Equipment & Tech

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Net orders for Class 8 vehicles in North America were 31,100 units, up 60% from August and a whopping 145% from an easy year-ago comparison, according to a preliminary report released by ACT Research in early October. The North American Classes 5-7 market saw orders at a healthy 26,900 units, up 37% month over month and 48% versus the year-ago September volume. Complete industry data for September, including final order numbers, will be published by ACT Research in mid-October. “Preliminary data show that September orders for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles posted positive readings for a fourth consecutive month, after 19 consecutive months of negative year-over-year comparisons. In aggregate, Classes 5-8 orders rose 49% from August and improved 88% compared to year-ago September,” said Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst for ACT Research. “As orders rebounded to relatively healthy levels early in Q3, most of those orders were targeted at filling open 2020 build slots,” Vieth said of the North American heavy-duty market. “With most of that work done by the end of August, we suspect the lion’s share of September’s orders were booked into 2021.” Regarding the medium-duty market, Vieth commented, “There is a symbiotic relationship between heavy-duty freight rates and medium-duty demand, and clearly, the shift in consumer spending from experiences [services] to goods has been good for the providers of local trucking services.” ACT’s State of the Industry: Classes 5-8 Vehicles report provides a monthly look at current production, sales and general state of the on-road heavy- and medium-duty commercial-vehicle markets in North America. It differentiates market indicators by Class 5, Classes 6-7 chassis, and Class 8 trucks and tractors, and details activity-related measures such as backlog, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders and retail sales. Additionally, Class 5 and Classes 6-7 are segmented by trucks, buses, RVs, and step van configurations. In the report, the Class 8 market is segmented into trucks and tractors, with and without sleeper cabs.

Used truck prices have come down from last year and freight rates have been steadily rising for the past four months. For some drivers, the time is right to consider truck ownership. Others might be thinking of replacing their current equipment before prices start rising again. Unfortunately, some would-be owner-operators make buying decisions following only a few considerations, overlooking some important items that should be on their check-off list. The truck model is important, of course, but there’s more to consider than cosmetics and resale value. You’ll need service at some point, and you’ll need to know if it will be available. Does that model have service centers in the areas you plan to run? Is one of those centers near your home so repairs can be made while you’re taking time off? Many buyers fail to consider the “double cost” of truck repairs. Not only can repairs be expensive, but also, the truck earns no revenue while in the maintenance bay. Even repairs that are covered under warranty can cost thousands of dollars in lost loads while the truck is down. Does your service facility have an adequate stock of parts, or does every repair require waiting while parts are shipped in from somewhere else? Resale value will have greater importance if you plan to trade your truck more often. If you don’t plan to sell or trade it quickly, resale value isn’t as important. When it comes to specifications, there is much to consider. Large carriers, which are responsible for many of the used trucks on the market, order trucks that are configured to fit their business needs; those specifications may not be right for your business. Engine size is one example. Smaller displacement, 13-liter engines are gaining in popularity due to their lighter weight and fuel economy. If you’re planning on higher average speeds or heavier average load weights, you may choose to stay with the tried-and-true 15-liter engines. Trucks with automated manual transmissions (AMTs) are becoming very popular among carriers and are increasingly available on the used truck market. These differ from “automatic” transmissions in that they don’t have torque converters or depend on transmission fluids. Instead, they are essentially manual transmissions, with the shifting controlled by computer. Carriers like AMTs for durability and fuel savings, plus AMTs enhance a company’s ability to hire drivers who haven’t trained on manual transmissions. Many owner-operators still prefer manual transmissions, especially the 13- and 18-speed models that allow the driver to “split” gears. Sometimes this preference is justified by load type, while sometimes it’s based on tradition and, to an extent, pride. Your decision might be based on availability, expected use of the truck and your ability to hire a driver for your truck. Another option that’s gaining popularity is the 6×2 axle configuration. With this setup, only one axle on the tractor actually pushes the vehicle. This option saves weight and can save tire wear if one axle lifts. The potential downside is encountering situations where the increased traction of a 6×4 axle setup is needed, such as trying to hook up a trailer in a muddy or snow-covered lot. Making just one service call to free a stuck tractor can negate a lot of fuel savings. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as collision mitigation and lane stability, have been very popular in recent years. Carriers like these systems because they prevent accidents, but some drivers prefer to maintain full control of the truck at all times. It’s definitely worth asking which systems a used truck is equipped with before making a final decision. Tires present several options as well. In the past, the choice was primarily between 24.5-inch and 22.5-inch “low-profile” tires. Single-wide drive tires are an option on many trucks these days, but they can’t be replaced with traditional tandem tires. Single-wides may be the best option for weight and fuel economy, but some drivers complain that the traction isn’t as good as tandems. As for size, the low-profile tires may be better for fuel mileage, but many drivers claim the 24.5-inch tires run cooler and last longer. Aerodynamics make a difference in fuel economy, but can be cumbersome on trucks used for heavy-duty applications. Wind fairings and cab extenders can damage easily and may be better suited for long-haul road applications than for activities like logging and construction. You should also consider idle management. Does the truck come with an auxiliary power unit (APU), and if so, is it diesel or electric powered? APUs add weight and can be expensive to purchase and maintain. You’ll want to consider where the truck will be operated and how often it will be used away from home when making your buying decision. Driver comfort can be important as well, whether you plan to drive the truck or hire someone else to drive it. If you’ll be spending a lot of time on the road, you may want a larger sleeper equipped with a power inverter, a refrigerator or other accessories. If your business plan will get you home nightly, these options are less important. Upgraded seats may provide better comfort over both long and short hauls. It’s important to consider your intended business and choose the used tractor that best fits your plan. When it comes to tractors, there’s no “one size fits all.” You won’t want to be stuck with a truck that doesn’t get the job done, or costs a fortune to operate. Don’t be swayed by a great price on the wrong truck. Make a list of the options you want and rank them by importance. You may not get everything you want, but you’ll end up with a truck that helps make your business successful.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Mack Trucks has achieved a major milestone at its Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO) in Macungie, Pennsylvania, with the completion of an $84 million renovation project dubbed “Reborn.” The comprehensive project revitalized the facility’s infrastructure, equipment, systems and processes to create a modernized lean manufacturing environment delivering even greater production quality, safety and efficiency. “This investment in the plant, our people and new processes allows us to continue delivering on Mack’s legendary durability through integrated, modern manufacturing,” said Martin Weissburg, president of Mack Trucks. Thousands of upgrades were made to the plant’s manufacturing operations, including a 300,000-square-foot expansion to improve material handling and flow; installation of new equipment and tooling; implementation of new manufacturing IT systems; and construction of a new audit building equipped with stalls and CNG test pads for quality checks on completed vehicles. The site also added a new 20,000 square-foot building for a Customer Adaptation Center and to support the Mack LR Electric model that will be commercialized in 2021. A major component of the project was the insourcing of complete chassis assembly to better manage and streamline the manufacturing process. The entire facility was given a fresh coat of paint and new, efficient lighting, offering customers and employees an enhanced experience. LVO added a new lobby and visitor welcome center, a refreshed Mack Shop merchandise store, modernized cafeteria, and office spaces, as well as doubled the number of restrooms. Externally, the parking capacity was expanded, and a new logistics building was added to the campus. Adopting lean manufacturing principles supported the LVO leadership’s goals of increased productivity and consistent product quality and safety for the entire team in all areas of the facility. “LVO has been completely transformed compared to the day I arrived in 2016,” said Rickard Lundberg, who as vice president and general manager of LVO led the project. “The physical space has been renovated to allow the openness for employees to learn together and embrace our lean manufacturing approach. Without the great people who are part of the LVO team, we could not have created this culture, this spirit of Mack Trucks that is reflected in each vehicle that rolls off the assembly line.” Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations produced its first trucks in 1975. Today, the one million square-foot facility assembles all heavy-duty Mack trucks built for the North American market and export.  

