Equipment & Tech

TROY, Mich. — Meritor said Tuesday it had made major enhancements to MeritorPartsXpress.com that improve search functionality for more than 100,000 aftermarket products and offer new self-service tools to help North America customers bolster their operations. “With these enhancements, MeritorPartsXpress.com becomes an even more important resource that will help warehouse distributors (WDs), manufacturers and dealers not only find parts more quickly but also assist them in making important business decisions to grow their businesses,” said Brett Penzkofer, vice president, aftermarket, North America for Meritor. Penzkofer said customers could use the e-commerce platform’s new search tools to quickly configure, search and identify specific parts as well as check the inventory status of products at Meritor’s four North America distribution facilities in Florence, Kentucky; Santa Fe Springs, California; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Updated search bars will deliver more accurate results and quickly identify specific, top-moving product lines, stocking levels and brand options. For a quick view of a product line, the website’s new mega menu will show three levels of part categories in a single click. Key authorized WD customers will be able to create new guest accounts on MeritorPartsXpress.com to streamline ordering. A new online forms process will permit customers to return products without contacting customer service. Penzkofer said customized user account settings will include tools to create a personalized default landing page with a choice of price options and build Meritor-centric advertising containing their pricing. WDs can also use a tool to monitor their spending. The average number of site visitors per day has increased 65 percent since the site was launched in April 2017. “Customers are adopting MeritorPartsXpress rapidly, and based on usage and feedback, the platform is working well for them,” Penzkofer said. “By continuing to increase functionality on the site, we’re offering customers a more personalized experience along with Meritor is a global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets. The company has 8,600 employees. For more information, visit www.meritor.com.  

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The U.S. trailer industry set net order records throughout the third quarter with both July and August being the strongest months, respectively, in industry history, according to this quarter’s issue of ACT Research’s Trailer Components Report. The quarter closed with the industry posting the strongest monthly net order volume in history, with more than 58,000 net orders posted in September. That was more than 11,000 stronger than the previous record set in October of 2014. The strong OEM orderboard and the resulting trailer production rates will continue to challenge industry component and material suppliers during the upcoming months, according to Frank Maly, director-CV transportation analysis and research at ACT. “Strong freight demand and tight capacity have combined to support both contract and spot rates. Extremely positive fleet financial performance is the result, providing both the need and ability to continue strong levels of equipment investment,” Maly said. “Solid orders are not just a short-term phenomenon, as five of the top ten order volume months in industry history have occurred in the last four quarters.” Maly said cancellations continue to be minimal. Industry backlogs now stretch well into second quarter of 2019 so fleets realize that backing away from any trailers currently on the orderboard might result in equipment delivery sometime next summer, “or later.” ACT Research is a publisher of commercial vehicle truck, trailer, and bus industry data, market analysis and forecasting services for the North American and China markets.

