October 1, 2009
Industry Newsdesk
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index Shows Minimal Improvement In August
Sep 15, 2009 2:51 PM
The FTR Trucking Conditions Index ticked up slightly in August, but at a reading of -20.18 still remains well below a neutral reading of 0...
Universal Trailer purchases Wells Cargo
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Corp (UTC) and its affiliates announced the purchase of Wells Cargo Inc, the nation's original cargo trailer manufacturer...
Class 8 commercial vehicle net orders reach highest level since November 2008
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Heavy-duty Class 8 commercial vehicle net orders inched up in August 2009 to their highest level since November 2008...
Peterbilt taking orders for NG-fueled vehicles
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Peterbilt Motors Company is taking immediate orders for the production of its vocational and aerodynamic vehicles powered by compressed and liquefied natural gas (NG)...
Navistar rolls out electric delivery truck prototype on Capitol Hill
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Navistar showed off a prototype of a light-duty all-electric delivery truck to members of Congress during a special event held recently on Capitol Hill...
ArvinMeritor opens new technical center in India
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
At an event in Bangalore, India, recently, ArvinMeritor officially opened a new technical center that will lead the company's advanced product development initiatives for its portfolio of axles and brakes for commercial and other vehicle applications in the Asia Pacific region, and will support the company's engineering needs in North America, South America, and Europe...
Karmak, MSC agree to integrate accounts
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Karmak Inc and Multi Service Corporation (MSC) announced a collaboration to integrate OEM national account programs with Karmak business systems via Service Gate...
NHTSA announces plans for rollaway prevention regulation
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to place a requirement in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that motor vehicles with 10,000-lb gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and below excluding walk-in vans ...
Navistar International Corporation, Caterpillar create NC2 global joint venture
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Navistar International Corporation and Caterpillar Inc have closed a joint venture transaction resulting in a new company, NC2 Global LLC, to serve the global commercial truck market. Navistar and Caterpillar first announced plans to form a joint venture in June 2008 and have identified the leadership team of the new entity that will establish its headquarters in the Chicago IL area...
Hyva USA joins forces with VIPAR, VHD
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
VIPAR Heavy Duty and its wholly owned subsidiary, VHD Equipment Network LLC, have announced a new heavy-duty supplier program with Hyva USA. Hyva USA...
Redneck Trailer Supplies opens GA branch
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Redneck Trailer Supplies held the grand opening of its branch in Byron GA. The branch, Redneck's 20th, is at 308 James E Williams Drive; normal business hours are 8 am-5 pm Monday through Friday...
Commercial vehicle market poised for an upward crawl
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Production of new heavy- and medium-duty commercial vehicles reached a trough in the second quarter of 2009, with the third quarter projected to be the start of a slow but steady recovery, according to ACT Research Co...
Vanguard opens new truck center in Texas
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Vanguard Truck Center of Austin, a member of the Vanguard Truck Centers dealer group, has opened a $4.5 million state-of-the-art truck center facility in Buda TX...
Bendix demonstrates its technologies to industry stakeholders in US capital
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC recently demonstrated its advanced active safety and new fuel-saving air management technologies to fleets, legislators, and governmental agencies in Washington DC...
Mack Trucks marks opening of new world headquarters
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Mack Trucks Inc introduced itself to the Piedmont Triad as the company recently officially celebrated the grand opening of the new Mack World Headquarters on National Service Road in Greensboro NC...
First Mack Pinnacle rolls off Macungie PA assembly line
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
A new era began August 13, when the first Mack Pinnacle tractor came off the production line at the Macungie Assembly Operations in Pennsylvania...
Jerr-Dan Corp adds Rush as distributor
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Jerr-Dan Corporation, an Oshkosh Corp company and a manufacturer of towing and recovery equipment, announced the addition of Rush Towing Systems of San...
PSI marks five years as SmartWay affiliate
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Pressure Systems International, which produces the Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS), is celebrating five years as a SmartWay Transport Partnership shipper and a manufacturer of a SmartWay-endorsed technology...
