The improving quality of trucks may mean that truckload carriers extend their trade cycles, according to executives at the Heavy Duty Dialogue conference for truck and component manufacturers. But, though some fleets may delay their truck-buying for a few additional years, there are others who pursue “MegaTruck” specs that would allow them to carry heavier payloads and reduce the per-ton cost of transportation for its customers. While those fleets seek greater vehicle freight efficiency, the consensus cautioned that heavier vehicle weight limits recently proposed would benefit only a small niche of carriers.

LAS VEGAS. Truckload carriers are not going to be in much of a truck-buying mood this year and may be rethinking their trade cycles– pushing them out from three years to four or five, according to three well-know truckload executives.

Speaking to truck and component manufacturers gathered for the one-day Heavy Duty Dialogue conference here, Swift Transportation president Jerry Moyes said: “We used to run trucks for a million miles and the quality wasn’t anywhere near as good as it is now. With the improvement in quality, we’re looking at running our trucks another year or two.” As for new truck purchases, Moyes said: “We’re done for this year.”

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