Question 20 March 26, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		http://digitalthink.breezecentral.com/p99853739/ Have you seen this system , is there one better,and can they be added at the factory,Peterbuilt 387 2005 /2006 or after market.? is the proheat the same thing? I’m just starting to check into a new truck ,and am very interested in these units

A.		I have seen this system, it is relatively new, it is being introduced by Caterpillar, the gentlemans name that I know off that is the driving force behind this is David Orr from Caterpillar, essentially this system eliminates all belts and clutches but does use a Proheat like generator system. Your best bet would be to contact David himself and you can do that by reaching him at. Orr_David_C@cat.com

Question 19 March 18, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		Do the major engine manufacturers publish any idling estimates to help determine the amount of fuel consumed while idling? If so, how do I get a copy of these.

A.		Yes, they do. You can find that information from the specifications of the engines. You should be able to find this info on the web. Some research is involved. General Rule of thumb is 1/2-3/4 gallon of fuel at idle running at 650-750 rpm. Also; every 10% decrease in idle time equates to approx. a 0.1 increase in mpg. Cummins has a great paper called "Secrets of Better Fuel Economy" you can find that at http://www.cummins.com/na/pdf/en/products/truck/MPG_Secrets_Whitepape.pdf

Question 18 March 16, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		Do you have any info on NJ CORP Tax for trucks that are now being fined to trucks for picking up or delivering in the state of NJ?

A.		I am not aware of this NJ CORP tax you speak of. I do know that you will be fined if you are picking up or delivering product in the state of NJ if you are idling for more than 5 minutes.

Question 9 March 10, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		In reading your answers I see where you estimate the amount of idle time at 30 to 50% at a rate of 1 gal. per hour. My question is, after paying road use tax on fuel that each state adds to the price per gal., but not using the road,but rather sitting in a parking lot, should the states be forced to refund that money. Every truck bought today has a computer on it that can tell you exactly how much time was idling. AS AN O/O seems like we need to start fighting back with the details such as this and others like toll road miles,actual miles driven on state vs. interstate roads.Seems to me that refund could be earmarked for installing APU,S on over the road trucks. That would be a big boost to your industry,since it seems no one makes changes unless money is involved,heres a way to get the money.

A.		I understand your thinking and rational but the states don't look at it that way. They look at it as "you should'nt be idling in the first place" and so if you chose not to idle, "YOU" would be better off for it in the savings that are attainable using anti-idling technologies. There is great association out there called OOIDA, it's an O/O's association, get in touch with them if you want to move mountains. It can be done! As for the states and feds finding money? Plans are in the works where states or municipalities could offer special loans to thsoe who want to outfit their trucks with technologies and/or offer tax incentives or rebates.

Question 10 March 8, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		Does IL. have any idle laws on the books or do they have any for the near future

A.		Yes, "Not person driving or in charge of a motor vheicle shall permit it to stand unattended withour first stopping the engine..." Fine: Not more than $500.00 (625 ILCS 5/6-601(b)) IL Department of Transportation 217-782-7820 www.dot.state.il.us There are talks that there will be a national idling plan soon, the first draft will be presented in Palm Springs on May 1-4, 2005. This plan will cover all states, they are working towards a uniform idling restriction plan so truckers don't have to look up the little black book on idling regulations of each state.