Boosted by the government’s “cash for clunkers” automobile program, the U.S. economy expanded 3.5 percent for the first increase in a year, according to the Commerce Department. Durable goods purchases, which include autos, jumped 22 percent. Excluding auto sales, production and inventories, the economy expanded Continue Reading

The latest report from ACT Research indicates that while trailer demand is no longer contracting, it’s too soon to celebrate recovery, according to the firm’s analysts. August data showed gains in net orders of commercial trailers, but those numbers are 35 percent below the same period last year. Though July and August tend to be months of lower activity historically, analysts were hopeful that Continue Reading

Despite the modest growth in Class 8 truck orders in North America, sales are down 30 percent year-over-year, according to the latest report from ACT Research on the State of the Industry. August orders posted a 15 percent increase over July. Medium-duty numbers were 75 percent higher than last year, largely driven by the demand for buses. Though there was a Continue Reading

The Alberta goverment is pushing to phase out trailers manufacturered pre-1993, but with the number of older trailers in service coupled with a sluggish economy, one lobby group is hoping to defer the enforcement date. The mandate now would require a reduction in a pre-1993 trailer’s GVW by 1,000 kg each year for three years. The province hoped Continue Reading

Trucks carrying higher price tags due to new federally mandated pollution controls will not influence they buying plans of fleet executives. Instead, they’re keeping a watchful eye on the economy, which will determine how much and how soon they purchase. Thanks to the recession, plunging freight volumes and Continue Reading

Demand for commercial truck tires this year has plunged, down by more than 2 million units, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, and replacement truck tire demand doesn’t look much better. Those numbers come as no surprise to those in the industry, as it is an accurate indicator of the activity in the trucking market. An Continue Reading

Those who make parts purchasing decisions for large and small carriers alike agree that while price is a factor, it’s not the most important. Quality and service life are key considerations, as is availability and customer support. Contrary to perception, larger carriers are willing to experiment with other suppliers, but typically for Continue Reading

The good news about North American Class 8 truck orders posting an increase for the second consecutive month was tempered by its more than 37 percent decrease compared to July 2008. Truck orders for the U.S., Canada, Mexico and export eclipsed 9,000 units last month, a 9.6 percent increase over June, according to Continue Reading

J.D. Power and Associates’ most recent survey indicates that Class 8 customers have the lowest purchase intention level since 2002, even as other reports show improvements in access to credit, as well as in activity in manufacturing and the housing market. Only 16 percent of customers said they “definitely will” buy new equipment in the next Continue Reading

A decline in new orders for transportation equipment is partially responsible for the lower new order numbers for manufactured goods. Despite their lower numbers, new orders for manufactured goods rose 0.4 percent, the fourth increase in the last five months. Numbers for durable goods dropped more than 2 percent, a plunge credited to Continue Reading