38 million of the company's fire extinguish- ers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said certain extinguisher models manufactured between Jan. 1, 1973, and Aug. 15, 2017, could become clogged, preventing them from discharg- ing as expected, or the nozzles could detach from the units. Owners may contact Kidde customer service at 855-271-0773 or Kidde.com.

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