Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024:
California legislators call for delay of Advanced Clean Fleets rule
After an incident in late July involving a lithium-ion battery fire that shut down I-15 for two days, a group of California lawmakers is asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to delay the implementation of the Advanced Clean Fleets rule, which bans the sale of diesel trucks in the state by 2036.
The state legislators said during the two-day interstate closure, “Without an alternate route, people were stuck in the desert without water, food or medical supplies. Some ran out of fuel; others lost charge for their electric vehicles.”
Despite emergency response from numerous agencies, “there was nothing that could have been done to suppress the fire,” a letter to Newsom said. “Adding water to lithium batteries would have resulted in toxic gas emitting into the air,” and the batteries had to burn out on their own.
The letter to Newsom added that his policies have “favored electric vehicles that use lithium-ion batteries. If one diesel truck carrying six batteries can shut down a major highway for 48 hours, what will happen when the highways are swarming with electric trucks powered by these batteries?”
With numerous unanswered questions, the legislators asked Newsom to delay the implementation of the ACF mandate.
In addition to the I-15 closure, a Tesla Semi truck fire along I-80 shut the interstate down for 16 hours just last week.
The U.S. DOT on Tuesday will host a virtual meeting related to post-accident battery safety. Representatives from DOT and other agencies and organizations will discuss EVs and fire safety topics related to lithium-ion batteries.
[Related: Trucking to EPA: Send CARB 'back to drawing board' for its ZEV truck-purchase mandates]
ATRI asks fleets, drivers to rank top industry concerns
The American Transportation Research Institute has launched its 2024 Top Industry Issues Survey, which asks trucking industry stakeholders to rank the top issues of concern for the industry, along with potential strategies for addressing each issue.
Now in its 20th year, ATRI’s annual analysis not only ranks the issues overall but also provides insights into how critical topics are ranked differently by motor carriers and professional drivers. The report also allows trucking stakeholders to monitor issues over time to better understand which issues are rising, or falling, in criticality.
“For the past two decades, the industry has relied on the annual Top Industry Issues Survey to highlight the challenges facing our nation’s supply chain,” said ATA Chair Andrew Boyle, Boyle Transportation Co-President. “ATRI’s research provides an opportunity for thousands of trucking industry professionals, from drivers to executives, to weigh in on the most critical topics that affect our day-to-day operations and collectively decide on the best strategies for addressing each."
The results of the 2024 survey will be released Oct. 12 as part of the American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition to be held in Nashville, Tennessee.
Industry stakeholders are encouraged to complete the 2024 survey here by Sept. 27.
Continental truck tires recalled for shoulder separation
Continental Tire the Americas is recalling certain HDL2 DL+ long-haul drive tires in size 11R24.5, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
In the approximately 462 affected tires, an incorrect rubber compound may cause the steel belt edge to separate from the shoulder. Tire shoulder separation could extend into the sidewall, causing a sudden loss of tire air pressure and a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Sept. 23. Owners can contact Continental customer service at 1-800-726-7113. NHTSA’s recall number is 24T-008.
Averitt names new marketing, communications director
Brad BrownAveritt
Prior to the promotion, Brown was already leading a team of associates who are responsible for internal communications, customer marketing, branding and engagement, recruitment marketing, training, social media and digital media for Averitt. Brown will now also take a lead role in the company’s associate recruiting efforts.
Brown has spent his entire 25-year Averitt career with the company’s Marketing and Communications team.
"We’re thrilled to have Brad take on this expanded role," said Kent Williams, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Averitt. "Brad’s dedication and vision have been instrumental in reinforcing our culture and beliefs. We’re confident that under his leadership, our Marketing and Communications team will continue to excel."
