• 304 Stainless Steel Moldboard – An investment that will last
• Floating A-Frame – Contour the road for clean scraping
• Municipal-style Chain Lift – Built to endure whatever winter throws at you
• RapidLink™ Attachment System – Mount and dismount in record time
• NEW SnowDogg Illuminator LP Low Profile LED Plow Lights - Integrated 5-pattern strobes powered by 4 amber LEDs in each light
VMXII for 1/2 Ton Trucks NEW
VXXII for Class 4-6 Trucks
VXFII for 3/4+ Ton Trucks
Trailer|Body Builders
Market Leader
Commercial Vehicle Group – Dyanna Hurley dhurley@endeavorb2b.com
Editorial Director – Kevin Jones kjones@endeavorb2b.com
Associate Editor – Alex Keenan akeenan@endeavorb2b.com
Marketing/Advertising – Dan Elm delm@endeavorb2b.com
Art Director – Rhonda Cousin rcousin@endeavorb2b.com
Directories/Listings – Maria Singletary msingletary@endeavorb2b.com
Audience Development Manager – Jaime DeArman jdearman@endeavorb2b.com
Endeavor Business Media, LLC
CEO Chris Ferrell
President June Griffin
COO Patrick Rains
CRO Paul Andrews
Chief Digital Officer Jacquie Niemiec
Chief Administrative and Legal Officer Tracy Kane EVP/Transportation Kylie Hirko
TRAILER|BODY BUILDERS (USPS Permit 636660, ISSN 0041-0772 print, ISSN 2771-7542 online) Volume 65 Issue 9, is published monthly by Endeavor Business Media, LLC. 201 N Main St 5th Floor, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Trailer/ Body Builders, PO Box 3257, Northbrook, IL 60065-3257.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Publisher reserves the right to reject nonqualified subscriptions. Subscription prices: U.S. ($79 per year); Canada/Mexico ($79 per year); All other countries ($157 per year). All subscriptions are payable in U.S. funds. Send subscription inquiries to Trailer/Body Builders, PO Box 3257, Northbrook, IL 60065-3257. Customer service can be reached toll-free at 877-382-9187 or at trailerbodybuilders@ omeda.com for magazine subscription assistance or questions. Printed in the USA. Copyright 2024 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopies, recordings, or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the publisher. Endeavor Business Media, LLC does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person or company for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever. The views and opinions in the articles herein are not to be taken as official expressions of the publishers, unless so stated. The publishers do not warrant either expressly or by implication, the factual accuracy of the articles herein, nor do they so warrant any views or opinions by the authors of said articles.
Visit TrailerBodyBuilders.com for more information from stories in this issue, plus online exclusives on pertinent topics in the trailer manufacturing industry.
Market Watch
The pain is real, but TRU transition is undeniable Reefer fleets are coming around to new tech Trailer-BodyBuilders.com/55129821
The case for investing in premium shop equipment How much is too much for critical tools? Trailer-BodyBuilders.com/55129829
MARKETS
Trailer orders improve in June, but still down from 2023 Trailer-BodyBuilders.com/ 55129107
CHASSIS
Workhorse introduces W56 with extended wheelbase Trailer-BodyBuilders.com/ 55126157
Follow us at:
@trailerbb
linkedin.com/in/company/ trailer-body-builders
Read the digital edition online at TrailerBodyBuilders.com/magazine/51770
Want your own issue?
1. Go online to: Trailer-BodyBuilders.com/subscribe 2. Complete the online subscription form.
Baseball and snowfall and ngers crossed
Kevin Jones Editor
Why do people buy trailers? To move freight—or so FTR Chairman Eric Starks prefaces his market forecasts.
Why do people buy snow plows? To move snow—or so I’m prefacing our annual Snow & Ice Control Guide.
The problem is there hasn’t been a lot of freight or snow for the past couple of years.
The forecasts, however, are looking up—just maybe not so much or so quickly as we’d like. That’s the general consensus from the Q2 earnings reports, as well as various trucking market numbers.
Freight finally saw year-over-year growth in May, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ latest Transportation Services Index report. It’s still not enough to make up for 2024’s weak year-over-year performance to date—but such industry forecasts provide another ray of hope for the coming months.
The ATA’s Truck Tonnage Index for May saw the first combined month-over-month and year-overyear increase since February 2023. DAT’s Truckload Volume Index found dry van and refrigerated loads increased 13% and 25% year over year, respectively.
“As bad as it feels, the macro numbers are not quite as bad as your feelings,” suggested Thom Albrecht, chief
revenue officer at Reliance Partners Insurance, providing a market outlook at the recent Truckload Carriers Association refrigerated conference. “To use a baseball analogy, we’re either in the bottom of the eighth inning, or the top of the ninth inning [of the downturn].”
Indeed, May’s upturn will likely remain positive throughout the summer when the numbers are in. The bottom line, per Albrecht: Freight demand and carrier capacity will near equilibrium as early as October and no later than February.
That corresponds with the outlook from the publicly traded companies and their discussion with investment analysts about the second half of the year.
“The unfolding reality of 2024 is certainly at odds with how most thought the back half of 2024 would bring moderate improvements in both demand within the freight market as well as freight rates,” Wabash President and CEO Brent Yeagy said. “While important macro indicators have turned positive, it will take some time for the supporting factors to manifest in the freight markets.”
Pressed for a firm prediction on the turnaround in dry van orders, Yeagy suggested the company was still 60-90 days from customer conversations that get “specific” on plans for 2025. (See Page 18 for full coverage.)
Seasonal Precipitation Outlook
Valid: Dec-Jan-Feb 2024-25 Issued: July 18, 2024
Paccar CEO Preston Feight suggested the same.
“There might have been an expectation of starting to lift off the bottom at this point,” Feight said. “The truckload carriers are trying to decide what their cadence is going to be for the balance of the year.”
Both Wabash and Paccar pointed to the strength of the vocational truck markets as bright spots buoyed by infrastructure spending, as did Douglas Dynamics.
“The teams at Dejana and Henderson did a great job of capitalizing on the opportunities in getting trucks through the facilities this quarter, producing our best second-quarter results for the segment on record,” said Interim President and CEO Jim Janik.
The company’s attachments business didn’t fair so well, thanks to Mother Nature.
“Frankly, we’ve not seen back-to-back low snowfall seasons of this magnitude since the late 1980s, and it’s certainly going to have an ongoing impact on demand,” Janik said.
I don’t have as many weathermen as I do economists for sources to consult, but I did check with the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center: Based on their latest outlook (see the chart), readers might want to keep a copy this issue handy. TBB
NTEA adds latest MVP member companies
Because standards don’t raise themselves, NTEA’s Member Verification Program (MVP) acknowledges the companies leading the industry to excellence. Fleet managers, truck dealers, and OEMs know truck equipment manufacturers and distributors with MVP status have implemented specific business and quality standards and comply with federal regulations.
