While the past year’s incredible sales figures in the trucking industry can be attributed to a number of different factors, there is one in particular that stands out: fuel efficiency. Truck fuel efficiency has become an increasingly important issue to manufacturers and fleet owners alike, and it looks like this will remain the rule well into the future. Read on to learn more about what the top trucking brands are saying about truck fuel efficiency!
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Truck Fuel Efficiency: A Top Priority for the Industry
March 12th, 2015Western Star Welcomes New General Manager
March 5th, 2015The Western Star family will be welcoming a new member this spring! The Daimler Trucks North America division will be taking on a new general manager as of April 1: Kelley Platt. Platt will be taking over for current general manager Michael Jackson after his retirement on March 31 of this year. Read on to find out more about Platt and her plans for the Western Star brand!
New General Manager Will Bring New Perspective to Western Star
Platt is no stranger to DTNA; in 1989, she became the manager of treasury services at the company’s Freightliner division, and she also served as President and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. Her impressive resume and decades of experience have made Platt perfectly qualified to take over the general manager position at Western Star, as her predecessor noted in his retirement announcement.
One of Platt’s goals for the Western Star brand is to not only continue the work of producing high-quality trucks, but also to place customer satisfaction at the forefront and work to discover new strategies and technologies that will help make every fleet owner’s Western Star dealings profitable and successful. Platt will soon be relocating to the DTNA corporate headquarters in Portland, OR so that she can begin her work.
Platt’s move to general manager is just one of the many exciting pieces of news to come out of the trucking industry as of late. There have been advancements in technology, incredibly high sales figures, and many more impressive statistics to see- just in these last few months! Check in regularly with the Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star blog to learn more about the latest in the trucking industry.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star
If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to discover more about Western Star trucks, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474 or email us your questions and concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com.
Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, expand your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the bestchoice in trucking. Become one of our many satisfied customers today!
Be sure to follow us on Google+ and find us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest from Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. Follow us on Twitter too: @bmorefreight.
Source: http://fleetowner.com/fleet-management/western-star-prepares-new-gm
Parent Company Daimler Predicts Perfect Profits for 2015
February 27th, 2015The parent company to both the Freightliner and Western Star truck brands, Daimler Trucks, has made a bold prediction for the year based on only the first months of 2015. This year, they believe, will be the year of “significant profits,” not to mention substantial increases in heavy-duty and medium-duty truck sales in North America. Read on to learn more about what exactly Daimler expects to do as we head into the second half of the decade!
New Year, Same Great Numbers for Class 8 Truck Sales
February 19th, 20152014 was an incredible year for the trucking industry. With high sales figures, new technological and safety innovations, and a steadily improving economy, fleet owners and truck drivers alike benefitted and looked forward to the coming year as an opportunity to continue this great work. So now that the first month of 2015 has come and gone, how did the trucking industry fare? Read on to find out!
2015 Debuts with Impressive Class 8 Truck Sales
According to a recent article from Transport Topics, this past January saw a 22.8 percent increase in Class 8 truck sales, a clear continuation of the impressive figures of 2014. This debut shows the highest total of sales in eight years; 2007 was the last year to produce such high figures. That’s not to say that this came as a surprise, however. Leaders in the trucking industry have been taking note of these ever-increasing Class 8 sales figures and similar good signs for a while now, and so the start to 2015 was always projected to be a positive one.
So what exactly is being identified as the top contributing factor of these sales? One aspect in particular has been singled out: the fact that fleet owners are all reaching the point in their truck ownership “cycle” when it is time to replace outdated and older models with new ones. Trucks that have been on the road for years are now being retired in favor of the modern models with all of their upgraded technology. Because it will take a while for this cycle of replacement-truck purchasing to complete, the industry can look forward to similarly high Class 8 truck sales for the foreseeable future.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star
If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to discover more about Class 8 truck sales, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474 or email us your questions and concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com.
Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, expand your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the best choice in trucking. Become one of our many satisfied customers today!
Be sure to follow us on Google+ and find us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest from Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. Follow us on Twitter too: @bmorefreight.
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For Class 8 Engines, OEMs See Higher Sales
February 11th, 2015Though industry leader Cummins continues its reign as the top seller for Class 8 engines, that could soon change with an influx of activity from the original equipment manufacturers. OEMs have had more and more success recently selling their own engines to accompany Class 8 trucks, giving them an edge over market leaders like Cummins. Read on to find out more about this latest trucking industry news!
Daimler Trucks North America Tops List of OEM Success Stories
According to an article in Transport Topics, 182,000 out of 295,000 engines in heavy-duty vehicles were both built and installed by the OEM that made the truck itself in 2014. That makes for an over 60 percent majority of Class 8 engines! Of these engines, 27.5 percent of them were built and installed by Daimler Trucks North America, an increase over DTNA’s 25.9 percentage share in the previous year.
