Tracking Device Hides in a Tail Lamp

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:

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Upfitting High-Roof and Compact Vans

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.

Adrian 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

Reliable Trailer Systems Joins HDA Truck Pride

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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Echo Global Logistics Completes Integration of Command Transportation and Introduces Refreshed Brand

Knight Transportation tops 3Q profit forecasts

Not driverless trucks, ‘superhuman’ drivers

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Tighter Capacity Fuels Improved Trucking Conditions

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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