Equipment & Tech Archives

White House reviewing proposal to require automatic emergency braking on big rigs

The Trucker News Staff - April 10, 2023

WASHINGTON — The White House is now reviewing a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposal to require automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems on heavy trucks. The president’s office has to approve the proposal before it can be published in the Federal Register, where it will receive public comment before regulators decide whether it should become law. “This joint rulemaking of the NHTSA and Federal Motor Carrier administration will be seeking comments on a proposal to require and/or standardize equipment performance for AEB systems on heavy trucks (2127-AM36),” a federal report filed with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs notes. “The rulemaking is expected to propose performance standards and motor carrier maintenance requirements for AEB systems on heavy trucks and accompanying test procedures for measuring the performance of the AEB systems in NHTSA compliance testing.” The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a research group supported by auto insurers, found in a 2020 study that automatic emergency braking and forward collision warnings could prevent more than 40% of crashes in which semis rear-end other vehicles. A study by the group found that when rear crashes happened, the systems cut speeds by more than half, reducing damage and injuries. NHTSA had proposed a regulation on automatic emergency braking in 2015, but it languished in the regulatory process. In 2016, NHTSA brokered a deal with 20 automakers representing 99% of U.S. new passenger vehicle sales to voluntarily make automatic emergency braking standard on all models by Sept. 1, 2022. But that deal did not apply to big rigs. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, in its publication LandLine, recently quoted OOIDA’s director of federal affairs Jay Grimes on the issue. “We certainly have concerns about AEB technology and how it will work in certain driving conditions, most notably at night,” Grimes said. “We want to make sure these systems are not giving off false alarms and false detections that distract drivers and take the control out of their hands.” IIHS STUDY Equipping large trucks with forward collision warning and AEB systems could eliminate more than two out of five crashes in which a large truck rear-ends another vehicle, according to the IIHS study. Eric Teoh, director of statistical services for IIHS, examined data on crashes per vehicle mile traveled from 62 carriers operating tractor-trailers and other trucks weighing at least 33,000 pounds. He found that trucks equipped with forward collision warning had 22% fewer crashes, while trucks with AEB had 12% fewer crashes than those without either technology. Forward collision warning and AEB reduced rear-end crashes, the specific type of collision they’re designed to prevent, by 44% and 41%, respectively. Although drivers of large trucks crash less often per mile traveled, these trucks can be especially deadly because they can weigh 20 to 30 times as much as passenger vehicles. U.S. crashes involving large trucks have risen by nearly a third since hitting an all-time low in 2009, with 4,136 people killed in 2018. Among those fatalities, 119 deaths resulted from large trucks rear-ending passenger vehicles. Overall, Teoh’s study covered about 2,000 crashes that occurred over more than 2 billion vehicle miles traveled during 2017-2019. The analysis excluded incidents that weren’t serious enough to result in injury or significant property damage. “This study provides evidence that forward collision warning and AEB greatly reduce crash risk for tractor-trailers and other large trucks,” Teoh said. “That’s important information for trucking companies and drivers who are weighing the costs and benefits of these options on their next vehicles.” Front crash prevention systems use cameras, radar or other sensors to monitor the roadway ahead. Some include only forward collision warning, which alerts the driver to obstacles in the roadway. AEB systems go further, automatically applying the brakes to prevent the collision or reduce its severity. The European Union has required AEB with forward collision warning on most new heavy trucks since November 2013. The number of large trucks equipped with AEB is increasing, but there have been few studies of its effect on crash rates. In the large-truck study, Teoh compared trucks from the same carriers that were equipped with forward collision warning alone, AEB and no front crash prevention at all (AEB systems generally include forward collision warning too). For the first time, the IIHS drew on data compiled by SmartDrive Systems, a video-based safety program for commercial fleets. SmartDrive was able to determine which trucks were equipped with forward collision warning and AEB and collect detailed information about crashes. Using data collected by a third party helped to minimize data differences among carriers that might have influenced the results. The similar benefits of forward collision warning and AEB that Teoh observed for rear-end crashes were unexpected, since studies of passenger vehicles have shown AEB to be much more effective than systems that only issue warnings. These findings could reflect differences in how and by whom trucks and passenger vehicles are driven; or the differences could be connected to variations among the specific systems used by each carrier. The study indicated that AEB and forward collision warning are both likely to have benefits beyond the reduction in crashes. Some crashes that aren’t prevented by the systems are made less severe, thanks to a reduction in impact speed. This is true whether it’s the automated system applying the brakes or a human driver who has more time to react because of a warning. In reviewing the trucks that rear-ended other vehicles, Teoh found that either system resulted in speed reductions of more than 50% between the warning or automatic braking and the impact. “The potential benefits are great enough that these crash avoidance systems should be standard equipment on all new large trucks,” said IIHS President David Harkey.

Peterbilt delivers 2 electric rigs to Truck King

The Trucker News Staff - April 4, 2023

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt Motors Company and PACCAR Leasing Company (PacLease) have partnered to deliver two Model 579EV Day Cabs to Truck King, a Dallas-area trucking company, for use in its local line-haul operations. Truck King operates 65 trucks in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, hauling components used in manufacturing for local companies, a news release stated. “We are thrilled to partner with Peterbilt and PacLease to incorporate battery electric trucks into our fleet,” said Cole Smith, president and CEO of Truck King. “We look forward to putting these trucks into operation right away and realizing the productivity and benefits associated with EVs.” Truck King’s Model 579EV’s will be used for daily delivery routes between PACCAR’s Dynacraft facility in McKinney, Texas, and Peterbilt’s Denton manufacturing plant. Peterbilt has a wide assortment of electric vehicles, with three configurations available for regional haul, pickup and delivery and refuse applications. “We are committed to customer success and productivity and are pleased that Truck King chose to partner with Peterbilt as their provider of electric trucks. Our integrated approach and ability to offer a full suite of services for electric vehicles, industry-leading service and maintenance is unmatched,” said Jason Skoog, PACCAR vice president and Peterbilt general manager.

