Trucking Equipment

Keeping vehicles well maintained can be a complex process, but data transparency is now providing opportunities to increase their lifetime value through improved maintenance.

Direct ChassisLink has added 1,000 new chassis to the Gulf Coast region since its departure from the OCEMA Gulf Consolidated Chassis Pool earlier this year.

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission’s Office of Administrative Law Judges is expected to announce an initial decision in this multibillion-dollar complaint against the ocean carriers by August 2021.

Schneider has announced it will test Daimler Trucks’ eCascadia electric truck while Navistar and Volvo Trucks ink deals to expand charging opportunities.

Just 3½ years after J.B. Hunt Transport Services purchased its first International LT Series on-highway tractor, the carrier has taken delivery of its 5,000th from Navistar.

The region of the country can make a big difference when it comes to deployment of electric trucks.

Prices are firming and demand is rising for used trucks after more than a year of doldrums mirroring a slowdown in new truck orders.

Inspectors will focus on brake hoses/tubing during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual Brake Safety Week Aug. 23-29.

Makeup orders for tractors and trailers lead to rehiring of some laid-off workers and rebuilding shrunken backlogs from March and April coronavirus shutdowns. But how long will it last?

One engine oil for all engine types? Whether it’s diesel, gas or natural gas, Valvoline says its new oil simplifies maintenance and reduces costs through extended drain intervals.

The American Trucking Associations’ Intermodal Motor Carriers Conference seeks to put an end to alleged price manipulation of container chassis usage between ocean carriers and draymen.

The Intermodal Association of North America said the federal agency’s signoff allows more efficient training and helps recruit and retain equipment mechanics.

Former XPO executive Daniel Walsh succeeds Jennifer Polli, who is credited with leading the chassis provider through “significant transformation.”

Oklahoma institution Barrett Trailers rises again as owners of a Texas livestock-hauling company and trailer dealership buy the company from Stoughton Trailers and rehire workers laid off during pandemic.

Diesel engine leader locks up engine supply agreement with Navistar through 2026.

Dana followed other Tier 1 suppliers in reporting a big cash burn to offset second-quarter plant idlings. But the maker of driveline and electrification systems exited with solid reserves.

Accelerated depreciation of the value of its inventory has been a key financial undertaking this year, and is a topic of discussion on the company’s earnings call with analysts.

Layoffs and salary cuts helped commercial vehicle driveline supplier Meritor ease the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. But sales, profits and cash took a big hit in fiscal Q3.

Net income was hit by an earlier writedown of its used vehicle values; company doesn’t see that market getting back to pre-pandemic levels until 2022

Trailer builder Wabash National kept the business impact of COVID-19 to a minimum in the second quarter. It even paid back money it borrowed and maintained its dividend.

Large group of House Democrats support getting rid of the tax through 2021, but no public backers yet in the Republican Senate

Engine maker Cummins soundly beat estimates for earnings and sales in the second quarter because its plants in China worked overtime as the country rebounded from the coronavirus pandemic.

Wabash National says using the sun to power batteries on a refrigerated trailer could save 50% over the cost of diesel power with none of the emissions.

In today’s edition of The Daily Dash, 15 states push adoption of zero-emissions trucks, C.H. Robinson and Microsoft work to digitize the supply chain, and what did Nikola Tesla really know?

In today’s edition of The Daily Dash, other states may follow California’s lead in mandating electric-truck sales, danger is a good reason to ignore HOS rules, and funds flow into electrification

The California Air Resources Board has mandated a percentage of zero-emission Class 8 trucks must be built for sale in California. Darren Prokop’s commentary covers the ins and outs of this regulatory mandate.

DTNA’s decision to install Platform Science technology at the factory level opens opportunity for the truck maker and others to generate more driver and vehicle productivity at lower cost.

The recovery in freight pricing led to a five-year high in certain used truck auction volumes in June as crowds of identical used sleeper trucks pushed some prices lower.

Outrider focuses on autonomous zero-emissions yard operations for logistics hubs.

Out-of-control insurance premiums are driving trucking operations out of business, but leading insurance experts say something can be done about them.

Consolidated Chassis Management chief executive foresees an increased requirement for chassis to accommodate rising tide of intermodal container moves as the North American economy shakes off COVID-19.

