Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025:
Sticking throttle prompts Kenworth, Peterbilt recall
Paccar is recalling approximately 1,101 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks due to an issue within the throttle pedal assembly that may cause the pedal to stick, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
The recall affects the following units:
- 2024 Kenworth T180
- 2023-‘24 Kenworth T280
- 2023-‘24 Kenworth T380
- 2023-‘24 Kenworth T480
- 2023-‘24 Peterbilt 535
- 2023-‘24 Peterbilt 536
- 2023-‘24 Peterbilt 537
- 2023-‘24 Peterbilt 548
In the affected units, the throttle pedal assembly may contain an oversized magnet carrier, slowing the responsiveness or causing the pedal to stick.
The magnet carrier acts as the pivot for the throttle pedal, and an oversized magnet carrier may cause the throttle pedal to bind. Applying the service brake will override the throttle if it sticks, the recall documents noted.
Dealers will inspect and replace the throttle pedal as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 17. Owners can contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 25PBA and Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with recall number 25KWA. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-014.
Saia LTL Freight to sponsor NASCAR team
Saia LTL Freight will sponsor the No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing car during seven races in 2025.Saia
Saia Inc. (CCJ Top 250, No. 19) has announce that Saia LTL Freight has partnered with Joe Gibbs Racing for a multi-year sponsorship of Ty Gibbs and the No. 54 Toyota Camry XSE in the NASCAR Cup Series.
“We are thrilled about our partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing, Ty Gibbs, and the entire No. 54 team. Like Saia, they are an organization synonymous with success,” said Saia Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Ray Ramu. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Saia that will allow us to engage with our employees, customers, and the community in a new and exciting way. We are looking forward to a winning season ahead.”
JGR has competed in NASCAR since 1992, capturing 425 combined wins over that span across the Cup and Xfinity Series. No team has more combined wins in the history of NASCAR. In addition, JGR has won five Cup Series championships along with four Xfinity Series driver championships and six Xfinity Series owner’s championships. The organization also has captured four Daytona 500 titles, considered to be NASCAR’s premier event each season.
“We are excited to have Saia join our family at Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Coach Joe Gibbs. “They have an impressive operation, establishing themselves as a leader in the transportation and logistics industry. We know they deliver, and we certainly plan on delivering success with them both on and off the track.”
Ty Gibbs was the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year and the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion. In 2024, he made the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs and finished 15th in the final point standings.
“Really excited to have Saia as a partner on our No. 54 Toyota Camry,” he said. “They are a great company, and I hope we can put them in victory lane during this season. All of their employees have already been so supportive.”
The first race for Saia as primary sponsor will be Feb. 23 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The other races will be at Talladega Superspeedway (April 27), Texas Motor Speedway (May 4), the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway (May 18), Sonoma Raceway (July 13), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 27), and Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Oct. 12).
Peterbilt names new GM
Peterbilt Motors Company on Jan. 23 named Jake Montero as Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president. Before his current role, Montero served for two years as Peterbilt assistant general manager, Sales and Marketing. Montero has been with Paccar for 19 years and has held positions of increasing responsibility.
“I am excited to lead Peterbilt during this pivotal time in the trucking industry with increased opportunities to leverage advanced technology and innovation to deliver first-class vehicle solutions to our customers,” said Jake Montero, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president.
Additionally, Erik Johnson has been named Peterbilt assistant general manager of Sales & Marketing. Johnson has been with Paccar for 19 years. During this time, he has held positions of increasing responsibility, most recently as Peterbilt’s Denton manufacturing facility plant manager.
Mack Pinnacle units recalled for air brake issue
Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 21 model year 2024-’25 Pinnacle trucks in which the air tanks have an insufficient volume of air for the brake system. This causes the truck to fall out of compliance with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Insufficient air in the air tanks can impact braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install the correct volume air tanks, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 17. Owners can contact Mack's customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with recall number SC0473. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-026.