Aurora officials aiming for driverless big rigs on Texas routes in ’24

The Trucker News Staff - April 4, 2023

DALLAS — Autonomous trucking technology company Aurora Innovation will begin deploying 20 driverless big rigs hauling 100 loads per week on a dedicated route along Interstate 45 between Dallas and Houston in 2024. “The Aurora Driver is now Feature Complete — meaning all policy disengagements have been removed, and we have implemented all of the technical capabilities it needs to power trucks built for it in commercial service on our Dallas to Houston launch lane,” Aurora Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson announced in a Monday, April 3, posting on the company’s website. “We call this autonomous trucking service Aurora Horizon.” Anderson wrote that the milestone marks the culmination of six years of research and development. The company is currently hauling freight more than 30 times a week across Texas. It has freight-hauling partnerships with FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider and Uber Freight on Texas routes from Dallas to El Paso and Dallas to Houston. These pilot routes use a safety driver in the front seat, but now the company says it’s just about ready to roll without a soul on board. While previous versions of the Aurora Driver were equipped to detect and operate safely through a variety of more common roadway and weather conditions, the refined Beta 6.0 adds the ability to detect and respond to some uncommon and infrequent scenarios it could encounter, such as sudden heavy rain, snow or fog that compromises visibility, high winds that compromise control of the truck and collisions with other road users or objects, according to the company. “When these conditions are moderate, the Aurora Driver will slow down, not dissimilar from what an experienced human driver would do,” Anderson wrote, noting that fog can affect the Aurora Driver’s ability to see clearly beyond a few hundred meters. When conditions become bad enough that the Aurora Driver can no longer safely and confidently drive through them even at reduced speed, it will begin searching for a safe place to stop and will alert the Command Center. “Similarly, if, despite defensive driving, the Aurora Driver perceives it has been in a collision, we’ve trained it to evaluate several possible courses of action, navigate to a safe stopping location and inform a Command Center specialist,” Anderson wrote. Testing at private tracks also trained Aurora Driver to respond safely when it detects a collision, according to the company. “As Aurora Driver-powered fleets proliferate in our customers’ respective networks, so will the rate at which they encounter interesting and unexpected roadway conditions and circumstances,” Anderson wrote. “By designing the Aurora Driver to detect and respond to the unexpected now, we’re working to ensure it exceeds the rigorous safety, efficiency, and reliability standards of major carriers and fleets when we deploy commercially.” Aurora Driver Beta 6.0 marks the first time a fleet of trucks is equipped to operate with all of the primary technical features and driving capabilities required by our commercial product — from common maneuvers like negotiating lane changes, unprotected turns or active construction zones, to slightly less common scenarios involving scattered road debris or emergency vehicles and even rare events such as collisions or extreme weather, according to the company. “With the release of Aurora Driver Beta 6.0 and the achievement of our Feature Complete milestone, we’ve completed the development of our self-driving system architecture,” Anderson wrote. “Our focus now turns to assembling the evidence required to close the Aurora Driver Safety Case in anticipation of launching our product commercially next year. As we collect this evidence, we’ll continue to refine and validate the Aurora Driver’s performance and expand our pilot operations, which are designed to give us a clear look at the totality of our customers’ operations and our product’s role and influence in them, and allow our partners to integrate autonomous trucks into their commercial operations at ever-greater scale. To return to the symphony analogy, our next phase fine-tunes the dynamics of our performance in preparation for the grand opening. I can’t wait for you to see it.”

RoyPow launches all-electric truck energy storage system

The Trucker News Staff - April 4, 2023

LOUISVILLE, Ky., — RoyPow, a global renewable energy and battery systems supplier, debuted its new All-Electric Truck Energy Storage System at the Mid-America Trucking Show on Thursday, March 30. Company officials said in a news release that the system is “an environmentally clean, safe and reliable one-stop solution that delivers truck drivers ultimate comfort by converting their sleeper cab into a home-like truck cab.” “Unlike the traditional diesel-powered APUs running on noisy generators (that) require regular maintenance or AGM battery-powered APUs, which need frequent battery replacement, RoyPow’s Truck ESS is a 48 volt, all-electric system powered by LiFePO4 lithium batteries, offering long-haul truck drivers quieter in-cab comfort (less than or equal to 35 dB noise level), longer run-time (14-plus hours) without excessive engine wear or tractor idling,” the news release stated. “Since there is no diesel engine, RoyPow’s Truck ESS significantly lowers operating costs by reducing fuel consumption and By capturing energy from the truck’s alternator or solar panel and then storing in the lithium batteries, the integrated system is able to provide both AC and DC power to run the air conditioner and other high power accessories, such as a coffee maker or electric stove. The shore power option can also be utilized when it is available from an external source at truck stops or service areas. “As an engine-off and anti-idling product, RoyPow’s all-electric lithium system is environmentally friendly and sustainable by eliminating emissions, complying with the anti-idle and anti-emission regulations nationwide, which include the California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements, formulated to protect human health and to address air pollution in the state,” the news release stated. In addition to being green and quieter, the system is also smarter as it enables remote monitoring and control. Drivers can remotely control the HVAC system or manage energy usage from mobile phones anytime, anywhere. Wi-Fi hotspots are also available to deliver the best internet experience for truck drivers. “We are not doing things the same way as the traditional APU, we are trying to solve current APU shortcomings with our innovative one-stop system. This renewable Truck ESS will significantly improve the drivers work environment and quality of life on the road, as well as reducing Total Cost of Ownership for the truck owners.” said Michael Li, vice president at RoyPow Technology.

