Headquartered in Madison, Indiana, Grote’s story tracks closely with the evolution of modern transportation, from early manufacturing roots to today’s advanced safety and trailer technologies.

From Early Manufacturing to Industry Standard

Grote Industries began in 1901, founded by William D. Grote as a chemical and industrial oxygen company. As trucking and commercial transportation expanded, the business adapted alongside it.

By the 1920s, Grote was already breaking new ground with plastic manufacturing, including the development of injection-molded products and automated molding technology. That early focus on innovation carried into 1929, when the company introduced the first retro-reflective vehicle reflector. That advancement helped establish the standard for the reflectors still used across highways today.

For drivers, that kind of equipment is not just another component. It is part of what keeps trucks visible and operations moving safely in all conditions.

Built Around Real-World Fleet Needs

Over the decades, Grote introduced products aimed at solving everyday challenges faced by drivers and maintenance teams.

Among those developments:

• The first all non-metallic lamp, designed for durability in demanding conditions
• The Turtle-Back Marker Lamp was introduced in 1965
• A no-splice wiring system to simplify installation and reduce failure points
•  The Ultra-Blue-Seal modular trailer wiring system in 1983
• The industry’s first LED marker light in 1989

Each step forward focused on reducing downtime, improving reliability, and making equipment easier to maintain in real-world fleet operations.

A Company Culture That Stayed Consistent

Even as technology evolved, the company remained family-owned, something leadership says has shaped its long-term approach.

Bill Grote, current Chairman of the Board, has pointed to the role family values played in building that foundation, emphasizing discipline, responsibility, and consistency over time. Those same principles continue to influence how the company operates today, from leadership decisions to product development.

Moving Into the Next Phase of Trailer Technology

Today, Grote is expanding beyond traditional lighting and wiring into more connected systems. Through its Networks division and 4SEE platform, the company is working in areas like programmable lighting, radar integration, and telematics.

These technologies are aimed at improving both safety and efficiency, giving fleets better visibility into their equipment and performance on the road.

“For 125 years, our success has come from standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our customers,” said Dominic Grote, CEO. “We listen first, innovate second, and measure every advancement by how well it addresses real challenges our customers face. That commitment – to partner deeply, respond quickly, and design with purpose – continues to guide every new product we create at Grote Industries.”

Long-Term Relationships Still Driving Growth

That focus on customer relationships has been a consistent theme throughout the company’s history.

“What I’ve always been proudest of is that Grote grew the right way – by doing things honestly, treating people fairly, and never being afraid to take a chance when the opportunity was right,” said Buzz Grote, past Chairman of the Board. “When we were first experimenting with LED lamps, we took the idea straight to one of our fleet customers, and their response was simple: ‘If you can build something like that, I’d buy it.’ That trust and confidence meant everything, and it’s that same partnership with customers that has driven Grote’s success ever since.”

For fleets and owner-operators alike, that kind of collaboration often translates into equipment that actually holds up under pressure.

Recognizing 125 Years Across a Global Workforce

To mark the anniversary, Grote plans to hold companywide celebrations throughout June, bringing together employees across its global operations.

The company now operates beyond Indiana, with locations in New York, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and China. More than 1,600 employees are involved in everything from engineering and manufacturing to testing and distribution.

Why This Milestone Matters for the Industry

For trucking professionals and industry stakeholders, milestones like this are more than a company anniversary. They highlight how equipment manufacturers have helped shape safety standards, reduce maintenance challenges, and support evolving fleet needs.

Grote’s continued focus on visibility systems, electrical components, and connected trailer technology reflects where the industry is heading next.

After 125 years, the company’s direction remains tied to the same core priorities that matter on the road every day: safety, reliability, and practical innovation that works where it counts.

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The 2026 HDTX will take place September 23–25 in Scottsdale, Arizona, and fewer than 50 fleets have been selected to participate. Those chosen attend as guests of Heavy Duty Trucking, with airfare, hotel, meals, and programming included.

Who Attends HDTX?

