Future Truck Position Papers

Various groups are researching and promoting different fuels, various states are encouraging alternative fuel use, and the federal government may mandate alternative fuels for private (i.e. non-government) fleets. A number of different fuels are being considered as alternatives to conventional diesel fuel and gasoline. In addition to the “traditional” natural gas, propane and alcohols (methanol and ethanol), new ones appear periodically, such as DME, DEE etc.

Advanced communication systems, collision warning systems and complex display systems are finding their way into commercial vehicles. Dispatcher communications and cellular telephones are already common place. Navigational aids are becoming more popular as prices fall rapidly. Soon the communications bandwidth into a truck will increase to rates that rival current office systems. This will bring with it a proliferation of communications devices. A driver could conceivable have complete Internet access while driving.

Issued: May 2001

In 1984, The Maintenance Council (TMC) of the American Trucking Associations launched a new initiative aimed at increasing awareness of equipment user needs and influence among manufacturers and suppliers. This initiative was called “Tomorrow’s Truck.” TMC undertook this mission because of a firm belief by its members that equipment users are the best source of information about the demands put upon vehicles.