Maximizing trailer capacity: Time is the crucial factor
For delivery fleets that make multi-stop runs, a constant challenge is to meet all daily delivery requirements while making the least number of trips possible—a benefit that keeps costs low and customer satisfaction high. Trailer utilization is, of course, key to achieving this goal, but an unfortunate reality is that fleet managers often underestimate the
Premier Manufacturing hires new chief operating officer
Oregon-based Premier Manufacturing has hired Matt Weinmann as its new chief operating officer. Premier Manufacturing was acquired by Minimizer Holdings, LLC in January. The two companies are working to leverage each other’s strengths with a go-to-market strategy that satisfies fleets, OEMs and distributors, the company says, and Weinmann’s experience will help facilitate this expansion. Weinmann
Fontaine introduces Magnitude 60LCC trailer
Fontaine Heavy-Haul has introduced the Fontaine Magnitude 60LCC, a new trailer that hauls 60 ton loads in 13 ft. with four axles close-coupled. The Fontaine Magnitude 60LCC is designed for customers operating in regions where spread axle configurations are not required to maximize their trailer loads. “If local regulations allow a more concentrated load, this
Top reasons to use DOT-approved push-to-connect fittings for trucks and trailers
There are many applications for Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved fittings on trucks and trailers, but the most common is for air brake lines and transmissions. While both approved push-to-connect and compression fittings may be used, the benefits of push-to-connect fittings outweigh the use of lower-cost compression fittings. Lawson Products suggests considering these factors when choosing
Link highlights Easy Slider Sliding Kingpin system
Link Manufacturing says its Easy Slider Sliding Kingpin system allows drivers to adjust the trailer kingpin position within 8-in. increments on a fully loaded, connected trailer without having to disconnect the kingpin from the fifth wheel. By varying the overall length of the tractor/trailer unit, Link says, the axle weight distribution can be optimized for
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
National Trailer Dealers Association convention going virtual in 2020
The 30th annual National Trailer Dealers Association (NTDA) convention, planned for Nov. 4–6, has been canceled due to COVID-19, but the NTDA is offering members a virtual convention instead. There will be no cost for 2020 NTDA convention sponsors, exhibitors or members to log onto the 2020 NTDA virtual convention. The online format will go
Michelin redesigns X One Line Energy T2 trailer tire
Michelin North America, Inc. is launching the redesigned Michelin X One Line Energy T2 tire for the line-haul market. “The trailer-wheel position is a challenging position for long-haul tire design. The free-rolling wheel position is subject to variable loads, less maintenance and irregular wear,” said Adam Murphy, vice president of B2B marketing at Michelin North
Thermo King launches elite service delivery model
Thermo King has announced the launch of Blue Track by Thermo King, a new elite and standardized service excellence model that the company says will soon be integrated into participating dealer locations. By the end of 2020, nearly all regions within North America will have Thermo King Blue Track dealer representation, the company said. Thermo
Carrier Transicold unveils thin-profile Vector HE 19 unit for intermodal transport
Carrier Transicold has introduced the Vector HE 19 unit, which the company says delivers the cooling and freezing capacities for intermodal container refrigeration system in its thin-profile class. The Vector HE 19 unit is Carrier Transicold’s first North American transport refrigeration system to use the refrigerant R-452A exclusively. Developed for lower environmental impact, R-452A has
June trailer orders rise after several weak months
Final U.S. trailer orders rebounded in June after two sluggish months, according to FTR. Trailer orders for June rose significantly to 14,400 units, 10,000 above May. The June increase was boosted by a recovery in the dry van market supplemented by decent refrigerated van orders, FTR says, adding that flatbed orders remain lethargic. Even though
Road Ready announces trailer telematics program with Penske
Road Ready from Clarience Technologies, LLC is participating in a program with Penske Truck Leasing and Penske Logistics to evaluate the Road Ready trailer telematics system. Launched in 2017, the company says Road Ready offers fleets a complete overview of a trailer’s environment, both inside and out, using a variety of customizable wireless sensors. Road
