Beginning January 1, 2010, 2011 and later model year 53-foot trailers must comply with SmartWay regulations in the state of California. The rules apply to dry, refrigerated and curtainside van trailers, and they must be SmartWay-certified or retrofitted with equipment meeting SmartWay technical requirements and Continue Reading

Bendix’s recently acquired tire pressure monitoring system is now available through its dealer network and independent aftermarket suppliers. By monitoring tire inflation pressures and temperatures in real time, the SmarTire system alerts drivers take action to prevent potentially dangerous problems. Using sensors inside the tire, SmarTire collects the data and Continue Reading

The new HDR1 (Heavy Drive Regional) tire from Continental Tire North America offers several features that further the product’s longevity and durability, according to the company. Its stone ejection technologies help resist the penetration of rocks, which increase the potential for retreading. The tire’s design also provides Continue Reading

Getting the most out of your investment is always important, but during this extended recession even more so. Fleet owners can take steps to get the most out of their tires, as well as their trucks and trailers. Tires comprise the third largest operating cost for many fleets, and advisors say they should be managed properly Continue Reading

Tariffs on car and light truck tired from China will carry an additional 35 percent charge, after President Obama approved the action yesterday. In their first year levied, the tariff will be 35 percent and dropping by 5 percent each of the next two years. With Chinese imports more than tripling in a four-year span, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) recommended Continue Reading

With a double-digit increase in U.S. market share in just five years, tires imported from China may carry higher tariffs. A decision is expected from the White House on whether that 55 percent import tariff will be imposed. Based on legislation passed in 2000, such protections can be levied on Chinese imports if their Continue Reading

Onspot, the manufacturer of an automatic tire chain system, has released four videos addressing installation, operation and maintenance of the product. The Onspot Automatic Tire chain offers the traction of a single set of conventional snow chains at the flip of a switch, without having to stop the vehicle. The videos can Continue Reading

Pressure Systems International (PSI) is encouraging users of its Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS) to purchase its proprietary valve stem connection hoses as replacements in order to maintain the quality of the system. According to the company, the proprietary hose delivers 95 percent of available air to the tires, while 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

Three of the trucking industry’s major suppliers continue to see lower sales volumes and expect more of the same into 2010, during which slight gains are projected. Engine, tire and truck manufacturers have reported multi-million dollar losses in 2009. Lower housing starts and reduced auto production have taken their toll on Continue Reading