April 1, 2010
Editorial
Hybrids have gained acceptance over last 10 years
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM, by Bruce Sauer
A DECADE AGO, a veteran trade publication editor was walking around the 2000 Tokyo Motor Show in search of something new. He had written stories about...
Cover Story
The Work Truck Show exceeds expectations in a slowly recovering economy
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
THE Work Truck Show 2010 and the 46th annual National Truck Equipment Association convention exceeded expectations, with 8,054 industry professionals...
Commercial Truck Equipment Industry generally more optimistic
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
NTEA members are generally much more optimistic now than they were a year ago, according to a January survey of over 200 companies. But plenty of changes...
The US Work-Truck Market: Open to Outside Influence?
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM, Tim Campbell Managing Director, Campbell CV Marketing Group
Global commercial truck trends are coming to America's heartland, Campbell said. You might be saying, I'm in the middle of Kansas. What do Europe and...
Washington Update 2010: Back to the Future
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM, Mike Kastner NTEA Senior Director of Government Activities
Kastner gave an overview of current and expected regulatory actions. His key points: He said the stimulus plan was always meant to last much longer than...
Features
Building your own Web site or using eBay can be the vehicle to sell slow-moving inventory and expand your market presence
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
CARNEGIE Body president Richard Sippola said his company examined its inventory a year ago and realized that it had way too much. Company executives decided...
Researcher says truck and trailer industry lags behind others, outlines benefits, and describes initiative involving NTEA
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
DR Daniel Luria, research director for the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), says he has been encouraging companies in the truck and trailer...
Two presenters break down various systems to benefit equipment upfitters and fleet professionals
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
TRUCK technology has advanced drastically in recent years, and distributors can expect even more changes as hybrid trucks gain traction with commercial...
The goal is not just growth it's seeing profitable growth and gaining control of profit margin
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
GROSS margin drives profitability more than any other factor, and pricing is the key factor driving gross margin, so it's critical for a company to have...
Industry Newsdesk
Wabash, Prime Ink Deal for 4,000 Trailers
Apr 7, 2010 12:58 PM
Wabash National Corporation (NYSE: WNC) announced confirmation of a three-year purchase agreement with Prime Inc., one of the largest refrigerated carriers in North America...
AL-KO Kober Corp opens Oregon facility
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
AL-KO Kober Corporation has opened a production facility outside of La Grande OR at 64423 Airport Road. Work on the facility began in summer 2009, with...
Class 8 Production Projected to Grow 19% in Second Half of 2010
Mar 12, 2010 10:15 AM
Improving trends in the economy and the onset of capacity tightening in the truckload sector continue to point to stronger demand for commercial vehicles late in 2010 and into 2011, according to ACT Research Co...
Mack ranks as 2009's top truck exporter
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Mack Trucks Inc finished 2009 as the leading exporter of heavy-duty North American trucks. It had nearly one-third of total truck exports from the United...
Palfinger Acquires Aerial Lifts Manufacturer
Mar 30, 2010 12:29 PM
The Palfinger Group continues its growth strategy and is acquiring an 80-percent stake in ETI (Equipment Technology, LLC). The US company headquartered in Oklahoma primarily produces and distributes aerial lifts. With a staff of around 190, ETI generated revenues of approximately $45 million in 2009...
Miller Industries Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Apr 1, 2010 3:10 PM
Miller Industries announced that this year marks its 20th anniversary in the manufacturing of towing and recovery equipment. Since its beginnings in mid-April 1990, Miller Industries has continued to grow in towing and recovery manufacturing under the well-known brands of Century, Vulcan, Chevron, Challenger, Champion, Eagle, Holmes, Jige and Boniface...
Carriers remain slow to buy new equipment: TCP survey
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Results from Transport Capital Partners' (TCP) recent Business Expectations Survey of truckload carriers in the United States show continuing caution...
Supreme Launches Supreme Express Program
Apr 1, 2010 3:18 PM
Supreme Corporation, a subsidiary of Supreme Industries (NYSE Amex Equities: STS), announced the launch of the company’s new Supreme Express Aluminum Van Body Program, which gives Supreme’s customers a completed aluminum van body in 10 business days or 15 business days with an approved liftgate...
Eaton hybrid systems achieve 30 million-plus miles of service
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Eaton Corporation announced that customers using the company's hybrid systems have collectively accumulated more than 30 million miles of clean, reliable...
Class 8 Order Activity for March Up 21%
Apr 7, 2010 12:50 PM
FTR Associates has released preliminary data showing March Class 8 truck total net orders for all major North American OEM’s at 10,505 units, 35.9% higher than February and 21.1% above March 2009...
NATM Announces Green Manufacturing Award
Mar 29, 2010 1:38 PM
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has announced that it will introduce the Green Manufacturing Award, which will recognize the best innovation or novel solutions by a manufacturer in the industry to positively impact the environment...
