Final July net trailer orders climb to highest level in 2020
FTR reports final net trailer orders continued to climb in July, reaching 19,300 units, the highest level for the year. ACT Research reports July net U.S. trailer orders of 18,851 units. July order activity was up 33% from June and +84% y/y, FTR says. Trailer orders now total 173,000 for the past twelve months. Dry
Connecting brakes, wheel ends and other trailer components with telematics
The majority of fleet managers are used to the capabilities of truck telematics, but they may not be as familiar with trailer telematics, which are newer and just now starting to grow into their potential usefulness. Why have trailer telematics lagged behind their tractor brethren? It’s a complicated question, with an uncomplicated answer. “At the
COVID-19 fuels the digital acceleration of the aftermarket
Adaptability continues to be a key attribute in navigating the Coronavirus pandemic. If your fleet operation spans several states, you’re having to juggle shifting regulations and practices as some states begin to reopen, but social distancing is here to stay for everyone. For suppliers that are used to working hand-in-hand with customers to solve equipment
U.S. trailer net orders improve month-over-month, decline year-over-year in May
May net U.S. trailer orders of 3,107 units were a significant improvement from April, but net orders remain below May 2019’s level, down 71%, ACT Research reports. Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 7.4k units were up 29% versus April, according to ACT. “Although up from April’s record low, May’s net orders will still
Keeping an eye on brake wear
A vehicle cuts in front of your truck and stops abruptly. The truck driver slams on the brakes only to find that the truck’s stopping distance isn’t what it once was—these brakes haven’t been inspected recently. Without the proper stopping distance, an accident becomes inevitable. It’s an extreme example to be sure, but it’s just
What makes Level 2 autonomy the ultimate driver’s assistant
Level 2 automation has been a game-changer in terms of safety for about a decade now, and manufacturers continue to churn out better versions of this technology every year. Active steering, automatic emergency braking—you’ve heard the terms and you have a good sense of what they do, but how do the companies behind this technology
Airman Products new device for raising, lowering trailer landing gear
Airman Products has released its Automated Landing Gear Deployment and Retraction Technology. Airman says its device eliminates the manual cranking required to raise and lower a trailer’s landing gear. The 15-lb., electrically-driven unit can be OE-installed or retrofitted in less than 15 minutes, the company says, and is compatible with all existing landing gear makes
The keys to aftertreatment system reliability and performance
As primary components of diesel engine aftertreatment systems, diesel particulate filters (DPF) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) filters require routine maintenance. “Every maintenance program should ensure these components are serviced at the OEM recommended intervals,” says Jason Johnson, director of aftermarket at PACCAR. “Drivers should also receive comprehensive training on how the aftertreatment system is
Is it time to re-think your grease?
How can you tell if you’re using the right grease? Some will say a grease is best judged by how tacky it is—simply place a bit between the thumb and forefinger and pull. Others say the best greases are brightly colored. And there are those who say as long as you’re using their go-to brand,
FTR reports COVID-19 virus brings down February trailer orders 45% y/y
Trailers order activity for February felt the impact of the COVID-19 virus, FTR reports, sliding to a paltry 13,000 units, the lowest total for the month of February since the recession year of 2009. February 2020 trailer orders were down 20% m/m and 45% y/y. Trailer orders have now totaled 184,000 units for the past
