Five truck trend takeaways from November

Five truck trend takeaways from November

We know it’s not easy to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories from November focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.

We know it’s not easy to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories from November focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.

5. It’s time to prepare your trucks for winter

As they’re fond of saying on a certain popular TV show, winter is coming. In fact in many areas of the country, it’s already here. If your trucks run routes through an area that experiences harsh winters, you’re already well aware of this fact. So the question is: is your fleet prepared? Several components of your trucks will require attention as winter approaches, so make sure your winterization checklist is up to date. Watch the video here for more winterization tips.

4. The right data can increase your chance of a successful warranty claim

There are two major benefits provided by data tracking when it comes to warranties: one is that it tracks everything step by step, leaving a detailed trail of documentation that doesn’t rely on paper or idiosyncratic shop tendencies; the second is that it saves time in the warranty claims process as a result of this detailed tracking. And of course, there’s the higher chance of receiving the money from the company providing the warranty. Senior Editor Alex Crissey goes over more about what data can do for your warranty claims.

3. You can make truck technology work for you

Everyone has problems. The problem is: we don’t all have the same problems. Challenges are often as specific to a fleet as their equipment spec, and when we talk about technology, it’s easy to talk in vague, broad brush strokes about fuel efficiency increases, operational improvements and ROI. It all begs the question: What does that really mean to you? Editor Jason Morgan goes over several problems fleets face, and how technology can help solve them, here.

2. Fleets are turning to reward trucks to help abate the driver shortage

The driver shortage is ongoing and shows no signs of stopping. One solution many fleets have turned to is spec’ing reward trucks for their best or longest-tenured drivers. Alex Crissey goes into more detail here.

1. Spend a day in the life of Meritor’s DriveForce customer support team

Fine, so maybe this isn’t a “trend” exactly. But Meritor has been ramping up its DriveForce customer support team, which travels the country helping its customers—not just with products and equipment, but with any other questions they might have about their fleet. Follow a day in the life of the DriveForce team in our November cover story here.

You May Also Like

Class 8 orders strong in February

Even when seasonally adjusted, ACT says preliminary order numbers for February are up 5% over January.

ACT-Class-8-Feb-truck-orders

According to the latest numbers from ACT Research, preliminary North America Class 8 net orders were 27,700 units, up 600 units from January and 16% from a year ago. With the fourth-largest seasonal factor of the year at 8%, seasonal adjustment reduces February’s Class 8 intake to 25,600 units, up 5% from January.

“Weak freight and carrier profitability fundamentals, and large carriers guiding to lower capex in 2024, would imply pressure in U.S. tractor, the North American Class 8 market’s largest segment,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “While we do not yet have the underlying detail for February order volumes, Class 8 demand continuing at high levels again this month suggests that U.S. buyers continue as strong market participants.”

Freightliner M2, SD Plus Series launch updates its medium-duty truck offering

Freightliner introduced the new Plus Series–enhanced versions of its M2 and SD models, including the M2 106 Plus, M2 112 Plus, 108SD Plus, and 114SD Plus. The enhanced models provide a major update to the interior and electrical systems of the M2 and SD models. The OEM noted that the Plus Series is designed to

Freightliner-MD-SD-Plus-Series-1400
Truck cruise control technology that looks at the road ahead

If you’ve ever visited the Northeast region of the country, you’ve most likely encountered intimidating terrain. The winding roads. The steep hills. The intricate routes that challenge any seasoned driver, and, most recently, advanced cruise control systems that aim to improve fuel efficiency and driver comfort.   Related Articles – Four ways A.I. can help cut

Four ways A.I. can help cut diesel fuel costs

The fluctuation of fuel prices has made it more challenging to operate day-to-day. Drivers get paid by the mile, and, when fuel costs go up, margins shrink, impacting how fleets profit and pay their employees. Intelligent technology can lessen the impact of high prices by improving overall fuel efficiency. Related Articles – New ways to

trucking-technology-hacking
Peterbilt GM Jason Skoog charts today’s truck support, tomorrow’s truck solutions

Peterbilt made headlines recently when it became the first major North American OEM to open orders for an electric truck, the Peterbilt 220EV. In this exclusive interview, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President Jason Skoog details the technology investments that are keeping fleets productive during this year’s trying pandemic and laying the groundwork for

Peterbilt General Manager PACCAR Technology Electric Truck

Other Posts

Kenworth delivers 15-liter natural gas-powered truck to UPS

The truck is equipped with the Cummins X15N, which Kenworth says will meet CARB and EPA Requirements for both 2024 and 2027.

Kenworth-delivers-CNG-truck-to-UPS
ACT Research: 2024 could see trucking recovery

Despite trucking demand remaining weak, ACT Research says imports and international data indicate positive trends in 2024.

ACT-for-hire-index-Jan-24
Navistar progressing toward autonomous hub-to-hub transport

Autonomous truck testing is underway, and the company expects customer pilots to be delivered later this year.

Navistar-Autonomous-partnership-Plus-international-truck
FTR Trucking Conditions Index falls in December

FTR says the drop was mostly due to higher capital cost and a deterioration in freight rates, a trend that could stretch into 2024.

FTR-TCI-december-2023