Are Opportunities Improving For The Freight And Trucking Market?

Dan Goodwill, President, Dan Goodwill & Associates Inc, writes on his blog about the possibility of better prospects in the future for the freight and trucking market.

According to the post titled The Freight Recession is Over, while truckers and carriers have been hammered by fuel costs, businesses that ship cargo are finding a tightening of capacity and difficulty getting their loads delivered. Some in the industry are predicting an increase of 3 to 10% for freight rates.

Goodwill adds that fuel costs are still part of a "tug of war" between shippers and carriers, but improving opportunities could lie ahead for the end of this year and early 2009.

Source: Dan Goodwill and Associates Inc. and LifeOnTheRoad.com

Truck Drivers Reduce Speed To Cut Fuel Costs

With fuel costs squeezing trucking companies tighter than ever, some truck companies are slowing down to save money.

Business First of Columbus reports on a trucking company that reset their truck's onboard computers to 62 miles per hour. Shaving off a few miles from their truck's top speed could save the company over $750,000.

Trying to control fuel costs is vital if consumers are to be spared higher shipping prices.

As trucking companies are finding ways to save, truck manufacturers are striving to build more fuel efficient and aerodynamic trucks.

Source: Business First of Columbus

Is There Some Relief From The Truck Driver Shortage?

While there is plenty of cargo that needs trucks to move across the nation, there is a crucial shortage of drivers to get behind the wheel.

According to USA Today, the rising cost of fuel and tough economic times have incresed the number of truckers looking for jobs and drivers to the companies that need them. With some trucking companies reducing fleet size, drivers are seeking new employment.

The shortage of truck drivers is far from over. Industry experts expect that by 2014, the nation will require 1.7 million truck drivers on the roads.

Source: USA Today

Navistar Expects Record Revenue In 2008.

Despite the pressures on the truck market due to fuel prices and rough economic news, Navistar recently announced increased market share for their traditional truck business.

According to Navistar...

“Midway through 2008, a much weaker year for the industry than even 2007, we are truly realizing the benefits of our growth strategy,” said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and chief executive officer.

“With recent billion-dollar-plus orders in our bus and defense businesses and considerable order receipt increases in our core truck markets, we expect to achieve record revenue in 2008. And, even more importantly, deliver nearly $1 billion in manufacturing segment profit,” said Ustian.

The company also detailed second quarter 2008 worldwide shipments of Class 6-7 medium trucks and Class 8 heavy trucks, school buses and expansion market vehicles of 27,200 – a 41 percent increase over the first quarter. Navistar U.S. and Canada dealer stock inventories reached a five-year low, while both year-to-date market share and order receipt share increased an average of 4 percentage points across all vehicle lines versus the same period of 2007.

Source: Navistar

Arkansas Governor Announces New Trucking Workforce Pilot Initiative

Governor Mike Beebe of Arkansas announced Friday the Trucking Workforce Pilot Initiative, a program to train as many as 300 Arkansas residents as new truck drivers.

The Morning News in Northwest Arkansas reports that 600 to 800 trucking jobs need to be filled in Arkansas.

The new program is designed to encourage new truckers who would otherwise be reluctant to pursue trucking jobs due to the cost of training.

Source: The Morning News

Love's Travel Stops To Offer Michellin Truck Tires

Michelin recently announced a cooperative agreement with Love's Travel Stops, expanding service to the trucking industry.

According to Michelin...

Beginning in May 2008, Love's Travel Stops will feature Michelin truck tires and related products and will begin expanding the services offered at many of their locations to include tire and emergency road service.

"For over four decades, Love's Travel Stops has grown with the trucking industry," said Guy Pekle, vice president of Replacement Sales, Michelin Americas Truck Tires. "Love's has earned a reputation of excellence in delivering much needed products and services for the over-the-road customers. Their commitment to providing outstanding service to the trucking community mirrors that of Michelin, which makes this agreement very beneficial for truckers coast-to-coast."