COLUMBUS, Ind. — According to the latest release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks, published by ACT Research, used Class 8 same-dealer sales volumes were up 17% year to date against the first eight months of 2019, with average price, miles and age all below August 2019 year-to-date rates, down 15%, 1% and 8%, respectively. Near term, the report also indicated that used Class 8 sales volumes rose, up 1% sequentially, with average price rising 5% month over month. Average miles and age both fell compared to July, down 1% and 3%, respectively. The report from ACT provides data on the average selling price, miles and age of used trucks based on a sample of industry data. In addition, the report provides the average selling price for top-selling Class 8 models for each of the major truck OEMs — Freightliner (Daimler), Kenworth and Peterbilt (PACCAR), International (Navistar), and Volvo and Mack (Volvo). “Used Class 8 same-dealer sales improvements continue to be attributed to the catch-up of weakness in late spring sales, as well as being driven by better-than-expected growth in freight,” said Steve Tam, vice president of ACT Research. “That said, the remainder of the year continues to be overshadowed by uncertainty, as businesses evolve to new sales models and small truckers enter and leave the market,” he continued. “Based on conversations we have had with dealers this past month, it appears that the used truck market is coalescing, with a growing number of reports of increased interest, phone calls, floor traffic and — most importantly— steady sales. At its current level, there are numerous opportunities for buyers, including both truckers and truck dealers, to obtain quality trucks at very attractive price points.”

DALLAS — Drivewyze and KeepTruckin have partnered to provide easy integrated access to Drivewyze’s weigh-station bypass services through KeepTruckin’s app platform. By enabling Drivewyze PreClear, KeepTruckin customers can bypass inspection sites across the U.S. using the Vehicle Gateway electronic logging device (ELD) already installed in their vehicle. As an added bonus, Drivewyze is offering KeepTruckin customers a special introductory free trial offer for the PreClear app. “In today’s landscape, fleet efficiency has never been more important,” said Charles Julius, head of product for KeepTruckin’s App Marketplace. “By providing weigh-station bypass availability from Drivewyze directly within our KeepTruckin platform, we’re helping customers and their drivers stay on the road longer to generate more income and ultimately grow their businesses,” he said. “The free trial will give a risk-free opportunity to see how trucks can take advantage of this benefit.” With the Drivewyze PreClear weigh-station bypass service, KeepTruckin customers can receive bypass opportunities at more than 800 locations in 47 states and provinces. The service requires no transponders to be installed in the vehicle and leverages KeepTruckin’s installed Vehicle Gateway. The integrated service streamlines onboarding and activation of Drivewyze services for fleet managers using the KeepTruckin App Marketplace. It also improves the driver experience over standard mobile applications. “KeepTruckin has a loyal customer base due to its innovative platform,” said Gavin Henry, vice president of business development for Drivewyze. “We share a similar mindset in offering our customers best-in-class solutions that leverage technology to run more efficient fleet operations,” Henry continued. “We’re thrilled to have them as a partner and to maximize the value customers receive on KeepTruckin’s platform.”

