Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020:
Prepare for increased cargo theft activity over Labor Day weekend
Cargo theft recording firm SensiGuard is warning trucking companies and drivers of increased activity by cargo theft rings over holiday weekends, specifically the upcoming Labor Day weekend.
In Labor Day weekends between 2015 and 2019, the firm recorded 2.2 thefts per day, which is 15% higher than non-holidays during the year.
The firm also warns that, coming on the heels of Hurricane Laura on the Gulf Coast, carriers and shippers of building supplies “should be particularly vigilant.”
To guard against cargo theft, SensiGuard recommends verifying the authenticity of all shipment-related activity, particularly when asked to either move or store a shipment. The firm also recommends keeping communication between drivers and shippers throughout the load.
SensiGuard warns that truck stops, rest areas and distribution centers are frequent targets for cargo thieves, so drivers should try to find lots with controlled access, adequate lighting and more. Additionally, if loads must be left unattended, drivers should make them as secure as possible with theft-resistant locking/sealing mechanisms for both tractors and trailers.
Small number of International HX trucks recalled
Navistar is recalling approximately 36 Class 8 vocational model year 2020-2021 International HX trucks equipped with SL2065 steerable lift axle suspension systems with a 20,000-pound capacity. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, the lower rear pivot cap screws that connect the trailing arm to the steerable auxiliary lift axle may not be long enough to sufficiently engage the locking feature of the corresponding nuts.
Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will replace all of the lower rear pivot cap screws and associated nuts and washers for free. Owners can contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with recall number 20507. NHTSA’s recall number is 20V-494.
Rhode Island-based trucking company owner charged for allegedly falsifying driver logs
Damir Sisic, the owner of Sisic Transportation Service (STS) based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, has been charged with conspiracy to falsify records.
According to the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Sisic allegedly conspired to falsify STS drivers’ hours of service electronic logs. OIG says Sisic concealed that STS drivers were routinely exceeding the maximum number of driving and on-duty hours without the required off-duty hours.