Cat, Navistar JV Set to Launch in Australia
Mar 8, 2010 3:05 PM
NC2 Global LLC, the global joint venture between Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) and Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV), is set to launch Australian operations, with truck sales to begin mid-year...
WABCO, to partner with Yuchai
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
WABCO Holdings Inc announced that WABCO and Yuchai Machinery Company Ltd have completed an agreement for product development and the long-term supply...
Versalift Becomes OEM Data Delivery Distributor
Mar 23, 2010 2:40 PM
OEM Data Delivery, a developer of technology tools for managing worksites and high-value equipment, and Versalift East, a manufacturer of aerial devices and trailers, have announced an alliance designed to benefit buyers of aerial equipment who want GPS capabilities as part of their equipment package...
Hendrickson, AxleTech International Partner on Navistar’s MaxxPro Suspension
Feb 23, 2010 2:10 PM
Hendrickson, a Boler Company, and AxleTech International, a General Dynamics company, announced they have received a production award from Navistar Defense, LLC for independent suspension systems on 1,050 new International MaxxPro Dash vehicles...
ATA Truck Tonnage Index slips 0.5% in February
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
The American Trucking Associations advance seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 0.5% in February 2010 following a revised 1.9%...
GE, Navistar Form U.S. Financing Alliance
Mar 12, 2010 10:13 AM
GE (NYSE: GE), Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV), and Navistar Financial Corporation (NFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar, jointly announced an expanded financing relationship under which GE Capital will become Navistar’s preferred provider of retail financing solutions to support sales of Navistar trucks and school buses in the U.S...
AkzoNobel courses receive certification
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
AkzoNobel Car Refinishes Americas has had training approved for I-CAR points through the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance on five courses related to its...
Auto industry concerned by price hike in iron ore
Apr 1, 2010 1:51 PM
ACEA, the European automobile industry’s trade association, is concerned by the sudden and massive increase in the price of iron ore -- a crucial material for producing steel – and has asked the European Commission and member states to develop and implement a raw-materials strategy to ensure a level playing field on the world’s markets and facilitate broad access to raw materials from third countries at competitive conditions ...
Product Profiles
Utility Trailer Mfg Co's side skirt designs receive EPA SmartWay verification
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company has designed two new US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay-verified side skirts that have a special...
TSE Brakes adds Leland brand, appoints Gerding as president
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
TSE Brakes Inc has added the Leland brand to its product portfolio, with Jason Gerding leading the expanded business as TSE president. Gerding previously...
Trilogy becomes Roundo product agent
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Roundo AB of Sweden has entered into an agreement with Trilogy Machinery Inc of Belcamp MD to become its new, exclusive North American agent. For more...
Penske orders UltraShift HVs from Eaton
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Eaton Corporation announced that Reading PA-based Penske Truck Leasing Co LP has ordered more than 1,800 new Fuller UltraShift HV (Highway Value) medium-duty...
Claw designed for Easy Cover tarp system
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Aero Industries Inc has introduced a new accessory for its Easy Cover tarp system. Known as the Claw, the new option features two mechanical hooks integrated...
Bendix offers SmarTire TPMS discount
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC is offering SmarTire Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) at a cost savings to aftermarket distributor customers...
Tommy Gate Co offers Lift-N-Dump G2; Flatbed, Stake, and Van G2 Series
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Tommy Gate Company introduces the Lift-N-Dump G2 Series and the Flatbed, Stake, and Van G2 Series. These products are dual-cylinder design liftgates....
Vanguard makes Phillips products standard
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Phillips Industries announced that Vanguard National Trailer Corporation has chosen the Phillips Qbox nosebox and Sta-Dry Slim-7 wiring harnesses as standard...
Alliance Parts, ArvinMeritor offer rebuilt brakes shoes
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
In response to the challenging economic conditions in the commercial trucking industry, Alliance Parts has partnered with ArvinMeritor to provide a line...
Bonnell complies with NATM guidelines
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Bonnell Industries Inc, Dixon IL, now complies with the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) guidelines. The company has passed the NATM...
Versatile Eye Dot camera system requires no permanent installation
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Certified Power Inc announces a new product, the Eye Dot camera system. Built tough to meet government and municipal market requirements, the Eye Dot...
Chassis Grabber mounting system: No holes need drilling in the frame
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Safety Pumping Systems (SPS) announced the commercial availability of the Chassis Grabber mounting system. The patent-pending Chassis Grabber mounting...
Bedslide is enhanced with new features
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Now with new features, BedSlide answers cargo management needs. The Bedslide SR has a laminated TuffDec surface, new easy-to-use handle bar and release...
Kenworth T470 truck adds second horsepower rating
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Kenworth Truck Company has added a second horsepower rating for the new T470 model. The T470 may now be ordered with the 9-liter Cummins ISL engine with...
Strick Accepted Into SmartWay Program
Mar 22, 2010 2:25 PM
Strick Trailers announced its acceptance into the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership Program. Strick is now certified to produce dry van trailers to EPA SmartWay specifications for customers who wish to improve the aerodynamics and efficiency of their trailers to save fuel...
