Trailer orders drop in February
According to the numbers from FTR, February net trailer orders came in at 25,800 units, down 21% month-over-month but up 20% versus a year ago. Even with the drop off from January, trailer orders have maintained some of the momentum of the previous three months. The 2017 February orders were the highest for the month since
Mack Trucks announces new features for its axle, AMT
Mack Trucks announced a new Automatic Standby Mode for its 6×2 liftable pusher axle, available on Mack Pinnacle highway models. The 6×2 with liftable pusher axle offers improved fuel efficiency and productivity benefits and is designed for applications that haul out heavy and return empty, such as bulk haul, Mack said. The addition of Automatic
Peterbilt, Kenworth Class 8 trucks to offer Allison automatic TC10 transmission
Allison Transmission announced that its fully automatic TC10 transmission for Class 8 tractors will be available in both Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks this year. “We’re pleased to partner with PACCAR to introduce our TC10 in their vehicles,” said Heidi Schutte, vice president of marketing and sales for the Americas with Allison Transmission. Peterbilt will offer
Peterbilt announces fuel efficiency enhancements
Peterbilt has announced enhancements to the Model 579 Epiq package that delivers an 8% fuel economy improvement for the 2018 model year. Peterbilt’s Model 579 Epiq is available with the PACCAR MX-13 and MX-11 engines and is paired with the Fuller Advantage automated transmission to provide a wide range of horsepower and torque ratings. Fuel
Bendix talks future of driver assistance systems
There are more than 200,000 forward collision warning and mitigation systems from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems on the road, with each generation of the technology more powerful and effective than the last. Wingman Fusion is Bendix’s flagship collision mitigation system, due to its deep integration of both camera and radar sensors. “Over the past five
Hendrickson highlights its latest axle, suspension and wheel end systems
Hendrickson highlights its latest axle, suspension and wheel end systems at the 2017 Mid-America Trucking Show. The Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) is the largest annual heavy-duty trucking event in the world. Founded in 1972, MATS is the longest running must-see event for the trucking industry attracting over 75,000 attendees from all across the United States
What’s next for collision mitigation systems?
Like most equipment, the collision mitigation systems available today are the stepping stone to the more evolved systems tomorrow. We asked members of four makers of collision mitigation systems what’s on the horizon. Fred Andersky, director of government and industry affairs, and director of customer solutions, controls for Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems: “Expect to see continuing
How to calculate collision mitigation system ROI
Let’s get the obvious, and most easily answered, question out of the way: Do advanced radar- and camera-based collision mitigation systems work? Yes. These systems are reducing both the severity of accidents and the accidents themselves. WABCO reported that its OnGuard collision mitigation technology has reduced rear-end accidents by up to 87%, according to Jon
Prioritizing luxury: Today’s cabs are built with driver retention in mind
In a recent Fleet Equipment fleet survey, we found that 75% of fleet managers are spec’ing in-cab amenities and creature comforts as part of a driver retention program. That should come as no surprise, as the latest driver shortage numbers from the American Trucking Associations are still concerning, with 83% turnover for larger fleets and
Partnership value: Food Express leverages supplier relationships to meet customer needs
After nearly 35 years in the trucking business, Kevin Keeney believes strongly that the only way to remain successful is to meet customer needs. It’s an approach the vice president of Food Express applies in different areas of the bulk hauler’s operation. Founded in 1983 by Keeney and his parents, Walter and Joanna, Food Express
Internal tire options to improve tire life and performance
In recent years, a growing number of products designed to be used inside mounted truck tires have begun to emerge, leaving fleet managers with plenty of choices. These products are promoted to improve vehicle ride, reduce punctures and keep tires running cool—which will help in increasing casing retreadability and improve fuel economy—while others reportedly reduce
Setting the pace: Volvo Trucks drives equipment advancements forward
Volvo Trucks is setting a blistering pace as the OEM continues to unveil equipment advancements, updated integrated technology and business partnerships that aim to grow its offerings. Last fall, Volvo pulled the sheet off its futuristic SuperTruck, which boosted fuel efficiency by 70%—exceeding 12 MPG, with some test runs showing more than 13 MPG—in road
