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 June focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.
5. Navistar moves to settle class action lawsuits, Troy Clarke sets sights on future
Navistar took a major step to resolve the legal accusations filed in 2014. U.S class action plaintiffs have filed a motion seeking preliminary judicial approval of a settlement agreement that, when effective, will be a major step in resolving EGR litigation related to Model Year 2011-2014 Class 8 trucks sold with the company’s big bore engines, the company stated. In anticipation of that settlement, Navistar is taking a $159 million charge, including $135 million to reflect the cost of the proposed settlement and an additional $24 million for certain other engine lawsuits that are not included in the settlement agreement.
This preliminary step toward the settlement of these class action lawsuits supports the company’s ongoing efforts to focus on Navistar’s current and future market opportunities. You can read more here.
4. Fleets can maximize profits by making the most of data
This month’s fleet profile goes over the benefits one fleet—GCI Gravel Conveyors and Slingers—has seen through the use of data in a unique application. Read more of their story here.
3. Implementing trailer tracking systems can streamline operations
With industry challenges such as driver shortages and high levels of equipment utilization, efficiently managing trailers is more critical than ever. Real-time visibility into the location and status of assets has a direct impact on improving productivity and efficiency, and in lowering costs.
Senior Contributing Editor Seth Skydel has more on trailer tracking here.
2. Electric trucks on the road now can tell us about electric trucks of the future
Electric trucks are hitting the road. As you read this, trucks from both Peterbilt and Kenworth are in use in California ports; electric Freightliner and Fuso models from Daimler Trucks North America are in use by customers now as well. Others are poised to be on the road soon, including some from Volvo Trucks, which sent its first electric trucks to European customers in February and which is planning to have demonstrators of its North American VNR Electric in California next year.
And beyond the (extremely cool) fact that what once may have seemed like a distant fantasy has now officially become a full-fledged reality, there’s a lot we can learn from observing these trucks. Watching especially closely will be the truck OEMs and suppliers themselves, who plan to use the information gathered from observing these trucks to build the next generation of electric vehicles for more widespread use.
Read more about what we can learn from today’s electric trucks here.
1. Seeing the Solution: Volvo Trucks North America president Peter Voorhoeve is focused on producing the right tool for the job
In June’s cover story, Jason Morgan talks with Peter Voorhoeve about electric trucks, automation, the continued focus on diesel power and producing the right tool for the job.
Read the full executive interview here.