New MVP members (since April 1, 2024):
• Buyers Products Co. (Mentor, Ohio)
• Diamond Coach (Oswego, Kansas)
• Driverge Vehicle Innovations (Akron, Ohio)
• Driverge Vehicle Innovations (Kansas City, Kansas)
• John Guire Supply (Shrewsbury, New Jersey)
• Knapheide KUV Installation Center (Quincy, Illinois)
• Knapheide Truck Equipment Center Cincinnati (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• Knapheide Truck Equipment Center Columbus (Columbus, Ohio)
• Knapheide Truck Equipment Center Phoenix (Phoenix, Arizona)
• Knapheide Truck Equipment
Center Quincy (West Quincy) (Taylor, Missouri)
• Surefitters (Rosemount, Minnesota) Renewals:
• Ace Truck Body Inc. (Grove City, Ohio)
• Bucher Hydraulics Inc. (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
• Cabot Coach Builders (Haverhill, Massachusetts)
• Carco Industries (Tualatin, Oregon)
• Demers Ambulances (Beloeil, Quebec)
• Driverge Vehicle Innovations (Ladson, South Carolina)
• Frazer LTD (Houston, Texas)
• HA Dehart & Son (Thorofare, New Jersey)
• Holman (Bartlett, Illinois)
• Holman (Simpsonville, Kentucky)
• Intercon Truck Equipment Inc. (Aston, Pennsylvania)
• J&J Truck Bodies & Trailers Div Somerset Welding & Steel Inc. (Somerset, Pennsylvania)
• Knapheide Truck Equipment Center Charleston (Moncks Corner, South Carolina)
• Knapheide Truck Equipment Center Portland (Troutdale, Oregon)
NATDA Trailer Show honored—again
The North American Trailer Dealers Association Trailer Show once again has been named to the Trade Show Executive’s prestigious Gold 100 list of top trade shows.
The award for the 2023 event marks the NATDA Trailer Show’s second consecutive year to have made it to the list.
The Gold 100 are ranked by net square feet of paid exhibit space, and the collective total for all the Gold 100 shows was 35,064,651 net sq. ft. The overall total of exhibiting companies was 88,018, and the overall attendance for the shows that reported the metric totaled 2,419,478 attendees, according to TSE. Based on the $36.61 average space rate, the Gold
100 shows featured nearly $1.3 billion of exhibit space.
“We are honored to have been named to the Trade Show Executive Gold 100 for the second year in a row,” said Andria Gibbon, CEM, executive director of NATDA. “This recognition has inspired our team to continue our 16-year legacy— creating exceptional events that really elevate and ignite the light-to medium-duty trailer industry. We are grateful to be listed alongside renowned events like SEMA and CES.”
Gold 100 Honorees receive recognition at the TSE Gold 100 Awards & Summit, which takes place September 17-19 at the Ritz Carlton, Bacara, in Santa
• Maintainer Corp. of Iowa Inc. (Sheldon, Iowa)
• Manning Equipment LLC (Louisville, Kentucky)
• Ohnsorg Truck Bodies Inc. (Belle Plaine, Minnesota)
• Reading Truck (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Current NTEA Distributor and Manufacturer members are encouraged to apply for MVP status at any time. There is no charge — NTEA underwrites the cost of MVP as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the core competencies of its members. Once qualified, companies receive MVP status for a three-year term. To renew, MVP members must again document compliance, ensuring their ongoing commitment to professionalism, industry knowledge and high performance.
Visit ntea.com/mvp to learn more and apply or contact NTEA’s technical services department for personalized assistance.
Barbara, California. During the event, the rankings of all the shows honored will be unveiled as well.
“We’d like to express our gratitude to all of our sponsors and to our creative and hardworking exhibitors and vendors who make our show the huge, unforgettable, and invaluable experience that it is,” said Gibbon, “We can’t wait for August’s 2024 NATDA Trailer Show!”
Photo:
Hillsboro Industries names top dealers
Arrow Equipment Inc. of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, was awarded the overall Top Dealer Sales Award and named Top Endura Trailer Dealer for 2023 by Hillsboro Industries.
The Hillsboro Industries Dealer Awards are given to members of the dealer network for achievements in sales over the past year. The dealers are part of a distinguished group who have demonstrated a strong commitment to customer service and to capturing new customers, according to the Kansas-based manufacturer.
The following dealers earned the top rankings in Hillsboro’s product categories:
#1 Aluminum Truck Bed DealerDiamond West Sales, Black Diamond, Alberta
#1 Endura Livestock Trailer DealerArrow Equipment Inc., Maple Creek, Saskatchewan
#1 Car Trailer Dealer - Monday Trailers, Springfield, Missouri
The Top 10 Overall Dealers recognized by Hillsboro are:
• Arrow Equipment, Inc., Maple Creek, Saskatchewan
• Diamond West Sales, Black Diamond, Alberta
• Grant County Truck Bodies, Kieler, Wisconsin
• Idaho Trailer Sales, Buhl, Idaho
• Jost Fabrication LLC, Hillsboro, Kansas
• Lazy T Tire & Implement, Orchard, Nebraska
• LCL Truck Equipment, Hastings, Nebraska
• Monroe Truck Equipment, Monroe, Wisconsin
• Riverside Boot & Saddle, Blackfoot, Idaho
• Tredz Central, Cortland, Nebraska
The Top 5 Dealers by product category are
Steel Truck Bed dealers:
• Arrow Equipment Inc., Maple Creek, Saskatchewan
• D2 Sales, Galt, California
• Idaho Trailer Sales, Buhl, Idaho
• Monroe Truck Equipment, Monroe, Wisconsin
• Tredz Central, Cortland, Nebraska
Aluminum Truck Bed dealers:
• Diamond West Sales, Black Diamond, Alberta
• Grant County Truck Bodies, Kieler, Wisconsin
• Idaho Trailer Sales, Buhl, Idaho
• Riverside Trailers, Caldwell, Idaho
• Tredz Central, Cortland, Nebraska
Endura Livestock dealers:
• Arrow Equipment Inc., Maple Creek, Saskatchewan
• Blue Valley Trailers, Waterville, Kansas
• Hinshaw Trailer Sales, Richland, Iowa
• Idaho Trailer Sales, Buhl, Idaho
• Jost Fabrication LLC, Hillsboro, Kansas Hillsboro Industries was founded in 1966 in Hillsboro, Kansas. The company manufactures aluminum, hybrid and steel truck beds, the Endura all aluminum livestock, combo, cargo and car trailer models, and aluminum utility trailers.
ConMet receives 2024 FleetPride Supplier Award
FleetPride awarded ConMet with its 2024 Supplier Partner Award to honor the two companies’ longstanding working relationship.
FleetPride’s Supplier Partner Award recognizes ConMet’s exceptional communication and partnership across the organization. This award highlights ConMet’s dedication to “raising the bar in communication and partnership across the organization and disciplines,” according to FleetPride. They also noted ConMet’s “heavy focus in national account efforts and emphasizing cross functional relationships.”
Each year, FleetPride honors companies for their outstanding support and collaboration over the past year. This marks the second time in three years that ConMet has received the Supplier Partner Award, previously achieving the honor in 2022.
“ConMet has received numerous supplier awards over the years, often focusing on the quality of our parts and services, and we are very proud of those achievements,” said Richard Moss, director of National Accounts at ConMet. “However, this award is unique. It recognizes the quality of our relationship and our commitment to working together to deliver an exceptional experience to FleetPride’s customers.”
Moss accepted the award at FleetPride’s 2024 Supplier Summit, held at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Resort in Grapevine, Texas.
Hendrickson installs one-millionth TIREMAAX system
Hendrickson and Utility Trailer recently installed the one-millionth TIREMAAX automatic tire pressure control system, or automatic tire inflation system (ATIS), on a unit for Kroger.
“This milestone is more than a number; it’s a testament to Hendrickson’s commitment to quality, durability, and performance,” said Matt Wilson, general manager of Hendrickson Controls Business Unit. “We are proud to offer a product that not only meets but exceeds our customers’ expectations.”
ATIS units like TIREMAAX help maintain the tire pressure of commercial vehicles by monitoring and adjusting air pressure if it drops below a pre-set level, which helps fleets increase their sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency.
“All Kroger 3000R refrigerated trailers, with Cargobull TRUs, come with UTILITY TrailerConnect for both TIREMAAX monitoring and monitoring of the TRU and trailer health,” said Steve Bennett, president and COO of Utility Trailer.
