Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Aug. 10, 2026:
Hendrickson walking beam suspension turns 100
The foundational equalizing beam architecture remains in continuous production, serving severe-duty vocational fleets operating across rough terrain in refuse, concrete, mining, and oil field applications.
While the original concept centered on load equalization and off-road traction, Hendrickson has adapted the engineering over the past century to incorporate high-strength fabricated steels, elastomer load springs, and progressive spring technologies. Modern configurations—including the RT, HAULMAAX EX, and ULTIMAAX lines—are engineered to lower overall vehicle weight, improve driver comfort, and protect sensitive onboard electronics and hydraulic equipment from road vibration.
"After 100 years, the walking beam no longer represents a single fixed design but an engineering foundation that continues to be adapted to new materials, powertrain options, and operating demands," the company stated.
Key operational benefits of the walking beam architecture include:
- Traction and Load Equalization: Axles articulate across uneven terrain to maintain tire contact and balance load distribution between axles.
- Vibration Dampening: Progressive rubber and elastomer springs reduce road shock sent to the cab, chassis, and body equipment.
- Payload Efficiency: Fabricated steel components cut suspension weight, increasing allowable payload in weight-sensitive aggregate and hauling operations.
- Configurability: Modular layouts accommodate varying axle capacities, terrain demands, and chassis requirements.
Based in Woodridge, Illinois, Hendrickson—a Boler company—manufactures medium- and heavy-duty mechanical, elastomeric, and air suspensions, as well as integrated axle, brake, and tire pressure control systems for the global commercial vehicle market.
EFW announces leadership transition
Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW), a domestic and international freight forwarder and subsidiary of Estes (CCJ Top 250, No. 8), announced a major executive leadership transition.
Scott Fisher, who founded the company in 2003 and served as president and chief executive officer for 23 years, has stepped down from his role to become vice chairman of the EFW board of directors. He will also serve as a special advisor to Estes CEO Rob Estes.
Chief Operating Officer Lance Harcrow has been promoted to president and chief strategy officer, while Sara Nida, former senior vice president of domestic operations, takes over as chief operating officer.
Harcrow brings nearly 40 years of freight forwarding experience to the presidency, having joined EFW in 2004. Nida, who joined in 2003, will now oversee domestic and international operations along with enterprise account management.
Under Fisher’s 23-year tenure, EFW expanded from five employees into a global 3PL logistics provider with more than 1,000 workers across 35 locations. Fisher also guided the company through four major acquisitions over the last six and a half years.
"I could not be more grateful for our employees, who have been the driving force behind EFW's success," Fisher said. "I have complete confidence in the leadership team taking the company forward."
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, EFW operates more than 7 million square feet of warehouse space and maintains a global network spanning more than 100 international partner offices.
Sagepoint Logistics launching RNG-powered heavy-duty truck fleet
Sagepoint Logistics has closed a senior secured financing facility with Power Sustainable Infrastructure Credit Manager L.P. (PSIC) to acquire a fleet of 60 Class 8 heavy-duty trucks and build associated fueling infrastructure.
The financing allows the company, a subsidiary of Carmel, Indiana-based Sagepoint Energy, to integrate its operations from renewable natural gas (RNG) production directly into end-use transportation.
The new fleet features Cummins X15N natural gas engines purpose-built for heavy-duty, long-haul applications. Operating out of a hub in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the trucks will serve freight corridors across the Midwest, with room to expand under the PSIC agreement.
Because the fleet will run on RNG produced by parent company Sagepoint Energy, the company claims it can insulate commercial shippers from fluctuating diesel fuel markets while helping customers lower Scope 3 supply chain emissions.
"Most carriers buy their fuel. We make ours," said Aaron Johnson, chief executive officer of Sagepoint Energy. "This financing with PSIC gives us the capital to connect our RNG production directly to end-use transportation and scale that offering over time."