PHOENIX — Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. has set a goal to cut its carbon emissions in half by the year 2035, the company announced Sept. 29. “Sustainability has always been at the core of our culture,” said Dave Jackson, CEO of Knight-Swift. “While we have made significant strides in improving our environmental footprint over the years, we believe that setting an ambitious public goal to reduce carbon emissions generated by our fleet by 50% over the next 15 years quantifies our commitment,” he stated. “Our passionate and dedicated team members have the knowledge to rally around and execute on this achievable goal that will benefit our families, our communities, and future generations.” Knight-Swift anticipates meeting this goal through various initiatives, including: Implementing next-generation tractor and trailer aerodynamic solutions; Continuing deployment of advanced idle-reduction technologies; Utilizing next-generation clean diesel engines; Operating zero-emissions vehicles, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology; and Executing various other strategies as technology is developed and introduced to the market. “This is really a process rather than an event,” explained Dave Williams, the company’s senior vice president of equipment and government relations. “Like every other challenge that we have faced in our history, we will approach this very methodically, with very high expectations,” he continued. “While we will likely have to take some risk, we believe that being environmentally responsible and being profitable are not mutually exclusive. We expect these technologies to reduce emissions and to be cost-effective.” To formally kick off this initiative, Knight-Swift has teamed with Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) to deploy the carrier’s first zero-emissions battery-electric vehicle, consisting of a pre-production Freightliner eCascadia day-cab tractor as part of DTNA’s Freightliner Customer Experience Fleet. This Freightliner eCascadia, equipped with a fully electric drivetrain, will be used by Knight-Swift to service the Greater Los Angeles area with the benefit of zero tailpipe emissions. DTNA’s Freightliner Customer Experience Fleet is an ongoing initiative to engage customers in the development of commercial electric vehicles by deploying electric trucks in real-world applications.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — In the release of its Commercial Vehicle Dealer Digest on Sept. 25, ACT Research reported that an “unforeseen robustness of the perfect storm of positives into late spring and summer, following the initial shock of COVID-19 shutdowns and other mitigation efforts, has resulted in sharp upgrades in commercial vehicle expectations since May.” The report, which combines ACT’s proprietary data analysis from a variety of industry sources, paints a comprehensive picture of trends that impact the transportation and commercial vehicle markets. Designed for use by commercial vehicle dealer executives, the monthly report offers a relevant, high-level forecast summary, complete with transportation insights. Topics covered in the report include for-hire indices, freight, heavy- and medium-duty segments, the total U.S. trailer market, used truck sales information and a review of the U.S. macro economy. “There have been a number of factors that have contributed to significantly better freight outcomes, in spite of the dramatic economic downturn that continues to negatively impact significant swaths of the U.S. economy. One of the biggest surprises is illustrated by real personal consumption,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “Since consumers couldn’t spend on experiences like vacations, sporting events and concerts, they put that money to work buying goods. Summer vacation doesn’t fit into a truck, but stuff does,” he continued. Vieth also noted that he foresees a rebound in the Class 8 commercial vehicle industry. “On top of the consistent roll-out of good economic numbers from consumer activity, the sustained rally to record highs in dry van truckload spot rates reflects the sizeable piece of the driver supply that was sidelined in April,” he said. “The resulting rise in carrier profits bodes well for commercial vehicle demand. Even in the face of significant parked capacity right now, a case can be made for a steady, if historically modest, Class 8 market rebound from here.”

MINNEAPOLIS — More products, distribution channels and heightening consumer expectations for choice, adaptability and speed make supply chains increasingly complex. Transportation management is pivotal in meeting today’s demands, and truckload carriers need immediate, accurate communication about loads. Prophesy, a provider of transportation management systems, and KeepTrucking, a provider of fleet-management technology, have developed a system to enhance transportation management. Together, Prophesy’s Dispatch TMS and KeepTruckn’s Vehicle Gateway electronic logging device (ELD) and driver app enable seamless real-time communication between a carrier’s back office staff and drivers for the entire workload. “Uniting the abilities of KeepTruckin and Prophesy enables trucking companies to turn challenges into opportunities for transportation management,” said Kevin Pasternack, vice president of sales for Prophesy at Körber Supply Chain Software. “Together, we provide the shipment visibility and insights to assure you have the right resources in the right place at the right time — all from a single platform. We  look forward to building on this relationship with KeepTruckin to continue meeting the increasingly complex needs of dispatchers and drivers today and beyond.” Prophesy Dispatch automatically sends all load information to the KeepTruckin driver app using the KeepTruckin Driver Workflow feature. Arrival and departure information is automatically captured in the KeepTruckin driver app. The driver can manually update all other load data within the app including, but not limited to, weight, pieces, pallets, BOL and other reference numbers. Image capture is also possible. All of this information is sent to Prophesy Dispatch, with images automatically stored and associated with the correct load. As a result, verbal communication is eliminated. Rolling ETAs are instantly calculated, with load status updates sent to customers in real time — along with  immediate billing. This improves operational efficiency, enhances customer experiences and reduces costs, according to Prophesy and KeepTruckin. Hours-of-service data is also automatically sent to the Prophesy Dispatch system, alerting dispatchers to which drivers have enough available hours to be assigned to a load assuring compliance. “Streamlining how companies communicate across internal teams is key to maintaining customer satisfaction, reducing operating costs and scaling their businesses,” said Charles Julius, head of product for app marketplace at KeepTruckin. “Our fully integrated experience with Prophesy empowers drivers and dispatchers to communicate directly through KeepTruckin’s driver app about Prophesy loads — to not only create a single source of truth for dispatch data, but to help increase speed across all areas of the supply chain.” The KeepTruckin integration is available to all current Prophesy Dispatch customers. For more information, click here.

