Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, April 14, 2020:
More than 450,000 Kenworth, Peterbilt trucks recalled for ABS issue
Paccar is recalling more than 450,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks equipped with NAMUX software, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents. In the affected trucks, when the anti-lock brake system loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the dash warning light for the ABS may not light up to warn the driver of the loss of ABS.
The recall affects approximately 455,458 trucks manufactured between 2008 and 2020. Specific truck models include:
- 2008-2020 Kenworth T170
- 2008-2020 Kenworth T270
- 2008-2020 Kenworth T370
- 2008-2019 Kenworth T660
- 2011-2020 Kenworth T680
- 2008-2020 Kenworth T800
- 2011-2020 Kenworth T880
- 2008-2020 Kenworth W900
- 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330
- 2008-2011 Peterbilt 335
- 2008-2019 Peterbilt 337
- 2008-2011 Peterbilt 340
- 2008-2019 Peterbilt 348
- 2008-2019 Peterbilt 365
- 2008-2019 Peterbilt 367
- 2008-2019 Peterbilt 384
- 2008-2019 Peterbilt 386
- 2008-2016 Peterbilt 387
- 2008-2019 Peterbilt 389
- 2008-2019 Peterbilt 567
- 2008-2019 Peterbilt 579
- 2008-2019 Peterbilt 587
Paccar will notify owners of affected trucks, and dealers will update the NAMUX software within the cab control module for free. Owners can contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with recall number 20KWB or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 20PBC. NHTSA’s recall number is 20V-199.
Navistar further delaying assembly plant reopening
Navistar on Monday said it would further delay for the second time the re-opening of its truck assembly plant in Springfield, Ohio, this time through early May.
The company ceased production on Monday, March 23 due to disruptions in the supply chain resulting from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, conditions which Chairman and CEO Troy Clarke said continue. Compounding the issue is waning truck orders industry-wide that failed to crack 7,500 units last month.
Navistar service facilities and parts distribution centers will continue regular operations.
The continuation of its production pause was announced alongside several cost-cutting measures announced Monday. The company said it planned to postpone 30% of its capital expenditures and 30% of its information technology project spend; defer $162 million in pension contributions until 2021 under provisions of the CARES Act; defer employer payroll tax payments and certain Employee Retention Tax Credits under provisions of the CARES Act as guidance becomes available; defer 35% of the base salary of the CEO and board compensation; the deferral of 10% to 30% to the base salary of U.S.-based, salaried exempt, non-represented employees; and reduced contractors workweek by 20%.
Salary deferrals will be effective April 20 through December 31 and will be repaid with interest no later than March 15, 2021. Other cost reduction actions will go into effect immediately through December 31.
National Trucking Driving Championships canceled
The American Trucking Associations’ National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships have been canceled. They were to be held Aug. 19-22 in Indianapolis.
ATA President Chris Spear made the announcement last week in a letter to truck drivers, ATA members, and state trucking association executives.
“Our industry’s creed and the very spirit of these competitions is ‘safety first,’ and this decision reflects that,” Spear wrote. “It’s made out of an abundance of caution on behalf of the professional drivers competing at the state level, along with the state associations, companies, and family members who organize, host and cheer on the competitors.”
Yokohama keeping tire production on hold
Yokohama announced Monday that both of its U.S. plants will remain closed until further notice as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. This affects the company’s commercial tire plant in West Point, Mississippi and its passenger and light truck tire plant in Salem, Virginia.
