Great Sign as Bulls Loading Up on Transports

By Kate Gibson, MarketWatch
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- One wouldn't necessarily know it in looking at the U.S. stock market Tuesday, but investors were recently sent a bullish signal by what has long been viewed as a leading indicator of how the economy is faring.

"You can have a bubble in a lot of markets, but if it's not confirmed by the Dow transports, then there is not actual commerce happening," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at Jefferies & Co.


Market UncertaintyDJN's Eduardo Kaplan and Madeleine Lim join the News Hub to discuss the growing uncertainty in the financial markets due to credit downgrades and more concern about Dubai. Plus, small businesses look to Washington for clarity policies.
Coming on the heels of the Dow Jones Industrial Average(INDU 10,303, +16.70, +0.16%) tallying on Nov. 25 its closing high for 2009, the Dow Jones Transportation Average (DJT 4,037, -18.40, -0.45%) on Friday closed at 4,101.76, its high mark for the year.

On Tuesday, the transport index fell 0.1% to 4,055.11, while the major stock indexes retreated more steeply as the U.S. dollar strengthened. See Currencies.

"We spent two months agreeing that when the dollar goes down, stocks and commodities go up. This is a short-term reversal of a very tired trade," added Hogan.

After Monday's close, delivery giant FedEx Corp. (FDX 88.67, -1.21, -1.35%) released upbeat quarterly results and raised its outlook, bolstering hopes for a recovery among those that view the company's business as a proxy for the economy at large.

"Amid this sea of red, we're seeing FedEx up on the back of very strong earnings," said Richard Ross, technical strategist at Auerbach Grayson & Co.

It's always nice for the fundamental story to support the technical picture," he noted of the results from FedEx, one of 20 components on the transport index, but one that represents 10% of its market valuation. Shares of the shipper climbed 2.7% to $89.88.

YRC Worldwide is being ousted from the index because its plans for financial restructuring could lead the trucking giant to file for bankruptcy protection -- which would disqualify it from any of Dow's indexes, the index provider said Tuesday.

Shares of YRC declined more than 13% to end at 99 cents, while shares of Delta slid 2.8% to finish at $9.88.

"The transports are the first pillar of technical analysis that has a lot of historical relevance," commented Ross. "When the transports break to a new high and the Dow's also breaking to a new high, it's a very important signal that can't be denied."
Kate Gibson is a reporter for MarketWatch, based in New York.

Biggest Waste in Use of Stimulus Money

Marmon Takes Its Wares to Customers

Marmon Highway Technologies (MHT) is taking the products and services of its 10 companies to potential customers, and is impressing them with the worth of its wares reputation of its parent company and its legendary chief executive, Warren Buffett. MHT's Ideas in Motion tour last week visited Springdale, Ark., the third venue where executives of major fleets saw what the companies offer and why they should purchase parts and services from them.

Last year Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Corp. bought 60 percent of Marmon Holdings, which owns MHT and other groups of companies, MHT officials said. Berkshire will acquire the rest over the next five or six years.

"I met him (Warren Buffett) after the acquisition and he said, 'You just keep doing what you have been'" - operating efficiently and profitably - "'and you probably won't see me again,'" said Kelly Dier, MHT's president.

MHT's products range from clutches, axles and brakes to wheels, mud flaps, fenders, fifth wheels and complete vehicles. Several carry the Fontaine name. Some can be spec'd on new trucks and others are sold through the aftermarket. MHT's companies are Fontaine Fifth Wheel, Fontaine Modification, Fontaine Spray Suppression (Fleetline, Hogebuilt and Nu-Line), Fontaine Trailer, Leland Brake and Wheel Parts, Marmon-Herrington, Perfection, Triangle Suspension Systems, TSE Brakes, and Webb Wheel.

Fleet managers from Wal-Mart Transportation, J.B Hunt and others headquartered in northwest Arkansas, plus many who were attending a state maintenance meeting were invited to view trade-show-style booths at a conference center adjacent to a Holiday Inn in Springdale. Executives from each of MHT's companies were on hand to explain their wares and answer questions.

Fleet people are seeking long-term supplier partners and like the "stability" that Berkshire Hathaway's ownership represents, Dier said. Those sentiments were heard from managers at two previous MHT shows aimed at Maverick Transportation in North Little Rock, Ark., and Swift Transportation in Phoenix, Ariz.

