Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023:
Peterbilt’s 100,000th 389 rolls off assembly line
Peterbilt celebrated production of the 100,000th Model 389 at its Denton, Texas, manufacturing plant on Sept. 7.
The Model 389 was introduced in 2006, and this 100,000th truck represents the hard work of designers, engineers and plant employees to create and manufacture the most iconic truck on North American highways today, the company said.
As part of the celebration, Peterbilt presented the milestone truck, equipped with the limited-release Model 389X special edition package, to Massey Motor Freight, a nationwide freight shipping service based in Nacogdoches, Texas.
“We are extremely pleased to present the 100,000th Model 389 to Massey Motor Freight,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president. “Troy Massey is a longtime Peterbilt customer who recognizes the craftmanship, performance and durability of the Model 389 and is the perfect customer to receive this milestone truck.”
Founded in 2016 by Troy and Abby Massey, Massey Motor Freight is dedicated to providing fast, on-time deliveries to its customers across the United States with reliable transportation for its drivers. Massey Motor Freight’s motto is “Quality Without Question.” The company operates a total of 325 units along with Tri-State Vacuum & Rental, also owned by the Masseys.
“It is a great honor to receive the 100,000th Model 389 and celebrate this milestone with Peterbilt,” said Troy Massey. “Massey Motor Freight’s long-standing relationship with Peterbilt is based on the common values our companies represent and our commitment to exceed customer expectations.”
The Model 389 will end its historic production run at the end of the year. Its successor, the new Model 589 introduced earlier this year, is now available for order through any of Peterbilt’s 425+ dealer locations in North America. Model 589 production begins January 2024 at Peterbilt’s factory in Denton, Texas.
[Related: Watch: Test drive and walk around of Peterbilt's new Model 589]
House transportation subcommittee hosting autonomous trucks hearing Wednesday
The U.S. House’s Highways and Transit Subcommittee will hold a hearing focused on automated commercial motor vehicles and the effects they will have on the future of the U.S. economy and supply chain on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. Eastern, and will be available for public viewing online.
Appearing during the hearing as witnesses will be representatives from autonomous trucking companies, the American Trucking Associations and more. As of Monday, Sept. 11, those testifying during the hearing are:
- Chris Urmson, co-founder and CEO, Aurora Innovation, Inc.
- Jeff Farrah, executive director, Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association
- Chris Spear, president and CEO, American Trucking Associations
- Cathy Chase, president, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety
[Related: AV developers integrate weather for safety, rerouting]
Mack recalling MD models for steering issue
Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 395 model year 2024 MD6 and MD7 trucks in which the steering gear fasteners may not be properly tightened.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, loose steering gear fasteners may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Mack said the affected units were manufactured between June 23 and July 21, 2023.
Dealers will tighten the steering gear fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Oct. 23. Owners can contact Mack's customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with recall number SC449. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-605.
Yellow adds seats to BOD
Yellow Corp., said it has added two seats on its Board of Directors and elected Mary Nell Browning and Thomas Knott to fill the vacancies.Ahead of Yellow's bankruptcy filing last month, hedge fund MFN Partners began acquiring mountains of Yellow stock to the point that the company became Yellow's largest shareholder in a matter of days. Also a participant in Yellow's debtor-in-possession financing, "MFN Partners requested that the Board add two directors with significant prior experience in restructuring transactions to maximize the value of the company for stakeholders, and specifically recommended Ms. Browning and Mr. Knott who possess said experience," Yellow said in a filing Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Browning and Knott will each receive the same cash compensation for their annual retainer as the other non-employee directors serving on the Board and will also receive quarterly cash compensation of $25,000 in lieu of the $100,000 annual equity award.
