The road to electrification for the heavy-duty truck industry will be long and challenging but ultimately inevitable, Navistar CEO Mathias Carlbaum told a group of 175 utility fleet professionals in June. Speaking at the 71st Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia, Carlbaum outlined a vision for the next decade and beyond, highlighting key […]

New utility construction equipment hitting the market in 2024 aims to boost productivity, fuel efficiency and operator comfort for crews working on projects ranging from laying pipelines to installing cables. Major manufacturers including Vermeer, Caterpillar, Volvo CE, CASE and John Deere are rolling out upgraded models with enhanced technology, improved hydraulics and redesigned cabs. So, […]

Hydraulic oil, when confined within the hydraulic system and properly maintained, is nonconductive. However, failure of a hose creates numerous hazards that have the potential to harm personnel and damage equipment. Personnel may suffer burns from contact with hot oil. If the hydraulic line failure creates a mist of oil, it can easily be ignited […]

The strategic implementation of telematics in utility fleet trailers is not just an upgrade – it’s a transformative step toward smarter, safer, more sustainable utility fleet operations, according to Greg Spiropulos, business development manager for Geotab (www.geotab.com) “All of the benefits extend to the bottom line,” he said. “Telematics can generate considerable cost savings by […]

The race to zero-emission vehicles just got turbocharged. This spring, the U.S. government issued its strictest limits yet on greenhouse gas emissions from medium- and heavy-duty trucks as well as from light-duty vehicles. The new standards are written to further cut back carbon emissions that speed up climate change and airborne pollutants that endanger human […]

If you’re a utility fleet manager who isn’t thinking about cybersecurity, the question is, should you be? Cyberattacks on utilities increased by more than 200% in 2023, according to a report from asset intelligence firm Armis (www.armis.com). In May, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warned water utilities of a heightened risk of attack from foreign […]

When it comes to unnecessary fuel waste and carbon emissions, idling is a notorious offender. Creating a new policy or updating an existing one can help you keep it in check – and considering these six factors can help you get a jump start. 1. The Right Time If your fleet hasn’t established an idling […]

More than 5,000 public works professionals from around the world are expected to gather at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta September 8–11 for the American Public Works Association’s PWX. This year’s annual gathering is set to provide world-class education sessions on the most critical challenges in public works and infrastructure from the public […]