STUTTGART/BERLIN, Germany — In mid-September, Daimler Trucks presented the technology strategy for the electrification of its vehicles, ranging from urban distribution to international long-haul transport. The event focused on the technology for hydrogen-based fuel-cell trucks for the long-haul transport segment. Martin Daum, chairman of the board of management for Daimler Truck AG and member of the board of management for Daimler AG, along with Sven Ennerst, member of the board of management for Daimler Truck AG for development, procurement and the China region, presented the technology strategy at STATION-Berlin. Speakers included Andreas Scheuer, Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. “Our customers make rational purchasing decisions and are unwilling to compromise on their trucks’ suitability for everyday use, tonnage and range,” Daum stated during the event. “With our alternative drive concepts from Mercedes-Benz — the GenH2 Truck, the eActros LongHaul and the eActros — and our electric trucks of the Freightliner and FUSO brands, we have a clear focus on customer requirements and are creating genuine locally CO2-neutral alternatives for them.” During the world-premier event, the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, which marks the beginning of fuel-cell drive, was introduced as a concept vehicle. According to a statement from Daimler Trucks, the manufacturer’s goal is for heavy-duty fuel-cell trucks to perform long-distance haulage operations with ranges of up to 1,000 kilometers (621.371 miles) and more on a single tank of hydrogen. Daimler plans to begin customer trials of the GenH2 Truck in 2023, and series production is to start in the second half of the decade. By using liquid instead of gaseous hydrogen, with its higher energy density, the vehicle’s performance is planned to equal that of a comparable conventional diesel truck. “We need zero-carbon goods vehicles on our roads. These include hydrogen fuel cell trucks. There is huge potential inherent in hydrogen for the protection of our environment and a strong economy,” Scheuer said. “That is why we have been funding hydrogen as a transport fuel for over 10 years — one current example is the concept truck presented today. We will continue to provide strong support to the development of climate-friendly drivetrains and innovations … this will include, but not be limited to, significantly expanding the funding of vehicles.” Daimler also previewed a purely battery-powered long-haul truck, the Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul, which is designed to cover regular journeys on plannable routes in an energy-efficient manner. The manufacturer plans to have the eActros LongHaul ready for series production in 2024; the truck’s range on one battery charge will be approximately 500 kilometers (310.686 miles). Daimler will start series production of a purely battery-powered heavy-duty truck next year. Daimler is pursuing similar vehicle schedules for the North American and Japanese markets as it is for Europe. By the year 2022, Daimler Trucks’ portfolio in its main sales regions — Europe, the U.S. and Japan — is to include series-produced vehicles with battery-electric drive. The company has also stated a goal to offer only new vehicles that are CO2-neutral in driving operation (“from tank to wheel”) in Europe, North America and Japan by 2039. As a new worldwide modular platform architecture, the so-called ePowertrain will be the technological basis of all medium- and heavy-duty CO2-neutral, all-electric series-produced trucks from Daimler, whether powered purely by batteries or by hydrogen-based fuel cells. It will feature high levels of performance, efficiency and durability. With the ePowertrain, Daimler Trucks plans to achieve synergies and economies of scale for all relevant vehicles and markets. According to a statement from Daimler Trucks, development engineers at Daimler Trucks based the GenH2 Truck on the capabilities of the conventional Mercedes-Benz Actros long-haul truck with regard to tractive power, range and performance. The series-production version of the GenH2 Truck is expected to have a gross vehicle weight of 40 tons and a payload of 25 tons. Two special liquid-hydrogen tanks and a powerful fuel-cell system will make this high payload and long range possible, the manufacturer says. The statement continues, saying Daimler experts can draw on existing expertise for the development of liquid-hydrogen tanks, and they are also cooperating closely with a partner. In April, Daimler Truck AG concluded a preliminary, nonbinding agreement with the Volvo Group to establish a new joint venture for the development to series maturity, production and commercialization of fuel-cell systems for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles and other applications. Joining forces will decrease development costs for both companies and accelerate the market introduction of fuel cell systems. The joint venture is to benefit from the expertise of Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group. To facilitate the joint venture with the Volvo Group, Daimler Truck AG merged all group-wide fuel-cell activities into the newly founded subsidiary, Daimler Truck Fuel Cell GmbH & Co. KG.

PITTSBURGH and SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Locomation, a provider of autonomous trucking technology, announced Sept. 24 that it has received the world’s first autonomous truck purchase order from Missouri-based Wilson Logistics. Under the terms of the deal, a minimum of 1,120 Wilson Logistics tractors are to be equipped with Locomation’s Autonomous Relay Convoy (ARCTM) technology, with the first units delivered in early 2022. Additionally, the deal amends the commercial agreement between the two companies to extend through 2028. “We understand the importance of autonomous vehicle technology to the future of Wilson Logistics, and choosing our AV (automated vehicle) partner has been a deliberate process,” said Darrel Wilson, founder and CEO of Wilson Logistics. “In Locomation we see the most viable path to safe, rapid and broad commercialization, and we’re proud to make this purchase commitment,” Wilson added. “Locomation delivers both the technology and the implementation methods required to enable Wilson Logistics to realize our strategic plans for profitable growth through technology.” The agreement follows a successful pilot program with between Locomation and Wilson Logistics this summer that included two Locomation trucks hauling Wilson Logistics trailers to deploy freight as an ARCTM on a 420-mile-long route from Portland, Oregon to Nampa, Idaho. ARCTM allows one driver to pilot a lead truck, which is equipped with technology augmentation, while a follower truck operates in tandem through Locomation’s fully autonomous system. “Working with the Wilson Logistics team, we defined road segments to maximize asset utilization by capitalizing on freight density in each lane, which enables shippers and carriers to substantially increase their use of available capacity,” explained Tom Kroswek, head of business development at Locomation. “We then used our proprietary analysis methods to identify opportunities to optimize pricing to maximize yield per mile. Locomation’s unique ability to help our clients improve both yield and utilization is truly the holy grail in trucking. Of the 68 original high-value ARCTM segments we identified, Wilson’s choice to now fill 37 of those lanes is a ringing endorsement of our capabilities.” At full commercialization, Locomation’s ARCTM technology is expected to produce an estimated 30% reduction in operating cost per mile, including 8% reduction in fuel consumption, and remove over 40 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the air per convoy annually. “Wilson Logistics is a leader in the industry, with significant focus on driver quality of life, overall fleet safety and operational excellence. This purchase order is just the beginning of a significant leap toward autonomous technology for the entire trucking sector,” said Çetin Meriçli, CEO and co-founder of Locomation. “Wilson Logistics has been an excellent partner, and their multi-year commitment to Locomation demonstrates the strong industry validation of our autonomous technology in freight transportation.”