Though it stayed in the top spot for majority of engine installations at 38.4 percent, manufacturer Cummins did see a slight decline in favor of OEMs.
Freightliner Trucks, as many other top-tier truck brands, did rely on Cummins for a good number of its engine installations in 2014, totaling about 25.7 percent. But because this constitutes a nearly 5 percent drop from the percentage used in 2012, it is evident that Freightliner is taking advantage of OEM engines like so many other brands in the industry.
As trends continue to shift in the trucking industry, only time will tell how many companies will come to rely solely on OEM Class 8 engines in the future.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star
If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to discover more about OEMs and Class 8 engines, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star to take care of your trucking needs. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474 or email us your questions and concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com.
Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, expand your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the best choice in trucking. Become one of our many satisfied customers today!
Be sure to follow us on Google+ and find us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest from Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. Follow us on Twitter too: @bmorefreight.
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Big-Time Changes for a Popular Medium-Duty Freightliner
February 5th, 2015One of Freightliner Trucks’ most popular medium-duty vehicles, the M2 106, recently got a makeover that should improve both driver experience and performance quality overall. So what can fleet owners expect to see from this new and improved Class 6/7 truck? Read on to find out!
M2 106 Is Upgraded for Today’s Trucking Needs
Fleet owners looking to make a medium-duty purchase will be thrilled with the new options packages Freightliner has included with its M2 106. They include:
–Allison Transmission’s FuelSense Technology. This software system helps trucks maximize their overall efficiency by taking load, grade, weight, and other factors into account and automatically shifting transmission cycles to accommodate them the right way. As a part of the M2 106’s optional Efficiency Package, this technology also includes a high-power Cummins ISB6.7 engine.
–The Driver Retention Package. Not all modifications have to be made with performance in mind: some are simple aesthetic improvements that make a huge difference to hard-working drivers. With this new package, drivers of the M2 106 will have satellite radio, a heated, ergonomic driver’s seat, adjustable steering columns, in-dash power outlets, and luxurious wood grain paneling to make their driving experience more enjoyable.
-The Professional Image Package. A sleek new look for the M2 106, this package includes chrome grilles and headlight bezels, polished stainless steel steps, a painted-band fuel tank, bright-finished heated mirrors, and more. This truck design will be sure to make a statement out on the road.
Interested in the new design of the medium-duty M2 106? Get in touch with Baltimore Freightliner today!
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star
If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to expand your business through trucking, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star to take care of your trucking needs. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474. You can also shoot us an email with your questions or concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com.
Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, expand your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the best choice in trucking. Become one of our many satisfied customers today!
Be sure to follow us on Google+ and find us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest from Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. Follow us on Twitter too: @bmorefreight.
Lower Fuel Prices: Good for the Trucking Industry?
January 29th, 2015If you’ve been to the fuel pump lately, you no doubt will have noticed the plummeting prices of gasoline and diesel fuel. For drivers of cars and trucks of all shapes, sizes, and purposes, this has meant getting a lot more out of a lot less money. But on the whole, what are the long-term effects this massive fuel price drop will have on the trucking industry? Read on to find out!
Freeing Up Resources for Fleets Nationwide
According to data from the U.S. Energy Department, the trucking industry’s fourth quarter saw a whopping 14 percent drop in fuel prices. Diesel fuel is now averaging below three dollars a gallon, with further decreases expected in the coming weeks. Though these numbers mean that fuel is more affordable, does it follow that they will be good for the industry in the long run?
When trucking companies and fleet owners have to devote less of their money to fueling their trucks, they can use that money on other important things: truck repairs, driver salaries, and additional vehicles. By increasing the amount of money that is spent within the industry itself (instead of being pumped out into the oil industry’s pockets), the opportunity for advancement and improvement in trucking increases as well! Also, with lower fuel prices in the picture, other businesses can return to trucking as their main resource for transport and shipping without breaking the bank.
For the foreseeable future, it looks like fleet owners will be benefiting from lower fuel prices!
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star
If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to expand your business through trucking, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star to take care of your trucking needs. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474. You can also shoot us an email with your questions or concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com.
Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, expand your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the best choice in trucking. Become one of our many satisfied customers today!
Be sure to follow us on Google+ and find us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest from Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. Follow us on Twitter too: @bmorefreight.
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Truck Repair Services Keep Your Fleet Running
January 22nd, 2015Fleet owners know that no matter what kind of tasks their trucks perform, daily wear and tear is bound to take a toll on them after a while. But this does not necessarily mean that you have to turn around and replace all the trucks in your fleet altogether; you simply need a solution that will get your current trucks back to their best condition. So what is the best way to restore your trucks and have them running like new again? Read on to find out more about the best truck repair services in Baltimore!
