Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, May 5, 2020:
Volvo, Mack extend coronavirus financing plans through May
Volvo Financial Services and Mack Financial Services are extending enhanced finance programs in the U.S. and Canada on the purchase or lease of certain truck models due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Volvo’s programs are extended through May 29, and Mack’s are extended through June 30.
Volvo’s “Hammer Down” program in the U.S. extends the first payment on model year 2019 and 2020 Volvo VNL, VNR and VNX trucks by 60 days and by 90 days for buyers of VHD models. The program offers low to no down payments for qualified applicants. Additionally, for 2019 model trucks, customers can received up to $5,000 payment credit and up to $3,000 on 2020 models.
Daycab models will receive an engine plan and purchased exhaust aftertreatment system coverage for three years or 300,000 miles. Sleeper models will years the coverage for four years or 500,000 miles.
In Canada, the “Spring Into Action” program offers $4,000 in down payment assistance as well as up to $5,000 towards the cost of purchased coverage for 2019 VNL, VNR, VNX and VHD models, and up to $3,000 towards 2020 models. It also extends the first payment up to 60 days for on-highway customers and 90 days for vocational customers.
For Mack Trucks, each Mack Financial Services offer extends the first payment due date for qualified buyers of model year 2019 and 2020 Mack Anthem, Pinnacle, Granite, LR and TerraPro models. All four programs include an engine plan and Exhaust Aftertreatment (EATS) purchased coverage, competitive financing rates and flexible payment options.
The Let’s Deliver Finance Program is for Mack Anthem and Pinnacle day cab models and extends the first payment for 60 days. The Fully Loaded Highway Sleeper Finance Program is for Anthem and Pinnacle sleeper models and extends the first payment by 60 days.
For the Granite model, MFS is offering the Let’s Build America Finance Program, which extends the first payment for 90 days.
Finally, the Trash into Cash Finance Program is for Mack buyers in the refuse segment looking to buy an LR or TerraPro. The program extends the first payment 90 days and also includes a chassis purchased coverage, in addition to the engine and EATS coverage.
New Mexico city along I-40 shut down due to COVID-19 spread
The city of Gallup, New Mexico, and its some 22,000 residents are on lockdown as the state’s governor extended an order intended to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The county in which Gallup is located accounts for some 30% of all COVID-19 cases in the state, according to news reports.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the lockdown Friday, May 1. It was to have expired at noon today but was extended to at least Thursday, May 7, at the request of Gallup Mayor Louis Bonaguidi. The emergency declaration closes all roads into Gallup, limits business hours, restricts how many individuals can travel in a car at once and directs residents to remain at home except for emergency outings.
Interstate 40, which passes through the city in the northwest part of the state, is open but exits are closed. All other roads into the city are also closed, but there is access for trucks.
New Mexico Trucking Inc. shared a message from the state’s Department of Transportation that said “trucks can stop and get fuel. They can also make deliveries.”
TA-Petro says its store at exit 16 off I-40 is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the company encourages drivers to stop at the Petro in Milan at exit 79 from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Love’s says its location is currently open to local traffic only.
Howes names Tony Justice second hall of fame inductee
Lubricants producer Howes has named trucker and singer-songwriter Tony Justice the second inductee in the Howes Hall of Fame, which the company launched in March to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Justice hauls for Tennessee-based Everhart Transportation and is a fixture at trucking trade shows and other industry events, where he performs his music for attendees.
“I’m the most blessed guy in the world. I get to live two childhood dreams,” Tony says. “I get to drive trucks and make music.”
Women in Trucking President and CEO Ellen Voie was the first Howes Hall of Fame inductee.
