Equipment
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.
Aftermarket Revenue to Fall by 10% This Year, Industry Analysts Estimate
The heavy-duty aftermarket industry, which had passed through the previous two recessions relatively unscathed, has been hit hard this time, with one analyst saying revenue will be down 8% to 10% this year compared to 2008, which itself suffered a 4% drop from 2007.
September 1, 2009Detroit Diesel, Other Makers Submit 2010 Engines to EPA
Detroit Diesel Corp. said it will submit its first heavy-duty 2010 engine for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certification during September, joining Cummins Inc., Mack Trucks Inc. and Volvo Trucks North America, which already have submitted applications to the agency.
August 31, 2009UPS Broadens Technology For Shipping eBay Sales
UPS Inc. said that all U.S.-based sellers on eBay now have a direct, free connection from within that site to the UPS WorldShip system.
August 24, 2009Fleet Size Rises 1% in 2Q, Report Says
The number of Class 8 vehicles operating in the United States totaled 3.641 million units in the second quarter, an increase of less than 1% over the same quarter in 2008, transportation research firm R.L. Polk & Co. said.
August 24, 2009Eaton Gets $45 Million Grant to Provide Plug-in Hybrid Systems for Class 5 Trucks
Truck component maker Eaton Corp. said that it would provide the electric power systems for 378 Class 5 electric hybrid plug-in vehicles under a federal grant, which it called the “largest commercial hybrid deployment” ever.
August 24, 2009July Truck Sales Fall 32.9%
U.S. Class 8 retail sales fell for the seventh consecutive month — this time by 32.9%, WardsAuto.com reported, and a market forecaster predicted that no substantial change is likely until the second half of next year.
August 24, 2009Rural Highway System Is Vital to Commerce, S.D. Trucking Executive Tells Senate Panel
Future U.S. economic vitality depends on an adequately funded rural road system that can accommodate heavier trucks, a South Dakota trucking company president told a Senate committee last week.
August 17, 2009Accuride Reports 2Q Loss on Soft Demand
Commercial vehicle component maker Accuride Corp. said it lost $36.1 million, or $1 per share, in the second quarter, compared with a profit of $3.4 million, or 10 cents, a year ago.
August 13, 2009DOT Targets Distractions
WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood an-nounced last week he will take steps to try to further curb distracting driving activities such as text messaging or using a cell phone or a Global Positioning System device.
August 10, 2009ArvinMeritor Posts $162 Million Quarterly Loss
Manufacturer ArvinMeritor Inc. said it lost $162 million in the April-to-June quarter, while also announcing last week it has found a buyer for its light-vehicle wheels business and has stepped up its marketing effort for truck disc and drum brakes ahead of the government’s new truck stopping-distance rule.
August 10, 2009