Equipment

ECONOMIC WATCH: Trailer orders fall precipitously

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – U.S. trailer orders in March fell 54% from depressed February levels, to 6,500 units, according to preliminary data from FTR. Orders were down 55% from March 2019,…

B.C. installing portable toilets to support truck drivers during Covid-19 crisis

VICTORIA, B.C. – The province of B.C. is installing portable toilets at several commercial vehicle pull-outs, inspection stations, and chain-up locations in an effort to provide services to truck drivers…

Fleet maintenance operations implementing Covid-19 protocols

Every time heavy truck mechanic Mark Washke shows up at work, he worries about contracting Covid-19. From a co-worker who frequently spits on the shop floor, to dirty trucks coming…

International defers payments, provides Covid-19 resource

LISLE, Ill. – International Truck has come out with deferred payments for six months, as well as an online Covid-19 resource for customers. “Whether they are on the front lines…

Mack creates Covid-19 information website

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Mack Trucks has launched an online resource for trucking companies and dealers, offering information from government agencies, trucking industry experts, and Mack, to help them navigate the…

ECONOMIC WATCH: ACT reassessing commercial vehicle demand, economic expectations

COLUMBUS, Ind. – ACT Research has reported U.S. port and rail volumes are just now beginning to reflect the drop in Chinese output related to the global Covid-19 pandemic. In…

Navistar extends plant closures

LISLE, Ill. — Navistar International has announced changes to its manufacturing operations in response to Covid-19. The company’s truck assembly plant in Springfield, Ohio, temporarily ceased production March 23…

ECONOMIC WATCH: Truck orders plummet as Covid-19 impact felt

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Class 8 net orders in March fell 45% to 7,800 units, according to preliminary data from ACT Research. Orders were down 51% year-over-year, while Classes 5-7 orders…

Canadian dealers take home PacLease awards

BELLEVUE, Wash. – PacLease has recognized its top franchises of the year, and two Canadian locations have made the prestigious list. Inland PacLease out of Burnaby, B.C., and Excellence PacLease…

Association calls on equipment manufacturers for Covid-19 supplies

OTTAWA, Ont. – The Canadian Transportation Equipment Association (CTEA) has put out a call for supplies that could be used by medical professionals and others on the front lines…

Daimler using 3D printing to produce Covid-19 medical supplies

STUTTGART, Germany – Mercedes-Benz, a Daimler AG company that produces a variety of vehicles including the Sprinter van, is manufacturing medical equipment to help with the fight against Covid-19. With…

Connecting carriers in need with those struggling during Covid-19 relief effort

EDMONTON, Alta. – Though some carriers are racking up the miles during the Covid-19 crisis to meet increased demand, others are struggling. The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) recognizes that…

DTNA expanding service bay network

PORTLAND, Ore. – Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has announced it is building or remodeling more than 40 locations in the U.S. and Canada, adding 700 or more service bays…

Trucking layoffs are already underway

TORONTO, Ont. — While some trucking segments are enjoying a surge in demand, others are struggling because of Covid-19 closures. Drivers working in dedicated transportation segments such as…

Daimler deferring initial payments on construction trucks

PORTLAND, Ore. – Daimler Truck Financial (DTF) is deferring first payments on new Western Star and Freightliner construction trucks for up to 120 days. The deal is available in both…