Equipment
Wabash backlog grows 14% quarter-over-quarter, signaling freight recovery
At its July 29 earnings call, Wabash disclosed that backlog grew 14% quarter-over-quarter to $956 million, marking the first-ever second-quarter backlog increase and signaling stronger freight recovery momentum. The company opened its 2027 order book early, with customers actively securing capacity. Although Q2 revenue exceeded expectations, operating margin remained negative due to lagging material costs, with management expecting gradual improvement in Q4.
Paccar: EPA's Proposed Emissions Rule Relaxation Expected to Boost 2027 Truck Market
Paccar executives stated during a July 28 earnings call that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent proposal to relax nitrogen oxide emission standard implementation requirements is expected to support a stronger truck market in 2027. CEO Preston Feight noted that fleets can choose to purchase current engines and pay non-compliance fees while validating new engine technology, which facilitates a smooth industry transition. Paccar expects the total U.S.-Canada Class 8 market this year to be approximately 250,000 units, with a significant rebound in retail sales in the second half of the year.
Aurora signs two carriers to launch autonomous freight
Aurora Innovation has reached commercial agreements with two carriers, planning to begin supervised autonomous transport in Q3 and transition to daily driverless operations in Q4. The collaboration involves second-generation driverless trucks, covering routes such as Phoenix to Fort Worth and Dallas to Laredo.
Public Live Auction for Disposing of Truck Fleets: Why It Benefits Corporate Profitability
As demand in the used truck and trailer market rebounds, fleet owners who keep assets idle for extended periods may miss opportunities to monetize them. Compared to private sales, which are time-consuming and have limited buyer reach, public live auctions leverage centralized marketing, professional appraisals, and a nationwide buyer network to help fleets recover capital faster and reduce administrative burdens. Drawing on Taylor & Martin's over 60 years of industry experience, this article outlines three core advantages of auctions in cost control, market exposure, transaction transparency, and process simplification.
Great Dane Appoints Eddie Martin as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
Chicago-based private OEM Great Dane announced on July 13 that Eddie Martin will serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective August 3. Martin will lead commercial strategy and sales, filling vacancies left by executive changes including the retirement of President and Chief Operating Officer Rick Mullininx at the end of the year.
Forward Air renews with key customer, retaining business worth at least half of $250 million annual revenue
On July 20, Forward Air reached a non-binding memorandum of understanding with an unnamed major customer, expected to retain at least half of its business, with the potential to retain an additional 25%. The customer contributed approximately $250 million in revenue in 2025, and the partnership has lasted 20 years.
Used Class 8 Truck Prices Soar, Widening Rift Between Large Sellers and Small Buyers
ACT Research data shows that the average retail price of used Class 8 trucks in October reached $72,200, up 54% year-over-year. Semiconductor shortages suppressed new truck production, driving up used truck prices. Large carriers such as Ryder, Penske, and Schneider have profited, but small fleets and owner-operators are under pressure due to financing difficulties and rising costs. Industry experts warn that the truck shortage in 2022 could be more severe than the driver shortage.