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Mich. — In a renovated old cash register factory in suburban Detroit, 300 engineers are toiling away on an all-electric pickup truck and an SUV that they hope can take on Tesla. All of them work for Rivian, which on Monday will unveil the two vehicles ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is among a growing line of startups and established automakers looking to enter the fully electric vehicle market. The influx of vehicles that run solely on batteries almost certainly will pull buyers from the current leader, Tesla, which likely will deliver over 300,000 vehicles worldwide this year. Established automakers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Jaguar-Land Rover, Volkswagen, Hyundai, General Motors, Ford and even vacuum cleaner maker Dyson have promised to roll out new electrics in the next few years. The luxury automakers compete directly with Tesla’s higher-margin vehicles, the Models X and S. There also are electric car brands in China. The two biggest brands by sales — BYD Auto, a unit of BYD Corp. in Shenzhen, near Hong Kong, and state-owned BAIC Group in Beijing — are making inroads into foreign markets. BYD sells battery-powered buses in the U.S., Japan and Europe. BAIC announced plans in April to manufacture electrics in South Africa. Its EC series, starting at 150,000 yuan ($22,000), is China’s top-selling electric car. Sweden’s Volvo Cars, owned by China’s Geely Holding, says it plans to make an electric vehicle in China starting next year for sale worldwide. Michael Ramsey, senior analyst for Gartner, says Tesla “will unquestionably lose market share as more competitors come in.” What is unknown, though, is whether the demand for electric vehicles will rise enough so that there’s room for everybody. Currently the market is tiny. In the U.S., electric vehicles only amounted to 0.8 percent of new vehicle registrations through August this year, according to data from IHS Markit. But that’s substantially more than the 0.5 percent at the same time in 2017. Automakers in the U.S. sold just over 155,000 fully electric vehicles through October, about 1 percent of total sales, Edmunds.com says. Yet globally, Navigant Research predicts huge growth in the next seven years, from just over 1 million sales this year to 6.5 million by 2025. As competition ramps up, prices are gradually coming down, edging closer to cars with internal combustion engines. At the same time, electric range is on the rise. For instance, Rivian is promising that the top version of its R1T pickup will have more than 400 miles (644 kilometers) of battery range per charge when it goes on sale in late 2020. The five-seat pickup is aimed at a market Tesla is not yet in, an off-road capable truck with outdoorsy features. Rivian, headquartered in Plymouth Township, Michigan, says the R1T can go fast on pavement, with one electric motor per wheel taking it from zero-to-60 mph (97 kilometers per hour) in three seconds. It also has a retractable bed cover, and storage space running across the width of the truck behind the rear seats that can carry surfboards, snowboards or skis. It has a unique white horizontal light bar across the front with oval headlamps. CEO R.J. Scaringe, 35, who has a Ph.D in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said exact pricing will be announced later, but a basic truck with smaller 230-mile (370 kilometers) battery pack will start under $70,000. A truck with the longer-range battery will be around $90,000, he said. The small startup still has a long way to go to sell vehicles, even though it says it has $500 million in funding. It has to develop a sales and service network, announce a battery cell supplier and start producing vehicles in a former Mitsubishi Motors plant it owns in Normal, Illinois. IHS analyst Stephanie Brinley says Tesla may lose sales for a time as competitors bite into a slow-growing market. But eventually she thinks electric vehicle sales will take off and Tesla sales will rise. At least publicly, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said many times the competition is good, fostering the company’s goal of sustainable transportation. “It is impossible for Tesla to build electric cars fast enough to address the carbon crisis,” Musk wrote in a 2014 blog. “Our true competition is not the small trickle of non-Tesla electric cars being produced, but rather the enormous flood of gasoline cars pouring out of the world’s factories every day.”

GOTHENBURG, Sweden — Volvo Trucks has signed a landmark agreement with Brønnøy Kalk AS in Norway to provide its first commercial autonomous solution transporting limestone from an open pit mine to a nearby port. The solution for Brønnøy Kalk AS consists of limestone being transported by six autonomous Volvo FH trucks on a five kilometer stretch through tunnels between the mine itself and the crusher. Tests of this solution have been carried out successfully and will continue throughout 2018 to become fully operational by the end of 2019. The agreement follows recent successful automation projects involving mining, sugar cane harvesting and refuse collection, according to Claes Nilsson, president of Volvo Trucks. Yet this commercial solution represents an exciting first for Volvo Trucks, he said, adding that rather than purchasing autonomous trucks, Brønnøy Kalk is buying a transport solution – specifically the transport of the limestone between the two hubs. “This is an important step for us,” said Raymond Langfjord, managing director of the mine. “The competition in the industry is tough. We are continuously looking to increase our efficiency and productivity long-term, and we have a clear vision of taking advantage of new opportunities in technology and digital solutions.  We were searching for a reliable and innovative partner that shares our focus on sustainability and safety. Going autonomous will greatly increase our competitiveness in a tough global market.” “We are proud to be able to present an autonomous solution which will meet the challenges of our customers both in terms of safety, reliability and profitability,” Nilsson said. ”The global transport needs are continuously changing at a very high pace and the industry is demanding new and advanced solutions to stay ahead. Our aim is to be the leader of the development of products and services to respond to these demands.” “It is exciting to reach this point where we introduce autonomous solutions, says Sasko Cuklev, director autonomous solutions at Volvo Trucks. “By working in a confined area on a predetermined route, we can find out how to get the best out of the solution and tailor it according to specific customer needs. This is all about collaborating to develop new solutions, providing greater flexibility and efficiency as well as increased productivity.” The agreement involves a deal whereby the customer buys a total transport service and pays per ton delivered.

