Equipment & Tech Archives

FullBay: 48% of women stay at one repair shop in their career

Dana Guthrie - March 17, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Fullbay’s fifth annual State of Heavy-Duty Repair Report (SOHDR) is reporting 48% of women stay at one shop throughout their career. While 84% of respondents were men and 19% were women, the report shows that women lean towards making a career in one place rather than shop hopping. 23% of men reported working at two shops in their careers and 20% at three shops. Fullbay, in collaboration with ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council, has published and released its fifth annual State of Heavy-Duty Repair Report, providing businesses and shop owners of the commercial repair industry with the latest insights, trends, and benchmarks to help them run their shops more efficiently. State of Heavy-Duty Repair Report “The passion that goes into putting this report together mirrors our company mission: to support heavy-duty repair shops in becoming more efficient and profitable while ensuring the safety of our roads,” said Patrick McKittrick, CEO of Fullbay. “This fifth annual report marries data surveyed from our industry partners and peers, with real-world data from shops using Fullbay. The combination offers a valuable resource for shop owners and managers to compare their shop’s performance and metrics with their colleagues. This objective, unbiased collection of data is designed to benefit the industry as a whole and continue to drive progress forward.” Employee Numbers Up Heavy-duty repair shops around the country reported a 14.3% increase in their total number of employees, according to the report. Additionally, 45% of shops reported assessing their labor rates once per year, while 46% reported that their labor rate is in line with their competitors. Key Insights Labor rates continue to rise by more than $4 annually, with a $9 jump since 2023 (from $125 to $134). Only 66% of shops surveyed offer health benefits to their technicians, a possible factor that makes hiring techs difficult. Small shops reported the highest number of monthly completed hours, with an average of 114 hours. The average total parts cost and revenue of the shops surveyed was $195 and $246, respectively, a total margin of 21%. 36% of shops reported they do not offer apprenticeships programs, while 33% do offer programs. Shops reported a 7.2% increase in cost for mobile repair labor. According to technician respondents, technician pay increased 7.4% year-over-year between 2023 and 2024 and 3.4% between 2024 and 2025, bringing the average hourly rate to $30. The use of VMRS codes within shops is increasing, with 22% of shops reporting their use, a noticeable increase from the year prior. 31% of shop owners reported not paying themselves a salary. 81% of shop offer mobile repair services. Resource for Shop Owners “We are excited to host another informative event as TMC continues its legacy of providing meaningful thought leadership and education aimed to enhance maintenance, sustainability, and technology practices among the heavy-duty repair community,” said Robert Braswell, TMC executive director. “This annual report is an invaluable resource for shop owners across the industry, offering an insightful baseline for making important and informed decisions that will advance shop practices and benefit employees.” Data Collection The data in Fullbay’s report was generated through the individual survey responses of nearly 1,000 industry professionals in the freight, logistics, and repair industries along with real-world shop data. This year, the number of shops that were analyzed was significantly larger than those analyzed in previous years, and in turn, impacted some studies’ year-over-year results. The majority of shops sampled in the report are located in the United States and Canada, with limited participation from New Zealand and Australia. Sampled shops are anonymized with the exception of data based on role, geography, and industry. The 2025 report is available for free download here. Fullbay retains the rights to update the digital report as new findings and datapoints emerge. Please use the digital link for the most recent version of the report.

Cummins X15N wins Jim Winsor Technical Achievement Award

Dana Guthrie - March 13, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — An alternative-fuel truck engine from Cummins Inc. is celebrating a win. The Cummins X15N won the Technical Achievement Award from North American Truck Writers, a committee of transportation reporters and editors from the United States and Canada. The annual award spotlights recently available products or services that show innovation, technical excellence, wide applicability, and real benefits for commercial truck operators, the writers group said. “I am honored to receive this award on behalf of Cummins,” said Mark Ulrich, director, customer support for Cummins in Columbus, Ind., who accepted the trophy that commemorates the award. “We’re grateful for the recognition and delighted to be part of this program at TMC.” He added that the engine was was in development for about eight years, including service in China and elsewhere overseas. The engine replaces the smaller ISX12N, initially developed in a joint venture with Westport. Cummins X15N Cummins’ X15N, for use in heavy duty trucks, is set up to burn natural gas and renewable natural gas, the builder said last year when announcing the 14.9-liter engine. It is among a series of so-called agnostic engines that, with altered hardware, can burn a variety of clean alternative fuels to meet increasingly stringent exhaust-emissions limits. The engines are based on sophisticated Cummins diesels that are still manufactured and marketed. Clean Fuel Based Clean fuels like natural gas for internal combustion engines will comprise a bridge from diesels to an electric future for commercial vehicles, when fuel cells and batteries will supply the power, as they’ve begun doing, observers believe. The X15N will be an important role on the road to that future, the truck writers reasoned. The 2025 award was announced at a March 9 awards luncheon during the Technology & Maintenance Council’s Annual Meeting and Truck Exposition in Nashville. It is the 34th award from the truck writers, who bestowed the first one in 1991, the group explained. There was no award in 2021 during the COVID pandemic, Tom Berg, panel chairman and writer for Land Line and Construction Equipment magazines. “We feel privileged to cover the trucking industry, and aside from our reporting and writing, this is a way to honor the suppliers who continuously improve the equipment that truck operators use,” Berg said. Fierce Competition The X15N was among 11 products nominated by the truck writers early in the selection process. The first round of points-based voting pared the nominees to five finalists, and the second balloting established the Cummins product as the winner. “Choice of the X15N was almost unanimous” among the 10 voting panel members during the second balloting, Berg said. Product Finalists Along with the X15N, three others made the finals, including: Dragonfly lithium-ion batteries for auxiliary power units. Intangles’ artificial intelligence-run diesel particulate filter monitor. A smart socket and from Phillips Industries. A rear-view camera system for trailers, also from Phillips. Jim Winsor Technical Achievement Award In 2016 the writers dedicated the Technology Achievement Award to James W. Winsor, a respected trucking journalist for 50 years and enthusiastic supporter of the Technology & Maintenance Council. He passed away in 2015. Since 2019 the award has been sponsored by Susan Fall of LaunchIt Public Relations. Aside from Berg, members of the 2025 Truck Writers committee were John Baxter, Baxter Techwrite; Jade Brasher and Josh Fisher of Fleet Owner; Jason Cannon, Commercial Carrier Journal; Seth Clevenger, Transport Topics; Beth Colvin, Trucks, Parts, Service; James Menzies, Today’s Trucking and Trucknews.com; Jason Morgan, Fleet Equipment; and Jim Park and Jack Roberts of Heavy Duty Trucking.

