Fleet 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.
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.
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, 2017Mack Trucks Discontinues Titan Model, 16-Liter Engine
Mack Trucks' lineup of heavy-duty vehicles is about to get a little lighter.
Accuride Introduces Lighter Steel and Aluminum Wheels
Accuride Corp. announced new steel and aluminum wheels that it said offered weight-saving benefits, including the industry’s first 65-pound steel wheel and 40-pound aluminum alloy wheel for commercial vehicles.
January 23, 2017Darling Emphasizes Safety Partnerships During FMCSA Farewell Comments
On his final full day as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Scott Darling said his biggest regret of his 2½ years in charge was not being able to fully implement the Unified Registration System.
UPS, FedEx, Amazon Form Twin 33s Advocacy Group
A new coalition of shippers and retailers led by UPS Inc., FedEx Corp. and Amazon.com plans to call on members of Congress to support the nationwide access of twin 33-foot trailers, a move likely to ignite a contentious debate among lawmakers during the 115th Congress.
Ports Set Records for Containers in 2016; Forecast Better for 2017 Amid Uncertainty
For several top North American container ports 2016 was a record-setting year, and industry analysts are cautiously optimistic that 2017 will be even better despite the uncertainty in Washington that comes with a new presidential administration.
FedEx, Amazon Lead Twin 33s Advocacy Group
Americans for Modern Transportation, a new coalition of shippers and retailers led by FedEx Corp. and Amazon.com intends to press congressional lawmakers this year to approve nationwide access of twin 33-foot trailers.
Opinion: The Hidden Cost of Extended Idling
You don’t have to be a diesel mechanic to know that extended idling is bad for business. Frequent or prolonged idling increases emissions, wastes fuel and puts unnecessary wear on your engine. That’s why, due in large part to increasingly strict emissions standards, the trucking industry has seen a dramatic increase in idle-reduction technologies.
January 9, 2017Nonbank Lending Rises in Late 2016; Truckers Struggle for Traditional Loans
Nontraditional bank lending to trucking companies picked up moderately in the second half of 2016 as fleets sought to survive during a sluggish freight market, according to lenders with exposure in transportation financing.