Cosmo Tires launches branding web portal for distributors
Cosmo Tires has launched its new Kool Kat Assets Web Portal. This online resource is designed exclusively for Cosmo Tires distributors, providing them with a one-stop shop for all brand-related materials and tools.
The Kool Kat Assets Web Portal offers a range of assets, including high-resolution logos, official color palettes, radio jingles, TV spots, the history of the Cosmo brand, social media tips and best practices, and much more. This centralized hub ensures that distributors have easy access to everything they need to market and sell Cosmo Tires while both maintaining brand consistency and enhancing their promotional efforts.
“We are excited to introduce the Kool Kat Assets Web Portal, a testament to our commitment to supporting our distributors with the best resources available,” said TGI President, Joaquin Gonzalez Jr. “This portal not only streamlines access to essential materials but also embodies the Kool Kat spirit that defines our brand.”
The Portal also includes the Kool Kat
Test, a quiz is designed to test users’ knowledge of Cosmo Tires’ history, products, and brand values. Distributors who pass the Kool Kat Test will be rewarded with a swag bag filled with exclusive Cosmo goodies worth over $100.
Key features of the Kool Kat Assets Web Portal include:
• Official logos, color palettes, fonts, and artwork
• Radio jingles and TV spots
• Brand history from inception to its current status
• Technical specs and data sheets
• Kool Kat Test
The Kool Kat Assets Web Portal is now live and accessible to all registered Cosmo Tires distributors. To explore the portal and take the Kool Kat Test, distributors can visit cosmotires.com and log in with their credentials.
Photo: ConMet
Photo: Hendrickson
Photo: Cosmo Tires
AEM’s Manufacturing Express tour visits Terex
Watertown city officials and area business leaders visited Terex Utilities’ South Dakota location on July 22 to recognize the company and its team for their contributions to the local and national economy. Terex Utilities was the 13th stop on the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) Manufacturing Express mobile road tour, which will visit 80 manufacturers in total.
“Utilities, utility contractors, and tree care companies use our equipment to help build and maintain the electric infrastructure across North America and certain parts of the world,” said Joe Caywood, director of commercial operations for Terex Utilities. “Our new brand promise of ‘BUILT. DIFFERENT.’ exemplifies how our equipment is ‘built reliable’ as customers continue to tell us we build the best in the industry. This is all due to our team members’ innovation, leadership, and engagement in delivering solutions to our customers.”
Terex Utilities’ selection for the AEM Manufacturing Express tour comes after Terex’s receipt of AEM’s Gold Award for Advocacy in 2023. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the company’s commitment to the grassroots advocacy program, I Make America.
“Today we celebrate the team members across South Dakota who are responsible for building our digger derricks and bucket trucks right here in the United States, and the hundreds of technicians employed by Terex Equipment Services at 21 service centers around the country who provide crucial maintenance and inspection for construction and utility equipment,” said Eric Kluver, Terex Utilities vice president and general manager. “In addition, we are proud to partner with dozens of suppliers from our home state who provide parts and services that are critical to our operations.”
Stellar Industries recently opened the Stellar Sports Complex in Garner, Northern Iowa. This new baseball and softball complex is made up of three fields, a batting cage, and a community gathering space.
“Garner will always be a home base for Stellar, which is why setting the community up for success is so important to our employee-owners,” said Dave Zrostlik, president of Stellar. “This complex will serve not only as a place of celebration for Garner residents, but also for outside communities and families to come visit and help Garner prosper.”
In 2023, Stellar contributed $100,000 to the Xtra Innings Initiative for the completion of this project.
The intent behind building a new baseball and softball
complex was to allow for the necessary environment to help shape future athletes in Northern Iowa. In Garner alone, over 300 children are enrolled in the town’s youth T-ball, baseball, and softball sports programs.
The Stellar Sports Complex allows kids to have quality field space in order to master key skills and proper technique for both baseball and softball.
Garner officially opened the sports complex with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a first pitch thrown by Mayor Tim Schmidt on Friday, July 12, 2024.
In addition to the naming of the complex itself, one of the three diamonds is named “Dodd Field,” in recognition of Ivan Dodd, a long-time Garner mayor and Stellar employee.
Photo: Stellar
Sourcewell awards Workhorse contract for zero-emission CVs
Workhorse Group Inc. has been awarded a Sourcewell contract for procurement in the category of Class 4-8 chassis and cabs with related equipment, accessories, and services.
This allows Workhorse to expand its reach to government, educational, and nonprofit sectors within all 50 states and Canada, according to the company.
“We are honored to be awarded by Sourcewell as an approved provider,” said Ryan Gaul, Workhorse president of Commercial Vehicles. “Sourcewell’s streamlined purchasing process satisfies the legal requirement of the traditional bidding process, enabling our customers to quickly and efficiently acquire zero-emission vehicles that meet their operational requirements.”
Sourcewell is a government agency created by the Minnesota legislature as a local unit of government and serves as a service cooperative. It is dedicated to streamlining the procurement process
Mullen Automotive has launched a vehicle battery exchange program for current Class 1 EV cargo van customers. POWER BOOST is a battery exchange program enabling existing customers, who meet existing vehicle warranty requirements, the opportunity to upgrade their lithium-ion battery packs to solid-state polymer battery packs, increasing vehicle range potential to over 200 miles, the company claimed.
“We value the investment and confidence that our customers place in our vehicles,” said David Michery, chairman
The agency’s contracts are competiand combines the purchasing power of numerous agencies into a single cooperative group.
The agency’s contracts are competitively solicited to meet the public bidding requirements of participating entities.
Workhorse was awarded a contract following a rigorous request for proposal process. This process resulted in contracts that meet, or exceed, local procurement requirements.
As an awarded contract supplier, Workhorse is now one of a group of several vendors approved to serve
Sourcewell’s network of members across both the United States and Canada. In return, Sourcewell participants now have streamlined access to Workhorse’s portfolio of all-electric medium-duty vehicles. These include the company’s W56 step van, the W750 step van, and the W4 CC cab chassis.
and CEO of Mullen Automotive. “As we hit new milestones, we are committed to sharing our technological advancements with all our early adopters and this battery exchange program will allow customers the opportunity to upgrade to our solid-state pack.”
The Mullen ONE, Class 1 EV cargo van equipped with the solid-state polymer pack is scheduled for production in the second half of 2025. The solid-state polymer battery pack is expected to extend the range of the Mullen ONE from 110 miles to over 200 miles.
Mullen
Photo: Workhorse
Photo: Mullen Automotive
Schmitz Cargobull adds coldchain telematics co. to group
Schmitz Cargobull AG, Europe’s largest manufacturer of semi-trailers, has acquired a majority stake in Atlantis Global System, the leading Spanish manufacturer of telematics solutions for monitoring and maintaining the cold chain. Telematics solutions from AGS are used by most of the 50 largest companies for the transport of temperature-controlled goods in Spain, according to Schmitz Cargobull.
The AGS telematics system for real-time refrigeration data will be available immediately for all Schmitz Cargobull refrigerated semi-trailers produced at the Zaragoza plant. The data from the TrailerConnect telematics system, which Schmitz Cargobull integrates as standard in all its semi-trailers, will also be made available on the AGS telematics platform. On customer request, the telematics data from the AGS system will be available within the Schmitz Cargobull TrailerConnect portal.
AGS will remain an independent cold chain specialist within the Schmitz Cargobull Group and will continue to operate independently in the market to ensure the best service for customers.
“The partnership with Schmitz Cargobull is an important step to strengthen and further develop the solutions developed by AGS in Spain,” said AGS Founder Rafael del Pino, who will continue as the company’s CEO. “It offers a great opportunity to promote new products and further develop advanced fleet management solutions.”
