James Alfred

James Alfred is a freelance journalist with more than 15 years of experience in the trucking industry.

Photo: Aperia Technologies
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Brakes, Tire & Wheel

The case for TPMS and if it will be made mandatory

Oct. 17, 2022
The case for TPMS seems clear enough for most fleets and they are in wide use, but should the government mandate them?
Photo: Volvo Trucks North America
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Safety & Technology

The evolution of over-the-air programming for commercial vehicles

July 18, 2022
Remote programming updates are changing how fleets perform maintenance on trucks. And the technology is just in its infancy.
Ram
The 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel EcoDiesel
Powertrain

Future of Big Three pickup powertrains: ICE and electric

June 22, 2022
As light-duty fleets debate between trusty internal combustion engine trucks and bold new electric models, Detroit’s Big Three are picking both sides—for now.
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Shop Equipment

Remote control enables solo brake testing

May 19, 2022
A remote-controlled trailer tester can assist technicians perform pushrod travel tests and verify proper slack adjuster operation on trailer drum brakes single-handedly.
Photo: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems
Even as technology brings changes to air systems, filters and cartridges remain a fleet’s first line of defense against contamination.
Chassis, Body & Cab

Air system maintenance for the modern age

March 18, 2022
New technology and changing operating conditions are altering the way commercial vehicle air systems are being designed and serviced.
Photo courtesy of Volvo Trucks North America
While electric trucks and vans will have more in common with diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles, they will have some new, and unique, service requirements that will dictate changes in shop layouts and standard equipment.
Shop Equipment

The battery-electric vehicle shop emerges

Aug. 24, 2021
As the widescale deployment of battery-electric vans, buses, and trucks nears, fleets are beginning to define the changes and requirements needed in the shops that will support...