HDTX has grown since its launch in 2017 into a gathering of diverse heavy-duty trucking professionals. Attendees typically include fleet owners and executives of Class 7-8 fleets, as well as managers overseeing maintenance, equipment specification, safety, compliance, and technology initiatives. The event is designed for those responsible for operational decisions and seeking solutions to day-to-day challenges in the trucking industry.

Structured Supplier Meetings

A standout feature of HDTX is its “speed dating” style one-on-one meetings with suppliers. Fleet managers get 10 minutes per session to present operational challenges and explore how suppliers’ solutions might fit. If a conversation isn’t a match, participants move on to the next meeting, keeping discussions productive and focused.

Education and Industry Insights

HDTX also offers educational sessions led by Heavy Duty Trucking editors and industry experts. Topics at previous events have included:

• Maintenance and equipment specification
• Safety and compliance
• Driver recruiting and retention
• Sustainability
• Autonomous trucks
• Leveraging fleet data and artificial intelligence

One of the event highlights is the HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Awards, which recognize fleets driving innovation in trucking. The awards ceremony is followed by a panel discussion moderated by HDT editors, offering attendees insight into the strategies and successes of top-performing fleets.

Networking Beyond the Conference Room

Beyond structured meetings and sessions, HDTX encourages networking through meals, receptions, and social activities. The small, intimate format allows fleet managers to build genuine connections with peers and suppliers, something often missing at larger conventions.

All-Expenses-Paid Participation

Fleet managers selected for HDTX attend on an all-expenses-paid basis. This includes:

• Round-trip economy airfare to Phoenix
• Two-night hotel stay at the Scottsdale Resort
• Ground transportation between the airport and the resort
• Scheduled meals and receptions

Note that incidentals, parking, and transportation to and from the attendee’s home airport are not included.

Why HDTX Matters for Fleet Managers

For fleet managers looking to stay ahead in the industry, HDTX provides several advantages:

1. Educational sessions with industry experts – curated by HDT editors specifically for fleet management challenges.
2. Peer-to-peer networking – build relationships and exchange ideas in a setting designed for meaningful conversation.
3. Insight from leading suppliers – learn about technologies and solutions shaping the future of heavy-duty trucking.
4. One-on-one meetings with suppliers – focused discussions to address operational challenges.
5. Truck Fleet Innovator Awards – recognize industry-leading fleets and gain perspective from award-winning executives during a panel discussion.

For fleet managers and industry stakeholders, HDTX represents a concentrated opportunity to connect, learn, and explore innovations that can impact fleet operations.

Learn more and submit an application at: heavydutytruckingexchange.com/attend

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What are the HDT Top 20 Awards?

The HDT Top 20 Products honor cutting-edge innovations designed to solve critical industry challenges and enhance fleet operations. This exclusive list is selected by HDT editors in collaboration with a panel of fleet managers, focusing on products that demonstrate the following qualities:

• Innovation

• Ability to address key industry issues

• Potential to improve fleet performance and profitability

To be eligible for consideration, products must have been featured in HDT’s editorial coverage—either on the website or in the magazine—and be commercially available or scheduled for release within the year. Prototypes and concept products are not eligible, and each company can only receive one award annually. Entire vehicles are also excluded from the selection process.

The Selection Process

“It’s not enough for a product to simply be innovative,” explained Deborah Lockridge, Editor and Associate Publisher of HDT. “By including fleet managers in determining the Top 20 Products award, we provide our audience a list of products that have the potential to address pain points and help them succeed in a fast-changing and competitive industry.”

Celebrating the Winners

The 2025 honorees represent a wide range of solutions designed to optimize operations, enhance safety, and improve efficiency across the supply chain. These products will be recognized with individual ceremonies held at the winners’ booths during the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) annual meeting in Nashville this March.