Howes Products’ survey shows many drivers aren’t aware of fuel treatment benefits

The Trucker News Staff - April 3, 2023

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — New data from fuel additive and lubricants company Howes Products shows that a third of truck drivers who responded to a February survey didn’t know the benefits of treating their fuel year-round. According to a news release, other survey highlights include: Almost one-quarter (23%) of consumers noted they don’t think their engine requires regular fuel treatment. While a majority of respondents (72%) treat their fuel year-round, close to one quarter (24%) only treat in the winter season. Among the benefits reported through regularly treating fuel, a majority of respondents (69%) noticed enhanced water removal as a result, followed closely by increased power and performance (63%), improved fuel economy (57%), and less maintenance (48%). Howe’s didn’t provide a specific number of survey participants, saying only that it included “hundreds.” “Our nation’s truckers have remained incredibly resilient despite the seemingly constant fluctuation of their operational costs and economic uncertainty,” Rob Howes II, president and chief testing officer at Howes Products, said. “While we can’t control the price of diesel or unforeseen impacts to the sector, we do know that a routine fuel treatment regimen is proven to help mitigate additional costs along the way, maximizing your efficiency, safety and performance.” Applying the numbers from the survey, the typical owner/operator averages about 120,000 miles per year or approximately 2,500 miles per week, according to Howes. “Implementing a consistent fuel treatment plan can result in thousands of dollars in savings over the course of a year, all while improving the overall health of a vehicle’s engine,” the news release stated. “Observing that close to one quarter (24%) of surveyed truckers only treat during the winter, there is a considerable amount of opportunity for drivers to better understand the benefits of year-round treatment.” Howes said that “A cleaner engine runs better and more efficiently; it’s that simple. Quality additives that clean and increase the lubricating power of your fuel offset the negative effects of today’s Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel. Consistently treating your fuel can also protect against carbon, gum and varnish deposits that often cause damage to critical engine components, such as injectors. What’s more, having the ability to significantly improve your fuel economy through regular, year-long treatment maintenance can go a long way for any trucker looking to save both time and money.”

Tesla issues recall for electric Semis over faulty brake modules

The Trucker News Staff - March 31, 2023

WASHINGTON — Certain Tesla Semi’s manufactured between Nov. 30, 2022, and Feb. 28, 2023, are being recalled due to faulty brake valve modules. According to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the faulty modules “may intermittently fail to transition when the parking brake is engaged or disengaged, which could then result in the parking brakes not being set or released.” If the parking brakes are not engaged when the driver expects them to be and the driver releases the service brakes, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of crash, the NHTSA report notes. “The supplier’s specification may allow for excessive internal air leakage, which does not allow pressure to build properly,” according to the report. “As a result, the valve module fails to transition when parking brakes are requested by the driver.” When the parking brakes are not engaged, the LEDs on the side console parking brake switches will remain off. Tesla will replace the parking brake valve module free of charge with a revised part with improved internals that prevent air leakage and allow the driver to engage and disengage parking brakes. Tesla does not plan to include a statement in the Part 577 owner notification about pre-notice reimbursement because there are no out of warranty repairs related to these conditions. RECALL TIMELINE On Feb. 13, 2023, Bendix first communicated to Tesla their Safety Committee’s determination to file a recall for the involved component based on field issues Bendix observed from their customers. On Feb. 14, 2023, Tesla met with Bendix to review the issue in more detail and discuss Bendix’s recall determination. Shortly thereafter, Bendix filed a 573 Safety Recall with NHTSA for the component in question. From Feb. 14 to March 17, 2023, Tesla investigated the root cause and completed a risk assessment of the impact that the condition introduced in affected Tesla Semi trucks. On March 17, 2023, Tesla completed its investigation, and determined to file a voluntary recall. As of March 24, 2023, Tesla has not identified any warranty claims, crashes, injuries or deaths that may be related to such conditions.

US, Japan reach deal on vital minerals for EV batteries

The Associated Press - March 29, 2023

TOKYO — Japan and the United States have reached an agreement on trade in critical minerals for electric vehicle batteries, part of an effort to ensure secure supplies of strategically important resources. The deal due to be signed later Tuesday is expected to help electric vehicles using metals processed in Japan qualify for tax incentives under President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The agreement was endorsed by Japan’s Cabinet on Tuesday. The Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in August, includes a tax credit of up to $7,500 that could be used to defray the cost of purchasing an electric vehicle but requires such vehicles to have a portion of the critical minerals used in their batteries to be mined in or processed domestically or from countries with which the U.S. has free trade agreements. Japan and the U.S. have no such FTA. Japan and European countries had protested being excluded from joining the American Clean Vehicle Credit program under the law. The deal to be signed in Washington by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Japan’s ambassador to the U.S., Koji Tomita, will grant Japan the same treatment as an FTA partner regarding such minerals, Japanese officials said.The agreement to not impose export duties on trade in lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel and graphite —all strategically important minerals — is a boon for Japanese automakers and companies like Panasonic, one of the biggest battery makers. “As we expect a significant increase of demand for EV batteries going forward, securing critical minerals indispensable for their production is a pressing task,” Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters. “The deal is aimed at establishing resilient supply chains through cooperation between Japan and the United States, as well as like-minded countries, by strengthening cooperation to secure sustainable and fair supply chains for those critical minerals,” he said. The U.S. government wants to ensure a stable, secure supply of lithium and other materials needed for EV batteries, heat pumps and large-capacity batteries for the electric grid. A majority of global lithium production comes from China, Australia, Argentina and Chile, while Russia dominates the global nickel market and the Democratic Republic of Congo is the world’s largest cobalt producer. “This announcement is proof of President Biden’s commitment to building resilient and secure supply chains,” U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said in a statement. Tai said the U.S. “would continue to work with our allies and partners to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals, including through the Inflation Reduction Act.” The Treasury Department is expected to release details about tax credits and adjustments to the law soon.

