Fuel, freight rates, load growth, capacity impact Trucking Conditions Index
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for January dropped 34% month-over-month to a reading of 7.8, reflecting positive impacts from continued drops in fuel prices being offset by weaker inputs from freight rates, load growth and capacity. According to the research firm, it expects the index to maintain at a high level and move upward again in
February Class 8 orders match expectations
FTR has released preliminary data showing February 2015 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 30,100 units, in line with the company’s expectations. February order activity was 12% below January, “settling into a more reasonable, seasonal level than the previous four months,” FTR said in its report. The research firm added that February was
Plan repairs, reduce downtime
Nothing is more aggravating—nor costly—than unscheduled downtime. Even the most well organized fleets often find themselves grappling with the “unexpected.” Whether they deal with outside service providers or their own shops, it is important for managers to make sure they have a solid quality repair processes in place. And that process need to include knowing
Top drum brake inspection recommendations
Safety is paramount, and for brakes it all starts and stops with inspections. The brake experts at Meritor suggest the following top inspection recommendations for drum brake inspections: First, set up the tractor and trailer as follows: 1. Chock the wheels; 2. Charge reservoir to 90 to 100 PSI then turn off the engine; and;
Top 10 reasons why you can’t miss MATS
The Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) is the preeminent annual event for the heavy-duty trucking industry and has been for more than 40 years. Every year, the latest and greatest in truck equipment fills the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, Ky., to give you a look at the next generation of products that will help improve
Heavy-duty truck orders top 50,000 for fifth consecutive month
February was the fifth consecutive month in which Class 5-8 medium-duty and heavy-duty orders rose above 50,000 units, according to ACT Research Co. Preliminary Class 5-8 vehicle orders were booked at 51,400, up 6% compared to February 2014. While at their lowest level since September 2014, February’s order volume annualizes to a 616k AR (622k
Goodyear puts its Fuel Max tires through their paces, focuses on efficiency
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. invited customers and media to its San Angelo, Texas, proving grounds to demonstrate the fuel-efficiency benefits of its Fuel Max product line and a new tool to expedite roadside service calls. Goodyear introduced the first tire in its Fuel Max line in October 2014. The Fuel Max LHD G505D is
Shippers conditions improve thanks to diesel pricing, HOS rules
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index for December 2014 improved to a near neutral reading of -0.6, reflecting the rapid drop in diesel prices along with positive capacity impacts from reversal of some of the Hours of Service rules, according to the research firm. FTR expects the conditions for shippers to deteriorate in 2015, under the pressure
Leveraging analytics helps Leonard’s Express reduce maintenance costs
To get the most out of its trucks, Leonard’s Express, a family-owned asset-based transportation provider headquartered in Farmington, N.Y., invests heavily in predictive analysis. The fleet is continuously working to stay one step ahead of the curve, working to keep its trucks running productively each day. As Leonard’s Express Chief Information Officer Kyle Johnson puts
Detroit premieres training videos for Assurance safety system
Detroit Diesel Corp. released new driver training videos for the Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems and the integrated Detroit Powertrain. Introduced in 2014 and available for the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution and Cascadia equipped with Detroit engines, Detroit Assurance systems are seamlessly integrated into the truck’s dashboard, engine and transmission electronics. The Detroit Assurance video
How weight reduction impacts trailer suspension systems
When discussing suspensions, especially trailer suspensions, weight reduction is a big talking point. In the lighter weight dichotomy between fuel savings and increase payload potential, Russ Brazeal, PE, vice president of engineering for Hutchens Industries, manufacturer of mechanical trailer suspensions, sees both ends of the benefits. “If you can save even 10 lbs. and keep
Optimizing suspensions to lower total cost of ownership
As fleets continue to seek new technology that lowers their overall total cost of ownership (TCO) while improving safety and performance, notes Bill Hicks, director of product planning/market development for the Trailer Suspension Business Unit at SAF-Holland, suspension/axle suppliers are responding with a total system integration approach. “This presents opportunities for matching and optimizing the
