Over 800 fleet professionals and industry representatives attended the daylong Green Truck Summit – part of NTEA’s Work Truck Week in Indianapolis – on March 5 to assess the current landscape and path forward for electrification. So, what is the outlook for electric trucks? In a nutshell, truck manufacturers are still investing heavily in new electric models. But the lack of a comprehensive charging network, the high upfront cost and limited product options are creating bottlenecks to widespread adoption. Mary Aufdemberg, general manager of product strategy at Daimler Trucks North …

The question about what’s permitted for operating aerial devices and digger derricks in high winds is one that comes up frequently with users. Utility crews often must deal with working in wind. Trouble trucks responding during storm recovery, transmission operations to place visibility balls on lines and working above rooflines in urban locations are just a few examples. Plus, some areas of the country experience high winds regularly or seasonally. While OSHA restricts use of material-handling aerial devices and digger derricks in winds greater than 30 mph, the reality is that both OSHA…

While the automotive industry is recovering from the worst of the pandemic-era disruptions, many vehicles still have extended lead times that are disrupting fleet acquisition plans. Pre-COVID, lead times for most vehicles were about three months, which stretched to as much as 12 months during the pandemic. The lead time has fallen to around six months now, depending on the type of vehicle, according to Phil Dunne, U.K. managing director at the global strategy consulting firm Stax (www.stax.com). “It’s still nowhere near where it should be, but the lead times are gradually getting bett…

Get ready for a two-pronged electric surge. As utilities seek to cut emissions and fuel use while boosting their sustainability goals via fleet electrification, two developments out of Washington D.C. should lead to (1) faster rollouts of electric trucks purpose-built for vocational and on-highway applications and (2) building substantial corridors of truck-charging infrastructure along key commercial corridors. First and foremost is a new final rule on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions limits issued in late March by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Specific to model-year 2032 and …

The 71st annual Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference will take place June 2-5 at the Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center in Williamsburg, Virginia. “Driving Safety, Sustainability & Technical Expertise” is the theme of this year’s educational program, which will feature presentations by fleet executives, manufacturers and industry experts. Presentation topics are expected to include: Mutual assistance strategies Fleet management and artificial intelligence CARB and EPA updates for truck engine standards Legislative update Reducing high-energy hazards EV…

Fleet managers continue to see some of the longest lead times in decades, with supply and delivery disruptions significantly hampering the industry. Across the board, every size of truck and car and every type of rolling asset has been impacted, according to Matt Gilliland, director of operations and business support for Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). “Orders have been outright canceled, delayed, or required alteration of specifications and/or the acceptance of different features,” he said. James Kuha, transportation operations supervisor at Central Hudson Gas & Electri…

All-terrain utility vehicles (ATUVs) allow utility crews to go where four-wheel-drive pickups and other conventional vehicles cannot. These machines come in various models; some can transport people and heavy equipment over rugged, hilly terrain, while others have amphibious capabilities for crossing deep water. So, what’s the latest in the ATUV market to enhance the safety and productivity of your crews across different terrains? Here are six developments to watch. Terex Utilities What’s New: TL45 tracked carrier for restricted-access job sites A new aerial lift from Terex Utilit…

In 2022, 3,308 people were killed in the U.S. as a result of distracted driving. With human life at risk, not to mention the associated financial costs, a focus on reducing distracted driving is a must for fleets. While a utility company’s safety department typically establishes distracted driving policies and training, the fleet department plays a critical role in curbing distracted driving incidents, too. Fleet managers can use the following strategies and technologies to deter these types of incidents. Fleet’s Role Terry Winslow, vice president for collision and safety at Element …

The Andax Combo Pac w/ PPE is a compact, efficient spill-control solution designed for swift spill response. This vacuum-packed emergency spill kit measures only 18 inches by 18 inches by 5 inches thick. The durable, tamper-evident foil packaging guarantees response readiness when you need it most. The Andax Combo Pac w/ PPE includes color-coded labels to mark and identify known possible sources of a leak from equipment and storage areas, allowing responders to quickly identify the right Spill Pac for the job. Simply label, match and respond. The Andax Combo Pac w/ PPE can contain liquid…

Bigfoot’s manhole cover is the ultimate solution for securing, protecting and customizing openings on construction sites and beyond. Measuring a robust 36 inches by 36 inches by 0.5 inches, the Bigfoot manhole cover is engineered with durability and versatility in mind. Crafted from Bigfoot’s signature custom composite material, this cover is built to withstand the toughest conditions, providing reliable protection for any opening. Its sturdy construction ensures that it is ideal for utility work, industrial facilities or any environment where safety is paramount. Equipped with intern…

Express Services, new from Terex Services, provides fleet managers access to essential scheduled maintenance with quick turnaround. For things like hose replacement, annual inspections, DOT inspections and AWP programming, Terex service technicians can help utility crews, contractors and other fleet owners spend more time on the job and less in the shop. Terex Services has 21 service centers and field service technicians located nationwide, which provides customers with parts, service, and the latest technical training and technology for Terex and Genie brands and other equipment. Cus…

In a landmark effort to set new industry benchmarks, PALFINGER, the global leader in innovative crane and lifting solutions, proudly introduced its latest products – the PAL Pro 58 Mechanics Truck and PSC 8600 TEC Service Crane – exclusively at Work Truck Week in Indianapolis. Optimized for Class 5 chassis applications, the PAL Pro 58 and PSC 8600 TEC Service Crane are engineered to deliver extended reach, weight reduction and superior performance. The PAL Pro 58 represents a leap forward in mechanics truck design. Manufactured with 12-gauge all A-60 galvanneal steel and a hybrid tors…

North America’s largest work truck event, Work Truck Week 2024, took place March 5th-8th at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The event offered a chance for professionals in the commercial vehicle industry to connect, learn the latest trends, and see new products. Work Truck Week wasn’t just a trade show. It included the Green Truck Summit, The Work Truck Show, NTEA Annual Meeting, educational sessions, a Ride & Drive, and more. Attendees could choose from in-depth special sessions or shorter breakouts focused on improving efficiency and business growth. There were also ses…