Love's Travel Stops is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and operates over 200 locations.

Source: Michellin

Con-Way Inc. Reduces Speed On Trucks To Save Fuel And Enviroment

San Mateo County Times reports that trucking company Con-way Inc. is setting the maximum speed for their trucks to 65 mph.

The effort by Con-Way affects around 2,700 trucks.

The effort is aimed at not just saving money on fuel (about 2.8 million gallons per year) but also reduce carbon emissions by 62 million pounds.

Source: InsideBayArea.com

Kenworth T800s Keep On Hauling Under Harsh Conditions

Kenworth's homepage reports on their T800s working in the rugged and remote energy fields of the Unitah Basin of northeastern Utah. RN Industries in Roosevelt, Utah, uses T800 to haul water for the drilling rigs.

According to Kenworth...

RNI's fleet has grown rapidly to more than 240 trucks, mostly Kenworth T800s. RNI president Roger Chapman prefers Kenworth T800s for their quality, durability and resale value.

"We look at the cost of owning trucks long term, not just short term," said Chapman, whose fleet operates mostly in harsh mountainous terrain where the gas fields are located. As natural gas is pumped out of the ground, it brings with it briny water that has to be properly disposed. RNI's water vacuum trucks haul the wastewater to designated facilities. "The T800 is our workhorse," he said. "Those Kenworth cabs hold together in rust-service applications better than anything we have ever tried."

Thanks to new technologies that didn't exist 15 years ago, Utah's natural gas industry is growing rapidly. Now drillers can get more gas out of the ground safely while drilling wells much closer together. As the drilling rigs have multiplied, so has the number of RNI trucks. Last year, more than 130 new Kenworth trucks were purchased by RNI, with 60 more T800s currently on order for 2008.

Quality and durability are key factors in truck selection because of the severe environment in the oil fields. Chapman's business philosophy has been to consolidate truck purchases around the best piece of equipment, and enjoy the benefits of less downtime and lower cost operations. With Kenworth T800s spec'd with 500-to-600 hp engines and 18-speed transmissions, RNI has been able to meet the growing demand for wastewater removal by providing consistent, on-time service under extreme conditions.

Having a new fleet of Kenworth T800s also helps recruit and retain top drivers in a highly competitive market. "Drivers like the T800s," he said. "We gain and retain a lot of good drivers because of the equipment we operate."

What's the best thing about owning Kenworth T800s? "Resale value - Kenworth has the best in the industry," said Chapman, who has plenty of buyers but too few trucks that he's willing to part with. "Every year we order more trucks thinking we'll trade some in. But every year we have grown that much more and needed that many more units. So we haven't had the opportunity to trade them. Eventually we want to get to a five-year trade-in cycle, but not yet."

Source: Kenworth

Kenworth's T2000 sleek design gets noticed by businesses

Trucks do more than just haul freight. A truck can act as a rolling billboard for a business brand name and project a professional image.

The Kenworth homepage features a profile of Kevin Erion, president of Erion Racing, headquartered in Orange, California. Erion Racing uses Kenworth T2000s for his business.

According to Kenworth...

“Ours is a very high profile, high visibility and image-driven business,” said Kevin Erion, president of Erion Racing, headquartered in Orange, Calif. “Our Kenworth T2000s fit the image profile perfectly, with both cutting-edge technological features and sleek aerodynamic design.”

When the team’s first Kenworth T2000 arrived on the circuit in 2001, other teams and sponsors took notice. “I soon realized there were other high visibility companies involved in racing that also wanted to project a good image with a quality truck, but they didn’t necessarily want to own a truck,” said Erion. “So I thought, if I could operate one truck, why not two, four or six? That was the beginning of my trucking business.”

Drivers often request trucks equipped with automatic transmissions for comfort and safety, so do Erion's clients.

“Some of my trucks have automatic transmissions because the clients prefer them,” Erion says. “Some have bigger engines. The only thing that I have standardized on is the Kenworth T2000 because of its performance design.