Here’s the full list of the 2025 Top 20 Products:

HDT’s 2025 Top 20 Products

1. Anyline Commercial Tire Tread Scanner With AI-powered technology, this solution uses any smartphone or mobile device camera to easily measure tire tread depth in seconds.
2. Aperia Technologies Halo Connect i3 Tread Diagnostics Suite This advanced system offers both automatic tire inflation and detailed monitoring, making tire maintenance faster and smarter.
3. Bosch RevX Dispatcher Optimization Tool Simplify spot market navigation with this tool that helps fleets book optimal loads, reduce deadhead miles, and improve productivity.
4. Dragonfly Energy’s Dragonfly IntelLigence This patent-pending smart battery technology provides real-time visibility into lithium power systems, improving battery life and system performance.
5. Electrans Technologies and Stoughton Trailers Auto Connect System This system automates truck-trailer connections for air, electrical, and communication lines, saving time and reducing errors.
6. Emergency Safety Solutions HELP DeliverSafe A revolutionary digital alert system that enhances hazard lighting by sending alerts to nearby vehicles via navigation apps.
7. IMI in Partnership with Redcat: Lug Linx Wheel Safety System This system allows fleets to identify potential wheel detachment or damage early, improving safety and reducing risks on the road.
8. Intangles InRoute Connect This solution enhances maintenance turnaround for commercial vehicles, minimizing downtime and improving efficiency.
9. ISEE Trailer Auto Coupling System An AI-powered coupling system designed for autonomous yard trucks, offering a fully automated trailer connection process.
10. Netradyne Driver•i Drowsy Driver Detection This system uses advanced sensors to identify and address the earliest stages of driver drowsiness, improving safety.
11. Optronics International Temperature-Sensitive Heated LEDs Engineered to melt ice and snow with temperature-sensitive heating, these LEDs ensure clear lighting in extreme weather conditions.
12. Outrider AI-Driven Autonomous Yard Management Built for fluid yard operations, Outrider’s AI perception technology streamlines autonomous yard management.
13. Penske Truck Leasing Catalyst AI Penske’s AI-based fleet management platform delivers real-time performance insights while benchmarking against peer fleets.
14. Phillips Industries T/T Pair This tractor-trailer pairing solution improves connectivity and enhances operational insights for secure and efficient fleet activity.
15. Samsara Intelligence A suite of AI tools enabling fleet managers to make smarter operational decisions and run safer, more efficient fleets.
16. Ten5 Voice Messenger Hands-free communication for drivers and managers using AI-powered voice prioritization, simplifying fleet communication.
17. TenStreet Pulse+ By leveraging generative AI, this system automates recruiting tasks, enabling faster applicant engagement and connection.
18. Transtex DClimate eAPU Designed for driver comfort, this solution offers cooling in sleepers without requiring engine idling, reducing fuel consumption.
19. Uptake Tire Insights AI An advanced tire management platform that improves fleet tire health monitoring and optimizes replacement schedules.
20. ZF Group AxTrax 2 A compact axle-based system that creates more space for batteries on electric vehicles and supports new OEM chassis designs.

Celebrating Innovation

The 2025 HDT Top 20 Products represent the pinnacle of innovation, offering practical solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges. If your fleet is ready to tackle operational pain points, enhance safety, and boost its bottom line, these award-winning products deserve your attention.

Keep an eye out for the winner spotlights during the TMC event in Nashville this March!

Source: Trucking Info

Image: HDT

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The Genesis of the Jake Brake

The term “Jake Brake” stems from Jacobs Vehicle Systems, the automotive innovator who revolutionized commercial vehicle braking in 1961. This game-changing technology was conceptualized by Clessie Cummins, founder of Cummins Inc. This newfound braking innovation forever reshaped the trucking industry by offering drivers greater control over their rigs, especially on challenging terrains.

How the Jake Brake Works

The Jake Brake acts as a compression release engine brake. When engaged, it manipulates the exhaust valves, opening them at the peak of the compression stroke to release compressed air. This mechanism transforms your engine into a powerful air compressor, effectively reducing the vehicle’s speed without over-relying on traditional wheel brakes.

Not only does this extend brake lifespan, but it also offers a smoother and safer descent, especially on steep or lengthy downgrades.

That Iconic Sound

The signature “brrrrap” you hear when a truck uses a Jake Brake is more than just noise—it’s the sound of compressed air escaping the engine’s cylinders. While it serves as a reassuring sign for drivers who understand its value, it’s also led to noise ordinances in many urban areas seeking to curb its auditory impact.

