Commercial vehicles must remain compliant with important regional and national regulations to keep our roads safe. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) manages the guidelines that are in use today. Fleet managers across all industries must be aware of any changes to these guidelines that …
Overweight or overloaded trailers are a big problem on roads worldwide. Vehicles hauling too-heavy or improperly-loaded trailers are at a greater risk for loss of control down inclines, delayed braking issues, and tipping due to uneven weight. Fortunately, there exist strict mandates in the United States, (thanks to the guidelines laid out by the FMCSA) …
According to Trailer Body Builders’ recently-published 5-year Forecast, industry data shows that the growth currently being experienced within the trailer market is “unprecedented.” This can be attributed to a number of consumer trends, most notably the rise of e-commerce and omnichannel retail. As much of the world is getting used to ultra-convenient delivery, North American trailer manufacturers, in …
Ever since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) first formed in 1970, there has been an onslaught of rules and regulations that fleet managers, operators, and truck makers alike have been made to follow. While these regulations vary greatly, both in terms of seriousness and complexity, the two that are most often confused are none other …
GVWR vs. GCWR: What’s the Difference for Truck Makers? 
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Did you know that in 2015 alone, the U.S. trucking industry consumed a staggering amount of oil – 54 billion gallons to be exact? It’s a startling figure that elicits even more pause when you stop to think that, according to a study conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute and the University of Michigan Transportation Institute, experts …
What’s the Future of Electric Vehicles in Trucking? Read More
The fabrication of semi-trailers is an ever-evolving blend of skill, technology, and know-how. These steel chassis carry the largest cargo loads on roads and highways and current federal regulations for 49 CFR 393.201 apply to the frame of the tractor vehicle itself and not the semi-trailer. Manufacturers must ensure that their trailers are constructed safely …
Welding Joint Efficiency Tips for Trailer Builders (with Formula) Read More
We once lived in a world in which a light-weight aluminum trailer meant a “high tech” trailer, but these days, trailer manufacturers are upping the ante by infusing the latest technologies to bolster trailer performance and safety. Some of these technologies are now being slowly integrated into fleets the world over, while others are simply …
For retail and distribution operations the world over, it is the trusty tractor trailer that acts as one of the most helpful, heavy-duty, and pricey investments in the fleet. So, it’s no surprise that building a new one, whether it be from scratch or through means of customization, can be a tricky process, especially when …
How to Select the Best Materials to Build Tractor Trailers Read More
When then-President Barack Obama adopted the 2014 Climate Action Plan, his administration decided to shine a light on one, very important reality – that roughly 20% of greenhouse gas emissions and oil used in the transportation agency are caused by heavy-duty vehicles. It’s a staggering figure, and one that, naturally, became a central focus of …
GHG Phase 2 Rule for Trailer Manufacturers: What You Need to Know Read More
Building a trailer that is safe, complies with stringent government regulations, and comes at a competitive price point is important, but one design factor that should never be overlooked is a streamlined body. It can be a trying feat, but achieving such a sleek structure generates plenty of more pros than cons – especially when it …
Truck trailer manufacturers provide an incredible service to the economy, building and, in some cases, maintaining the fleets of some of the most powerful companies in the world. Without these rigs, the way we exchange and transport goods and services would look very different, and would likely be much less efficient. That said, large trucks …
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) Guide for Truck Trailer Manufacturers Read More
When it comes to trailer manufacturing, one of the most important things to consider is material, particularly the type of metal from which the container is fashioned. If you simply dip a toe into the subject, you’ll see that there are really only two viable options when it comes to selecting material – it’s either …
Aluminum vs Steel: Which Material is Better for Building Trailers Read More
Whether you oversee a fleet or your company owns vehicles that regularly take part in interstate commerce, it’s important that you are in-the-know about the ins and outs of the USDOT number system. When compared to other FMCSA guidelines, it’s relatively straightforward, but it still takes some time and dedication to ensure that your vehicles and …
If you’re managing a fleet that includes heavy trucks and buses, then you know exactly how much hard work it takes to guarantee that every component of these vehicles is working at optimal capacity. You surely employ a group of great drivers and keep an elite group of mechanics on your roster – perhaps you …
5 Basic Components of an Air Brake System in Trucks Read More
If you are in charge of a fleet, then you know just how important it is to pay close attention to the vast world of safety regulations and standards, no matter how stringent or convoluted they may seem. One of the most crucial of these safety protocols is the use of rating and serial plates …
Managing a tight fleet means so much more than having a keen eye for organization, timing, and logistics, it also requires a deep understanding of all things compliance. Because most fleets include the use of heavy machinery and trailers galore, you must do your due diligence and get well acquainted with the state and federal …
Understanding Trailer Axle Ratings and Safety Impact Read More
Fleet management is a key piece of the ever-challenging fulfillment and shipping puzzle that distributors, manufacturers, and e-Commerce businesses of all sizes and industries must face. These days, companies the world over are reaping the rewards of high-tech, software-enabled fleet management techniques that can be used to store, analyze, and report data throughout the supply …
For truck-trailer manufacturers, the comings and goings of the business can be complex – especially when convoluted, ever-changing codes designed to identify the intricacies of manufacturing come into play. One such example of this comes in the form of the NAICS, or the North American Industry Classification System, which is a standard used by federal …
Code Definition: NAICS 336212 for Truck Trailer Manufacturing Read More
As modern technology continues to evolve at a rapid rate, companies from all different sectors and disciplines are reaping the benefits that come with evolving innovations. While many are focused on the ways that our personal devices are advancing with each new release, it’s easy to forget that fields such as the trucking industry are …
Certain vehicles are required to have a USDOT Number, which serves as a unique identifier for the vehicle. These numbers are used for monitoring and collecting safety information for the purpose of audits and compliance reviews, inspections, and crash investigations. If your company engages in interstate commerce or certain types of intrastate commerce (such as …
The Ultimate Guide to USDOT Numbers for Commercial Trucks Read More
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