EPA will ‘reconsider’ emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks, says Zeldin

Linda Garner-Bunch - March 12, 2025

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reconsidering the Biden-Harris administration’s greenhouse emissions standards that are set to go into effect for model-year 2027 and later heavy-duty trucks. The agency is also reconsidering regulations for passenger vehicles and light- and medium-duty vehicles. The announcement came Wednesday, March 12, in a press release from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. In addition to imposing more than $700 billion in regulatory and compliance costs and making it difficult for Americans to buy safe, affordable cars, Zeldin said the standards would increase the overall cost of living. The EPA is also reevaluating other parts of the Biden-Harris “Clean Trucks Plan,” including the 2022 Heavy-Duty Nitrous Oxide rule, which “results in significant costs that will make the products our trucks deliver, like food and other household goods, more expensive.” Members of the trucking industry were quick to applaud Zeldin’s actions. AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS (ATA) “We commend President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for restoring common sense to our nation’s environmental laws and demonstrating bold leadership on this critical issue that affects not only the 8.5 million men and women who work in trucking, but all Americans,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations. “GHG3 in its current form is unachievable given the state of battery-electric technology and the sheer lack of charging infrastructure,” he continued, describing the rule as “an albatross for the trucking industry” because of the increased costs for motor carriers and supply chain disruptions that would ultimately increase consumer costs. Realistic, achievable standards and deadlines are vital to the reduction of pollution caused by heavy-duty trucks, Spear noted, pointing to progress made since the 1980s. “Sixty trucks today emit the same amount as one truck manufactured in 1988,” he said. “The trucking industry welcomes the resumption of this productive partnership with EPA,” Spear said. “Crafting a new national rule will prevent states like California from attempting to make an end run around the administration, creating a patchwork of impossible mandates that would jeopardize our economy.” CLEAN FREIGHT COALITION (CFC) A statement from the CFC also applauded the Trump administration’s actions and the EPA’s decision to reconsider emissions standards for commercial transport. “The trucking industry has made significant improvements on tailpipe emissions over the last several decades, and we will work with the (Trump) administration on reasonable and achievable solutions that continue to deliver cleaner commercial vehicles moving forward,” said Jim Mullen, executive director of the CFC. “We will also continue to advocate for a national regulatory framework that is technology neutral and achieves the greatest benefit for the environment without unnecessarily burdening the industry, the economy and all consumers of goods in our country,” he concluded. TRUCKLOAD CARRIERS ASSOCIATION (TCA) In an emailed statement, TCA voiced support for Zeldin’s reconsideration of the EPA’s Phase 3 final rule regarding greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and promise to review nitrogen oxides regulations. “TCA fully supports this reconsideration, recognizing the progress in advocating for practical and achievable emissions standards,” the statement noted. “As a founding member of the Clean Freight Coalition, TCA has worked diligently to ensure that federal emissions policies reflect real-world operational and economic considerations.” TCA’s statement pointed to the group’s support of efforts to withdraw the heavy-duty trucks emissions rule by Sen. Mark Crapo (R-ID) and Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) during the last Congressional session. “This reconsideration underscores the effectiveness of TCA’s advocacy and the collective efforts of the Clean Freight Coalition,” the statement said. “TCA remains committed to actively engaging in this process to ensure that emissions regulations strike a balance between environmental progress and the trucking industry’s operational realities.” OWNER-OPERATOR INDEPENDENT DRIVERS ASSOCIATION (OOIDA) Todd Spencer, president of OOIDA — an organization representing 150,000 small-business truckers — said the group welcomes the EPA’s decision to review emissions standards. “Small-business truckers make up 96% of trucking and could be regulated out of existence if the current standards were to be implemented,” he said. “Mom-and-pop trucking businesses would be suffocated by the sheer cost and operational challenges of effectively mandating zero emission trucks.” Spencer also noted that reliable, affordable commercial trucks are vital to the operations of the association’s members. “We have yet to see proof that electric CMVs (commercial motor vehicles) are a practical option for most trucking businesses considering the price tag and lack of charging infrastructure,” he said. Opposition to the EPA’s decision While members of the trucking industry have so far voiced support for rolling back greenhouse gas emissions and nitrous oxide rules, other groups were quick to dissent. Environmentalists and climate scientists call the endangerment finding a bedrock of U.S. law and say any attempt to undo it will have little chance of success, according to a report from The Associated Press. “In the face of overwhelming science, it’s impossible to think that the EPA could develop a contradictory finding that would stand up in court,” said David Doniger, a climate expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group. University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann called the EPA’s action “just the latest form of Republican climate denial. They can no longer deny climate change is happening, so instead they’re pretending it’s not a threat, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence that it is, perhaps, the greatest threat that we face today.” What’s next? The Associated Press report also offered insights into Zeldin’s plans. “We are driving a dagger through the heart of climate-change religion and ushering in America’s Golden Age,’’ Zeldin wrote in an essay in “The Wall Street Journal.” Zeldin believes the EPA’s actions will eliminate trillions of dollars in regulatory costs and “hidden taxes,” lowering the cost of living for American families and reducing prices for such essentials such as buying a car, heating your home and operating a business. “Our actions will also reignite American manufacturing, spreading economic benefits to communities,” he noted. “This isn’t about abandoning environmental protection — it’s about achieving it through innovation and not strangulation,” Zeldin wrote. “By reconsidering rules that throttled oil and gas production and unfairly targeted coal-fired power plants, we are ensuring that American energy remains clean, affordable, and reliable.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Samsara and Hyundai Translead team up to boost trailer safety

Dana Guthrie - March 11, 2025

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Samsara Inc. and Hyundai Translead are partnering to integrate Samsara’s Safety Solution with Hyundai Translead’s HT LinkVue system. “Fleet operators are always looking for better ways to keep their drivers safe, protect their cargo, and run more efficient operations—and having real-time visibility around their trailers is an important part of that,” said Tom McNeela, vice president of hardware product management, Samsara. “By integrating Hyundai Translead’s HT LinkVue system with Samsara’s Connected Operations Platform, fleets get a more complete picture of what’s happening on the road. This partnership brings together video-based safety, telematics, and asset tracking in one seamless solution, helping fleets improve security, reduce losses, and make smarter decisions with data.” Pre-Installed Visibility Solution The collaboration will introduce a pre-installed, 360-degree trailer visibility solution designed to optimize fleet operations and strengthen safety standards across North America. Samsara’s Camera Connector will facilitate seamless, wireless video transmission from Hyundai Translead’s HT LinkVue system directly to the cab, eliminating the need for complex rewiring and reducing installation costs and downtime. Fleet managers will gain access to comprehensive event review through Samsara’s platform, providing actionable insights for enhanced security and operational efficiency. Key Benefits of the Integration Enhanced driver coaching and incident response through comprehensive video capture. Strengthened fleet security and loss prevention with real-time trailer monitoring. Improved claims resolution and risk management through continuous video recording. Centralized fleet management with access to unified real-time and historical video footage. Critical Need for Advanced Monitoring The collaboration addresses the critical need for advanced trailer monitoring among long-haul trucking, private logistics, construction, and high-value freight carriers, according to a joint press release. By combining Hyundai Translead’s HT LinkVue system with Samsara’s robust platform, fleets will benefit from real-time visibility and data-driven decision-making. “Real-time visibility is essential for modern fleet operations, and our partnership with Samsara takes that to the next level,” said Young Jae Park, Hyundai Translead’s vice president of research and development. “By integrating HT LinkVue with Samsara’s platform, we’re providing fleets with a seamless solution that enhances monitoring, improves efficiency, and helps fleet managers make informed decisions with greater confidence. According to the release, the partnership underscores Samsara’s commitment to integrating with leading camera providers to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions for real-time vehicle and trailer monitoring. Hyundai Translead, a market leading trailer manufacturer, will play a pivotal role in making this advanced technology widely accessible.

