Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023:
Mack, Volvo recalling some BEVs over fire concern
Certain Mack Truck and Volvo models are being recalled over concern that the truck's cabin heater relay may fail, causing the coolant heater to overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
Mack is recalling 43 model year 2019-2023 LRBE battery electric trucks while Volvo is recalling 136 VNR Electric battery electric trucks of the same model years.
Dealers will update the software for the Hybrid Powertrain Control Unit and Instrument Cluster, and install replacement relays, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 19, 2023. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2301. Mack's number for this recall is SC0440.
Nebraska governor issues HOS waiver for fuel haulers through February
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has issued an emergency declaration as a result of fuel shortages due to high demand, prompting an hours of service waiver for fuel haulers in the state.
Drivers transporting gasoline or gasoline blends, diesel, fuel oil, ethanol, propane and biodiesel in Nebraska are exempt from the hours of service regulations in 49 CFR Part 395 through Feb. 28.
Pillen noted that the declaration was necessary because, “commercial motor vehicles and motor carriers are engaged in the business of transporting fuel from further distances and waiting longer at terminals in order to meet needs.”
Nebraska was one of eight states included in a Regional Emergency Declaration issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in January, effective through Feb. 15, for drivers hauling gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
Forward Air opens third LTL terminal in Chicago
Forward Air Corporation (CCJ Top 250, No. 57) is expanding its expedited LTL service offering in the Chicagoland area with a new terminal in Bolingbrook, Illinois, near Midway International Airport (MDW).
The new facility is Forward’s third LTL location in Chicago and the Bolingbrook operation is expected to increase Forward’s same-day delivery capabilities throughout the Chicagoland area. From the Bolingbrook facility, approximately 4.4 million people can now enjoy same day or next day delivery services.
Hino appoints new President, first U.S. born leader of the company
Glenn Ellis succeeds Shigehiro Matsuoka, who retired after holding the position for four years, and will become the first U.S.-born President of Hino Trucks.
Glenn Ellis has been appointed President and Chairman of the Board for Hino Trucks, succeeding Shigehiro Matsuoka, who retired after holding the position for four years. Ellis will be the first U.S.-born President of Hino Trucks.
Ellis joined Hino Trucks in 2004 and has led the efforts to build Hino Trucks' brand in the U.S. market. In his most recent role as Senior Vice President of Customer Experience, he focused on expanding Hino's dealer network and product offering to include zero-emissions trucks while continuing to grow Hino trucks' market share. As president, Ellis will continue to focus on the dealer and customer relationship and will seek to grow the brand by driving Hino Trucks' product development, adding enhanced technology and innovation, and supporting a faster decision-making process.
