Like some other small trucking firms, Old Forge Services of Mogadore, Ohio, has turned to glider kits to reduce maintenance expenses and downtime.

Tesla’s announcement in November that it will produce an all-electric Class 8 tractor by 2019 helped highlight the potential for electric power in commercial trucking. But while Tesla and others are electrifying the entire truck, some companies are focusing on the axles.

In less than five years, electronically controlled, or EC, transmissions have gone from a “maybe” option for a few fleets to the majority spec in new trucks.

While politicians, Hill aides and lobbyists worked on or against legislation that would have allowed twin 33-foot trailers on the national highway system, manufacturers and their fleet customers took note, and the trailer makers busied themselves with improving techniques for stretching 28-foot pup trailers into 33-footers.

SAN ANTONIO — Finding talented diesel technicians these days requires the detective skills of Sherlock Holmes, while keeping them on the ranch is a challenge worthy of the greatest cowboy, truck dealer executives say.

Instead of waiting for diesel prices to rise, truck makers and their suppliers should try to cash in on the environmental benefits of natural gas, experts said.