Equipment

If a customer wants to drive one of the Class 8 trucks in Ryder’s commercial rental fleet, it will have to be one with an automated manual transmission, which shouldn’t be a problem because that’s what most customers want.

Heavy-duty truck tire maintenance is proof positive that a field can remain constant while constantly evolving. Many parts of the tire-changing process have remained static for decades. But fleets say new tire designs, tools and technologies are enhancing maintenance operations, especially for tire monitoring. 

Keeping roadways free of snow and ice is critical for safety, but the de-icing products states use — mainly chlorides — are notorious for causing truck corrosion, creating a significant risk to equipment.

States are working to decrease the amount of product needed to clear winter roads, implementing brine technology and adding corrosion inhibitors

Michael Freeze reflects on a recent podcast conversation about the trucking industry and logistics.

Caterpillar Inc. fourth-quarter earnings beat analysts’ expectations as reopening economies stoked demand for its signature yellow machines. The company said it expects stronger year-over-year sales this quarter, led by construction industries.

Used Class 8 sales rose in December along with double-digit gains in prices as the average heavy-duty truck’s mileage and age remained below year-earlier levels, ACT Research reported.

Shortages of technicians and drivers, and general economic growth topped the list of concerns in the aftermarket sector, an industry analyst said Jan. 26.

Nikola Corp. backer Luxor Capital Group LP is investing in European electric truck startup Volta Trucks AB to help the company scale its manufacturing and expand into North America and Asia.