Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023:
Kenworth recalling 3,800 trucks over seat belt issue
Paccar is recalling approximately 3,841 Kenworth trucks due to an issue with the seat belts that could impact their ability to restrain occupants during crashes, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
The recall states that in the affected trucks, an additional spacer may have been added to the joint that connects the seat to the seat belt tether and buckle, causing an unsecured connection. This spacer results in increased force on the seat structure, which increases the load on the joint.
Models included in the recall are:
- Approximately three model year 2020 Kenworth T660 units, all of which are gliders
- Approximately 437 model year 2018-‘24 Kenworth T800 trucks
- Approximately 3,401 model year 2018-’24 Kenworth W900 trucks
Dealers will inspect and remove the additional spacer and replace the bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Dec. 25. Owners may contact Paccar’s customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with recall number 23KWK. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-717.
[Related: Volvo recalls nearly 2,000 trucks over steering issue]
Wreaths Across America tour set to begin Dec. 9
What has become known as the country’s longest veterans’ parade, Wreaths Across America’s annual “Escort to Arlington,” will kick off on Saturday, Dec. 9. The official route, which can be viewed here, will travel down the East Coast, stopping at schools, memorials, and other locations along the way to spread the year-long mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and team the next generation the value of freedom.
Stops with public events will be held in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 16 – National Wreaths Across America Day.
For the 9th year in a row, Chevrolet has generously the 12 wrapped escort vehicles that will transport participating Gold Star families and veterans during the week-long trip. In addition, Chevrolet has also sponsored 4,000 veterans’ wreaths for placement at Arlington National Cemetery to help honor our nation’s veterans.
The Escort to Arlington has grown to consist of 13 tractor-trailers representing Baylor Trucking; Budd Van Lines; Saia LTL (CCJ Top 250, No. 19); Schneider National (No. 6); Witte Bros. Exchange; Hartt Transportation Systems; Delhaize Transportation LLC (DBA Hannaford Supermarkets); American Trucking Associations – Workforce Heroes; Cargo Transporters (No. 177); Prime Inc. (No. 16); Tyson Foods; Walmart Transportation; and Pottles Transportation.
Additionally, Load One Carriers (No. 159) will once again serve as the ceremonial wreath transporter for the week. These dedicated organizations and their professional drivers will haul a portion of the sponsored veterans’ wreaths heading to Arlington National Cemetery for placement on Saturday, Dec. 16.
National Wreaths Across America Day ceremonies are happening at more than 4,000 participating locations across the country on Dec. 16. These events are free and open to all people.
[Related: Wreaths Across America seeking more carriers to haul wreaths]
Mack recalls small number of trucks equipped with nat-gas Cummins engine
Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 17 model year 2024 Granite and TerraPro vehicles equipped with Cummins L9N natural gas engines.
In the affected units, the rear lifting bracket that attaches to the engine cylinder head may be insufficiently secured, which can allow it to detach. A rear lifting bracket that detaches while the engine is being lifted can result in the engine falling or swinging, increasing the risk of injury.
The recall notes that the subject engines may have been built with incorrect length flanged studs attaching the rear lifting bracket to the cylinder head.
Dealers will inspect and replace the flanged stud in the rear lifting bracket, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Dec. 15. Owners can contact Mack's customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with recall number SC0452. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-731.
Cummins issued a recall of approximately 104 L9N engines on Oct. 17. Owners can contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 with recall number c2735.
