50 Best Resources for Semi-Trailer and Truck Manufacturers

Jun. 10, 2024

50 Best Resources for Semi-Trailer and Truck Manufacturers

In recent years, the trucking industry has captured a lot of attention, primarily focusing on innovative concepts like electric vehicles and autonomous trucks. Regardless of your perspective on these developments, it’s crucial to stay updated with the ongoing transformations in trucking and trailering, including advancements in ultra-light builds and compliance measures.

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Thankfully, there is a multitude of resources for semi-trailer and truck manufacturers, ranging from blogs and articles to podcasts and forums. Below is a carefully curated list of 50 valuable resources for trucking manufacturers, all focused on contemporary challenges and innovations faced by manufacturing professionals. We have structured these resources alphabetically and by category for your convenience. Please note that these resources are not ranked.

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Semi-Trailer and Truck Manufacturer Blogs

1. Anster Trailer Blog
@anstertrailer

Managing transportation machinery both in the field and the factory can be complex. As a prominent supplier of heavy transporters in China, Anster Trailer offers various industry guides and articles focusing on regulations, specifications, and requirements critical to the industry.

Three posts we appreciate from the Anster Trailer Blog:

2. Apex Capital Corp Trucking Blog
@ApexCap

For newcomers to the transportation industry, several foundational requirements are essential for successful operation. Drawing from years of experience with small to mid-size trucking companies, the Apex Capital Corp blog covers vital topics, including trucking regulations, operational management, and industry news. They also provide a white paper guide for first-year trucking businesses.

Three posts we appreciate from Apex Capital Corp Trucking Blog:

3. CLC News/Blog
@CLC_Trailers

Managing an extended fleet as part of your transportation network necessitates extensive knowledge of today's trucking options. The team at Contract Leasing Corp has developed a blog covering various topics, from fleet management to truck and trailer maintenance, drawing from decades of experience with numerous semi-trailer configurations.

Three posts we appreciate from CLC News/Blog:

4. DK Hosteler Blog

Understanding the machinery used in trucking is crucial. Hostetler Truck Bodies & Trailers, an authorized truck upfitter and subcontractor in Pennsylvania, offers insightful posts detailing how trucks are utilized in today's bustling transportation climate.

Three posts we appreciate from DK Hosteler Blog:

5. FleetOwner Trucks at Work Blog
@fleetowner

Truck and trailer manufacturers are constantly evolving their designs and practices to meet new requirements. FleetOwner's blog is a rich resource for crucial industry topics, including vehicle maintenance, information management, technology advancements, regulations, and operations.

Three posts we appreciate from FleetOwner Trucks at Work Blog:

6. KeepTruckin Blog
@KeepTruckInc

Today’s data management impacts fleets significantly, affecting manufacturers, fleet operators, and drivers alike. As a notable electronic logging device (ELD) and fleet management company, KeepTruckin shares insights on ELD compliance and HOS rules through their blog, along with vital industry news.

Three posts we appreciate from KeepTruckin Blog:

7. Maclin Truck & Trailer Blog

Optimal vehicle maintenance is crucial for a durable and reliable fleet. The maintenance and repair experts at Maclin Truck & Trailer share their insights on tractor-trailer repair, roadside assistance, mobile semi-truck servicing, and towing.

Three posts we appreciate from Maclin Truck & Trailer Blog:

8. NADA Commercial Truck Blog
@nadaupdate

The durability and popularity of vehicles can be tracked through their presence in both new and used markets. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) provides a blog through J.D. Power that focuses on the commercial trucking sector with posts on market analysis, forecasting, and industry-related news and events.

Three posts we appreciate from NADA Commercial Truck Blog:

9. NextTruck Blog
@NextTruck

With numerous resources available for trucking industry updates, keeping up with the latest information can be a challenge. Fortunately, the NextTruck blog offers daily updates on significant announcements from key players in truck, trailer, and transportation technology manufacturing.

