Driver Shortage

Since the onset of COVID19 there has been a nationwide increase in demand for goods
to be shipped – and shipped quickly. Drivers have been incentivized with an increase in pay and
sign on bonuses in recent years in order to help fulfill the increase in demands. In most states
drivers make roughly $22-$24 dollars per hour. This is significantly higher than the average $18
per hour most other positions offer with similar qualifications. A Tripac APU is also a great way
to help ensure that drivers are happy employees. Keeping drivers comfortable out on the roads
is extremely important not only to ensure deliveries are possible but in keeping other drivers
safe as well.
Truck drivers are behind the sales, logistics, and general supply chain of the entire
economy. Trucking is the backbone of the economy in its current state. In 2021 the trucking
industry alone moved 72% of all freight in the United States which totaled 10.93 billions of
goods. There was also an increase of 3.7% total employees in 2021 from 2020 for a total of 3.49
million drivers employed. With the huge increase in demand for trucking employees a Tripac
APU has never been more valuable. Companies need to find ways to keep their drivers happy to
be able to meet increasing demand. A comfortable driver and driving conditions are the perfect
way to make sure that drivers are happy in their positions.
The trucking industry is said to grow roughly 4% between now and 2031. This is on par
for most positions over that time period. However, the recent jump in demand still puts the
economy in a deficit for truck drivers.

trucking

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Team Truck Driving

The life of a trucker can be quite lonely. While an APU can provide all the comforts of
home when it comes to air conditioning, cell phone charging, and so much more, it cannot
provide companionship. Many truckers and trucking companies opt to allow for team truck
driving. This is when two drivers travel together and take turns behind the wheel. This process
can actually lead to increased efficiency and a greater sense of workplace satisfaction. For the
trucking company is allows the truck to keep moving while continuing to follow the hours of
service regulations. The company ends up paying for the total miles driven and that sum is
divided amongst the two drivers. Below are a few things to consider if you are considering team
truck driving.
 Can you trust your driving partner: There are many reasons why you will need to have
complete trust in your driving partner. For one, you will need to be able to feel you can
get restful sleep while they are driving and vice versa.
 Comfortable sharing space: The cab of your truck and general living area offers very
tight quarters. You will want to make sure that you can comfortably share a space with
this other person. This is one of the main reasons that driving partners tend to be
husband/wife teams or other combinations of family members.
 Compromise: The two of you will need to decide how the day is divided up. For
example, you will need to agree who drives first, for how long, how many stops you take
and where, etc.
 Benefit from company: Are you someone who feels they will benefit from company on
the road or do you prefer a solo drive? Most people find that they will benefit from
shared usage of their APU and drive in general.

semi truck

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Maximizing Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to saving money on your fleet, every dollar counts these days. Rising
diesel prices have dramatically impacted the way fleets operate and how efficiently owners can
run their companies. More often than not these increases in fuel prices are forced onto the
consumer directly. However, there are many ways that you can help to maximize your fuel
efficiency in order to save as much money as possible. See below for some ways to help save as
much as possible while operating your fleet during these difficult times.
1. Track Everything: It is difficult to improve your operating costs and expenses when you
are not actively tracking your current spend. It is important to track every dollar spent
and why. Make sure that your drivers also incorporate their idle time.
2. Reduce Idling: This is where APUs come to help save hundreds to thousands of dollars
annually. If you are not currently using APUs it is time you took a look at our cost savings
calculator on our website. You are missing out on significant savings.
3. Consider Load Placement: How you load your trailer impacts the fuel efficiency of every
drive. Try to streamline the wind as much as possible for any exposed areas. Also, evenly
distribute weight so that a smoother ride is possible.
4. Be Selective: Some routes just make more sense than others. Make sure you have
reviewed each route so that you check for things like hilly terrain to be certain that the
job is profitable.
5. Smooth Driver: Having a driver that drives “smoothly” can help save the most on gas
usage. Things like anticipating traffic stops and accelerating slowly can help save money
over time. The worst thing you can do is to constantly break or to break quickly as this
kills your fuel efficiency.gas