RESTON, Va. — Trucker Tools, which provides Smart Capacity, a shipment visibility, carrier capacity management and predictive freight-matching solution for the transportation industry has launched two new broker productivity tools. The company is introducing an expanded market-level “real-time heat map” feature, according to Prasad Gollapalli, Trucker Tools founder and CEO. Today, brokers on Smart Capacity can view a graphical map representing available capacity in a city or region specific to their network of qualified and preferred carriers. Under the expanded “real time heat map,” brokers now can see not only their own customer-specific network, but also an aggregated, timely view of all loads and all trucks in a city or market region, such as Chicago or Atlanta, Gollapalli said . “An important distinction with the Smart Capacity heat map, unlike others, is that ours is built on real-time, accurate data,” Gollapalli said. “Our heat map is refreshed and updated constantly, providing the timeliest view of current market status.  That’s a huge value differentiator for our customers.” Heat maps are a widely-used management tool that illustrate the ratio of available trucks to available loads in a region. Importantly, the Smart Capacity real-time heat map, which presents an aggregated view of the larger overall market, does not display any customer-specific detail on trucks or loads at market level. Gollapalli said this is a key design element whose purpose is to protect and maintain confidentiality for the broker.  It’s a principal value feature of the Smart Capacity platform, which operates as a private, secure network with strong access controls and protocols for ensuring data security and integrity. The productivity analysis tools provide metrics and data which show average times within a market for all brokers to cover loads. Brokers can then view these market indices, developed with real-time, validated data, and measure their own teams’ performance against an aggregated average, again, for a specific market area, city or region. Lastly the new feature also enables brokers to measure the same key performance indicators in multiple cities, providing market insights and intelligence that can lead to more efficient staffing and resource allocation from region to region. “These enhancements were at the top of the list of recommendations that came out of our recent Customer Advisory Board,” Gollapalli said. “The new features are incorporated into the Smart Capacity platform providing predictive freight-matching and carrier and capacity relationship management solutions and are being deployed at no extra charge to customers.” Gollapalli noted that the expanded heat map helps brokers understand in a timelier manner where they’re out of balance, for example, where they have too many loads and not enough trucks, and vice versa. “In this case, the heat map would help the broker discover that in a given market, they need to expand their carrier base to cover a rising load count,” he said. “Alternatively, they may discover that they have ample trucks in a market but not enough loads, identifying the need to redirect their sales team to focus on that region and find more loads.” At the end of the day, the broker wants their sales and operations teams focused on those markets which need the most help, finding more trucks or securing the most profitable loads with preferred carriers in the least amount of time, and keeping preferred carriers busy with repeat loads and reloads, Gollapalli said. “Our more comprehensive heat map, coupled with the new productivity measurement tools, give brokers fresh, reliable intelligence that allows them to adjust operations and deploy resources to maximize opportunities and efficiencies. You can’t fix what you can’t measure, and these new tools provide the real-time data and metrics to make informed, rapid and accurate decisions that grow revenue and increase profit,” Gollapalli said. Both feature and function enhancements are currently in beta testing with select customers, with full availability expected by the end of the year. For more information, visit Trucker Tools at www.truckertools.com or email [email protected].  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Everyone is finding innovative ways to make mobile devices work harder to increase performance and productivity in their businesses. Recognizing the power of mobile, Schneider, one of the nation’s largest truckload carriers, has created Accelerate, an optional mobile app designed for owner-operators who want to maximize the efficiency and profitability of their businesses. Since its launch last year, owner-operators who lease their businesses with Schneider have found the app invaluable, according to Shaleen Devgun, executive vice president and chief information officers at Schneider. Accelerate provides numerous features on mobile devices, including: Load Board. This feature enables owner-operators and fleet owners to pick their own freight from Schneider’s large freight base, manage their freight and plan tours to maximize revenue. Find My Trailer. Time is money. Leveraging Schneider’s network of approximately 38,000 GPS-connected trailers, the Find My Trailer feature maps the location of the closest available trailer with pinpoint accuracy. This saves a significant amount of time for owner-operators locating a trailer. Settlement Statement. This feature provides owner-operators with access to, and a clear view of, mileage and accessorials, plus the percentage of revenue associated with each load. Selected Load Detail. Information on selected loads is at the owner-operators’ fingertips, including pickup and drop information, appointment times, references, commodities and rates. Owner-operators are reminded to run safe businesses by always logging out of the app and turning off their phones before getting behind the wheel. “Accelerate provides owner-operators with mobile access to our industry-leading Quest platform,” Devgun said. executive vice president and chief information officer at Schneider. “The features in this release allow owner-operators to maximize revenue while enabling freedom to manage their businesses using a mobile app that promotes safety, our number-one core value. Ultimately, Accelerate enhances their overall business relationship with Schneider.” The app is currently available for download in the Google Play store for Android users and Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad users. Schneider will continue to add new features and functionalities, expanding the breadth of resources that Accelerate offers inside and outside the cab. Owner-operators looking to lease their businesses with a company that fosters the use of easy-to-use technology to help make their work more efficient should visit www.schneiderowneroperators.com. Watch a short video that shows the app’s features and services for owner-operators at https://youtube/fMxmHHwn5Ng.    