US Army division awards tractor contract to Daimler Trucks North America
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The US Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command awarded a contract to Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) to produce 1,780 units of the M915A5 64 military linehaul tractors...
ArvinMeritor wins lawsuit against Eaton
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
ArvinMeritor Inc announced that a jury has ruled in favor of ZF Meritor LLC, a venture between ArvinMeritor and ZF Friedrichshafen AG, and Meritor Transmission Corporation, an ArvinMeritor company, in the companies' antitrust lawsuit against Eaton Corporation...
Product Profiles
Tuffy offers Early Bronco Security Trunk
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Tuffy Security Products is offering the Early Bronco Security Trunk. This high-security 16-gauge steel storage trunk is specifically designed to mount behind the rear seat in an early Ford Bronco 1966-77 vehicle providing a secure place to store valuables...
Plug'n Go helps make backing up easier
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
It's called America's Blindspot, and each year it accounts for numerous accidents, property damage, and deaths...
Grote lamps gain surface-mount bracket
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Grote Industries recently announced the release of a new surface-mount bracket with an on-off switch for its LED WhiteLight interior dome lamps...
Sta-Lock gladhands ensure a connection
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
New Sta-Lock gladhands from Phillips Industries can ensure a secure trailer connection when space is tight and reduced weight is a goal. The Sta-Lock gladhand combines a lightweight aluminum body with a cast-iron connector plate...
Terex AWP's Genie QuickStock lift aims to simplify inventory picking
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Terex AWP introduces the new Genie QuickStock (QS) lift designed to make inventory picking faster, easier, and safer than rolling stairs or manually propelled lifts...
PSI-branded hoses deliver maximum air
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
When replacing the valve stem connection hoses on the Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS) by PSI, it is recommended that the proprietary MTIS hose be used to maximize the performance of the system...
Remote Start/Stop Module built for Dodge, Sterling transmissions
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
VMAC's Remote Start/Stop Module is designed for 2007-2009 Dodge 6.7L 2500-5500 automatic transmissions and 2007-2009 Sterling Bullet 6.7L 3500-5500 automatic transmissions to allow easier remote start/stop of the vehicle. Ideal for bucket truck operators or any work truck requiring a remote engine start, this module allows a vehicle with the key in the position to be engaged remotely...
Aero Clad bumper for Volvo VNL trucks
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Hendrickson Bumper and Trim unveils its Aero Clad bumper with stylish air dam for 2003 and newer Volvo VNL on-highway trucks...
Alliance Parts introduces line of replacement LEDs
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Alliance Parts, a provider of new and remanufactured replacement parts for the commercial transportation industry, has introduced a complete line of replacement light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to offer improved lighting performance and energy efficiency to commercial truck operators...
Products designed to deter cargo theft
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
While no one device can completely stop cargo theft, Powerbrace Corporation of Kenosha WI offers several practical and relatively inexpensive methods to secure cargo and deter theft...
Parker Hannifin expands piston pump family
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
A 45cc/rev P1/PD Series pump is now available from Parker Hannifin. The variable-displacement, axial piston pump is designed for medium-pressure open-circuit mobile (P1) and industrial (PD) applications...
The Road Ahead
CALENDAR
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
October 27-28, 2009 ACT Research's 41st Commercial Vehicle Seminar, Indianapolis IN 812-379-2085www.actresearch.net/seminars.shtml October 27-29, 2009...
People and Positions
Trailer, truck, & body OEMs
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Heil Trailer International (HTI) has promoted Bill Harris to corporate business development manager. Before his current assignment, he was working with...
Component manufacturers
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
SAF-Holland SA has appointed Alexander Geis president of its Aftermarket Business Unit. In addition to this role, Geis will serve as a deputy member of...
Dealers/distributors
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
After nearly six decades in the business, Ottis Kyle is retiring from The Jack Olsta Co. Kyle started in the industry in 1950, when he took a position...
Articles
LETTER TO EDITOR
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Clarification needed on light duty trailer towing Dear Bruce: The article by Rick Weber, appearing in the August 2009 issue of TBB summarizing Dave Decker's...
