In recent years, many fleets have noted significantly increased amounts of corrosion damage on vehicle structures and components, a possible unanticipated result of changes in road de-icing and ice-prevention practices. Next week at SAE's International Truck & Bus Meeting, a panel of fleet representatives, equipment manufacturers and suppliers will talk about the types of corrosion damage, and what they are doing to minimize - and prevent - it.

Paul Abelson, technical editor for OOIDA's Land Line Magazine, and Deborah Freund of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration organized the presentation, scheduled for Nov. 20. The session, titled "Return to the Rust Belt," will address issues of vehicle and component corrosion.

Abelson and Freund are session co-chairpersons. Abelson will moderate. Panelists are Donald J. Davidson, ArvinMeritor Inc.; Charlie Fetz, Great Dane Limited Partnership; Steve Gaver, Sherwin-Williams Co.; Michael McClurkin, state of Pennsylvania; Robert C. Richardson, Lubrizol Corp.; Darry W. Stuart, DWS Fleet Management; Nirmal M. Tolani, International Truck and Engine Corp.; Bradley C. Van Riper, Truck-Lite Co. Inc.

At this year's truck and bus meeting, more than 150 presentations will be made, including: New Technologies in Braking Systems, New Emissions Regulations, Alternate Fuels & Alternate Propulsion, New Safety/Security Measures, Ergonomics and a New Commercial Vehicle session. There are Special Issue Forums on environmental stewardship and intelligent mobile asset management, plus the 47th Annual Buckendale Lecture. TMC will present the latest in its series of "Tomorrow's Truck" papers.

Spencer Abraham (Secretary of Energy and Michigan senator from 1995 to 2001) will be the keynote speaker at the conference banquet. "Driving to serve society: transportation solutions for today" will be Abraham's topic.