Trucking news and briefs for Monday, March 1, 2021:
The Micheline X Line Energy T2 meets SmartWay requirements and targets dry van truckload and less-than-truckload, refrigerated, tanker and flatbed fleet segments.
Michelin is adding two new commercial truck tires to its Energy lineup.
SmartWay-compliant and GHG2 approved into 2027, the X Multi Energy Z2 tire is designed for less-than-truckload and multiple-stop delivery fleets that run 300-500 miles per day in medium scrub environments and on-highway. The directional steer tire is designed to improve resistance to irregular wear for more miles. It is available in two tire sizes: 11R22.5 LRG and 295/75R22.5 LRH.
The X Line Energy T2, meets SmartWay requirements and targets dry van truckload and less-than-truckload, refrigerated, tanker and flatbed fleet segments. Designed for improved wear, fuel savings, retreadability and exceptional traction, the X Line Energy T2 dual-compound tread consists of a mileage top layer that controls tread stiffness and stress to reduce irregular wear and a fuel-efficient bottom layer that minimizes internal casing temperatures for low rolling resistance. Curb guards and upper sidewall ribs help fight sidewall damage providing excellent retreadability. It is available in four sizes: 295/75R22.5 LRG 11R22.5 LRG, 285/75R24.5 LRG and 11R24.5LRH.
Navistar recalls 27k International trucks; Paccar, Daimler issue smaller recalls
Three recalls announced last week by Navistar, Paccar and Daimler Trucks North America affect more than 27,000 trucks, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
The largest of the three recalls came from Navistar, which affects approximately 27,457 trucks, was prompted by the battery ground cable ring terminal at the frame connecting point possibly breaking, resulting in a loss of electrical power and unintended engine shutdown without warning.
The Navistar recall includes model year 2018-2021 International LoneStar trucks and model year 2017-2021 International LT tractors.
Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the battery ground cable for free. Owners can contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with recall number 21501. NHTSA’s recall number is 21V-079.
A recall from Paccar affects approximately 132 trucks equipped with Cummins X15 engines. In the affected trucks, the capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may have been improperly torqued, allowing the flywheel to detach, which could cause loss of drive power. Affected models include:
- 2021-2022 Kenworth T680
- 2021-2022 Kenworth T800
- 2021-2022 Kenworth T880
- 2021-2022 Kenworth W900
- 2021-2022 Kenworth W990
- 2021-2022 Peterbilt 367
- 2021-2022 Peterbilt 389
- 2021-2022 Peterbilt 567
- 2021-2022 Peterbilt 579
Paccar will notify owners, and dealers will properly torque the capscrews and inspect for possible damage and, if necessary, repair any damage found. Owners can contact Paccar customer service at 1-425-828-5888 (Kenworth) or 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). with recall numbers 21KWA and 21PBB. NHTSA’s recall number is 21V-080.
Finally, Daimler is recalling just seven model year 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia trucks equipped with Cummins X15 engines with the same flywheel issue as Paccar’s recall.
DTNA will work with the engine manufacturer Cummins to notify owners, and Cummins dealers will properly torque the capscrews and inspect for possible damage and, if necessary, repair any damage found. Owners can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with recall number FL-875. NTHSA’s recall number is 21V-073.
Michigan enacts spring weight restrictions
The Michigan Department of Transportation and local agencies have enacted spring weight restrictions, an annual move the department said is needed to protect roads.
All state trunklines in this area will have weight restrictions imposed and enforced. State routes typically carry M, I, or US designations.
In the restricted areas, the following will apply:
- On routes designated as "all-season" (designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be no reduction in legal axle weights
- On routes designated as "seasonal" (designated in solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be a posted weight reduction of 25 percent for rigid (concrete) pavements and 35 percent for flexible (asphalt) pavements
- All extended permits will be valid for oversize loads in the weight-restricted area on the restricted routes. Single-trip permits will not be issued for any overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles and 150 feet in overall length on the restricted routes.
For weight restriction information and updates, call 800-787-8960, or you can access this information on MDOT's website, under "Restrictions." All-season routes are designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map, which is available online. Trucking companies located in New Jersey and Canada can obtain information by calling 517-373-6256.
