FedEx Freight | Equip Spec/Focus group meeting

The heat sink is usually in the back, they do generate a significant amount of heat just in the wrong spot. Look at one from lowes or Home depot all in the back or top depending on how you look at it. All of the replacement H4 lights I have seen are in the back.
Right..That's why they're protected in the back so as not to cause damage to to other components. But the jest of this argument is they don't generate enough heat to keep your headlights from freezing.
 
I will stick with the guys opinion of them who has first hand knowledge in Canada. If they will make it there in winter they will make it any where in the states.
 
I drive thru it also..What seems to be the issue is the temperature. If it's below freezing to start, no issues. But when we get that wet sloppy snow is when drivers have issues.
I've driven from 10 Celsius in Vancouver to -10 w/snow on the Coquihalla Highway and not suffered problems. They are hot enough to keep snow from sticking to the lens, at least on the Cascadia, Prostar and Volvo VNL. The ones that are most problematic, from what I've heard, are the H4 conversions because snow can pile up in the headlight buckets. Only trucks I see using H4's are usually Peterbilts because there's nowhere for the snow to pile.
 
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I've driven from 10 Celsius in Vancouver to -10 w/snow on the Coquihalla Highway and not suffered problems. They are hot enough to keep snow from sticking to the lens, at least on the Cascadia, Prostar and Volvo VNL. The ones that are most problematic, from what I've heard, are the H4 conversions because snow can pile up in the headlight buckets. Only trucks I see using H4's are usually Peterbilts because there's nowhere for the snow to pile.
I'm not trying to argue with you about it. My friends drive for MME and they both have the led's. Ones a bit older and maybe he's just being an old curmudgeon, but I've got no reason not to believe him. Maybe Canadian snow is smarter then it's neighbor to the south.
 
A little different application but when I need to borrow a bulb to check another light in the house, I always grab the LED out of one of our lamps and it's not hot, even after being on for hours. One would think the same principals would apply to a head light. :idunno:
 
I'm not trying to argue with you about it. My friends drive for MME and they both have the led's. Ones a bit older and maybe he's just being an old curmudgeon, but I've got no reason not to believe him. Maybe Canadian snow is smarter then it's neighbor to the south.
If I came off aggressively, that wasn't my intention. I'm merely stating my personal experience with these lights. And while sticky slush CAN stick to it, it won't obstruct the active headlight beam if it's on as the light beam produces enough heat to keep it clear.

It's not unsafe, you just need to get used to checking and cleaning them as needed if you're fond of the high beams. Nothing a couple of minutes with a squeegee can't fix, and I don't know any truck driver who doesn't stop for a coffee at least once a day. If you've got time to grab a coffee, you've got time to clean your lights, windows and mirrors.
 
If I came off aggressively, that wasn't my intention. I'm merely stating my personal experience with these lights. And while sticky slush CAN stick to it, it won't obstruct the active headlight beam if it's on as the light beam produces enough heat to keep it clear.

It's not unsafe, you just need to get used to checking and cleaning them as needed if you're fond of the high beams. Nothing a couple of minutes with a squeegee can't fix, and I don't know any truck driver who doesn't stop for a coffee at least once a day. If you've got time to grab a coffee, you've got time to clean your lights, windows and mirrors.
No worries!!! I wasn't really trying to argue your points and everything you've said was correct from what my friend have said. One of them loves them the other says they make him eye wiry because there almost too bright. I don't care for them, being on the opposite side from them, if they're not aimed right they blind the crap out of you. All the bull haulers have than out here and when you get 5 of them suckers rolling by you doing 80 mph you can almost turn your lights off and pretend you're running in the day.
 
No worries!!! I wasn't really trying to argue your points and everything you've said was correct from what my friend have said. One of them loves them the other says they make him eye wiry because there almost too bright. I don't care for them, being on the opposite side from them, if they're not aimed right they blind the crap out of you. All the bull haulers have than out here and when you get 5 of them suckers rolling by you doing 80 mph you can almost turn your lights off and pretend you're running in the day.
That's very true. A lot of KW's and Pete's out there with poorly aimed retrofit lights. But the ones on Volvos, Prostars and Cascadias are aimed at the factory and the cutoff is excellent on them. I get a wide FOV lit up. You only need the high beams on these if you're in pitch darkness.
 
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Look at any of our trailers in the winter during a snow storm, they use LED tail lights and get covered up with snow. The incandescent ones had enough heat to keep them clear.

roog
And there's no way to stop the snow from building up on them, unfortunately. Aerodynamics are in favor of keeping headlights clear, not so with tail lights.
 
Old thread, BUT as good a place as any to put this.

While hooking to a very NEW trailer, I noticed the new lower rails finally added for securing short freight - pails, etc. About time, I'd say.
:1036316054:
Gz0LKk0.jpg


But then I noticed the landing gear handle securement method has reverted back to the old "clip" type. Not nearly as secure or durable, but presumably cheaper.
:17113:
gL1SeDy.jpg


Not sure about you, but the previous design (below) is much better, IMHO.

9CzC2cm.jpg
 
On that note, do they even have Equip. Spec Review meetings any more? What about the associated "Focus Group" listening sessions where they actually listen to driver suggestions/concerns, etc.?

Since few (if any) speak about these events, we are left to wonder... :idunno::scratchhead::idunno:
 
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They held a equipment spec review meeting either last weekend of April or first weekend of May in Vegas. I wasn't invited, but maybe someone will chime in.
 
