40 Years of Clarity: ACT’s Legacy in a Changing Industry

ACT Research History - 40 Years of Helping the Industry See the Road Ahead

Since our founding in 1985, ACT Research has had one guiding mission: to bring clarity to a complex and ever-changing commercial vehicle and freight market. From the early days of deregulation to the current push toward electrification, autonomy, and decarbonization, we’ve been at the forefront equipping fleets, OEMs, suppliers, investors, dealers, and emerging players with the insight they need to navigate disruption and plan with confidence.

While the tools and technologies have evolved, our core values haven’t. We remain committed to data integrity, expert analysis, and forward-looking guidance, helping you make informed decisions today that shape your success tomorrow.

The Founding Years: 1985–1989
Amidst the post-deregulation turbulence of the early 1980s — when OEMs like GM exited heavy trucks and industry optimism waned — Ken Vieth saw opportunity in data. After retiring from Cummins in 1985, he founded ACT Research, with a focus on transparency and tactical market data. Teaming up with Ed Graham (FTR) in 1988, ACT Publications emerged as a fusion of tactical insights and strategic outlook. The first ACT Seminar in 1989 created a new forum for industry dialogue, bringing together OEMs, suppliers, and investors.

Growth & Grit: The 1990s
The 1990s ushered in OEM consolidation and intermodal growth, with Freightliner aggressively acquiring share under Jim Hebe. ACT mirrored the industry’s expansion: Kenny Vieth, Ken’s son, joined the company in 1991, and the office — started in a closet — expanded to converted outbuildings on Ken’s farm like the chicken coop and blacksmith shop. Eric Starks joined in the mid-90s, and by 1998, Joyce Wire came aboard, helping bring greater operational sophistication. By decade’s end, ACT’s seminars were gaining attention and attendance, mirroring the firm’s rising influence.

Digital Leap & Product Expansion: The 2000s
The 2000s saw the emergence of ACT as a digital-forward firm. Steve Tam joined in 2000, and Dan Lucas became ACT’s first remote economist. Transitioning from manual fax distributions to email and PDFs, ACT modernized delivery and broadened reach. New product lines emerged, including one of the industry’s first used truck market datasets. ACT’s accurate forecasts around the EPA 2007 emissions prebuy highlighted its growing authority in commercial vehicle forecasting.

Consolidation & Specialization: The 2010s
Throughout the 2010s, ACT expanded its specialization, integrating more granular forecasting tools and increasing seminar participation. The company enhanced its staffing, digital infrastructure, and content sophistication. As customer expectations for forward-looking insights grew, ACT stayed ahead with its signature mix of data integrity and economic acumen as Jennifer McNealy, Debby Steinbarger, Frank Maly, Sam Kahan, Jim Meil, and Tim Denoyer all joined the team during this period.

Market Leadership & Innovation: The 2020s
Today, ACT Research is widely recognized as the industry’s trusted source for commercial vehicle market forecasting. From pioneering remote work in the early 2000s to offering real-time, digitally delivered insights, ACT continues to lead with innovation. Its freight and used truck data products have emerged as industry benchmarks, while its seminars attract a diverse set of OEMs, suppliers, fleets, financial professionals, and other industry players. The legacy that began with one man’s vision, a converted closet, and a fax machine now supports and informs decision-making across North America’s transportation economy.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

ACT Research’s story is deeply interwoven with the evolution of the commercial vehicle and transportation industries. From humble beginnings in a converted closet to becoming a trusted source of industry forecasting, ACT has consistently delivered clarity in complexity, through every market shift, cycle, and turning point.

Over the past 40 years, we've grown with the industry, not just observing change, but anticipating it. Our team, tools, and technologies may have evolved, but our purpose remains constant: to help our partners see the road ahead with confidence.

Whether you're a long-time subscriber, a past seminar attendee, or just learning about us now, thank you for being part of our journey. We invite you to explore the videos, timeline, and stories shared here and to continue looking forward with us, as we shape the next chapter of insight-driven leadership in transportation.