Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023:
Settlement reached in Canadian Navistar MaxxForce lawsuit
A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit against Navistar in Canada.
The proposed settlement of CAD $14.5 million (approximately $10.8 million USD), will go to Canadian individuals or businesses, excluding Quebec, who on or before Feb. 24, 2022, purchased or leased for more than 30 days a 2011-2014 Navistar vehicle with a MaxxForce 11-, 13- or 15-liter engine using EGR technology.
This would include Paystar, Workstar, Transtar, 9900i, Lonestar and Prostar models.
The settlement is not an admission of liability, fault or wrongdoing, but is a compromise of disputed claims. It is meant to resolve all outstanding class litigation against Navistar in Canada, excluding Quebec, including similar cases in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba.
The suit alleges that Navistar Canada, Navistar Inc., Navistar International Corporation and Harbour International Trucks sold or leased vehicles with defective advanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems.
A court still must approve the settlement, and that hearing is set for Nov. 30. If you are eligible and want to be included in the class and the settlement, you don't need to do anything now. The deadline to exclude yourself or to object to the settlement is Nov. 17. You can read more and calculate a potential payment on the settlement website.
[Related: Navistar MaxxForce engine class-action settlement finalized at $135 million]
Diesel prices hit new 2023 high
With a 9.3-cent increase during the week ending Sept. 18, diesel prices across the U.S. have now risen in 10 of the last 11 weeks for a total an 86.6-cent increase during that 11-week period dating back to the week ending July 10.
With the latest increase, the U.S.’ national average for a gallon of on-highway diesel is $4.63 -- the highest weekly average of 2023, based on Energy Information Administration data. The last time the national average was higher was the week ending Dec. 12, when prices stood at $4.75 a gallon.
During the most recent week, prices increased in all regions across the U.S. California saw the most significant increase -- 22.2 cents -- followed by the Gulf Coast region, which saw a 14-cent jump.
With the increase, California’s diesel average jumped above $6 to $6.19 a gallon. The only other region with prices averaging above $5 is the West Coast less California region at $5.26 per gallon.
The cheapest diesel can be found in the Gulf Coast region at $4.35 per gallon, followed by the Lower Atlantic region at $4.46 per gallon.
Prices in other regions, according to EIA:
- New England – $4.59
- Central Atlantic – $4.75
- Midwest – $4.49
- Rocky Mountain – $4.86
SEFL opens relocated terminal in Austin, Texas
Southeastern Freight Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 32) has opened a relocated service center in Austin, Texas.
The new Austin service center, located at 10001 E US Hwy 290, consists of 120 dock doors and 57 associates, as well as a refreshed appointment warehouse, larger office and breakroom spaces and a fuel island for drivers.
The new facility will not only bolster Southeastern’s operational capabilities by guaranteeing earlier deliveries and pick-ups, but aid in the development of an increasingly collaborative and productive work environment for associates across the greater Austin region to grow their professional skillsets and thrive in both current and new roles, the company said.
“It’s incredible to see how our Austin operation has evolved over the last 20 years,” said Coley Campbell, senior vice president of operations. “We’re excited about the opportunity the new facility provides us to serve our customers at a higher level, but also the advantage it gives us to effectively navigate the rapid growth in Austin. I look forward to supporting our great team of Austin associates while they continue to meet our customers’ needs in this next chapter.”
Previously located at 1916 Waukesha Drive, the Austin service center opened for business in May 2000.
New Kenworth dealership opens in Michigan
Michigan Kenworth has opened a new 66,000-square-foot Kenworth dealership in Metro Detroit.
Michigan Kenworth, a subsidiary of CSM Companies, has six locations throughout the state, including Grand Rapids, Gaylord, Saginaw, Dearborn, Clinton Township and now Metro Detroit.
"We are proud to announce the opening of our newest dealership in Detroit," said Bill Kozek CEO of CSM Companies. "As a leading provider of Kenworth trucks, we are committed to providing our customers with the best service and support. Our new dealership will allow us to better serve the Detroit community and surrounding areas."
The expansion is part of the company’s mission to provide world-class support to its customers with easily accessible facilities located nationwide for new and used truck sales, all-make parts sales, and world-class repair & maintenance service, CSM Companies said.
Located at 44660 N. Interstate 94 Service Dr., Van Buren Township, MI 48111, the newest Kenworth facility will bring CSM Companies locations to 28 total nationwide.
The modern Detroit Kenworth dealership will feature over 17,000 sq. ft. of warehouse for parts inventory, 30 service bays – including three bays dedicated for Express Lane Triage – and an additional dedicated wash bay.
The property will have nearly 10 acres of parking area that allows ample parking for new and used truck sales, along with dedicated space for trailer parking. In addition, the facility will be fitted with infrastructure to support green initiatives, such as EV charging stations.