Cummins transitions to Vehicle Health Intelligence

Dana Guthrie - March 11, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Platform Science and Cummins Inc. are partnering to introduce Vehicle Health Intelligence, the newest native Virtual Vehicle integration. Cummins Inc. will transition their Connected Solutions portal which enables fleets to seamlessly access a range of features and capabilities to the Virtual Vehicle platform, according to a press release. “We share Cummins’ commitment to optimizing engine health and performance and the launch of Vehicle Health Intelligence is an exciting milestone in empowering drivers and fleets to achieve this,” said Jake Fields, co-founder and CTO, Platform Science. “Cummins’ adoption of the Virtual Vehicle is strong validation of our platform as the most robust application ecosystem. We look forward to working with Cummins to enhance fleet performance by offering world-class remote diagnostics, engine data insights, and firmware over-the-air updates.” Streamlined Registration Cummins and Platform Science have developed a new, streamlined experience for registering for Connected Solutions. Users simply complete online registration with Virtual Vehicle, the data that is generated off of them, and the solutions that connect them, and then receive access to insights. “Cummins is transforming engine performance with cutting-edge digital solutions,” said Brad Sutton, executive director – Powertrain Engineering, Cummins Inc. “Our customers need prioritized, actionable insights for all their vehicles in one place, and the Virtual Vehicle portal is a key step toward that vision.” Intuitive Application According to joint press release, Virtual Vehicle is the premier application platform that enables an intuitive application ecosystem including solutions made by telematics providers, third-party developers, Vehicle OEMs, Tier 1 component OEMs and fleets themselves. Applications are available through the Virtual Vehicle portal which serves as a central hub where fleets can access real-time vehicle insights and optimize operations with integrated third-party solutions. “The Virtual Vehicle portal enables fleets to efficiently deploy, configure and update software across their vehicles—helping them maximize uptime and adapt to evolving business needs,” the release said.

NATSO prioritizing alternative fueling options at truck stops

Dana Guthrie - March 10, 2025

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The NATSO Government Affairs Committee is formally adopting its priority legislative and regulatory issues for 2025 at its February meeting held during NATSO Connect in Las Vegas, Nev. “Our position as a surrogate for the consumer dictates that we support biofuel tax and highway policies that are consumer centric and incorporate the consumer’s perspective in the marketplace,” said LeeAnn Goheen, senior director of government Affairs for NATSO. “If consumers want it, we want it. NATSO’s Government Affairs Committee was clear that in this environment consumers are first and foremost concerned about keeping fuel prices low.” Core Priorities NATSO’s core legislative priorities this year will focus on continuing its thought-leadership around highway and freight policies, while engaging in a strategic assessment of biofuel and other transportation energy incentive policies. The group will work to ensure that truck stops, travel centers and off-highway fuel retailers can incorporate alternative fuels into their fuel supply while competing on a level playing field. NATSO also will continue its long-standing efforts to preserve federal restrictions on tolling and commercial activities at Interstate rest areas as well as advocating for long-term, sustainable highway funding. “As Congress pursues major tax and trade policy, NATSO will continue assessing policy proposals through the lens of consumers: biofuel and other alternative fuel policies will only work if they lower costs for consumers,” NATSO said. Biofuel Policies “We will only support biofuel policies that lower prices for our customers,” said Raina Shoemaker Fromm, chair of NATSO’s government affairs committee and co-owner of Shoemaker’s Travel Centers. “Feedback from some members indicates that 45Z is resulting in far fewer gallons of biofuel being produced, and it can quickly translate to higher prices. This is an untenable value proposition for both fuel retailers and consumers of biofuels and unless that all changes it is imperative that we take a closer look at this market dynamic and adjust our advocacy priorities accordingly.” The Government Affairs Committee discussed the policies of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, including the Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. Following in-depth dialogue, the committee voted to study the impact of the newly enacted 45Z tax credit on consumer fuel prices.

Wabash adds Phillips REAR-VU camera as standard option

Dana Guthrie - March 10, 2025

Irvine, Calif. — Wabash is making the Phillips REAR-VU Backup Camera a standard option on all new dry van trailers in 2025. “This collaboration with Wabash represents a significant step forward for the industry,” said Dan Forthoffer, vice president of research and development at Phillips Industries. “We developed the REAR-VU Camera to provide consistent visibility for any driver operating a trailer, regardless of ownership. It’s a practical solution aimed at improving safety across the board, similar to the impact in-car backup cameras have had in the automotive industry. Wabash is the first trailer manufacturer to make REAR-VU a standard option on trailers, and we look forward to seeing how these devices perform in the field so we can expand the offering.” Practical Solutions The addition reflects Wabash’s focus on providing practical solutions that help customers manage risk and advance connected trailer technology, according to a company press release. Backing incidents remain a frequent challenge for fleets, often leading to costly repairs and operational disruptions. By incorporating the REAR-VU Camera as a standard option on dry van trailers, Wabash is providing customers and drivers with an added tool to help reduce potential damage from backing incidents—especially in tight or congested areas. REAR-VU Camera According to the release, the REAR-VU Camera is the first universal backup camera system designed for the trucking industry,” the release said. The system allows drivers to access real-time, high-definition video from behind the trailer by scanning a QR code located on the trailer nose. This feature provides an added layer of visibility to anyone operating a tractor-trailer, particularly useful in busy yards, at loading docks and in urban environments. Improving Fleet Performance “At Wabash, supporting customers with practical tools that help manage risk and improve fleet performance is part of our commitment to providing smarter solutions,” said Mark Ehrlich, vice president, engineering. “Working with Phillips has made it easier to integrate this technology into our trailers, so our customers can operate with greater confidence and efficiency.” By adding the REAR-VU Camera as a standard option on dry van trailers, Wabash continues to deliver solutions that help customers enhance operational performance and meet the evolving demands of modern fleet management, according to the release.

