Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020:
Navistar partners with Geotab to bring fleet management to International trucks
Navistar announced Wednesday a new partnership with Geotab that allows International customers to add select Geotab fleet management systems through Navistar’s factory-installed telematics device, OnCommand Connection (OCC).
OCC is standard on the International LT Series, RH Series and LoneStar models. Navistar says any new International truck can easily enroll in the Geotab platform, which includes an electronic logging device and hours of service compliance software.
Fleets subscribed to Geotab via Navistar’s factory-installed telematics device will enjoy continued telematics service, including access to OnCommand Connection’s Advanced Remote Diagnostics solutions and over-the-air programming capabilities for the duration of their Geotab subscription.
For fleets interested in adding access to OnCommand Connection to vehicles not already equipped with telematics, the International dealer network offers an aftermarket telematics device manufactured by Geotab. The device includes a subscription to Fleet Health Monitoring, Navistar’s latest addition to its suite of connected fleet solutions. Fleet Health Monitoring provides reporting on vehicles at a high risk or derating failure to assist fleets in quickly addressing urgent issues.
Highway Transport opens new Louisiana service center
Knoxville, Tennessee-based bulk chemical hauler Highway Transport has opened a new $12.5 million service center in Geismar, Louisiana, which the fleet says will serve its current and growing customers across the Gulf Coast region.
The new location is Highway Transport’s 14th service center in the United States and opens after a year-long, multi-phase project. The facility includes a six-bay maintenance shop, four-and-a-half-bay tank wash, multiple offices and a conference room. It also provides full amenities for Highway Transport professional drivers, including a comfortable break room to watch television and movies, Wi-Fi access, showers and more within the secure, gated facility.
The carrier will add 36 jobs over the next year at the new service center and expects the center will grow to 150 jobs based out of Geismar, including 100 drivers, 20 mechanics, 20 tank wash positions and 10 office staff members.
At any given time, the new facility can park up to 150 tanker trucks from the company’s fleet of more than 400 trucks on regional and long-haul loads.
Wallwork Kenworth in North Dakota relocates to new facility
Wallwork Kenworth relocated its Williston, North Dakota, operation to a larger full-service facility to meet growing demand for Kenworth trucks and services in western North Dakota.
The new 27,000 square-foot building features a 12,000 square-foot service department with 12 service bays, and a 10,000 square-foot parts department.
The facility is located just north of U.S. Route 2, and along Highway 85.