MAUMEE, Ohio — Dana Inc., has expanded its Spicer Select all-makes drivetrain portfolio to include the most popular u-joints for commercial-vehicle applications while also adding new u-joint strap kits. With the addition of the strap kits, the Spicer Select offering provides a complete u-joint replacement package for a significant portion of over-the-road and vocational applications, according to Mark Wallace, president of Dana Commercial Driveline Technologies and Aftermarket. “The expansion of the Spicer Select portfolio allows aftermarket distributors to better address the needs of customers with aging vehicles by offering replacement parts designed specifically for them,” Wallace said. “When installing a new u-joint, Dana recommends replacing the supporting hardware to ensure safety and maximum durability. The addition of the strap kits for the Spicer Select product line enables distributors to offer a complete replacement kit for customers.” Available through traditional aftermarket channels, Wallace said Spicer Select offers a practical replacement alternative for aging vehicles. Spicer Select drivetrain products are Dana-engineered and -tested aftermarket products manufactured by a network of carefully selected partners. The comprehensive development and manufacturing process ensures that products provide proper fit, function, and reliable performance, he said. Dana’s Spicer Select u-joint and strap kit replacement offerings cover the following driveshaft series: Spicer 1710/1760 Series Spicer 1810 Series Spicer 1610 Series (u-joints only) Additionally, Spicer Select strap kits are available for Spicer SPL170 and SPL250 driveshafts. Spicer Select drivetrain products are backed by a comprehensive warranty and supported by Dana’s dedicated aftermarket team. For program information, visit www.SpicerParts.com/SpicerSelect. For part numbers, ordering, and availability, visit www.DanaAftermarket.com. Addressing the needs of the light-vehicle aftermarket, Dana will announce Spicer Select for light-vehicle applications with the launch of u-joints, center bearings, and yokes beginning in early 2019. For product information, visit www.SpicerParts.com. For e- catalog and parts locator, visit www.DanaAftermarket.com. To speak with a Dana customer service representative, call 800- 621-8084.    

AKRON, Ohio — This Veterans Day, Goodyear Commercial Tire & Service Centers are showing thanks and appreciation to those who serve by offering 10 percent off Goodyear, Dunlop and Kelly brand commercial truck tires to all active and retired U.S. military members and first responders with valid IDs. Qualifying customers must purchase their tires and schedule their appointments between November 9-11. Installations must take place by November 16. There are nearly 200 Goodyear Commercial Tire & Service Centers across the United States. “We are grateful and humbled by the men and women who serve our country,” said Frank Payne, director, Goodyear Commercial Tire & Service Centers. “We look forward to expressing our appreciation for these extraordinary individuals as they travel the roads and highways of the United States, hauling and delivering important products and services.” Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires locations also will celebrate Veterans Day by offering free automobile “Checks for Vets” and up to 10 percent off consumer tires (Goodyear, Kelly or Dunlop brands) to active and retired U.S. military members and first responders with valid IDs, from November 9-11. To locate the nearest Goodyear Commercial Tire & Service Center, click here.                        

Trailer orders in September soared to record levels, according to the two firms that collect and report on truck and trailer orders. ACT Research’s preliminary estimate for September 2018 net trailer orders is 58,200 units. Final September volume will be available later this month, but ACT’s methodology allows the company to generate a preliminary estimate of the market that should be within +/- 3 percent of the final order tally. FTR said September trailers orders were 56,000 units, exceeding the previous record from October 2014 by over 10,000 trailers. Orders continue to exceed expectations with September units, 59 percent higher than August and up 133 percent year-over-year. Trailer orders for the past 12 months have now exceeded 400,000 units. “Fleets reached a never-before-seen trailer order level in September,” said Frank Maly, ACT’s director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research. Maly said ACT’s data showed September orders shattered the previous record level of just over 47,000 orders set in October 2014. Seasonally adjusted, September volume was just under 64k, generating a seasonally adjusted annual rate of almost 760,000 units. Year-to-date, ACT reported fleets have ordered over 295,000 trailers, more than 50 percent better than last year. While dry vans continue to post solid unit and percentage gains, both sequentially and year-over-year, preliminary results indicate that flatbeds posted the best month-over-month percentage improvement in September. “Order strength was widespread, with nine of the 10 trailer categories in the black on a year-over-year basis,” Maly said. “Grain trailers, the sole outlier, missed a positive result by less than a percentage point. Year-to-date performance was nearly identical to the year-over-year results, an indication both consistent and longer-term industry-wide strength.” Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles, said most of the order increase was in dry vans, but refrigerated van orders were healthy, as were flatbeds. There are still concerns about future raw material costs and component availability, but this did not hinder the fleets from ordering in huge numbers for future deliveries. “The fleets have ordered an enormous amount of Class 8 trucks for 2019 and now are ordering the trailers to go with them,” Ake said. “They want to reserve build slots throughout next year, so they can have equipment ready for what is anticipated to remain a vibrant freight market. This is the equivalent of tickets going on sale for a wildly popular concert and quickly selling out. Some dry van OEMs are largely booked up for 2019.” For more information about ACT Research, visit www.actresearch.net. For more information about FTR, visit www.FTRintel.com.              

ELKHART, Ind. — ASA Electronics says it has expanded its line of sensor systems with the CVPS18 four-channel system, which the company describes as an easy, economical way to outfit virtually any vehicle with the latest safety technology. The four ultrasonic, weatherproof sensors are easy to install and can be painted to match the color of the vehicle, making them a universal solution for aftermarket application, according to ASA Electronics Vice President of Commercial Vehicle Division Joe Camacho.. “We saw such success with our earlier sensor systems, but because they are calibrated systems they really need to be installed at the factory level,” Camacho said. “We wanted to create a sensor system that could make this important safety feature more accessible to our customers.” The CVPS18 sensors are designed to detect objects within a five-foot range of the rear bumper without requiring any calibration to aid in backing up or parking the vehicle. When the vehicle is in reverse, the sensors will trigger a speaker in the cab to emit an audible alert if an object should happen to get too close. As the vehicle continues to back up, or as the object moves closer, the beeping will get more frequent. If the object comes within 16 inches of the bumper, a solid tone will sound. Audio speaker has three volume levels, low, high and off, to suit driver preferences. The CVPS18 sensor system can be used in conjunction with other Voyager observation products, like back up cameras and monitors, to create a comprehensive safety system. For more information, please visit www.ASAElectronics.com.

KIRKLAND, Wash. — Kenworth Truck Co. is offering a new, two-year 250,000-mile factory backed Class 8 PACCAR Engines Pre-Owned Warranty option available through the Kenworth Certified Pre-Owned Program. This gives customers the opportunity to add extended coverage on top of the standard one-year, 125,000-mile warranty, according to Kurt Swihart, Kenworth director of marketing. For Kenworth trucks powered by PACCAR engines, the one- and two-year warranty options cover 105 engine and aftertreatment components. Kenworth also offers a 90-day buyer assurance vehicle warranty that provides protection on 135 components, ranging from the HVAC system to select cab and sleeper components. “The new two-year warranty option really gives peace of mind to new owners who want the ultimate in used truck protection,” Swihart said. “Kenworth trucks have a history of desirability on the secondary market. With the availability of a two-year, 250,000-mile factory backed warranty, second owners can purchase with even more confidence.” In order to qualify for the Certified Pre-Owned Program, Kenworth trucks must be four (model) years in age or less, have mileage under 450,000, and pass a 150-point inspection completed by Kenworth certified technicians. Extended coverage options are also available for trucks five years old with 550,000 miles or less. Kenworth trucks with Cummins engines are also included in the Kenworth Certified Pre-Owned program and come with their own warranty plans. Full details on each Kenworth Certified Pre-Owned truck can be found on Kenworth’s dedicated used truck website at www.KenworthCertified.com. A search function allows customers to pick the Kenworth model they would like based on model year and location preference. In addition, the search can fine-tune Kenworth models available by listing preferences, such as engine horsepower, transmission, sleeper configuration and mileage range. To assist Kenworth Certified Used Truck buyers, PACCAR Financial is providing a $1,000 rebate for any truck it finances through the program.   8

GRANDVIEW, Mo. — Peterson Manufacturing said that as of November 1, the company became an approved lighting vendor for Vipar HD, the largest heavy-duty truck parts buying group in North America. With a distributor group of over 250 members across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, the Vipar HD network gives members constant access to the highest quality products from the industry’s leading heavy-duty parts manufacturers. “Vipar is elated to announce the addition of a new partnership with Peterson Manufacturing,” said David Wanhala, Program Director at Vipar. “Peterson is a long-standing, made-in-the-USA brand and we are thrilled for the opportunities moving forward that their line will bring to our membership.” Wanhala said the Vipar HD network of independent aftermarket truck parts distributors serves customer needs from some 630 locations, assuring swift delivery of well-known, premium-brand parts. Prior to being named an approved Vipar vendor, Peterson had built strong connections with Power HD, one of Vipar’s wholly owned subsidiaries, he said. According to Matt Altenhofen, Peterson’s Territory Sales Manager who spearheaded the effort, the deal is a win-win for both parties. “The Vipar HD buying group leads the industry and we’re proud to be a part of it,” Altenhofen said. “With Vipar’s heavy presence across North America and beyond, and with the strength of our USA-made lighting in niche markets like refuse and chassis, we both have exciting opportunities to target new markets together.” Peterson Manufacturing is a global provider of a complete line of vehicle safety lighting, custom wiring harnesses, and many other safety-related products. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Peterson Manufacturing is a key subsidiary of Peterson Corp. nine highly specialized companies and nearly 1,000 associates working in global transportation-related industries. With headquarters in the greater Kansas City area, Peterson Manufacturing is a privately held company and has been in operation since 1945. For more information, visit www.pmlights.com or email Director of Marketing Mark Assenmacher at [email protected].