ATA: Parts and labor costs fall in Q4

Dana Guthrie - March 10, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new report from American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council and Decisiv Inc. says parts and labor costs fell in the fourth quarter of 2024. “Lower parts and labor costs are good news for service providers and fleets after last quarter’s increase,” said Dick Hyatt, CEO of Decisiv. “While they indicate that parts supply chains are more stable and there is improved continuity in the ranks of technicians, the data also show that service operations are handling an increase in events more productively and efficiently. With more effective service management, communication, and collaboration practices between their in-house operations and dealers, fleets are realizing how best practices can lead to a better bottom line.” Fourth Quarter Improvement After rising in the third quarter of 2024, following three consecutive quarterly decreases, combined parts and labor costs fell again by 1.6 percent, according to the latest Decisiv/TMC North American Service Event Benchmark Report. Lower costs in Q4 compared to the previous quarter reflect an expected drop in service activity following traditionally higher pre-holiday freight volumes in the third quarter of each year. The ATA’s For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index supports this conclusion by indicating declines in November and December of last year. Data Collection The Decisiv/TMC Benchmark Report is based on comprehensive service data, according to the release. For the report, Decisiv collects and analyzes parts and labor costs for 25 Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standard (VMRS) system level codes. These codes account for more than 97 percent of total parts and labor spending and more than seven million assets during 300,000+ monthly maintenance and repair events at 5,000+ service locations. In this quarter as well, combined costs increased in only nine of the 25 VMRS Systems tracked in the Decisiv TMC Benchmark Report compared to 19 systems in the previous quarter. The latest quarterly decrease is even more significant considering that the report is based on an increase of 4.7 percent in the number of service operations. Great News for Fleets “Reduced parts and labor costs are great news to fleets,” said Robert Braswell TMC executive director. “The information provided by the Decisiv/TMC North American Service Event Benchmark Report gives Council members an excellent means of comparing how their operations are performing to industry trends so they can take action accordingly.” The latest Quarter-over-Quarter data also indicated decreases in parts costs of -1.5 percent and -1.9 percent in labor expenses. The lower costs in Q4 may point to stabilizing parts prices and in some cases are lower due to a replenished supply chain. While the number of operations is up, lower labor costs are also possibly the result of less turnover in the ranks of technicians employed by fleets and dealers. Year-Over-Year Stats Year-over-Year (YoY) combined costs in Q4 dropped -1.6 percent on decreases of -2.0 percent for parts and -0.9 percent for labor. Illustrating that this represents a continuing trend, the decreases follow a -1.3 percent drop in combined costs YoY in the Q3 report. YoY parts costs also fell for the second quarter in a row. However, the lower YoY labor costs were a reversal of the higher expenses seen in the annual comparison in Q3, according to the release.

TMC opens 2025 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition

Bruce Guthrie - March 10, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tech and the trucking industry will be on display this week. The American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council opened on Monday TMC’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville at the Music City Center. The Trucker Media Group will be on hand for the event. “The TMC Annual Meeting is among our most important of the year,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “From the sold-out exhibit hall to the scores of educational sessions and industry standard-setting task forces, this year’s gathering promises to be a major opportunity for industry leaders to chart a course to address critical issues like reducing emissions, deploying automation, and improving safety.” This year’s theme is “Advancing Technology Through Industry Engagement” and will feature TMC’s customary slate of educational sessions, task force meetings, technical sessions, and management sessions. Additionally, the Council’s Transportation Technology Exhibition trade show will showcase leading-edge technologies for fleet maintenance management. This year’s exhibit is sold-out, featuring 371 vendors—including 45 first-time exhibitors—spanning a 353,000 square-foot exhibit hall. “For nearly 70 years, TMC has worked to raise professional and technical standards for the trucking industry,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “This annual meeting is an important part of that – not just to see what is available in the field on the exhibit hall floor – but to have the opportunity to discuss and learn about the latest advances in truck technology in our myriad of task forces and educational sessions. TMC leadership is committed to providing this experience for our members in a safe and responsible way.” This year TMC is holding sessions with a special emphasis in two special tracks: Back to Basics and Advanced Technology. Technical Sessions include: Regulatory Compliance Review: Catching Up with CARB; Effective Strategies for Presenting Maintenance Perspectives to the C-Suite; How Data Science Is Defining Today’s Software-defined Vehicles; TMC 101: Everything You Wanted to Know About How ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council Works; and A special edition of TMC’s popular Shop Talk, focused on the need for standardizing the next generation tractor-trailer electrical interface. The event also features ride-along demonstrations by Stoneridge, Inc., and static displays by Aperia Technologies, Range Energy, Samsara, Tesla, and Terberg Taylor Americas. Also Volvo Trucks North America will unveil the all-new Volvo VNR “Building on the success of the Council’s 2024 Fall Meeting in Raleigh, N.C., last September, Council members are excited to gather for our largest event venue, and we’re pleased by the response to our 2025 Annual Meeting agenda,” said TMC General Chairman and Treasurer Amanda Schuier, maintenance director for Jetco Delivery. “We’re all very excited to collaborate in Nashville to help solve the pressing technical issues of the day and view the latest in truck technology.”

EV Realty seals deal to scale truck fleet charging with Gage Zero

Dana Guthrie - March 8, 2025

San Francisco, Calif. — EV Realty Inc., an EV infrastructure development platform powering commercial fleets, is announcing is acquisition of a strategic portfolio of assets from Gage Zero. Gage Zero is Austin-based company focused on fleet electrification and infrastructure development for local, regional and drayage trucking fleets. “Commercial fleet electrification continues to advance as vehicle manufacturers make production and supply chain investments, battery costs decline, and leading fleets—including many of Gage Zero’s partners—see the potential for greater efficiency and lower costs associated with EV trucking,” said Patrick Sullivan, EV Realty’s co-founder and CEO. “The combination of our two portfolios provides our shared customers more opportunity to plan around electrification within a broadly served regional network, which opens new freight lanes, allows trucks to be used more, and ultimately drives down costs for our customers, enabling a transition to EVs that makes dollars and sense.” Strategic Partnership According to a media release, the transaction combines EV Realty’s expertise in infrastructure development and deployment and Gage Zero’s active development projects and deep customer relationships with established regional trucking and logistics companies. “We’re excited to partner with EV Realty through this acquisition,” said said Zeina El-Azzi, co-founder and CEO of Gage Zero. “Gage Zero’s reputation in the space, prioritizing demand-led development, pairs well with EV Realty’s disciplined approach to development and its construction-ready grid-advantaged real estate portfolio. Together, we will leverage EV Realty’s substantial investment capital and proven expertise in constructing and operating EV charging infrastructure projects to deliver even greater value to our stakeholders. The DNA and approach of our two platforms are complementary and aligned, and this transaction makes the combined projects stronger and more equipped to deliver for our customers amidst a rapidly evolving market and regulatory environment.” Fleet Charging Hubs According to the release, in 2024, EV Realty announced a charging site acquisition in Torrance, Calif. joining its growing portfolio of charging hubs currently under development in California. The company is also developing two hubs in San Bernardino and one in Livermore. “Gage Zero’s development portfolio in California includes proposed charging hub projects which will expand EV Realty’s long-term network to serve its customers in locations including Long Beach, Ontario, Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, Oakland and Sacramento,” the release said. “Other assets acquired are in Illinois and Texas, enabling medium-term expansion into additional key markets where zero-emission freight movement is gaining traction led by demand. As part of this transaction, key members of Gage Zero’s team will be joining EV Realty, ensuring continuity to deliver results for customers, partners, and key stakeholders.”

