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replacement of outdated equip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.