Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023:
Estes' recovery from cyberattack continues
On a message posted to its website Sunday, Estes Express Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 10) noted it continues to make progress in its recovery from a cyberattack earlier this month.
Estes faced the attack early in the week of Oct. 1, impacting its IT infrastructure. CCJ reached out to Estes Express Monday but did not receive a reply.
"We are pleased to report that many of our core systems are once again operational following the implementation of additional security measures," the company wrote on its website. "Our team has been working 24/7 and will continue work to bring our remaining systems back up securely and safely. All of this, including our ability to continue serving our customers through this attack, is because of the resiliency, collaboration, and ingenuity of our team. Despite the impact this has had on Estes’ system, there has not been a moment when we were unable to move freight or support our employees’ livelihood."
As of this week, telephone lines to its local terminals have been restored and its website Chat function is once again available.
EDI communications are also back on. "We can now receive and process customer 204 pickup requests and 211 BOLs via normal EDI channels," the company said. "In addition, customers will receive 214 tracking notifications and 210 invoicing when the proper updates to the freight bill occur."
Many of Estes' core operations systems are online to cut freight bills, update PROs, create manifests, and effectively manage equipment.
"Most importantly," the company said, "your freight is continuing to move efficiently through our network."
Paccar recalling some Pete, Kenworth trucks
Paccar is recalling certain 2021-2024 Kenworth T280, T380, 2020-2024 Peterbilt 548, 536, 2024 Peterbilt 537, and 2020-2024 Kenworth T480 trucks. The timing of the trailer brake release may be delayed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The noncompliance may cause a 0.5 second exceedance of the trailer brake release timing standard. Tractor and trailer brake application timing is not affected, nor is truck brake performance affected. If the vehicle is not equipped with ABS or ABS is not functioning and the vehicle enters a curve on a low-mu (low friction) surface, a 0.5 second delay in trailer brake release timing may introduce momentary instability to the trailer and increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fittings and hoses in the affected valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Nov. 20. Paccar's numbers for this recall are 23KWJ and 23PBJ.
Michelin Energy Flaps now standard on Utility Trailers
“The Michelin Energy Flap is designed to increase safety with optimally dispersed water spray downward, away,” said Pierluigi Cumo, B2B VP of Marketing for Michelin North America, Inc. “Expanding our partnership with Utility Trailers demonstrates that Michelin is providing the latest technology in energy flaps and delivering on our promise of a more sustainable future.”
The Michelin Energy Flaps – with advanced technological construction, ultraviolet resistance and ability to withstand operating temperatures from -40°F to 212°F (-40°C-100°C) – are designed through advanced research and development to greatly reduce vehicle drag. The low-flex and anti-sail design helps keep Energy Flaps straight while the vehicle is in motion. The patented mounted surface assures optimal installation without drilling. The flap is made with up to 60%-80% recycled materials.
All Michelin Energy Guard products are available from the OEM through Aurora Parts or directly from the OEM Dealer.
