April 26, 2010

Rome-Based PAR Logistics Management Receives NYSERDA Funding to Help Cut Trucks’ Fuel Use Through Improved Tire Efficiency

PAR’s System to Monitor Tire Inflation Will Be Tested on Binghamton’s Willow Runs Foods Fleet

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded PAR Logistics Management Systems, Corp. (Rome) a $500,000 contract to demonstrate a system to help trucks significantly reduce fuel use through enhanced monitoring of tire inflation. The units will be tested on the truck fleet of Binghamton’s Willow Run Foods, Inc., a company whose 187 tractor trailers drive approximately 10,000,000 miles per year in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, with over 2,000,000 of those miles within New York State.

 PAR Logistics, which develops and operates systems to monitor freight locations and temperatures for large fleets, has developed technology to monitor tire pressure, as well.  The “Pressure-Watch” system will alert operators to improper inflation, which can significantly improve fuel consumption, decrease operating costs and improve safety. 

 “NYSERDA is proud to support PAR Logistics’ work in developing a made-in-New York system that will benefit the environment while helping support a critical component of our economy,” said Francis J. Murray, president and CEO of NYSERDA.  “By working to cut the trucking industry’s fuel use and operating costs, improve truck safety, and reduce diesel fuel consumption, this investment could create jobs, help the environment, and make New York a better place to do business.” 

“Real time tire pressure monitoring via wireless telecommunications is an industry-first in trucking,” noted John Sammon III, president of PAR Logistics.  “PAR and NYSERDA believe that the Pressure*Watch technology builds on a strong asset monitoring and tracking ROI by providing a previously unavailable yet essential piece of information regarding the health and status of mobile assets.  Most importantly know the low PSI of tires before tire erosion, blowout and the need for roadside repair.”

Terry Wood, Willow Run Foods president and CEO said: "When your customer list includes Wendy's, Arby's, Quizno's, Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits, and Sonic you understand that timing is everything. If we miss the delivery window for any reason, everyone suffers."

National studies estimate that proper inflation of truck tires would yield between 2% and 10% increases in fuel efficiency, and that one billion gallons of excess fuel is consumed because of inadequate tire pressure. Underinflation also can cause additional costs in repair and replacement. 

The demonstration project will last about a year and findings will be presented to industry, energy and environmental interests.

PAR currently monitors 15,000 mobile Cargo*Watch tracking units on the largest fleets, including Ryder Inc. , Carrier, CR England, JB Hunt and Golden State Foods,  and many more to provide operational data for improved logistical control and operating efficiency. 

Contact:
Jeffrey Gordon, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov