PeopleNet Trucking Comm Devices Replacing Qualcomm’s At Heartland Express
August 15, 2010
Heartland Express chooses PeopleNet for onboard computing | www.ccjdigital.com
Heartland Express is switching their vehicle management / communication system from that from Qualcomm Incorporated to PeopleNet. PeopleNet is owned by Norwest Equity Partners whose limited partner is Wells Fargo & Co. It sends a message to the industry that less-expensive more “open communication” systems are not-only good for small and mid-sized fleets, but they can take business from an industry leader.
97K Lbs. US Gross Vehicle Weight Is Smart & Good For Some Industry Suppliers
August 7, 2010
Senate bill would allow heavier trucks on interstates | www.ccjdigital.com
Senate Bill S. 3705 was just introduced raising allowable Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) on Interstate Highways from 80,000 to 97,000 pounds. It mirrors House Bill H.R. 1799, but the issue has failed in the past. If passed, States can opt in. Some Western US States already allow higher GVW’s, but it puts us on par with Europe at 97K and NAFTA partners Canada / Mexico at over 100K. While such legislation comes up almost every congress, it has many good outcomes and the best chance of passing yet.
2010 Emissions-Compliant Truck Orders & The SCR v. EGR Engine Debate
August 4, 2010
With the dust settling somewhat from the California Air Resources Board, EPA, Navistar Corporation, Daimler, Cummins Inc, Volvo et al meeting a couple weeks ago, we found some of the feedback comments - especially from potential buyers - interesting. In addition, numbers always tell the rest of story, so it’s also interesting to look at what the 2010 compliant engine orders look like.
YRC Q2 Bottom Line: More losses, more expensive debt
August 4, 2010
YRC Worldwide (NASDAQ: YRCW) Can't Shake Downward Spiral In Q2 | www.istockanalyst.com
Financially ailing LTL giant YRC Worldwide narrowed its second-quarter net loss to $9.5 million, compared with year-ago quarterly losses of $309 million. That came on a 2.9 percent drop of revenue to $1.1 billion. But YRC's long-term survivability is still a huge question mark, as it faces "snapback" pension payments to the Teamsters union multiemployer pension plans of as much as $350 million a year, plus higher borrowing costs as it trades it long-dated debt for shorter-term debt at higher interest costs.
Which Trucking Company Benefits Most from a YRC Closure? How About ODFL?
July 28, 2010
UPDATE 3-Old Dominion Freight Line Q2 beats Street, shares rise | Reuters | www.reuters.com
Old Dominion Freight Line, the nation's seventh-largest LTL trucking company, reported a surge in second-quarter net income of $21.5 million on 16.5 percent rise in revenue to $368.3 million, compared to 10.7 million net income in the 2009 second quarter. Analysts noted ODFL's ability to raise rates as well as a 13.4 percent rise in tonnage in helping the company post an industry-best 89.1 operating ratio (OR) in the second quarter.
American Trucking Association Freight Tonnage Index Signals A Slowdown?
July 27, 2010
ATA Truck Tonnage Index Fell 1.4 Percent in June | www.prnewswire.com
The American Trucking Association (ATA) seasonally adjusted truck freight tonnage index shows a negative trend for the last two consecutive months (May and June). It’s not viewed as a positive for freight planners - and the rest of us.
Better Trucking Productivity + Few New Trucks Added = Improved Profits, But…
July 26, 2010
The second quarter is coming in as some had expected => softening US economic activity. With inventories somewhat filled back up and the trucks running today still being able to pick up the marginally increasing demand, expect to see trucking profitability to stay relatively good and new truck sales to moderate. Used trucks continue to sell well for several reasons.
Better Trucking Productivity + Few New Trucks Added = Improved Profits, But…
July 26, 2010
The second quarter is coming in as some had expected => softening economic activity. With inventories somewhat filled back up and the trucks running today still being able to pick up the marginally increasing freight demand, expect to see trucking profitability to stay relatively good and new truck sales to moderate. Used trucks continue to sell well for several reasons.
Ultimately, EVs, and No Lithium , Please, says Honda
July 21, 2010
Honda Discovers Cars With Cords | www.wired.com
Honda, the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines, and the first to market a hybrid powertrain equipped personal passenger car, has now committed to entering the rather confused electrified vehicle market place with a range of powertrains to supercede the one, a nickel metal hydride battery using gasoline/electric hybrid that it has been marketing since 1997.Siimultaneously Honda announces that it remains committed to a fuel-cell based powertrain as the ultimate goal.
Expect Truckers Profit’s To Look Good For 2010 - JB Hunt Offers Insight Why
July 19, 2010
J. B. Hunt's Earnings Jump on Increased Demand | www.truckinginfo.com
JB Hunt Transport Services profit jump for the second quarter 2010 is great news after the now several year trough we have been running in. As written here before, I am a fan of JB Hunt for a variety of reasons, but a quick look at their numbers shows us what is going on in the different segments. History tells us to put it all in perspective - and always be cautious with what we are seeing - AND utilization is where the real $$$ is!
Chesapeake Energy bites the natural gas bullet
January 25, 2012
Flurry of newbuild drilling rig deliveries in 2012 may dampen rig rates
January 20, 2012
Talisman joins the ranks of cautious E&P companies
January 12, 2012
Early signs of caution begin to cloud frontier exploration and production
January 4, 2012
It's too early in the game to write off Shtokman
December 8, 2011