Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022:
Translead recalling trailers for brakes issue
Hyundai Translead is recalling certain 2020-21 dry van and reefer trailers to fix a retaining clip in the brake pad retaining assembly that may be loose or could detach, loosening the brake pad. The company believes 39 units are affected.
A retaining clip or bracket that detaches can damage the brake pad, reducing brake performance; damage a tire valve, causing a flat tire; or become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will repair the spring bracket assembly free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on Dec. 8, 2022.
Paccar recalling 15K vocational trucks over suspensions issue
Paccar is recalling approximately 15,658 model year 2015-2023 Peterbilt 320 and 520 refuse trucks equipped with Haulmaax/EX suspensions.
The suspension tracking rod brackets may fail and detach from the forward drive axle, causing the axle to become unstable, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
Dealers will inspect the welds and add an additional bracket between the tracking rod bracket and axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 14.
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Real Women in Trucking seeks Queen of the Road entries
The Real Women In Trucking organization opened nominations for its sixth annual Queen of the Road recognition of women truck drivers. New additions to the awards program this year will recognize a trainer of the year and a top rookie driver.
Nominations may be made online.
Criteria for the Queen of the Road consideration require the nominee to:
- Be either a past or present commercial driver’s license holder
- Have hands-on experience in the operation of a tractor-trailer without assistance and the ability to deliver freight
- Must fit the R.E.A.L. criteria. R. Reaching Out. E. Encouraging Others. A. Achieving Personal Success. L. Leadership. The R.E.A.L. criteria are a demonstration of outreach, compassion and encouragement toward others. Leadership is exhibited through the sharing of personal success strategies that illustrate the tenacity it takes to become a professional commercial motor vehicle operator.
The organization said the "Trainer of the Year" can be:
- A driver that has a minimum of three years' experience, having driven in all climates and terrains
- Someone that cares about the student's success and is available even after they graduate training
- Any woman trainer that is actively working with student drivers over the road, on a training range, or in a classroom setting
A potentially successful "Rookie of the Year" candidate is a driver with more than six months but less than one year of driving accident-free as a solo qualified driver who is committed to being a safe and successful on the road.
Nominees who meet the criteria must have a nomination biography submitted through this form before Jan. 13. Voting on nominees will take place between Jan. 20 and Feb. 24. All nominees receive a free RWIT lifetime membership and a limited-edition event T-shirt.
[Related: Results of the fifth-annual Queen of the Road program]
Women in Trucking seeks Driver of the Year nominations
The Women in Trucking Association is seeking nominations for its annual Driver of the Year award, sponsored by Walmart.
The fourth annual award recognizes exceptional female professional drivers who lead the industry in safety standards while actively working to enhance the public image of the trucking industry. The application is open to any female driver who has safely driven at least one million consecutive, accident-free miles. Nominees must demonstrate a positive contribution to the trucking industry and their community. Nominations are open for both owner-operators and company drivers.
Other requirements include:
- The operator must be nominated by the motor carrier by which she is currently leased or employed and must have three years of experience with that company
- A personal statement explaining in 250 words or less why they should be selected
- At least three letters of recommendation explaining in 250 words or less why the driver should be selected
The finalists and overall winner will be recognized at the 2023 Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 31. The winner will be chosen based on her safety record, positive community contributions, and impact on the public image of the trucking industry. She will receive a plaque, commemorative ring, and more.
Nominations are due here before Feb. 1.
[Related: Enter Overdrive's 2023 Trucker of the Year competition]