Several truck and powertrain suppliers taking part in PIT Group’s first U.S. In-Service Fuel Testing
ATLANTA/Chattanooga, Tennessee– November 8, 2016 – PIT Group, an engineering and research group for the North American trucking industry, first In-Service Fuel Testing is underway with U.S. Xpress, Inc., the nation’s second largest privately owned truckload carrier. Utilizing U.S. Xpress trucks configured in a variety of tractor and powertrain combinations, the comprehensive testing includes 2016 and brand new 2017 vehicles as well as an exclusive 2017 model that is set to start production this November. The evaluations are taking place at the carrier’s facility in Tunnel Hill, Georgia.
The In-Service Fuel Testing includes:
1) Freightliner (MY2017) Cascadia
- Engine: Detroit DD15 455HP 65MPH Set Speed
- Transmission: Detroit DT12 DA 1550 12 Speed Direct Drive Automated Manual Transmission
- Rear Axle: Detroit DA RT 40 Ratio: 2.41
2) Peterbilt (MY2016) 579 “6X2”
- Engine: PACCAR MX13 455HP 65MPH Set Speed Transmission
- Transmission: Eaton Advantage 10 Speed Direct Drive Automated Manual Transmission
- Rear Axle: Dana Econo TREK w/ Bendix eTrac System Ratio: 2.69
3) Peterbilt (MY2016) 579
- Engine: PACCAR MX13 455HP 65MPH Set Speed
- Transmission: Allison TC-10 Automatic Transmission
- Rear Axle: Dana DSP40 Ratio: 2.69
4) Peterbilt (MY2016) 579
- Engine: PACCAR MX13 455HP 65MPH Set Speed
- Transmission: Eaton Advantage 10 Speed Direct Drive Automated Manual Transmission
- Rear Axle: Dana DSP40 Ratio: 2.69
5) Kenworth T680 (MY2017)
- Engine: PACCAR MX13 405HP 65MPH Set Speed Transmission
- Transmission: Eaton Advantage 10 Speed Direct Drive Automated Manual Transmission
- Rear Axle: Dana D40-155H ADVANTEK40 Ratio: 2.64
6) Navistar Prostar ES (MY2017)
- Engine: Cummins ISX15 450HP 65MPH Set Speed
- Transmission: Eaton Advantage 10 Speed Direct Drive Automated Manual Transmission
- Rear Axle: Dana D40-155H ADVANTEK40 Ratio: 2.64
7) Navistar LT (MY2017)
- Engine: Cummins X15 400HP 65MPH Set Speed
- Transmission: Eaton Advantage 10 Speed Direct Drive Automated Manual Transmission
- Rear Axle: Dana D40-155H ADVANTEK40 Ratio: 2.64
“Like most carriers we take fuel economy seriously and we believe this test will help validate the decisions we make about our equipment,” said Gerry Mead, sr. vice president of maintenance at U.S. Xpress. “Using a proven process and a certified and highly experienced team from PIT Group will provide solid test results on fuel economy. We look forward to the results.”
For the U.S. Xpress evaluations, PIT Group has identified a 60-mile test course on highways and local roads. To represent typical fleet operations, U.S. Xpress fleet will pull trailers with loads of equal weight. An in-cab observer provided by PIT Group will accompany U.S. Xpress drivers operating the test vehicles. U.S. Xpress will also provide fuel, technicians and maintenance facilities for the event, including a mobile service truck if required.
PIT Group In-Service Fuel Testing utilizes TMC Fuel Consumption Test Procedure – Type III (RP 1103A). The industry standard test compares the fuel consumption of one component of a combination vehicle to the same component in another combination vehicle. PIT Group uses an ISO- 17025 certified process conducted by engineers dedicated solely to providing accurate unbiased test results on fuel saving technologies.
“We are very pleased that U.S. Xpress counts on our expertise to select the best vehicle specs for its fleet. Having so many vehicle and component manufacturers that decided to take part in our first U.S. In-Service Fuel Testing, shows the value of independent testing for both fleet and suppliers” said Yves Provencher, director of the PIT Group. “The real world data about the fuel consumption of a variety of powertrain combinations that we are collecting will be very valuable to PIT Group Members as they make specification decisions and to suppliers as they design and develop new technologies.”
As an added value for PIT Group members, results will only be available to members and U.S. Xpress.
About PIT Group
Based in Montreal, and actively operating in Canada and the U.S., PIT Group is a division of FPInnovations. Formed in 2008, the unbiased, neutral testing organization helps fleet managers select the best technologies to reduce costs and environmental impact. The group consists of engineers, technicians, eco-driving trainers and fleet management specialists that promote efficient energy use in the commercial transportation, municipal and transit industries across North America. Its highly qualified team employs stringent processes and state-of-the-art equipment during PIT Group’s Energotest, a fully independent, ISO 17025 certified, road test laboratory with international credibility. For more details, visit https://www.thepitgroup.com.
About U.S. Xpress Inc.:
Founded in 1985, U.S. Xpress, Inc. is the nation’s second largest privately owned truckload carrier, providing a wide variety of transportation solutions throughout North America. We are committed to being at the forefront of safety compliance, using comprehensive training for our staff and drivers and ensuring our trucks feature the latest safety innovations. With a dedication to minimizing our impact on the environment, U.S. Xpress is a SmartWay Transport Partner. U.S. Xpress affiliates include Total Transportation of Mississippi, and Xpress International. For more information, please visit www.usxpress.com.
U.S. Media Contact:
Susan Fall, LaunchIt Public Relations – 858 490-1050 – susan@launchitpr.com
Canada Media Contact:
Karine Seguin, Marketing Services Coordinator, PIT Group – 1-855-472-1159 – karine.seguin@thepitgroup.com
Technical Contact:
Yves Provencher, Director, PIT Group – 514-782-4523 – yves.provencher@thepitgroup.com
U.S. Xpress Contact:
Gerry Mead, Senior VP of Maintenance, US Xpress Inc – gmead@usxpress.com