The technology developed by AGS will also allow Schmitz Cargobull semi-trailers to be integrated into the customer’s logistics system, offering an improved overview of the entire cold chain.
To celebrate the deal, Schmitz Cargobull and AGS are
Randon launches 75th-anniversary trailers
Randon, the largest semi-trailer manufacturer in Latin America, recently launched a 75th-anniversary commemorative series that celebrates the brand’s trajectory and development of high-performance products.
The trailers feature all of Randon’s technology, sport a special “New R 75” color, and boast a distinctive finish and gold details, Randon reported. Moreover, they come with a certificate and personalized plaque with the client’s name or logo. The transporter that purchases a product from the limited series also will have Randon Smart technology available on board and exclusive spare-parts plans in the first year.
“In these 75 years, as we stated in the motto of the promotional campaign, we have pushed history forward,” Randon COO Sandro Trentin said in a news release. “We want, with exclusive actions like this special series, to value the long-standing relationship with our clients.
“To celebrate this achievement, we present several new features that elevate our history and embrace the new moment we have reached.”
offering a special welcome package for customers in Spain, including the Cargobull refrigerated box body, TrailerConnect telematics and the AGS intelligent temperature recorder (thermograph), which will be combined with refrigeration units from Schmitz Cargobull and other manufacturers. The complete package will be manufactured and installed at the new Schmitz Cargobull plant in Zaragoza.
Schmitz Cargobull’s other important milestones in the financial year 2023/24 include:
• the opening of the new plant in Zaragoza;
• the strategic alliance with the Austrian manufacturer for lightweight trailers Berger;
• the opening of new locations in Georgia and Kazakhstan; and
• the successful entry into the US market with Schmitz Cargobull’s transport refrigeration units in a partnership with Utility Trailer Mfg.
Randon is the main Brazilian exporter of semi-trailers, with an international network made up of 190 distribution points.
In addition to the commemorative line, Randon launched an internet campaign that conveys the brand’s legacy, narrating the past, present, and future through research carried out at the Randon Memorial. Among the attractions of the production are the artificial intelligence resources to reconstruct historical moments that show the development of the business over more than seven decades of operation.
Photo: Randon
From left: Schmitz Cargobull CTO Marnix Lannoije; AGS CEO Rafael del Pino; Schmitz Cargobull CEO Andreas Schmitz; Head of EG Development-Project Management Stefan Grawe.
Schmitz Cargobull
Utility opens Cargobull TRU plant in Texas
Utility Trailer Manufacturing recently opened its new Cargobull North America (CBNA) assembly plant and warehouse in Eagle Pass, Texas.
As Utility Trailer and CBNA—a partnership between Utility and European trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull—continue to roll out new products, the additional facility will help the joint venture boost production and support cutting-edge innovations, the company said. Adjacent to the Utility Trailer Southeast Texas dealer location in Eagle Pass, this new Utility and CBNA facility will focus on the final assembly operation of CBNA transport refrigeration units (TRUs). The plant also will work on final assembly of remote evaporators, solar panels, telematics hardware, and other essential TRU parts.
The facility also will serve as a warehouse for storing CBNA and Utility materials and parts.
“It’s an exciting time for Utility’s production efforts,” Steve Bennett, Utility president and COO, said in a news release. “The plant and warehouse are centrally located to best serve most of North America.
“Utility dealers can order CBNA parts directly with rapid response.”
TIP trials solar-powered reefer
TIP recently launched a 12-month trial in the United Kingdom of a zero-emission, battery and solar-powered transport refrigeration unit (TRU) fitted to one of its reefer trailers.
Named ‘Endurance’ and designed and manufactured by Sunswap, the UK-based ‘clean-tech’ business, this concept features solar panels fitted to the roof of the trailer which, in combination with a first-of-its-kind modular battery and highly energy-efficient system, provides an emission-free solution to power the trailer’s refrigeration unit.
While the TRU is ‘trailer agnostic,’ it is fitted to a Chereau manufactured reefer that has had its specification optimized for efficiency, courtesy of Chereau UK distributor Reefer Trailer Centre, in order to enhance the performance of the unique TRU technology. Adaptations include the installation of vacuum insulation panels (VIP), the use of HFO Foam and of half-width sliding bulkheads, which are for temperature-controlling a smaller area when transporting a partial load. A switch is also fitted to the rear door which turns off the evaporator when the door is opened so that energy is not lost, whilst a solid front evaporator protector prevents any waste or product getting into it, thus limiting its overall functionality.
The trailer will operate as part of the fleet of a TIP customer on UK roads over a significant period, with the objective being to establish that the zero emission TRU functions at least as effectively as if powered by diesel, without detriment to the transport operation it is assigned to. That includes no incremental operational ‘downtime’ being needed for re-charging purposes.
The TRU is connected to the cloud and capable of collecting
Along with the network of six Aurora Parts distribution centers, the new Eagle Pass facility will further improve the accessibility and availability of CBNA parts and accessories, the company said.
The Cargobull 625 Hybrid (single-temp) and 655MT Hybrid (multi-temp) ultra-low emission TRUs are factory-installed options which are exclusively available on Utility’s model 3000R refrigerated trailers.
thousands of data points in real-time to ensure fridge components are kept within optimized operating parameters to maximize performance and efficiency.
“We are always looking for solutions that allow our customers a clear path to decarbonization of their transport operation, and we anticipate a successful trial of the Sunswap TRU system to contribute towards that. We are looking forward to monitoring the results,” Mike Furnival, TIP managing director, said.
The trailer is predicted to demonstrate that around 80% of the refrigeration unit’s power requirement can be drawn from the solar panels and that the trailer can be used as part of the normal transport operation with no loss of efficiency, while producing zero tailpipe emission, noted Alastair Gough, head of business development at Sunswap.
“Our experiences to date have indicated that the system can be operated at between 10 and 20% of the cost of diesel units,” Gough said.
The new facility in Eagle Pass will support the final assembly of Cargobull North America ultra-low emission transport refrigeration units.
Utility Trailer Mfg.
Photo: TIP
Fleets learn to keep cool with the latest reefer trailer technology
By Alex Keenan
G Overheated, overwhelmed
iven that reefer trailers with perishable loads have more regulations and safety concerns to manage, technology o ers fleets the opportunity to better see and control their business. But what happens when the deluge of sensor and camera solutions and telematics platforms become overwhelming?
Ron Hall, VP of equipment and fuel for CR England, finds it frustrating that there are so many platforms and plans for the various data streams every aspect of a trailer can produce, including maintenance tracking, in-cab ELDs, trailer tracking, and tire pressure monitoring.
“That is becoming an obstacle to me continuing to pursue the kind of evolution of our products that I want to pursue,” Hall admitted.
This struggle was cause for discussion at a 2024 Truckload Carriers Association panel focused on refrigerated vehicles. Executives from KnightSwift Transportation, CR England, and
Raiders Express delved into how reefer fleets can focus their efforts in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Mitigating data overload
When it comes to collecting and using data for reefer fleets, Dave Williams, SVP of equipment and government affairs for Knight-Swift, emphasized two key points: First, that a certain solution or data access is never going to be a silver bullet for any one issue.
“I’ve rarely found a technology that you can just implement to your business that just fixes something,” Williams stated. “It’s a tool. And if you don’t use it
as a tool, then you’re gonna find yourself sorely disappointed.”
Second, using that tool means being able to focus on the data a fleet really needs without drowning in (and paying for) too much data to ever contextualize.
“One of the great skills that each of us has got to develop is to understand where the data is that means something to me today,” Williams explained. “And how am I going to get that data, and what am I going to do about it?”
