Business

The advent of social and digital technology has changed a lot in the way we do business. Companies used to have a much higher degree of control and awareness as to what was being said about their organization, their products and their industry. This has fundamentally changed — and most organizations are scrambling to keep up.

Although it may be a self-serving thought, we believe if anyone should vote Nov. 4, it should be readers of Transport Topics. You’re the people who understand trucking, and if the industry is going to be heard from in state capitals and on Capitol Hill, then you’re the people who will have to cast ballots.

New trailer orders spiked 86.2% in September from a year earlier, soaring to the highest level in nearly a decade as fleets rushed to reserve 2015 build slots, analysts and manufacturers said.

Transportation advocates are increasingly taking their case for better infrastructure to the public, a strategy magnified in a number of states as voters head to the polls Nov. 4.

Truckers such as Bill Compton, Tom Camp, Henry Bates and Al Weddle have more in common than their love of the road.

Four of the largest U.S. less-than-truckload operators improved profitability by 25% or more in the third quarter, powered by improved rates, carriers’ earnings reports showed last week.

Paccar Inc. and the global truck divisions of Daimler AG and Volvo AB reported higher third-quarter earnings, aided by gains in North America.

UPS Inc. said that third-quarter profit rose 10% from a year ago and that it is on track for upgrading its operational network to meet an expected 11% rise in holiday shipments.

Maintaining proper wheel torque requires a lot more than simply clamping down on lug nuts. Clean mounting surfaces and adequate lubrication on threads are just as vital for keeping trucks’ wheels rolling smooth and true, maintenance experts said.

The U.S. diesel average fell 2.1 cents to $3.635 a gallon last week, the lowest price in 3½ years, the Department of Energy reported.