Beware of malicious fake toll scams: Important tips to help drivers combat toll road phishing scams

Kurt the CyberGuy - March 7, 2025

Attention truckers! A scam is making its way across the U.S., targeting those who frequently navigate toll roads. Scammers are sending fake text messages that appear to be from toll operators like E-ZPass or Sunpass, warning about unpaid tolls and potential fines. If you click on the link in these messages, you risk landing on a fraudulent website designed to steal your personal and financial information. With security researchers tracing this scam back to Chinese smishing groups, it’s not only crucial for you to stay informed, but protect yourself from these deceptive tactics that could hit your wallets — big time! Stay safe & in the know — at no cost! Subscribe to Kurt’s The CyberGuy Report for free security alerts & tech tips What you need to know about the fake toll scam As reported by KrebsOnSecurity, the scam begins with a text message claiming to be from a toll road operator, such as E-ZPass or Sunpass. The message warns about unpaid tolls and the possibility of fines, forcing recipients to act quickly. Victims are directed to a fake website mimicking the toll operator’s site, where they are asked to provide sensitive information, including payment card details and one-time passwords. Security researchers have traced the scam to Chinese smishing groups known for creating and selling sophisticated SMS phishing kits. One such kit, “Lighthouse,” makes it easy for scammers to spoof toll road operators in multiple states. These kits are designed to trick users into sharing financial information, which is then used to commit fraud. Reports of these phishing attacks have surfaced across the U.S., targeting users of toll systems like EZDriveMA in Massachusetts, Sunpass in Florida, and the North Texas Toll Authority in Texas. Similar scams have been reported in states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Washington. The phishing pages are mobile-optimized and won’t load on non-mobile devices, making them even more deceptive. Phishing scams are evolving Recent advancements in phishing kits include better deliverability through integration with Apple iMessage and Android’s RCS technology, bypassing traditional SMS spam filters. These methods increase the likelihood of victims receiving and engaging with fraudulent messages. The phishing sites are operated dynamically in real-time by criminals, making them harder to detect and shut down. Even individuals who don’t own a vehicle have reported receiving these messages, indicating random targeting. 7 ways to stay safe from toll scam messages By staying aware and following the steps below, you can protect yourself from falling victim to toll scams. 1) Verify directly with toll operators: If you receive a message about unpaid tolls or fines, do not click on any links. Instead, visit the official website of your toll operator or contact their customer service directly to verify the claim. 2) Install strong antivirus software: The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links in toll scam text messages is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices. 3) Do not share personal information: Never provide sensitive details like payment card information, Social Security numbers, or one-time passwords (OTPs) via text or unverified websites. Legitimate toll operators will not request such information through SMS. 4) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Use 2FA for your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring two forms of verification, reducing the risk of unauthorized access even if some details are compromised. 5) Be wary of urgency in messages: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming immediate action is required to avoid penalties. Take a moment to assess the situation and verify the legitimacy of the message through official channels. 6) Report suspicious messages: If you suspect a phishing attempt, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Include details like the sender’s phone number and any links in the message. Additionally, inform your mobile carrier to help block similar scams. 7) Use a personal data removal service: Consider using a reputable data removal service to reduce your online footprint and minimize the risk of scammers obtaining your personal information. These services can help remove your data from various data broker sites, making it harder for scammers to target you with personalized scams. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. Kurt’s key takeaway Listen, your time and money are valuable, so don’t let scammers derail you. Always verify any unexpected messages about tolls directly with the toll operator before taking action. By staying informed and cautious, you can keep your hard-earned cash safe from these malicious scams. What steps do you think should be taken to ensure that scammers are held accountable for their actions? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. For more tips like these, sign up for Kurt the CyberGuy’s daily newsletter. Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Samsara Smart Trailers bring critical trailer health insights to fleet operations

Dana Guthrie - March 7, 2025

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Samsara is now offering a range of Smart Trailer features designed to give critical insights into trailer data to improve the efficiency, compliance and safety of trailer operations. “We’ve added new features—including enhanced tire and power monitoring, as well as tractor-trailer mismatch alerts—to our existing trailer offering to create a comprehensive solution that allows organizations to improve trailer utilization and dispatch, driver productivity, revenue management and more,” Samsara said in a media release. Economy Remains Top Concern According to Samsara, the economy remains a top concern for the trucking industry, ranking as the number one issue in the American Transportation Research Institute’s annual report for the second year in a row. For fleets, cutting costs and improving efficiency is more critical than ever. As a core part of operations, trailers offer significant opportunities to reduce expenses, boost efficiency and enhance safety and compliance. Samsara Asset Gateway At the heart of its Smart Trailer solution is the Samsara Asset Gateway. It is a compact device that installs in under five minutes for rapid, scalable deployment. Its discreet design allows it to be mounted on trailer undercarriages, minimizing the risk of tampering or theft, according to the release. Improve Safety and Reduce Maintenance Costs “Samsara’s Smart Trailer solution gives drivers and the back office real-time visibility into tire and power status in the Samsara dashboard, enabling fleets to proactively maintain their trailers, stay in compliance and make their trailer operations safer overall,” Samsara said. “Smart Trailers can help fleets get ahead of tire leaks, blown anti-lock braking system (ABS) fuses and other issues with a range of advanced trailer health features.” Automatic Tire Inflation System (ATIS) Monitoring Samsara ATIS monitoring delivers real-time alerts on tire pressure issues to both drivers and the back office, giving fleets the proactive edge they need to catch leaks that may be hidden by automatic inflation. By identifying potential problems early, fleets can dramatically reduce the risk of costly tire blowouts and minimize trailer downtime. In addition, ATIS Monitoring promotes healthier tires overall, aiding in compliance efforts and helping fleet operations run more safely and efficiently, according to the release. Power Monitoring In addition to tire issues, anonymized Samsara customer data shows that 15% of trailers in North America experience power loss while driving, which can cause problems with real-time location tracking and increase safety risks on the road. “We now offer comprehensive Power Monitoring, which provides trailer visibility—even when 7-way power isn’t operational—and helps fleet operators diagnose and resolve power issues on trucks,” Samsara said. Power Monitoring includes: Trailer Visibility Even Without Power: Until now, when a truck failed to deliver power to a trailer, the trailer’s gateway also lost power, leaving operators in the dark about trailer location. Samsara’s Smart Trailer solution detects power loss and provide continuous, real-time visibility even when trailer power is compromised. Moving Without Power Alert: In addition to loss of trailer visibility, 7-way power loss can compromise the efficacy of a trailer’s ABS system. This can lead to power loss for other electrical peripherals on a trailer, including TPMS systems, ATIS lamps, and liftgates. ABS systems are a critical part of operating a trailer safely, but without power to the trailer, ABS systems can be compromised, increasing trailer stopping distance and creating safety risks. Samsara’s Moving Without Power Alert notifies fleets in real time when a trailer loses power, allowing fleets to quickly diagnose the root cause of power loss, resolve it faster, and reduce trailer and tractor downtime. Trailer Health Inspector: Fleets can monitor power connections to identify and resolve issues more effectively. Customers can investigate when and where power loss occurred, how long power was out, who was driving and which truck was pulling the trailer. Trailer Power Loss Root Cause Analysis: What caused a power loss? Was it a blown fuse on the truck? A trailer wiring problem? Managing this at scale across thousands of trailers is challenging. Samsara’s Smart Trailer solution automatically detects power issues in the field and predicts where the issue is, streamlining maintenance operations. One customer was able to root cause and fix more than 300 blown truck ABS fuses using this tool, according to Samsara.

First alternate: What’s the most viable replacement for traditional diesel fuel?