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Fleet Challenges

The current state of the economy has taken its toll on many industries. The reason for
this is likely tied up in the toll it has taken on fleets across the country. With the dramatic
increases in inflation, fuel, equipment, and labor costs, companies are struggling to keep up.
This is forcing a higher cost onto the consumer directly for just about every good and service
across the board. This is unlikely to settle for quite some time. Manufacturer delays are so
common now that fleets have been forced to focus on preventative maintenance as their top
priority.
Maintenance costs were down in the year 2020 due to the COVID19 pandemic. As things
started reopening and customers started placing more orders, maintenance costs increased in
2021. Now that we are halfway through 2022 we are seeing even greater maintenance costs
across the board. There has been a 20.4% increase in repair costs since the year 2020 just to
2022. This is more than a little inflation that companies could have anticipated. In order to help
get in front of the small problems that could exist and in order to prevent them becoming large
maintenance items, companies are now recommended to check their APUs more often than
ever. APUs help reduce idling with can help to prevent large maintenance items in the long-run.
Repairs have become so costly that they are now placed in order of priority. Repairs that
are a safety concern are taken care of immediately. Drivers need to be kept safe while on the
road at all times in order to protect themselves and others. Repairs that impact the reliability of
the vehicle are next in line. Finally, convenience items are taken care of last. If you are worried
about the ongoing maintenance of your fleet, we highly recommend taking the preventative
maintenance approach.mechanic

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Rising Diesel Prices

This month the average diesel prices has risen to a record high of $5.473. This is a huge
jump in prices just from last month when the national average was less than $4.00. These diesel
increases are devastating for freight transportation companies that require fuel. Many diesel
trucks are paying close to $2,000 every time they fill up. With prices this high many companies
will be forced out of business as the cost to fill the tank has simply eaten away at any potential
profits. While an APU can help reduce some costs it cannot entirely eliminate the need for
diesel when it comes to freight.
Nearly 70% of freight is transported via truck. What this means is that if the companies
do survive these massive price increases the cost will be put off onto the consumer. Increasing
diesel costs have already contributed to the massive increase in inflation over the last year.
However, predictions are that consumers have not yet seen the worst of it as diesel is expected
to keep rising. The initial increase in diesel prices were due to the ban on Russian oil. While the
United States only receives a small percentage of its oil from Russia we are still trading in a
Global Market. After a major crisis occurs, oil prices tend to shoot up but take a significant
amount of time to come back down.
Consumers can expect to pay more for nearly all commodities across the board.
Everything from groceries, building supplies, and online ordering all come via trucks. If we
cannot get the cost of diesel down soon not only will businesses go under but consumers will
not be able to afford their current lifestyles. We hope APUs help offset some costs for freight
trucks, but we know this high cost of diesel is simply not sustainable.

 

gas station

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How Do APU’s Work?

With gas prices skyrocketing you may have noticed a significant increase in your
monthly bills both personally and in your fleet. It is no surprise that the high gas prices have put
a strain on truck drivers. Luckily, APUs act as a secondary energy source for semi-trucks. This
secondary energy source allows for the heating and cooling of the interior of the truck cab. In
fact, anti-idling laws have even made it illegal for trucks to sit idling. This would mean that a
truck driver would be forced to turn off all power to their cab and be without heat, air, or any
electricity. This would mean that truck drivers could not survive out on the road – at least not
within their own cabs. This would increase hotel stays and overall expenses for fleet
management to unmanageable levels.
APUs can be powered by a few different sources. First, an APU for sale can be powered
by electricity. These APUs work by operating through cell batteries. They can vary by the size of
the vehicle and how often they need to be changed really varies dependent upon how often
the APU is used. Electric APUs require little to no annual maintenance. Auxiliary power units
can also be powered by combustion provided that fuel is available. This type of APU does
require annual maintenance. A diesel powered APU for sale can last a significant distance but
does require fuel. However, you will get more out of the diesel powered engine than what you
put into it.
Of course the biggest advantage to consider with an APU is the environmental benefits.
APUs help to save the planet by reducing emissions into the environment. Idling for even a
short period of time releases harmful emission into the air that we all breathe.gas

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The History of Thermo King Corporation

Thermo King Parts are now synonymous in the world of APU’s as one of the top carriers
and quality parts. But how did they come to be? Thermo King Corporation is an American
Manufacturer of transport temperature control systems for trucks, trailers, and shipboard
containers. They now develop TriPac hybrid auxiliary idle reduction and temperature
management systems for truck cabs. This is likely how you know of them today. Headquartered
in Minneapolis they are a proud American company.
In the beginning Joe Numero partnered with engineer Fredrick Jones and formed what is
now Thermo King. They developed a cooling unit for trucks that were carrying perishable food.
They were able to patent this development in 1940. After that was established, they were then
challenged to create a refrigerated truck and Thermo King was born. Refrigerated transport
changed the way the entire food industry operated. Thermo King’s most recent invention is the
development of the TriPac hybrid auxiliary idle reduction and temperature management system
which eliminates the need for a truck engine to idle while still providing heating and cooling to
the truck cab.
Just like refrigerated trucks forever changed the food industry, the TriPac hybridapuauxillary idle reduction and temperature management system forever changed the trucking
industry. If you are in need of Thermo King Parts, our APU Center would be happy to help you
find exactly what it is you are looking for. We can help guide you to new products as well as
help you restore any problematic existing parts that you may already have.