Three posts we appreciate from NextTruck Blog:

10. Overbilt Custom Trailer Blog
@Overbilt1

As companies manage their unique freight needs, customization continues to significantly influence vehicle design. The Overbilt Trailers blog shares valuable knowledge on popular designs targeted for customization, such as tilt, flatbed, and fifth wheel trailers.

Three posts we appreciate from Overbilt Custom Trailer Blog:

11. Pedigree Truck Sales Blog

Every vehicle in a logistics fleet comprises numerous components from brakes to tires to trailers. The Pedigree Truck & Trailer Sales blog provides insights into maintenance considerations beneficial for fleet managers, independent contractors, or owner-operators.

Three posts we appreciate from Pedigree Truck Sales Blog:

12. Raney’s Company and Trucking News Blog
@raneyschrome

The Raneys Truck Parts blog is an intriguing source for insights into the parts market for semi-trailers and the truck industry, regularly posting content about company insights and industry challenges that affect trucking operations and logistics management.

Three posts we appreciate from Raney’s Company and Trucking Blog:

13. SawaTruck Blog
@sawatruck

Specific freight requirements may necessitate unconventional trucks. SawaTruck's blog offers descriptions of unique truck designs and their operational considerations, serving as a great starting point for those interested in truck hardware.

Three posts we appreciate from SawaTruck Blog:

14. Semi Service, Inc. Blog

This industry revolves around putting trucks and trailers to work. Semi Service provides various posts offering real-world insights related to operating these vehicles, covering topics like landscaping, semi service projects, and seasonal operations.

Three posts we appreciate from Semi Service, Inc. Blog:

15. Smart-Trucking
@smart_trucking

Drivers interact with semi-trucks and trailers daily, making their insights valuable for understanding fleet management. The Smart Trucking blog features plenty of posts sharing tips on driving skills, truck repairs, and other pertinent industry topics.

Three posts we appreciate from Smart-Trucking:

16. Today’s Heavy Duty Shop Blog
@ModernShopMgmt

Tracking logistics management market trends can be daunting as innovations rapidly evolve. Today’s Heavy Duty Shop reports on the latest tech and hardware developments that could revolutionize the industry, covering topics like autonomous vehicles and green technology.

Three posts we appreciate from Today’s Heavy Duty Shop Blog:

17. TruckingInfo On the Road Blog
@HDTrucking

Driver safety and proper truck operation are central to many discussions. TruckingInfo's On the Road blog does an excellent job of covering industry news while offering valuable insights from a driver’s perspective, beneficial for fleet operators and industry players.

Three posts we appreciate from TruckingInfo On the Road Blog:

18. The Trucking Network Blog
@TTNDailyTweets

This Canadian site publishes content tailored to drivers, logistics managers, and hardware manufacturers in the industry. Most posts address the challenges within the trucking industry and indicate how various organizations are addressing them.

Three posts we appreciate from The Trucking Network Blog:

19. TruckingOffice Blog
@TruckingOffice

Numerous fleet operators and management firms are pivotal to the trucking ecosystem. TruckingOffice, a software provider, blogs about essential factors impacting costs, time, and organizational strategies for trucking business owners.

Three posts we appreciate from TruckingOffice Blog:

20. Trucknews.com Blogs
@TruckNewsMag

A blog covering a wide array of topics from a unique perspective can be invaluable. The Truck News digital format features articles focused on the Canadian trucking industry, especially fleet management, as well as comprehensive guides on specific topics such as spill response.

Three posts we appreciate from Trucknews.com Blogs:

21. TruckLogics Blog
@TruckLogics

Exploring resources available for truck drivers aids in understanding operations and challenges they encounter. The TruckLogics blog covers new tools, software, and available training options for the trucking management field.

Three posts we appreciate from TruckLogics Blog:

22. Truck Paper Blog
@truckpaper

For a general overview of trucking industry topics, having multiple resources to keep one informed is ideal. The Truck Paper website updates its readers with daily articles spotlighting announcements from major suppliers regarding new hardware and technologies.

