Freight Efficiency with NACFE‘s Mike Roeth & Friends

Rick Mihelic, president of Mihelic Vehicle Consulting, and NACFE’s director of emerging technologies, shares his thoughts on the value of networking, the rapid pace of technology change, the importance of research and understanding bias, explains the technology diffusion S curve, offers quick thoughts on a host of emerging technologies and gives advice on being successful with new technology.

Steve Ernest, vice president of engineering for Jacobs Vehicle Systems, talks about the evolution of Jacobs over the past 60 years, variable valve actuation, cylinder deactivation, electric trucks, working with universities and other groups to advance technology, and reminds listeners that diesels will be a viable option for years to come.

Ellen Voie, founder, president and CEO of Women in Trucking, talks about her career, what sparked the idea for Women in Trucking, her passion for bringing more women into the industry, and how the industry has changed in terms of the value it places on diversity and inclusion. She also shares thoughts on the difference between being for women and being about women. 

Rustam Kocher, charging infrastructure lead for the e-mobility group at Daimler Trucks North America, talks about the speed of the transition to electric trucks, DTNA’s e-mobility projects, why fleets are looking at EVs, the importance of charging infrastructure and charging management, and his passion for electric vehicles. He also offers advice to fleets about making the move to EVs.

Jack Roberts, senior trucking editor and freight futurist, talks about the technological changes he has seen in trucking over the years but focuses on the development of autonomous trucking and how it can address some of the core inefficiencies in the trucking industry. He also gives advice to fleets on how to handle innovation.

Kyle Treadway, Kenworth Sales Company’s dealer principal, shares his thoughts on dealers’ role in technology integration and product development, the challenge of new technology, the technician shortage, his own dealership’s growth and he also comments on natural gas, electric and autonomous trucks.

Clark Reed, professional driver with Nussbaum Transportation, talks about his career in trucking, hours of service, his experience in Run on Less, what he does prior to starting each day’s route, what he has achieved in his existing truck and how he plans to move into his new truck, and his involvement with Team Run Smart. He also offers advice to other truckers and drivers about making the roads safer for everyone.

Jessie Lund, senior associate at Rocky Mountain Institute, shares information on her decade-long involvement in the fight against climate change, how trucking can help in the decarbonization fight, the opportunities moving to clean energy presents trucking, the power of co-creating clean transportation solutions and explains the findings of the regions report she led. She also gives advice to people who want to help develop a more sustainable way to move goods.

Jeff Baer, founder and CEO of LinkeDrive, talks about drivers’ impact on fuel efficiency, the importance of data in modifying drivers’ behavior, tools that can help drivers be more efficient, the importance of fairness and positivity in driver coaching and the company’s role in Run on Less Regional.

Steve Slesinski, director of global product planning at Dana Commercial Vehicle, talks about his 40 years in the commercial vehicle industry, the e-transition, why electric vehicles make sense in medium-duty markets, how fleets are taking a holistic approach to electric vehicle acquisition, hybrid vehicles, electric yard tractors and when he thinks EVs will see widespread adoption.