Report indicates extreme pressure on available capacity with accompanying rate hikes
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) reports an increased to a reading of 8.49 for July, one of the highest points this year. According to FTR, the high values reflect rising prices and service lapses caused by the current capacity crisis. The TCI could go even higher this fall if the economy accelerates as expected. Truck
Western Star debuts 5700XE
Western Star has just made a major announcement—its new 5700XE model—and customers were involved in the designing. According to Michael Jackson, general manager, Western Star Trucks, “We started our interviews with customers with a series of focus groups at the Mid America Truck Show in 2009. We also conducted quantitative research of highway customers, working
Drivers affect fuel economy
Equipment buyers have direct control over which vehicles are specified and how they will help increase overall fuel economy. However, drivers are one of the biggest impacts on fuel economy that these same equipment buyers have no influence over.
Class 8 prelims atypically robust
Demand for commercial vehicles remained healthy in August as 43,100 total NA Classes 5-8 orders were booked, reports ACT Research. Over the course of the past 12 months, NA Classes 5-8 net orders have totaled 531,500 units, an improvement of 20%/90k units compared to the preceding 12-month period. “At 25,400 units, August marks the third
Peterbilt showcases autonomous assist driving technology
Peterbilt showcased advanced technologies capable of autonomous driving to complement vehicle operators during the ITS World Congress in Detroit. The system was demonstrated on a Peterbilt Model 579 concept truck. “The autonomous truck of the future is an extension of existing, individual systems already available for today’s commercial vehicles,” said Bill Kahn, Peterbilt principal engineer
August Class 8 orders remain strong
FTR has released preliminary data showing August 2014 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 24,947 units, a year-over-year increase of 29%. FTR notes that Class 8 orders have now had 19 consecutive months with year-over-year increases. August orders, while helped somewhat by summer dealer incentive programs, were the strongest for the month since
Dana Spicer EconoTrek 6×2 axles available on Kenworth Class 8 trucks
Kenworth now offers the new Dana Spicer EconoTrek 6×2 tandem axle for order with new Kenworth Class 8 on-highway trucks. Key benefits of the Spicer EconoTrek lightweight drive and tag axle configuration include enhanced fuel economy, weight savings, improved performance and reduced maintenance, said the company. “The 6×2 configuration is becoming more popular with fleets
Reman programs give second life to ECUs
Taking advantage of remanufactured component programs is nothing new to fleet managers. As the life expectancy of vehicles increases and fleets strive to maximize that life, remanufactured components will always offer value to the fleet’s bottom line. The remanufacturing process recovers components and is able to restore them to original or better condition without the
Effective maintenance, sound equipment choices help Oak Harbor Freight Lines operate efficiently
Freight volumes are higher than expected, notes Dan Vander Pol, director of maintenance at Oak Harbor Freight Lines. “While that is certainly good news, it does put a lot of pressure on our maintenance department to keep equipment running efficiently and on the road,” he says. “We don’t have extra equipment; so, if we have
Minimizer celebrates 30 years
Thirty years ago Lorraine Kruckeberg backed her vehicle over a Rubbermaid trash can, inspiring her husband Dick Kruckeberg to invent heavy-duty poly truck fenders. Thus, Spray Control Systems Inc., which does business as Minimizer, was born. “We’ve grown exponentially during the past 30 years,” said Craig Kruckeberg, chief executive officer and chief visionary at Minimizer.
Gary King Memorial Trophy awarded to Freightliner Team Run Smart member
Freightliner Trucks announced that Team Run Smart Pro Henry Albert received the Gary King Memorial Trophy for his three year work with the Trucker Buddy International program. The Gary King Memorial Trophy, awarded for outstanding representation of Trucker Buddy International, is named after the founder of the organization. Since 1992, the independent, non-profit group has
Stemco introduces new CentriFuse HD severe service brake drums
Stemco, manufacturer of heavy-duty components and solutions for the commercial vehicle market, introduced its new CentriFuse HD (heavy-duty) brake drums for severe service applications. Designed to increase performance and safety for both on- and off-highway use, including logging, concrete, dump and refuse hauling, CentriFuse HD brake drums provide up to double the service life of