Booth equipment for the tour is transported on a Fontaine Revolution curtainside flatbed trailer pulled by a '96 Marmon conventional-cab tractor, one of the last trucks built before Marmon left the power-unit business and sold its plant in Garland, Texas, to Navistar International. A tour of Webb Wheel's plant west of Springdale was part of the program. The MHT tour will continue at other locations in the new year.

Fontaine Fifth Wheel Provides Four New Models

Fontaine Fifth Wheel introduces the Fontaine Ultra NS, which offers infinite, automatic slack adjustment in order to provide a more comfortable ride and reduce component wear. This fifth wheel features the next generation of Fontaine’s patented No-Slack lock design. Fontaine engineers completely re-imagined the fifth wheel lock. The Ultra NS fifth wheel replaces the jaw and wedge used by previous No-Slack locks with a cam and moveable jaw system.
For more information, visit www.fifthwheel.com or call us at Fontaine PartSource 205.385.0800. We’ll “Make It Easy” for you to stay connected with Fontaine Fifth Wheels.

Our Customers - We Love Taking Care of Them!

At PartSource we try our best to "Make It Easy" each and every day. In this hectic world and crazy difficult marketplace, it's common for companies to disregard the importance of taking care of their most important asset - their customer.

Had to share recent compliments from one of PartSource's key customers and PartSource Partner - North American Trailers, LLC in Salt Lake City, UT. Great folks, who know a thing or two about outstanding customer service and loyalty. We're proud to call them Partners.


From: Chad Larsen
Date: November 13, 2009 3:42:27 PM CST
To: Jerry Rothwell , Buck Buchanan
Subject: Fwd: Hangers
Jerry and Buck,

FYI. Thanks to all at Fontaine for the great relationship!

Have a great weekend!

Chad D. Larsen
North American Trailer, LLC
Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:
From: Dave Paschall
Date: November 13, 2009 2:30:38 PM MST
To: David Lee , Chad Larsen
Subject: Hangers
Dave

Thanks again for your help. The support I get from Fontaine parts and warranty has always made my job easier. It seems like no matter what the situation is someone from your group is always willing to lend a hand.

Best Regards,
Dave Paschall

Webb Wheel Service Bulletin #100 Just Released

RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS FOR POPULAR WEBB 16.50 X 7" BRAKE DRUMS

THE PURPOSE OF THIS BULLETIN IS TO CLARIFY THE RECOMMENDED VOCATION USE OF SEVERAL POPULAR WEBB 16.5 X 7" DRUMS WITH 8.78" PILOT DIAMETERS.

Category #1: 76864B Vortex (100 lbs), 66864 (112 lbs), 56864B (105 lbs.)

These drums are recommended for standard duty cycle drive axle and
trailer axle applications and are FMVSS-121 tested for a maximum GAWR
of 23,000 lbs. For heavy duty applications, use 66884.

Category #2: 66884 (119 lbs)

This drum is recommended for heavy duty applications that are subjected
to a higher frequency of mechanical and/or thermal cycling compared to
standard duty over the highway applications and this drum is FMVSS-121
tested for a maximum GAWR of 26,000 lbs.

Category #3: 66660 (137 lbs), 66661 (136 lbs)

For severe duty applications such as fire trucks and applications that
require the use of a Type 36 air chamber. These drums are FMVSS-121
tested for a maximum GAWR of 31,000 lbs.

For any and all your Webb wheel end needs call Fontaine PartSource.

Gary Dodd Joins Fontaine PartSource

Gary Dodd, long time Fontaine Trailer employee has joined Fontaine PartSource in our Sales office. Gary has been with FTC for 16+ years and most recently was the Key Dealer Sales Manager at our Haleyville Commercial unit. We're excited to have Gary, his knowledge about the trailer business and for those that know him, his enthusiasm for life. He's already having a positive impact. We were already having fun doing what we do, but now it's even more fun to come to work. Sorry you can't all work here, but we'll keep you in mind when the next slot opens up. After all it's not work when you love helping your customers! Call Gary today. He'll "Make it Easy"!

We've Got a Real Deal on ConMet Pre Set Hubs

Save 60% off of Fleet pricing on ConMet Pre Set Hub Assembly!

Only $142 each when you purchase a pallet (9 pieces per pallet).

Aluminum 10 Stud Hub Piloted

Part Number: 10001204 HP PreSet

Load Rating: 12,500 lbs per hub

Drum Pilot: 8.78"

Stud Standout: 3.81

Fill Hole and ABS Tone Ring: Yes

Weight: 52.5 lbs.

