A new book chronicling the first cross-continent truck trip has recently been released by Canadian journalist Ron Corbett. “The Great Adventure” traces the journey of a Canadian driver named George MacLean who was commissioned by a trucking company to prove a motorized truck could outperform a mule train. That company, which would be the forerunner to Mack Trucks, and MacLean proved it possible with a trip from Denver to New York carrying about eight tons in a flatbed that more resembled a covered wagon than a truck. The book is Continue Reading

The new federal fuel efficiency standards announced by US President Barack Obama may have some far-reaching effects. After the proposed 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emission goals detailed on Tuesday, the Canadian Trucking Alliance is pushing for Ottawa to adopt a similar set of eco-friendly rules for the trucking industry. Specifically, the CTA wants to accelerate the penetration of new EPA2010-compliant tractors into the marketplace and incentives to retrofit older vehicles with fuel-saving technologies, as well as see lawmakers embrace the Continue Reading

U.S. trailer orders dropped again in June, but it’s too soon to tell, according to analysts, whether this should be an industry-wide cause for concern. Despite a 26 percent decline from May and a 5 percent drop from June 2010, ACT Research Co. noted in its report that orders are still double what they were a year ago. Also, the research firm said, the lower order numbers were not a result of cancellations, but rather Continue Reading

The U.S. and Mexico have finally made the cross-border trucking program official again. The top transportation leaders from both countries signed the agreement yesterday in Mexico City. Under the terms, Mexican trucks and drivers must comply with a litany of safety requirements. Drivers must submit to drug test and an English language assessment, for example. In return, Mexico agrees to lift a number of retaliatory tariffs it imposed on the U.S. when the previous cross-border trucking program was suspended in 2009. Then, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray Continue Reading

According to the latest numbers, trailer orders are down, but some analysts say it was to be expected. A researcher with ACT Research Co., says the decline is in line with normal industry patterns and that, despite the slip, the backlog continues to grow, and is up 1 percent from April. The result is a full production slate for OEMs. Even better is that the number of cancellations is low. After several consecutive spikes in trailer Continue Reading

Goodyear’s latest wide-base drive and trailer model tires feature the company’s Fuel Max technology and its DuraSeal self-sealing properties. The models, the G392 SSD drive and G394 SST trailer wide-base singles, are aimed at long-haul and regional-haul applications for their weight-saving and fuel economy boosting benefits. In addition, both are SmartWay certified. The DuraSeal technology helps instantly repair tire punctures by releasing an Continue Reading

The good news is that truck and trailer orders are on the rise. The better news, perhaps, is that they are growing at such a pace, many OEMs and industry analysts are adjusting their sales forecast numbers as a result. Most major truck manufacturers told Fleet Owner they had upped their anticipated production numbers, while some even wondered if they might reach their peak of what they could physically produce in a year. For trailers, the order backlog continues to grow, even despite a 30 percent decline in net orders from March to April. ACT Research Co. analysts aren’t too concerned Continue Reading

SAF-Holland has announced it has expanded application coverage for its CBX Series Suspension for trailers. Its proprietary Fusion Beam Technology is being integrated into several of its suspension models. This technology helps facilitate lower trailing arm beam weight without compromising structural integrity by combining two suspension technologies. The technology involves the fusion of a fabricated tailpiece to the back of the suspension’s cast steel Continue Reading

Low Maintenance MXP-120 All-Aluminum Platform Looks Great for the Long Haul

LOUISVILLE, KY – After years of development and extensive field and lab testing, Great Dane Trailers launches its new MXP-120 all-aluminum flatbed at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Booth #34075 March 31-April 2 in Louisville, Ky. By offering weight savings to maximize payload versatility and eliminating the potential for corrosion, the MXP-120 combines the latest technologies and proven components from Great Dane’s other platform models.

All-aluminum construction eliminates the potential for corrosion found in steel and combination steel and aluminum models, meaning the MXP-120 can maintain a shiny, like-new image longer. Aluminum components have the added bonus of lowering costs due to Continue Reading

Great Dane Makes Maximum Payloads Possible

LOUISVILLE, KY – The result of Great Dane’s commitment to research and development, The Composite dry freight van’s available specs have been expanded to address the needs of specialty hauls, such as those in the beverage industry and others with frequent heavy floor loads. This new Heavy-Duty Bottom Rail (HBR) lightweight model is on display March 31-April 2 in Booth #34075 at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky.

These new options provide added protection and weight savings without sacrificing strength and durability. The new HBR option features a 21-inch high, one-piece aluminum extrusion that replaces the standard 11-inch bottom rail and eliminates the need for a 6-inch integral steel scuffband. This taller bottom rail adds rigidity to the trailer, reducing sidewall bulging and damage to composite walls. An added bonus is the Continue Reading