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart Inc. has announced plans to “double down” on addressing the climate crisis by targeting zero emissions across the company’s global operations by 2040, according to a Sept. 21 statement. As part of that commitment to zero emissions, the company says it plans to electrify and zero out emissions from all of its vehicles, including long-haul trucks, by 2040. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are also committing to help protect, manage or restore at least 50 million acres of land and one million square miles of ocean by 2030 to help combat the cascading loss of nature threatening the planet. “We want to play an important role in transforming the world’s supply chains to be regenerative. We face a growing crisis of climate change and nature loss, and we all need to take action with urgency,” said Doug McMillon, president and chief executive officer for Walmart Inc. In addition, the company announced goals of powering its facilities with 100% renewable wind, solar or other energy sources by 2035, and to transition to low-impact refrigerants for cooling and electrified equipment for heating in its stores, clubs and data and distribution centers by 2040. Currently, Walmart powers approximately 29% of its operations with renewable energy, the Sept. 21 statement notes. “We must all take urgent, sustained action to reverse nature loss and emissions before we reach a tipping point from which we will not recover,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, executive vice president and chief sustainability officer for Walmart Inc. and president of the Walmart Foundation. “People have pushed past the earth’s natural limits. Healthy societies, resilient economies and thriving businesses rely on nature,” McLaughlin continued. “Our vision at Walmart is to help transform food and product supply chains to be regenerative, working in harmony with nature — to protect, restore and sustainably use our natural resources.” Recognizing the need to act now, along with the Walmart Foundation, Walmart aims to protect, manage or restore some of the world’s most critical landscapes by: Continuing to support efforts to preserve at least one acre of natural habitat for every acre of land developed by the company in the U.S.; Driving the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices, sustainable fisheries management and forest protection and restoration — including an expansion of Walmart’s forests policy; and Investing in and working with suppliers to source from place-based efforts that help preserve natural ecosystems and improve livelihoods. “For 15 years, we have been partnering to do the work and continually raising our sustainability ambitions across climate action, nature, waste and people,” McMillon said. “The commitments we’re making today not only aim to decarbonize Walmart’s global operations, they also put us on the path to becoming a regenerative company — one that works to restore, renew and replenish in addition to preserving our planet, and encourages others to do the same.”

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and its Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) continued National Technician Appreciation week by recognizing the first Trailer Technician Superstar. Clifford Roberson of Tyson Foods Inc. was awarded the honor Sept. 22. “Recognizing professional excellence is an important part of what we want National Technician Appreciation Week to be,” said Robert Braswell, executive director of TMC. “Clifford demonstrates that excellence regularly, and we are pleased to honor him with this award.” Roberson, of Russellville, Arkansas, has served as a technician for Tyson Foods since May 2002, and was named Team Member of the Year of the Tyson Valley Maintenance Center in 2019. He is considered an exceptionally reliable performer, having achieved six years of perfect attendance as a refrigerated trailer technician for Tyson. “He is a lifelong mechanic that can and will work on anything. Clifford is currently a reefer tech at Tyson … but will do whatever is asked of him whether it be on a truck, hydraulics on a feed trailer, forklift at any of the local plants, yard trucks, live haul trailers,” said Dustin McKibbin, shop supervisor at Tyson. “To say that Clifford is very knowledgeable would be spot on.” The Technician Superstar winners will receive a complementary registration to a TMC meeting of their choice and one year’s membership in the Council.

STUTTGART, Germany, PORTLAND, Ore. and BLACKSBURG, Va. — September 2020 marks the one-year anniversary of a working partnership between Daimler Trucks and Torc Robotics. In September 2019, Torc Robotics joined Daimler Trucks’ Autonomous Technology Group, and the two companies have worked together toward a common goal of bringing series-produced highly automated trucks (SAE Level 4) to the roads within the decade. The year’s achievements include on-road deployment of a Level 4 test fleet, initiation of redesign of truck chassis, adoption of a hub-to-hub model, formalized rigorous testing protocols, formal truck safety driver certification process and extended software capabilities. Now, at the one-year point, the Autonomous Technology Group will extend its testing to New Mexico with the construction of a new testing center in Albuquerque. The group anticipates that the new location will support testing and provide data for more use cases of next generation vehicles on public roads starting this fall. “After one year of collaboration with Torc, we have successfully deployed trucks with SAE Level 4 intent technology on public roads and expanded our test fleet with trucks, miles and learnings,” said Martin Daum, chairman of the board of management for Daimler Truck AG and a member of the board of management for Daimler AG. “Partnering with Torc has created a unique and even more powerful team of innovators at Daimler Trucks. We remain fully committed to this collaboration and to focusing on the shared goal of bringing highly automated trucks to series production.” Initial public road testing on highways began in September 2019 in southwest Virginia, where Torc is headquartered. Additionally, closed-track road testing is conducted in Madras, Oregon, at Daimler Trucks North America’s High Desert Proving Grounds. In February 2020, Daimler Trucks and Torc announced plans to expand testing of automated truck technology to additional locations, adding new public routes in the U.S.; however, the activation was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic downtime earlier this year, the teams focused on simulation testing; then public road testing — with safety and health protocols in place — resumed in Virginia in June 2020, and will be continued with the next generation of automated driving software. The Oregon team will continue to focus on the development of vehicle safety systems, which are critical for delivering the safety standards for self-driving trucks. The goal is to refine a truck chassis that is perfectly suited for highly automated driving and includes the redundancy of systems needed to achieve safe, reliable driving, according to a statement released by Daimler Trucks. “We have accomplished a lot during the first year. In addition to testing our technology stack on trucks on the highway in Virginia, we have scaled up our team and grown quickly — recently opening our expanded headquarters in Virginia to accommodate this growth,” said Michael Fleming, CEO of Torc Robotics. “Daimler’s commitment to safety, innovation leadership of truck technology and foundational knowledge of on-road scenarios that truckers encounter has moved our system faster than we could have done alone as a technology firm. By working with the inventor of the truck and number one truck OEM, we are convinced that Level 4 trucks can be commercialized safely with a strong business case.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the U.S. has seen the tonnage of goods shipped by trucks increase by 56% in the past decade. This number is expected to nearly double in the next two-and-a-half decades. These developments contribute to a growing need for safe, reliable, cost-effective trucking solutions. Daimler Trucks has dozens of years of experience in testing and validating the durability, reliability and safety of commercial vehicles around the world. In 2019, Daimler Trucks North America unveiled the first SAE Level 2 automated truck, the Freightliner Cascadia. With Active Drive Assist (Mercedes-Benz Actros, FUSO Super Great) and Detroit Assurance 5.0 with Active Lane Assist (Freightliner Cascadia), Daimler Trucks has delivered automated driving features into series production. Similarly, Torc has 15 years of experience in commercializing self-driving technology in heavy-duty, safety-critical applications. Moreover, Torc’s “Asimov” autonomous driving system has been tested on public roads including a cross-country journey. As a result of combining their extensive technology and testing experience, Daimler Trucks and Torc have developed a comprehensive validation approach and safety protocols for automated driving; aligned with the federal framework policy for testing and commercial deployment of SAE Level 4 automated trucks. “We know this will not happen overnight, but with our priority and vision for safer roads and efficiencies for our customers, we are committed to the journey,” said Roger Nielsen, Daimler Trucks board member and president and CEO of Daimler Trucks North America. “We listen carefully to our customers, and we see potential to deliver commercial value to them and to society.” All automated test drives require the combination of a safety conductor, overseeing the system, and a highly trained safety driver, certified by Daimler Trucks and Torc. All safety drivers hold commercial driver’s licenses and are specially trained in vehicle dynamics and automated systems. “The partnership has enabled both our teams to move faster on developing Level 4 trucks, providing Daimler engineers with insights on how the technology will impact truck design, and providing Torc with data and perspective on what technology will work best for the trucking industry,” said Peter Vaughan Schmidt, head of the autonomous technology group at Daimler Trucks. “We will implement the results of our collaboration in the next phase of public road testing later this year.”

