Equipment
Commercial freight transportation is a machine-based business. Highly technical equipment and advanced engineering are at the center of supply chain and require constant innovation. Transport Topics equipment coverage focuses on the machines and other physical assets that make delivery possible. It looks closely at available truck, trailer, and chassis models, developments in the engineering space, and maintenance innovations and best practices.
Technology Briefs — March 13 - March 19
Eaton Wins Patents for Hybrid-Electric Power • CSX Joins EPA Greenhouse-Gas Reduction Program • UPS Boosts Technology Offering
March 19, 2007February Truck Sales Fall 19.3%
Sales of new Class 8 trucks fell 19.3% in February, while orders for new vehicles plunged more than 70%, according to companies that track the market.
Letter to the Editor: Speed Limits, Opening the Border
Click here to write a Letter to the Editor. There is a lot more traffic and a lot more going on behind the wheel other than turning it, with cellphones, Global Positioning System and onboard computers.
March 14, 2007Class 8 Fleet Size Grows 5.2% in 2006 as Carriers Stock Up
The number of heavy-duty trucks in use in the United States increased 5.2% to 3.51 million Class 8 commercial vehicles last year, as fleet owners stocked up on new trucks and kept more old vehicles in service, market research firm R.L. Polk & Co. said.
Cummins Sets Two-for-One Stock Split
Diesel engine maker Cummins Inc. said Thursday that its board declared a two-for-one split of the company’s stock, to be payable on April 9 to shareholders of record as of March 26.
March 8, 2007Component Maker Accuride’s Fourth-Quarter Profit Dips
Commercial vehicle component maker Accuride Corp. said Tuesday it earned $14.3 million or 41 cents a share in the fourth quarter, compared with $14.9 million or 43 cents a year earlier.
March 6, 2007iTECH: Harnessing the Sun to Recharge Trailer Batteries
Considering that all batteries have a finite life span, harnessing sunlight is one way to keep tracking systems running for long periods on far-flung trailers.
Security & Safety Briefs — Feb. 22 - Feb. 28
U.S. Delays Border Inspection Fees • Charleston Port Sets New Security System • Oshkosh Wins $878 Million Army Contract • Survey Highlights Traffic Congestion Concern
February 28, 2007Demand for Cleaner Engines Seen Growing
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — An official with the Chicago Climate Exchange said the demand for cleaner engines and alternative fuels in the United States will increase as membership in its cap-and-trade emission trading system expands.
So. Cal. Ports to Require Emission Licenses for Trucks
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — The president of the Long Beach Harbor Commission said a licensing system would be “up and running within five years” at his port and the neighboring Port of Los Angeles to ensure all trucks entering the facilities meet strict emission standards.
