Equipment

About Equipment News...

Commercial freight transportation is a machine-based business. Highly technical equipment and advanced engineering are at the center of supply chain and require constant innovation. Transport Topics equipment coverage focuses on the machines and other physical assets that make delivery possible. It looks closely at available truck, trailer, and chassis models, developments in the engineering space, and maintenance innovations and best practices. 

Perspective, Business, Government, Safety, Logistics, Technology, Equipment

Opinion: ATA Intends to Build on 2016 Successes

The new year often brings changes. And rarely has that been as true as this year, as we have just inaugurated a new president who appears poised to change Washington. It’s also a time of renewed focus, to reflect on where we are and look forward and position for success.

January 30, 2017
Equipment, Business

Maxion, Denso, Webb Wheel, Eaton, Meritor Unveil New Products at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Show

Maxion, Denso, Webb Wheel, Eaton and Meritor were among the companies that introduced new products or expanded product lines during the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week trade show that wrapped up Jan. 26 in Las Vegas.

January 27, 2017
Equipment, Business

Detecting a Problem

Fleets that have adopted the latest in active safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise and electronic stability control and, most recently, collision mitigation, report that there is little additional maintenance associated with these complex electronic systems on trucks.

Steve Sturgess | Special to Transport Topics
January 27, 2017
Equipment, Business

Materials and Design Changes Shed Weight From Class 8 Tractors

Equipment and component manufacturers are using new designs and materials such as aluminum to remove weight from Class 8 tractors, which helps fleets increase payload and maximize fuel efficiency.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
January 27, 2017
Equipment, Business

Truck Dealers Talk Challenges in Service, Uptime

While it’s no secret trucking fleets have been frustrated in recent years when it comes to getting problems with their rigs diagnosed and repaired in a timely manner, truck dealers say they are working harder than ever to improve service and uptime for their customers. But, they say, fleets need to step up to the plate as well.

Evan Lockridge | Special to Transport Topics
January 27, 2017
Equipment, Business

New Era in Aftermarket Under Way

Outside of brakes and oil changes, service in the aftermarket has largely operated as “fix as fail,” but that era is fading. Instead, more trucks have connected components and telematics, which means preventive maintenance is becoming the new norm. That is pushing the aftermarket to know when a truck is coming in, what part it needs and to get it to the service provider at the right time and right price, industry experts said.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
January 27, 2017
Equipment, Business

Trailer Makers’ Brave New World

In less than 12 months, motor carriers are scheduled to encounter their first experiences with trailers designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and increase fuel efficiency. The latest federal government mandate to clean the air imposes standards for the first time on semi-trailers, creating what many consider to be a brave new world for trailer makers and suppliers of aerodynamic devices.

Phil Romba | Contributing Writer
January 27, 2017
Equipment, Business

Solar Power’s Future Looks Bright

Many fleets are interested in harnessing free power from the sun to support ever-increasing electrical needs. However, successfully implementing solar power technology on today’s commercial vehicles requires careful planning and having the right application in mind.

Chris Disantis | S. 1 Electrical Study Group Chairman Technology & Maintenance Council
January 27, 2017
Equipment, Business

A Brave New Trucking World — Again?

This issue of Equipment & Maintenance Update marks the first of 2017, which could be a year of change for the United States and quite possibly for trucking.

Fran Matso Lysiak | Features Editor
January 27, 2017
Business, Government, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

Drivewyze Adds Bypass Service in South Carolina

Drivewyze Inc. said it has introduced its PreClear weigh-station bypass service to South Carolina, making it the 38th state where the service is available.

January 26, 2017