Advancements in Engine Braking Technologies

Fast forward to 2022, Cummins Inc. acquired Jacobs Vehicle Systems, signaling a new era of innovation in engine braking technology. By fostering advanced integration, the Jake Brake continues to mature, offering broader applications and improved efficiency tailored to today’s trucking demands.

A Name that Honored Innovation

Ultimately, the nickname “Jake Brake” pays tribute to the trailblazing Jacobs Vehicle Systems. Understanding its origins and engineering marvel offers a richer appreciation for how impactful this innovation has been—not just in transforming heavy-duty trucking but in setting benchmarks for vehicle safety and performance.

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These innovators may stand out for a specific groundbreaking initiative or for cultivating a corporate culture that encourages innovative thinking. What sets them apart is their willingness to share insights and inspiration with peers in the industry, fostering an environment of collaboration and progress.

The selected award winners will be prominently featured in a cover story in the May/June 2024 issue of HDT. To further honor their achievements, they will be invited as special guests at the Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange in Scottsdale, Arizona, from September 4-6. During the event, they will be presented with their well-deserved awards and participate in a panel discussion. In addition, HDT’s editors frequently seek the counsel of current and past Innovators for their valuable perspectives on industry issues throughout the year.

The deadline for submitting nominations for the HDT Truck Fleet Innovator awards is March 15, 2024. It’s the perfect opportunity to recognize and nominate individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the industry.

Who Qualifies for Consideration as an HDT Truck Fleet Innovator?

To be eligible for consideration as an HDT Truck Fleet Innovator, nominees must hold a leadership or executive position at a trucking fleet specializing in Class 8 trucks—whether for-hire, private, or government. The eligibility also extends to mixed fleets that operate both heavy-duty and lighter-duty vehicles.

Nominees can be top-level executives or individuals overseeing specific departments, including equipment, maintenance, safety, drivers, sustainability/fuel economy, operations, IT, and more.

It’s important to note that industry suppliers are not eligible for the HDT Truck Fleet Innovator award, emphasizing the focus on recognizing excellence within the fleet management sector.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this celebration of innovation in the trucking industry. Nominate a deserving individual and contribute to honoring those who are shaping the future of heavy-duty trucking. Let’s celebrate excellence and ingenuity in the pursuit of a forward-thinking and dynamic industry.

Source: HDT

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Titled “Zero-Emission Trucks Today and Tomorrow,” this webinar is part 3 of their series, “Road to Zero,” in which they will be addressing the numerous challenges faced by fleet managers when it comes to decarbonizing trucking.

One area of particular concern for fleet managers is the adoption of battery-electric trucks. They will address the questions and challenges surrounding this topic, helping you navigate the push to decarbonize transportation in a practical and informative way.

Discover the Ins and Outs of Electric Truck Operations in the Real World

In the webinar you’ll hear firsthand from industry leaders who have successfully integrated electric trucks into their fleet operations. Gain valuable insights from the North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s Run on Less Electric Depot project.

During this informative session, we will explore key questions such as:

• What are the best applications for electric trucks right now?
• How can the challenges of charging be effectively managed?
• What maintenance considerations are involved with electric trucks?
• Are there ways to increase the range of battery electric vehicles?
• What financing options are available for electric truck adoption?
• Is it possible to future-proof your electric vehicle journey?
• What role will hydrogen fuel cells play in the future of electric trucks?

Meet the Panelists

The discussion will be led by HDT editor and associate publisher and will feature a panel of experts including:

• Rick Mihelic, Director Emerging Technologies, North American Council for Freight Efficiency. Learn from Mihelic’s valuable insights on NACFE’s Run on Less Electric – Depot project and their research on zero-emission trucks.
• Brad Bayne, VP of Strategic Initiatives, 4 Gen Logistics. Discover how Bayne and his team are leading the charge to create the first all-zero-emission drayage fleet in North America by 2025.
• Andrew Erin, Vice President, Technology Advancement, PGT Trucking. Find out how PGT Trucking is embracing innovation with their dedicated transportation run using a Class 8 zero-emissions truck.

Click HERE to register for the free webinar now.

Source: Trucking Info

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