Five truck trend takeaways from January
Only one month into 2024 and there are already some major announcements and bold predictions to unpack.
Goodyear partners with Plus on autonomous trucks
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced a strategic collaboration with Plus on autonomous trucking solutions. Through this collaboration, Goodyear’s suite of services, including connected tires, will further enhance transportation efficiency and safety for semi-trucks powered by Plus’s Level 4 autonomous driving technology while also reducing carbon impact. Goodyear and Plus will explore how Plus’s
Peterbilt showcases advanced technologies
During the annual Energy Summit and Fair held on the campus of the University of North Texas (UNT), home of the PACCAR Technology Institute, Peterbilt Motors Co. displayed the SuperTruck advanced concept vehicle it is developing with Cummins Inc. through a U.S. Department of Energy program.
PIT compares 6×2 and 6×4 tractors
Evaluations comparing 6×2 and 6×4 trucks by FPInnovations’ Performance Innovation Transport (PIT) group showed that 6×2 tractors consume less fuel than similar 6×4 tractors.
Central Freight Lines upgrades fleet Freightliner CNG Trucks
Freightliner Trucks announced that Central Freight Lines Inc. added 100 2014 Freightliner M2 112 compressed natural gas (CNG) tractors equipped with Cummins Westport ISL G natural gas engines to its fleet. The Freightliner M2 112 with natural gas can be spec’ed with engines from 260 to 320 HP and up to 1,000 lb./ft. of torque.
Jackson Group Peterbilt open flagship store
One of the largest truck dealerships in the country has been opened by Jackson Group Peterbilt in Salt Lake City. The newest Peterbilt dealership in the company’s 270-plus dealer network is a 128,000-sq. ft. facility with 2,500 sq. ft. of retail display space and 70 service bays.
Kenworth launches 2013 Road Tour
Trailer exhibits, the new Kenworth T880 vocational model and the Kenworth T680 on-highway model with a new mid-roof 52-in. sleeper will be featured on the 2013 Kenworth Road Tour at 34 dealerships across the U.S. and Canada.
XTRA Lease adds free tracking to long-term leased trailers
Now standard on newly-leased dry vans and late model reefers from XTRA Lease at no charge is a basic trailer tracking service. The service enables users to view current and historical trailer locations, drill into dormancy and utilization information, and receive reports on the latest location and dormancy data.
Freightliner debuts in-cab training system
Freightliner Trucks and Rolling Strong showcased the Freightliner In-Cab Training (FIT) System, an OEM-designed-and-integrated in-cab exercise and flexibility program that provides drivers with full-body strength-and-conditioning workouts in the cab. The system was first displayed in a Freightliner Cascadia Evolution tractor.
Kenworth cabover body builder manual available
The latest Kenworth Cabover Body Builder Manual for Class 6 K270 and Class 7 K370 truck models includes specification guidelines for body planning and installation processes. The 96-page manual contains detailed sections on cab and chassis dimensions, 2013 engines, exhaust and aftertreatment designs and functionality, frame layouts, chassis and cab electrical systems, body mounting, frame modifications, and routing.
East introduces all-aluminum flatbed, curtainside model
A new all-aluminum flatbed trailer with a narrow 8-in. neck design from East Manufacturing can be combined with a Sliding Systems Inc. (SSI) Curtainside unit to provide load versatility and protection. The East design has Welded Double T aluminum main beams and structural crossmembers of 6061-T6 aluminum, as well as fully-enclosed hollow-core floor planks and tubular crossmembers. The Curtainside version features a Versa rail, (6061-T6) all-aluminum, one-piece extrusion.
New roof fairing for Freightliner Cascadia, Cascadia Evolution
Freightliner Trucks announced a new factory-installed roof fairing as standard on Cascadia Evolution 72-in. mid-roof XT models and as an option on Cascadia 72-in. mid-roof XT trucks.