DTNA commemorates 750,000th vehicle produced at North Carolina factory

The Trucker News Staff - March 28, 2023

MT. HOLLY, N.C. — Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) recently celebrated production of the 750,000th vehicle built at its Mt. Holly, North Carolina, truck manufacturing plant. Keys to the milestone vehicle — a Freightliner M2 106 Plus — were presented to representatives from Penske Truck Leasing during a ceremony at the facility, according to a news release. “Since it opened, the Mt. Holly plant has earned a strong reputation of manufacturing excellence based on teamwork, collaboration and partnership with our valued customers,” Jeff Allen, senior vice president of operations and specialty vehicles at DTNA, said. “As the longstanding home to our M2 and SD vehicle lines, we’re honored to present the milestone 750,000th truck from Mt. Holly, an all-new M2 106 Plus, to Penske Truck Leasing.” Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning at Penske Truck Leasing, said that his company is appreciative of its partnership with DTNA. “The dedication the team at Mt. Holly has for satisfying the needs of our customers with quality trucks,” Rosa said. “We look forward to adding this M2 106 Plus, and many more, from Mt. Holly to our North American fleet in the coming months.” Freightliner Trucks opened the Mt. Holly truck plant in May 1979. It began by building a variety of heavy-duty Freightliner trucks for over-the-road applications. In 1991, it started producing the original Business Class trucks, progenitor to the Business Class M2 line introduced in 2002 and the Plus series line introduced in 2022. The changeover from legacy M2 and SD product lines is ongoing, and the plant will continue to ramp output of the Plus series. Mt. Holly Truck Manufacturing Plant currently employs 1,800 people.

Daimler Truck collaborates with Siemens to build integrated digital engineering platform

The Trucker News Staff - March 28, 2023

PLANO, Texas — Siemens Digital Industries Software and Daimler Truck AG are collaborating on a new digital engineering platform built using the Siemens Xcelerator software and services. According to a news release, “The new platform will enable Daimler Truck to explore a future of commercial vehicle innovation and the efficient product development and lifecycle management of trucks and buses and will be rolled out globally across Daimler Trucks’ engineering hubs, brands and business segments.” Dr. Andreas Gorbach, a member of the Board of Management at Daimler Truck Holding AG, said the company’s decision to expand the relationship with Siemens is “driven by the ambition to create a globally integrated IT and engineering environment for Daimler Truck.” “This will help us to leverage the most advanced technologies to build the future of transportation and make the business of our customers more successful,” he continued. “A unified IT landscape will bring our engineering activities at Daimler Truck a huge step forward. With a transparent and efficient end-to-end engineering process enabled by the new development platform, we are becoming more agile and can improve our time to market.” The new digital platform will expand Daimler Truck’s adoption of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio through the implementation of Teamcenter® software for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), extended with Bill of Materials (BOM) management as its future standard PLM solution, the news release noted. “This environment brings together and integrates the Daimler Truck teams’ workflows, systems and their associated mechanical design, electrical design and simulation data,” the news release stated. “This expands upon Daimler Truck’s use of solutions from across the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, including NX™ software for product engineering.” Cedrik Neike, a member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO Digital Industries, called trucks “the backbone of global supply chains.” “Siemens will help Daimler Truck to chart the future of carbon-neutral transportation,” he added. “Daimler Truck will build its carbon-neutral future using our leading technology platform, using our leading product engineering, lifecycle management and simulation tools.”

US trailer industry increases build rate in February

The Trucker News Staff - March 28, 2023

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Reflecting a higher build rate, the backlog-to-build ratio contracted to 8.5 months in February, after closing January at 9.9 months. For context, the average since Q3’21 has been in the 8-month neighborhood, according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report. “With most categories showing higher build in February, backlogs slid slightly, down 0.5% sequentially (but +23% year-over-year). The dry van backlog was 0.4% lower month-over-month, with reefers down 0.6% and flats nearly 4% lower compared to January,” said Jennifer McNealy, director of commercial vehicle market research and publications at ACT Research. “Despite (manufacturers) expanding availability, 2023 is not yet fully open, partially because manufacturers are facing volatile commodity costs, long lead times for some input components and improving but still challenging labor considerations … (and) also because manufacturers are reluctant to overpromise and underdeliver on both price and timing.” While overall demand remains robust, some manufacturers shared this month that conversations of softening are happening. That said, the same manufacturers indicated the talk has not yet turned into slowing orders or cancellations. “Other OEMs told us they are seeing a few actual cancellations, but the cancel data is primarily a reflection of spec changes and plant rewrites,” McNealy concluded. “Some smaller fleets and owner operators have cancelled orders, but large fleets remain eager to fill the void. OEM conversations also continue to suggest supply-chain constraints are likely to remain a limiting factor to production in 2023, with manufacturers mentioning a renewed fluctuation in materials costs, particularly steel, and continuing long lead times of some components.”