Bruce Guthrie - March 6, 2025

The long-term future of emission standards is still up in the air after President Donald Trump’s election to the Oval Office, but the trucking industry continues to work toward better efficiency and lower emissions. And while the emissions mandates that were looming over the entire vehicle industry have been stopped — at least for now — there’s no denying that viable, more eco-friendly alternatives are needed. While battery electric motors have been the primary focus of manufacturers and government agencies, renewable diesel, hydrogen and natural gas are also on the radar. With that in mind, it’s a great time to check out alternatives to traditional diesel fuel. ICE technology evolving Strides are being made in the field of internal combustion engines (ICEs) powered by alternative fuels. In an unveiling by Cummins executives in August 2024, the Cummins X15 engine was touted as a platform that would be a force for alternative fuels. The X15 series has three models — including one for advanced diesel, natural gas and hydrogen. The goal is to achieve peak performance over the long haul, which includes increased fuel economy, lower emissions and more time on the road. “I think a lot of what we are trying to do … is improve the overall CO2 performance of the engine, make the engine lighter,” said Tom Marsh, who serves as Cummins VPI leader for the X15. “Improve in all of those areas, but at the same time, maintain the robustness of the product, but also adopt the global platforms.” Field testing shows promising results In July 2024, Allison Transmission announced a partnership with Cummins to test and validate the new Cummins X15N 15-liter natural gas engine paired with the Allison 4000 Series fully automatic transmission. Sandman, a bulk-cement hauling fleet based in San Jose, California, successfully completed over 50,000 miles of vehicle testing in the field and reported significant improvements in fuel efficiency and performance. According to press reports, the test vehicle — a Peterbilt tractor equipped with the X15N engine and Allison 4000 series transmission — demonstrated “impressive” performance and productivity. Victor Landaverde, fleet manager for Sandman, describes the 50,000-mile field testing of the natural gas-powered tractors as “flawless,” noting that the company’s drivers haul 80,000-pound loads through stop-and-go traffic between San Jose and San Francisco multiple times each day. He also says the fleet of more than 100 trucks achieved “excellent” fuel efficiency. “As the industry continues to evaluate electric vehicle technology and works to overcome the hurdles facing this technology adoption, more customers are expected to adopt alternative fuel engines as a solution to meet increasing emissions stringencies,” Landaverde said. Alternative fuel infrastructure progresses Infrastructure for natural gas is also starting to emerge with Clean Energy as its leader. In 2024, Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced a significant increase in its renewable natural gas (RNG) footprint as it opened two additional stations in San Bernadino and Perris, both in Southern California. “There’s a growing realization that the other much-hyped technologies aren’t living up to their promises of availability, fueling infrastructure or cost of ownership,” said Chad Lindholm, senior vice president at Clean Energy. “The RNG solution is here and now, providing fleets with incredible emissions reductions affordably.” Clean Energy manages more than 600 stations throughout the U.S. and Canada, 200 of which provide tractor-trailer access. In addition, travel stops — including Loves, Travel Centers of America, Pilot and others — are working to integrate alternative fuels into their sites. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), hydrogen, when used in a fuel cell to provide electricity, is a zero tailpipe emissions alternative fuel produced from diverse energy sources. Currently, drivers of light-duty fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) can fuel up at retail stations in less than five minutes and obtain a driving range of more than 300 miles. Research and commercial efforts are under way to expand the limited hydrogen fueling infrastructure and increase the production of FCEVs in the freight industry. While battery-electric fuel cells may be the future of freight, that future is not now, say most stakeholders in the trucking industry. The tried-and-true ICE remains king, and innovations in fuel and engine production are making it more eco-friendly as well. This story was published in the March/April 2025 edition of Truckload Authority magazine, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).

4 State Trucks launches new mobile app

Dana Guthrie - March 5, 2025

BOSTON, Mass. — 4 State Trucks is partnering with Unbound Commerce for the delivery of a new custom mobile app. Designed to leverage and extend their current eCommerce operations, the goal is to facilitate easy on-the-road ordering and increase loyalty for their mobile customers, according to a media release. 4 State Trucks 4 State offers a wide selection of parts and accessories for all makes and models of heavy-duty trucks through its call center. It also has an e-commerce site, BigCommerce. The company’s retail store is located in Joplin, Mo. near the “four state” border of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas on Interstate Route 44. New Mobile App According to 4 State, mobile makes up the majority of eCommerce orders placed on their popular website. Offering a app was an obvious next step of their multi-channel strategy. “Offering an app was a no-brainer, based on the volume of mobile traffic we were seeing”, said Jena Johnson, marketing director for 4 State. “We wanted our loyal trucking customers to literally have our online parts store always on, in their pocket, to make purchasing parts simpler and faster. Unbound made the project easy.” New and current customers can now receive push notifications of newly arrived parts and news on the latest offerings from top brands in the trucking business. “Personalization is built in”, said Wilson Kerr of Unbound Commerce. “By allowing truckers to select the make or model of their specific rig, the parts shopping experience becomes more relevant and this means more sales conversions.” The app features a custom Make/Model/Year module so truckers can select the vehicle they own and quickly access compatible parts. The new 4 State Trucks Mobile App is available for both Android and iPhone users.

ACT, FTR: Class 8 orders continue to slide, tariffs bring woes

Dana Guthrie - March 5, 2025

COLUMBUS, BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — ACT Research and FTR are both reporting Class 8 orders are still declining. While ACT has the net orders for February at 18,300, FTR is reporting 17,000. Strong End for 2024 “After the strong end to 2024, the past two months have largely been defined by trade and economic policy uncertainty, as the new administration has thrown a wrench into business planning,” said Carter Vieth, research analyst at ACT Research. “Whether the slowdown in orders is a result of moderating economic activity or a response to the newfound uncertainty remains an open question. In February, Class 8 orders dropped 34% y/y to 18,300 units. Seasonally adjusted, Class 8 orders fell 28% from January to 16,700 units (198k SAAR), the lowest SA reading in almost two years.” Medium Duty “MD Classes 5-7 orders continued their slowly deflating trajectory into still historically elevated (if less so) truck and bus backlogs, Vieth said. “ACT’s preliminary look at February NA Classes 5-7 orders puts the month’s volume at 17,100 orders, down 11% y/y.” FTR Reports Even Lower Numbers According to FTR, North American Class 8 net orders in February totaled 17,000 units, down 31% month-over-month (m/m) and 38% year-over-year (y/y). This figure was well below seasonal expectations, falling notably short of the seven-year February average of 26,912 net orders. With continuous threats of significant tariffs among the North American trading partners and increasing uncertainty for market participants, business investment directed towards Class 8 trucks/tractors appears to have slowed significantly. For the first time since the 2025 order season began, cumulative net orders from September 2024 through February 2025 are down y/y, declining 3%. Class 8 orders have totaled 266,900 units over the last 12 months. Tariff Troubles “Significant U.S. tariffs could substantially increase costs for North American Class 8 trucks/tractors and related components,” said Dan Moyer, senior analyst, commercial vehicles, FTR. “Approximately 45% of all Class 8 trucks built for the U.S. and Canadian markets will be subject to the 25% U.S. tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico and planned Canadian counter tariffs. About 40% of U.S. Class 8 trucks are produced in Mexico, and roughly 65% of Canada’s Class 8 trucks are assembled in the U.S. Even if those tariffs went away, others affecting costs include those on steel and aluminum, goods imported from China, and perhaps others coming down the pike.” According to FTR, OEMs across the board experienced a significant decline in order activity for February. The on-highway market accounted for the bulk of the m/m declines, although vocational orders were also down notably m/m. “Combined with upcoming U.S. EPA 2027 NOx regulations, tariffs may significantly disrupt fleet replacement cycles – either accelerating investments to avoid future price hikes or delaying purchases amid growing uncertainty,” Moyer said. “Based on February orders, the latter approach apparently is the dominant path so far. OEMs and suppliers may consider shifting production to manage tariff exposure. However, these strategic changes remain costly, complex, and time-intensive, further complicating industry planning.”