PHILADELPHIA — SimpleTire, an internet heavy truck tire retailer, has launched a new feature on its website to help truckers find SmartWay Verified tires for their rigs. Every SmartWay Verified tire is labeled for easy recognition on SimpleTire’s site and enables truckers to search specifically for SmartWay tires by filtering search results, making it easier to find tires that can help improve fuel economy, according to SimpleTire eCommerce Marketing Manager John Langan. “The ability to search for SmartWay Verified tires on SimpleTire was one of the most-requested features by our trucking audience, based on consumer surveys,” Langan said. Some truckers are required to have SmartWay Verified tires in states that participate in the SmartWay Verification Program. The program is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiative to help freight and logistics companies improve their carbon footprint for Class 8 tractor-trailers. SmartWay Verified tires help reduce energy loss as tires roll, resulting in better fuel economy and reduced fuel costs, Langan said. “This new feature encourages shoppers to think about eco-friendly options and makes it simpler to purchase tires that are better for the environment,” he said. SimpleTire customers can choose to have tires shipped to any home, business or local installer within the continental U.S.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — FTR has raised its 2019 forecast for Class 8 trucks and commercial trailers. North American Class 8 factory shipments are now forecast to be 350,000 units in 2019, up 8 percent year-over-year, and U.S. commercial trailer production (not including medium-duty lowbeds) to be 310,000 units, just under this year’s expected volume. FTR’s medium duty (class 4-7) forecast has not changed, and factory shipments are expected to be relatively flat next year. Class 8 orders set a record during the third quarter, pushing backlogs almost 7 percent higher than the previous record. Estimates on backlogs are as high as 10 months. Trailer orders smashed the monthly record in September by almost 10,000 units, and backlogs are barely below the all-time high. “We increased our forecasts for 2019 based on our models indicating continued strong freight growth generating robust demand for equipment through the third quarter of next year,” said Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles, “OEM component suppliers have also done a much better job delivering on time, allowing production rates to increase. If this continues, we expect a record Class 8 build in 2019 for a year not impacted by a pre-buy. Trailers could also set a record, if sales are steady through the end of the year.” FTR’s forecasters collect and analyze all data likely to impact freight movement, issuing consistently reliable reports for trucking, rail, and intermodal transportation, as well as providing demand analysis for commercial vehicle and railcar. FTR’s forecasting and specially designed reports have resulted in advanced planning and cost-savings for companies throughout the transportation sector, Ake said. For more information about the work of FTR, visit www.FTRintel.com, follow on Twitter @ftrintel, or call (888) 988-1699 Ext. 1.  