Keep windows, mirrors clean, properly adjusted to maximize field of vision

Cliff Abbott - March 28, 2023

From blazing sunlight to pitch darkness, fog, snow and everything else nature can present, a truck driver’s eyes take an incredible amount of abuse. Unquestionably, eyesight is the most important of the professional driver’s senses. Not only does the driver need the ability to see other objects, but also to determine distance, estimate speed and make split-second decisions that can have life or death consequences. Vehicle manufacturers design their products to provide maximum visibility and to overcome everyday hazards such as darkness and rain. However, the responsibility for maintaining these systems — including lights, windshields/windows, wipers and mirrors — falls on the driver. Failure to do so creates a handicap that, sooner or later, the driver may not be able to overcome. Windshield and windows, for example, are harder to see through when they’re wet and dirty. It’s a good habit to clean them frequently. Most truck stops provide devices to do this, but those devices vary in type and in quality. A bucket of soapy water, a long-handled brush and a spray from a water hose at the fuel pump can make short work of dirty windows. A dilapidated squeegee and a container of muddy water won’t do nearly as good a job. While it’s easy to advise looking for truck stops that provide the former, fuel prices and the availability of parking and food may be more important considerations. There is, however, no rule preventing the driver from carrying his or her own bucket and brush, and it’s a good idea to do so. Mirrors also need to be kept clean, and they can get dirty quickly. Mirror brackets and the shape of the mirror housing can direct air onto the mirror’s surface, carrying water, deicing chemicals and dirt in the slipstream. Heated mirrors can help dry the water, but this process leaves any contaminants dried onto the mirror’s surface. Frequent cleaning is a must. It’s a good idea to keep a small squeegee or some paper towels, along with a spray bottle of cleaner, in the truck. A quick spray and wipe just before backing up can make a world of difference. Of course, mirrors are most effective when properly adjusted. Most modern trucks are equipped with enough mirrors, both flat and convex, to allow the driver to view most of the blind spots around the vehicle. Flat glass (often called “West Coast”) mirrors should be adjusted to show a minimal amount of the truck and trailer and as much as possible of the space next to the vehicle. Convex mirrors should provide as large a viewing area as possible. For the windshield, working wipers are imperative, as is a working washer system. Wiper blades are made of rubber that must be in good condition. Softer rubber cleans the glass surface better — but it also wears out more quickly. Replacing wipers is a necessary expense; wipers should be changed at the first sign of streaking or loss of coverage. Washer solvent is particularly valuable when roads are wet, especially if anti-icing chemicals or salt have been used on the road surface. Washer solvent is sold in a variety of quality levels. Cheap washer fluid can solidify in the narrow lines and nozzles that spray the windshield, and it may freeze at nearly the same temperature as plain water. Once frozen, it can be difficult to get everything thawed and get the washer working again. Quality solvent may cost more, but it is well worth the price when conditions are rough. Also keep in mind that windows and mirrors can’t be effective if they are blocked by items inside the truck. The passenger seat might be a convenient spot to store luggage or other things, but if they block your view from the window or in the mirrors, it’s a self-created hazard. Using the dashboard as a shelf for paperwork, trash and other items can block visibility. Further, light-colored items can be reflected in the windshield, creating a distraction, especially at night. Technology has provided the driver with more information than ever before, but that same technology creates a hazard if mounted in a manner that blocks visibility. Regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration prohibit mounting items on the windshield in the area covered by the wipers. Steering wheels are often adjustable. This won’t help with windows and mirrors, but visibility is important for viewing gauges and driver controls. If the driver has to shift their position to see the gauges, the steering wheel should be adjusted to a point where visibility is maximized. The sun can be brutal at times, especially when reflected off snow or water. Tinted windows and visors can help, but every driver occasionally needs more help. A pair of quality sunglasses is a must. At times, the sun comes in from an angle that no amount of visor adjusting can block. A baseball or trucker’s cap can be a valuable tool. It may look crazy — or cool, depending on your point of view — but the hat can be worn with the bill in any position necessary to block the glaring sun. Sometimes vehicle positioning can help, too. Following another truck closely can be dangerous when traveling at speeds that don’t allow for stopping if the truck in front brakes suddenly. Even at slow speeds, however, if trailer doors are taking up most of your field of vision, backing off will increase the area you can see. Finally, rest is an important factor in eyesight. Drivers who are fatigued often don’t keep up the continuous eye scan needed to remain aware of hazards all around the vehicle. In addition, tired drivers may not process the information gathered by their eyes, leading to errors in judgment. And, of course, closed eyes don’t see anything. Keep your truck’s glass and mirrors clean, use all of them and don’t drive when fatigued, and you’ll find it easier to identify and deal with the hazards every trucker faces every mile they drive.

FMCSA removes All-Ways Track ELD from list of registered electronic logging devices

The Trucker News Staff - March 27, 2023

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has removed All-Ways Track ELD from its list of registered electronic logging devices (ELDs). FMCSA has placed All-Ways Track ELD on the revoked devices list due to the company’s failure to meet the minimum requirements, effective Monday, March 27, a news release noted. FMCSA will be sending an industry email to let motor carriers know that all who use All-Ways Track ELD must take the following steps: Discontinue using the revoked ELD and revert to paper logs or logging software to record required hours of service data. Replace the revoked ELD with a compliant ELD from the Registered Devices list before May 26, 2023. Motor carriers have a period of up to 60 days to replace the revoked ELD with a compliant (ELD). If the ELD provider corrects all identified deficiencies, FMCSA will place the ELD back on the list of registered devices and inform the industry and the field. During this period, safety officials are encouraged not to cite drivers using All-Ways Track ELDs for 395.8(a)(1) — “No record of duty status” or 395.22(a) — “Failed to use a registered ELD.” During this time, safety officials should request the driver’s paper logs, logging software or use the All-Ways Track ELD display as a backup method to review the hours of service data. Beginning May 26, 2023, motor carriers who continue to use the revoked ELD listed above would be considered to be operating without an ELD. Safety officials who encounter a driver using a revoked ELD on or after May 26, 2023 should cite 395.8(a)(1), and place the driver out-of-service (OOS) in accordance with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance OOS Criteria. FMCSA strongly encourages motor carriers to take the actions listed above now to avoid compliance issues in the event that the deficiencies are not addressed in time. For more information on ELDs, visit FMCSA’s ELD implementation website.

