In Part I of our series examining how vocational trucks are changing with technological innovation we looked at the specifics of safety technology, as well as the differences between OTR trucks requiring simple commercial fueling needs and vocational trucks that have more specialized and unique needs. In Part II of our series, we will take a closer look at how trucking technology for vocational operations directly benefits truck drivers and their fleets.
While some motor carriers consider their commercial fueling needs the most important part of their business, many are looking to other technical aspects of trucking to further satisfy their truck drivers. Today, we examine how these trucking specs are changing how vocational truck drivers get the job done. There is a lot going on in the cab and under the hood that OEMs and truck drivers are excited about.
Increasing a truck driver’s safety and comfort level
There are many advances a trucking company can utilize when trying to make their drivers happy. These advances can be both internal and external. From better step heights and stable surfaces to improved lighting and grab handles, vocational operators need these bells-and-whistles to get the job done.
Consider Volvo’s semi-autonomous refuse truck test we mentioned in Part I of our series. That truck is meant to alleviate truck drivers from needing to constantly get in and out of the vehicle. Add poor weather conditions or residential streets packed with cars and pedestrians and the situation becomes even more acute.
Even more, vocational truck driver injuries can be almost always traced back to knees and shoulders. Fleets are addressing these concerns be putting their money where their mouth is and investing in ergonomic and safety technologies. Not only does this increase truck driver morale, but it also decreases healthcare costs in the long-run.
A look at under-the-hood technologies
What many fleets fail to consider is how under-the-hood technologies have a dramatic impact on not just fleet operations but their truck drivers’ overall level of health and comfort. Consider that vocational trucks with manual transmissions often result in vocational truck drivers having to maintain constant pressure on the clutch pedal.
Constant pressure on the clutch pedal puts a lot of strain on a trucker’s left knee. When fleets move to institute automated manual or automatic transmissions, it results in happier truckers and lower healthcare costs.
Not only do advanced transmission technologies help ease the pain on truck drivers, they also help when it comes to training less experienced truck operators. New vocational truck drivers face a far lower learning curve when they operate a truck with an automatic or automated manual transmission.
Experienced truckers also realize the benefits from advanced powertrain technologies. Advanced powertrains allow drivers to focus on driving the vehicle without the distractions of shifting. Constantly shifting an old manual transmission has been linked to driver fatigue, which is nobody’s friend. On the flip side, these types of powertrains can require greater maintenance attention down the road.
Yet, beyond the transmission, even engine technologies have changed to make the ride easier on your commercial fueling use as well as more comfortable for the truck driver. OEMs are answering the call to improve overall engine noise and dBa that truck drivers have to deal with.
Here at Greg’s Petroleum Service, we are excited to offer commercial fueling needs for all types of vocational. How can we help keep the toughest work trucks on the road, whether they are in Bakersfield, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clarita or Ventura areas? Contact us today and we’ll tell you how!