Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, March 19, 2024:
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for January improved to -1.41 from the December reading of -4.3, indicating a less challenging financial environment for carriers.
Freight rates and financing costs were not as negative as they had been during the prior month, although fuel costs were not as favorable as they had been, either. The outlook for trucking conditions has improved but remains in negative territory for most of the year.
“Our forecast for freight volume is modestly stronger, but excess capacity continues to temper our expectations for a market revival,” said Avery Vise, FTR’s vice president of trucking. “Absent a triggering event like a surge in fuel prices, for example, we see a continued gradual drain of capacity that will not begin to shift market fundamentals for months. The eventual rebound also might be uneven as the first signs of improvement could slow the exit of excess capacity and delay a sustained recovery.”
Navistar is recalling approximately 38 model year 2025 International LT trucks in which two wires in the taillight jumper harness may be reversed, causing the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
As a result, the trucks don’t comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Dealers will replace the taillight jumper harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 6. Owners can contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with recall number 24506. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-180.