“Everyone who drives for me says it’s the best truck they have ever driven. There’s not one specific thing that they point to and say ‘that’s what I like most about the truck,’ because everything about the Kenworth T2000 is quality. It’s comfortable, roomy and smooth riding. Drivers love them.”

Source: Kenworth Truck Company

Women In Trucking names new President

Trucking demand is growing faster than the number of drivers available to fill the driver's seat. Looking for opportunity, more women are now seeking truck driving jobs in a traditionally a male-dominated field.

Women In Trucking, a non-profit organization created to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, recently announced that former Chairwoman, Ellen Voie will now serve as the organization’s President.

Women In Trucking (WIT) was founded in 2007 to encourage women to consider a career in the trucking industry. WIT members range from corporate to driver and student members.

According to the Women In Trucking site...

“The ability to now hire a President is such a testament to our growth,” said Leigh Foxall. ”In a year we have grown to 1,000 members, but equally important, we are getting the support from many corporations that believe in our mission.”

Source: Fleetowner.com and Women In Trucking

International DuraStar guarantees fuel economy improvement of new trucks

International DuraStar is doing more than advertising the fuel economy of their new trucks, they are offering a guarantee. The International DuraStar site features details on a new program where customers can expect 7 percent fuel economy improvement over their previous trucks.

According to International Durastar...

Many commercial trucks claim to have outstanding fuel economy, but only one brand is backing its claims with a guarantee. Customers who purchase a qualifying new International DuraStar powered by a MaxxForce 7 or MaxxForce DT engine will experience a guaranteed fuel economy improvement of 7 percent or greater after six months as part of International’s “Fuel Economy Challenge.” After six months, if the customer has not seen at least a 7 percent fuel economy improvement over their previous qualifying truck, the customer will receive a $1,000 fuel card.


“This program is our way of telling customers that we’re listening,” said Steve Guillaume, general manager, Medium Truck Group. “Customers said that fuel economy is important, and we’ve responded with a product that delivers superior performance and a guarantee that backs it up.”

Customers are eligible if they purchase a qualifying DuraStar between March 6, 2008, and June 30, 2008.

More information on the Fuel Economy Challenge can be found at InternationalTrucks.com/guarantee.

Source: International Truck and Engine Company

Chinese executives visit American trucking company

HeraldMail.com features a story on Chinese trucking executives who paid a visit to the Con-way Freight Service Center in State Line Pennsylvania.

The Chinese executives were visiting Con Way to get a look at how American trucking company works. One executive even took a truck for a test drive around the company lot.

A booming economy has lead to a massive expansion of Chinese roads and highways. Over 90% of cargo is moved by truck in China. By contrast, 60% of cargo is moved by truck in the United States.

According to the article, there are over 200,000 trucking companies in China, ranging from one-truck operations to large firms with thousands of trucks.

January 2008 Roemer report notes increase in trucking's share of nation's freight pool

What will the new year bring for the trucking industry? Challenges lie ahead for truckers and the industry as they deal with an uncertain economy, new laws regulating emissions, and the cost of fuel.

It can be safely said that trucks are going to play an ever-increasing role in keeping the economy rolling. The Roemer Report, a widely read digest of news about the trucking industry, has made some predictions.

From a recent press release...

The January edition of The Roemer Report discusses the projected growth in trucking's share of the nation's freight pool, as predicted by the American Trucking Associations in a recent news release. Despite a rough economic forecast for 2008, the ATA predicts a greater role for trucking in the coming years. The Roemer Report states that trucking within the United States accounted for $196 billion in U.S. motor carrier revenue, while revenue from transportation to Canada, Mexico and other destinations amounted to $8 billion.

The Roemer Report is a monthly digest of news for the trucking industry read by fleet operators, owner-operators and allied personnel. Often referred to as the "Kiplinger Letter of the Trucking Industry", the report has been published by Roemer Insurance for more than 30 years. The publication is distributed free of charge in both print and electronic formats and is archived on the Roemer Insurance website and Insure My Rig, the small fleet division of Roemer Insurance.

