Age of U.S. fleets spikes during recession

Aug 10, 2012

Updated Aug 20, 2012

The average age of Class 8 trucks peaked in 2010 at almost seven years. Due to worries over new technology introduced to comply with federal emissions standards in 2007 and 2010, owner-operators and fleets have held on to trucks longer than in the past. That resulted in factory layoffs by some of the major truck makers in recent years.

Robert 'Rocket' Miceli hauls heavy and specialized freight with this 2004 Peterbilt 379. This photo was taken when he picked up the Hitachi excavator stolen while his truck was in the shop for an engine repair.

Trucking brotherhood ain't dead yet: Breakdown, $360K cargo theft brings out the best

An owner-operator's breakdown led to a $360K-plus cargo and trailer theft, but brought out the best of the trucking community. The owner-op and legions of comrades tracked down the stolen equipment, getting Robert "Rocket" Miceli's business back on the right track.

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