Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, June 24, 2020:
Be wary of increased cargo theft activity in Memphis
Cargo theft recording firm SensiGuard has noted an increase in the last week in the rate of pilferage cargo thefts in a small area of southeast Memphis, Tennessee. The firm says a variety of product types have been targeted while waiting to deliver goods outside a customer, typically overnight.
“These pilferages have been relatively large scale, typically involving multiple pallets of merchandise rather than a few cases or boxes,” the firm notes.
SensiGuard offers the following recommendations for drivers delivering to the Memphis area:
- Minimize overnight waits as much as possible
- Try to park inside the facility lot instead of the street, if possible
- Use high-security seals or hardened padlocks that require more than bolt cutters to remove
- Place a heavy-gauge wire seal at the top of the trailer that is inaccessible from the street level
- Report to law enforcement any suspicious vehicles or individuals seen outside of distribution centers
- Be alert for vehicles following you, and report any such activity
BRIDGE NAMED AFTER LONGTIME PAST OOIDA PRESIDENT JIM JOHNSTON | The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association announced that the bridge at I-70 and Grain Valley Exit 24 in Missouri will be dedicated to OOIDA’s late president, Jim Johnston. “He was an outspoken champion for the rights of all professional truck drivers,” said Todd Spencer, president and CEO of OOIDA. “This is a fitting honor for him and the Association.” He was president of OOIDA from 1975 until he passed away in 2018. Read more about Johnston via this remembrance and this round-up of reader recollections of his time at the head of OOIDA.BlueDEF launches contest offering year’s supply of DEF
Diesel exhaust fluid manufacturer BlueDEF is launching its Small Business Stimulus Package contest in which the winner will receive a year’s supply of BlueDEF.
The company says in light of the challenges the trucking industry, and especially small businesses, have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is looking to ease the financial burden on small businesses with the contest.
To qualify for the contest, fleets must have between one and 20 Class 3 to Class 8 trucks and employ a maximum of 50 employees. Entering the contest requires carriers to fill out a short questionnaire, then submit a short video or photo with a description explaining how winning the contest would benefit the company.
A total of 10 grand prizes will be awarded. Grand prizes include 80 2.5-gallon containers of BlueDEF, a value of $1,200 at the suggested retail price.
Kenworth offering extended remote diagnostics subscriptions for more customers
Kenworth TruckTech+ Remote Diagnostics is now offering an extended subscription option for customers who forego an extended engine warranty plan on new Kenworth Class 8 trucks with Paccar MX or Cummins engines.
Truck buyers currently receive a free two-year base subscription when purchasing a new Kenworth Class 8 truck. Customers that buy an extended engine warranty plan get the subscription for the life of the extended warranty coverage.
Now, customers can order an extended subscription from their Kenworth dealer to cover from 6 months up to 36 months after the initial two years ends. Customers that opt not to buy an extended subscription at the time of their new Kenworth Class 8 truck purchase can do so at the end of the two-year base period.
