Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023:
Odyssey Logistics transitioning to unified brand
Odyssey Logistics announced it has transitioned to a unified Odyssey brand, which the company called a “significant milestone in its evolution.”
This step is central to the company’s overarching strategy of further integrating its diverse offerings across its four core divisions – Intermodal, Transport & Warehouse, Integrated Marine Logistics and Managed Services.
The move will enable customers to access Odyssey’s complete solutions portfolio more transparently, the company said, leveraging its expertise in managing shipments across multiple transport modes and industries, including the transport of metals and chemicals, known for their complex supply chain requirements.
In the months ahead, as Odyssey phases out legacy brands and technologies to operate under a unified Masterbrand, customers can look forward to a streamlined experience that makes it easier to harness Odyssey’s multi-modal capabilities, leverage technology solutions, and access actionable insights to improve operations.
“Many of our customers have yet to experience the full value of the solutions we offer,” said Hans Stig Moller, CEO of Odyssey. “By uniting acquired brands and core offerings under the singular Odyssey brand, our aim is to simplify and enhance the customer experience, underscoring the strategic value we bring to supply chains. This transformation enables seamless access to best-in-class capabilities and services, reinforcing resilience and greater transparency for our customers in today’s complex logistics landscape.”
Earlier this year, Odyssey sold its bulk tank transport subsidiary, Linden Bulk Transportation -- a move that the company said “aligns with its strategy of providing neutral-to-transport solutions, allowing the company to utilize the full universe of carriers for the benefit of its customers.”
[Related: Linden Bulk Transportation acquired by ISO tank specialist]
Old Dominion announces general rate increase
Old Dominion Freight Line (CCJ Top 250, No. 9) on Monday announced a general rate increase (GRI) of 4.9% applicable to rates established under the existing ODFL 559, 670, and 550 tariffs, effective Dec. 4, 2023.
Todd A. Polen, Old Dominion Freight Line’s Vice President of Pricing Services, said the rate increase will “ensure the continued enhancement of our high-quality service network and systems.”
“This GRI, applicable to our class tariffs, aims to partially offset rising costs associated with new real estate and expansion projects, new equipment, technology investments, and competitive employee wage and benefit packages,” Polen added. “The overall increase is anticipated to be approximately 4.9%. While the GRI’s impact will vary based on individual shipment lanes and distances traveled, it aligns with our long-term yield management strategy. The GRI also includes nominal increases in minimum charges for intrastate, interstate, and cross-border lanes.”
Georgia fuel tax suspended through Nov. 29
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp last week issued an executive order renewing a state of emergency, extending the suspension of the fuel tax in the state.
For truck drivers fueling up in the Peach State, that means a 35-cent discount at the pump with the diesel tax removed from the price.
Kemp initially issued an executive order suspending the fuel tax on Sept. 12, “due to the ongoing economic hardships caused by rampant inflation.” He renewed the order on Oct. 6 through Nov. 11, and on Nov. 8, he renewed the order once again, through Nov. 29.
The shorter extension is to help Georgians “cope with high food and travel costs through the Thanksgiving holiday,” a press releasee from the governor’s office said.
Mack recalls medium-duty trucks over steering issue
Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 74 model year 2024 MD trucks in which the steering wheel attachment bolt may loosen and separate from the steering shaft, causing the steering wheel to detach, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
Mack said the recall population is trucks built when the incorrect tool was being used to install the steer shaft retention bolt between Sept. 19 and Oct. 5, 2023, which may have resulted in an over-torque or under-torque condition.
The driver may notice excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel, which could provide warning, Mack added.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the steering wheel retention bolt, 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 SC0453. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-746.
Cummins nat-gas engine recall extends to certain Freightliners
Daimler Trucks North America is recalling approximately 19 model year 2024 Freightliner M2 and 114SD trucks equipped with Cummins L9N natural gas engines.
As reported last week, 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.
Cummins said that the subject engines may have been built with incorrect length flanged studs attaching the rear lifting bracket to the cylinder head.
Cummins 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 Jan. 1, 2024. Owners can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with recall number FL983. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-737.
[Related: Mack recalls small number of trucks equipped with nat-gas Cummins engine]
