Marangoni Tread North America produces 4 millionth tread
Marangoni Tread North America (MTNA) recently manufactured its four millionth tread at its Madison, Tenn., facility. MTNA began tread production at the Madison plant in 2004, and hit its one million tread mark in 2008. Since then, both capacity and production have increased dramatically, according to the company. MTNA noted that the four millionth tread
Class 5-8 truck demand remains strong, 2014 net orders top 600,000
According to ACT Research, a publisher of commercial vehicle industry data, market analysis and forecasting services for the North American market, demand for commercial vehicles was healthy in December as 65,700 total North America Class 5-8 orders were booked, up 41% from a year ago. Over the past 12 months, North America Class 5-8 net orders
Jost International ships 400,000th fifth wheel
On Dec. 2, Jost International shipped its 400,000th fifth wheel manufactured at the company’s Greeneville, Tenn., facility. The cab actuated air release fifth wheel was installed on a Class 8 truck for Werner Enterprises. Production of Jost fifth wheels began in the United States in 2000 at the site of the current 90,000-sq.-ft. Greeneville facility. Since
FTR hosts State of Freight webinar
On Thursday, Jan. 8 at 11 a.m. EDT, FTR macro-economy expert and senior consultant Bill Witte will review developments in the economy and discuss the economic outlook in 2015 during a complimentary State of Freight webinar. The 30-minute webinar, moderated by Eric Starks, president of FTR, will examine the major sectors of the economy and
What’s trucking’s biggest equipment trend?
Without a doubt, the heavy-duty trucking industry took one of its biggest leaps forward in 2014 in terms of getting the latest equipment technologies into fleets and on the road. There was no shortage of efficiency solutions as truck OEs and suppliers showcased everything from downsped engines and integrated powertrains to aerodynamic packages and vehicle connectivity
Kenworth delivers one millionth truck
Kenworth Truck Co. celebrated its historic one millionth truck produced in the company’s 91 years during a special ceremony last month at Kenworth’s assembly plant in Chillicothe, Ohio. The milestone truck is a Kenworth T680 Advantage with the 455-HP Paccar MX-13 engine and factory-installed Kenworth aerodynamic package. The truck was presented to TransAm Trucking in
Detailing diesel truck engine programmers: An FAQ
Owners of a large number of trucks are already enjoying improved performance and economy by installing an engine programmer. But installing a programmer isn’t as easy as dropping in a magical chip. “I have seen a notable increase in fuel economy with the gauge tuner unit we have; about 15%,” said Joe Parks, general manager
Mckinney Trailer Rentals chooses SmartTruck Systems as trailer areo provider
Mckinney Trailer Rentals selected SmartTruck Systems as its exclusive trailer aerodynamic equipment provider when the trailer leasing company renewed its long-term partnership with SmartTruck. As part of the partnership, Mckinney will also begin evaluating the possible implementation of the new SmartTruck TopKit System and continue retrofitting its fleet with SmartTruck’s UT-1 Trailer UnderTray Systems. “SmartTruck’s
Michelin Truck dealer locator app update now available
Michelin Americas Truck Tires launched an upgraded version of its dealer locator app that offers drag and drop capability, type ahead functionality, more search options and one click access to all key dealer information. The new app is specifically designed for ease of use while on the road, said Michelin. “This new app is designed
Eaton introduces Dura-Kote plating technology
Eaton launched its Dura-Kote plating technology, which delivers a significantly higher level of corrosion resistance for Eaton’s carbon steel fluid conveyance products, according to Eaton. Eaton’s carbon steel fluid conveyance products have been rated for up to 1,000 hours of corrosion resistance, exceeding Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J514 standards. The plating technology has been
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index remains in positive territory
At a reading of 8.53, FTR‘s Trucking Conditions Index fell only slightly from September’s level reflecting still strong fundamentals for trucking firms. According to FTR, underlying capacity utilization is retreating from the dangerous 99% level reached earlier in 2014, and the market is expected to remain tight. FTR forecasts capacity to ease very modestly in 2015
Tire thoughts about future trucks
Since tires represent such a large expense for truck operators (normally the second largest non-labor cost behind only fuel), considerable thought is given to tires of the future; specifically, on ways to improve operating efficiencies influenced by tires. I’d like to share some admittedly subjective thoughts, based on my 50 years spent in this area.