Finding that needle in a haystack of numbers means identifying pain points in your own fleet, so that you know what data is going to assist you, said Neil Roberts, fleet director of Raiders Express.
“Go to your operations people and find out what you can do to help them do their jobs better,” he emphasized. “There’s vast amounts of data that you can pull from, but if you’re not actually
A Cargobull TRU paired with the Utility TrailerConnect portal and app streams advanced telematics data directly to industry-standard frontends, fleet operators, and transport management or enterprise resource planning systems.
Photo: Business Wire
improving your operations and allowing your people to do their jobs and do them more efficiently,” then the data is not very useful. Instead, see if your fleet’s technology can speed up mundane or tedious operational tasks. As an example, Roberts now provides his technicians with technology to track their trailers’ location, status, inspection due dates, and more instead of waiting for them to physically do so during daily yard checks.
Additionally, AI can help manage such tasks or filter the massive amounts of data accessible to fleets. For the former, CR England’s Hall noted that the company is working on using AI to streamline back-office work.
“We’ve actually started programming and using AI to automate recognition of incoming payments to invoices, because that’s a staff-heavy responsibility to trucking because it’s a complex invoicing process,” Hall said.
And as an example of the latter, CR England is working on using AI to review driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) and the images that come with them, so they can more efficiently bill customers if there’s damage to a trailer. Reportedly, the fleet attempted this process with people reviewing the data, but it wasn’t as successful as the AI manager.
Fleet technology and preventative maintenance
One familiar use of technology on trailers is through predictive maintenance operations. Roberts stated that they’ve been using predictive analytics, including data and AI systems, to anticipate breakdowns, to the point where if a truck’s mpg drops, the system knows there’s something wrong.
“These are things that you can capture and get your return on investment,” Roberts asserted.
Hall stated that he’s even heard about truck OEMs who are willing to warranty a part that’s predicted to fail before it actually does. However, he did caution that these systems can make mistakes, and Williams agreed, adding that a predictive maintenance approach may be more expensive than it’s worth, especially if the predicted failure doesn’t happen.
Knight-Swift’s
Dave Williams, left, and CR England’s Ron Hall discuss evolving reefer technologies.
Photo: Jason McDaniel, TBB
“It depends on where your value is,” Williams said. “If you value timeliness or having zero breakdowns extremely highly, say you’re a business that offers expedited delivery, that’s a huge thing for those. But most of our businesses can absorb some failures here and there.”
alerts, battery and fuel status updates, door controls, and trailer location, among other features.
Not to mention that there’s the added expense of predictive maintenance anticipating a component fault across several of a fleet’s vehicles. In that case, can the fleet in question afford to handle multiple replacements at a time in an effort to never experience a breakdown?
“It’s really expensive to get to zero failures,” Hall noted wryly.
The race to upgrade
With these technological pros and cons in mind, what, then should reefer fleets look for when considering a new solution? And what do suppliers need to understand when they meet with customers?
“The first thing we ask when we’re looking for telematics providers or any kind of technology is ‘What is our availability to data?’” Roberts said.
And all the better when multiple data streams are combined into one through a single platform.
“It’s forcing those folks to talk to each other so that we can use the same transmitter on the truck and trailer to get that data,” Hall stated.
While fleets still have to go hunting for that kind of data collection experience, there are a couple options for reefers that come close.
For instance, Cargobull North America is offering its CARB-compliant transport refrigeration unit models 625 and 655 MT, which can be paired with Utility TrailerConnect. The platform provides insights into temperature monitoring and control, predictive maintenance
“We put the first [Cargobull TRUs] in service in January and other than a battery issue that was replaced the next day, they did absolutely flawlessly,” said Lyn Simon, president of Simon Transport. “My maintenance guys love the portal, or front-end, as they call it. All the data that you could ever ask for is right there, and [Cargobull’s] monitoring team knew before we knew that battery had an issue.”
Another option is ORBCOMM’s GT 1220 trailer tracking and PT 6000 refrigerated trailer tracker. These devices monitor various aspects of a vehicle, including rapid fuel loss, extended usage, and cargo access and theft.
“We’ve seen temperature fluctuations or out-of-range temperatures, fuel analytics, and then we pair all of that with the geofences to make sure the information we’re receiving is pertinent and accurate,” said Dean Albert, VP of operations for Grand Island Express, which is using both the GT 1220 and PT 6000. “All those things come into play for us. And depending on the alert, different departments in our organization take care of those things.”
The location features are especially helpful to Albert, whose “worst nightmare” is when an expensive load ends up going 300 miles in the wrong direction due to simple human error.
“And that’s happened to us several times,” the operations VP said. “So, we feel that this is a really necessary investment for us to get ahead of those situations.” TBB
Wabash focuses on resilience in ‘transitional year’ for market
By Kevin Jones
Reflecting the impact on dry van demand during the lingering freight recession, Wabash reported net sales for the second quarter of 2024 were down 19.8% year-over-year, to $550.6 million. The company posted a consolidated gross profit of $89.7 million, equivalent to 16.3% of sales. Operating income amounted to $43.8 million, representing 7.9% of sales for the quarter.
Wabash President and CEO Brent Yeagy emphasized that a strategic focus on product diversity has enabled Wabash to remain profitable through a “transitional year for the industry” that might have challenged the trailer giant in the past.
“Wabash is not pursuing a single market and we should not be measured in that manner,” Yeagy said on a conference call with investment analysts. “Instead, we are developing a more resilient and diverse array of products and services to serve a dynamic range of customers from first-to-final mile. It’s not about doing more of the same. It’s about boldly taking the necessary steps to build a foundation of business resilience and growth. This approach will enable us to continue our trajectory of higher highs and higher lows.
“Wabash is on track to achieve the best financial performance on record during correction in our industry.”
Total Wabash backlog at the end of the second quarter stood at approximately $1.3 billion, a decrease of 28% compared to the first quarter of 2024 as new order activity slowed, the company reported.
While backlog has sequentially declined during the second quarter in each of the last five years, the reduction in 2024 was slightly more than prior years due to continued freight market weakness. Backlog expected to be shipped within the following 12 months amounted to approximately $1 billion.
For the full-year ending, Wabash reduced its revenue outlook to a range
of approximately $2.0 billion to $2.2 billion with a midpoint of $2.1 billion.
“With greater information on customers’ capital expenditure plans, we feel it’s appropriate to reduce our full year guidance,” Yeagy said. “As we acknowledge that 2024 will be a down year for the industry, this underscores the importance of the strategic changes we have made at Wabash over the past several years.
“By streamlining our organization, optimizing our overall customer portfolio, solidifying our balance sheet and narrowing our strategic focus to the transportation, logistics, and distribution markets, we have positioned the company to pursue higher-margin and more resilient revenue opportunities.”
Parts stability
As he has on the past several earnings calls, Yeagy made the growth
opportunities in the parts segment a key point in his presentation.
“Parts and Services is more stable than transportation equipment, and as these emerging revenues scale, they will provide a critical stabilizing force within our financial performance,” he said. “But our strategic focus on Parts and Services ultimately ties back to the equipment side of our portfolio. Given the ongoing conditions in freight, it is worth analyzing our portfolio of Firstto-Final Mile equipment to recognize the drivers of market activity do vary across verticals.”
Indeed, product diversity means that Wabash is protected to some extent by swings in its customers’ markets.
“Demand for dry vans is certainly influenced by changes in general freight market conditions,” Yeagy said. “However, very meaningful parts of our equipment portfolio, such as truck bodies and tank trailer businesses, are influenced by different market drivers.
“Extensive strategic planning has gone into shaping our current equipment portfolio and we are now reaping the benefits of this diversity and the very factors that influence demand and
Wabash
profitability across our transportation solutions portfolio.”
