OEMs Combine Technologies to Maximize Fuel Efficiency
Heavy-duty truck manufacturers have improved the fuel efficiency of their tractors through a combination of new technologies, powertrain improvements, enhanced aerodynamics and efforts to reduce rolling resistance.
July 30, 2012Fleets Enjoy Fuel Efficiency Gains in New Trucks, But Express Concerns on Maintenance Costs
New engine technologies and improved aerodynamics have yielded significant fuel efficiency gains for carriers running post-2010 heavy-duty trucks, but some fleet executives said they are encountering some new maintenance issues.
July 30, 2012Paccar Posts Higher 2Q Profit; Warns on Slowing Economy
Paccar Inc. Tuesday reported its second-quarter profit rose 24% from a year ago, but warned that a slowing economy could crimp truck orders later this year.
July 24, 2012Finding Ways to Reduce Idling Can Be Challenging for Carriers
For carriers, the effort to find the best nonidling cooling option for the truck cab has not been without starts and stops.
July 23, 2012Werner, Hunt, Marten Profits Soar, But USA Truck Reports 2Q Losses
The first three trucking companies to report second-quarter earnings last week said a combination of lower fuel costs, higher rates and cost controls produced double-digit profit improvements.
July 23, 2012J.D. Power: Buyer Satisfaction Declines Under Burden of 2010 Emissions Rules
Satisfaction with model-year 2011 trucks suffered as a result of technology added to comply with 2010 federal emissions regulations, which resulted in customers’ reporting more problems with the trucks, a recent J.D. Power and Associates’ survey found.
July 9, 2012UPS to Add ‘Plastic’ Trucks to Existing Delivery Fleet
UPS said it has completed testing of its “plastic truck,” a composite-bodied vehicle that’s lighter and uses 40% less fuel than its current package cars, and will soon add 150 of the new vehicles to its delivery fleet.
July 2, 2012Border Plan Starts Second Year; Participation Remains Low
A year after U.S. officials agreed to allow Mexican trucks into the country, only four Mexican carriers are participating, far below the number the United States has said would be needed to judge the safety of Mexican trucks.
July 2, 2012Kenworth T680 Earns EPA SmartWay Designation
Kenworth Truck Co. said its new T680 heavy-duty truck has been SmartWay-certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
June 22, 2012ATA Urges FMCSA to Keep Truck Safety Program’s Intent
The federal Compliance, Safety, Accountability program is in danger of turning its focus from its original intent — to reduce truck-related crashes, fatalities and injuries, American Trucking Associations said Thursday.
June 21, 2012