The current edition of The Roemer Report discusses a recent ruling by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which refused to return to lower hours-of-service (HOS) limits pushed by safety groups. The January edition also reviews the results of a recent trucking industry survey that finds that the majority of drivers are not happy about the prospect of speed limiters on company trucks, and the issues of truck parking and strategies to prevent hazardous tanker trucks from losing their balance and turning over.

Source: Roemer Insurance

35 years and 2.5 million miles of truck driving

There are over three million truck drivers on the road. One of those drivers is Dave Towne: a truck driver for over 35 years and 21 years as a driver for Wal-Mart.

Towne's impressive safety record has earned him the title of one of the safest drivers in Wal-Mart's fleet.

The Mount Pleasant News follows Towne on the job and reports on the challenges a truck driver faces every day.

One toughest parts of the truck driving: dealing with distracted drivers paying attention to cell phones and even laptop computers.

New biometric system could secure ports and trucks

Biometrics used to be the stuff of science fiction films, where futuristic scanners read fingerprints or retinas to open doors or activate computers.

Land Line features a story on biometrics in real life and how the technology could be used by truckers to gain access to port gates or even be used to start engines instead of keys.

One of the companies mentioned in the Land Line story is Privaris, a company that supplies the hardware and software used in biometrics.

The Privaris web site features details on the Plus ID system that provides identity verification at security gates.

According to Privaris...

Facility operators must be able to quickly and reliably verify the identity of drivers and vehicles without imposing solutions that violate privacy, add substantial costs or create additional security risks. Existing solutions that require drivers to come to a full stop for manual inspection cause traffic delays and significantly impact productivity. Privaris' latest enhancements allow drivers who regularly enter ports, military bases or logistics centers to verify their identity using plusID 90 by simply swiping their finger on their personal biometric fob as they approach the gate. Once the fingerprint is matched to the stored template on the fob, it wirelessly transmits encrypted credentials (not the fingerprint) to the gate control system to validate the access rights for the driver and the vehicle, without the need to come to a full stop or roll down the window.

Land Line reports that the Privaris plusID 90 is now being tested at a military base and several ports are inquiring about the system.

Source. Privaris and Land Line

Cross border trucking program could lose funding

The recent and controversial cross-border trucking program between the United States and Mexico could soon be out of money.

Land Line reports that Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation Appropriations legislation could contain an amendment that forbids the establishment of a cross-border motor carrier demonstration program.

Earlier, The House of Representatives and the Senate both eliminated funding to the cross border program in their transportation appropriations bills.

The year-long pilot program was designed to expand cross-border trucking operations with Mexico as part of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement). While supporter praise the program as expanding free trade, others feel that safety and security are being compromised by allowing Mexican trucks more access to United States roadways.

Source: LandLine

Caterpillar diesel truck engines recieve J.D. Power and Associates Award

Caterpillar Inc. has received a prestigious J.D. Power and Associates Award for ranking highest in customer satisfaction for its Pickup and Delivery Heavy-Duty diesel engines as part of the 2007 Heavy-Duty Truck Engine/Transmission Study.SM

This award is the tenth Caterpillar has received from J.D. Power and Associates for heavy-duty truck engine customer satisfaction. This marks the 11th year the J.D. Power and Associates study has been undertaken.

"The J.D. Power and Associates Award is important because it is based on the feedback from the end-users of our heavy-duty diesel engines. It reflects our total commitment to customer satisfaction,” said George Taylor, director and general manager, Global On-Highway at Caterpillar. “It is also exciting that the state-of-the-art technology used in our engines is helping to reduce emissions without sacrificing engine performance and reliability.”

Caterpillar received the highest numerical score among pickup and delivery (day cab) heavy-duty diesel engines in the study, which was based on 2,677 primary maintainers of two-year-old heavy-duty trucks (Class 8 - weighing 33,000 pounds or more). Pickup and delivery vehicles usually return to their home base each night and are used in on-road applications such as package delivery, beverage processing & distribution, food processing & distribution, and petroleum distribution.

