Five truck trend takeaways from December

Five truck trend takeaways from December

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. Volvo Trucks sounds the horn on the start of VNR electric truck’s availability

During a recent virtual press conference, Volvo Trucks announced that its VNR Electric, designed for applications and driving cycles with local and regional distribution ranges, is now commercially available in the U.S. and Canada. Click here to read about all the details of the new truck.

4. NACFE: Hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks have long-haul promise, depend on infrastructure, demand

A recent new report from The North American Council for Freight Efficiency focused on the prospects of hydrogen electric power in the trucking industry. Click here to read recommendations on how to proceed with hydrogen fuel cell electric truck exploration.

3. The ABCs of winter trucking prep: Air systems

Click here to read the latest Bendix Tech Tip about some reminders on taking proper care of air system components.

2. How the right driver workflow lets your drivers get to driving

Recording load and route data, logging hours of service … given the choice, drivers would rather be, well, driving. It’s no secret, and telematics companies will tell you that driver workflow directly relates to driver retention.

1. Let’s get visible: Telematics and visibility are FE’s 2020 Truck Trend of the Year

Every December at Fleet Equipment we write a “Trend of the Year” piece summing up the year in trucking, and of course, in 2020 the mind immediately leaps to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, trucks had to keep on trucking, and one of the major ways they did that was through an increased reliance on telematics—from tracking to cameras to route planning. That positive development has made for 2020’s truck trend of the year. Click here to read our interactive story and find out more.

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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.

ACT-Class-8-Feb-truck-orders

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.

FTR-TCI-december-2023

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