Market conditions
In looking at the broader economy, Yeagy noted “pockets of both strength and weakness.”
“The unfolding reality of 2024 is certainly at odds with how most thought the back half of 2024 would bring moderate improvements in both demand within the freight market as well as freight rates,” Yeagy said. “While important macro indicators like industrial production have turned positive, inventory levels have moved from a state of excess to balance. It will take some time for the supporting factors to manifest in the freight markets.”
Additionally, Yeagy downplayed the likely impact of a tractor pre-buy ahead of coming emissions regulations.
“While we agree that the economics underpinning the EPA’s 2027 emissions mandates could temporarily boost demand for trucks above trend, we don’t anticipate a significant diversion
of capital from trailers to trucks,” Yeagy said. “Additionally, the EPA mandates impact certain chassis classes that receive a Wabash truck body, and we do expect this segment to remain strong over the next few years.”
Additionally, Yeagy remains “bullish” on higher trailer-to-tractor ratios being driven by “persistent secular trends.”
“Many shippers are specifying higher trailer and tractor ratios in their RFPs, which will only imply this impact into the future,” he said. “Wabash has never been better positioned to capitalize on the next period of freight expansion.”
Segment results
Wabash shipped 9,245 new trailers in the first quarter, down from 11,825 in Q1 last year (-21.8%), along with 3,925 truck bodies, down from 4,025 the year before (-2.5%).
Pressed for a firm prediction on the turnaround in dry van orders, Yeagy suggested the company was still 60-90 days from customer conversations that get “specific” on plans for 2025.
Wabash remains “bullish” on higher trailerto-tractor ratios being driven by “persistent secular trends” in the freight market, says President and CEO Brent Yeagy.
“That’s why we’re holding off on guidance,” Yeagy said. “I would say we’re somewhere within a 5% to 10% swing. If the market basically begins to turn, it could be a little higher than that if it really catches some momentum—but I’m not calling that in any way, shape, or form right now.”
During the second quarter, Transportation Solutions generated net sales of $498.7 million, a decrease of 20.9% compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Operating income for the quarter amounted to $56.9 million, representing 11.4% of sales.
Parts & Services’ net sales for the second quarter were $54.9 million, a decrease of 11.5% compared to the prior year quarter. Operating income for the quarter amounted to $12.1 million, or 22.0% of sales. TBB
Photo: Wabash
Desert dreamin’
NTDA 34th Annual Convention heads to Indian Wells, an oasis in a lingering market downturn
The National Trailer Dealers Association (NTDA) will host its 34th Annual Convention Oct. 4–6 at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California.
Get your kicks on Route 66 for the 34th Annual NTDA Convention at the beautiful venue. Catch up with old friends, meet new people, make connections, share ideas, and enjoy a few fabulous days of food, fun, and entertainment— and, if you’re not careful, some serious talk about the trailer business.
Getting started
Registration and housing are available on www.ntda.org for the convention dedicated to gathering the best of the best in the semi-trailer industry.
Join colleagues and new friends for this three-day learning and networking event. Share ideas with top dealers about how to grow your business. Reconnect with your business contacts and build your network of trailer dealers, leading OEMs, component manufacturers, and industry service providers. Understand where the industry and economy are headed.
The convention kicks off on Wednesday, Oct. 9, with a Welcome Reception that includes fabulous food, cocktails, and outstanding entertainment—but, be advised: Thursday’s Networking Breakfast kicks off
bright and early.
And while exhibitors have until 10 a.m. to get booths set up, the General Session and Keynote get underway at 8 a.m. sharp. The 34th Annual Convention presentation serves as the association’s official Annual Meeting. Chairman of the Board Justin Deputy, CEO, 1580 Utility Trailer, will provide members with an overview of the state of the association, membership, as well as future endeavors and goals.
Education
The NTDA welcomes Jack Becker as its Keynote Presenter. Becker is a leadership, teamwork, human performance, safety, and process improvement professional whose years of expertise inspired him to found Flight Level Solutions Inc. He has adapted the same peak human performance skills that made him successful flying combat missions in the F/A-18 Hornet to train companies striving to perform at Top Gun levels.
Jack Becker www.supersonicsuccess.com
For what to expect for the coming year’s trailer business, FTR CEO Johnathan Starks will provide his firm’s take on where market demand is headed and where the industry will see growth versus tightening. Learn what the leading indicators are suggesting for the year ahead, and find out what impact the current state of the supply chain will have on future production and sales.
The General Session will also feature a panel of trailer OEM executives so attendees can hear from them directly about where they see the industry headed; the status of the supply chain; legislative and regulatory concerns; changing customer needs; and the most pressing and current issues impacting dealers today. Panelists include: Bill McKenzie , Mac Trailer; Robert Ulsh , Great Dane Trailers; Jon Jeffries, Fontaine Specialized; and Jeremy Sanders , Stoughton Trailers; and moderator Lyn Simon of onewaytrailers.com.
Following the strolling luncheon in the exhibition hall, attendees will be offered two sets of concurrent sessions—but with three items on the program, you’ll need to find a friend to sit in on the session you’ll miss.
• Dealer “Big Ideas” for Improving Productivity, Efficiency and Profitability : Back by popular demand. Hear from leading dealers who will present some great ideas they have implemented within their dealership. (Dealer members will be asked to submit their presentations/ ideas for consideration in advance. A representative from five dealer members will be selected to present during either concurrent session.) Each presenter will have five minutes to present and two minutes for questions and answers. They will show the idea, how they implemented it, and how it added value to the dealership. Attendees will vote for the best idea and the winning dealer(s) will receive a $500 gift card. Moderated by NTDA Dealer Board Member Bobby Brigg of Peak Trailer Group.
• Effective Controls and Cyber Security Best Practices: Take a walk through real-world cybersecurity situations impacting trailer dealers and how to mitigate the growing risk of data and economic loss posed by AI, ransomware, and other destructive attacks. Presented by Rex Benfield, Paladin Business Consulting LLC.
• The Future of AI and What it Means to Trailer Dealers and Manufacturers: Learn more about artificial intelligence and what the future of AI means to your operations. Presented by Frank Leonard, CSO, Zenus.ai.
Fun and games
The annual golf tournament features a shotgun start Friday at 8:00 a.m. on the Celebrity & Players Courses.
The Indian Wells Golf Club features 36 holes and a magnificent 53,000 sq.-ft. clubhouse. This is one of the few properties to have two courses ranked in the Top 25 “Best Municipal Courses in the U.S.” by Golfweek Magazine. The Celebrity Course & Players Course (a.k.a. “Beauty and the Beast”) hosted Golf Channel’s Big Break and the PGA’s Skins Game. Both courses are located within walking distance of the Renaissance Esmeralda.
Optionally, registered attendees and
guests may take the San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour. Experience the real desert and explore the San Andreas Fault’s unique geologic features. Along the way, the jeeps will pass through some of the richest agricultural areas in the world.
Learn how the rich soil traveled hundreds of miles to get here, which allows the Coachella Valley to grow some rather unique crops. See the beauty of a natural palm oasis, steep-walled canyons, and pools filled with water bubbling up from the San Andreas Fault.
Also understand how Native Americans lived, hunted, and used desert plants for food, clothing, and medicine.
You must be 18 or older to participate. Pre-registration is required, and an additional fee applies.
The final evening of the convention begins with networking and cocktails prior to the Awards Dinner. Enjoy a delicious dinner, wine pairings, prize
drawings, and entertainment.
