Outlook and Benchmarking

MEMA survey shows supplier concerns regarding 2024 forecasts

Truck makers ordering more product than industry forecasts believe necessary is beginning to cause consternation for heavy-duty suppliers, reported MEMA during the association’s monthly Pulse webinar Wednesday.

May 31, 2023

White and red trucks in a lot

Navistar launches technician skills competition, awards winners

"The Top Team competition is a concept with is very important for Navistar's future and our industry," says Executive Vice President, Service Solutions, Fabio Souza. "This is an environment where the technician can feel that we recognize their value."

May 26, 2023

NationaLease recognizes top service members and network technicians

NationaLease recently recognized 12 member companies and named the top service technicians in its national network during its 2023 Maintenance Managers Meeting in Schaumburg, Ill.

May 25, 2023

Nathan Olson of GATR NationaLease was named the top technician at the 13th annual NationaLease Tech Challenge.

Class 8 backlog continues to subside

With truck orders on the downslope and the supply chain continuing to improve, ACT Research reported Thursday it anticipates the commercial truck backlog should continue to decrease until OEMs open their order boards for 2024.

May 19, 2023

Line of trucks in row starting with blue truck

International recognizes 2022 North American Dealer of the Year

International's award recognizes the company's top dealer for their commitment to provide industry-leading uptime and unparalleled performance in annual sales, service and customer satisfaction.

May 22, 2023

2022 International Dealer of the Year.

Trailer OEMs voice concern about 2024 demand

ACT Research announced Monday in its most recent industry trailer status report that OEMs are beginning to express mild concern regarding demand for 2024.

May 22, 2023

Trucks and trailers on roadway

Preliminary trailer orders show another dip in April

ACT Research announced Tuesday April’s preliminary net trailer orders decreased sequentially last month and were lower against longer-term comparisons.

May 16, 2023

ACT April 2023 trailer orders

TopMark announces strong start to 2023

TopMark Funding reported this week it opened 2023 with strong originations in the first quarter. The company set its all-time record for funded transactions in March 2023. This contributed to a 22% increase in funded transactions in Q1 FY23.

May 3, 2023

TopMark Funding building

Class 8 orders plummeted in April

In announcing their preliminary reports, ACT Research and FTR state a drop in orders was expected to occur, but at a slightly later date. The companies believe the slip has more to do with production slots than true demand.

May 3, 2023

Economic volatility challenging market forecasts

Economic uncertainty has started to bleed into production forecasting in the commercial vehicle sector, experts from MEMA and FTR reported during MEMA’s monthly Pulse webinar on Wednesday.

April 26, 2023

Blurry truck on highway

ACT: Trailer demand strong thanks to pent-up demand

"Seasonally adjusted, the backlog-to-build ratio rose 100 basis points month over month to 8.3 months, with weaker build in a seasonally strong month from 7.3 months in February," says Jennifer McNealy, ACT.

April 24, 2023

Trailer from behind on sunny highway

PLI shows slowing, but still high, market

"Parts manufacturers' sales are growing at faster growth rates than parts aftermarket retail sales due to inventory investment within the channels of distribution, but parts manufacturers' sales will slowly declerate," CMVC President Chris Brady says.

April 24, 2023

CVMC's March PLI data showing slowing aftermarket parts indicators.

ACT data shows truck demand healthy for March

Pent-up demand remains, but both heavy- and medium-duty orders declined double digits year over year.

April 19, 2023

A graphic representation of a falling Class 8 backlog.

HDA Truck Pride offers organizational update

Last year was a good year for HDA Truck Pride. A great one actually; best in the organization’s history. But President and CEO Tina Hubbard says HDA Truck Pride doesn’t intend to rest on last year’s laurels in 2023 or beyond.

April 13, 2023

Tina Hubbard, HDA Truck Pride President and CEO

Experts anticipate another rate hike in 2023

ACT Research reported Tuesday it continues to expect a mild recession to materialize, if not as soon as previously envisioned.

April 11, 2023

Wage inflation chart from ACT Research

Now it's a two-front war

In January, it looked like the rate increases that occurred in 2022 would continue through the Fed's regularly scheduled meetings in March and May. And then SVB and Signature Bank happened. With that, the second front of the war opened: Systemic risk.

April 6, 2023

Class 8 sales rate 'unsustainable' in current freight environment

Recent analysis by Commercial Motor Vehicle Consulting (CMVC) into the Class 8 new truck market indicates truck sales are likely to trend down in the second half of 2023.

April 5, 2023

CMVC data regarding Class 8 truck population and utilization

Class 8 orders slip back in March

Preliminary Class 8 truck orders slipped back under the 20,000 unit threshold in March, falling for the fifth time in the last six months, ACT Research and FTR both reported Tuesday.

April 5, 2023

FTR Class 8 orders March 2023 Chart

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Political battle over debt ceiling

Will debt ceiling drama be avoided?

The U.S. owes more than $31 trillion. Just like many households have mortgages, car notes and credit cards, the U.S. government also carries debts that allow it to pay for programs and services for Americans.

Award trophy image

Nomination period for the Successful Dealer, Trailblazer Awards closing soon

Connected vehicle technology

What fleets are saying about remote diagnostics

Cummins sign

Cummins announces EV charging partnership with Heliox

Download the Heavy Duty Maintenance Checklist

Download the Heavy Duty Maintenance Checklist

Learn how to move your used trucks faster

With unsold used inventory depreciating at a rate of more than 2% monthly, efficient inventory turnover is a must for dealers. Download this eBook to access proven strategies for selling used trucks faster.

Used Truck Guide Cover

Heavy-Duty Maintenance Checklist

Maintenance is a critical part of vehicle upkeep—we’re preaching to the choir here, but you know what? It doesn’t hurt to repeat it at times. Check out our latest downloadable maintenance checklist and give it a whirl!