Inflation may be an undesirable consequence of our economic times. But when it comes to proper tire inflation, it is always a good thing.

The transportation industry is an ever changing industry. High fuel cost, tolls and insurance, not to add the driver shortage and high driver turnover rate, plus just-in time deliveries, all continues to be an on-going challenge facing the transportation industry. However, these large expenses reveal an opportunity to reduce costs and increase profits. Operational improvements must be made to maintain and improve profit margins.

The Trailer Pneumatic Inflation System (TPIS) is a revolutionary new on-board inflation system designed for the truck and trailer. The need to develop systems that offer high return on investment and fast payback for large and small fleets of tractor-semi trailers prompted IST to pursue technology innovations aimed at freight protection and a tire pressure monitoring solution. The company's (TPIS), Cargo Pillows and tire pressure monitoring systems offer several unique benefits that differentiate them from internal systems. For the first time in trucking history, The TPIS allows for the inflation and maintenance of Tires, Cargo Pillows or operate pneumatic tools anywhere (even in the remote parts of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). The TPIS gives the driver control to maximize on tire profits and stop freight damage during transit.

CAUSE OF MOST TIRE PROBLEMS IS UNDER-INFLATION

By far, under-inflation is a more common and serious problem. Reducing inflation pressure increases a tire's rolling resistance and hurts fuel economy. Plus, an under-inflated tire flexes more, which leads to increased and uneven tread wear. As a rule of thumb, tire life decreases 10 percent for every 10 percent it is under-inflated.

Under-inflation also makes a tire run hot. Increased flexing of the sidewall increases the temperature of the tire, which in turn increases the risk of a tire failure and blowout.

A low tire can cause other problems as well. The amount of air in each tire affects weight distribution between the wheels. An under-inflated tire does not carry it is full share of the load. This, in turn, affects chassis loading, traction, steering, alignment and braking. It may also cause a noticeable steering pull when driving or braking.

An under-inflated tire can also break traction more easily than one which is properly inflated, which can cause skidding during braking or hard cornering, or wheel spin when accelerating.

A tire that is properly inflated will provide safe driving, maximum traction, good handling and optimum tire life. Before the TPIS, dunnage air bags could only be inflated at a shipper's dock. The TPIS gives drivers control to inflate and maintain air bags to stop freight damage during transit. The driver can make adjustments to the air bags throughout their trip.