Analysis: Could History Repeat Itself With Truck Capacity?

If you've ever taken a close look at any prospectus for an investment, you've seen the phrase cautioning, “past performance is no guarantee of future results.” That's not bad advice any time you spend a large sum of money. And it's also wise to remember the old phrase, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Will increasing freight demand and truck sales lead to an excess of truck capacity in the near future? Source: DAT

The recent booming truck sales bring to mind a past we'd just as soon not repeat. When you look back just four years ago to 2014, a lot of heavy-trucks were sold. At the time, it was the best year since a record finish in 2006. Freight demand in 2014 had suddenly increased, and everyone was trying to move more cargo, as indicated in the amount of shipments as well as freight spending.

But when 2015 rolled around, things weren't as rosy.

There was excess truck capacity in the marketplace, not just because there was less cargo to move, but also because fleets had more trucks. The result? Trucks not moving to their full potential, or even sitting on the fence, while freight rates dropped.

What's interesting is that when you look at how the economy was performing during that time, it was always expanding, but at times the rate of expansion was less strong than at other times. When the gross domestic product was in a higher gear, which meant more goods were being shipped by truck, the freight markets either led the way or followed. When the GDP was lower, trucking followed the same pattern.

As 2017 moved forward, things once again improved in terms in the amount of freight, rates and the overall economy. Truck sales started booming again, and the economy turned ...Read the rest of this story

Trump says U.S. to impose hefty tariffs on steel, aluminum imports

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday he would impose tariffs of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on aluminum, in a move the administration said would protect U.S. industry, but which critics said would fail to boost jobs and risked stoking a trade war with China. Trump, speaking after a meeting with U.S. steel and aluminum makers said the duties would be formally announced next week. “We're going to build our steel industry back and our aluminum industry back," he said.

SelecTrucks Launches Roadside Select

SelecTrucks has launched a new heavy-duty emergency roadside assistance program, Roadside Select. This program is powered by Roadside Masters, North America's largest 24/7 roadside assistance program for commercial vehicles, currently serving thousands of owner-operators and fleets. Roadside Masters is widely trusted among owner-operators for their quick response times, coast to coast support and top-notch customer service.

With response times under an hour, Roadside Select enables owner-operators and drivers to get back on the road as quickly as possible. Roadside Select accommodates drivers who speak different languages via multilingual call centers. Roadside Select is available for all used semi-trucks purchased at any one of the 24 SelecTrucks centers across North America.

Every used truck customer is unique, and SelecTrucks is proud to offer this program to provide peace of mind, no matter where their route takes them.

“Roadside Select is a helpful tool to protect our customers in the unfortunate event of an emergency,” said Bryan Howard, director of sales and distribution. “It is just one more way that we at SelecTrucks are looking out for our customers' best interests.”

The services provided to Roadside Select members include:

• Best-in-class towing: Your truck and trailer will be towed together for up to 50 miles, the greatest distance offered nationwide.
• Mobile mechanic: If your truck can be fixed roadside, a mechanic will be brought to you in lieu of towing.
• Flat tire assistance, tire replacement, and tire repair
• Delivery service: fuel, oil, fluids and replacement parts
• Jump starts and pull starts
• Lock-out and replacement key services

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Volvo Trucks Releases Mobile App for Service Management

Volvo Trucks has launched the Volvo Asist mobile app for users of the company's Asist service management platform.

Volvo Asist is an online tool that allows customers to monitor vehicle status, receive electronic estimates, approve repairs, issue purchase orders, and communicate directly with Volvo Trucks' North American dealer network.

“The Asist mobile app is another valuable productivity tool for Volvo fleets, owner-operators and drivers,” said Ash Makki, Volvo Trucks North America product marketing manager. “We understand the mobile nature of today's fleet managers, and especially the demands of those on the road with their vehicle. The ASIST app is designed to help you stay connected to your assets, allowing you to see exactly what's happening with your trucks, including estimates, repairs and schedules.”

Paired with Volvo Remote Diagnostics, Asist provides real-time communication between the driver, the truck, the service manager and the 24/7 Volvo Action Service uptime team. The integrated system helps drivers avoid unexpected downtime by offering a range of proven diagnostic services and benefits. As a result, trucks can more quickly get back on the road.

The Volvo Assist app is available for Apple and Android mobile devices and is offered free to new truck purchasers and subscribers of Volvo Uptime Services. Customers simply download Volvo Asist from their app store and set up an account using their Asist account credentials.

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US Steel soars after Trump says tariffs coming next week (X)

US Steel spiked Thursday after President Donald Trump said the US was ready to impose tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. Shares of US Steel are back at session highs, up more than 9% Thursday, after President Donald Trump confirmed he will push ahead with tariffs next week. Early Thursday, Trump appeared to signal he would announce the tariffs he was said to be considering last week.

House Republicans Push to End Their Russia Probe

House Republicans are talking about wrapping up their investigation into Russia's campaign meddling despite protests from Democrats that three high-profile witnesses close to President Donald Trump are ...