Stud Part Number: 102292

Call us today at 205-385-0800

Dealer - Distributor Inquiries Welcomed

Webb Wheel Announces Cost Effective Solution to Meet CV Stopping Distance Regulations

Webb Wheel Products, a leading supplier of braking solutions for the heavy-duty truck market and one of our Supplier Partners offers trucking fleets a reliable, cost effective way to comply with new federal regulations on stopping distances for commercial vehicles.

Wolfgang Winzer, President of Webb Wheel noted that Webb has the right technology to meet the new stopping distance rules without saddling fleets with added costs: "New regulation can often mean new cost and complications for end users, but in this case Webb has an answer that will not only meet the new federal requirements, but will actually save our customrs significant replacement and maintenance cost over the life cycle of their fleet vehicles."

Now that's "making it easy" and says it all. We've got'em - Webb Wheel Products. For more information and to see the remarkable new Vortex brake drum technology, go to www.webbwheel.com

Fontaine PartSource Partners with TSE Brakes

TSE Brakes, a leader in OEM first fit brake chambers and Fontaine PartSource have partnered to bring this high performance brake chamber to Fontaine dealers and customers. TSE is now part of the Marmon Highway Technologies family and has recently introduced it's Alumiline product priced to meet the entry level market for replacement chambers. With it's 2 year warranty and extensive pre production development and testing, the TSE Alumiline carries a narrow but focused offering including a 3030 2.5" stroke chamber in standard and long rod (Hendrickson Intraxx) applications as well as piggy back with kit and service chambers. Along with the Alumiline product, TSE and Fontaine PartSource will offer the Omnibrake and Ultra Life brake chamber products. Omnibrake is a high quality OEM and OEM quality replacement chamber, while Ultra Life provides the highest level of performance and the very best in corrosion protection. TSE has a worldwide presence as a high quality supplier to many OEM first fit customers and is growing in its aftermarket presence. Fontaine PartSource is please to bring such a great line of brake chambers to it's 150+ dealer locations.

It Just Got Easier to Find and Buy Fontaine Fifth Wheels and Parts

It just got "Easier" to get your Fontaine Fifth Wheel repair and replacement parts! Fontaine PartSource now has the complete line of fifth wheels and aftermarket parts for Fontaine fifth wheels. Fontaine International is the leading CV coupler manufacturer in the world with a commanding market share world wide. Fontaine PartSource can supply your needs with the the complete line. Same day shipments from our warehouse in Jasper, AL are available for orders place prior to 300pm CST. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding placing an order, specifications, availability or pricing. PartSource Partners can also order on line at http://www.fontainepartsource.com/.

PartSource Partners Are Leading Source for Fontaine Trailer Parts

PartSource Partners are a leading source for Fontaine Trailer parts. These 35 Dealer businesses own or operate 55+ locations in the U.S. and Canada. You can find a location near you by going online to www.fontainepartsource.com and clicking on "Where to Buy". You'll find knowledgeable "Trailer People" with the expertise to identify your part and get it to you quickly.

PartSource Partners receive and provide the best value available in Fontaine Trailer Parts due to their Partner pricing, low free freight allowances and advance PartSource Specials each month.

If you'd like to know how you can become a Fontaine PartSource Partner, contact us at 205-835-0800 or email us at sales@fontainepartsource.com.

PartSource is Now Source for Military Trailer Parts

It's official, Fontaine PartSource is now the source for military parts for Fontaine Trailers. Registered with CCR, our CAGE code is 58HD0. Our primary mission is to serve current and future contracts secured by Fontaine Trailer Military Products. We'll also seek out new opportutnities to serve the Red, White and Blue. Exciting times and looking forward to "Making it Easy" for our U.S. Service men and women around the world charged with keeping the "Fleet" running. We appreciate the opportunity and are honored to serve them.

Truck and Trailer Parts the Easy Way

We've been at it now for just 3 short years now. It seems like yesterday we started this venture, wrapping up 50+ years of trailer production and selling aftermarket parts out the back door of our manufacturing plants into a tight well oiled machine call Fontaine PartSource.

No more calling and hoping you'd get the information you needed, let alone the parts. Imagine that, getting what you need in one phone call. Oh yes, did I mention you can now go on line and get the information you need too. It works because we had you our customers in mind the entire time.

We're just getting started. Thanks to all of you who have supported us, both customer and supplier partners. We love what we do, we do it well and we come to play hard every day!