ARLINGTON, Va. — Monday, Sept. 21, kicked off the inaugural National Technician Appreciation Week, presented by the American Trucking Association’s (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), by naming Mike Neer of Old Dominion Freight Line as the first-ever Heavy-Duty Technician Superstar. “Being able to recognize hardworking professionals like Mike is an important part of why we created National Technician Appreciation Week,” said Robert Braswell, executive director of TMC. “Mike is an example of the professionalism and dedication that TMC espouses and we’re proud to honor him with this award.” In preparation for National Technician Appreciation Week, companies were encouraged to nominate a person or persons from their organizations who exemplify excellence as a commercial vehicle technician. Winners were selected for three categories — heavy duty, trailer and light/medium duty. Neer, of Parsons, Kansas, has served as a technician for ODFL since 2005 and is a past winner of the Old Dominion Service 2.0 OD Award, which is given for service above and beyond the call of duty. “Mike is a great team member for the Parsons’ Fleet Maintenance Location, where he is always willing to accept new assignments and mentor other technicians when asked to do so. He is always training and keeping up to date on the latest technologies,” said Francis Chandler, shop manager for Old Dominion Freight Lines. The Technician Superstar winners will receive a complementary registration to a TMC meeting of their choice and one year’s membership in the Council.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — North America’s trucking industry continues to show signs of improvement, according to ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report for August. August net U.S. trailer orders of 28,139 units were a significant improvement (up 49%) from July’s uptick — and well above August 2019’s level (up 160%). Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 29,000 units were up 46% compared to July and 96% better year over year. “Conversations in recent months have indicated a change in fleet perspective, frequently phrased as more requests for quotes, ongoing negotiations, or a simple statement that ‘the phone is ringing a lot more lately’,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research for ACT. “That shift started in late June, and we saw a minor gain in orders in July.” ACT’s U.S. Trailers report provides a monthly review of the current U.S. trailer market statistics, as well as trailer OEM build plans and market indicators divided by all major trailer types, including backlogs, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders and factory shipments. It is accompanied by a database that provides historical information from 1996 to the present, as well as a ready-to-use graph packet, to allow organizations in the trailer production supply chain, as well as those following the investment value of trailers and trailer OEMs and suppliers, to better understand the market. “However, it’s still not all sunshine, as August’s orders included a substantial amount of large fleet demand, with strong e-commerce support, which bodes well for dry vans and reefers, but provides minimal benefit for vocational categories,” Maly noted. “With large fleets seeing better volumes and rates, they may be moving with a more bullish perspective than we perceive, and while trailer OEMS welcome the interest, they are wondering if the recent order strength has ‘legs’,” he concluded.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America is expanding the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) pilot project with the delivery of heavy-duty VNR Electric trucks to serve the Southern California fleets of two carriers, Dependable Highway Express and NFI Industries. The Volvo VNR Electric trucks were deployed as part of the Volvo LIGHTS project, a collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AWMD), the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and other organizations to develop a blueprint to successfully introduce battery-electric trucks and equipment into the market at scale in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy and improve public health and the environment. The pilot project, which will run through the end of 2021, is designed to demonstrate the ability of battery-electric trucks to be incorporated into fleets to transport goods on daily routes. Beginning in 2021, Southern California businesses will have the opportunity to lease commercial Volvo VNR Electric trucks from TEC Equipment. Dependable Highway Express On Sept. 10, Volvo Trucks North America announced that Los Angeles-based Dependable Highway Express (DHE) received two Volvo VNR Electric trucks, the first battery-electric Class 8 trucks to join the carrier’s fleet. The two electric trucks will be added to DHE’s existing fleet of more than 500 Volvo trucks operating across North America as part of the Volvo LIGHTS pilot project. “DHE is incredibly proud to be one of the first fleets to deploy Volvo VNR Electric trucks in North America,” said DHE’s Chief Operating Officer Joe Finney. “DHE is a family-run business that considers our employees as family, which is why we want only the best for our drivers. Volvo’s entire line-up of Class 8 trucks offer our drivers the safest and most comfortable environment on the market, which is why we’ve only purchased Volvo trucks for our fleet since 2014. The Volvo VNR Electric truck cabin is nearly identical to its diesel counterpart, but with a whisper-quiet engine, a super smooth ride, and zero emissions. Our drivers can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the VNR Electric trucks and put them to work.” DHE will operate the two Volvo VNR Electric trucks out of its facility in Ontario, California, which manages a fleet of 40 Class 8 trucks. The Volvo VNR Electric trucks will run daily routes that vary from 60 to 80 miles, transporting goods from Ontario to warehouses throughout Southern California. By completing several different routes, the trucks will collect performance data under various operating conditions, producing real-world operational data on the trucks’ power, performance, and range. This information will help Volvo Trucks validate customization measures to provide the most seamless transition to battery-electric trucks for its customers. “Working with DHE as a trusted fleet partner for years, they’ve come to expect the reliability, performance, and safety that is synonymous with a Volvo truck. We look forward to DHE putting these VNR Electric truck models through the rigors of their daily operations and experiencing that same level of quality,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “These zero-emission trucks will start delivering benefits to drivers and communities today, while providing us with the valuable real-world data we need to successfully introduce these trucks commercially in the very near future, a milestone in the transition to wide-scale, sustainable transport solutions.” DHE is a core division of Dependable Supply Chain Services, a full-service logistics provider established in 1950. DHE’s services include trucking, warehousing and distribution, harbor drayage, third-party logistics, air and ocean freight forwarding, and freight transport. “The Volvo LIGHTS project is figuratively paving the road toward achieving meaningful emission reductions in the freight movement sector — the largest single source of air pollution in our region,” said Janice Rutherford, San Bernardino County, second district supervisor and South Coast AQMD board member. “I am pleased to see these zero-emission Volvo VNR Electric trucks driving through my district in San Bernardino County and look forward to larger scale deployments.” In June, the first Volvo LIGHTS VNR Electric truck was deployed at Volvo Trucks North America TEC Equipment dealership in Fontana, California, which will provide DHE with ongoing maintenance support for the Volvo VNR Electric trucks. On the near-term horizon, additional announcements about fleet customer demonstrations will be made. “By operating our own all-electric VNR for the past four months, our maintenance and repair crew has already gained incredible hands-on experience,” said Mike Reardon, general manager of TEC Equipment’s Fontana, California, dealership. “We’re thrilled to extend our contracted maintenance services with DHE to include their two Volvo VNR Electric trucks and look forward to helping their team maximize their uptime.” NFI Industries NFI Industries, a third-party supply chain solutions provider, is piloting two Volvo VNR Electric Trucks as part of the Volvo LIGHTS project, becoming the third company to deploy the battery-electric trucks, Volvo Trucks North America announced Sept. 21. The Volvo VNR Electric trucks join NFI’s fleet of more than 4,500 heavy-duty tractors that support its dedicated transportation and port drayage services for customers spanning from manufacturing to retail. The pilot trucks will be based out of one of NFI’s warehouse facilities in Southern California that serves as a central distribution center for the region. “As the future of goods movement in the U.S. changes from more of a long-haul operation to regional and hub and spoke models, not only is that NFI’s wheelhouse, it’s an ideal scenario to immerse electrification into our regional hauling strategy,” said Jim O’Leary, vice president of assets/fleet services for NFI Industries. “Our executive team is excited to collaborate with the Volvo LIGHTS team to accelerate our transition to a zero-emission fleet, so that we can lower our carbon footprint, reduce our operating costs and provide a better work environment for our drivers.” Recognized as a four-time award-winning, EPA SmartWay Partner, NFI implements a variety of clean vehicles and equipment to reduce its overall emissions, including electric heavy-duty trucks, near-zero-emission natural-gas vehicles, and battery-electric warehouse equipment. “By participating in the Volvo LIGHTS project, NFI is helping to prove that Volvo’s VNR Electric trucks can handle the daily rigors of freight movement. NFI continues to be a leader in sustainability and it comes across in everything they do,” said Volvo Trucks North America’s Voorhoeve. “NFI is realizing the immediate value the electric VNR provides — not just by eliminating emissions, but creating an enthusiastic workforce complimenting the experience of driving these electric truck models. We are proud to continue to partner with NFI — a leader of fleet innovation and a fellow champion of sustainable transport solutions.” Volvo’s VNR Electric trucks produce zero emissions and significantly reduce heat, noise and vibrations allowing for the cleanest and most comfortable driving experience, according to drivers for NFI. “It’s very quiet. You come home feeling a lot calmer and a lot more relaxed at the end of the day,” said Karl Williams, a driver for NFI. “When I accelerate the Volvo VNR Electric truck, I can feel the power,” said Francisco Delgado, an NFI driver with more than 20 years of experience operating heavy-duty trucks. “It’s fast, and it’s very smooth. I’m very excited to drive it.” The Volvo VNR Electric heavy-duty trucks provide excellent responsiveness, torque and performance, especially in the heavy-idling, stop-and-go nature of urban goods movement which is particularly taxing for diesel trucks. “These types of zero-emission trucks are exactly what we need to help us achieve our clean air goals,” said Wayne Nastri, South Coast AQMD’s executive officer. “We are pleased with the progress made through the Volvo LIGHTS program and look forward to similar deployments throughout Southern California.” Sydney Vergis, assistant chief of CARB’s Mobile Source Division, also expressed optimism about the use of battery-electric trucks in the freight industry. “We are excited to see another deployment of Volvo Trucks’ cutting-edge zero-emission vehicles being put into service,” Vergis said. “This deployment is a culmination of countless hours of collaboration. The Volvo LIGHTS partners are continuing to lead with innovation and ingenuity, charting an actionable, zero-emission path forward for others to follow.” About Volvo VNR Electric The Volvo VNR Electric model was recently certified by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), enabling the vehicle to be commercially sold in all 50 U.S. states. This step moves Volvo Trucks North America another step closer to the commercial launch of the VNR Electric. Beginning in 2021, Southern California businesses will be able to lease commercial Volvo VNR Electric trucks from TEC Equipment. In addition to zero tailpipe emissions, the Volvo VNR Electric trucks simplify maintenance and improve working conditions for drivers by offering state-of-the-art responsiveness, a quieter cab free of engine-related vibrations, and by eliminating exposure to diesel fuel and exhaust.

