Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023:
Two Paccar recalls affect nearly 900 units
A potential issue that could cause the remote Stage 2 fuel filter hoses in approximately 871 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks has prompted a recall, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
The recall stems from a Cummins recall affecting the company’s L9 medium-duty engines.
Affected units include model year 2023-’24 Kenworth T280, T380 and T480 models, and Peterbilt 536, 537 and 548 models.
The recall said the hoses may have been damaged during production, allowing the hoses to leak or disconnect. A disconnected hose will result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash, and a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire, the recall added.
Dealers will replace both hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Nov. 4. Owners can contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with recall number 23KWF and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 23PBF. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-617.
A separate Paccar recall affects approximately 21 model year 2023 Kenworth K270 and K370 and Peterbilt 220 trucks. The driveshafts in the affected trucks can break under certain loading conditions.
The recall stems from a Dana-Spicer recall resulting from certain driveshafts manufactured with components supplied to Dana with non-conforming material from two specific production lots.
Dealers will replace the driveshafts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Nov. 4. Owners can contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with recall number 23KWG and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 23PBG. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-616.
Nikola expands dealer network into Canada
Nikola Corporation, via its HYLA brand, announced last week an expansion of its dealer network into Canada for its Class 8 truck sales and service coverage with the addition of ITD Industries Inc.
ITD is a North American leader in transportation equipment manufacturing, boasting more than two decades of experience, more than 20,000 trailers built and a growing network of customers from across Canada and the U.S. The company is headquartered in Toronto.
“Bringing ITD on board as our first Canadian dealer is an exciting move for Nikola. Canada’s zero-emission vehicle friendly environment for Class 8 trucks, fueled by attractive incentives and its ambitious carbon reduction goals, makes it a strategic market for the future of transportation,” said Nikola President and CEO Steve Girsky. “What makes this partnership even more ideal is the shared dedication to our customers. ITD’s commitment to product innovation and customer service aligns perfectly with our mission to empower fleets and drive success as they transition to a more sustainable future.”
Nikola said Canada is a premium market with its supportive population, industry and government as it relates to addressing the impacts of climate change and its ambitious plans to transition towards hydrogen and cleaner fuels.
ITD’s Toronto-based premier Nikola showroom and service operations will be integrated into its manufacturing facility and features 55-foot ceilings and more than 78,000 sq.-ft.
Trucking groups donate to help fund childrens’ car seats
The Trucking Cares Foundation and the Tennessee Trucking Foundation each donated $5,000 to help purchase car seats for parents and guardians in Tennessee who are unable to afford them. The donation aligns with National Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs Sept. 17-23.
“In the event of an accident, a properly fitted car seat provides the maximum amount of protection for young children,” said John Lynch, president of the Trucking Cares Foundation. “We are pleased to support this effort to equip more Tennessee families with new car seats to keep their most precious cargo safe. This donation aligns with the Trucking Cares Foundation’s objective to harness the power of the ATA Federation to help others while also promoting highway safety.”
In 2021, 710 children were killed in passenger vehicles, and more than 100,000 were injured. More than a third of the children who died were unrestrained.
The annual National Child Passenger Safety Week raises awareness about the importance of ensuring that all children are properly secured in an appropriate car seat or seatbelt. The week culminates with National Seat Check Saturday.
Some of the car seats purchased by TCF and TTF will be given away to eligible families on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Westwood Baptist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee.
The giveaway is being done in partnership with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office on Child Passenger Safety. There will be several technicians on site from the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services to assist with car seat checks. TTF will have their no-zone tractor-trailer at the event, and there will also be tours of a police car and fire truck, free pumpkins and face painting, food and family activities.
