Preliminary truck order numbers decline in May
According to both FTR and ACT Research Co., preliminary numbers show a decline in Class 8 truck orders in May. FTR’s numbers show Class 8 net orders for May at 16,300 units, retreating after a long, steady streak that had begun in October 2016. May order activity was below expectations, falling 31% under April. In
Reducing downtime with proper DPF maintenance
Proper preventive maintenance of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) plays a key role in keeping commercial vehicles up and running. Fleet managers now schedule DPF cleaning as part of regular maintenance. The result is less downtime and fewer unexpected DPF service surprises. The aftertreatment system measures exhaust backpressure and temperatures to calculate the levels of
East Manufacturing introduces new Lightweight Tipper Trailer
East Manufacturing has introduced its new Lightweight Tipper Trailer, which the company says is designed to maximize payload and still provide the strength to handle the stresses of hauling refuse in harsh conditions. East has reengineered the Tipper trailer to increase payload by removing 1,200 lbs. of excess weight in the fifth wheel plate area, from the
Pirelli to release Formula Driver II tire
TP Commercial Solutions LLC, the parent company of Pirelli, has announced the new Formula Driver II tire line, which is now available for sale for long-haul and regional all-position applications as part of the Formula Brand, a Pirelli Tier II brand that will be launched in the U.S. and Canada. “The Formula Driver II tire
Kinedyne introduces E-Hook wall-mounted freight storage solution
Kinedyne LLC has introduced The E-Hook brand wall-mounted, freight loading storage solution, which the company says addresses the problem of safely and securely stowing long and unwieldy cargo and keeping it off the floor. The E-Hook mounts securely to any vertically installed A-Track, E-Track or logistic post system. Users insert The E-Hook’s brackets into the track
Trailer orders up year-over-year, down month-over-month
According to the numbers from FTR, final April net trailer orders came in at 20,000 units, down 4% month-over-month but up 26% versus a year ago. April trailer order activity continued the strong year-over-year comparisons, with orders holding steady from March. Fleets are continuing to place orders for second-half 2017 delivery with dealer orders also brisk for
Comparing duals with super-wide base tires
“For vehicles equipped with dual tires, if one of the dual tires becomes significantly underinflated or flat, the other tire will carry the load for both tires, resulting in an overloaded condition for both tires,” said Gary Schroeder, director of Cooper’s truck and bus tire business, which includes the Roadmaster brand. “Mismatched tire inflation on
An in-depth look at steer, drive tire issues
Maintaining proper tire pressures in all positions is a challenge. While automatic tire inflation systems (ATIS) are available for trailer tires, maintaining a constant, and correct, pressure in tractor tires is trickier. Both Meritor and Dana have previewed tractor tire inflation systems, but they are not currently available. Much of maintaining proper tire pressure in
Tips for maintaining air disc brake systems
The following steps are recommended by SAF-Holland to maintain your air disc brake system. They recommend that you follow your brake manufacturer’s recommended service manual instructions for general service and maintenance. Conduct regular visual checks of the brakes, tires, and all chassis components. (Note: Refer to your brake manufacturer’s service manual for torque specifications, where applicable.)
How Central Freight Lines built an optimum LTL, distribution network
In mid-February of this year, Central Freight Lines announced plans to purchase Wilson Trucking, effectively expanding its terminal network by 50% and extending its operating area to include the entire southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico. “The Wilson Trucking network of 26 terminals in the southeast matched up with our western and southwestern footprint of 56
Your transmission can see the future, and the future is fuel efficient
It’s a scenario a driver runs into repeatedly—the truck turns a corner and comes across a steep hill. The driver puts the pedal to the floor, burning excess fuel in an effort to remain at a reasonable speed as the truck climbs. Upon reaching the top, the truck careens down the hill at an excessive
The power behind proprietary powertrains
Adoption of proprietary integrated powertrains continues to climb, making up the majority of today’s Class 8 orders. At the launch of the Volvo VNR during ExpoCam, held in Montreal last month, Wade Long, director of product marketing for Volvo Trucks North America, said that demand for the Volvo engine makes up around 93% of orders
