Spec’ing to optimize resale value
There are many factors that impact resale value for trucks. Dale Tower, vice president of remarketing for AmeriQuest Used Truck Services Inc., suggests that OEM selection, engine choices, horsepower, automated transmissions, APUs, SCR non SCR, super singles, chassis side fairings, single or double bunks (in sleepers) and even the color of trucks are all items that will
When it comes to trucks and engines, knowledge is power
It always pays to know more. That may seem pretty obvious, and really, it is; but it’s also hard to argue with. After all, who wants to go around knowing less? That goes double when running a fleet: ignore relevant information, and you’ll soon find yourself lapped by more knowledgeable competition. With all the ways
Peterbilt Technician Institute adds Pennsylvania location
The Peterbilt Technician Institute (PTI) has expanded with a third location in Exton, Penn. PTI graduates approximately 100 students per year and places them into service technician careers throughout the Peterbilt dealer network. The Exton, Penn., school is located approximately 30 miles west of Philadelphia. The other PTI locations are in Dallas, Texas and Lisle, Ill. The inaugural
Peterbilt introduces new Axalta paint coatings
Peterbilt Motors Co. has introduced a new formulation for its complete lineup of Axalta coatings used on its heavy-duty truck cabs and sleepers. According to the company, the new coatings enhance color qualities and durability, and make production more environmentally friendly and reduce the company’s carbon footprint. “The new paint coatings have better color characteristics
Peterbilt breaks ground on Denton plant expansion
Peterbilt Motors Co. recently broke ground on a 102,000 sq.-ft. expansion to its heavy-duty truck manufacturing facility in Denton, Texas. The new building will be located just north of the plant and provide additional capacity for production and testing. “This expansion is Peterbilt’s largest facility investment since the construction of the Denton plant and it
Buying pre-owned trucks? No need to kick the tires
Purchasing a pre-owned truck should not be a contest. Buyers should have confidence in the equipment they are purchasing—with no surprises down the road. Inspections Some truck buyers do their own preliminary inspections prior to purchase. Many experienced fleets have a list of things to review prior to purchase—like checking axle configurations, engine and horsepower
Expanded offerings: PACCAR power continues to propel Peterbilt’s success
While there has been some uncertainty in terms of overall market strength in the first quarter of 2016, Peterbilt Motors Co. expects this year to be another solid year for the trucking industry, estimating retail sales roughly between 230,000 and 260,000 heavy-duty units in the U.S. and Canada. Those are still numbers to be excited about
Remote diagnostics, ELDs and the constant evolution of truck telematics
Truck technology continues to evolve, progressing exponentially every day. As more and more data becomes available, fleets are getting better at reading it and using that data to reduce everything from repairs to accidents. And this is only the beginning. One important advancement that is just starting to make its mark is the recent Federal
Peterbilt debuts chassis routings for Models 579 and 567
Peterbilt Motors Co. has debuted its new chassis routings for Models 579 and 567, which the company says will improve serviceability while offering a more robust, streamlined design. The new chassis routings, which run the length of the truck, organize air, electrical and fuel lines into individual bundles to facilitate quick, efficient identification and servicing
Update: OEM alternative fuel offerings
Over the years, we have been witness to the ebb and flow of alternative fuels for on-highway vehicles, which has been driven the price and/or availability of oil. Typically, fleet applications drive the choice for specific alternative fuels. We asked truck original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) about the current alternative fuel trends and demands, and where fleets
Spec’ing for medium-duty applications
“Operators of medium-duty trucks have heavy-duty expectations,” says Kurt Swihart, Kenworth’s marketing manager. “Truck manufacturers are working to make it simpler for customers who want heavy-duty characteristics in traditional medium-duty applications. The challenge in spec’ing a medium-duty truck is to find the right balance between over- and under-spec’ing in order to achieve the performance and
Fleet profile: Marten Transport meets challenges, changes the status quo
It’s one of the trucking industry’s best-known names, and for good reason. Since 1946, trucks sporting the Marten Transport logo have been traveling the highways hauling temperature-controlled goods. “Over the last several years, we’ve transformed our business from a primarily long-haul temperature control carrier to a multi-faceted temperature control carrier,” says David Meyer, the company’s
