OEMs aim to fulfill record-setting trailer order commitments
ACT Research Co. reported a 12% rise in trailer net orders—23,190 total units—from March to February. “While large fleets made order commitments in the last four months of 2014, small and medium fleets, along with dealers, finally joined the party late in the order season,” said Frank Maly, director–commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research at
XTRA Lease adding 9,000 new trailers this year
XTRA Lease ordered approximately 9,000 new trailers for 2015. The company is adding a mix of dry vans, liftgated vans, reefers, flatbeds and chassis, according to its announcement. New trailers will arrive at each of the company’s 53 rental locations throughout the year. As with recent XTRA Lease purchases, all 53-ft. vans and reefers will
Making sure your tractor-trailer connection is safe, secure
What should shops inspect on fifth wheels to ensure safe and reliable operation? “During the shop’s inspection and maintenance of the fifth wheel, it is important to understand how the fifth wheel operates, and that all parts and adjustments are maintained to the manufacturer’s specifications,” says Rob Nissen, director field service at SAF-Holland Inc. “Proper
Sherwin-Williams Automotive introduces new epoxy primer
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes introduced a new direct to metal (DTM) epoxy primer (E2A400) designed for fleet and manufacturing. This primer is U.S. compliant at 2.1-lbs./gal. VOC, boasts ready to spray solids of 48% and applies similarly to a sealer, the company said. E2A400 is easily topcoatable, provides great overall performance and can be used with
Thermo King announces drop yard referral system
Quickly find dealers and their contact information, website and hours of operation on both mobile and web with Thermo King’s Drop Yard Referral System, which provides a safe and secure location for drop off and pick up, said Thermo King. The new dealer locator has a simplified, easy-to-read display and enhanced functionalities that allow trucks
Great Dane showcases all aluminum flatbed trailer
Great Dane provided visitors with an interactive and informative experience designed to showcase the company’s latest advances in trailer technology, performance and customer support at the 2015 Mid-America Trucking Show. Great Dane’s 2015 MATS display allowed visitors to experience the company’s latest equipment first hand, including the first public showing of the company’s all aluminum
Trail King adds to materials hauling series
Trail King Industries is making its re-entry into the market this week with the introduction of a new prototype steel end dump. This heavy-duty and dependable trailer is complemented by five additional models from Trail King’s extensive specialized trailer product lines. All of these trailers showcase the quality engineering and high-tech innovations that Trail King
Trailer demand grows year-over-year
Trailer net orders in January, at 19,853 units, were down nearly 32% from December’s order volume, but rose 18% year over year, according to ACT Research Co. “Total trailer backlog is at its highest level in almost 20 years,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research at ACT. “Part of January’s
January trailer net orders similar year-over-over
January 2015 U.S. trailer net orders were 27,300, according to FTR’s reports, which is similar to the same month a year ago. FTR reported that the market returned to a more normal order rate after the “blazing pace of the past three months.” “The trailer market remains very vibrant. The van OEMs are finishing up
Complying with FSMA: Direct drive technology
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that each year approximately 48 million people get sick,128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from foodborne illness. To combat these effects, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) aims to restructure the food safety system to one of prevention rather than reaction. Prevention strategies FSMA will enforce include:
Meritor WABCO adds automatic trailer lift axle control systems to SmartTrac portfolio
Meritor WABCO’s SmartTrac portfolio of stability control systems has expanded with the addition of new cost-saving technology —the SmartTrac automatic trailer lift axle control system—to monitor suspension load and manage lift axles for trailers, according to the company. “The SmartTrac automatic trailer lift axle control system automatically raises or lowers the axle based on cargo
Rogers Brothers re-designs gooseneck support
In keeping with its policy of continuous structural improvements, Rogers Brothers Corp. has re-designed its gooseneck support jack, said the company. The new support jack system requires little or no tractor modification and offers more lift clearance by adding more stroke to the cylinder, said Rogers. The gooseneck support jack is installed under the gooseneck
