Today's Pickup: Aperia Offers Tire Inflation System With No Upfront cost

Fleet customers looking to save some cash during the current times can find a little extra green through the use of a tire inflation system. Aperia Technologies, makers of the Halo tire inflator system, are trying to make it even easier to adopt a tire inflation system with its new Pro+ program.

Under the program, fleets can install the Halo system with no upfront cash outlay and the option to cancel the program anytime after 12 months of service. In addition, Aperia will waive any monthly fees when a vehicle is not in service.

"As a company that cares deeply about the success of our fleet customers and industry as a whole, and understands the vital role the trucking industry plays in delivering essential services and goods across the United States, our number one priority is to help them succeed during these challenging times," said Josh Carter, CEO of Aperia Technologies.

The Pro+ program includes Aperia's perpetual warranty.

Use of a tire inflation system improves miles per gallon as much as 1.4% due to proper tire inflation, the company said, leading to a savings of up to $1,000 per year per tractor-trailer. In addition, studies have shown that proper inflation reduces tire wear – Aperia said this leads to 15% more tire life and a further $800 per year savings in tire costs.

In April, Aperia launched a virtual training and support platform. The training program features product, maintenance, and tire pressure dynamics modules, as well as recommended learning paths and a certification program.

Tires remain one of the largest maintenance expense items for fleets and can reduce fuel economy by as much as 3.5% when a tire is inflated to 70 pounds per square inch compared to 100 psi. Under-inflation also leads to more wear and tear and shorter tire life. In addition to fuel economy impacts, tires account for many roadside breakdowns, which according to the American Trucking Associations, occur every 10,000 miles. The cost of an unscheduled roadside repair is $450, Aperia said.

Did you know?

The U.S. Treasury Department has disbursed $2.3 billion of the emergency $3.2 billion committed by the government to the airline industry, about two-thirds of which is in direct grants and the rest in the form of low-interest loans. The remaining installments are scheduled for June and July. 

Quotable:

"After each oil change, we would pour the used oil into 55-gallon drums. When a drum was full, Obie would attach his homemade drip pipe to the drum, affix this to the back of the Farmall M farm tractor, and then spread the oil on the dusty gravel and dirt roads of his 168 acres. This kept the dust down, and when traffic traveled those roads or paths, the roads would get packed down and often ended up looking like they were paved with asphalt."

– Ed Miller, writing about his grandfather Obie, in a recently released book about his life in trucking. The book, "A Trucker's Tale: Wit, Wisdom, and Truck Stories from 60 Years on the Road," is available from Apollo Publishers and on Amazon.

In other news:

Movie industry receives exemption from drug testing rules

Truck fleets for motion picture studios and some commercial production houses have received a five-year exemption from conducting a full pre-employment drug and alcohol query of drivers. (Transport Topics)

Judge denies FedEx request for dismissal of suit

A racial discrimination lawsuit against FedEx can proceed after a judge denied a motion for a summary judgement. (LandLine)

Georgia port dredging project picks up steam

The Georgia Ports Authority has quickened the pace of a Port of Savannah dredging project to deepen the channel, citing lower ship traffic. (DC Velocity)

Pilot CEO opines on changes coming to truck stop dining

Pilot CEO Jimmy Haslam has opened up on how COVID-19 is forever changing the dining experience at truck stops. (Knoxville News)

Distribution centers adapt to last-mile changes

So-called "pop-up" distribution centers are becoming an important part of the last-mile strategy as retailers and transportation providers navigate COVID-19-related changes. (Supply & Demand Chain Executive)

Final thoughts

According to Deutsche Bank's Amit Mehrota, "activity levels" for less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier Old Dominion increased 21% in the last week of May, suggesting the market is picking up heading into June. Overall, analysts on a call said they expected June to be a better month, particularly for auto-related LTL freight in the Midwest. Pricing is still favorable with shippers putting more of their freight out to bid. You can read more from the report here.

Hammer down, everyone!