Trucking news and briefs for Friday, April 3, 2020:
Pilot launches new loyalty program
Pilot Company has launched its new Push4Points program that allows truck drivers to earn more points on diesel purchases.
The program began April 1 and runs through June 30. Drivers can activate Push4Points in the Pilot Flying J app to start earning up to four points per gallon on every diesel purchase.
Once the program is activated each month, drivers start at one point per gallon and automatically earn an additional half-point per gallon, up to four points per gallon, with each qualifying fill of 75 diesel gallons or more.
CVSA compiles list of coronavirus-related links
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has compiled a list of links from trucking-related organizations, associations and agencies providing COVID-19 information.
The list of resources can be found here. There are currently links to 27 groups with COVID-19 information pertinent to truck drivers.
Volvo announces special finance program
Volvo Financial Services is offering U.S. customers a new finance program on the purchase or lease of a model year 2019 or 2020 Volvo VNL, VNR, VNX or VHD model.
The “Hammer Down 2.0” program extends the first payment for 60 days for qualified buyers of VNL, VNR and VNX models and for 90 days for VHD models.
Additionally, for model year 2019 trucks, customers can receive up to $5,000 payment credit on initial monthly installment or lease payments, and up to $3,000 for 2020 models.
Daycab models will also receive an engine plan and purchased Engine Aftermarket (EATS) coverage for three years or 300,000 miles. VNL, VNR and VNX sleeper models will receive an engine plan and purchased EATS coverage for 4 years or 500,000 miles.
Volvo’s announcement comes on the heels of new financing programs from Mack Trucks.
Navistar further delays truck production
Navistar International announced Thursday it is further pushing out the restart of truck production. The company’s truck assembly plant in Springfield, Ohio temporarily ceased production on Monday, March 23 due to disruptions in the supply chain resulting from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Navistar initially planned to restart operations Monday but “with the supply chain still interrupted, this stoppage is being extended,” the company announced via release. Production is now expected to resume Monday, April 27.
Additionally, Navistar is broadening a temporary suspension in manufacturing operations to its engine assembly plant in Huntsville, Alabama, and truck assembly plant in Escobedo, Mexico. Production should resume at both locations Monday, April 13.
Michigan lifts some spring weight restrictions
The Michigan Department of Transportation has lifted spring weight restrictions on state roads from the southern Michigan border north to the Mackinac Bridge.
Frost restrictions are still in effect for all state trunkline highways north of the Mackinac Bridge. State routes typically carry M, I, or US designations.
MDOT reminds truckers county road commissions and city public works departments can put in place their own seasonal weight restrictions, which usually, but not always, coincide with state highway weight restrictions. Signs are generally posted to indicate which routes have weight restrictions in effect, according to the agency.
