Economy

Daimler CEO talks growing share, struggling market preview image Daimler CEO talks growing share, struggling market article image

Daimler CEO talks growing share, struggling market

LAS VEGAS, NV - It's a tough market for truck sales these days, but Daimler Trucks North America president and Chief Executive Officer Martin Daum still sees a "light at the end of the tunnel" - and is setting firm goals for the year to come. Where Canadian Class 8 sales were up 6% in 2014 and 3% in 2015, they are down 24% this year. Daum expects 360,000 Class 6-8 trucks to be sold in the NAFTA region this year, down dramatically from 424,000 units last year, and even the 384,000 in 2014.

Want a trouble-free rental or lease? It’s in the details preview image Want a trouble-free rental or lease? It's in the details article image

Want a trouble-free rental or lease? It’s in the details

Every piece of equipment comes at a price. Look no further than your accounts -payable department or the bank account for proof. But decisions around renting, leasing or financing involve far more than payment values alone. Those who work with unique equipment spec's or hold onto trucks and trailers for extended periods of time are prime candidates for purchase financing. Every year of service after an asset has fully depreciated is a bonus. Leasing tends to be the strategy of choice for those with shorter trade-in cycles or other plans for business capital. Then there are the rentals to address seasonal or short-term surges in freight volumes, or even temporary storage.

U.S. private fleets report productivity spike, aging drivers preview image U.S. private fleets report productivity spike, aging drivers article image

U.S. private fleets report productivity spike, aging drivers

KING CITY, ON - Private fleets in the U.S. appear to be in an enviable position. Productivity is up, driver turnover is low, and a growing number of operations are investing in safety-related tools. But initial results from the National Private Truck Council's annual benchmarking survey also show there are still challenges to overcome, particularly when it comes to an aging driver population.