Three posts we appreciate from Truck Paper Blog:

23. Women In Trucking Blog
@womenintrucking

The Women In Trucking Association's blog offers both industry insights and workplace commentary relevant to effective transportation management. It serves to highlight women's growing influence in trucking and useful resources for optimizing operations.

Three posts we appreciate from Women In Trucking Blog:

Articles for Semi-Trailer and Truck Manufacturers

24. 4 Ways to Maximize Uptime
@freightliner

Effective fleet maintenance management is vital for maintaining road presence and maximizing uptime. This article from the Freightliner Trucks blog emphasizes balancing preventive and reactive strategies, detailing four critical considerations.

Three key points from 4 Ways to Maximize Uptime:

Proactive management of scheduled maintenance and inspections is critical.
Pre-trip inspections are essential for mitigating safety risks.
Utilizing vehicles equipped with remote diagnostics can enhance productivity.

25. The Complete Guide to FMCSA, NHTSA & Other Regulations for Truck Manufacturers
@MPofCinci

The FMCSA oversees the safety of semi-trucks and trailers on roads, along with other organizations impacting vehicle operation. MPC offers a comprehensive guide detailing regulations that are essential to the industry.

Three key points from The Complete Guide to FMCSA, NHTSA & Other Regulations for Truck Manufacturers:

Some FMCSA regulations are directly applicable to the manufacturing process.
The NHTSA issues updates regarding proposed and final rule changes.
Manufacturers dealing with container shipping must adhere to additional regulatory requirements.

26. Impact of Climate Change on the Trucking Industry

Debate continues around climate impact activities; however, climatic changes are evident and significantly influence the trucking sector, affecting road quality and fuel costs. All Trucking’s post emphasizes preparedness strategies.

Three key points from the Impact of Climate Change on the Trucking Industry:

Focusing on sustainability and emergency readiness is essential.
Extreme weather can deteriorate road conditions, including pothole concerns.
Continued dialogue is vital to address climate change understanding within the industry.

27. Top 5 Technology and Innovation Trends Revolutionizing Trucking Now
@transmetrix

Innovations influence all industries, with trucking being no exception. The Transmetric blog highlights critical operational trends that aid efficiency and preparation for the future.

Three key points from Top 5 Technology and Innovation Trends Revolutionizing Trucking Now:

Big data plays a significant role in delivery efficiency.
Self-driving vehicle introduction may increase trucking job opportunities.
Platooning is a significant trend enhancing fleet efficiency.

28. Top 25 Trailer Builders and Manufacturers
@MPofCinci

To stay informed on semi-truck and trailer manufacturing trends, MPC's roundup of noteworthy industry figures showcases vital production data and announcements from leading trailer manufacturers.

Three key points from Top 25 Trailer Builders and Manufacturers:

East Manufacturing Company increased all-aluminum flatbed production by 46% in recent years.
Manac acquired a BC plant specialized in forestry and logging trailers.
Stoughton Trailers launched a new refrigerated trailer assembly line with a capacity of 2,500 units/year.

29. Trailer Output Report and Archive
@trailerbb

Understanding production data is vital for recognizing industry trends. The Trailer Output Report offers a comprehensive view of annual production trends combined with detailed manufacturer information.

Three key points from Trailer Output Report and Archive:

Production numbers affirm steady production trends.
Hyundai Translead manufactured 60,329 trailers in North America last year.
Out of reported numbers, a mix of builders experienced either increased or decreased production.

30. Trailer Trends: Technology Driving Change in Vehicles
@trailerbb

Technological advancements in the industry aim to lower costs and improve safety. Trailer/Body Builders summarizes electricity, self-driving vehicles, and other innovations impacting trucking.

Three key points from Trailer Trends: Technology Driving Change in Vehicles:

Recent conversations focus on trailer towing technology and advanced sensing methods.
LiDAR, while accurate, poses potential cost barriers for many operations.
Future trailers may extensively rely on embedded technology for improved safety.

31. Most Popular Trucks in America
@truckerpath

Annual truck sales rankings highlight consumer preferences within the trucking industry. Trucker Path provides a summary of the best-selling models in the U.S.