Certain International tractors recalled due to driveshaft, battery box issues

The Trucker News Staff - March 23, 2023

WASHINGTON — Navistar has issued two separate recalls involving certain International tractor models. Both recalls are for 2023 International HV models and 2023-24 International MV models. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall sheet, the rear axle spring wedge shim may have been incorrectly installed, which can cause U-joint failure and result in driveshaft separation. This, in turn, can coss a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash, the recall sheet notes. Dealers will reinstall the rear axle wedge shim, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 5. Navistar’s number for this recall is 23505. The second recall deals with a battery issue. The assembly bolts used to attach the battery box to the mounting bracket may be loose or missing. Loose or missing bolts can allow the battery box to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash, according to the NHTSA recall sheet. Dealers will replace and tighten all four bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 5, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar’s customer service at (800) 448-7825 about either recall. Navistar’s number for this recall is 23506. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 or visit www.nhtsa.gov.

Kriete Truck Centers installs 2 EV chargers

The Trucker News Staff - March 22, 2023

MADISON, Wis. — Kriete Truck Centers has installed two charging stations at its Madison, Wisconsin, location to serve the needs of electric truck customers. Family owned and operated for more than 70 years with 10 locations across the state, Kriete partnered with Hino Trucks utilizing their end-to-end electric vehicle enablement solution, INCLUSEV, in securing the charging stations from ChargePoint, according to a news release. “The installation of these two charging stations represents a significant milestone in the electrification journey of Kriete, our customers and the trucking industry,” David Kriete, president and CEO of Kriete Truck Centers, said. “Electric trucks are key to a sustainable future not just for trucking, but society as whole, and together with our industry partners, we’re committed to playing a leadership role.”

CarriersEdge adds Netradyne’s AI-powered fleet safety solutions to dashcam integration system

The Trucker News Staff - March 21, 2023

NEWMARKET, Ontario, Canada — Online truck driver training company CarriersEdge has announced a collaboration with Netradyne, an artificial intelligence provider focused on driver and fleet safety. According to a news release, Netradyne’s Driver•i® is now integrated with the CarriersEdge online training automation system, which allows Netradyne customers to automatically assign and track required CarriersEdge safety and compliance training courses based on events and behaviors captured by the Driver•i device. “Netradyne’s Driver•i is an innovative vision-based fleet safety camera platform built to reinforce good driving behavior,” the news release stated. “CarriersEdge offers access to nearly 200 interactive online driver training modules through its monthly subscription package and provides innovative management and reporting functions through its platform. Training courses are offered as full-length orientation, shorter refresher, and remedial titles, and as standalone knowledge tests.” Adam Kahn, chief business development officer at Netradyne said his company is “thrilled to combine our industry-leading AI powered safety technology with CarriersEdge’s latest online driver training features. This integration is a next-level solution for fleets that take safety seriously. By automatically assigning custom-tailored driver training programs it simplifies the driver coaching process and ensures drivers are getting feedback reflective of their behavior, ultimately making our roadways safer.” The two companies tout that the integration “will allow fleets to better simplify training practices and improve driving behavior. Using a simple drop-down menu, administrators can create as many rules as needed, specify the type of driving behavior and set trigger thresholds and periods. The integrated solution allows for cascading levels of training intervention based on the number and frequency of driver events. Rules are fleet configurable and can be changed at any time. In addition, the CarriersEdge platform documents training and coaching, which reflects the carrier’s efforts and dedication to consistently improving safety, providing proof in the case of litigation.” According to Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge, assignments can be a combination of content, including classroom, online courses, surveys — or even policy documents — “allowing for flexible learning and progressive interventions that match behavior severity and frequency.” Once drivers complete the assignments, details are mailed directly to administrators and managers, providing updates on training scores and completion status. “Dashcam technology is rapidly evolving thanks to advancements in machine learning, edge computing, and AI. As a result, fleets have more information available at their fingertips to evaluate driving behavior in real-time,” Jazrawy said. “Correcting unsafe driving practices is a multi-step process that starts with identifying problems drivers are having and implementing solutions to help prevent the issues from reoccurring. This integration is a feature carriers can use to better streamline their remedial training practices and improve driving behavior. In addition, having solid evidence of driver training is increasingly more important in today’s highly litigious environment.” Ryan Johnson, director of safety at Halvor Lines, said he expects the integration to be a useful new feature for the company. “At Halvor Lines, protecting our drivers is paramount,” Johnson said. “By combining Netradyne’s Driver•i data and CarriersEdge library of safety and compliance courses, this integration will streamline safety coaching by automating training assignments based on the driver’s dash camera events. It will also document these training efforts showing we’re doing what we can to improve driving behaviors and reinforce safe driving practices.”

