Trucking news and briefs for Monday, May 31, 2021:
Two recalls affect more than 80,000 Daimler trucks
Daimler Trucks North America is recalling more than 80,000 trucks, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents. The largest of the recalls affects more than 72,000 trucks, while the other affects nearly 8,500 trucks.
The largest of the recalls affects approximately 75,508 model year 2017-2022 Freightliner Cascadia trucks equipped with halogen headlight assemblies. The halogen headlight bulb may dislodge during replacement and contact other vehicle components, possibly causing them to melt.
Dealers will install a foam grommet, cut a 4-inch access hole into the inner fender, and add a warning label on both fenders, free of charge. Owners can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with recall number FL-887. NHTSA’s recall number is 21V-357.
The other recall affects a variety of Daimler models and was prompted by tie rod clamps that may be loose, which could result in loose tie rod ends that could break or detach, possibly causing a loss of steering.
Affected trucks include certain 2021-2022 Freightliner 114SD, 122SD, Business Class M2, Cascadia, 108SD, Western Star 4900, 4700, 5700, Custom Chassis RV Chassis, Custom Chassis S2 Chassis, Custom Chassis XC Chassis, Custom Chassis XB Chassis and Custom Chassis MT Chassis.
Dealers will replace the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts for free. Owners can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with recall number FL-888. NHTSA’s recall number is 21V-369.
FMCSA reminds truckers of risks of using CBD
Cannabidiol – known as CBD – is often touted as a remedy for many health-related issues, helping reduce pain, ease anxiety and depression, lower high blood pressure and reduce the ill effects of cancer treatments. And, while it is extracted from cannabis plants, CBD is not the compound that delivers the "high" associated with marijuana.
However, it still can cause problems for truckers who must be tested for drug use. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued an update Thursday, May 27, urging truckers and their employers to be wary of CBD use.
"Since the use of CBD products could lead to a positive drug test result, Department of Transportation-regulated safety-sensitive employees should exercise caution when considering whether to use CBD products," the agency said in the "clearinghouse update" it issued.
The agency reminded truckers and others:
- The DOT requires testing for marijuana and not CBD
- Labeling of some CBD products may be misleading because the products could contain higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than what’s stated on the product label. THC is the compound that creates the "high" associated with marijuana.
- CBD use is not considered a legitimate medical explanation for a positive drug test result. That means medical review officers will verify a drug test confirmed at the appropriate cutoffs as positive, even if an employee claims they only used a CBD product.
- The U.S. DOT’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation, 49 CFR Part 40, does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.
New Love’s opens in Colorado
Love’s Travel Stops' latest location opened last week along Interstate 25 in Walsenburg, Colorado. It has 46 truck parking spaces. Walsenburg is located about 90 miles south of Colorado Springs.
The location offers Godfather’s Pizza and Subway restaurants, six diesel bays, six showers, laundry facilities and more.
The Walsenburg location is the company’s 17th in Colorado.
