July 2018 | VehicleServicePros.com 45
What the Blazes? Thermal
Events Forensic Analysis
Recently, the trucking industry has experienced
what some fl eets report is an increased number
of truck fi re incidents. Th e issue of truck fi res
has also received signifi cant attention at various
meetings of both the TMC and Technical Advisory
Group (TAG).
Learn from panel experts what types of thermal
events are occurring among fl eets and how oft en,
as well as gain insights into the causes of these
incidents. Guidance on how fl eets can prevent
these fi res from occurring in the fi rst place will
also be provided. Panelists will include fl eets,
manufacturers and risk management specialists.
Study Group Sessions
TMC Study Groups are standing committees that
identify problems and challenges facing motor
carriers and other truck equipment users. Th ese
groups, which are long-term in nature, study a
specifi c sector of truck technology or management.
Study group meetings at TMC’s 2017 Fall
Meeting include:
Proper Tire and Wheel
Selection for Today’s Complex
Operating Environment
Th e diversity of vehicle specifi cation associated
with today’s complex operating environment
has had an impact on tire and wheel selection.
Yesterday’s standard fl eet spec may not perform
as intended on the latest vehicles.
Th is session approaches how tire and wheel
specifi cation has changed with the changing
vehicle designs. An expert panel of fl eets, suppliers
and tire and wheel specialists will be on-hand
to provide fl eets guidance on how they may wish
to change their approach when it comes to tire
and wheel selection, especially as newer technologies
change the way they spec other aspects
of their fl eet.
A Deep Dive into New Trailer
Safety Feature Enhancements
Th e S.7 Trailers, Bodies & Material Handling Study
Group will take a deep dive into what new trailer
safety feature enhancements may be coming
down the road and what they will mean for fl eet
maintenance operations.
During this session, panelists will address
several proposed safety enhancements including
new rear underride guard designs, side impact
pedestrian guards as well as more substantial
side underride guards designed to address motor
vehicle collisions. Th e role supplemental information
devices – such as back-up cameras and sound
alerts – can play in improving collision mitigation
will also be discussed.
Learn how these new technologies might be
eff ectively implemented and what potential
impact they might have for your fl eet’s maintenance
program.
Today’s Heavy Duty Coolant Complexity:
What It Means for My Fleet
Advances in engine and vehicle technology –
coupled with original equipment manufacturers’
demand for lightweight metals – have resulted in
increased heavy duty engine coolant complexity.
Accordingly, engine manufacturers also have
developed more strict coolant compliance requirements
for their component partners, which, in
some ways, has complicated maintenance for
their fl eet customers.
Learn from our expert panel of fl eets, manufacturers
and suppliers on how to best manage
fl eet coolant maintenance for today’s vehicles.
Th e session address coolant complexity, the various
formulations in current use and which are
suitable for the various vintages of vehicles in
common use.
Current and Emerging Technologies
to Optimize Vehicle Energy Efficiency
During this session, TMC’s S.11 Sustainability &
Environmental Technologies Study Group will
explore the various categories of energy-saving
technologies by application and duty cycle
to help attendees determine what potential
solutions might work best in their operations.
Presenters will discuss implementation, performance
verifi cation, driver and technician training,
and potential unintended consequences to
consider. Additionally, fl eets will share their
expectations and experiences of validating the
energy effi ciency promises made once the vehicles
are placed in service.
Multimeter Diagnostics: Are
Today’s Technicians Ready for
Tomorrow’s Voltages?
TMC’s S.1 Electrical Study Group
is conducting an assessment of
fl eet and service provider technicians
in order to evaluate electrical
knowledge. Th e cumulative
results of this assessment will be
evaluated and presented at the S.1
Study Group Session during TMC’s
2018 Fall Meeting in Orlando. Th is
assessment is partially based on
TMC Recommended Practice 1204,
which was developed by TMC’s S.12
On-Board Vehicle Electronics Study
Group to help evaluate technician
profi ciency in the maintenance of
truck electronic control systems.
Th e assessment also features new
» The TMC Fall meeting will feature educational
sessions designed to keep maintenance personnel
on the cutting edge of vehicle technology.
Photo courtesy of TMC
TMC Fall Meeting
Schedule
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
7: 30 AM to 4 PM
TMCFutureTech 2018 National
Student Technician Competition
8 AM to 4 PM
• Trailer and new Light/Medium
Vehicle Technician Tracks
• Traditional (Heavy Duty) Track
Hands-on Skills Challenge finals
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
TMC’s 2018 Fall Meeting officially opens
Tuesday, which is also Task Force Day
9 AM to 3 PM
PTDC Technician Training Fair
5:30 to 6:45 PM
Town Meeting and Fleet Operators’ Forum
Tuesday Evening
TMCFutureTech 2018 Awards Banquet
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Technical Sessions and Study Group
Sessions take place throughout the
day, as well as TMC’s industry luncheon
and evening social event and dinner.
8 to 9:30 AM
Technical Session No. 1: Growing and
Retaining Your Own Technicians
9:45 to 11:15 AM
Study Group Sessions:
• S.2 Tire & Wheel
• S.7 Trailers, Bodies and Material Handling
1:15 to 2:45 PM
Study Group Sessions:
• S.3 Engine
• S.14 Light and Medium Duty
and Specialty Trucks
3 to 4:30 PM
Study Group Sessions:
• S.1 Electrical
• S.11 Sustainability and
Environmental Technologies
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Technical Sessions, Study Group
Sessions and Shop Talk take place.
7:30 to 9 AM
Technical Session No. 2: What the Blazes?
– Thermal Events Forensic Analysis
9:15 to 10:45 AM
Study Group Sessions:
• S.12 Onboard Vehicle
Electronics Study Group
• S.17 Corrosion Control Study Group Session
12:30 PM
TMC’s 2018 Fall Meeting concludes
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