Despite potential recession, truck sales and orders remain high

Cliff Abbott - March 21, 2023

U.S. sales of new Class 8 trucks continued their strong pace in February as OEMs reported sales of 20,136 trucks. This total is second only to the year 2006 for the best February ever, according to data received from Wards Intelligence. The February total was just 234 trucks higher than January’s 19,902 for an increase of 1.2%. When compared with February 2022, however, the increase was more than a third higher at 35%. Last February, 14,916 trucks were sold. North American orders for new Class 8 equipment continued to pour in during February, supporting assumptions that freight will hold steady despite rumblings of a coming recession. According to ACT Research, preliminary net orders were 23,600 — up 27% from January and up 13% from February 2022 orders. Final numbers weren’t in as of press time but are expected to be close to the preliminary report. ACT had been expecting orders in the 15,000-20,000 range. “Thus, February’s SA (seasonally adjusted) 22,400 represents a modest upside to our expectation,” said Eric Crawford, vice president and senior analyst at ACT. “Combined with January, SA orders have averaged 19,700 units year to date.” ACT also reported robust orders for new trailers, with 24,300 reported for January. A Feb. 20 release titled “U.S. Trailer Industry Already Committed Through Most of 2023” indicated that, if orders were to stop today, it would take the industry until nearly year-end to build the trailers already on order. Some of those orders could be to replenish dealer stocks, which have been low for a year or more now. The latest purchasing and ordering activity creates some confusion in the “Truckload Capacity/Rate Cycle” shown in the diagram here. Bottoming spot freight rates, falling contract rates and a decline in new carrier registrations indicate the truckload industry should be contracting as shown in Quadrant 4 of the diagram. The market correction usually would be to order fewer trucks. However, the trucking industry is still buying trucks at a high rate — and ordering more, as if correcting for the condition shown in Quadrant 1. Despite worsening conditions, large carriers are still making money, and are anticipating they will continue to do so for the near future. Smaller carriers — many of them single-truck operations that depend heavily on spot rates — are finding it more difficult to operate. A recession, if one occurs at all, would likely curtail truck buying and push the industry into Quadrant 4, contraction. Inflation, however, may have a large impact. Inflation occurs as the economy grows, so higher inflation indicates a fast-growing economy — and a growing economy produces more freight. If the economy continues to expand, the condition of too many trucks for the available freight could solve itself, a factor carriers are considering as they place orders for more equipment. In new U.S. truck sales, International claimed the largest year-over-year increase by percentage, reporting February sales of 2,828 new trucks compared to 1,514 in February 2022 for an increase of 86.8%. Compared to January 2023, International’s February sales were up 15%. For the year to date, International sales have been good for 13.2% of the new Class 8 market, up a little from the 12.5% market share for the full year of 2022. As recently as 2009 the company had bested Freightliner as the top seller, bringing in 28% of the U.S. market compared to Freightliner’s 27.3%. With emissions issues behind them and now under the ownership of the Traton Group, who also owns MAN, Scania and RIO brands, more trucks on the highway might be wearing International nameplates in the future. For now, Freightliner still reigns as the Class 8 leader. The company reported sales of 7,368 in February, down 21.7% from January sales of 9,404 but a 25.1% increase over February 2022 sales of 5,891 trucks. Freightliner accounted for 37.9% of the Class 8 trucks sold on the U.S. market in 2022, within a point of where the manufacturer has been for the past decade. Volvo rode the good times for truck sales with a report of 2,366 new Class 8 trucks sold in February — a whopping 68.4% higher than January’s 1,405 sold. Compared with February 2022, sales grew by 45.6%. Volvo-owned Mack also saw a good month, reporting sales of 1,344 new Class 8 trucks compared to 989 in January for an increase of 35.9%. Compared with February 2022, sales were up by 36.7%. Mack’s share of the U.S. Class 8 market so far this year is 5.8%, while Volvo’s is 9.4%. Kenworth reported sales of 2,843 in February, 8.8% better than January’s 2,614. Compared with February 2022, sales increased 34.2% from 2,118 a year ago. Interestingly, Peterbilt reported exactly the same sales number for February with 2,843 sold, a 15.6% increase over January and a 22.2% increase over February 2022 sales of 2,327. Kenworth holds 13.6% of new Class 8 truck sales so far in 2023 while Peterbilt claims 13.2% Western Star is the smallest of the road truck manufacturers, reporting 534 sold in February. That’s down 5.8% from January’s 567 but 16.6% higher than February 2022, when 458 trucks were sold. So far company has 2.7% of the new Class 8 truck sales in 2023, equal to its market share for the whole of 2022. An interesting note in the February report is that Tesla reported sales of 10 of its battery-electric trucks during the month, after registering on the Wards report for the first time in January with sales of 30 units. The 40 trucks sold year to date represent just under a tenth of one percent of the Class 8 trucks sold on the U.S. market so far in 2023, a number that will undoubtedly grow in the future. Other manufacturers of battery and/or fuel cell electric trucks will eventually be counted in the totals. If the predicted recession is mild, the trucking industry could see a quick return to favorable conditions and more expansion, with even higher sales of new trucks and other equipment.