Vast coalition of trucking-related groups and companies wants 12% fee to disappear through next year

To watch the stock of Nikola Motors, the company that has raised millions to produce a hydrogen-produced truck, you’d think that the day of the diesel engine was going to […]

Information will be displayed through telematics for Indiana and Iowa

Throughout history, commercial trucks have taken on many shapes and sizes. The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum is the place to see all the history of truck making in one place. Take a look.

Debt rating for the company held steady by S&P and Moody’s, though S&P sees a more negative outlook

Ongoing COVID-19 impact leads global drivetrain supplier Meritor to trim 230 salaried jobs while partially restoring pay cuts implemented in March.

Action is based on used truck values

Near-shutdown of Class 8 truck production in May resulted in stagnant orders as COVID-19 lockdowns took hold.

As trucking operations ramp up after COVID-19-related shutdowns, and drivers return to work, some routines may need refreshing so fleets and drivers avoid violations.

The numbers game is intensifying as falling used truck prices and swelling inventories persuade fleets to hang on to younger equipment until they can break even.

Fleet Advantage offers book value cash and leasebacks to help trucking companies weather the economic crisis while banking on selling them new trucks down the road.

One manufacturer’s decision to erase 10,000 Class 8 trucks from its build plan threw the industry into negative territory in April; experts expect scant improvement in May.

Major truck manufacturers are using digital tools for ordering parts, repairing equipment faster and transporting trucks for service because of staff shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New trailer orders fell to near zero in April as the coronavirus pandemic raised questions of a shakeout of weakened players and consolidation in the equipment sector.

Wabash National felt the COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter, but the trailer maker said its earlier preparations for a softening market helped offset deeper trouble.

April’s coronavirus impact intensified pricing pressure in an already depressed used truck market where most cash-conserving buyers held back on purchases.

Continental customers will switch from using the RoadLog ELD to KeepTruckin ELD solutions.

From slashing salaries to borrowing money to get to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic, suppliers Meritor and Dana are keeping electrification programs on track while slowly restarting production.

Ford has invested $500 million in Rivian and participated in the startup’s $1.3 billion investment raise in 2019.

Terms shorten to 3-4 years from 5-7 years.

Cummins saw a tough environment for most of its segments in 2020 before the word pandemic became common. Now it is depending on its collective experience in managing bad times to pull it through again.

Canadian carrier Day & Ross is testing a hydrogen-injection engine technology that is said to reduce emissions. Plus, New York City is closing roads, ecommerce booms, and USMCA trade deal delayed

Revenue and profits look bleak for second quarter, but leading engine maker Cummins surprised analysts with better-than-expected first-quarter revenue and profits.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created the need for social distancing, even while working. For the freight industry, the adoption of autonomous vehicles might be a good start.

As the COVID-19 crisis deepens, it is critical for logistics workers to make sure they stay safe as they continue to keep the economy running.

Heartland Express’ better than expected result was diminished by the lack of gains on equipment sales.

Order cancellations and only essential replacement bookings dropped new trailer orders to just 6,500 units in March. Separately, Wabash National announced a two-week suspension of production and cash-conservation moves.

With benchmark prices down 26% year over year, analysts pin hopes for a used truck sales recovery to the restart of the economy. March was a tale of contrasts with decent sales early in the month that plummeted later as too many trucks sought too few loads.

Paul Schlegel writes about the future of autonomous vehicles – particularly autonomous trucks.

KeepTruckin has started a petition asking congress to extend forgivable loans to cover truck lease/purchase payments and insurance costs.

Quick turnaround as companies realize they have necessary synergies.

KeepTruckin introduces Maintenance Reminders, a tool that helps companies avoid unscheduled vehicle downtimes.

Cummins could provide feedstock to make several million N95 masks a month by leveraging the same nano-material it uses to stop the fouling of diesel truck engines to protect healthcare workers tending to coronavirus patients.

Improperly lubricated steering axles resulting in two equipment recalls by Meritor Inc. leads to callback of 1,532 Freightliner trucks following Navistar reporting similar issue in 2019.

Engine maker Cummins held out longer than most suppliers against the growing coronavirus pandemic, but next week it will idle three plants in southern Indiana.