Four vital engine factors were measured (in order of importance): engine quality (30 percent); engine performance (26 percent); engine cost of ownership (22 percent); and engine warranty (22 percent). According to the study, Caterpillar rated highest in customer satisfaction in the heavy engine pickup and delivery segment with an index score of 754, and particularly well in the “engine quality” and “engine performance” factors.

The truck engines use Caterpillar ACERT™ Technology, a long-term solution that reduces emissions at the point of combustion without sacrificing engine performance and reliability. A systems approach to emissions reduction, it relies on advanced technologies in four key areas: improved air management, precision combustion technology, advanced engine electronics and a simple after-treatment process.

"We continue to see strong ongoing customer acceptance for Cat engines with ACERT Technology," added Taylor. "ACERT Technology remains the solution for future engines.”

Source: Caterpillar

Virginia Port Authority and EPA to promote financing for reduced emission trucks

The Virginia Port Authority recently announced its support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership with the launch of a pilot program that offers low-cost financing to purchase diesel trucks with more emission efficient engines or to retrofit older models for efficiency.

This program brings together lenders and truck dealers under a special low-interest loan offer designed to help truckers buy new, more emission-efficient rigs. The loan can be used to finance upgrades to existing trucks for things like fuel-saving auxiliary power units, widebased tires and improving the aerodynamics of tractors and trailers. It is estimated that truck owners who make a purchase using this program can save between $100 and $200 a month. The program is the first of its kind for U.S. ports.

“We are encouraging use of this offer and will promote it within the trucking community because it provides some very real incentives to the drivers,” said Heather Mantz, the VPA’s environmental director. “This program, combined with the decision to use ultra low-sulfur diesel [ULSD] fuel in our vehicle fleet at the terminals, will help the region’s air quality.”

In July, Virginia International Terminals Inc., the VPA’s private terminal operating company, voluntarily began using ULSD in its fleet of nearly 500 vehicles. The switch came almost three years ahead of a federally-mandated change for ports to use cleaner burning fuel in their equipment.

Source: VaPorts.com

Freightliner announces company name change

Freightliner LLC has announced the upcoming change of its corporate name to Daimler Trucks North America LLC. Effective January 7, 2008, this corporate identity will reflect the company's role as steward of several highly regarded brands in a number of different industry sectors, and its role as the North American presence of the world's largest commercial vehicle producer.

In parallel, the shareholders of the former DaimlerChrysler AG approved a corporate name change to Daimler AG at a special meeting on October 4. Freightliner LLC has been a part of Daimler AG or one of its predecessor companies since 1981.

A new Daimler logo was unveiled yesterday in Stuttgart and in Daimler business units worldwide, underscoring the company transformation which commenced with the divestiture of the former Chrysler Group (now Chrysler LLC) on August 3. At the same time, the name of the former DaimlerChrysler Truck Group was changed to Daimler Trucks.

Source: Freightliner

Sterling Ranks Highest in J.D. Power and Associates' Dealer Service Study

Sterling Truck Corporation has announced that it has received the highest overall ranking for Heavy-Duty Truck Dealer Service in the J.D. Power and Associates Heavy Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study. Performing particularly well in dealer facility factor, this is the second time Sterling has been recognized by J.D. Power and Associates in four years.

Sterling was the highest scoring brand for both the dealer facility and service price factors. Sterling was among the highest rated brands on many of the key components in these factors, including the availability of spare parts for service, hours and days the service department is open, the appearance of the facility, and the price of labor and the price of parts.

"With our expansive network of dealerships and an army of work truck experts, dealer service has always been a priority for us, so we're certainly pleased to be recognized for it," said Ann Demitruk, director of marketing for Sterling Truck Corporation. "With interest in the brand at an all-time high, and several new Sterling products hitting the market, 2007 has been an amazing year for us."

Source: Sterling Truck