Volume 27 • Issue 02 • 2/27/2025 |
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IN THIS ISSUE
- TRAINING & EDUCATION: In-Person Training in Renton, WA, May 7th and 8th
- MARKETING COMMITTEE UPDATE: Marketing During Uncertainty Grows Share by Charles Bowles
- Save the Date for the 26th Annual Convention
- The Integration of Telematics and AI in Trucking by Ian Sifuentes
- MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Ed Davis
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OPINION: The Power of Video Marketing: A Strategic Imperative for Modern Business by Ricardo Rodriguez-Long
- Women In Trucking Blog
- Used Truck Market Review & Forecast
- Awards & Accolades
- Industry News Briefs
- Electric & Alternative Fuel News
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UTA Training Creates Confidence & Motivation for your Sales Force!
Two days filled with learning, training, and a little recreation!
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MARKETING COMMITTEE UPDATE: Marketing During Uncertainty Grows Share by Charles Bowles |
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The commercial truck industry has faced a whirlwind of disruption over the past five years. From the pandemic, which caused supply chain shortages, to shifting emissions regulations with CARB, to the push toward electrification, the landscape has been anything but stable. However, in times of uncertainty, the companies that maintained—and even expanded—their market share were the ones that adapted their marketing strategies to the evolving environment. |
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In this tumult, a clear trend emerged: businesses that stayed engaged and refined their market strategies outperformed those that pulled back. When the industry faced supply constraints, some companies reduced marketing budgets, assuming demand would remain strong without promotional efforts. Others, however, saw an opportunity to build brand equity, educate their customers, and strengthen relationships. The result: they captured market share from competitors who had gone quiet.
Read more |
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The Integration of Telematics and AI in Trucking: by Ian Sifuentes |
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If you’ve been in the trucking industry for a while, you already know how important it is to keep everything running smoothly. From fleet tracking to ensuring driver safety, the challenges can feel overwhelming. That’s where telematics and artificial intelligence (AI) come in. By combining real-time data, GPS tracking, and onboard diagnostics, telematics offers a comprehensive solution to help you manage your fleet more effectively.
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By combining real-time data, GPS tracking, and onboard diagnostics, telematics offers a comprehensive solution to help you manage your fleet more effectively. In this article, we’ll walk you through how telematics is transforming the trucking industry, making fleet management more efficient and cost-effective.
Read more on the UTA blog, or here on the original Mission Financial Services blog. |
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Ed Davis |
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Ed Davis has had a long career in trucks. But like many of us, he didn’t start on the same path that he ended up on. For years, he worked in commercial finance in an unrelated field. That is until one fateful day about 22 years ago when he made the jump to transportation and began selling semi-trailers for Atlantic Coast Trailer Sales. |
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Before long, he realized the tangible assets side of the business wasn’t for him. So, he transitioned back into intangibles, joining the finance team. In this capacity over the years, he’s worked at LEAF Commercial Capital and Commercial Credit Group and started his own company, Business Capital Solutions. After 19 years running the latter, he found his way into his current position as Vice President of National Sales at Compass Equipment Finance, which is based in Illinois. Read more |
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OPINION: The Power of Video Marketing: A Strategic Imperative for Modern Business by Ricardo Rodriguez-Long |
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If you've always wanted to be in the movies, you're in luck! In today's digital landscape, video marketing has become essential for businesses looking to enhance their market presence and drive sales.
The data supporting this transformation is compelling. An overwhelming 75% of marketers report a positive return on investment (ROI) from their video marketing efforts.
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But creating a simple product video or a walk-around is no longer enough. You now have to learn how to make your sales pitch on air. Marketing through video has become a strategic necessity. The data supporting this transformation is compelling. An overwhelming 75% of marketers report a positive return on investment (ROI) from their video marketing efforts. But creating a simple product video or a walk-around is no longer enough. You now have to learn how to make your sales pitch on air. Marketing through video has become a strategic necessity.
Continue reading |
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Source: U.S. Department of Transportation |
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Sean Duffy Confirmed as U. S. Department of Transportation Secretary Women In Trucking Staff, (February 10) —
Sean Duffy was confirmed by the Senate last month as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The 77-22 confirmation vote in January places the former Wisconsin congressman at the helm of a department overseeing agencies that fund transportation infrastructure projects and regulate safety in the trucking, rail, aviation and automotive industries. Read more |
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USED TRUCK MARKET REVIEW & FORECAST |
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Sales Start the New Year with a Bang
The new year got off to a strong start, with preliminary Class 8 same dealer used truck retail sales volumes adding 16% m/m. The market easily outpaced typical seasonality, which called for a decrease of 11% m/m. On the other hand, preliminary auction activity decreased from December by a large margin (-59%). In stark contrast, wholesale transactions mushroomed, increasing 22% y/y. Combined, sales contracted 31% m/m. Declining new truck sales in Q4’24 are one possible factor that contributed to lower used truck sales in January. Weather, along with economic and political uncertainty, come to mind as potential causes. See full report |
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Summary
Auction volume was typically low in January 2025, making generalizations difficult. Retail pricing was higher than January 2024.
