TRB Truck Size and Weight Panel Faces Political Headwinds Over Heavier, Larger Trucks
WASHINGTON — Members of the Transportation Research Board’s Truck Size and Weight Committee said they continue to face stiff headwinds to garner public and political support for heavier and longer trucks, despite evidence that demonstrates the potential for reducing carbon emissions and increasing cargo efficiency.
January 23, 2019Cummins X12 Engine Available in Western Star 4700
Cummins Inc. announced its X12 engine, which weighs only 2,050 pounds, is available in Western Star 4700 straight trucks and tractors.
January 23, 2019New York Hadn't Been Enforcing the ELD Mandate. Now It Is.
The New York State Department of Transportation announced that state inspectors will begin enforcing federal electronic logging device rules, ending a year-plus stretch during which a lawsuit kept the state law enforcement in limbo and left federal inspectors as the sole enforcers of the rule in the state.
January 18, 2019Colorado Joining California in Mandating Electric-Vehicle Sales
Colorado moved to boost electric-car sales by taking the first step toward adopting a zero-emission-vehicle mandate patterned after one in California that’s under threat from the Trump administration.
January 18, 2019December Class 8 Sales Cap Fourth-Best Year All-Time
U.S. Class 8 retail sales rose 16.7% to 26,083 in December to cap the fourth-highest sales year ever as fleets replaced older trucks and expanded amid tight capacity, strong freight demand and high rates.
January 17, 2019December Orders Plunge Amid High Backlog of Trailers
U.S. trailer orders plummeted to 27,800 units in December, off 40% compared with 45,802 a year earlier, reflecting lengthy backlogs and suddenly cautious fleets, ACT Research Co. reported.
January 17, 2019Presence of Autonomous Vehicles Felt in US
WASHINGTON — Technology is changing the transportation landscape as freight carriers move toward self-driving vehicles and public officials look for new ways to develop infrastructure and prepare for what could be a major shift in traffic patterns and driving behavior.
January 17, 2019Wheels Are a Component of Fleets' Lightweighting Efforts
The cost of fuel consistently ranks among the top three expenses for trucking fleets, putting fuel economy at the top of fleet managers’ minds. Increasing fuel efficiency and consequently reducing operating expenses is a major reason fleets turn to vehicle lightweighting, especially on components such as truck wheels.
January 16, 2019Medium-Duty Sales in December Continue Upward Trend
Single-digit increases defined U.S. retail sales of medium-duty trucks in December and for the full year compared with year-ago periods, WardsAuto.com reported.
January 16, 2019Nikola Moves Closer to Marketing Hydrogen-Electric Trucks
LAS VEGAS — Nikola Motor Co. founder and CEO Trevor Milton said two key customers — private fleet Anheuser-Busch Cos. and truckload carrier U.S. Xpress Enterprises — will begin fleet tests of Nikola’s zero-emisssions hydrogen-electric Class 8 trucks by the end of the year, as the first shoots of the necessary fueling infrastructure are emerging in Phoenix.
January 16, 2019