“They’re already buying tires, so by simply changing a brand, they can improve fuel economy and save a tremendous amount of money.”

The Evolution of Low-rolling-resistance (LRR) Tires

Since their debut about two decades ago, low-rolling-resistance tires have significantly advanced in technology. These innovations have resulted in notable benefits, including improved fuel efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greater adoption by fleet operators.

“They’re just making the tires better and better all around,” Bear added, noting that these advancements have fueled their popularity, particularly in specific applications like long-haul trucking.

Practical Applications in the Industry

Although LRR tires dominate certain sectors like over-the-road trucking, their utility is application-dependent. For example, fleets requiring robust traction for off-road or snowy conditions might steer away from LRR tires due to traction concerns.

For long-haul operations, however, these tires are becoming increasingly common. Jim Garrett, product category manager at Michelin North America, explained their effectiveness in highway scenarios, adding, “At lower speed, varying load, starting and stopping or other applications, it becomes more difficult to measure the fuel savings,” he said. While regional and urban applications will still generate savings, it will be less obvious, he added.

Advanced Design and Longevity

Modern LRR tires are far removed from their early iterations, which were criticized for thinner treads, limited life spans, and reduced traction. Mike Roeth, executive director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), acknowledged the evolution by stating, “Tire designs have become incredibly sophisticated. Goodyear, Michelin, and other leaders have improved traction, wear, and fuel economy through lower rolling resistance.”

Some of today’s LRR tires can last up to 250,000 miles, a significant leap forward compared to earlier models. However, fleets still balancing multiple priorities, such as traction for snowy or wet conditions, may hesitate to adopt LRR tires entirely.

Return on Investment for Fleets

The financial benefit of LRR tires is undeniable. NACFE research highlights that the fuel cost tied to tire rolling resistance is about five times higher than the tire’s initial price. This means switching to LRR tires can offer substantial long-term savings.

Matt Godfrey, president of ABF Freight, shared how his organization has embraced these tires for their 4,200-tractor and 23,000-trailer fleet, explaining, “We make a lot of investments in our fleet each year to replace older units, reduce our carbon footprint, and lower the fleet’s age—including the use of LRR tires.”

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

The environmental benefits of LRR tires align with broader sustainability trends. Many fleets now choose SmartWay-verified tires, a program promoting fuel efficiency and reduced freight transport emissions.

For example, ABF Freight has approximately 60-70% of its fleet operating on LRR tires while integrating SmartWay-certified recaps to amplify its environmental efforts.

Challenges and Future Developments

Though LRR tires have made great strides, there’s room for improvement. The trucking industry seeks extended tire lifespans and tread designs better suited for specific conditions. According to Godfrey, enhancements in tire longevity would help decrease the total number of tires necessary in fleets and minimize labor costs associated with replacements.

“You’d want to see something that wears slower, provides a longer life expectancy, and potentially be capped more frequently at a lower cost,” said Matthew Copot, VP of Fleet Management at Saia Inc.

Experts also note the need for adaptations to accommodate battery-electric trucks, which place unique stress on tires due to higher torque. Roeth emphasized, “Current designs suit diesel trucks, but battery-electric trucks require changes to sustain wear under heavier loads.”

Driving Industry Change

The broader influence of LRR technologies is undeniable. Many features originally designed for LRR tires are now commonplace in other tire categories, pushing the entire industry toward more fuel-efficient designs. Garrett from Michelin anticipates that as fleets refine how they track fuel usage, they’ll naturally continue adopting LRR tires.

“Factors such as GHG regulations, fuel prices, and societal pressure will further drive adoption,” Garrett stated.

A Clear Path Forward

Low-rolling-resistance tires are no longer just a smart option; they are a competitive advantage for fleets looking to reduce expenses, enhance sustainability, and maximize operational efficiency. While their implementation depends on specific trucking applications and conditions, continued advancements offer growing benefits for the industry.

For fleets striving to remain at the forefront, LRR tires represent a critical investment in the present and the future.

Source: Transport Topics

Image Source: Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions

The post Low-rolling-resistance Tires Revolutionize the Trucking Industry appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Goodyear is redefining the game at the 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic with a unique blend of tradition, cutting-edge technology, and artistic craftsmanship. Known for its deep-rooted connection to college football, the brand is showcasing its latest tire innovations alongside tire art and interactive fan experiences in celebration of the College Football Playoff Semifinal.

Paying Tribute to Team Pride with Tire Sculptures

To honor the clash between Ohio State University and the University of Texas in this year’s Cotton Bowl Classic, Goodyear has revealed two breathtaking sculptures. Designed to reflect the essence of team spirit, the sculptures take the form of football helmets inspired by each university. These artistic endeavors are crafted from Goodyear’s latest tire innovation—the Assurance WeatherReady 2—illustrating the company’s focus on all-season reliability, performance, and durability.

Ryan Waldron, President of Goodyear Americas, shared his excitement about this unique display, stating, “The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic is an exciting event. We are proud to join The University of Texas and The Ohio State University in this celebration of excellence. Our tire art tradition continues to evolve, and with the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 tire being a key part of Goodyear’s tire lineup, we are thrilled to showcase its design and performance capabilities while honoring the spirit of college football and the journey everyone takes to get to today’s game.”