Isuzu enhances Gold Star Warranty Program for Class 3-5 used trucks
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc has enhanced its Gold Star Warranty Program for Isuzu-built N-Series and Chevrolet/GMC W-Series Class 3-5 used trucks....
Brown Cargo Van goes green with reefer bodies
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Brown Cargo Van has revamped its reefer product line, and it's green. In summer 2009, the company began building eco-friendly custom refrigerated bodies,...
Haldex introduces new FFABS
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems announces a new product that works with the patented Haldex PLC Select 1M and 2M Full Function ABS system applications....
ArvinMeritor Displays Solutions to DOTs
Jan 13, 2010 2:07 PM
ArvinMeritor, Inc. hosted Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood at its headquarters in Troy, MI, to showcase the company’s advanced technologies for Class 8 commercial vehicles. Highlighted technologies included its dual-mode hybrid Class 8 drivetrain and that stability control and collision safety systems offered by the company’s Meritor Wabco joint venture...
InteliGUARD security system lets fleets control in-transit cargo from the office
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
On the anniversary of 9/11, InteliTRAILER Inc unveiled the InteliGUARD Locking System an intelligent, stealthy, and tamperproof security system that goes...
Ridewell expands its suspension lines
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Ridewell announces the release of two new RAR-260 30,000-lb-capacity suspensions. The design of this latest release of the value-priced RAR-260 line of...
Parker RunWise Advanced Series hybrid drive designed for Class 8 refuse vehicles
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Parker Hannifin introduces the latest version of the RunWise Advanced Series hybrid drive system for use with Class 8 refuse vehicles. Featuring a hydrostatic...
Thomas Built Buses redesigns EF cockpit
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
With an eye to the driver's experience, Thomas Built Buses has redesigned its Type D engine forward (EF) cockpit. The result is an updated look and improved...
News on Wheels
Kenworth trucks reinforce image of quality at Reser's Fine Foods
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
When Reser's Fine Foods unveiled a new look with its packaging and marketing in 2009, part of that change was the addition to its delivery fleet of 35...
Spartan Introduces 'NEAT' New Vehicle for the Non Emergency Response Market
Dec 3, 2009 2:11 PM
Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR), today introduced a new Non-Emergency Ambulance Transport (NEAT) vehicle at the American Ambulance Association annual conference in Las Vegas ...
PneuMACvac joins expanded MAC line
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
MAC Trailer Mfg has expanded its tank line and recently unveiled the PneuMACvac at the National Tank Truck Carriers conference in Nashville TN. Designed...
Alliance Parts redesigns website
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Visitors to the redesigned Alliance Parts website (www.alliancebrandparts.com) will find enhanced parts support tools designed specifically for commercial...
AMT provides Economic Handbook
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
The 2009-2010 Economic Handbook of the Manufacturing Technology Industry is available from AMT The Association for Manufacturing Technology. This annual...
Product Focus
Chemique adds Saba Sealtack adhesives
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Chemique Adhesives Inc announces the addition of the Saba Sealtack range of adhesives to its American offerings. The range Sealtack 700, 750, and 780...
Plexus Metal Bonder adhesives designed for optimum performance
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
New Plexus Metal Bonder adhesives provide a combination of high-strength fatigue endurance, impact resistance, and toughness on metals and other substrates...
Heat-resistant epoxy adhesive designed for structural bonding
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
For high-performance bonding strength to both similar and dissimilar substrates, Master Bond Polymer Supreme 46HT-2 was developed. This two-component...
3M Dirt Trap System cuts paint job defects
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
3M has developed a system to protect the paint booth and reduce paint department expenses. The 3M Dirt Trap System provides a paint booth system that...
People and Positions
W&B Service, RETO Named Carrier Transicold Dealers of the Year
Mar 12, 2010 9:44 AM
One of Carrier Transicold’s longest-standing North American dealerships, W&B Service Company, L.P., of Dallas, was named 2009 Dealer of the Year at Carrier Transicold’s annual Truck, Trailer and Rail dealer meeting. Refrigeración Especializada para el Transporte de Occidente S.A. de C.V. (RETO), Guadalajara, Mexico, was named Latin America Dealer of the Year...
Trailer, truck and body industry notes
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
XL Specialized Trailers Inc announced that Lester Evans has joined the organization as market development manager-heavy haul/specialized products. With...
Components Industry News
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Ancra International announced that Darrin Paul, formerly director of sales for the Western Region with Kinedyne, has joined Ancra as the Western regional...
Industry Association News
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Art Richardson, recently retired vice-president of sales for Peterson Manufacturing, was presented the Transportation Safety Equipment Institute's Larry...
The Road Ahead - Calendar
Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM
May 19-21, 2010 DeVilbiss, Binks, and Owens Community College, spray finishing technology workshop, Owens Community College, Toledo OH 800-466-9367, ext...
