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.
January 27, 2017Equipment, Business
New Era in Aftermarket Under Way
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.
January 27, 2017Equipment, 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.
January 27, 2017Equipment, 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.
January 27, 2017Business, Equipment
Lakeville Motor Express Ceases Operations; Local Teamsters Denounce Owner’s Tactics
The owner of Lakeville Motor Express, a company that in recent years has operated as a cartage agent for Minnesota-based regional less-than-truckload carrier LME Inc., said he has shut down the business due to “heavy financial losses” and operational difficulties, including “the inability to hire drivers.”
December 5, 2016Business, Equipment
13.2% of Brake Week Inspections Result in Out-Of-Service Orders
Commercial motor vehicle officers reported 13.2% of inspections resulted in out-of-service orders for brake violations during a weeklong brake enforcement operation, compared with 12.3% last year and 16.2% in 2014.
November 14, 2016Business, Equipment
Doonan to Open New Flatbed Trailer Plant
Doonan Specialized Trailer announced it has gutted a 25,000-square-foot manufacturing plant, previously used to stall-build custom trailer products, and created a high-efficiency flatbed trailer plant.
November 10, 2016Business, Equipment
Dorsey Launches All-Aluminum Platform Trailer Series
Specialty trailer manufacturer Dorsey Trailer introduced an all-aluminum platform trailer series, Aluminum Giant, with a capacity of 80,000 pounds evenly distributed, according to the company.
November 9, 2016Business, Equipment
Dana Introduces E-Axles for Hybrid, Electric Vehicles
Dana Inc. introduced a product line of power technologies and drive axles called Spicer Electrified, including fully integrated motor, control and e-drive technologies intended for electric and hybrid vehicles.
November 9, 2016Business, Equipment
Tepid North American Market Hurts Results in 3rd Quarter, Equipment Suppliers Report
Leading heavy-duty equipment suppliers said soft demand for their products in North America weakened third-quarter results.
November 7, 2016