Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, July 15, 2025:
ZM Trucks unveils new battery-electric terminal tractor for North American market
ZM Trucks North America has officially unveiled its T75 Battery-Electric Terminal Tractor, a zero-emission, heavy-duty vehicle purpose-built for America's ports, warehouses, and distribution yards.
The truck made its debut on the show floor at the 2025 Port Electrification Conference, drawing strong interest from fleet operators and sustainability leaders, the company said.
Designed from the ground up as an all-electric platform, not a diesel retrofit, the T75 combines industrial-strength performance with clean energy technology to meet the real-world demands of high-volume yard operations.
With a 75-mile operational range, a GCWR of 165,350 pounds, and an 80,000-pound fifth wheel lifting capacity, the T75 is built for all-day work. Its dual-gun DC fast charging system enables recharging from 20% to 80% in as little as 42 minutes, delivering uptime comparable to diesel trucks while operating much more quietly, the company noted. That quiet operation not only reduces noise pollution but also contributes to higher driver satisfaction and retention, especially during long shifts.
"This isn't just a diesel truck with a battery pack," said Joost de Vries, CEO of ZM Trucks. "The T75 was engineered from scratch to be electric, rugged enough for long shifts, smart enough for modern fleet management, and clean enough to meet today's zero-emission goals."
The T75 delivers 415 peak horsepower and up to 2,802 lb-ft of torque, providing the strength needed for demanding yard operations. It's built with a complete ABS air brake system, LED exterior lighting, and halogen headlights to support safety in all conditions.
Inside the cab, operators benefit from a comprehensive HVAC system, a 10-inch LCD dash, 360-degree cameras, and ergonomic controls designed for comfort during extended shifts.
The tractor's heavy-duty engineering includes a proven chassis platform with optional central lubrication. For off-road duties like dump truck work, an optional hydraulic package to power trailers can be added. Additionally, the T75 is fleet-ready, featuring a comprehensive telematics package and a robust electrical system that supports high-duty cycles with ease.
The T75 is now in full production and available for order in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Lighting issue prompts recall of 56K Kenworth, Peterbilt trucks
More than 56,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks have been recalled because of a lights-related issue.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, the tail brake light, upper and lower beam headlights, reverse light, and turn signal lamps may not illuminate as intended. Additionally, the lift axles, if lowered, may revert to a raised position, or oscillate up and down when the signal warning lights are activated.
As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
The 56,575 affected trucks include:
- 2023-’26 Kenworth T380
- 2023-’26 Kenworth T680
- 2023-’26 Kenworth T880
- 2023-’26 Peterbilt 520
- 2023-’26 Peterbilt 548
- 2023-’26 Peterbilt 579
- 2024-’26 Kenworth T480
- 2024-’26 Kenworth W990
- 2024-’26 Peterbilt 536
- 2024-’26 Peterbilt 537
- 2024-’26 Peterbilt 589
- 2025 Kenworth T180
- 2025 Peterbilt 535
- 2025-’26 Kenworth T280
- 2025-’26 Kenworth L770
According to the recall, delayed and unsteady headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an unexpected position change of the lift axles may increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will update the Vehicle Control Unit software, free of charge. Paccar has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners can contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 25PACF. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-436.
Hours of service waiver issued in New Mexico for flood responders
Deadly flooding in the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, has prompted an emergency declaration from New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The governor’s declaration calls for regulatory relief for truck drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and Lincoln County.
Under terms of the declaration, truck drivers responding to the emergency are exempt from 49 Code of Federal Regulations 395.3 -- Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles. The declaration also waives 395.5 for passenger-carrying vehicles.
“Ruidoso endured devastating wildfires and flooding last summer, and now catastrophic flooding is hitting this resilient community again,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “This crisis demands immediate action.”
The order is effective for the duration of the emergency or through 2 p.m. on July 31, whichever is sooner.
