Volvo to assemble I-Shift in Hagerstown, Md.

Jun 01, 2011

The I-Shift automated manual transmission will be assembled at the Hagerstown, Md., powertrain plant, Volvo Trucks North America announced. Production is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2012.

The truck maker’s $7 million investment for the assembly, which is being transferred from Koping, Sweden, includes making a new assembly line, installing new equipment and tooling, and employee training.

The I-Shift has fuel-saving and productivity-enhancing features in a reliable, durable, and lightweight design, Volvo Trucks says.

For details, go to www.volvotrucks.us.com.

Annual Inspection Intensity Rankings For 2019

Annual inspection intensity by state

January 20, 2021

Truckers struggle with their lingering COVID symptoms

The health issues these truckers continue to experience are common for COVID patients, such as dry cough, fatigue and headaches.

Analysts optimistic on trucking after chaotic year

“Wreck on the Mountain Road” is about the death of a trucker on Bent Mountain, just southwest of Roanoke, Virginia.

Fatal wreck remembered in first recorded trucking song

The trucker cap in teacher Amy Watson’s selfie from the day she was tested for COVID-19 later inspired her choice of “long-haulers” to describe COVID survivors with persistent symptoms. “My school’s mascot is a squirrel,” she said, which she finds appropriate, given that her pre-school students, with their short bursts of activity, are “very squirrel-like.”

Trucking’s bit part in the 'COVID long-haulers’ name

Small-fleet owner Jesse McGinness was going for originality with the look of this 2021 Peterbilt 389, spec'ing the black Alcoa rims from the factory. After his maiden voyage in a Class 8 tractor years ago, in a Peterbilt 379, he fell in love with the classic square-hood series. He plans to modify the stacks, the grille and more to all-black finish -- committing sacrilege, says the operator who took him on that first 379 run. McGinness'll maintain plenty in chrome/stainless accents, not to worry. The flattop with lift-axle is powered by the X15 Cummins at 605 hp, with an 18-speed transmission. 'I wanted this truck to be a truck that I thought was cool,' McGinness said, in addition to doing the tough over-dimensional/heavy hauling he'll require of it.

'WTF' stresses service for long-term success

Beware: Human smugglers luring truckers along the border

More episodes »

The Business Manual for Owner-Operators

Overdrive editors and ATBS present the industry’s best manual for prospective and committed owner-operators. You’ll find exceptional depth on many issues in the 2021 edition of Partners in Business.

Download