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. — In keeping with guidelines mandated because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Used Truck Association (UTA) is changing its 21st annual convention to a virtual format this year. The convention will be held online from 9:30 am. To 2:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, Nov. 11. “The health and well-being of our members is paramount,” said Craig Kendall, UTA president. “By transitioning to a virtual convention, UTA members will be able to enjoy many of the convention’s best features from the safety and comfort of their business or home offices.” While the schedule is still being finalized there is no doubt the agenda will be an active one, according to Kendall, and will offer the learning opportunities, information sharing and inspiration that UTA convention attendees have always enjoyed. In addition to an economic keynote delivered by Chris Kuel of Armada Corporate Intelligence, the convention will include a timely workshop presenting strategies for “Digital Selling in Uncertain Times,” along with a “Used Truck Market and Valuation Update” with Steve Tam, Chris Visser and Josh Giles is planned. A new item on the convention agenda addresses one of today’s challenges — how dealerships can best present and communicate the trucks they have for sale. Victoria Lombardo of Doggett Freightliner — and UTA’s 2019 Rookie of the Year — will highlight best practices for providing a virtual truck walkaround to prospective customers. Tips will include the best ways to film, how to show off all the bells and whistles, and even how best to wrap up the presentation. As always, the Dealer Group’s Individual Member Awards will be announced, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award. There will also be a vendor expo. Moving the convention to a virtual format also allows for new learning and networking experiences. For example, special “rooms” or chat areas will be set up for different groups, such as UTA’s Young Members Committee and the Dealer Group. UTA will also provide plenty of time for unique networking events. “Undoubtedly, a virtual convention is a different experience,” said Terry Williams, UTA’s convention committee chair. “But one thing will be the same: UTA members will once again come together as a family to prepare for the business year that lies ahead and support one another as they always have.” Attendees will gather not in any one location, but in hundreds of locations — wherever UTA members choose to join in using their desktops, laptops, iPads or smartphones. For additional information, click here. For information about business sponsorship opportunities, contact Misty Reis at [email protected].

