Online tool calculates wheel option ROI

Aug. 21, 2009
Fleet managers are constantly being told that lighter wheels are better. But why?

Fleet managers are constantly being told that lighter wheels are better. But why? Does lighter mean more payload? Better fuel efficiency? The bottom line for all managers is cost.

Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products says it has a new online tool that can help answer some of those questions. The CalcuLighter provides financial data when comparing steel and aluminum wheels, duals vs. wide base, or any combination thereof, all by entering basic operational needs.

CalcuLighter calculates fuel, payload and tire life data as well as Truck Blue Book trade-in value, scrap value, wheel maintenance information and even the carbon footprint differences between wheel alternatives. Users input their fleet profile, choose the wheel alternatives they wish to compare and some other basic information such as power units, trailers and dollies. The results change as new information is input.

“Especially during tight economic times, fleets and owner-operators need actionable, dollars-and-cents answers now, and seat-of-the-pants guesstimates won’t do,” said Tim Myers, president. “Using the on-line CalcuLighter, they can see real-world data in real time, based on their own truck and trailer profile. This tool effectively translates basic product differences into a relevant, return on investment summary.”

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Discover how eets can evaluate, select, and implement trailer telematics with condence. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process, so you can improve visibility...
Read more about how WarmMark QR addresses today’s common cold chain monitoring challenges through an innovative combination of visual and digital tracking.
The future of spot buying is automated. Here are 6 reasons why—and how Trimble leads the way.
Unexpected toll costs cutting into your fleet’s profits? Learn how to take control with smart toll management strategies that boost efficiency, savings, and productivity.