Chris Henry writes about the true costs of “unseated” trucks and what carriers can do to keep their number of unseated trucks as close to zero as possible.

In a letter to employees, company’s CEO cites big drops so far and more to come.

Propane proponents have longed for larger market share, and the new push for even lower-emission engines may be opening that door.

The big two automakers plan to produce more than 5 million SUVs and pickup trucks in 2026, but only plan on making 320,000 electric vehicles the same year.

All four major heavy-duty truck manufacturers now have suspended production for at least two weeks, with market leaders Daimler Trucks North America and PACCAR Inc. the latest to stop building trucks because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But attorney Gaines notes that there are some parts of the rules that might be confusing to some.

Supply chain disruption from coronavirus adds Navistar plant in Ohio to truck operations suspending production and pulling earnings guidance.

Fleet tracking and vehicle management firm PowerFleet has developed a suite of solutions that are individually tailored to provide operational visibility for firms of different sizes and capacity.

In a peak demand year for Class 8 tractors, high-powered engines dominated under the hood, but even a new heavy-haul transmission from Eaton and Cummins doesn’t affect an accelerating trend toward smaller displacement as tougher emissions standards loom.

Flatbed volume has been building over the past few years. Read why in this article by Kayla Matthews.

ACT Research cannot model downturn scenarios fast enough for Class 8 trucks, but high inventory levels make the coronavirus crisis a good time to take a production break as demand is practically nonexistent.

For fleets that run throughout the day and need high utilization, hydrogen fuel cells offer great value for investment, while also creating zero emissions.

Now in sync with lower tractor orders after equipment ordering binge, trailer bookings recorded their softest February since the Great Recession as coronavirus concerns gave fleets another reason to stay out of the market.

Steering advances, integrated steps over DEF tank among enhancements truck makers are bringing to market amid a continuing slowdown in new equipment orders

Workhorse said its electric delivery van will enter production in the next few weeks, with various configurations and sizes to be offered eventually.

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp., Utilimaster, Supreme and Waltco all showed new chassis, vehicles or truck bodies and components designed for the growing last-mile delivery segment at the 2020 Work Truck Show

Despite all the hype and promise of autonomous trucks, the professional driver is not going anywhere.

CarrierHQ introduces a new portal that helps owner-operators and small fleets gain authority in the market by providing them services to get started and run successful businesses.

Morgan Olson’s new Storm vehicles are purpose-built for last-mile delivery operations.

Isuzu continues to invest in its medium-duty truck lineup, adding two new gas engines for its Class 3-5 models, giving users more power choices.

Orders for Mack Trucks new MD Series Class 6-7 trucks are starting off strong, company officials said, during the first public unveiling of the trucks at the Work Truck Show

Ram Commercial has added additional safety features to its ProMaster van as the company seeks to take marketshare in the van space.

Cummins said that its B.67N natural gas engine has been certified at 0.02 NOx levels.

Ford has not released many details, or images yet, but starting with the 2022 model year, the Ford Transit van will be available with a fully electric powertrain.

Customers and society are demanding more environmentally friendly vehicles, including electric, and manufacturers are trying to meet those demands with smart business decisions that meet the key imperative of any commercial vehicle: to make money.

Previously, the camera images from its ITM system were available only to Spireon itself.

Freightliner and Western Star will still exist, but sales will be reorganized toward end use.

Recent Volvo Truck innovations in the U.S., and a new truck line in Europe continue to focus on driver comfort and keeping vehicles and drivers productive.

Yokohama is expanding in the fast-growing 19.5-inch tire market with two new offerings for pickup and delivery and other Class 3-6 applications.

Fleet Advantage is adding predictive modeling to its ATLAAS platform, giving fleets a look at vehicle replacement cost savings at specific points in time.

Mack Trucks is adding Command Steer, a dynamic steering option to its Anthem tractors. The technology reduces driver effort to steer the truck by as much as 85%, the company said, reducing fatigue and muscle strain.

Wabash has combined innovative composite material with an electric refrigeration unit to produce a zero-emissions trailer.

MyTruckScales is eliminating paper scale tickets through wireless technology that will save time for drivers and lower costs for scale owners

Since launching its commercial series of tires two years ago, Cooper Tire has grown the line to include 11 tires that complement its growing national accounts program targeting fleets.