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How Harmful Is Idling?

There are now 29 states with active idling law regulations in place. These laws are in
place for good reason, as idling for 10 seconds uses more fuel and produces more CO2 than
restarting your engine does! Over time and with an excessive number of vehicles on the road,
these emissions can wreak havoc on the environment. Running vehicles emit significant CO2
which is a colorless and odorless gas. What happens to the environment when more and more
CO2 is emitted is that heat becomes trapped. This is called the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Over time this can dramatically alter the earth’s climate.
Vehicles also produce volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and oxides of
nitrogen. All of these gases are toxic and when produced in abundance are extremely harmful
to the environment. Something to consider when running a fleet of vehicles that may be idling
is the health of the drivers. The drivers have direct exposure to all of these harmful chemical
day after day while on the job. This can cause long-term health problems and increase costs for
your business, not to mention you want to protect your drivers at all cost.
Luckily, APU Center has an abundance of solutions that will not only save the health of
your drivers, but it will help save your bottom line as well. If you need assistance on selecting
the right APU for your fleet of vehicles we are happy to help. We have cost-saving solution tools
that will help you realize your total cost savings by making the switch. The best benefit to APU
usage is the health of the environment and the health of your drivers. It can be an initial
investment to your company upfront but will save you significantly long-term and the payback
happens quickly.idling

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Rigmaster Models

Since 1993 Rigmaster has been offering anti-idling solutions. They offer
several different models depending on the needs of your fleet. If you are researching
Rigmaster models and have any questions, we would be happy to help. We
understand what a large investment the Rigmaster is in the future of your fleet and
want you to feel good about your selection. The complete stand-alone generator can
run all night on what an idling engine would run in just two hours. We even offer
cost-savings calculators that will allow you to see the long-term benefits of
purchasing a new Rigmaster.
The Generator Model is a self contained stand-alone model with an EPA
approved Kohler engine. This model has multiple auto start features and an
alternator with 60 amps for battery charging. The Invertor model is also a
completely self-contained stand-alone unit with an EPA approved Kohler engine
with multiple auto start features. However the alternator has 70 amps for battery
charging. Both of these models have the same heating and cooling capabilities with
24,000 BTU for air conditioning and 13,500 BTU for heating. The generator model
dimensions are 25D x 25W x 28.5H. The invertor model dimensions are 25D x 21W
x 28H. The generator model is able to fit on short wheel base trucks.
Rigmaster also offers custom auxiliary power packs that allow for cab
heating and cooling as well as charging. Air conditioning is also available in these
models. Smart alternators and generators are also available as well as special
requests can be made. If you are curious about the right fit for your fleet our team of
trained professionals here at the APU center would be happy to help. We are well
versed in the Rigmaster product and even know how to help maintain and repair
your units as well.

rigmaster

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What Are Idling Laws?

Idling laws are necessary for the better good of the environment. There are
now 29 states that have adopted idling laws. What is idling exactly? Idling is the
process in which you run your engine while the vehicle is stationary. Idling actually
accounts for over 6 billion gallons of fuel into the air every year! This is an
incredible amount of waste. Our environment across the globe would benefit greatly
from a reduction in idling emissions not to mention the fuel cost savings. Enter the
evolution of the APU, the auxiliary power unit! This specialty device is created with
idling emissions in mind!
The increase in exhaust into the environment can lead to asthma, cancer,
cardiac disease, and various other health concerns. Lowering idling emissions
through the use of an APU is beneficial on so many levels. In fact, as many as three
times as many people die from air pollution related illnesses than car accidents
every year. Everyday consumers idle without even realizing it, for example in the
school car pick up line or in the drive through line as well. Truck drivers idle on a
more necessary basis for regulating the cabin temperature or charging important
devices. Idling laws typically limit idling for 3-5 minutes for most states. This is
where the APU becomes necessary for truck drivers. The use of an APU allows truck
drivers the ability to still use their main cabin without idling.apu
Many states are offering grants, loans, and even tax credits for adopting idle
reduction technologies like APUs. We are happy to help make sure that you find the
appropriate APU for your vehicle and can help maintain and manage all APUs for
your entire fleet if necessary. We look forward to helping you save money and
reduce idling emissions into the environment.

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