Trailer telematics and the ‘smart’ trailer evolution
Trailers are in a unique position. No, I don’t mean behind the tractor (hey-O!). I’m talking about the current phase of the trailer telematics evolution. While trailer telematics has mostly revolved around GPS location tracking (and that’s still important), the amount of data that trailer components are generating—from wheel ends and tires to lighting and
Cooper Pro Series LHT tires now standard on Vanguard Van Trailers
Vanguard National Trailer Corp. is including the Cooper Tire Pro Series LHT trailer tire as standard equipment on all dry and refrigerated van trailers built at its Monon, Ind.; Trenton, Ga.; Moreno Valley, Calif.; and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada locations. According to Charlie Mudd, president and chief executive officer of Vanguard, the move to Cooper’s Pro
Michelin releases new regional X One trailer tire
Michelin North America, Inc. is launching the Michelin X One Multi T trailer tire. Launching for the North American regional market, Michelin says the tire is designed for high-scrub, weight-sensitive applications. The X One Multi T is available for spread and multi-axle trailer fitment configurations. The X One Multi T tire is targeted for weight-sensitive
Watch: Three ways to show trailer suspension maintenance more love
When it comes to good maintenance practices, tractors tend to get more attention than the trailers behind them. And it makes sense – tractors are more often part of a fleet’s preventative maintenance program. While a trailer might be parked in a lot somewhere out there, the indispensable tractor is just naturally inspected more frequently.
ACT Research: U.S. trailer net orders open 2021 stronger than last year
January net U.S. trailer orders of 30,680 units fell more than 30% from the previous month, but rose nearly 105% compared to January of 2020, according to this month’s numbers from ACT Research. Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 32.1k units were down 30% versus December, but 91% better than the previous January. “OEMs
Avoid corrosion in liftgate electrical systems
Trucks and trailers outfitted with liftgates typically have critical delivery and pickup schedules, so it’s important that the electrical connections and cable are dependable, keeping the liftgate working throughout the vehicle’s daily route. The liftgate power cord and electrical connections are the gateway for power to travel from the tractor to the trailer to charge
Preliminary Jan. trailer orders up y/y, but drop after four months of gains
Preliminary reports indicate that the January net order volume of 29,100 trailers was up 94% from the same month last year, ACT Research reports. That was also down 33% from December 2020 bookings. This preliminary market estimate should be within plus or minus 3% of the final order tally, ACT says. According to FTR, trailer
Hirschbach selects Phillips Connect, ConMet smart technologies for new refrigerated trailers
Hirschbach announced that it will add Phillips Connect and ConMet smart trailer technologies to 1,200 new refrigerator trailers the fleet plans to purchase in 2021. The company says the sensor technologies chosen by Hirschbach will give them increased visibility to the health of their refrigerated trailers resulting in an increase to uptime and driver satisfaction
vHub adds new VP of trailer solutions, VP of technology
vHub has added two new executives with industry and technology experience to join the company. Matthew Leffler, who most recently served as director of business development for Decisiv and region vice president of sales for Dickinson Fleet Services, joins vHub as its vice president of trailer solutions. Maxime Fafard, co-founder and CTO of Sofdesk, will
Utility Trailer implements standard 7-in. rear impact guard on all trailers
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co.‘s dry vans, refrigerated vans and flatbeds produced after 2002 can now be retrofitted with Utility’s standard 7-in. deep horizontal Interstate Commerce Commission (I.C.C.) bumper. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently proposed to include the rear impact guard on the list of items that need to be examined during a commercial
M&K Truck Centers awarded East Manufacturing trailer line in Detroit market
M&K Truck Centers has announced an expanded partnership with East Manufacturing in the Detroit, Michigan area. East has awarded M&K’s Romulus location with the dealership for the Detroit market, effective immediately. M&K will provide the Detroit area with new trailer sales, parts and service of East dump, flatbed, drop deck and refuse trailers. M&K has
Trailer orders close 2020 on a positive note, setting up strong 2021
December net U.S. trailer orders of 43,806 units grew 11% from the previous month and were up nearly 150% year-over-year, according to ACT Research. Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 45,800 units were up 11% versus November, but 148% better than the previous December, according to ACT. Full-year 2020 net orders were 41% improved
