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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.

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.

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.

Mack Trucks' lineup of heavy-duty vehicles is about to get a little lighter.

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. 

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.