ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

If fleets were expecting to see lower prices for trucks, trailers and components as the cost of raw materials continued their downward trajectory, they may be waiting for some time if comments from industry executives are accurate.

Not that long ago, the mindset of many fleet operators was to get as much muscle power in engines as they wanted or could afford. That often meant 15-liter engines that could deliver a whole lot of horsepower. But times have changed.

As they seek to expand, many carriers eye opportunities in new markets. One potential and unexplored area for U.S.-domiciled carriers could be north of the border in Canada, but carriers must consider truck spec’ing factors to make the most of those opportunities.

With more regulations on greenhouse-gas emissions and fuel economy coming soon, smaller engines are one of the latest equipment trends, according to one of the cover stories in this issue of Equipment & Maintenance Update.

The number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes decreased in 2014 by 5%, to 3,744 from 3,921 in 2013, according to a report released April 15 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Maryland-based Ramar Moving Systems hauls specialty items such as art, satellites and, once, a moon buggy.

Governor Chris Christie, responding to Democratic calls for him to replenish the multibillion-dollar fund for New Jersey highway and rail projects, said it was lawmakers’ responsibility to introduce a plan.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on April 15 issued a safety advisory notifying the owners and operators of cargo tanks inspected by two testers in Alabama that they must be re-inspected.

Companies from Canada and Germany said they will launch a new event focused on the commercial fleet and heavy-duty truck market in Atlanta in late September of 2017.