FTR's Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) for August increased from July to a reading of 6.76. The TCI is continuing a steady rise that is expected throughout 2017, as new regulations tighten capacity resulting in better pricing and margins for trucking companies.
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A trailer GPS tracking device that's disguised as a tail lamp has been announced by Anytrek Corp. Designed to fit inside a standard LED stop/turn/tail light as used by 95% of all trailers, it delivers true ‘plug and drive' capability, said Dr. Noin Zeng, chief technology officer.
“TrackLight is the result of significant study and analysis of the needs of the market and the current competition,” Zeng said. “By incorporating our GPS technology into a standard 4-inch (diameter) tail light, we have created a tracker that is simple to fit, requires minimal downtime for the asset's owner, does not damage the trailer and is completely covert.”
He said the TrackLight offers these benefits:
Simple and quick to install. Remove and unplug the current tail light, connect TrackLight using the standard plug and fit into the tail light fitting.Uses the 3G spectrum which provides better coverage and performance than others. Built-in intelligence will store and forward location reports should TrackLight encounter any cellular blackspots.Minimal time off the road as a typical installation takes less than 5 minutes.Uses Anytrek's web portal and smartphone apps to monitor its location in real time.Built-in Li battery will provide up to 3 months continuous reporting if unpowered.Easy installation. No need to drill or cut holes into the trailer walls or splice into power leads.Looks and functions just like a normal LED tail light. Cannot be detected and therefore cannot be tampered with.
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...Read the rest of this storyAdrian Steel's Drop-Down and Grip Lock Ladder Racks provide lighter options for ladder storage and ease of access. (Photo: Adrian Steel)
">With vans now in all shapes and sizes, from small compact models to long wheelbase, high-roof models, a plethora of available van upfitting options are available to fleet managers. Work Truck magazine picked out a few highlights from the long list of new available features.
Ladder RacksAdrian Steel Drop-Down & Grip Lock Ladder Racks
Adrian Steel's new ladder rack family caters to individual fleet needs. The new ladder rack family consists of the Drop-Down Ladder Rack and the Grip Lock Ladder Rack.
The Drop-Down Ladder Rack includes exclusive “Twist to Adjust” patent pending adjustment knobs that allow the user to set up the ladder rack to their ladder in just seconds versus 30-45 minutes of traditional drop-down racks.
The new, low profile outboard design lowers the handle down for simplified operation. The easy-to-reach rotational handle and two-stage drop provides an ergonomic load and unload height, with technicians 5-foot 4-inches and taller safely and easily able operate the drop-down ladder rack.
The Grip Lock Ladder Rack includes a new tilt angle design, which enhances ease of operation. Simplified loading and unloading make it easier than ever for users 5-foot 7-inches and taller to operate. Clamps secure the ladder during transportation, eliminating the need for straps or bungee cords to keep a ladder in place.
In addition, all ladder racks are protected from the elements and are corrosion resistant. The natural aluminum finish reduces corrosion and is 15% lighter than traditional steel racks.
Adrian Steel's Drop-Down and Grip Lock Ladder Racks provide lighter options for ladder storage and ease of access. (Photo: Adrian Steel)
">Leggett & Platt Ladder Racks
The easy-to-use and dependable ladder racks from Leggett & Platt can hold various sizes and styles of ladders.
Ladders are clamped to the side of the van and easily raised to the roof, helping prevent strain for the user and damage ...Read the rest of this story
Indianapolis, Ind.-based Reliable Trailer Systems has joined the HDA Truck Pride network of independent parts and service providers.
Reliable Trailer Systems began as a trailer sales and repair location, later expanding to include truck repair and parts sales as part of a full-service strategy. The company has recently purchased a new facility that is twice the size of the original location and will be fully relocated by December.
“There are seven major interstates passing through Indianapolis. We are well-positioned for continued growth in the trucking industry,” said Tom Beale, founder of Reliable Trailer Systems. “We offer an independent source for truck and trailer repairs and our new facility will allow us to continue to service the parts business with additional retail space. We are proud to continue to service the Indianapolis market as a member of HDA Truck Pride.”
In addition to their main facility, Reliable Trailer Services boasts working relationships with large and small customers. The company expects the expansion to the new facility will allow it to better serve the market.
“We are pleased to welcome Reliable Trailer Services to HDA Truck Pride,” said Tina Alread, director of sales at HDA Truck Pride. “Their facility expansion initiative to enhance the service and value they bring to their customers is exceptional and we are proud to add them to our national footprint.”
Related: HDA Truck Pride Adds RTS Rig Parts and More
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Yokohama Tire Corporation has added four new sizes to its 104ZR all-position/steer tire lineup designed for urban and regional applications.
The new sizes added to the 104ZR line include 225/70R19.5, 245/70R19.5, 265/70R19.5 and 285/70R19.5. The tire is still available in its original sizes as well: 295/80R22.5, 9R22.5, 10R22.5, 11R22.5 12R22.5 and 315/80R22.5.
“The 104ZR is a true workhorse that's designed to deliver longer treadwear, low rolling resistance and even wear, making it especially ideal for high scrub applications,” said Tom Clauer, Yokohama Tire manager of commercial and OTR product planning.
The 104ZR features a five-rib, full-depth tread pattern that is designed to deliver a smooth and quiet ride. A serpentine groove pattern reduces premature shoulder step-down and irregular wear to preserve overall tread life.
The tire also uses Yokohama's Zenvironment technology which predicts casing growth and helps with stabilized performance over the life of the tire, longer casing life and improved retreadability. The 104ZR is made of specialized compounds which are strong and pliable, improving treadwear and low-rolling resistance.
Block-shaped stone defense ribs prevent stones from traveling to the bottom of the grooves, reducing casing damage by up to 25% to improve durability and retreadability. Also, an ultra-wide top steel belt increases rigidity across the entire tread surface to improve durability and avoid casing damage.
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...Read the rest of this storySource: FTR
">Source: FTR
">The FTR Trucking Conditions Index saw an increase in August fueled by tighter capacity brought about by looming regulations.
The TCI increased to a reading of 6.76, continuing a steady rise that is expected to hold sway throughout 2017. Tightening capacity results in better pricing and margins for trucking companies.
“The July and August increases in the Trucking Conditions Index were led by positive changes in capacity utilization and fuel prices,” said Jonathan Starks, FTR's COO. “Fuel prices look to have stabilized during the fall and are unlikely to have a big impact on transportation markets until oil prices move substantially away from $50 per barrel.”
The improvement is largely from the supply side, said FTR, as the current economy and freight markets are in a slow growth phase with unclear direction. FTR expects the TCI to peak in early 2018.
Despite weak reports from truckload carriers, there have been moderate improvements to overall fleet utilization - a trend that FTR believes will remain subdued until mid-2017 when more fleets act to comply with the electronic logging device mandate.
“The third quarter is likely to be the nadir for weak reports and we should begin to see economic improvement, easier year-over-year comparisons, and better overall market conditions as capacity tightens up due to regulations,” said Starks.
“Spot market conditions are beginning to affirm this," he added, "with the dry van market on Truckstop.com showing positive year-over-year comparisons for both load volumes and rates.”
Related: Tighter Utilization Boosts Intermodal Competitive Index
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