RS192: How Is Tire Management Technology Gaining More Traction?
At the 2026 Technology and Maintenance Council meeting in Nashville, Transport Topics host Seth Clevenger interviewed Ralph Demena, chief commercial officer of Appiria Technologies, about the latest evolution in tire‑management solutions. The conversation centered on Appiria’s newly announced steer‑axle automatic inflator, the final piece that now offers automatic pressure control for every wheel on a tractor‑trailer. Demena traced the company’s twelve‑year journey from a Stanford prototype to a fully connected platform that combines self‑powered inflators with real‑time TPMS data. He highlighted that proper inflation can boost fuel efficiency by 1‑1.5 % and extend tread life on the most expensive steer tires by 10‑12 %. He also cited FMCSA studies showing under‑inflated steer tires contribute to 6‑8 % of truck crashes. “The engineering challenge was flattening the device and adding a central viewing hole for oil‑filled hubs,” Demena said, emphasizing the safety‑critical nature of the steer position. He also described AI‑driven leak‑detection algorithms that flag tires working overtime, allowing fleets to intervene before a failure. The rollout promises fleets measurable cost‑per‑mile reductions, fewer roadside incidents, and a data‑rich platform for predictive maintenance. As AI tools mature, Appiria’s Halo Connect could become a standard for proactive safety and efficiency across the trucking industry.
RS191: How Can Trailers Elevate Fleet Safety and Efficiency?
The Road Signs podcast captured a conversation with Stoton Trailers’ executives at the Technology and Maintenance Council’s 2026 annual meeting in Nashville. They highlighted how modern trailers—particularly refrigerated units—are being engineered for safety, thermal efficiency, and connectivity, positioning them as...
RS190: What Do Fleets Get Wrong About Aftertreatment Total Cost of Ownership?
The Road Science podcast episode examines why many fleets miscalculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) for after‑treatment systems and confuses simple “cleaning” with true component restoration. Hosts hear from Ceramax North America’s JT Robersonson and Matt Brady, who explain that...
RS189: What Did TMC Tell Us About the State of the Trucking Industry?
The Technology and Maintenance Council’s 2026 annual meeting in Nashville served as the focal point for the trucking sector, with ATA President Chris Spear emphasizing its role as the industry’s “center of gravity.” Over 5,000 participants packed the trade‑show floor,...
RS188: How Can Fleets Mitigate Breakdowns and Get Trucks Back on the Road Sooner?
The Road Signs podcast episode tackles a perennial challenge for trucking firms: how to minimize unplanned vehicle downtime and get trucks back on the road quickly without inflating repair costs. Host Seth Clevenger introduces Bob Taes, president of Truckdown, which...
RS186: Are Autonomous Trucks Outgrowing the Hub-to-Hub Model?
Wabby COO Leor Ron argues autonomous trucking is entering a new phase where an AI-first approach enables faster, far cheaper development and broad commercial deployment beyond legacy hub-to-hub models. He says regulators, OEMs and shippers are now receptive, and Wabby’s...