CLASS 8 AUCTION UPDATE
With very few auctions on the calendar in the first half of the month, January is typically the slowest month of the year. January 2025 was no exception. This low volume of sales combined with a very wide range in mileage skewed the averages in our table lower than actual market movement. For detail and clarity on what happened in January, please see our subscription valuation and consulting products.
See full report |
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Used Truck & Semitrailer Asking Prices Continue Downward Trend The newest Sandhills Global market reports, which cover used trucks, trailers, and equipment in Sandhills’ U.S. marketplaces, show decreasing inventory levels and asking values in most markets. Used sleeper truck asking prices have been trending down for 27 months, and used semitrailer prices have been trending down for two years. The key metric in all of Sandhills’ market reports is the Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI). Buyers and sellers can use the information in the Sandhills EVI to monitor equipment, truck, and trailer markets and maximize returns on acquisition, liquidation, and related business decisions. See full report
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The UTA wants to recognize the wins of the people and companies in our industry! If you want to share news about an award or accolade, please send the details and article link to our newsletter editor at utaeditor@uta.org. |
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Vander Haag’s Wins 2024 Distributor of the Year Award Trucks, Parts, Service Associate Editor, Beth Colvin, (January 23, 2025) — Vander Haag’s started as a junkyard on the heels of the Great Depression and, since then, has grown to 11 locations across the country with seven salvage yards keeping the chain in used parts. But that’s not all. The company’s services have grown too, along with its customer’s needs. And Vander Haag’s unwavering commitment to those customers helped the company to win the 2024 Trucks, Parts, Service Distributor of the Year Award Tuesday at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week in Grapevine, Texas. Read more
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Truckworx’s Bruser Crowned 2025 ATD Truck Dealer of the Year Lucas Deal, Trucks, Part, Service Chief Editor (January 24, 2025) — Will Bruser, CEO and owner of Truckworx, was named the American Truck Dealers’ (ATD) Truck Dealer of the Year on Friday during a ceremony at the ATD Show in New Orleans. Bruser was presented the award by ATD President Jacqueline Gelb and Procede Software Vice President of Sales Bennett Whitnell. Procede and TPS are sponsors of the 2025 ATD Truck Dealer of the Year Award. Read more
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CarriersEdge Announces 2025 Best Fleets to Drive For CarriersEdge, Press Release (January 28, 2025) — CarriersEdge, a leading provider of online driver training for the trucking industry, today announced the 2025 Best Fleets to Drive For®. These North American for-hire trucking companies are being recognized for providing the best workplace experiences for their company drivers and independent contractors. Read more
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Volvo Trucks North America Celebrates 2024 U.S. Dealer Group of the Year Volvo Trucks, Press Release (January 28, 2025) — Volvo Trucks North America proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements of South Texas Truck Centers as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 U.S. Dealer Group of the Year award. This recognition underscores their exceptional contributions in critical areas, including sales volume, market share, investments, and commitment to exemplary customer service. Read full press release
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From L to R: Carlos Pérez Amarante, Javier Pérez Amarante, Shane Bosch, Eganne Wolfington McGowan, Richard Wolfington
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International Motors Honors 2024 Dealers of the Year
International Press Release (February 5, 2025) – International Motors, LLC* announced the International and IC Bus Dealer of the Year award winners at its annual dealer meeting this week in Phoenix, AZ. The dealers, which are evaluated and awarded on a variety of criteria, gathered to celebrate the past year and look ahead at the year to come.
The 2024 Dealer of the Year award winners were selected based on their performance in several criteria, such as parts sales, truck sales, S13® Integrated Powertrain sales and service dwell time. |
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Other criteria such as growth in key areas like market share, customer experience survey results and use of International Financial are additional data points used to make Dealer of the Year selections.
- The 2024 International U.S. and Canada Dealer of the Year: Shane Bosch, Glover International
- The 2024 IC Bus Dealer of the Year: Richard Wolfington and Wolfington Body Company
- The 2024 International Dealer of the Year for Latin American Winner: Cajasa
In addition to Dealer of the Year, International recognizes dealers who have achieved exceptional performance in vehicle and parts sales, repair dwell, customer satisfaction, and other metrics aimed at driving business transformation as Top International Dealer Award Winners.
