Battery, drivetrain issues prompt International recalls

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Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, March 21, 2023:

International recalls severe-, medium-duty trucks

Navistar is recalling more than 1,400 severe-duty and medium-duty trucks for issues related to the driveshaft and the batteries, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.

One recall includes approximately 791 model year 2023 International HV and 2023-2024 International MV trucks in which the assembly bolts used to attach the battery box to the mounting bracket may be loose or missing, which could allow the battery box to detach from the truck.

Dealers will replace and tighten all four bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 5. Owners can contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with recall number 23506. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-154.

In a separate recall, Navistar is recalling approximately 660 model year 2023 International HV and 2023-2024 International MV trucks in which the rear axle spring wedge shim may have been incorrectly installed, which can cause U-joint failure and result in driveshaft separation, causing a loss of drive power.

Dealers will reinstall the rear axle wedge shim, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 5. Owners can contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with recall number 23505. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-153.

Mack recalls small number of Granite models over steering issue

Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 17 model year 2023 Granite trucks in which the front-drive steer axle fasteners may not have been tightened sufficiently and could come loose, resulting in a complete separation of the axle assembly joints.

Dealers will replace and tighten the axle fasteners, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 28. Owners can contact Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with recall number SC0441. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-143.

CVSA accepting nominations for annual IDEA contest

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is accepting nominations for its International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA), an annual award that recognizes an extraordinary professional commercial motor vehicle driver and their commitment to public safety.

In addition, the alliance announced it has increased the monetary award amount for the IDEA winner, doubling it from the previous amount of $2,500, to $5,000 this year.

The 2023 IDEA recipient (and a guest) will also receive complimentary airfare to Grapevine, Texas, along with a two-night, one-room hotel stay at the Gaylord Texan, to attend the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition awards luncheon where they will receive their check and crystal trophy.

Nominees must have:

  • At least 25 cumulative years of crash-free driving in a commercial motor vehicle with a clean driving record for the past three years
  • No felony convictions
  • No safety-related driving suspensions in the past three years
  • No driver violations in the past three years, excluding form and manner violations

CVSA’s application enables individuals to easily fill out the nomination form and submit the required supporting documentation online. Access the 2023 IDEA online nomination submission form.

“Commercial drivers are the backbone of North America’s supply chain, ensuring people and goods reach their destinations safely,” said CVSA President Maj. Chris Nordloh with the Texas Department of Public Safety. “IDEA is the perfect way for a motor carrier to honor and recognize drivers for their vital work.”

Averitt donates $1.2 million to St. Jude

Averitt Express donation to St. JudeAveritt Express recently made its largest donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as the company raised $1,200,001 in 2022.Averitt ExpressTruck drivers and other employees of Averitt Express (CCJ Top 250, No. 26) recently set a new standard for their largest donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as they raised $1,200,001 in 2022.

The contribution was recently presented to St. Jude, and it marked the fourth consecutive year Averitt has given at least $1 million. It’s also the eighth consecutive year Averitt employees have either matched or broken their fundraising record. As has become the tradition for the last several years, the extra $1 represents what Averitt calls “The Power of One,” showing the difference every person can make.

The milestone was made possible by contributions from Averitt employees and retirees participating in Averitt Cares for Kids, the company’s charitable employee-giving program. More than 94% of Averitt associates are members of Averitt Cares for Kids, giving $1 per week to help St. Jude and other important causes. The donation was also bolstered by a company contribution of $750,000 in honor of associates’ accomplishments, life events and participation in community service projects.

"I’m humbled by the way our associates come together to support the good works of St. Jude,” said Gary Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and chief executive officer. “For more than 50 years, we’ve been committed to helping others, and I’m even more excited about how we can help the children of St. Jude in the future through Averitt Cares for Kids.”

Averitt Cares for Kids began in 1987 and has contributed more than $14 million to numerous charities, including over $11 million to St. Jude. Since 1990, Averitt Cares for Kids contributions have been designated to St. Jude as part of their special partnership. And in 1997, Averitt Cares for Kids completed a $1.5 million endowment to help fund the initial construction of the St. Jude Leukemia and Lymphoma Clinic – 80% of all St. Jude patients visit the clinic at some point during their treatment.