Body Shop Work Can Restore Trucks, Repair Damages
Taking your trucks to the Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star Body Shop (a.k.a. Harbor Body Shop) will help get them back on the road in like-new condition. The team of expert craftsman on staff are well-versed in all manner of truck repair services, including…
…cosmetic damages. Scrapes, scratches, dents, and gouges may not affect the performance capabilities of your truck, but they do need to be addressed. A battered-looking truck will not be good for your business’s image, which could end up hurting your profitability. Truck repair services for cosmetic damages address these superficial problems – and the body shop team has exceptional paint-matching skills so every repair is a seamless one!
…accident damages. Trucks get involved in on-the-road accidents just as cars do, and the damages caused by them can be difficult to contend with. Luckily, the truck repair experts from Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star can fix any external and internal issues caused by an accident. If the damages done are involved in an insurance claim, our team is well-equipped to handle the unique needs of such circumstances!
Is a truck in your fleet in need of truck repair services? Call the experts at Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star today to schedule a repair.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star
If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to expand your business through trucking, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star to take care of your trucking needs. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474. You can also shoot us an email with your questions or concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com.
Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, expand your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the best choice in trucking. Become one of our many satisfied customers today!
Be sure to follow us on Google+ and find us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest from Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. Follow us on Twitter too: @bmorefreight.
43,900 Class 8 Units Round Out Successful 2014
January 15th, 2015Though many may look forward to the brand new year as an opportunity for new successes, those in the trucking industry would agree that 2014’s successes were nothing to sneeze at. The entire year saw significant growth in sales figures, exciting technological innovations, and advancements in safety features, making it one of the best times to be involved in the industry. And to cap it all off, an exceptionally impressive December saw a surge in Class 8 sales. Read on to find out more!
Trucking Has Its Second-Best Year Ever in 2014
Class 8 truck sales were outstanding in the final month of 2014; a 38% jump in orders made for a total of 43,900 units sold. Added to the rest of sales for the year, the trucking industry saw a grand total of 380,030 orders made this year. This is the second-highest total sales on record, with just about 10,000 units more sold in 2004 pushing that year to the first place position. The 2014 figures are viewed not only as impressive in their own right, but as promising for the coming year.
What Will 2015 Bring the Trucking Industry?
Coming off of such a successful year has many in the industry optimistic for 2015. Sales figures of Class 8 trucks, as well as other models, could certainly keep growing as fleet owners and others seek to expand and improve their individual businesses. The recent drop in oil prices, too, could have an effect on the number of Class 8 trucks sold in the upcoming year. Though we will have to wait and see exactly what happens, the prognosis seems positive for the nation’s trucking industry!
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star
If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to expand your business through trucking, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star to take care of your trucking needs. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474. You can also shoot us an email with your questions or concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com.
Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, expand your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the best choice in trucking. Become one of our many satisfied customers today!
Be sure to follow us on Google+ and find us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest from Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. Follow us on Twitter too: @bmorefreight.
Source:
http://www.ttnews.com/articles/petemplate.aspx?storyid=37013
Which Sprinter Van is Right for My Fleet?
January 9th, 2015With their reliability, durability, and high-quality designs, it comes as no surprise that Sprinter Vans are among the most sought-after vehicles by fleet owners. But no single van will serve every imaginable purpose; you need to discover which model will meet your needs best! Here to help you through that decision making process are the experts from Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. Read on to find out more!
Finding the Sprinter Van to Suit Your Needs
There are a wide variety of Sprinter Van models from which to choose when you seek to add to your existing fleet. To find the one that is right for you, consider the following questions:
–Do you need a large amount of cargo space? Some vans need to serve primarily as transport for heavy equipment or shipments. In such cases, a Sprinter Cargo Van is likely your best bet: over 300 cubic feet of cargo volume!
–Do people as well as equipment need to make it to your destination? Sometimes, transporting your equipment is not enough; you need a team on hand to then use the equipment in whatever the required action is. For this, a Sprinter Crew Van with both seating and cargo capacity will be the ideal choice.
–Do you need to transport people only? If you are not involved in the cargo/shipping business, your van may need to serve primarily as transportation for people. A Sprinter Passenger Van, with enough seating for 12, is the right choice for you!
–Do you need to transport many people at once? If the lower capacity of a Passenger Van won’t cut it, try a Sprinter Minibus instead! Ideal for airports and hotels that need commuter shuttles, a Minibus can fit up to 18 people at once.
Interested in adding a Sprinter Van to your fleet? Get in touch today!
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star
If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to expand your business through trucking, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star to take care of your trucking needs. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474. You can also shoot us an email with your questions or concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com.
Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, expand your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the best choice in trucking. Become one of our many satisfied customers today!
Be sure to follow us on Google+ and find us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest from Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. Follow us on Twitter too: @bmorefreight.