Trucking news and briefs for Monday, March 18, 2024:
More than 100K Kenworth, Peterbilt trucks recalled for shifter issue
Paccar is recalling more than 100,000 Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks due to an issue that could result in a loss of communication between the gear shifter and transmission, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
The recall affects approximately 116,343 units. Affected Peterbilts include model year 2021-'24 Peterbilt 348, 365, 367, 389, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567 and 579 models. Affected Kenworths include model year 2021-'24 Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480, T880 and W990; and 2021-'25 T680 models.
In the affected units, the right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors may have been improperly crimped, resulting in a loss of communication. A loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after coming to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall states that a transmission fault will appear on the dash display when communication is lost.
Dealers will inspect and replace the gear shifter assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 7. Owners can contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with recall number 24KWE or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 24PBE. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-190.
New truck parking facility open in Ohio
Truck parking provider Semi-Stow announced March 14 the opening of a 12.5-acre truck parking property at 3815 Lockbourne Industrial Parkway in Columbus, Ohio.
The truck yard marks Semi-Stow's first location in the Columbus metropolitan area and its second Midwest yard opening in 2024. Reservations can be booked online at semi-stow.com/columbus.
The yard provides trucking companies and private fleets with a strategically positioned base for regional and intermodal freight movement. The location provides convenient access to Rickenbacker International Airport and major freight corridors, including I-70, I-71, US Route 33, and the Ohio State Route 104 bypass.
The yard opens with more than 375 spaces for tractor-trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles. Daily, monthly, and long-term reservations are available to owner-operators and fleets of all sizes, and larger fleets can also reserve space by the acre.
The yard features a combination of crushed concrete and asphalt surface along with dolly pads for trailer stabilization. Secure fencing with barbed wire, AI-powered gates, 4k cameras, and stadium lighting help ensure the safety of drivers and the security of assets and cargo.
Trailer wrap raising awareness of fentanyl crisis now available
The American Trucking Associations’ Trucking Cares Foundation and Facing Fentanyl have joined forces to sound the alarm about the increasing threat of the illicit fentanyl epidemic.
The Drug Enforcement Administration reports that at least 7 in 10 counterfeit pills are deadly. Fentanyl poisoning claims the lives of over 70,000 Americans each year, with a fentanyl-related death occurring approximately once every five minutes. Fentanyl continues to be the number one killer of adults 18-45, and children under 14 are dying of fentanyl poisoning faster than any other age group.
The trucking industry is fighting to reverse these tragic statistics. Through this united effort, trucking companies have the opportunity to purchase trailer wraps with fentanyl PSAs featuring messages from families who have lost loved ones to illicit fentanyl poisonings. To help maximize the impact of the campaign and expand its reach to as many roadways as possible, these trailer wraps are available at a deeply discounted price. The new wraps were unveiled at the ATA Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition.
“The ATA family and trucking at large is determined to deliver positive awareness to the growing fentanyl crisis in America,” said TCF Chairman Phil Byrd, president and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express. “Our citizens, employees and families are being devastated by this evil drug, and I’m proud that TCF has decided to get involved in this critical need.”
The trucking industry has long worked to raise public awareness, supported addiction and recovery programs, and partnered with law enforcement to defeat the devastating scourge of fentanyl. Recently, ATA also expressed strong support for the END FENTANYL Act, which would complement these efforts by ensuring CBP officers have the proper guidance to perform inspections and effectively intercept fentanyl before it reaches our communities.
In this latest effort, TCF and Facing Fentanyl partnered with Lowen to develop this campaign featuring five different graphic design options for 53’ trailers. These graphics will be produced using premium 3M vinyl protected with a film laminate, ensuring up to seven years of durability. Lowen is providing a discount of up to 40% to make these wraps as affordable as possible. More information about purchasing and installation can be found here.