Read full press release |
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Peterbilt Recognizes North American Dealer Group of the Year Peterbilt, Press Release (February 7, 2025) — Peterbilt announced The Peterbilt Store as the 2024 North American Dealer Group of the Year at its annual Dealer Meeting in Tucson, AZ held February 5-7. The prestigious Dealer Group of the Year recognition is achieved by the dealership group that earns the highest scores in Peterbilt's rigorous Standards of Excellence program, demonstrates commitment to customer satisfaction and leverages effective practices to increase Peterbilt brand advocacy. Read more |
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After naming The Peterbilt Store as its North American Dealer Group of the Year Friday, the company named its category award winners and Best-in-Class honorees.
- North American Dealer of the Year: The Peterbilt Store
- Sales Excellence Dealer of the Year: Dobbs Peterbilt
- Medium Duty Dealer of the Year: Rush Peterbilt Truck Centers
- Service Dealer of the Year: Stahl Peterbilt
- PACCAR MX Engine Dealer of the Year: Performance Peterbilt
- Parts Dealer of the Year: Ohio Peterbilt
- eCommerce Dealer of the Year: Dimmick Group Peterbilt
- TRP Dealer of the Year: TLG Peterbilt
- Red Oval & Used Truck Dealer of the Year: TLG Peterbilt
Read full article |
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The company states winners were as follows: - Peterbilt Parts Dealer of the Year: Ohio Peterbilt
- TRP Dealer of the Year: The Larson Group Peterbilt
- eCommerce Dealer of the Year: Dimmick Group Peterbilt
- Kenworth Parts and Service Dealer of the Year: MHC Kenworth
Read full article |
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ATA's Dellinger Calls on Congress to Repeal FET Trucks, Parts, Service, Beth Colvin, Associate Editor (January 23, 2025) — The FET was first enacted during World War I. It is a 12% tax on the sale of most heavy-duty trucks and trailers. More than $6 billion in FET was collected in 2023 from truck, trailer and semitrailer chassis, bodies and tractors sales. Industry organizations contend the tax is a barrier to the sale of new, more efficient tractors. Read more
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Peterbilt Names New Top Leadership, Jake Montero and Erik Johnson
Peterbilt, Press Release (January 23, 2025) — Jake Montero has been named Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. Montero has been with PACCAR for 19 years and has held positions of increasing responsibility.
Erik Johnson has been named Peterbilt assistant general manager of Sales & Marketing. Johnson has been with PACCAR for 19 years. Read more |
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Tariff Plans Could Disrupt Truck Production and Pre-Buying Activity
Commercial Carrier Journal, Pamella De Leon (February 7, 2025) — Despite President Donald Trump’s 30-day postponement of proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, industry analysts voiced concerns on the potential impact they could have on truck production and pre-buy activity. American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear noted new tariffs could dampen a trucking recovery that has been plague by decreasing freight volumes and increasing costs for motor carriers. Read more
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FTR Sorts Through Early 2025 Data Trucks, Parts, Service Associate Editor, Beth Colvin (February 13, 2025) — Rapid-fire changes from the Trump administration were the elephant in the room on Thursday's webinar from FTR: Transportation Intelligence. Vice President of Trucking Avery Vise says while the economic outlook doesn't directly address Trump's changing policies, it does show some of the effects. Read more
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Hendrickson Invests In Solar Energy Hendrickson, Press Release (January 24, 2025) — Hendrickson, a leading global manufacturer of suspension systems and components for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and trailers, announces a significant investment in solar energy. Hendrickson is building a solar farm in Joliet, IL, to power their bumper plant. Read full press release
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Ontario’s Premier Truck Group Joins Rizon Dealer Network Truck News, Krystyna Shchedrina, Reporter (February 7, 2025) — Premier Truck Group of Mississauga, Ont., has signed a contract to become a Rizon Truck Canada dealer, offering Classes 4-5 electric commercial vehicles to fleets in Southern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. The Daimler electric truck brand designs its battery-electric trucks for last-mile delivery, municipal services, and other commercial applications. Read more
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Canada Gives Halifax Port C$25 Million for Green Initiatives Transport Topics, Noel Fletcher, Staff Reporter (February 12, 2025) — Canada has granted C$25 million to the Halifax Port Authority for sustainable environmental infrastructure to refuel alternative fuel-powered vessels and establish a hydrogen production facility. The bulk of the funds is from Canada’s Green Shipping Corridor Program, which provides financial incentives to move the nation’s marine transportation industry to produce no carbon emissions by 2050. Read more |
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Used Truck Association
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