Each helmet sculpture stands an impressive 5 ½ feet tall and weighs 200 pounds. Tire artist Blake McFarland, a former minor league baseball player, dedicated over 400 hours and used more than 90 Goodyear tires, along with 3,600 staples, to bring these intricate works of art to life.

Fans attending the game on January 10 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will have the opportunity to view these stunning sculptures up close and capture memorable photos.

Elevating the Fan Experience at the Cotton Bowl Classic

Goodyear isn’t stopping at tire art. At the 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic, fans will be invited to explore a state-of-the-art Goodyear Mobile tire installation van. This on-site activation allows attendees to learn about Goodyear’s convenient tire installation services and the Assurance WeatherReady 2—an all-season tire delivering exceptional wet performance, durability, and traction.

Additionally, fans will get a special sneak peek at vehicles equipped with Goodyear’s high-performance tires. This includes NASCAR’s Garage 56 vehicle, the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype, and the Tire Rack One Lap of America-winning car, which showcased the remarkable capabilities of the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3 tire after conquering a grueling 4,000-mile trek across diverse terrains.

“As the official tire of the Cotton Bowl Classic and a brand with deep ties to college football, Goodyear is excited to provide fans and consumers a chance to experience our premium products up close,” Waldron said. “From the tire art to our tire displays and vehicles, we’re looking forward to a memorable and engaging experience at the 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic.”

Celebrating Decades of Legacy in College Football

Goodyear’s history with college football stretches back nearly 70 years to the first aerial coverage of the Rose Bowl by the iconic Goodyear Blimp in 1955—a legacy that continues to leave its mark. This year, the 100th-anniversary celebrations of the Goodyear Blimp further amplify the company’s commitment to historic sports moments.

The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic holds a prestigious place in college football, often hosting pivotal matchups. The 89th annual game highlights a semifinal showdown between eighth-seeded Ohio State and fifth-seeded Texas. Ohio State will mark its fourth Cotton Bowl Classic appearance, while Texas—a storied program—enters its 23rd. The victor will secure a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Don’t Miss the Action

The highly anticipated duel between these two collegiate powerhouses takes place on Friday, January 10, at 7:30 p.m. EST.

Source: The Trucker

Image: Goodyear

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VanNostrand, an OOIDA member from Northville, N.Y., was presented with the award for his brave actions in aiding the police in apprehending a suspect involved in a shootout during a traffic stop by a state trooper. In June 2023, this owner-operator strategically used his logging truck to block the shooter’s car, compelling the assailant to flee on foot.

“I could see the bullets flying out of the back window of the car that the trooper pulled over. I stopped as fast as I could and got slowed down enough to kind of turn into the car and put it against the guardrails, stopping it so the trooper could take control of the situation,” VanNostrand said. “It all happened so fast; it was a split-second decision.”

Ramos, a driver for Ryder System Inc., earned the accolade for his compassionate response to a motorist who had crashed her SUV in a remote desert area.

Observing the driver losing control, crossing multiple lanes, and crashing into a field, Ramos promptly called for help. He remained with the injured driver until emergency crews arrived.

“Since it was such a remote area, it could have been a long time until help arrived,” Ramos said. “I was glad to be there when it happened and to call for help quickly.”

In celebration of the award’s 40th year and Goodyear’s 125th anniversary, two truckers were chosen to receive the honor from a broader pool of commercial drivers than ever before. Rich Cottrell, Goodyear’s senior director of commercial marketing, highlighted the nominees’ collective demonstration of the pivotal role truckers play in ensuring safety.

“The stories submitted this year reinforced the important job that commercial drivers play in our everyday lives and illustrate in heroic ways the powerful impact professional drivers can have on the roads, individual lives, and communities when they help others,” Cottrell said.

VanNostrand and Ramos now join the ranks of 42 other recipients of the esteemed Highway Hero Award. Additionally, two other drivers, Joshua Day and Russel Peasley, were acknowledged as runners-up for this year’s award, receiving recognition and prizes from Goodyear.

Established to honor truck drivers who selflessly contribute to the well-being of others on North American highways, the Highway Hero Award nomination period for the 2024 award will open in the fall, ensuring a continued celebration of acts of valor in the trucking community.

Source: Land Line

The post Aided Police Traffic Stop, Saved Desert Crash Victim – Two Professional Drivers Awarded Goodyear’s 2023 Highway Hero appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This special giveaway is happening during the annual Toys for Tots event at the Goodyear Blimp’s home in Gardena, California. Join us on Saturday, December 2nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 19200 South Main St.

Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys to support their annual campaign. While donations are encouraged, they are not required. Cash donations are also welcome.

“Our open house event will consist of ground tours of the Goodyear Blimp,” the news release stated. “We will have a food vendor on-site, Pepsi, activities for the children and most importantly Santa and his elves. For safety and security purposes all guests attending our Toys for Tots event will be asked to show their ticket upon arrival at our facility. A ticket must be presented to security in order to park on our premises. We do ask that all guests wear close toed shoes.”

Want to ride with Santa on the Blimp? Here’s how you can enter:

• Step 1: Click here to access the sweepstakes entry form.
• Step 2: Print out the form.
• Step 3: Bring the form with you on the day of the event.

Remember, only one entry per household is allowed. Don’t miss out on this amazing chance!

For more details, including terms and conditions, click here. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at goodyearblimp_ca@goodyear.com.

Source: The Trucker

Photo: Goodyear 

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