Class 8 truck supply rising faster than demand
The supply of Class 8 trucks continues to rise faster than demand for trucks according to the most recent ACT For-Hire Trucking Index from ACT Research Co., as seen in the graphic above. “The capacity index [supply] rose faster than the freight index [demand] for the 8th time in 10 months in September,” said Kenny
Eaton expands warranty coverage options for aftermarket transmissions, clutches
Power management company Eaton has expanded the warranty coverage options for the company’s aftermarket transmissions and clutches. Customers purchasing an Eaton factory remanufactured transmission with Roadranger-approved lubricant and an Eaton clutch will now an extra year of warranty on the transmission, as well as an additional year of coverage on the clutch. Additionally, now either the
Mack inaugurates new axle line
On Oct. 13, Mack Trucks inaugurated its new axle line at the company’s Hagerstown, Md. plant, which will be assembling the new line of axles, now available to be spec’ed. This project was conceived in October 2013, and two years later, it is a reality. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Hagerstown plant, and was
Axle-specific trailer tires are likely to change
You’ve heard the old saying: “The only constant is change.” That has certainly been typical of our industry. Witness trailer skirts, new lube oil formulations and DEF tanks, and, of course, escalating equipment costs for these new complexities. Every so often, it’s refreshing to see an innovation that has a realistic promise of a quick
Changing your truck ownership attitude
Some interesting talking points came out of the FTR Conference, held recently in Indianapolis. Arguably, the most important conclusion is also one that should seem the most obvious. As we move towards a regulatory environment in which GHG emissions reduction—and therefore fuel efficiency improvements—is paramount, both large and small fleets are welcoming a reduction in
Hercules expands H-901 all-steel LT offering
Hercules Tire has added two new sizes to their Hercules H-901 highway all-steel commercial LT offering. The durable H-901 is now available in LT225/75R16/12 and LT245/75R16/12. In addition, new production has started on the original size, LT235/85R16/14. The all-steel H-901 features super high tensile steel belts, a tread compound to heighten wet handling and braking,
From SuperTruck to reality: A look at the technology that could drive tomorrow’s trucks forward
The objective of the 2012 Department of Energy (DOE) SuperTruck program was to develop tractor-trailers that were 50% more efficient than the 2009 baseline models by 2015. What truck OEMs have learned—and put into production—during that process is that truck technology development is surpassing original expectations. So here’s an update from one truck OEM. Applied
Kenworth announces three new options for vocational trucks
Kenworth Truck Co. has announced three new options for its vocational lineup of trucks. Allison Transmission’s 4700 RDS seven-speed automatic transmission – with optional second “deep reverse” – can be ordered on Kenworth’s T880, T800, W900, and C500. The transmission is part of the Allison rugged duty series. “It’s a great choice for our customers operating
It’s no accident: Collision mitigation adoption is gaining ground
Advanced safety systems continue to drive into fleets. With major fleets like UPS announcing that they are making collision mitigation systems a standard spec on all Class 8 models going forward, it’s only a matter of time before these safety systems become as commonplace as the seatbelt. The fact is that collision mitigation systems work.
Daimler Trucks adds used truck after-treatment system warranty coverage
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced an addition to the used truck Select Limited Warranty coverage options available through its used truck retail network, SelecTrucks. The new warranty will cover the After-Treatment System (ATS) on both Detroit and Cummins engines, a service not offered by others. The warranty is available on used Freightliner and Western
FTR: Class 8 order levels remain unchanged from August
FTR has released preliminary data showing September 2015 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 19,460 units, 0.4% below August. The September order activity met expectations albeit with a higher anticipated cancellation rate for the second month in a row. Base Class 8 order activity has been consistent for the past five months. September
Navistar selects Continental Tires as standard equipment for all vehicles
Navistar Inc. and Continental Tire the Americas LLC announced that the two companies have signed a letter of intent for a five-year supply agreement that Continental tires will be the standard tire offering on all International brand medium-duty, severe service and heavy-duty trucks, and all IC Bus brand school buses. “Continental tires are well-regarded by customers