Page 12 - ATR 2 2014 web

News iN brief, components and sophisticated control ened, resulting in reduced weight and
Continued from page 11 systems at the Mid-America Trucking better maneuverability.
Show. The vehicle’s trailer, manufactured
Food rule, with that final rule expected In 2005, Bentonville, Arkansas- by Great Dane Trailers, is built almost
to be published in 2016. based Walmart, one of the nation’s larg- exclusively with carbon fiber, saving
The FDA said the proposed rule est private fleet operators, announced nearly 4,000 pounds compared to tra-
would cover an estimated 83,609 busi- its goal to double fleet efficiency by ditional designs. Other special features
nesses, including carriers that haul 2015. As of last year, the company had of the trailer include low-amperage LED
food and the facilities that ship food. achieved an 84 percent improvement in lighting strips, composite trailer skirts,
The agency estimates the first year cost fleet efficiency over its 2005 baseline. aerodynamic disc wheel coverings, a
would be $149.1 million or an average “Walmart is continually looking for Posi-lift suspension and a one-piece,
of $1,784 per business with on-going innovative ways to increase our efficien- fiberglass-reinforced floor panel with a
annual costs at $30 million, or $360 cies and reduce our fleet’s emissions,” 16,000 pound forklift rating.
per business. said Tracy Rosser, senior vice president “The creation of this showcase
Comments are being accepted on of transportation at Walmart. “The vehicle was only made possible through
the rule until May 30, 2014. Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience strong collaboration with our partners,
is a bold step in transportation technol- and we thank each of them for their
walmarT leaDs cHarge ogies that, although not on the road in valuable contribution,” said Rosser. “It’s
IN ImprovINg effIcIeNcy its current form, will serve as a learning important that we continue to work
sTaNDarDs platform for the future that will accel- collectively on future innovations and
Walmart unveiled a new concept erate our progress toward our goals.” challenge ourselves to look boldly at
truck, the Walmart Advanced Vehicle The truck’s shape represents a 20 fleet efficiency in new and different
Experience (WAVE), featuring lead- percent reduction in aerodynamic drag ways.”
ing edge aerodynamics, an advanced over Walmart’s current Peterbilt Model
turbine-powered range extending series 386. By placing the cab over the engine, 
hybrid powertrain, electrified auxiliary the truck’s wheelbase is greatly short-

Walmart WAVE concept truck

12 aRkaNSaS tRuckiNg RepoRt | issue 2 2014