Peterbilt announces new LED headlights for medium duty

Dana Guthrie - March 5, 2025

Peterbilt is announcing the release of new LED headlights as optional equipment across its medium duty vehicle lineup. “We are pleased to offer LED headlights as optional equipment on our medium duty vehicle platform where optimal roadway and jobsite visibility are critical,” said Erik Johnson, assistant general manager, sales and marketing for Peterbilt. “The new LED lighting enhances the driving experience while increasing safety and operational efficiency.” Medium Duty Applications Designed specifically for medium duty applications, the new LED headlights offer greater light output, improved range and increased beam spread for superior visibility on roads and jobsites, according to a company press release. The new LED headlights are available on Peterbilt Models 548, 537, 536 and 535. The new LED headlight option includes: Greater light output, increased range and increased beam spread. Low-beam headlight glare to oncoming traffic 28 percent less than the maximum required limit. High-beam headlights radiate 65 percent further than halogen headlights. High efficiency with half the power consumption of traditional halogen lights.

Truck sales facing myriad of uncertainties

Cliff Abbott - March 4, 2025

U.S. sales of new, Class 8 trucks fell sharply in January, according to data received from Wards Intelligence. Manufacturers reported sales of 16,175 trucks, down 27.7% from December sales and down 13.0% from January 2024. It’s not uncommon for January sales to lag behind December, since December is typically a strong month. The month ends the fiscal year and calendar fourth quarter for most companies, and truck purchases can help offset taxes. The year-over-year comparison comparing January results with the same month of the prior year, the sales decline indicates that the market has slowed. The entire year of 2024 saw U.S. Class 8 sales down 9.7% from 2023. January results show that the decline continues. Overcapacity remains an issue for the trucking industry. While the supply of available trucks exceeds available freight, rates will remain low. There are, however, some positive signs One such sign is the number of vocational trucks included in Class 8 sales. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, commonly known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill,” earmarks tons of government cash for building roads and bridges, improving water systems and more. Companies who expect to be involved in the building are purchasing dump, concrete and other vocational trucks in preparation. Trucks that are sold for vocational needs won’t be hauling system freight. According to ACT Research, President and Senior Analyst Kenny Vieth, “Vocational build per day rose to a level not seen since 2006, at 513 units per day in November, and blew past that level to 537 units per day in December.” Inventory of new Class 8 trucks is another issue that could impact the rate new ones are manufactured. Dealer lots are awash in new equipment and body manufacturing businesses are limited in how many dump, concrete and trash bodies they can produce. There may be a slowdown on the regulatory side as well. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Truck regulations, scheduled to take effect with model year 2027, are expected to be challenged by the Trump administration and may be scrapped entirely. The same for 2028 Greenhouse Gas regulations (GH3) that push buyers to Zero Emissions Vehicles. The president’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has announced large staff reductions at the agency, predicting a 65% reduction in spending. It remains to be seen how deep cuts in budget and staff will ultimately be, and whether regulations currently on the books will be downsized or gutted completely. While actual sales of Class 8 trucks slowed, so too did incoming orders for more. North American preliminary orders for new trucks totaled 24,000, according to FTR Transportation Intelligence. Senior Analyst for Commercial Vehicles Dan Moyer pointed out that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration could have a significant impact on pricing. “ With roughly 40% of U.S. Class 8 trucks built in Mexico and around 65% of Canada’s Class 8 trucks built in the U.S., tariffs and likely counter-tariffs threaten to disrupt supply chains and drive up vehicle prices,” he said in a recent press release. Moyer pointed out that manufacturers and suppliers may shift some production to avoid crossing borders and incurring tariffs, but such moves “are complex and will take some time to implement.” In the meantime, negotiations with both nations continue. Tariffs and counter-tariffs with China threaten parts supply for both manufacturing of new and maintenance of existing trucks. If the tariffs are fully implemented and truck costs rise appreciably, orders for new equipment could drop quickly. However, while fewer trucks hauling freight could push rates upward, tariffs could also reduce the amount of available loads, especially imports, which would have the opposite effect on rates. Retail sales of used Class 8 trucks saw a strong January, increasing 16% over December sales, according to ACT Research. Typically, January used truck sales decline about 11% from December. Trucks sold by auction, however, declined by 59%. Auction sales often indicate dealers stocking up on inventory in preparation for the coming market, so a decline can indicate a lack of confidence in the coming market. Compared with January of 2024, used truck sales rose a whopping 56%, with both the average age and average odometer reading declining. The cost of credit remains a sticking point, as does economic uncertainty. Freight carriers need trailers to haul product, and January was a strong month for trailer orders, too. ACT reported preliminary trailer orders of 21,300, up more than 51% from January 2024 order numbers. The good times aren’t expected to last, however. Jennifer McNealy, director of commercial vehicle market research and publications at ACT Research, explained, “Notwithstanding the improvement thus far in the 2025 order cycle, ACT’s expectation for weak trailer demand relative to recent performance remain, as continuing weak for-hire truck market fundamentals, low used equipment valuations, relatively full dealer inventories, and high interest rates impede stronger activity in the near term.” If the scheduled EPA regulations remain in effect, carriers may choose to invest in more tractors, pre-buying to avoid emissions and fuel efficiency mandates. Trailers generally require less maintenance and can be kept in service far longer. But a bill that would drastically reduce the requirements of EPA actions for both passenger vehicles and trucks of all sizes, the Transportation Freedom Act, was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate with support from trucking industry groups. Like tractors, trailer sales could be impacted by tariffs, especially those on steel and aluminum products. FTR’s Dan Moyer said, “Tariffs will affect not only fully assembled trailers imported into the U.S. but also domestically produced trailers, which depend on imported materials and components. Expect market volatility as OEMs try to adapt to uncertainty over scope and timing of tariff impacts.” Analysts are predicting slow growth in freight rates and gradually improving trucking conditions for 2025, with many looking for better days in the second quarter or even the second half of the year. Uncertainties over tariffs, upcoming EPA mandates, reduced government spending and more will undoubtedly add difficulty to equipment investment decisions, especially if interest rates remain stubbornly high. The road ahead could be bumpy.

