EnRoute- January 7, 2021

• By: Shannon Davison
• On: 01/07/2021 16:07:27
• In: EnRoute

TOP STORIES

Advancing a “big, bold” infrastructure policy measure with an emphasis on climate change is a priority for President-elect Joe Biden's choice to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. FULL STORY
 
The U.S. Department of Labor recently issued a final rule revising its interpretation of independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act. FULL STORY
 
At the end of 2020, Congress approved a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, including $284 billion for another round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding. FULL STORY
 
Five reasons why 2021 will be better. FULL STORY

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

Keep an eye on these key areas over the next few years to see how they may impact not only maintenance but the commercial vehicle industry overall. FULL STORY
 
With the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate in the rearview mirror, fleets will need to complete their transition to 4G devices in 2021 to avoid service disruptions moving forward. FULL STORY
 
Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems announced that it has partnered with Navistar to offer HAULMAAX® EX as a part of the chassis enhancements of the International® HX. FULL STORY
 
PLM Trailer Leasing recently announced that it has introduced a net-zero emission refrigerated trailer as an alternative energy fleet solution through a partnership with Advanced Energy Machines. FULL STORY
 
Bridgestone Americas recently launched the Bandag B123 FuelTech retread, a trailer retread designed to complement the Bridgestone R123 Ecopia tire in design and performance to help fleets reduce fuel cost. FULL STORY

BRIEFLY

The Pete Store completed the purchase of PALM PETERBILT TRUCK CENTERS, who has six locations in South Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, Clewiston and Fort Myers. . . HINO TRUCKS announced that it's halting truck production and sales in both the U.S. and Canada until it can meet new U.S. engine certification test requirements. . . The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) recently announced that FREIGHTLINER TRUCKS has renewed its Gold Level Partnership to help the nonprofit organization elevate the issue of gender diversity in transportation and logistics. . . ENTERPISE TRUCK RENTAL opened its first MCKINNEY location on December 1, 2020 to provide easier access to truck rentals, such as cargo vans, box trucks and tow-capable pickup trucks, for business and personal use. . . RIHM KENWORTH has opened a new facility in Albert Lea to meet the growing demand for trucks, parts, and services. . . RYDER SYSTEM was recently named among Food Logistics' 2020 FL100+ Top Software and Technology Providers for the eighth time. The annual list serves as a resource guide of providers whose products and services are vital for companies in the global food and beverage supply chain. . . HINO TRUCKS recently chose to salute some of the true heroes of 2020 in a heartfelt holiday video tribute to highlight the importance of truck drivers especially during a global pandemic. . . GOODYEAR is making a donation of $20,000 this year to mark the 85th annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and will go to Scottish Rite for Children and Children's Health SM hospitals. . . CONTINENTAL TIRE THE AMERICAS LLC recently shared its plan for its new truck tire plant in Clinton, Mississippi with the facility already shipping its first unit in October 2020. . . MACK TRUCKS DEALER KRIETE TRUCK CENTERS recently announced its acquisition of Scaffidi Truck Centers, adding two locations to Kriete's footprint in Stevens Point and Tomahawk, Wisconsin. . . NAVISTAR and DECISIV INC. announced a collaboration that will enable all 30,000 fleet users of Decisiv's service relationship management (SRM) solutions to gain connectivity with all International Truck and IC Bus dealer locations across North America. . . MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA announced Purcell Tire & Rubber Company will join the Michelin Commercial Service Network (MCSN) and Michelin Retread Technologies Inc. (MRTI) and Oliver Rubber Company retreading networks.

PEOPLE

DAVID GIROUX will soon become president and chief operating officer of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA).

NUMBERS

The trucking industry stands poised for a solid start in 2021, building on an unprecedented 2020 during which the U.S. economy relied heavily on truckers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. FULL STORY
 
The strong freight rates experienced by the transportation industry are driving an increase in truck leasing. FULL STORY
 
According to the latest release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks report from ACT Research, used Class 8 same dealer sales volumes fell 22% in November 2020 compared with October 2020, while average miles fell 2% and average age fell 3%. FULL STORY
 
ACT Research recently reported that Freight rates again trended positively in November, helping to solidify new equipment purchasing and bring more optimism into the equipment sales space entering 2021. FULL STORY
 
November 2020 trailer orders nearly double from 2019, According to a recent study from ACT Research. FULL STORY

TRALA ANNOUNCEMENTS

SAVE THE DATE: TRALA's 2021 Annual Meeting
 
Mark your calendars now! TRALA will host its 2021 Annual Meeting as a hybrid event. This means that you may either join us in-person April 11-14 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas or participate in a virtual meeting which will take place April 26-28 from the comfort of your home or office. Keep an eye on your inbox as registration opens this month.