ROCHELLE PARK, N.J. — ORBCOMM, a global provider of machine-to-machine (M2M) and internet of things (IoT) solutions, has launched its next-generation solution for remote monitoring and control of refrigerated containers travelling by land, rail or sea for uninterrupted visibility of operations, improved efficiency and reduced costs. ORBCOMM’s CT 3000 series provides wireless connectivity through its ruggedized hardware and a Cloud-based analytics platform and information management engine for optimal asset management and utilization, according to Craig Malone, ORBCOMM’s executive vice president of product development. ORBCOMM’s CT 3000 series supports built-in and external sensors, cellular connectivity and wireless technologies to deliver actionable data on asset location, status, performance, cargo area temperature, and more. Malone said the new series comes in two variants — the CT 3100 can be temporarily installed to monitor assets for a specific duration while on a trip, aboard a vessel or at a terminal, while the CT 3000 is permanently installed on an asset for continuous tracking. This next-generation container monitoring solution connects directly to the reefer to enable real-time alerts and two-way control, allowing operators to quickly react to discrepancies and remotely adjust temperature and humidity levels to ensure temperature compliance and minimize spoilage, thereby reducing costly insurance claims. By leveraging comprehensive data logs to efficiently allocate assets, operators can also eliminate unnecessary moves, improve turn times and streamline delivery and routes. In addition, Malone said ORBCOMM’s refrigerated container product series automates pre-trip inspections to facilitate quicker turn times, lower operational expenses and reduce safety risks to personnel. “ORBCOMM continues to lead the industrial IoT in innovation, as we remain committed to developing new feature-rich, cost-effective products that meet the changing demands of our markets,” Malone said. “ORBCOMM’s new refrigerated container product series utilizes our best-in-class IoT technology to enable intermodal operators to maximize asset utilization and lower operating costs, while providing the highest value and service to customers.” For more information, visit https://wwworbcomm.com/intermodal.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Eco Flaps recently completed an evaluation with Exa Corp. on the use of its aerodynamic splash guards on tanker trucks in an effort to illustrate the product’s significant fuel savings, the company said in a news release. Eco Flaps is rapidly changing fleet performance throughout the trucking industry with its ecologically-sound splash guards, which are one of the most adaptable aerodynamic solutions on the market today and are SmartWay, CARB and GHG2 approved, according to Bren Marsell, vice president of sales. “Historically, tankers have had limited options when it comes to aerodynamic devices,” Marshell said. “Our recent testing with Exa Corp. proves that Eco Flaps is a viable option for this segment of the trucking industry.” Last April, Eco Flaps hired Exa Corp. to perform an aerodynamics and fuel economy analysis through computational fluid dynamics simulations (CFD). The analysis simulated four different configurations in order to understand how the Eco Flaps splash guards performed when installed on a day cab tractor and tanker trailer. The different configurations included a baseline with conventional mud flaps on the tractor, tanker trailer and fender; Eco Flaps splash guards on the tractor, trailer and fender; Eco Flaps installed on the traitor and trailer, but conventional mud flaps on the fender; and an equipment setup with no flaps used. Marshell said the results showed a 2 percent improvement in drag at highway speeds when Eco Flaps were on the tractor and trailer, but conventional mud flaps remained on the fender. The use of Eco Flaps on the tractor, trailer and fenders indicated a 2.8 percent improvement in drag. The total fuel savings from the full swap out is estimated at 1.4 percent. “This analysis from Exa Corp. shows that utilizing Eco Flaps on all sections of the tanker truck provides drivers with the greatest fuel savings,” Marshell said. “At these numbers, drivers can achieve ROI within just three months.” In addition to fuel savings and reduced maintenance, the use of Eco Flaps greatly reduce splash and spray from inclement weather and increase safety on the road, MArashell said, adding that fleets can purchase Eco Flaps from all major truck and trailer manufacturers through Eco Flaps’ distribution network. Eco Flaps are available in multiple sizes ranging from 18” x 24” to 24” x 36” to meet each truck’s dimensions and are backed by a full two-year warranty. They are also available in custom colors with custom graphics. For more information about Eco Flaps, visit www.ecoflaps.com. Marshell said Eco Flaps provide fleets with fuel savings, increased durability for enhanced performance, increased safety and guaranteed quality with their unique, functional design. Their molded shape and sturdy construction provide greater efficiency, durability, and a reduction in corrosion against weather elements and extreme temperatures, he said. For more information visit www.ecoflaps.com. Exa Corp.’s visualization and simulation software helps designers and engineers produce better vehicles and equipment. As a design evolves, Marsheall said Exa accurately predicts the performance of that design while providing actionable insight to optimize the performance of the product. For more information about Exa Corp. visit www.exa.com.                    

PHOENIX — In what the company called a response to widespread interest from European customers, Nikola Motor Co. said Monday it had created a hydrogen-electric truck for European markets. Reservations for the Nikola Tre — which means “Three” in Norwegian — are now open at www.nikolamotor.com/tre. Guests at the April 16-17, 2019, Nikola World in Phoenix will be able to view a prototype display of the Nikola Tre, along with other new zero-emission products from Nikola including the production intent Nikola Two. “This truck is a real stunner and long overdue for Europe,” said Nikola Founder and CEO Trevor Milton. “It will be the first European zero-emission commercial truck to be delivered with redundant braking, redundant steering, redundant 800Vdc batteries and a redundant 120 kW hydrogen fuel cell, all necessary for true level 5 autonomy. Expect our production to begin around the same time as our USA version in 2022-2023.” The Nikola Tre has 500 to 1,000 HP, 6×4 or 6×2 configurations and a range of 500 to 1,200 kilometers depending on options. The Tre will fit within the current size and length restrictions for Europe. European testing is projected to begin in Norway around 2020. Nikola is also in the preliminary planning stages to identify the proper location for its European manufacturing facility. Nikola is currently working with Nel Hydrogen of Oslo to provide hydrogen stations for USA. “Nel has been good to work with for our USA station design and rollout. We will work with Nel to secure resources for our European growth strategy. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but with the right partners, we can accomplish it,” said Kim Brady, Nikola CFO. By 2028, Milton said Nikola is planning on having more than 700 hydrogen stations across the USA and Canada. Each station is capable of 2,000 to 8,000 kgs of daily hydrogen production. Nikola’s European stations are planned to come online around 2022 and are projected to cover most of the European market by 2030. At the April 16-17 Nikola World in Phoenix, Milton said attendees will witness the Nikola Two in action pulling loaded trailers along with a prototype display of the Nikola Tre. Hydrogen filling will also be shown at the event at 700 bar or 10,000 PSI. Nikola’s powersports division will provide customer rides throughout the day and show off pre-production units of the Nikola NZT off road 4×4. To date, the company has approximately $11 billion dollars in pre-order reservations. Ryder System and Thompson Machinery will be on site at Nikola World to work with U.S. customers. Registration for the Nikola World event to be held in Phoenix will open on December 3 at www.nikolamotor.com. European fleets or customers looking at reserving more than 10 trucks can email [email protected]. All other reservations can be made online at www.nikolamotor.com.                

