So I spent last week listening to several U.S. economic and trucking forecasts at the annual transportation conference hosted by research firm FTR – some of it very gloomy, some of it surprisingly not.
read more
...Read the rest of this story
A preliminary report released Friday shows growth in the nation's manufacturing sector is easing this month amid the slowest expansion of new orders so far this year, according the financial information services provider IHS Markit.
The seasonally adjusted Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index for September is registering 51.4, down from 52 in August, pointing to the weakest improvement in overall business conditions since June. A reading above 50 indicates expansion while one below 50 signals contraction.
The full report, along with a similar and more closely watched one from the Institute of Supply Management, are both due out on Oct. 3.
Despite the September showing, the latest PMI reading marked seven years of continuous growth across the manufacturing sector. However, the headline index was below the average of 54 seen over this period and remains close to the post-Great Recession crisis low of 50.7 recorded in May.
Softer rates of output and new business growth were the main factors weighing on the headline PMI during September, according to the report. Also, the latest expansion of manufacturing production was the weakest for three months.
Survey respondents suggested that relatively subdued economic conditions had acted as a brake on new order volumes, while there were also reports that the strong dollar had dampened export sales. Reflecting this, latest data signaled that new work rose at the slowest pace since December 2015, while export orders dropped for the first time in four months.
“Softer new order gains are the main concern in the latest PMI survey, and this could act as a drag on production growth into the final quarter. Alongside reports of subdued domestic demand, a renewed dip in export sales also held back growth momentum in September,” says IHS Senior Economist Tim Moore.
He says despite the growth setback in September, manufacturers appear reasonably upbeat about ...Read the rest of this story
HANNOVER, GERMANY. Once skeptical about the practicality of electric-powered commercial vehicles, Daimler Trucks is now planning to bring the Fuso eCanter to the U.S. market next year and to follow with production of electric light trucks from its van group by 2018.
read more
...Read the rest of this storyIt's funny how in the age of social media and near-instant communication you rarely get a real, live, letter any more. But that's exactly what happened on the heels of my recent Fleet Owner blog, when I noted that electric hybrid drive systems would, in all likelihood, be a part of the OEM formula for meeting Phase 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG 2) regulations when they come into law a decade from now.
read more
...Read the rest of this storyOliver Rubber Company announced the launch of the ORCO HS Trailer, a trailer-position retread for regional and long-haul applications.
“The ORCO HS Trailer delivers a cost-efficient solution for single- and tandem-axle trailers in this new, modern Oliver product,” said Adam Murphy, vice president of marketing for Michelin Americas Truck Tires. “It provides a winning combination of long, even wear and excellent wet traction for a variety of trailer applications.”
read more
...Read the rest of this storyTruckstop.com and McLeod Software have announced plans to integrate LoadPay, a secured payment platform that connects carriers, brokers, and shippers, with the McLeod Software system.
read more
...Read the rest of this storyHANNOVER, GERMANY. A transmission software update that can automate docking and remote diagnostics were among the advanced technologies showcased by Eaton's Vehicle Group at the IAA 2016 commercial vehicle show. The company also put on display a new heavy-duty engine braking system that is integrated into the existing valve train and a waste heat recovery system now under development that it says could potentially improve diesel engine fuel efficiency by 20% while also reducing NOx.
read more
...Read the rest of this story
