Used truck buying patterns are changing to adapt to what essentially has become a new marketplace. While lower mileage vehicles are typically prized by buyers, the strategy du jour–in light of recent economic struggles especially–has been to hang on to equipment even longer, thereby withholding inventory that in better days would have already found its way to market. Considering this, it comes as no surprise that Continue Reading

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

Implementing the new federal fuel efficiency standards for heavy-duty trucks and pickups stands to save fleets, consumers and the nation as a whole billions of dollars in reduced fuel consumption and reduced emissions, which in turn yield a cleaner environment and improved public health, according to an analysis conducted by the National Wildlife Federation. What’s more, the organization says it has determined that the fuel savings will more than cover the upcharge for the pricier technologies required to meet the new standards. The $6,000 to $8,000 more for 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

Most stakeholder groups in the trucking industry are cheering the new federal fuel efficiency standards for heavy-duty trucks announced Tuesday. With the exception of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Assn. (OOIDA), the new targets for reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions were met with praise. One of the advantages of the plan is to reduce dependence on foreign oil. In order to develop technologies to achieve these ambitious standards, a number of OEMs will be put to work, though several said the new federal fuel efficiency goals align well with Continue Reading

Among alternative power solutions, hybrid technology is the favorite to be the leader in the global marketplace among medium-heavy commercial truck and buses by 2020, but its shortfalls, particularly financial, will remain. A new study by Frost & Sullivan, a global research firm, says that hybrids will quickly eclipse even more expensive technologies like compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The leading providers of these hybrids are projected to be North America–where some nearly 50 percent of the projected 300,000-plus electric buses and vehicles on the Continue Reading

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn gave the final approval for three pieces of legislation affecting trucking in the state. One bill raises the maximum truck weight to 80,400 lbs to accommodate auxiliary power units, and the other will boost the speed limit for trucks to 65 mph on four-lane highways outside the Chicagoland area. Both of these changes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2012. The last bill, which allows for a form of dual Continue Reading

On the heels of an announcement calling for improved fuel economy goals for cars and light-duty trucks, President Obama is set to make a similar announcement regarding heavy-duty vehicles on Tuesday, Aug. 9. Just last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation proposed a 20 percent reduction of emissions and improved fuel economy for heavy-duty trucks beginning with the Continue Reading

Yesterday, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved a third year of funding to promote the purchase of next-generation clean cars, trucks and off-road equipment. The program will offer up to $40 million to be distributed on a first-come first-served basis. Trucking companies in the state can receive vouchers to help support the addition of fuel-efficient hybrid and zero-emission trucks into Continue Reading

Though the recent resurgence in Class 8 truck sales is positive, many fleets remain cautiously optimistic about the economy. That’s why many of the new truck orders are driven by the desire to replace aging equipment, not to add capacity. Still, there is more than enough equipment in most fleets to replace, as this marks the oldest the U.S. trucking fleet has ever been, according to FTR Associates. Though availability of credit and volatile fuel prices have an effect, the age factor alone is what’s driving much of the surge in Continue Reading