EWR threshold raised to 5000 units
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is providing the work-truck industry with significant relief from the regulatory burdens associated with the Early Warning Reporting (EWR) rule...
Finding gold in chrome
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By BRUCE SAUER
The Folks at Southern States Utility in Jackson, Mississippi see amazing things in many places. Tornados that damage buildings and spare people...
Aurora Parts & Service Network moves from wholesale relationship to helping dealers in the retail marketplace
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM, BY RICK WEBER
Tough economic times cause major changes in companies and markets. To get a clearer picture of how the aftermarket is changing, Aurora Part & Service recently conducted detailed interviews with 36 fleets as well as with the company's distributors. The research generated a 60-page report and some new ways of doing business...
Six market trends impacting the commercial vehicle aftermarket
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM, BY JOE MEJALY Vice president and general manager, Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket ArvinMeritor Inc
The aftermarket has never been more important to North American truck operators as they strive to maximize life and uptime from their current fleet of trucks and trailers...
New online catalog has increased business by 500% in past year
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM, BY RICK WEBER
ORR & Orr president Hank Hines says he was just trying to update the online selling tool on his company's Web site to better serve his customers...
As recovery begins, Latin-Kasper says majority of companies have managed and planned for downturn better than in the early 1980s
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM, BY RICK WEBER
National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) market data and research director Steve Latin-Kasper doesn't sugar-coat it: This recession, he says, is the worst since World War II, and it has damaged the industry...
WABCO supplies CAN Repeater to Broshius
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
WABCO Holdings Inc supplies Broshuis with WABCO's new controller area network (CAN) Repeater, a breakthrough technology that enhances the performance of electronic braking systems (EBS) on extra-long trailers...
Bendix issues important fraud alert
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix CVS) and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC are warning employees, customers, and other consumers about a business financing scam that has appropriated the companies' identities...
Rivetless front and rear covers for Haldex S-ABA brake adjuster
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Haldex introduces rivetless front and rear covers for S-ABA style automatic brake adjusters...
Webb brake drum technology can handle vehicle stopping-distance regulations
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Brake drum technology developed by Webb Wheel Products Inc offers trucking fleets a reliable, cost-effective way to comply with new federal regulations on stopping distances for commercial vehicles...
Webb updates disc brake rotor catalog
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Webb Wheel Products Inc. has released an updated rotor catalog listing all Webb rotors available for hydraulic disc brake school bus, light truck, and RV chassis applications...
Labelmaster 09 Transport Source Catalog
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Labelmaster has released its 2009 Transport Source Catalog featuring hundreds of products including vehicle placards, placarding systems, security seals and bolts, shipping forms, books and software, and traffic signs...
ATA report outlines fleet expenses
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released the findings of its analysis on operational costs of trucking...
XTRA Lease provides free 2009 Size & Weight Guide
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The 2009 version of the Size & Weight Guide, a reference guide containing state-by-state listings of size and weight regulations, is now available from...
Clutch guide wall chart, brochure offered
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems has recently created the Heavy Duty Clutch Guide Wall Chart and Clutch Guide/Cross Reference Brochure...
DDDL gains advanced diagnostic features
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Detroit Diesel Corporation has launched advanced diagnostics features for its Detroit Diesel Diagnostic Link (DDDL) tool...
Commercial Fleet Tire Digest website easier to navigate
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The Commercial Fleet Tire Digest, introduced in 2006, is an authoritative guide to reducing tire expenditures...
Peterson offers 2009 Catalog Supplement
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Peterson Manufacturing announces that its new 2009 Catalog Supplement is off the presses and on its way to customers. The supplement adds 25 pages of...
It happened this month
Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM, BY RICK WEBER
In our first October issue Lone Star State. Utility Trailer purchases a 22-acre site in El Paso, Texas, and plans a 20,000-square-foot facility that is expected to expedite new trailer deliveries to Colorado, Arizona, and Texas distributors...
