Talking light weight suspension spec for electric trucks
The very nature of electric trucks being simpler, from a component POV, compared with their diesel brethren means that we tend to gloss over the equipment nuances. While the commercial vehicle segment is still wrapping its arms around electric truck applications, so too are we starting to understand the spec’ing strategies that come with an
ACT Research: Strong September preliminary US trailer net orders; 2023 order board filling fast
Preliminary reports show that net trailer orders in September were 25,700 units, up about 45% from August, but around 10% lower than the same month last year. Final September results will be available later this month. This preliminary market estimate should be within +/-3% of the final order tally. ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S.
Trailer telematics: How data can impact the service process
With on-board trailer telematics becoming increasingly common, fleet trailer service operations are continually finding new ways to benefit from these advanced technologies. “Telematics solutions can use data from critical trailer components to enhance service processes, support uptime and improve highway safety,” said Ross Froat, executive director of FleetPulse, a smart trailer telematics system by Great Dane.
FTR reports preliminary trailer orders fell in August
FTR reports preliminary trailer orders fell 3% m/m in August to a total of 16,400 units. August 2022 trailer order activity was +21% y/y with orders now totaling 286,000 units for the past twelve months. Factors such as labor conditions, component supply chains, and volatile raw material prices remain the primary factors preventing OEMs from
Smart trailers: Why they’re worth it
Fleet managers have a truck ton of data coming at them, and with the evolving smart trailer landscape, there’s even more on the horizon. Trailer components like embedded tire sensors, ABS sensors and cargo sensors (to name a few) can provide fleets with actionable analytics to make smarter decisions. Of course, this means investing both
Complete equipment solutions that still tackle specific vocational tasks
Dump applications, flatbed and drop-deck hauls, dry bulk loads, pneumatic tank and liquid tank trailers–what do those applications have in common? On the surface, not much. Sure, it still involves a truck and hauling from Point A to B, but specialized applications often require specialized solutions. That can create a challenge for manufacturers and suppliers
Change underway at Grote Industries
As Grote Industries enters its 121st year of operation, the family continues in its leadership and embraces change in preparation for the future. Recently, fourth-generation family members, Dominic, John and Mike Grote acquired 100% control of Grote Industries, Inc. Along with this expansion in their ownership, the vision for Grote has also progressed. Dominic Grote
Grote Industries introduces new smart trailer system
Grote Industries announced the development of the 4SEE smart trailer system, a combination of hardware and software that will enable truck fleets to have much more access to data related to their operations and help improve safety on the roadways. Grote Industries’ 4SEE technology works by connecting the harness, nose box and multiple sensors, creating
Bendix talks trailers and safer roads ahead
Safer roads ahead require safer trailers behind. “Trailers continue to evolve to be much more than boxes on wheels, from road-tested and fleet-proven technologies like antilock braking systems (ABS) and stability to connectivity, telematics, and tomorrow’s electronic braking capabilities,” said Jon Intagliata, director, product group–trailer control, Bendix. “They’re an integral factor in fleet and driver safety
Connecting ROI to tractor-to-trailer air, electrical back-of-cab components
As the industry is met with a rise in technological advancements and innovation, back-of-cab configuration of air and electrical trailer connections have been running on cruise control. Most fleets use what’s always worked and spend their energy figuring out the other stuff. Over the last several years, however, accelerated product development and design for back-of-cab
Trailer demand remains strong; manufacturer’s endure supply-chain issues
July net US trailer orders of 16,997 units were 33% lower compared to last month, but more than 103% above the year-ago July level, according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report. “OEMS continue to negotiate with fleets, but with some 2023 orderboards opened in June, those efforts quickly moved
Aurora Parts, Fruehauf announce exclusive distribution partnership
Aurora Parts, a supplier of aftermarket semi-trailer parts, and Fruehauf have reached a strategic agreement making Aurora Parts the exclusive aftermarket distributor of all Fruehauf parts in the United States. Fruehauf celebrated the grand opening of their new production facility in June 2022 in Bowling Green, Ky., reintroducing the Fruehauf brand back in the U.S.