Three key points from Most Popular Trucks in America:

The top-selling semi-truck in America is Freightliner, selling over 190,000 trucks annually.
Peterbilt's 379 model remains one of the most favored semi-trucks.
Volvo ranks fifth in the U.S. truck market but is the second largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer worldwide.

32. Trucking Shortage: Buckle Up for Worsening Conditions
@ILMagazine

Anticipating the impact of a trucking shortage, the article explores the effects of ELD requirements on operational truck counts in the U.S.

Three key points from Trucking Shortage: Buckle Up for Worsening Conditions:

Soft ELD implementation shifted towards strict enforcement with penalties.
Flexibility in supply chain schedules is essential for importers and exporters.
Increased truck orders will alleviate shortages by introducing compliant vehicles swiftly.

33. What’s the Future of Electric Vehicles in Trucking?
@MPofCinci

The advancement of electric vehicles could soon make them a competitive alternative to combustion engines. This post details key drivers shaping electric technology's future in the trucking industry.

Three key points we like from What’s the Future of Electric Vehicles in Trucking?:

Fuel constitutes approximately 24% of operational costs, making electric options appealing.
The cost of electric vehicles is expected to decline, enhancing competitiveness.
Large corporations paving the way for electric orders may inspire others to follow suit.

Semi-Trailer and Truck Manufacturer Podcasts

34. Ask the Trucker LIVE w/ Allen Smith
@askthetrucker

Podcasts are an excellent way to hear from industry leaders. The Ask The Trucker ‘Live’ podcast on Blog Talk Radio tackles many topics pertinent to truck drivers, hosted by Kevin Smith.

Three episodes we enjoy from Ask the Trucker LIVE w/ Allen Smith:

35. BigRigBanter
@BigRigBanter

This entertaining podcast offers real storytelling combined with industry insights, featuring hosts Lenay and Troy discussing various trucking topics.

Three episodes we enjoy from BigRigBanter:

36. Let’s Truck
@lets_truck

Host Kevin Rutherford speaks to drivers daily on SiriusXM Trucking Business & Beyond, offering valuable industry commentary.

An archive of past episodes is available for Sirius subscribers.

37. PrePass
@PrePass

Eyes on the Road podcast examines how technology influences driver efficiency, covering green technologies, fuel savings, and safety.

Three episodes we enjoy from PrePass:

38. Rates & Lanes

The dynamic duo, Rico and Lasanya Muhammad, share their experiences managing an independent carrier, focusing on profitability and operations.

Three episodes we enjoy from Rates & Lanes:

39. Rolling Toe Show

Focusing solely on tire performance issues, this podcast, hosted by Mike and Kevin Beckett, is a deep dive into an important industry topic.

Three episodes we enjoy from Rolling Toe Show:

40. Trucker Dump - A Trucking Podcast
@ToddMcCann

Todd McCann shares personal insights from his experiences on the road, discussing a wide range of topics relevant to truckers.

Three episodes we enjoy from Trucker Dump - A Trucking Podcast:

41. Trucking Podcast
@truckingpodcast

Hosted by Buck Ballard, this podcast is tailored for experienced long-haul truckers, featuring humor, anecdotes, and practical advice.

Three episodes we enjoy from Trucking Podcast:

42. Trucking with Authority

This podcast encourages trucking industry professionals to adopt a CEO mindset, focusing on realities and innovations in manufacturing.

Three episodes we enjoy from Trucking with Authority:

43. America’s Truckin Network
@iHeartRadio

Steve Sommers hosts this comprehensive five-hour daily show on iHeartRADIO, offering news and banter relevant to the trucking industry.

Archived episode lists are available weekly.

Forums for Semi-Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

44. ExpeditersOnline.com Forum
@eo4me

Expediters Online is a well-established resource within the trucking community. It features free forums for operators and meeting spaces for carriers, engineers, and problem-solvers.

Three key topics from ExpeditersOnline.com Forum:

45. TruckPaper.com Forums
@TruckPaper

This longstanding resource features various articles and news, while its forums provide a meeting space for trucking and trailering industry professionals.

