Future Truck Information Reports

This report was prepared to support current and future TMC Future Truck Position Papers on alternative fuels and provide proponents of alternative fuels a measure of the distance they must go to approach diesel engine/fuel reliability. Reliability, in terns of the probability of running so many failure-free miles, is not quantified in any of the reports on alternative fuel usage in heavy trucks. Rather, proxies, such as “uptime,” or utilization as a percent- age of diesel truck miles, or maintenance cost comparisons are used.

At TMC’s 2000 Annual Meeting, 16 fleet mem- bers of TMC participated in a focus group about their needs and desires for truck cabs in 2010. The focus group was led by Robert Crump and Renae Bowers-Carnahan. The focus group session was observed via closed circuit video by other members of TMC in an adjacent room.

Issued: March 2001

This paper is a result of a “freewheeling” consideration of changes in the layout of vari- ous cab components and driver positioning and the effect of such changes on safety and operations. It is meant to provoke discussion and encourage innovation. The authors do not necessarily advocate any particular design or approach, but they do advocate spirited debate and serious consideration of the value of these changes to cab design.