Trucker Path, 3PL Systems offer single-click access to loads, capacity

The Trucker News Staff - March 17, 2023

PHOENIX — Trucker Path has announced that users of BrokerWare Transportation Management Software from 3PL Systems Inc. can post loads directly on the Trucker Path TruckLoads digital freight exchange. “This integration between BrokerWare TMS and TruckLoads will provide Trucker Path users instant access to more available loads and increase exposure to capacity for 3PL Systems users,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “The ability to quickly interact on the TruckLoads digital freight exchange will streamline freight matching and help generate additional revenue for both drivers and brokers.” The Trucker Path integration with 3PL Systems allows companies using BrokerWare TMS to post available loads on TruckLoads with a single click, according to a news release. Drivers using the Trucker Path load board view and book loads digitally or communicate with the broker to negotiate rates or ask questions. “BrokerWare TMS was designed to provide access to leading load boards like TruckLoads,” Jeremy Thone, director of marketing at 3PL Systems, said. “The ability to post loads and find capacity quickly and efficiently is essential for the success of both brokers and drivers. By working with Trucker Path to enable that capability on TruckLoads, our customers will benefit from a seamless integration that allows them to save time, more effectively meet the capacity needs of shippers, and expand their businesses.”

Forward Air, Kodiak Robotics operating ‘consistent autonomous trucking service’ between Dallas, Atlanta

The Trucker News Staff - March 17, 2023

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — Self-driving trucking company Kodiak Robotics Inc. has entered into a dedicated agreement with transportation services company Forward Air to operate autonomous freight service 24 hours per day, six days per week (24/6) between Dallas and Atlanta, making three round trips weekly. “Providing consistent, 24/6 service creates significant operational and technical complexities,” a news release stated. “Despite these challenges, Kodiak has maintained a perfect safety record and provided top-quality customer service to Forward. To date, Kodiak has delivered more than 100 loads and driven more than 100,000 miles since it began working with Forward in August 2022. In order to maintain the demanding schedule and abide by the hours-of-service regulations, Kodiak’s self-driving truck operates with a safety driver team overseeing the autonomous system.” Forward Chairman and CEO Tom Schmitt said that in order to serve the company’s customers, “we always need to be on the forefront of exploring emerging technologies. Kodiak has earned an outstanding reputation in safe autonomous trucking, and this collaboration allows us to explore potential benefits to our business. While we don’t see autonomous trucks replacing independent contractor capacity, this could potentially be a scalable solution for certain lanes in our network.” Kodiak’s agreement with Forward is the latest in a growing series of fleet and carrier relationships the company has announced. Previously, the company announced partnerships with IKEA, Werner Enterprises, U.S. Xpress, 10 Roads Express and CEVA Logistics. “We are proving out our business model by moving time-sensitive freight across thousands of miles and multiple hours of service through our collaboration with Forward,” Don Burnette, Founder and CEO of Kodiak Robotics, said. “The tweener lane between Dallas and Atlanta is long and difficult to staff, so it perfectly illustrates how autonomous trucks can make the supply chain more efficient and resilient and supplement our customers’ human driven fleets. At the same time, we are showcasing the reliability and ruggedness of our autonomous system, which is able to operate for six days straight without needing rest or recalibration — a significant achievement.”

ACT Research: Preliminary used truck same dealer retail sales see increase

The Trucker News Staff - March 17, 2023

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Preliminary Class 8 same dealer used truck retail sales volume managed a small gain, rising 2% month-over-month in February, according to the latest preliminary release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks published by ACT Research. “The small improvement paled in comparison to the 233% sequential increase in auctions sales and a 55% jump in wholesale transactions,” the report noted. “Combined, the used truck industry saw preliminary same dealer sales increase 49% month-over-month.” Compared to January 2023: Average retail volumes increased 2%. Retail price declined 3%. Miles were flat. And age declined 3%. Compared to February 2022: Average retail volumes declined 20%. Price declined 24%. Miles increased 3%. And age declined 2%. According to ACT Research Vice President Steve Tam, “Traditionally, February is not a particularly robust month for sales, but the cycle seems to keep finding ways to extend itself just a little further.” Tam added that as new truck sales have slowed in January and February, “it is safe to assume used truck volumes will follow suit in the next few months.” Declines are becoming progressively more negative because prices increased in early 2022, reaching their zenith in April, he noted. “While the retail market held up reasonably well in February, the preliminary average sale price for all units, including auction and wholesale transactions, fell an astounding 20% month-over-month,” Tam concluded.

Grants for new diesel engines, retrofitting older ones available in Oregon

The Trucker News Staff - March 17, 2023

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) will begin receiving applications in April from diesel engine owners who want to lower their emissions through the purchase of new engines or retrofitting older ones. In 2019, the Oregon Legislature authorized the creation of the grant program for businesses, governments and equipment owners. It will provide approximately $8 million every year for five years and is managed by the Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund. The first set of funding was awarded in 2021. “This program recognizes the air contaminants and effects on climate produced by diesel engines,” an ODEQ news release stated. “It is designed to reduce diesel pollution, including nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, ozone and air toxics, among others. Used as grants to upgrade diesel equipment, the program will mitigate adverse impacts from diesel emissions. Targeted use of the funds will help Oregon … maximize benefits for vulnerable populations, e.g., low income, minority, elderly and youth, and prioritize pollution reductions in areas of the state with the highest emissions of NOx and particulate matter from diesel engines.” Eligible projects include replacing diesel engine vehicles with an equivalent motor vehicle or replacing a piece of equipment powered by a non-road diesel engine with equivalent equipment, the news release noted. Projects must replace an existing diesel engine with a newer, cleaner engine or power source that is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency and, if applicable, meet a more stringent set of engine emission standards. Projects must also equip a diesel engine with new emissions-reducing parts or convert the diesel engine into an engine capable of being powered by alternative fuel, according to ODEQ guidelines. Grant applications, which are open to public, private and tribal diesel equipment owners across Oregon, will be accepted beginning on April 1. The deadline is June 6. As a reimbursement program, the percentage of funding varies from 25-100%, depending on the project type, equipment and owner. More information is available by clicking here.