Economic trends: Page 2

Tesla's Musk says Semi passes 500-mile, 81K test

With just days until initial deliveries begin, Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the electric Semi can do 500 miles at 81,000 pounds. Also: Averitt Express expands; ACT Research believes the rate bottoming process is underway; ATRI seeks input on predatory towing.

November 29, 2022

Tesla Semi truck

Rail strike would 'immediately disrupt' fuel, DEF supply

With a Dec. 9 strike deadline set, railroads plan to stop taking hazardous materials, including fuel, next week.

November 28, 2022

tank truck on the highway

Truck tonnage saw significant drop in October

According to ATA, the 2.3% month-over-month decrease from September to October was the biggest monthly drop since the start of the pandemic. Also: HHG company foreman sentenced in racketeering scheme.

November 28, 2022

ATA Truck Tonnage Index October 2022

Trailer orders surging as some component constraints stabilize

Backlog levels jumped 13% on the increased orders after a downward trend for most of the year.

November 25, 2022

semi trailer assembly

Shippers' conditions saw sharp decline in September

Even though trucking conditions deteriorated in September, conditions for shippers were even worse, according to FTR. Also: Saia awards $75,000 in scholarships; Penske opens first LEED-certified, full-service facility in Ohio.

November 23, 2022

FTR Shippers Conditions September 2022

Rail strike back on the table, this time for December

The U.S. narrowly avoided a potentially disastrous rail strike in September, but it now looms over early December.

November 21, 2022

truck and a train

Trucking conditions tumbled in September

Rising fuel prices, weak rates and rising inflation led to a drop in trucking conditions in September, according to FTR. Also: Autonomous trucking firm Waabi unveils self-driving tech; Atlas Van Lines names new president and COO.

November 18, 2022

FTR Trucking Conditions Index September 2022

Trucking in 2023: Recession uncertain, driver shortage shows balance

A recent CCJ webinar, sponsored by Bestpass, discussed the market forces, business conditions and supply chain issues that will impact carrier operations in 2023.

November 11, 2022

CCJ webinar participants

Truck orders continue to reflect fleets' thirst for newer trucks

Pent-up replacement demand remains in the market thanks to a complicated new truck production cycle that has limited many fleets from replacing aged equipment for the past two years.

November 4, 2022

Kenworth truck assembly line

Diesel fuel supply 'vulnerably stable,' widespread shortage unlikely

The Energy Information Administration announced last week that distillate levels are at their lowest point since 2008, but that was coming out of peak demand, and we're currently headed into increased demand.

November 1, 2022

trucks at a fuel island

What does 2023 hold for trucking?

How will the economy, mid-term elections and the truck market impact your business in 2023?

October 31, 2022

2023 speedometer

Shippers Conditions improved in August with favorable freight conditions

FTR said that while demand, capacity, utilization, and freight rates were mildly favorable for shippers in August, the biggest factor boosting the shipper environment was falling diesel prices. Also: Kenworth T680 set to haul U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

October 31, 2022

FTR Shippers Conditions Index August 2022

U.S. economy going into a recession 'early next year'

Experts agree the likelihood of a recession early next year is high but they expect it to be short and mild, and underlying indicators suggest it might not be that bad for trucking.

October 27, 2022

Pictured are Andrew Boyle, co-president of Boyle Transportation and American Trucking Associations Vice Chairman; Bob Costello American Trucking Associations chief economist and senior vice president; and MUFG Securities Americas Managing Director, Global Head of Investment Banking Capital Markets Strategy, Tom Joyce.

FTR's Trucking Conditions returned to nearly neutral in August

Falling diesel prices in August helped conditions for carriers improve slightly, with conditions held back by financing costs. Also: Paccar recalls 76,000 trucks over freezing digital dash display.

October 25, 2022

FTR Trucking Conditions Index August 2022

Truck freight bounced back slightly in 2021 from 2020

Trucks moved 10.93 billion tons of freight in 2021, up from 10.23 billion tons the previous year. Also: Truck tonnage up a half-percent in September over August; U.S. Bank reports freight volumes slid in third quarter.

October 20, 2022

ATA Truck Tonnage Index September 2022

FTR's Eric Starks offers positive outlook for trailer sector at NTDA Convention

Business might not feel as great today as it did 12 months ago, but that doesn’t mean a recession is underway. And even one does arrive in 2023, Starks said FTR data indicates the trailer market should still be healthy in the months and years to come.

October 13, 2022

FTR Chairman and CEO Eric Starks

Trucking employment numbers take a dive, per BLS

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' monthly Jobs Report showed trucking lost more than 11,000 jobs last month. Also: Averitt recognized for sustainability efforts; FMCSA denies request for pulsating brake light exemption for all trucks.

October 10, 2022

trucks on highway

September truck orders 'sensational,' record-breaking

The strength in orders reflects OEMs having fully opened their order boards for 2023 a bit earlier than normal.

October 5, 2022

Kenworth assembly line

Page 2 of 64

Freightliner SuperTruck II

Freightliner debuts second SuperTruck

SuperTruck II achieved an aerodynamic drag reduction of more than 12% over SuperTruck I and its prototype 13-liter engine reduced fuel consumption by 5.7%.

FirstFleet trailers

FirstFleet creates nextgen in-cab driver experience

Mechanic tearing down an engine

Trucksmiths embracing change

door sticker drivers wanted

Pay a top factor for driver turnover but 'not always an amount issue'

electronic log

House bill offers recruiting and retention incentives, grants to truck drivers

Get all the info on the top 250 trucking companies in America

View, sort and download the trucking industry’s most comprehensive ranking of for-hire carriers in North America, based on a blend of metrics including fleet size, annual revenue and number of drivers.

Penske On-Site Maintenance: Elevate your shop and your business

Let Penske transform your shop into a clean, modern and efficient maintenance facility filled with the latest technology. Read on to learn how On-Site Maintenance can help you solve your toughest fleet maintenance challenges.