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Over the years, Fruehauf had developed a nationwide network of more than a hundred service centers for its customers. It also developed the popular Model F Plus line, including closed dry freight trailers, open top units, trailers for railroad piggybacking, and warehouseman models. In 1980 the company introduced the Spacelite Refrigerated Van line for perishable cargo, which significantly improved thermal efficiency for the industry.
Fruehauf’s performance in the 1980’s was inconsistent, at times depressed by down-swings in the market, at other times bolstered by favorable changes in legislation. 1982 was a particularly bad year with overall losses of $30.4 million. However, the Transportation Act of 1982 allowed manufacturers to build larger trailers, resulting in a substantial increase in orders for Fruehauf.
Improved sales both at home and abroad, and cost cutting measures, gave the company an $8.4 million profit in 1983. Revenues were further enhanced by the deregulation of the industry. Many carriers consolidated, and this resulted in new customers for the company. During the 1984 record-breaking year in the U.S. transportation supply industry, Fruehauf received more orders than any of its competitors.
The bankruptcy did not affect the International Operating Assets of Fruehauf Trailer Company which had been spun off earlier and reorganized as FIL Partners. Headed by William H. Robb (president from 1996–2006), FIL Partners (FIL), became the one of the leading manufacturers of tractor trailers in Europe, Japan, Africa and Argentina, representing more than $1.4 billion in annual revenue. Prior to the formation of FIL partners, Mr. Robb served as VP Corporate Development for Fruehauf Trailer Company and President of Fruehauf International, Ltd.
Although their British subsidiary, Crane-Fruehauf Ltd., was sold off to General Trailers in 1997 (becoming bankrupt in 2005), FIL Partners maintains licensing agreements in Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, Columbia, and Korea, as well as for manufacturing joint ventures in China and France. Prior to the formation of FIL partners, Mr. Robb served as VP Corporate Development for Fruehauf Trailer Company and President of Fruehauf International, Ltd.
Fruehauf’s performance in the 1980’s was inconsistent, at times depressed by down-swings in the market, at other times bolstered by favorable changes in legislation. 1982 was a particularly bad year with overall losses of $30.4 million. However, the Transportation Act of 1982 allowed manufacturers to build larger trailers, resulting in a substantial increase in orders for Fruehauf.
Improved sales both at home and abroad, and cost cutting measures, gave the company an $8.4 million profit in 1983. Revenues were further enhanced by the deregulation of the industry. Many carriers consolidated, and this resulted in new customers for the company. During the 1984 record-breaking year in the U.S. transportation supply industry, Fruehauf received more orders than any of its competitors.
The bankruptcy did not affect the International Operating Assets of Fruehauf Trailer Company which had been spun off earlier and reorganized as FIL Partners. Headed by William H. Robb (president from 1996–2006), FIL Partners (FIL), became the one of the leading manufacturers of tractor trailers in Europe, Japan, Africa and Argentina, representing more than $1.4 billion in annual revenue. Prior to the formation of FIL partners, Mr. Robb served as VP Corporate Development for Fruehauf Trailer Company and President of Fruehauf International, Ltd.
Although their British subsidiary, Crane-Fruehauf Ltd., was sold off to General Trailers in 1997 (becoming bankrupt in 2005), FIL Partners maintains licensing agreements in Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, Columbia, and Korea, as well as for manufacturing joint ventures in China and France. Prior to the formation of FIL partners, Mr. Robb served as VP Corporate Development for Fruehauf Trailer Company and President of Fruehauf International, Ltd.
