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IdleAir

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IdleAir
Company typeCorporation
FoundedKnoxville, 2000[1]
Headquarters
Knoxville, TN
,
U.S.
Number of locations
32[2]
Key people
Ethan Garber, CEO
Websiteidleair.com

IdleAir, a division of Convoy Solutions LLC, is a company that provides in-cab services to truckers via centralized systems at truck stops around the United States. IdleAir's service, the patented[3] Advanced Travel Center electrification (ATE), was more complex and more expensive than traditional truck stop electrification (TSE) systems which are aimed at idle reduction reducing the amount of fuel consumed by trucks while they idle during rests.[4]

Most TSE systems simply provide electricity to trucks parked in their slots. IdleAir's service is more comprehensive, including heating and air conditioning, phone service, Internet connectivity, television, and 120-volt electrical outlets. The ATE services are delivered by a distinctive yellow tube that hooks into the door window of the truck.

The company, formerly named IdleAire, was launched in June 2000 and filed for bankruptcy protection on May 12, 2008.[5] In 2007, the widow of a trucker filed an $18 million lawsuit against IdleAire at Knoxville Court. Her husband, a trucker from Florida, had died of carbon monoxide poisoning while using the IdleAire system. According to the lawsuit the IdleAire device was marketed as capable of removing carbon monoxide, yet she alleged it had sucked up the exhaust gases of the truck.[6] IdleAire had 131 locations in 34 states.[7] A May 16, 2008 press release on their website stated that they expected to remain open,[8] however, IdleAire officially closed on January 29, 2010.[9] In 2008 some locations had been demolished.[10]

Convoy Solutions LLC of Knoxville, TN, acquired the former IdleAire assets and relaunched the company as IdleAir in 2010.[11]

Since being relaunched by Convoy Solutions in 2010, the new IdleAir has opened 32 locations in 12 states — Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. IdleAir services are available at some major truck stops, including Pilot Flying J, Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, Sapp Brothers, and TravelCenters of America (TA and Petro Shopping Centers) and Petro franchisee locations.[2]

In 2014 a fuel price drop began forked IdleAir pricing.[clarification needed][12] IdleAir started teaming with a solar power company[13] to supply the trucks with self generated electric energy.[14] Transports of frozen food is kept on temperature by diesel generators, powering electric reefers.[15] The Big Boy’s Truck Stop in Kenly, North Carolina planned 24 new ATE for 2017 with estimate fuel savings up to 25,000 US gallons (94,635 L) per year.[16] Before the completing this project, IdleAir was awarded for sustainability by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.[17]

In August 2017, a 24-hour usage in Laredo, Texas cost US $35 - cheaper than a motel stay or idling the engine for the legally obligated resting time of 10 hours.[18]

References

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  1. ^ "IdleAire Technologies ... The In-Cab Services Leader". Archived from the original on 2007-05-01. Retrieved 2013-02-22.
  2. ^ a b Flory, Josh (2013-03-04). "New IdleAir continues to add locations". Knoxville News Sentinel Co. Archived from the original on 2015-02-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  3. ^ US6705938B2, Everhart, David & Cooper, Lloyd G. B., "Apparatus for controlling the environment of a parked vehicle", issued 2004-03-16 
  4. ^ "Heavy-Duty Truck Idle Reduction Technology Demonstrations - 2006 Status Report" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-05-15. (archive.org)
  5. ^ Flory, Josh (2008-05-14). "IdleAire turns off its engines". Knoxville News Sentinel Co. Archived from the original on 2010-04-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  6. ^ Jamie Satterfield. "Lawsuit: Woman claims IdleAire unit killed spouse, poisoned her". Archived from the original on 2017-10-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link), Knoxville News Sentinel, 15 May 2008
  7. ^ Neil Abt (2008-09-03). "IdleAire purchased". Archived from the original on 2015-11-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  8. ^ "IdleAire Locations Open and Expected to Remain Open". Archived from the original on 2008-07-20. Retrieved 2008-07-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  9. ^ "Idleaire fails to find buyer, closing January 29". 2010-01-28. Archived from the original on 2010-04-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  10. ^ IdleAir (2013-05-02). The IdleAir Story. Retrieved 2024-11-04 – via YouTube.
  11. ^ Flory, Josh (2012-06-03). "IdleAir keeps on truckin". Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
  12. ^ IdleAir Responds to Challenge of Lower Diesel Prices, 5 April 2016
  13. ^ Marcum, Ed. "IdleAir teams with solar company". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  14. ^ "eNow to supply solar panels for IdleAir locations". Commercial Carrier Journal. 2016-12-15. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  15. ^ Richard Stradling: Duke project will let truckers plug in at Big Boy’s Truck Stop, Newsobserver, 11 May 2017.
  16. ^ "Worried about the air you breathe? This truck stop is trying to help". newsobserver.com. September 28, 2017.
  17. ^ Ahillen, Steve. "Knox Public Works gets sustainability award". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  18. ^ MircoAufAchse - Truck TV Amerika (2017-08-30). Texas vor dem Sturm - Truck TV Amerika #90. Retrieved 2024-11-04 – via YouTube.
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