Future Truck Committee—Chairman Jim Moore, Ryder System, Inc.
The Future Truck Committee promotes activities that fulfill its mission, which is to improve transport equipment, its maintenance and maintenance management by efforts to influence future equipment design.
Task Forces
- Future Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Future Tire Reliability/Durability
- Future Energy Conservation
- Future Cab and Driver Interface
- Future Trailer Productivity
- Sensor-Enhanced Maintenance
- Future Chassis and Brake Systems
- Augmented and Virtual Training
- Future Alternate Propulsion Systems
- Future Integrated Vehicle Health Management
Technician & Educator Committee (TEC) —Chairman Benjamin Phillips, Yarborough Transfer
The TEC Committee recognizes professionalism and promote career development for commercial vehicle technicians, and work to attract individuals to a career as a technician. It also includes Educator interests and manages TMC's National Technician Skills Competition—TMCSuperTech. In 2022, TEC was formed as a result of the merger of TMC's Professional Technician Development Committee and Educator Committee.
Task Forces
- Technician/Student Skills Competition
- Future Technician Scholarships
- Fostering State Trucking Association Competitions
S.1 Electrical Study Group — Chairman Ernest Hamilton, Associated Asphalt,LLC
The S.1 Electrical Study Group assists in the development of durable, reliable, and maintainable electrical systems for highway vehicles. This group studies the malfunctions, deficiencies, and failures of electrical systems and investigate future developments in electrical system componentry and accessories. This group also conducts surveys, collects data, and monitors testing programs and research of affiliated industry groups in order to develop suitable Recommended Practices which fleet equipment users and manufacturers can follow.
Task Forces
- Future Electrical/Electronic Systems (Joint Future Truck/S.1)
- Next Generation Tractor-Trailer Interface
- RP Updates (S.1)
- Fifth Wheel Ground Strap Installation Guidelines
- Electrical Diagnostics Incorporating Lab Scopes
- RP 177 Update (Solar Power for Commercial Vehicles)
- Integrated Starting and Charging
- Cable Identification for Multi-Volt Electrical Systems
- Advanced Battery Technology
- Rear Facing LED Out-of-Service Criteria
- Wireless EV Charging Standards and Recommendations
- Chassis to Body Interface Guidelines for Construction Vehicles
S.2 Tire & Wheel Study Group —Chairman Todd Stout, Publix Supermarkets, Inc.
This Study Group develops improved methods of analyzing and evaluating tire and wheel maintenance and performance, and to develop and disseminate information and reference materials which will serve as guides to obtaining maximum tire and wheel efficiency.
The S.2 Tire & Wheel Study Group also works towards the improvement of tires, wheels, rims, tubes, and other attaching parts, and will seek solutions to new problems that may arise from technological changes in tires and wheels.
Task Forces
- Use of Telematics for ATIS and TPMS
- RP Updates (S.2)
- Considerations for Tires on Commercial Electric Vehicles (S.2/S.18
- Tire Conditions Analysis Guide for Light Commercial Vehicles (S.2/S.14)
- Tire Maintenance Considerations for Light Commercial Vehicles (S.2/S.14)
S.3 Engine & Motor Study Group —Chairman Dan Salabsky, PITT OHIO
The S.3 Engine & Motor Study Group works towards the improvement of the design and maintenance of engines, motors and their respective components used in highway vehicles. The group also works to improve the standard quality and stability of fuels, lubricants and coolants used in highway vehicles. S. 3 studies the malfunctions, deficiencies, and failures of engine and motor systems and investigate future developments in engine componentry and accessories.
Task Forces
- RP Updates (S.3)
- LNG/CNG Post-Collision and Post-Thermal Events
- RP 365 Update (Coolant Maintenance Guidelines)
- RP 341A Update (Diesel Additive Functionality Groups & Winter Operability Guidelines)
- RP 317B Update (Fuel Filtration and Water Separating Devices)
- RP 367 Update (Fuel Filters: Complaint, Cause, Correction)
- Coolants for Electric Vehicles
- Lubrication for Electric Vehicle
- Leak Detection Guidelines for Electric Vehicles
S.4 Cab & Controls —Chairman Hector Flores, Knight Swift Transportation
The S.4 Cab & Controls Study Group helps improve the design and maintenance of cab components and systems to enhance the driver’s ability to properly, comfortably and economically operate highway vehicles.
The group’s objective is to study the malfunctions, deficiencies, and failures in cab construction and hardware. The Study Group also works towards the improvement of cab componentry and driver/cab ergonomics.
Task Forces
- RP Updates (S.4)
- RP 404B Update (Truck and Truck Tractor Access Systems)
- RP 420B Update (Minimum Service Life Requirements for Heavy-Duty HVAC Cab Controls)
- RP 430 Update (Guidelines for Collision Warning)
- RP 442A Update (Standardization of Speedometer and Tachometer Signaling)
- RP 443 Update (In Cab Cleaning and Deodorizing Guidelines)
- Conversion of Rear View Mirrors to Cameras
- Odometer Synchronization
- In-cab Gas Detectors
- RP 417/435 (Tractor-to-Trailer/Trailer-To-Dolly Air Lines) Update
S.5 Fleet Maintenance Management —Chairman Matt Farcosky, Fleetpro
This Study Group develops and disseminates information on modern maintenance and repair shop design and construction; on the development of new tools, shop equipment, and methods; and on the development and training of competent service personnel. Also, to develop standard and economical cost control methods by which equipment and maintenance cost data may be effectively complied and utilized. The goal is to acquire new information from reliable sources which will contribute to: better planning, construction, and utilization of highway vehicle repair facilities; shop administration techniques; the development of cost and time saving tools, shop equipment, and maintenance methods and procedures; the development and implementation of meaningful training programs in high schools, vocational schools, and institutions of higher learning.
Task Forces
- RP Updates (S.5)
- RP 518A Update (Fuel Station Planning)
- Cybersecurity Issues
- Technician Apprenticeship Standards
- VMRS Codes
- Hiring Military Personnel
- Technician Training for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Hiring Military Personnel
- ADAS Nomenclature (S.5/S.18)
- Health Ready Components Standards
- RP 511/520 Updates (Refrigerant Recovery/AC Refrigerant Flushing)
- Root Cause Analysis
- Electric Vehicle Pre-trip Inspection
S.6 Chassis & Brake Systems —Chairman Brett Wilkie
This Study Group assists in the development of improvements in chassis and chassis-related systems which will result in safe, maintainable, and durable chassis componentry.
The objective of the S.6 Chassis & Brake Systems is to study the malfunctions, deficiencies, and failures in chassis and chassis-related components, and to investigate developments and improvements of advanced chassis componentry. This Study Group also conducts surveys, collect data, and monitor testing programs and research of affiliated industry groups in order to develop suitable Recommended Practices which fleet equipment users and manufacturers can follow.
Task Forces
- RP Updates (Chassis-Related RPs)
- RP Updates (Brake-Related RPs)
- RP 624B Update (Lubricant Fundamentals)
- RP 628C Update (Aftermarket Brake Lining Classification)
- RP 648 Update (Troubleshooting Ride Complaints)
- Wheel End Thermal Events (Joint S.6/S.7 in S.7 room)
- RP 652 (Air Disc Brake Service/Inspection)
- Towing Electric Vehicles
S.7 Trailers, Bodies & Material Handling —Chairman Justin Olsen, TCW, Inc.
This Study Group promotes the development of trailers, semi-trailers, dollies, material handling equipment, containers, container chassis, or other intermodal equipment designed and constructed to meet the operational needs of highway and intermodal service. The goal of S.7 is to study the adequacy of current design and maintenance practices and to investigate developments and improvements to trailers, semi-trailers, dollies, containers, container chassis, or other freight transport equipment.
Task Forces
- RP Updates (S.7)
- Van Trailer Washing Procedures and Testing
- Wheel End Thermal Events (Joint S.6/S.7)
- Cryogenic Cooling Systems
- Next Generation Trailer Electrical Architecture
- Brake-Activated Pulsating Lamps
- Upper Coupler and Kingpin Repairs
- RP 755A Alternative Liftgate & Material Handling Charging Methods
- Exploring Trailer Voltage Drop for Current & Future Demands
S.11 Sustainability & Environmental Technologies —Chairman Taki Darakos, PITT OHIO
This Study Group helps further the development and utilization of energy conservation methods through the study and implementation of energy conservation measures including, but not limited to, vehicle and component design, operation, and maintenance. The S.11 Sustainability & Environmental Technologies Study Group promotes driver and employee training and motivational programs supporting energy conservation.
