Natural gas reality check
ACT Research has released the results of its updated research on U.S. natural gas transportation fuel trends in the heavy-duty market. According to the research firm, the natural gas-powered vehicle market is moving from infancy to adolescence. The report details the impact of today’s trucker-favored market, in which focus is placed more on acquiring capacity
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
Trailer net orders post healthy July
According to ACT Research, the start of the second half of the year continued to reflect the strength of the first six months with July net orders of 19,280 trailers, up 37% year over year. Year-to-date net orders of 179k are up 44% over the same period last year. “Although orders declined 12% month over
Class preliminary 8 net orders strong
Demand for commercial vehicles remained at healthy levels in July as 45,400 total N.A. Classes 5-8 orders were booked, according to ACT Research. In the ten months since the start of stronger orders last October, N.A. Classes 5-8 net orders have been booked at an average of 45,200 units per month. Annualized, that represents a
The importance of tire pressure monitoring
Keeping a close eye on tire pressure can also impact your bottom line. Under-inflated tires flex excessively under load, producing heat and increasing rolling resistance, which wastes fuel. Tires inflated 10 PSI below recommended levels can reduce truck fuel economy up to 1%. In addition, stress from flexing causes fast and uneven wear, shortening the
Used trucks volumes jump 10% M/M in June
The volume of used Class 8 trucks sold in June rose 10% above May’s volume, according to the latest release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks, published by ACT Research. “June’s performance was a little counterintuitive, given that sales usually slow in the summer months, “ said Steve Tam, vice
How an alternative fuel vehicle fits into your fleet
In just a few short years, trucks powered by alternative fuels have gone from a rare sight on the road to a growing trend that has seen serious investment by big fleets. Today’s biggest alternative fuel contender is natural gas. While many OEs offer liquid natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), CNG has
June heavy-duty orders up, medium-duty orders down
ACT Research reported that Class 8 orders in June surprised on the high side after a solid May. Total net orders were 26,729 units. Classes 5-7 net orders declined for the second consecutive month, coming in at 15,055 units. “Since the summer usually sees a lull in order placement, having Class 8 net orders approach
Cummins announces Steve Charlton’s retirement
Cummins Inc. announced that Steve Charlton, vice president and chief technical officer – engine business, plans to retire from Cummins effective July 1. The company also announced that Jennifer Rumsey has been named Vice President, Engineering for the Engine Business, succeeding Steve Charlton. “In his more than 20 years with the company, Steve has provided
New and used truck sales are up
ACT Research reported that used Class 8 trucks sales rose in March, 8% above February’s volume. According to Steve Tam, vice president-commercial vehicle sector with ACT, “The volume gain was expected, since sales usually gain through March or April before slowing for the summer months.” Healthy used truck sales have usually been a reliable indicator