Fleet Advantage releases latest truck life cycle data index

Dana Guthrie - February 28, 2025

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Fleet Advantage (FA) is releasing its latest Truck Life Cycle Data Index (TLDI), which compares all-in operating costs of Class-8 vehicles. “This strategic and data-driven approach allows for better forecasting of future needs, more accurate budgeting, and the ability to take advantage of emerging technologies that can improve efficiency and reduce costs over time,” said Brian Antonellis, CTP, senior vice president of fleet operations for Fleet Advantage. Ultimately, a well-crafted procurement plan based on robust analytics can lead to significant cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and a more sustainable and competitive asset management strategy with the necessary flexibility and business agility.” Significant Cost Savings According FA, the TLDI shows significant cost savings when replacing older-model vehicles with 2026 MY trucks. The TLDI shows that organizations can realize a first year per-truck savings of $13,097 when upgrading from a 2021 Sleeper model-year truck to a new 2026 model. For a fleet of 100 trucks, those savings can reach $1.3 million. Diesel Advancements The advancements of diesel are especially important now that the Environmental Protection Agency has initiated a plan to rescind the Biden administration’s waivers granted for California’s Advanced Clean Trucks and Omnibus low nitrogen oxides rules. Regardless of any decisions on this issue, companies need to understand the importance of having a data-driven procurement plan in place, according to FA. For organizations with transportation fleets, having a multi-year procurement plan is important for optimizing their equipment acquisition strategies and reducing total cost of ownership (TCO). By leveraging advanced data analytics, organizations can gain valuable insights into fleet performance, maintenance patterns, and market trends, enabling them to make more informed decisions and even small adjustments to their strategy about when and how to acquire new vehicles and/or equipment types. Smart Economic Choice “Today’s clean diesel trucks are not just better for the environment; they’re also a smart economic choice for the trucking industry,” said FA. “According to data from the Diesel Technology Forum, the environmental impact of today’s new clean diesel trucks is significant. The organization has seen reductions of 99% in NOx emissions and 98% in particulate matter compared to older models.” Fuel economy continues to represent a major portion of the savings through truck replacement. Based on FA’s TLDI, private fleets can save $5,941 per truck in fuel in the first year following replacement of a 2021 MY sleeper, a 14% increase in fuel economy and reduction of CO2 emissions. “Diesel trucks are drastically different from their predecessors, offering a stronger mix of environmental responsibility and economic efficiency,” Antonellis said. “The advancements we’ve seen in diesel technology have been nothing short of remarkable, with modern trucks achieving near-zero emissions levels that were once thought impossible.”

Mack Trucks introduces MD Electric Bucket Truck

Dana Guthrie - February 27, 2025

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Mack Trucks is announcing its entry into the specialized utility segment with a Mack MD Electric and Terex Utilities fully-electric bucket truck. The truck marks a significant milestone in the company’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) portfolio, according to a company press release. The truck will be showcased at NTEA Work Truck Week, March 4-7 at the Indiana Convention Center, Ind. in Mack booth No. 3123. “This electric bucket truck represents the next natural step in our commitment to sustainable transportation solutions,” said George Fotopoulos, vice president of E-mobility at Mack Trucks. “Our lightweight electric chassis provides the capability to handle more demanding applications, and when combined with Terex’s expertise in utility equipment, we’re delivering a solution that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in zero tailpipe emissions utility vehicles.” Mack and Terex Join Forces The new offering pairs Mack’s electric Mack MD7 chassis with Terex’s Optima HR55 aerial device. The collaboration combined Mack’s most capable EV chassis with Terex’s expertise in aerial booms to provide the most efficient transportation solution to the industry, according to the release. According to Terex, the Mack MD Electric chassis enables up to 1.5 times greater range compared with other Class 6/7 medium-duty electric bucket trucks, while providing double the rear axle payload capacity. This advancement directly addresses previous challenges in the utility sector, where the combined weight of aerial equipment and battery systems often presented operational limitations. Collaboration and Innovation “Our collaboration with Mack Trucks represents continued movement forward in zero tailpipe emissions utility vehicles,” said Tyler Schwingler, product marketing manager at Terex Utilities. “By combining our industry-leading Optima HR55 aerial device with Mack’s innovative MDe7 chassis, we’re providing utility companies with a solution that doesn’t compromise on performance or capability while meeting their sustainability goals.” The Terex aerial device is powered by the HyPower SmartPTO by Viatec, operating independently from the truck’s power system. This configuration ensures utility crews can complete a normal workday with the boom and outriggers without impacting the truck’s driving range. “Electric utilities now have an EV truck with the apparatuses they need to service poles and lines, and it’s fueled by what they produce – electricity,” Fotopoulos said. “As we continue to work with body builders to progress the MD Electric across various Class 6 and 7 commercial truck applications, this collaboration demonstrates Mack’s commitment to delivering sustainable solutions that meet our customers’ specific needs.” The electric bucket truck will be available in limited quantities in 2025. For more information about Mack’s zero emissions vehicles and complete product lineup, visit www.macktrucks.com.

Dot Transportation’s Orange EV truck hits 30,000 hours

Dana Guthrie - February 27, 2025

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Dot Transportation Inc. is celebrating a significant step in its journey toward sustainability: 30,000 hours of usage with its first-deployed Orange EV electric terminal truck. “We’re proud to reach this incredible milestone with our electric terminal trucks,” said Kevin Buss, director of fleet maintenance. “These trucks have consistently supported our operations, and the 30,000-hour mark proves the durability and reliability of Orange EV’s electric terminal trucks in our high-demand environments. After more than 6 years and 30,000 hours, the Orange EV trucks are still going strong creating a safer, healthier environment for our drivers and providing benefits that extend far beyond environmental impact.” Seeking Sustainability According to a DTI media release, since first integrating zero-emission trucks, DTI has seen substantial operational and environmental benefits, reducing its carbon footprint while enhancing efficiency and reducing costs at its distribution centers. “DTI chose Orange EV to assist in their transition away from diesel-powered terminal trucks to a cleaner, more sustainable option,” DTI said “After logging 30,000 hours on its first truck – deployed in 2018 – the results speak for themselves: just this one truck in DTI’s Orange EV electric terminal truck fleet has eliminated the need for an estimated 45,000 gallons of diesel fuel, reduced CO₂ emissions by more than 500 tons, and decreased operating costs through reduced maintenance, repair, and energy use.” Charging Infrastructure Alongside the trucks, DTI utilizes strategically-paired charging stations that ensure the trucks maintain high uptime and can operate continuously across multiple shifts without interruption. This charging infrastructure has been crucial in keeping the trucks ready for constant use, resulting in a more dependable fleet that aligns with DTI’s efficiency and environmental objectives. “Dot Transportation has demonstrated what’s possible when a company prioritizes innovation in its fleet operations,” said Kurt Neutgens, president, CTO of Orange EV. “Now deployed for more than six years, DTI’s 30,000-hour truck is operating on its original battery pack as are all of the more than 1,300 trucks in Orange EV’s commercially deployed fleet. Built in Kansas City, Orange EV trucks have been proven to be the best terminal trucks out there – electric or diesel – and we’re proud to support DTI in setting a new standard in fleet operations.” DTI added three more Orange EV electric trucks to their fleet, leading to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and making DTI a model for companies seeking to minimize environmental impact without sacrificing productivity, according to the release. DTI plans to add four more Orange EV trucks in 2025 and expand this successful partnership with Orange EV.