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.
December Orders Plunge Amid High Backlog of Trailers
U.S. trailer orders plummeted to 27,800 units in December, off 40% compared with 45,802 a year earlier, reflecting lengthy backlogs and suddenly cautious fleets, ACT Research Co. reported.
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Presence of Autonomous Vehicles Felt in US
WASHINGTON — Technology is changing the transportation landscape as freight carriers move toward self-driving vehicles and public officials look for new ways to develop infrastructure and prepare for what could be a major shift in traffic patterns and driving behavior.
Wheels Are a Component of Fleets' Lightweighting Efforts
The cost of fuel consistently ranks among the top three expenses for trucking fleets, putting fuel economy at the top of fleet managers’ minds. Increasing fuel efficiency and consequently reducing operating expenses is a major reason fleets turn to vehicle lightweighting, especially on components such as truck wheels.
Medium-Duty Sales in December Continue Upward Trend
Single-digit increases defined U.S. retail sales of medium-duty trucks in December and for the full year compared with year-ago periods, WardsAuto.com reported.
Nikola Moves Closer to Marketing Hydrogen-Electric Trucks
LAS VEGAS — Nikola Motor Co. founder and CEO Trevor Milton said two key customers — private fleet Anheuser-Busch Cos. and truckload carrier U.S. Xpress Enterprises — will begin fleet tests of Nikola’s zero-emisssions hydrogen-electric Class 8 trucks by the end of the year, as the first shoots of the necessary fueling infrastructure are emerging in Phoenix.
Dana Reports Higher Sales in Preliminary 2018 Results
Commercial vehicle supplier Dana Inc. announced preliminary 2018 financial results that included higher revenue, and higher earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Capitol Agenda for the Week of Jan. 14: The Transportation Industry's Big 12
Organizers for this year's gathering of the Transportation Research Board in Washington have come up with a list of a dozen topic areas that policymakers need to address to ensure a sustainable transportation network.
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao Announces Proposal Covering Drone Operations
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation is ready to issue a new proposed rule that will allow more freedom for people operating drones, according to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.
Greenbrier Reports Lower 1Q Net Income, Higher Revenue as Orders Soar Nearly 70%
The Greenbrier Cos. reported lower net income and higher revenue for its fiscal 2019 first quarter amid strong orders for double-stack intermodal units, tank cars and heavy-duty flat cars.
Motorcar Parts of America Acquires Dixie Electric
Motorcar Parts of America Inc., a remanufacturer, manufacturer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts, has acquired heavy-duty rotating electrical products company Dixie Electric, according to a Jan. 10 press release.
January 14, 2019