TMC Resource Center

This Information Report is published by ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) and examines the intensive activity in the development and introduction of Automated Vehicles (AVs) and identifies potential issues and opportunities for the trucking industry. Downloadable PDF only. $19.95 TMC/ATA members; $29.95 non-members.

Issued: December 2015

The development and introduction of automated vehicle technology has sparked great interest within the trucking industry. Developed by TMC’s Automated Driving and Platooning Task Force under the auspices of the Council’s Future Truck Committee, this Position Paper offers several recommendations regarding the development and implementation of automated driving and platooning systems. It should not be viewed as an endorsement of automated driving and platooning systems.

Issued: December 2015

The issue of driver distraction in Class 7-8 commercial vehicles has two major components. First, the vehicle often contains multiple information/warning devices and systems which can be confusing and distracting. Second, interactive electronic devices and systems can be added or brought into the driver compartment. The compounding effect of excessive informa- tion, warnings and alarms within the interactive electronic devices can result in high levels of driver distraction.

Natural gas fuels can be a suitable alternative to diesel fuel for commercial vehicles in certain environments and applications. However, it is best to understand all facets of the operation, discuss them both internally and with local vendors (where applicable), and to establish re- alistic return-on-investment targets up front. Taking the time to build a proper business case and understand all the variables that come into play will pay dividends in terms of ensuringa successful natural gas vehicles deployment that meets corporate financial, reliability andacceptance expectations.

Vehicle crashes are greatly impacted by a driver’s knowledge of what exists around his or her vehicle. The term “360° Driver Awareness” describes technologies and devices that improve safety by increasing a driver’s knowledge of what is around his or her vehicle. This paper serves as a request for manufacturers and suppliers to share their plans for products that will be marketed within the next 10 years (or as soon as possible) to allow equipment users to better assess and implement the technology in their operations.

Traditional methods for both pre- and post-trip inspections have existed for decades with few changes or improvements. Traditional tools and technology limit inspection effectiveness, add time to both the inspection and reporting, and contribute to the potential for errors and miscommunication of the resulting data. This paper explores technologies that may increasethe efficiency of pre- and post-trip trailer inspections and provides a vision for future development of technologies and systems for that purpose.

Issued: July 2014

The purpose of this Recommended Practice (RP) is to provide information for judging the performance of aftermarket brake linings on air-actuated foundation brakes, including testing in accordance with the dynamometer test procedure in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 121 and lining supplierqualification information. Such information will assist fleet operators in choosing aftermarket brake liningsthat will perform adequately on typical combination (tractor/trailer) vehicles and single trucks.

Issued: June 2014

Equipment users have reported to TMC experiences of mirror obscuration during inclementweather. Testing has confirmed cab and mirror design contributes to the concentrated flow of air that can contain water borne dirt. Large windshield wipers sweep significant fluid off the windshield and into the air flow path of the mirror heads, resulting in dirt deposits on the mirror surface. TMC has determined that a generic field fix cannot be developed since the causal factors are different for each manufacturer’s vehicle design.

ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) strives to be the industry thought leader on issues of truck technology and maintenance. As the only industry association that is focused solely on truck technology and maintenance, TMC and its member companies work together with manufacturers and other industry stakeholders to create the industry’s standards for future truck technology and equipment that help ensure that the truck of the future is one that is themost efficient to operate and maintain. The Council’s Future Truck Committee is responsiblefor this initiative within TMC.