Vehicles to mechanic, technician ratio algebra
I always get asked, “How many vehicles per technician?” As a seasoned “iron doctor,” I should know. However, when I fire back more questions to help me determine the answer, those who ask me the question don’t understand why I don’t have a set response. The technician to vehicle question is asked many times and
Integrated powertrains maximize fuel efficiency
“Traditionally, there has been an understanding in the industry that excellent drivers develop skill sets to operate equipment in a way that generates good fuel mileage,” says Mario Sanchez, technical sales support director at Cummins. “Even the best drivers are not consistent all the time, however, and as fleets continue to struggle to retain and
Increasing transportation costs leads to drop in Shippers Condition Index
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for July fell 1.3 points from the previous month to a reading of -7.8, reflecting tightening truck capacity and a strong upward move in contract pricing ahead of the fall shipping surge. According to the report, contract markets are beginning to show their first significant reaction to the driver shortage
Trucking industry’s operational costs on the rise
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released the findings of its 2014 update to An Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking. The research, which identifies trucking costs from 2008 through 2013 derived directly from fleets’ financial and operational data, provides motor carriers with an important high-level benchmarking tool and government agencies with real world
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
Leveraging technology today and in the future
While the trucking industry continues to enjoy a strong economy, there are a couple of drawbacks. According to Dean Engelage, president at Great Dane, “The current driver shortage continues to impact fleets on many levels, including the purchasing of new trailers. The driver shortage is limiting fleet expansion and they are experiencing a capacity constraint.” Nonetheless,
FTR Shippers Conditions Index remains in low territory
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for May remained basically unchanged from the previous month at a current reading of -7.5 reflecting a continuing tight capacity situation with utilization rates holding between 98% and 99%. Increases in labor costs and purchased transportation will drive shippers’ cost upwards throughout the remainder of the year. Spot rates for
Navistar International ProStar achieves improved fuel economy
Navistar Inc.‘s International ProStar linehaul and regional haul tractors are available with the company’s 13-liter engine and Eaton Fuller Advantage Series automated 10-speed transmission. The new ProStar offering delivers up to 5% in fuel economy improvement, said the company. “The increased availability of automated transmissions helps us address the driver shortage issue by reducing the variance
Industry perspectives with Wabash National: Information is thin stuff unless mixed with experience
The customer-centric leader of Wabash National Dick Giromini subscribes to the sustaining value of a positive “Wabash experience” and that it will provide to the fleet customers a transportation solution for efficiency, profitability and long trailer life. “The product must stand out; our goal is they’ll say ours is the best dry van in the
Rush Enterprises Inc. reports 2013 financial results
Rush Enterprises Inc. reported record annual revenues of $3.4 billion compared to $3.1 billion in 2012 and net income of $49.2 million, or $1.22 per diluted share. In 2013, the company recognized a pre-tax charge of $10.8 million in its selling, general and administrative expense related to the Retirement and Transition Agreement with W. Marvin