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt Motors Co, is offering a new  warranty option for Red Oval Certified Pre-Owned truck customers. The new warranty option provides customers the ability to extend Peterbilt’s factory backed comprehensive pre-owned warranty to two-years/250,000 miles. This warranty is offered and administered through Peterbilt’s more than 370 dealers and PACCAR Financial Used Truck Centers. Peterbilt currently provides a standard one-year/125,000 mile PACCAR Engine PreOwned Warranty for the MX engine and aftertreatment system with the purchase of a Peterbilt Red Oval Certified vehicle. “The Peterbilt Red Oval program is a great way for customers to find certified pre-owned Peterbilt trucks with low mileage in like-new condition,” said Robert Woodall, Peterbilt’s assistant general manager – sales and marketing. “Adding the option of extending the PACCAR Pre-Owned Warranty for the MX engine and aftertreatment systems to two years will increase buyer assurance and confidence.” Peterbilt Red Oval Certified vehicles pass a comprehensive 150-point factory certified inspection performed by factory-trained service technicians. All Red Oval certified trucks are reconditioned and serviced, including DPF cleaning and an oil and filter change. Additionally, every Red Oval truck is D.O.T. certified. All Peterbilt Red Oval certified vehicles come with a 90-day buyer assurance plan covering major chassis components. Red Oval certified truck inventory is available for browsing on Peterbilt’s Red Oval website at  www.peterbiltredoval.com.  

SEATTLE Wash. — Zonar, a provider of smart fleet management technology, and Cummins, an independent manufacturer of diesel and natural gas engines, controls and emission solutions said they are offering joint customers Cummins Connected Diagnostics with Connected Advisor, two wireless uptime technologies that are included with Cummins engines. Connected Advisor provides customers with daily and monthly health reports that consist of prioritized, time-based recommendations to distinguish between immediate repair needs and those that can be scheduled a few days out. The solutions enhance and deliver actionable information to customers by intelligently interpreting diagnostics codes delivered from Cummins engines via Zonar’s telematic control unit and Cummins Connected Diagnostics. “We’re pleased to work with Zonar to enable our joint customers with access to engine fault reports, including suggested root causes and recommended actions, so fleet managers can act strategically and in a timely manner, depending on the sense of urgency,” said Todd Mysak, executive director at Cummins. “By delivering Connected Advisor to our customers, Zonar and Cummins can ensure that more fleets are keeping their vehicles on the road by eliminating the guess work and ambiguity from vehicle service scheduling.” Transmitting data through Zonar’s telematics control units, Cummins Connected Diagnostics wirelessly connects engines to Cummins for continuous monitoring and diagnosis of engine fault alerts. Using advanced analytics and proprietary algorithms, Connected Advisor prioritizes engine fault information and translates it with expert recommendations from Cummins, that are immediately sent to operations managers. With Connected Advisor, customers receive enhancements designed to isolate and interpret key engine and aftertreatment data every day, along with suggested time frames to take action. Connected Advisor notifications are sent via email and can be configured so the appropriate representatives receive the right types of messages. “Cummins and Zonar have the shared goal of ensuring our customers’ vehicles are running safely by keeping them informed on the health of their engines,” said Gary Schmidt, vice president of business solutions at Zonar. “With Connected Advisor, customers get an additional level of support in interpreting engine issues so that they can better understand and prioritize issues requiring attention, improving overall operational efficiency.” The joint program between Zonar and Cummins delivers Connected Advisor throughout the engine warranty period. For more information on Connected Advisor visit https://www.cummins.com/parts-and-service/electronic-service-tools/connected-advisor. CAPTION FOR PHOTO  Courtesy: ZONAR Cummins and Zonar have the shared goal of ensuring our customers’ vehicles are running safely by keeping them informed on the health of their engines, says Gary Schmidt, vice president of business solutions at Zonar.