The group works with manufacturers, related technical organizations, government, academia, and researchers to develop and support energy saving systems, equipment, technologies, processes and programs. S.11 works to educate truck operators and maintainers regarding the benefits of existing, and projected energy conservation components, subsystems, and systems. They also provide liaisons with other study groups involved with energy conservation initiatives as required.
Task Forces
- RP Updates (S.11)
- Alternative Energy Implementation Elements
- Future Energy Conservation (Joint S.11/Future Truck)
- SmartWay Activities
- RP 1118 Update (Cost Modeling for Aerodynamic Devices)
- Terminal Tractor Powertrain Options
- Electric Terminal Tractor Implementation Considerations
- RP 1109B Update (Type IV Fuel Economy Test Procedures)
- Understanding Electric Vehicle Efficiency Performance
- Recommendations for Charging Station Infrastructure for Commercial Fleet Operations
- Fleet Expectations and Guidelines for Spec’ing EVs
S.12 Onboard Vehicle Electronics —Chairman Kurt Dunn, PITT OHIO
This Study Group develops and disseminate information and reference materials that will aid in the maintenance of vehicle electronic systems. The S.12 Onboard Vehicle Electronics Study Group will also encourage standardization of electronic hardware and software, and will work towards developing increased durability, reliability, and maintainability of electronic systems. S.12 studies malfunctions, deficiencies, and failures of existing vehicle electronic systems and make recommendations based on these findings. The Study Group will also investigate developments and improvements in connectors, sensors, modules, and systems and will encourage industry practices that will result in uniformity in signals, diagnostics, and maintenance of these systems.
Task Forces
- RP Updates (S.12)
- RP 1226 Messaging Standardization
- Open Telematics API
- CAN Bus Troubleshooting
- Open Wireless VDA API
- Active Safety System Telematics Guidelines
S.14 Last Mile & Vocational Vehicles — Chairman Tommy Lewis, Mangum's
This Study Group promotes the effective design and maintenance of small- and mid-size commercial vehicles and component systems, as well as vocational/specialty trucks.
The scope of the S.14 Last Mile & Vocational Vehicles Study Group is to study the malfunctions, deficiencies, and failures of light- and medium-duty vehicles and to make recommendations based on these findings. The group also provides a forum for users of Class 2-6 and vocational/specialty vehicles and manufacturers which shall assist in the effective specification and manufacture of such vehicles.
Task Forces
- RP Updates (S.14)
- ePTO and Hybrid Auxiliary Power Systems in Vocational Vehicles
- RP 1411 Update (Light-& Med.-Duty Auto Transmission Fluid Guidelines)
- White Lighting and Lumen Rating Definitions for Worklamps
- Vocational Duty Cycles for Aftermarket Systems
- VMRS Code Development for Specialty Vehicles
- RP 1432 Update (Truck Body Safety Features)
S.16 Service Provider —Homer Hogg, TravelCenters of America
The S. 16 Service Provider Study Group promotes activities that improve maintenance and business practices between equipment users, OEM service-dealers, and independent service providers. This group focuses on equipment-related and business process issues pertaining to OEM service- dealer and independent service providers and their interaction with equipment owners and users.
Task Forces
- RP Updates (S.16)
- Implementing TMC RPs in Fleet and Service Provider Operations
- Proper Vehicle Lifting Procedures and Equipment
- Digital Data Exchange and Management
- Establishing Standards of Excellence for Service Providers
- When to Trade or Keep a Vehicle (S.5/S.16)
S.17 Collision & Corrosion Control —Justin Worden, Nussbaum Transportation Services
The goal of this Study Group is to improve transport equipment, its maintenance and maintenance management by fostering technologies that minimize the effects of corrosion on equipment.
Task Forces
- Cab and Controls Corrosion Control
- Corrosion of Non-Ferrous Materials on Chassis and Suspension
- Corrosion Manual Update
- Refinishing to Maximize Adhesion
- Heavy-Duty Collision Repair Roadmap
- Frame Correction
S.18 Automated Vehicles —Joseph Richley,
Nick Strimbu, Inc.
The S. 18 Automated Vehicles Study Group assists in the development and maintenance of durable, reliable, and maintainable systems for automated vehicles and the electrification of medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. S.18 studies the malfunctions, deficiencies, and failures of such systems and investigate future developments in system componentry and accessories.
