Peterbilt recently introduced the latest iteration of its Model 579, which the company is saying is the most technologically advanced truck it has ever produced. As evidence of that, the manufacturer points to the 15-inch Digital Dash Display, the smart steering wheel, and Bluetooth microphone, as well as the suite of standard driver safety and assistance systems, including collision mitigation, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and more.

Utility Trailer recently introduced a new 7-inch (17.8-centimeter) rear impact guard that will be standard on all of its trailers going forward, including curtainside, dry van, flatbed, and reefer models. It’s also possible to add the new guard to any model produced after 2002 as long as it has the 7-in.-deep horizontal Interstate Commerce Commission bumper. The new rear impact guard was also given a TUFF Guard award for eliminating underride in the organization’s full-width, 50% overlap, and 30% overlap tests.

Mack recently held a virtual event attended by more than 300 customers and dealers that focused on the MD Series, complete with an opportunity to ask Mack executives questions about the new medium-duty truck family that entered fully production on September 1. (Photo courtesy of Mack Trucks.)

Navistar announced in mid-August that it will situate its NEXT eMobility Solutions business unit at a new facility in Rochester Hills, Michigan, just north of Detroit. (Photo courtesy of Navistar.)

The Volvo Trucks Customer Center is giving Volvo customers a new, socially distant way to get an in-depth look at its newest trucks. The live presentations, built to accommodate physical distancing and travel restrictions currently in place due to COVID-19, provide an immersive visual experience that goes beyond replicating how a customer would examine the truck in person.

Freightliner’s Smart Source, a mobile application that lets users view brochures, training videos, and more, recently received several updates designed to make it more helpful and easier to use. It now features an upgraded design, the ability to opt-in and customize push notifications to be the first to know when Freightliner adds more videos or news items to the app, and a built-in shortcut to Freightliner’s Roadside Assistance Program. The app has also expanded to include more training videos, accessible by entering the last six digits of a truck’s VIN, and links to online manuals.

Truck shipping rates are climbing amid recent developments in the trucking industry. It was a whirlwind year for trucking in 2017 and 2018 seems to be more of the same.