Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024:
Tech company requests waiver for mirror-alternative cameras
Convoy Technologies, a Fort Wayne, Indiana-based trucking tech firm, is petitioning the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to allow motor carriers to operate trucks equipped with Convoy’s Electronic Rear View System (ERVS) installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).
Section 393.80(a) of the FMCSRs requires that each bus, truck, and truck tractor be equipped with two rear-vision mirrors, one at each side. The mirrors must be positioned to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear and the area along both sides of the CMV.
Convoy is asking FMCSA for an exemption from this section of the regulations for its camera-based rear visibility system. A similar exemption has been in place since 2019 and was recently renewed for Stoneridge and its MirrorEye Camera Monitor System.
FMCSA is requesting public comments on the waiver request, which can be filed at www.regulations.gov by searching Docket No. FMCSA-2024-0076 beginning Thursday, Feb. 29.
Cummins nat-gas-powered trucks on order
Renewable natural gas fuel system provider Hexagon Agility announced Feb. 26 that new orders are being placed for compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable natural gas (RNG) fuel system installations on pilot trucks powered by Cummins’ X15N natural gas engine developed for the North American commercial truck market.
Hexagon said these orders are destined for major fleets and cover two leading OEMs. The orders come in addition to existing pilots that are already on the road with Hexagon Agility fuels systems.
Hexagon noted that as of February, Kenworth Truck Company is the first to open its order books for trucks powered by the Cummins X15N engine.
Kenworth and Cummins have stated that trucks equipped with the X15N engine will be in serial production by mid-2024 with initial deliveries expected early in the third quarter.
“The launch of the Cummins X15N, 15-liter engine will triple the addressable market for heavy-duty natural gas trucks over the next few years,” said Eric Bippus, EVP Sales and Systems, Hexagon Agility. “This is a game-changer for our niche industry, enabling a powerhouse solution for Class 8 fleets traveling locally and cross country. The 15-liter delivers enhanced fuel efficiency and maximum uptime.”
[Related: Walmart 'betting big' on Cummins new X15N natural gas engine]
Thermo King Northeast expands with acquisition
Thermo King Northeast, LLC, has expanded its portfolio in the transport refrigeration market through the acquisition of Mohawk Truck, Inc., a family-owned dealership located at 50 North America Drive in West Seneca, New York.
“Mohawk Truck Inc., is a family business founded in 1951 and we are delighted that Thermo King Northeast, also a family-owned business with shared values and a commitment to provide customers with the best experience for sales, service, parts, and warranty work,” said Terry Endres, President of Mohawk Truck/Thermo King.
Thermo King Northeast’s parent company, DATTCO, Inc., nears its centennial anniversary in 2024, celebrating a heritage of leadership in the transportation industry across the northeast. Mohawk Truck, Inc. brings over 70 years of unparalleled service and a strong community presence.
"Mohawk Truck aligns perfectly with our vision of comprehensive customer care,” said Jim Gallant, Senior Vice President of Sales and Service for Thermo King Northeast. “As they pass the torch to us, we are prepared to uphold the longstanding tradition of excellence that customers expect."
This acquisition extends Thermo King Northeast's network to the Western New York region, leveraging the experience of Mohawk's expert staff. Thermo King Northeast's growing dealership network, currently operating in Windsor Locks Connecticut, Saugus and Norton Massachusetts, and Falmouth, Maine, feature a full suite of sales, service, parts, and warranty work.
Trucking Cares Foundation receives $3.7M from 37 donors
The American Trucking Associations’ Trucking Cares Foundation announced that 37 companies and individuals have made substantial financial commitments to strengthen the association’s charitable arm.
These donations will help extend the reach and longevity of the foundation and ensure its mission becomes a reality, ATA said.
The 37 members comprise the TCF Founders Club, a special class of donors who each have agreed to make a $100,000 contribution over 10 years.
“The TCF Founders Club Members are true heroes,” said TCF Chairman Phil Byrd, president and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express. “They epitomize the character of what makes the American Trucking Associations members so special. Their servant attitude and spirit are on display every day on every highway and byway in America as they deliver the needs and wants to every corner of this great land. TCF is grateful for their generosity and caring. They have and will continue to make a difference.”
The Trucking Cares Foundation focuses on several core areas tied to trucking, including humanitarian initiatives, disaster relief, eradicating human trafficking, workforce development, strengthening the industry’s relationships with law enforcement, military and veterans’ organizations, as well as safety and research opportunities.