Three key topics from TruckPaper.com Forums:

46. Reddit r/Truckers
@reddit

As one of the largest platforms, Reddit's Truckers subreddit offers an active community for sharing industry questions, experiences, and discussions.

Three key topics from Reddit r/Truckers:

47. TruckersForum.net
@truckersforum

This forum includes detailed discussions on numerous topics, such as diesel fuel, truck manufacturers, and maintenance, with various threads available for exploration.

Three key topics from TruckersForum.net:

48. RoadTrucker Forum

With over twenty sub-forums, RoadTrucker enables ongoing conversations on various trucking industry topics, including owner-operator and trucking regulations.

Three key topics from RoadTrucker Forum:

49. Truckers Report Forum
@TruckersReport

The Truckers Report hosts sub-forums for major trucking companies, featuring detailed discussions and insights from drivers and operators.

Three key topics from Truckers Report Forum:

50. TruckingTruth Forum
@truckingtruth

This forum highlights driver engagement and challenges encountered in the industry while offering sub-forums on various relevant topics.

Three key topics from TruckingTruth Forum:

5 Ways To Prevent Being Cheated Into Buying a Trailer

5 Ways to Prevent Being Cheated into Buying a Trailer

Purchase Semi Trailer Knowledge

Key Considerations for Purchasing the Right Semi-Trailer

This true story involves one of our Trailer Logistics clients.

“Michael, help me! I was cheated by a company. They took my 30% deposit but never provided feedback on the trailer manufacturing.” On July 14, a prospective buyer from East Africa contacted Mr. Michael.

“What happened?” Michael inquired.

“I chose ABC Company (a fictional name) because they offered a substantially cheaper trailer price than yours. Yet now, a month later, I have no feedback, and they don’t answer my messages or calls. I feel scammed and have already sent over $55,000 as a deposit. Can you help me get my money back?” the client lamented.

We were disappointed that the client had not chosen us for the trailer purchase. However, we regard every potential client as a friend. After investigating the company, we discovered numerous complaints against them online.

International transfers complicate recovery, and involving local authorities can become problematic as well. Usually, if someone is scammed, they rarely recover their funds since the scammers often quickly transfer out the money.

This issue frequently arises in international business. Yet it’s reassuring to note that only about 1% of all businesses are fraudulent, meaning most Chinese businesses are legitimate, even if product quality varies.

Consequently, Mr. Michael had to convey the harsh reality to the client, advising him to accept the fact that the funds were likely irretrievable. We hope that similar situations do not occur again with our DTG Group Trailer clients.

To avoid falling victim to this problem in the future—regardless of whether purchasing transportation products or other items—we, at DTG Group, offer five suggestions to our clients to ensure they do not face scams.

1. Is the Company Professional About the Products You Want to Purchase?

A reputable company should demonstrate professionalism in their product knowledge. Even if a salesperson lacks complete understanding, they should promptly consult their engineering team to address your inquiries.

2. Are They Prompt in Responding to Your Requests?

Reputable salespeople typically return inquiries swiftly, barring unforeseen circumstances. Good communication indicates a company’s seriousness about business.

3. Is the Payment Made to an Official Company Bank Account?

It's concerning if a company requests payment to a personal bank account on an invoice. Genuine businesses have official accounts. Here’s how to verify:

1. Does the beneficiary name match the company name?

2. Does the bank account have a monetary limit (real company accounts do not)?

4. Is the Corresponding Email Sent From a Company Domain?

Trustworthy companies maintain a professional online presence, using company domains for email communication. Emails from free services or unrelated addresses should raise suspicion.

For example, all of our DTG Group staff utilize email addresses ending in our official domain name, @dreamtruegroup.com. Any staff member using a different domain does not belong to DTG Group. Many of our agents, operating in various countries, do use their domains.

5. Review the Product Terms and Conditions.

If the seller hasn’t clearly stated the terms, ask for clarification before purchasing. Communicate through platforms that provide a written record to ensure protection against misunderstandings.