December's five truck trend takeaways

December’s five truck trend takeaways

We know it’s not easy to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories from December focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.

 

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We know it’s not easy to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories from December focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.

5. FE test drives the Ford F650 with a V10 gas engine

The claim to Ford’s medium-duty fame has always been its hard-working dependability and durability. For 2016, the F650 sports a second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engine; that’s no surprise. What may come as a surprise is the growing popularity of the gas engine option. A 6.8-liter V10 gas engine is now available for both the F650 and F750.

Fleet Equipment Editor Jason Morgan had the chance to get behind the wheel and put the gas engine’s pedal to the metal in this episode of On the Road.

4. More fleets are optimizing their routes to save money

“These days most major carriers are focusing on becoming more efficient and they are finding that the best was to do that is to more efficiently plan their routes and schedules. What many fleets are finding is that traditional methods of route planning do not address real-time events that impact businesses every day. To be competitive, fleets need to not only optimize routes, but also accommodate the random, short-notice requirements of their customers.”

Editor-At-Large Carol Birkland takes a look at the advantages of optimizing routes to combat rising costs.

3. Why aren’t you using your truck’s data to improve fuel economy?

“Chances are you’re not using the data from your numerous trucks to lessen the number of diesel gallons guzzled. That’s not just editor’s intuition—a recent report from Fleet Advantage stated that while 70% of industry professionals regularly monitor OBC data for driver logs and dispatching only 6% utilize it to gain insight on fuel consumption. Six percent. That was out of a 2,000 fleet sample size.”

So why aren’t more fleets capitalizing on the availability of this data? Editor Jason Morgan investigates.

2. It’s time to put a stop to brake-related CSA violations

“After citations related to lighting problems, brakes are the second most commonly penalized item—18.7% of violations handed out by the CVSA in 2014 were brake-related. We asked brake experts about common issues that lead to CSA violations, and how they can be prevented.”

In this article, Associate Editor Alex Crissey and the aforementioned brake experts delve into common brake issues, preventative maintenance tips, and the different advantages and problems presented by the increasingly popular air disc brakes.

1. FE crowns its 2016 Truck Trend of the Year

“This past year saw the introduction of new trucks, new proprietary integrated powertrain equipment—including the introduction of 2017 engines—and a huge leap forward in terms of truck technology and telematics. Yet the biggest equipment talking point this year was the piece of the equipment productivity puzzle that has the largest direct impact on the truck’s operational efficiency, and it isn’t just one piece of equipment. In fact, it’s not even equipment at all. It’s the driver.”

Why was this the choice as Truck Trend of the Year? Read on here to find out.

 

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Class 8 orders strong in February

Even when seasonally adjusted, ACT says preliminary order numbers for February are up 5% over January.

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According to the latest numbers from ACT Research, preliminary North America Class 8 net orders were 27,700 units, up 600 units from January and 16% from a year ago. With the fourth-largest seasonal factor of the year at 8%, seasonal adjustment reduces February’s Class 8 intake to 25,600 units, up 5% from January.

“Weak freight and carrier profitability fundamentals, and large carriers guiding to lower capex in 2024, would imply pressure in U.S. tractor, the North American Class 8 market’s largest segment,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “While we do not yet have the underlying detail for February order volumes, Class 8 demand continuing at high levels again this month suggests that U.S. buyers continue as strong market participants.”

Kenworth delivers 15-liter natural gas-powered truck to UPS

The truck is equipped with the Cummins X15N, which Kenworth says will meet CARB and EPA Requirements for both 2024 and 2027.

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ACT Research: 2024 could see trucking recovery

Despite trucking demand remaining weak, ACT Research says imports and international data indicate positive trends in 2024.

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Navistar progressing toward autonomous hub-to-hub transport

Autonomous truck testing is underway, and the company expects customer pilots to be delivered later this year.

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FTR Trucking Conditions Index falls in December

FTR says the drop was mostly due to higher capital cost and a deterioration in freight rates, a trend that could stretch into 2024.

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Fullbay: Repair shop sales and labor rates rose in 2023

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ACT Research: Trailer orders dip as cancellations climb

Preliminary data for net trailer orders in January seems to follow a continued softening trend, according to ACT Research.

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ACT Research: Used Class 8 sales start 2024 strong

The preliminary numbers for January show used Class 8 trucks are selling well compared to both last month, and last year.

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NACFE notes the fuel efficiency impact of the SuperTruck 2 program

The new report puts the focus on the program’s “path to production.”

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