Recently attended the S/E region Equip Spec/Focus group meeting. Lots of interesting information came out of this.

We'll start with the portion dealing with Equipment:

I think everyone would be surprised to know the amount of research and the number of items listed on the spec sheet, that are required by FXFE when they request bids (quotes) from manufacturers. Every item down to the smallest detail is predetermined/required.

As far as what's been implemented, and/or in progress, here are just a few things that I can remember:

Been implemented:

KW-changes to improve ride comfort

Placement of lights on trailer (visibility from driver seat)

Dolly setup

Hood mirror placement

Door mounted downward facing mirrors returning

Driver side steps on lift gate trailers

Air ride only on all future truck purchases

Aux pin indicator on dash

CB radio setups

Seats- All will be FedEx spec with FedEx logo embroidered on head rest, from the manufacturer. This to insure, without question, compliance to the specs.

Shutoff valves on rear of pups are gone, replaced instead with “dummy” glad hands.


In progress:

Handhold Straps for greater access from ground level

Parameter changes- ultra shift transmissions (faster shifting program)

Audio volume for safety alerts

Dump valves/trolly valves

Peterbuilt-rear suspension/ride comfort

Increased Stowage

Improved lighting in the “dummy” glad hand area.

Hot Dip Galvanizing on trailers

replacement of outdated equip


Annual Procurement cycle:

Request quotes Oct., Scoring Nov/Dec, Spec review, Pick pilot builds Dec, Equip pilot received/tested Build PO issued April, Equip delivered, Equip build audit June.

*The above is not a complete list nor certified to be 100% without error. I'm relying on memory and relatively weak note taking abilities. Still, you get the jest of the process.


Bottom line: Almost nothing happens by accident, and they do seem to do their best to make changes/improvements to future equipment purchases, where appropriate and practical. Even retrofitting, when/where appropriate and practical.


Several corporate people were taking notes, on every suggestion/complaint/issue. The Equip portion of this event clearly had equal parts sharing of information, as well as listening. Truth is, more notes were taken by management/operations/staff than were taken by any drivers in attendance.

There is also a suggestion form on the intranet home page, if anyone has suggestions on equipment (or any thing, for that matter).

Huge amount of good info came from the reps in attendance from Eaton and Cummins, as well as experts on our adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, traction control, safety recording and intervention systems. So much good info that it was mind bogeling. To call each rep an expert in their field would be a huge understatement.

Often what we think is going on in theses systems, is not what is really going on. While each effects the other, in many respects, they also operate independently.

The most pertinent info effecting our actual driving experience (IMHO) came from the Eaton rep. Each and every issue we have with the autoshift transmissions, it seems, has a simple explanation as to how to make it work properly. Apparently it's just a matter of knowing how to work within the design, in any given situation. My biggest suggestion on this topic: The guy needs to make a video that we would be required to view, explaining each scenario and the proper procedure to overcome the challenges we face with these transmissions. Often the solution is as simple as (for example) a 3 second pause, then constant light throttle application. Or manually selecting 3rd gear when starting out depending assorted factors. The sooner such an educational video can be produced, the better.

I still prefer a manual transmission, but the auto shift is here to stay, so we need to learn how to use them properly, rather than by trial and error. IMHO

There is a lot more, if anyone is interested. Things like anticipated life of each piece of equip, costs thereof, how far behind we are in replacement cycle, cost/plan to catch up. If there is interest, I can share more... Just ask

Anyone else attend one of these event? Willing to share your impression, or anything important I left out?

Next we can get into the focus group portion of the event. The most important part, IMHO.
We have a lot of old worn out equipment that desperately needs to be replaced. What is the timeline for catching up and replacing old equipment?
 
Old thread, BUT as good a place as any to put this.

While hooking to a very NEW trailer, I noticed the new lower rails finally added for securing short freight - pails, etc. About time, I'd say.
:1036316054:
Gz0LKk0.jpg


But then I noticed the landing gear handle securement method has reverted back to the old "clip" type. Not nearly as secure or durable, but presumably cheaper.
:17113:
gL1SeDy.jpg


Not sure about you, but the previous design (below) is much better, IMHO.
I would say because the side air fins the handle gets jambed in between them
9CzC2cm.jpg
 
On that note, do they even have Equip. Spec Review meetings any more? What about the associated "Focus Group" listening sessions where they actually listen to driver suggestions/concerns, etc.?

Since few (if any) speak about these events, we are left to wonder... :idunno::scratchhead::idunno:
I have requested many times over the years to management to be "invited" to one of those events only to hear weeks later what was discussed. Being here 19 years and outspoken disqualifies me I guess.
 
I have requested many times over the years to management to be "invited" to one of those events only to hear weeks later what was discussed. Being here 19 years and outspoken disqualifies me I guess.
Pipe down youngster!
Give it another 9 or 10 years and you’ll just say whatever.
 
Ex FXF driver here. Out here in the PNW, UPS has been testing the new camera mounted rear view mirror sys. Large tablet type device mounted on the inside window posts and these aerodynamic arms coming out of the roof fairing. THey still have regular mirrors incase the camera mirrors fail but when you go past them at night, just looks funny to have that thing mounted on the inside . Its all about less drag and increased fuel economy. Were probably stuck with the big european mirrors until this technology is accepted so dont think you guys, like other LTL's, will be getting the real mirrors anytime soon. I along with others like yourself miss the old left coasters.
 
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