Five truck trend takeaways from January

Five truck trend takeaways from January

Nothing is more conventional than a good old New Year’s resolution. Whether it be to save money, eat healthier, read more or hit the gym. At the beginning of a new year, people are ambitious… and then a little non-committal. By the end of January, about 80% of people have abandoned their resolutions. So if you are among the few who stuck to it, props to you! If not, who’s to say you didn’t just take a break before getting back to it?

Here at FE, we resolved to blog about the top five truck trend takeaways from each month back in 2015. And we’re still doing it!

This January was an eventful month to say the least. The constantly changing industry can be hard to keep up with, and we get that. To make it simpler, here are our key takeaways from January—the major things you don’t want to miss!

5. Sustainability? Shell yeah!

Talk of decarbonization is growing and Shell’s General Manager of Commercial Road Transport, Tim Murray, is ready for the conversation. In this article, learn about Shell’s commitment to environmental sustainability with their on-going initiatives and investments.

4. Let’s talk truck tech

The use of AI’s has started to become a more common practice for the fleet industry, but before we expand on where that’s going, it is important to take note of not only where we’ve been, but where we started. Check out this FE Unscripted with Lytx’s Del Lisk to discuss the timeline of truck technology.

3. Speculation to preparation

It’s no secret that the industry is changing. And while we can’t say for certain what 2022 will bring about, our insights may help you prepare for what is to come. In this article, Avi Geller, CEO of Maven Machines, provides some industry strategies to help alleviate the common fleet-related headaches.

2. Watts going on?

EV adoption took off last year, in certain applications, but there are still a lot of unknowns regarding their capabilities, maintenance, and rate of production. This article explores the growing world of electrification with the help from Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America.

1. Comfort is the key

What’s comfortable to me might not be what’s comfortable to you. You may want a cooler temperature while I like it warm. I enjoy low lighting, but you may prefer a more fluorescent atmosphere. What I’m saying is everyone is different—that’s why control over environment is an important factor that can, oftentimes, be overlooked. How can this be addressed? If only there was a video to explain some of the customization options for fleet cabs…

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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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Ryder says it intends to give customers an “end-to-end” solution by adding thousands of GM BrightDrop EVs to it’s lease and rental fleet.

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