LEWISVILLE, Texas — Summit Truck Group LLC announced Sept. 15 that the company has assumed responsibility for the International Truck franchise in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Located about 75 miles northwest of Memphis, Tennessee, Jonesboro is closest geographically to the Summit dealership in Memphis, as well as to other Summit locations in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Summit has leased a facility at 5711 Commerce Square in Jonesboro that will be the site of Summit of Jonesboro. From this location, Summit is authorized to sell International trucks, IC Bus school buses and Isuzu trucks, as well as used trucks. In addition, the facility will provide parts, and service to support customers in the Jonesboro market. “Summit already has some fleet customers in the Jonesboro area who have purchased trucks from Summit in the past,” said Justin Fink, CEO of Summit. “We look forward to opening up our new facility in Jonesboro, so that we can support those customers more fully.” Summit intends to hire additional employees to operate the new Jonesboro location and expects to open the facility in October. Previously, Heartland Equipment operated an International Truck dealership in Jonesboro. Heartland will continue to own and operate a farm equipment, construction equipment, and land leveling equipment operation at its existing facility.

PORTLAND, Ore. — EROAD, a global transportation technology services company, and HERE Technologies, a location data and platform company, have partnered to bring new routing and navigation solutions to commercial vehicle fleets in North America, New Zealand and Australia. HERE and EROAD jointly designed the navigation application that is integrated into EROAD Go+, a new solution in North America for enhanced pickup and delivery workflow. EROAD Go+ connects to a truck fleet’s transportation-management system to mobilize dispatch and capture proof-of-delivery data digitally, yielding better visibility, less paperwork and safer, more productive drivers. “EROAD’s fleet-management solution is focused on giving the driver an easy, reliable experience from capturing logs to doing inspections to completing their work,” said Norm Ellis, president of EROAD North America. “By working with HERE to integrate truck-friendly routing right into daily workflow in EROAD Go, we’re making it easier for drivers to find the best routes, which means safer driving and fewer delays.” The navigation tool will automatically import assigned stops from the driver-workflow mobile app, providing both an optimized route overview and turn-by-turn navigation. Routing is truck-friendly and accounts for truck dimensions, vehicle weight, number of trailers, etc. The tool also optimizes routes based on road attributes and conditions, including truck restrictions, bridge heights, hazardous-material restrictions and traffic. The app features live turn-by-turn navigation with lane assist, along with audible guidance on upcoming turns, so drivers can safely stay focused on the road and traffic conditions around them. “Our expanded partnership with EROAD will bring new innovations in fleet management and most importantly driver safety, which in turn enhances driver satisfaction,” said Stanmira Koleva, senior vice president and general manager of Asia Pacific for HERE Technologies “We are really excited to be able to partner on EROAD Go, as this solution will empower both business and drivers with real-time feedback, such as alerts and traffic conditions, and ensure truck drivers have the most optimized routes to travel on,” Koleva continued. “With our complementary strengths in fleet management and location technology, a partnership between HERE and EROAD is a natural fit.”