The NTDA will recognize outstanding membership ambassadors, sponsors, Board of Directors, and other notable individuals. Dinner attire is business/ resort casual. TBB
Key links
For more information about the 34th Annual NTDA Convention, visit ntda. site-ym.com/page/Convention
To make a hotel reservation, visit ntda.site-ym.com/page/ HousingTravel
To learn more about activities and dining in and around Indian Wells, visit ntda.site-ym.com/page/ IndianWellsActivities
To learn more about this year’s convention sponsors, visit ntda.site-ym. com/page/Sponsors
An optional activity for registered spouses/guests on Thursday includes access to the pool cabanas, drink tickets and snacks included. Marriott International, Inc.
The Celebrity Course and Players Course at Indian Wells (a.k.a. “Beauty and the Beast”) will host the annual NTDA golf tournament, with a shotgun start set for 8:00 a.m. Friday. Marriott International, Inc.
NTDA Schedule-at-Glance
Wednesday, Oct. 9
1:00pm-5:00pm Registration Open
1:00pm-10:00pm Exhibitor Set Up
5:00pm-6:00pm VIP Reception (Invitation Only)
6:00pm-10:00 pm Welcome Reception
Thursday, Oct. 10
6:45am-12:00pm Registration Open
6:45am-10:00am Exhibitor Set Up
6:45am-8:00am Networking Breakfast
8:00am-11:30am General Session & Keynote
9:30am-9:45am Refreshment Break
11:30am-2:30pm Exhibition & Strolling Luncheon
NTDA Exhibitors List 2024
10:00am-4:00pm Optional Activity: Esmeralda Pool Cabanas
2:00pm-4:00pm Optional Activity: Paint & Sip at the Beach
2:30pm-3:15pm and 3:30pm-4:15pm Concurrent Sessions
• Dealer “Big Ideas” for Improving Productivity, Efficiency, and Profitability
• Effective Controls and Cyber Security Best Practices
• The Future of AI and What it Means to Trailer Dealers and Manufacturer
Monroe Snow & Ice Control 1051 W 7th St Monroe WI 53566
Sno-Way International Inc 120 N Grand Ave Hartford WI 53027
SnowEx 531 Ajax Dr Madison Heights MI 48071
Universal Truck Equipment Inc N15921 Schubert Rd Galesville WI 54630
Viking-Cives
42626 Grey Rd 109
Mount Forest ON N0G 2L0
Canada
Western Products PO Box 245038
Milwaukee WI 53224-9538
Winter Equipment Co 1900 Joseph Lloyd Pkwy Willoughby OH 44094
Spreader Controls
Allied Mobile Systems 17665 US-421 S Dunn NC 28334
Buyers Products Co 9049 Tyler Blvd Mentor OH 44060
See ad pgs. 2-3
DEL Hydraulics
50 Stradtman St Buffalo NY 14206
Fisher Engineering
50 Gordon Dr Rockland ME 04841-2139
Hilltip Corp 4519 Allen Martin Dr Fort Wayne IN 41017
See ad p. 28
Swenson Products
127 Walnut St
Lindenwood IL 61049
Universal Truck Equipment Inc N15921 Schubert Rd Galesville WI 54630
Sweeper Manufacturers
Hilltip Corp
4519 Allen Martin Dr
Fort Wayne IN 41017
See ad p. 28
SnowEx 531 Ajax Dr
Madison Heights MI 48071
Hilltip offers tractor V-plow for snow removal
Hilltip’s new SnowStriker VTR snowplows are designed for compact tractors and loaders weighing 2.5 to 5 tons. These v-plows feature heavy-duty box construction to withstand the harshest winter conditions.
Available in six models ranging from 5.5 to 8.6 feet wide, VTR snowplows have a curved, powder-coated snow blade to create an optimal snow-rolling effect. The blades are made of highstrength steel, helping to make the plows light, yet durable.
An adjustable, two-segment cutting edge with trip springs offers unmatched plow protection. Additionally, the plow provides superior coverage because the segments compress independently when obstacles are hit. The cutting edges are available in polyurethane or high-strength steel.
VTR snowplows also have an adjustable attack angle that allows operators to adapt to different plowing surfaces and weather conditions.
Additionally, the blade tilts and oscillates up to six degrees when plowing on uneven ground, producing a cleaner scrape.
A variety of custom mounts are available, including a three-point hitch, multi-car/multi-mobile plate or custom mounting plate with hooks. The v-plows are equipped with double-acting hydraulic cylinders for added versatility.
Options include LED edge markers, a poly snow deflector, plow shoe kits and an electric valve. The plows come standard in the color gray but are also available in orange for improved visibility.
Visit www.hilltipna.com for more information.
Western Products unveils three new product lines
Western Products revealed three new product lines at the 2024 SIMA Snow & Ice Symposium in Pittsburgh: the WESTERN PRO-PLOW 3 Straight Blade Snowplow, the PILE DRIVER XL Hydraulic Wing Pusher Plow with TRACE Edge Technology, and the MARAUDER Poly Hopper Spreader.
“SIMA is the perfect time for us to share our new product offerings with the snow and ice control industry,” said Erin Hunt, snow control product manager for Western Products. “The quality, technology, and innovation in our processes and products…it’s all for our customers. Our motivation is to give them exactly what they need to get the job done faster so they can service their clients and get out of the elements sooner.”
The PRO-PLOW 3 Snowplow is a professional-grade straight blade with a 70-degree attack angle that’s simple to operate and easy to maintain. It comes equipped with a high-carbon steel cutting edge to reduce wear and extend the life of the blade. Featuring the
WESTERN POWER BAR for structural reinforcement, it offers the choice between an ULTRAFINISH powder coat surface or stainless steel option—the first ever stainless steel straight blade offered by Western Products.
The PILE DRIVER XL Hydraulic-Wing Pusher Plow is available in 8’, 10’, 12’, 14’, and 16’ widths, and features hydraulic, independent 3’ wings that provide 180degree variable wing placement. This pusher plow can scoop and stack snow and maneuver curbs and wide-open spaces alike. The independent 2’ sections of the cutting edge and the 3’ wing sections raise, oscillate, and trip to adjust to surface contours and obstacles as well. This maximizes the scraping performance of the plow, reducing the amount of salt needed for post-treatment.
The MARAUDER Poly Hopper Spreader is professional-grade and available in 1.5 and 2.2 cu. yd. capacities with the option of either a pintle chain delivery system or the all-new HELIXX shaftless auger for precise rock salt application. Made with
Buyers introduces hitch mount, salt spreader
Among recently released snow management equipmment from Buyers Products are a new DIN plate hitch mount and poly hopper spreader.
“With a traditional hitch, the arm sticks out, so when the plow is off the truck, it’s a liability,” Buyers’ Bruce Schulte explained.
Buyers displayed the hitch mount with a parallel lift plow that’s compatible with existing SnowDogg municipal Standard, Expressway, and Super-J moldboards.
The SaltDogg PRO salt spreader, with a composite body from Buyers company RomoTech, is a 10-ft. hopper with an 8-CY capacity. The unit is available with electric and hydraulic, auger, and chain drivelines.
Visit www.buyersproducts.com
durable, corrosion-resistant polyethylene, it features an extended-chute design to deliver smooth material flow with minimal leakage. The Tri-Shield Pre-wet and Direct Liquid Application System accessory can be added to spread, pre-wet, or spray all with one tool.
“Adding pre-wetting and direct application capabilities with Tri-Shield increases your versatility,” said Seth Bergerud, CSP, parts & accessories product manager for Western Products. “It allows any contractor to add brine and other deicing liquids to their granular capabilities, so they can optimize material usage and deliver superior service in any conditions.”
For more information, visit www.westernplows.com.
Winter Equipment offers custom fleet assessments
Winter Equipment is now offering free custom fleet assessments for its customers. The program offers municipal and commercial snow removal fleets the opportunity to learn how to overcome challenges to operate efficiently and effectively.
