Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023:
‘Best Fleets to Drive For’ nomination period opens
Now through Oct. 31, company drivers and independent contractors can formally nominate the companies they work with as Best Fleets to Drive For.
All for-hire fleets operating 10 or more tractor-trailers in the U.S. or Canada, regardless of freight segment, are eligible to participate in the program.
Once nominated, fleets who choose to participate complete a questionnaire and interview, providing information about driver programs across a range of categories. A selection of drivers are also surveyed, supplementing the information provided by management.
Company responses and driver surveys are compiled and scored, with the top 20 scorers identified as Best Fleets to Drive For. The top 20 is then divided into “small” and “large” fleet categories, and the top scoring fleet in each category is crowned Best Overall Fleet for the category.
The Top 20 Best Fleets, the overall winners, and fleets entering the Hall of Fame, will be recognized at a dedicated awards ceremony and education event scheduled for April 2024.
“The past few years have been particularly challenging for the freight industry,” said Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge. “Fleets have really been stepping up to take care of their drivers, and we’re looking forward to hearing about all the great ideas they’ve come up with to make life on the road better.”
[Related: C.A.T. Inc. and Chief Carriers Inc. take top honors in Best Fleets program]
Mack recalls 27K Granite models
Mack Trucks is recalling more than 27,000 GU and GR Granite models due to improperly positioned turn signals.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents say that in the approximately 27,415 model year 2015-‘23 units, the turn signals may be positioned incorrectly, reducing their visibility. As such, they do not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Dealers will add additional turn signal lighting, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Oct. 17. Owners can contact Mack's customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with recall number SC0448. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-600.
Trailer tire pressure system issue prompts Fruehauf recall
Fruehauf is recalling approximately 786 model year 2025 Composite dry van trailers equipped with Tire Pilot Plus tire pressure regulation systems (TPRS). All eight tires may experience a loss of tire pressure while driving faster than 45 mph, according to the recall.
As an interim action, owners will be instructed to disable the Tire Pilot Plus system. The final remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed this month. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available.
According to the recall, the trailers equipped with SAF-Holland’s Tire Pilot Plus -- Electronic Regulator Control Unit were manufactured between March 23 and Aug. 10, 2023.
Owners can contact Fruehauf customer service at 1-270-282-0605. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-602.
New task force looking to drive adoption of wireless EV charging
CharIN, an international association of vehicle manufacturers, energy providers and OEMs, has launched a Wireless Power Transfer Taskforce initiated by Siemens AG, WiTricity Corporation, and MAHLE.
The taskforce aims to drive the adoption and standardization of wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles worldwide to enable seamless wireless charging experiences. Industry experts are invited to participate. The group starts working this month.
The founding of the Wireless Power Transfer Taskforce stems from the need to enable seamless wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles, CharIN said. Currently, there are remaining gaps in standardization that pose challenges to vehicle OEMs and the imminent deployment of wireless charging.
The CharIN Taskforce seeks to close those gaps in a timely manner, ensuring the successful integration and utilization of wireless power transfer technology in the evolving electric mobility landscape.
The Taskforce will actively work toward harmonizing standards in wireless power transfer (WPT) technology for charging vehicles while focusing on a static 11 kW charging system
Defining the respective applicability of wireless charging will play a crucial role in its integration into diverse EV platforms, CharIN added. By defining rigorous test procedures and certification guidelines for interoperability, the Taskforce aims to ensure that wireless charging solutions are reliable, efficient, and compatible across different platforms. Additionally, it will focus on clearing the co-existence of relevant technologies for wireless power transfer, fostering a cohesive ecosystem for the future of EV charging.
The Taskforce invites both CharIN members and non-members to participate actively in shaping the future of wireless charging technology. Companies interested in joining the Taskforce can register their interest here.
[Related: Charging forward with electric truck charging stations]
Aceretus acquires vehicle shipping provider RCG Logistics
Acertus, an automotive logistics-as-a-service platform, today announced its strategic acquisition of RCG Logistics, a car transport management firm. The acquisition will integrate RCG Logistics under the Acertus brand and is effective immediately.
This latest investment will allow ACERTUS to extend its product offerings with salvage and repossession, and deliver products and services to additional VIN types, including motorsports, RVs, and other oversized vehicles regardless of condition.
The acquisition advances Acertus’ targeted growth strategy, building on a series of successful past acquisitions and underscoring the company’s commitment to being the largest full-scale, auto logistics platform designed to move, store, recondition, title and register finished vehicles throughout their lifecycle, the company said.
“At Acertus, we are hyper focused on serving the needs of our customers and delivering a full suite of vehicle logistics services through strategic partnerships and investments,” said Trent Broberg, CEO. “RCG shares our commitment to customers and the logistics industry, demonstrated by their consistent track record of innovation, performance excellence, and profitable growth. We are excited to welcome the RCG team into our organization. By blending our services, we know we will become an even stronger company together.”
This is the fourth transaction for Acertus, whose parent company MetroGistics previously acquired MetroTitle, Amerifleet and McNutt.
