Adjustment to a post-COVID environment was one of the main topics discussed at ACT Research’s semi-annual trailer industry outlook seminar where guest speakers discussed North American market challenges.
“The positive part of COVID is that it elevated the industry,” said Co-founder and Vice President of Kenworth of Louisiana, Jodie Teuton, in her presentation.
“I would like to see that momentum continue. It made us understand how important we are. We’re now able to expand our ways to engage with customers, and that’s a good thing.”
Other speakers included Rick Dauch, CEO of Workhorse, Rick Mullininx, President and COO at Great Dane, and John Diez, CFO at Ryder.
Teuton said she saw rising interest rates and increased truck and labour costs as simply an ongoing struggle.
“Those things are a concern, but we go to work every day, and that will never change. We manage those challenges,” she said. “From a dealer perspective, we have to educate our customers about what we see coming. Truck dealers are always consultants.”
ACT’s next seminar is scheduled for February 2024.
In other news, Trailer builder, Wabash, has officially opened its advanced dry van trailer manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Indiana.