“Our free consultation allows us to understand our customers’
situation and design a custom solution to solve their challenges,” said Kent Winter, founder and CEO, “By offering this program, we can provide hands-on support, better the fleet industry and keep fleets performing at their best all year long.”
To do so, Winter Equipment will conduct a consultation meeting to thoroughly understand difficulties and problems faced in the field, including examining:
• Equipment currently used
• Typical road conditions on routes
Teleo, Storm Equipment develop autonomous plow
Teleo, a company building autonomous technology for heavy construction equipment, and Storm Equipment, one of the largest distributors of commercial snow plow equipment, have introduced the only remote-operated and autonomous industrial snow plow commercially offered in the United States.
With support from Teleo dealer RDO Equipment Co., the companies worked to retrofit a John Deere 332G skid steer loader with Storm Equipment’s Metal Pless snow plow blade and Teleo Supervised Autonomy, Teleo’s technology that enables remote and autonomous operations. The machine is designed for mass snow clearing in large open areas such as industrial parking lots. Customers can order the retrofit of any make and model of heavy equipment for remote-operated and autonomous operations from Teleo, along with an autonomous-ready snow plow blade properly sized for each machine type from Storm Equipment.
Once outfitted with Teleo’s retrofit kit, the machines are supervised by an operator sitting in a central command center, a more comfortable and attractive working environment than a traditional snow plow operator working from the equipment’s cab on site. The machines are created to help solve staffing shortages in the commercial snow plow industry, where snow contractors are covering larger regions and working long overnight hours, by allowing a single hired operator to work in
multiple regions simultaneously.
Initially, the snow plows will be remotely operated and autonomous capabilities will be added in the first half of 2024.
“Remote operation of snow plows is a truly disruptive prospect for the industry,” said Jordan Smith, owner, Storm Equipment. “Snow removal companies typically don’t have just one make or model in their fleets, so the fact that Teleo’s technology can be retrofitted onto virtually any make and model of heavy machinery makes it a great option for the industry.
“With the click of a button, they can move to a different loader and plow on a jobsite across town, or even in a different state. This effectively could quadruple the productivity of a single skilled staff member, creating massive operational efficiencies for the snow contractor. This technology could also open up snow plowing opportunities to those who are not already heavy equipment operators. We like to joke that today’s streaming gamers could become tomorrow’s remote snow plow operators. Simply put, remote-operated and autonomous snow removal demonstrates undeniable value for contractors looking for the best return on their heavy equipment investments.”
Fleets of machines that are used for applications such as loading gravel, peat moss, and other bulk materials in warmer months are used to move snow in the winter months. Teleo’s technology can be easily retrofitted on those fleets,
• Common snow types that can challenge operations
• Challenges experienced by the crew
After learning details about the customers’ unique situation, Winter Equipment will provide a customized assessment to recommend parts and solutions designed to optimize budgets, safety, and performance, according to the company.
Visit www.winterequipment.com/ assessment for more information on the consultation services.
introducing the ability to integrate remote and semi-autonomous technology without the need to purchase new machines, according to the company.
The same machines can be used yearround for snow removal, landscaping, and other site work. This level of flexibility makes the system extremely scalable and cost effective.
“Commercial snow removal, specifically mass snow clearing in large parking lots and on other long stretches of open, flat surfaces, is yet another ideal application for our technology,” said Vinay Shet, co-founder and CEO, Teleo. “When heavy snowfalls occur, there is an immediate need to clear parking lots and commercial sites so businesses can continue operating. We believe we are offering the only remote-operated and autonomous industrial snow plow available in the U.S.
“The collaborative Teleo-Storm Equipment approach introduces a way to get the job done more efficiently, safely, and without customers having to purchase new machines; that makes it a realistic solution for companies of all sizes.”
Visit teleo.ai for more information.
August 27-29, 2024
North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) Trailer Show Music City Center, Nashville, TN www.natda.org
September 9-11, 2024
Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) Intermodal EXPO
Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA www.intermodalexpo.com
September 9-12, 2024
FTR Transportation Conference Union Station, Indianapolis, IN www.ftrconference.com
September 9-12, 2024
The Summit (CVSN Executive Conference) Fontainebleau Las Vegas, NV cvsn.org
September 15-19, 2024
TMC 2024 Fall Meeting Raleigh Convention Center, NC tmc.trucking.org
FABTECH Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL www.fabtechexpo.com
October 20-25, 2024
VIPAR Heavy Duty IMPACT Conference
JW Marriott Marco Island, FL
November 5-8,
SEMA Show
Las
Truck, trailer, and body OEMs
Dan Kayser accepted a promotion from Navistar, Inc. to become the company’s newest member of its executive leadership team. He is serving as executive vice president of commercial operations and will work with the group to drive results in customer satisfaction, employee experience, financial performance, and efficiency. He will also be responsible for Navistar’s sales and marketing areas. Prior to his appointment, Kayser served as group vice president of national accounts at Navistar and has held additional roles in sales and dealer management.
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company has hired Matt Gerstenslager to a new, dual role in which he will be responsible for new dealer development as well as improving regional sales support for the eastern region. Gerstenslager has over seven years of experience with Hendrickson International, where he held various sales and marketing management roles, most recently as director of marketing for the company’s suspension products. In his new role, he will be based out of Canton, Ohio.
Suppliers and distributors
Clifton Levack has joined Dayco as the company’s new chief supply officer. He will work to implement supply chain management practices that minimize risk, enhance the customer experience, and improve time to market. He joins Dayco from Mann+Hummel GmbH, where he served as VP of Global Logistics & Aftermarket Distribution and has seniorlevel experience working in global manufacturing and supply chain management.
ESL Power Systems has appointed Doug Roy to the position of Interim CEO. Roy has worked at ESL for over 26 years, including the most recent five years as chief financial officer. Roy has additional experience in financial operations for midcap organizations, and is experienced in ESOPs, ERP implementations, business valuations, and M&A. He also holds an MBA from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona.
Philipp Herlein, head of the Global Vehicle Aftermarket Division, is now the managing director of the Global SKF Lubrication & Maintenance and Power Transmission Division for the SKF Group. He will step into his role as of Oct. 1, and succeeds Volker Pieschel. Herlein will report to SKF’s president of Independent and Emerging Businesses, Thomas Fröst, and will oversee the Lubrication Original Equipment, End User, Service and Distribution businesses, as well as the Maintenance and Power Transmission business unit.
Grote Industries hired Andre Grose to the position of vice president of Grote Networks. As part of Grote Industries’ executive team, Grose will be at the head of the company’s 4SEE smart trailer and Guardian light-out detection solutions. Prior to joining Grote Industries, Grose worked at Whirlpool Corporation for over 14 years, including various leadership positions. Before his current appointment, he served as COO and general manager of Yummly, a Whirlpool subsidiary. Prior to this, Grose also worked at Nissan Automotive in several engineering roles for passenger vehicles.
Karenann Terrell has joined Eaton’s Board of Directors as of July 24, 2024. While retired, Terrell previously served as the chief digital and technology officer of GSK, as well as the chief information officer of Walmart Inc. and, before that, as chief information officer of Baxter International. She also held various roles with DaimlerChrysler AG and General Motors Company, and is currently a director of UiPath Inc, Fractal Analytics, and Switch.
Associations
Brendan Morris has accepted the role of chair of the Brake Manufacturers Council for MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. Morris is currently the vice president of sales at GRI Engineering, a MAT Holdings company, and will succeed John Bennett, the managing director at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Detroit, Inc. Beyond his current appointment, Morris has worked in the automotive and aftermarket braking sectors for over 20 years. He took up his new role as of July 11 and will preside over his first BMC meeting during AAPEX.
