Trucking news and briefs for Monday, July 10, 2023:
Use of clean diesel tech growing, report finds
The Diesel Technology Forum reported a more than 10% increase in the number of clean diesel trucks on the road in 2022 than in 2021.Diesel Technology Forum
Research from DTF showed the number of new near-zero emission diesel trucks on the road increased 10.2% between 2021 and 2022. Near-zero emission trucks are advanced diesel technology manufactured in the 2010 and later model years.
DTF found near-zero emissions diesel trucks comprise 57% of all commercial diesel trucks (Class 3-8) on the roads today. These trucks are equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction systems (SCR) that achieve near-zero levels of emissions.
Additionally, 65.7% of all Class 3-8 diesel trucks on the road are 2007 and newer and are equipped with DPFs, so they achieve near-zero emissions for particulates.
DTF’s analysis of S&P Global Mobility TIPNet Vehicles in Operation Data as of December 2022 found that in the population of Class 8 trucks in operation that are 2010 or later model years, 95.4% are advanced diesel technology, 2.1% are CNG, 0.3% are electric, and the remainder are gasoline or other fuels.
For the entire commercial truck population (Class 3-8) of over 15 million vehicles, 75.6% are powered by diesel, while 22.9% are powered by gasoline (22.9%), 0.46% by compressed natural gas, 0.85% by other fuels (ethanol, fuel cell, LNG, propane), and 0.09% are electric.
Illinois is the state with the fastest-growing registration of new advanced diesel technology Class 8 trucks, up 4.6% through December 2022 as compared to 2021. Indiana ranks first of the states for the highest percentage of registrations of 2010 and later model year diesel trucks (73.2%), followed by Utah (66.2%), Pennsylvania (66.0%), Washington D.C. (65.4%), and Texas (63.6%).
Notably, California – the state with the strictest emissions regulations – lags the national average, taking the 35th spot (51.6%).
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) disputes DTF's data, saying it has records that indicate more than 76.1% of California-registered Class 3-8 vehicles are 2011 model year or newer with advanced emissions technology. It says it got its figures from January California DMV and International Registration Plan registries of trucks and buses that travel in the state, and that the figures go up to 85.6% when using IRP's California apportionment.
This story was updated July 13, 2023, with comment from CARB.
[Related: The fight over EPA Phase 3 emissions regs]
TriumphPay partners with Trax to fight freight fraud
Transportation Spend Management (TSM) firm Trax Technologies recently announced a strategic relationship with payments network TriumphPay, allowing Trax’s global freight audit offering to be integrated into TriumphPay’s payments network.
The companies said the integration “will provide greater financial flexibility to both shippers and logistic service providers while reducing the risk of fraud within transportation payments.”
“Combining our data-driven technology with the security of a bank allows us to offer customers the best of both worlds,” said Hampton Wall, CEO of Trax. “As one of the strongest, most reputable, and forward-thinking payment solutions providers in the world, Triumph's relationship enables Trax to increase our significant investment in transportation spend management innovation while providing our customers with payment solutions that are safe, secure, and accepted by tens of thousands of logistics service providers.”
Upon completion of the technical integration, all payments made by Trax will be made via the TriumphPay network, providing automated payments, fraud protection, funds security, and flexibility in the timing of payments for shippers and carriers alike.
[Related: Truckstop, Trax partnership looks to ease broker/shipper-carrier relationships]
Knight-Swift’s acquisition of U.S. Xpress officially closes
Shareholders of U.S. Xpress earlier this month approved the Chattanooga, Tennessee-based carrier's acquisition by Knight-Swift Transportation, formally closing on July 1 the $808 million transaction announced in March. Upon the deal's closing, U.S. Xpress was de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange.
“We are grateful for the efforts of so many who worked diligently to bring about such a significant transaction in the truckload industry,” said Knight-Swift CEO Dave Jackson. “Against the current backdrop of a particularly difficult business environment, the chance to add one of the largest brands in our industry, with significant opportunity to improve earnings, gain customers and reach more professional drivers, is a compelling part of our plan to drive higher highs and higher lows across successive truckload freight cycles."
Jackson said cross-functional synergy teams made up of leaders from Knight, Swift, and U.S. Xpress are off to a great start collaborating on plans to share best practices, improve operations and leverage economies of scale.
"While the truckload part of the organization focuses on achieving the goals we have laid out for U.S. Xpress, our LTL and M&A teams remain focused on our strategic priority of continuing to build out a nationwide LTL network," he added.
[Related: Knight-Swift acquiring U.S. Xpress for more than $800 million]
Mack recalling LR garbage trucks for windshield wiper issue
Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 204 model year 2023-‘24 LR garbage trucks because the wiper arm retention nuts may be loose, stripping, and causing the windshield wipers to fail.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents state that dealers will inspect, tighten the retention nuts, and replace the windshield wiper arms as necessary, free of charge.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Aug. 25. Owners may contact Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with recall number SCC0445. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-465.
Stoughton container chassis recalled over brakes
Stoughton Trailers is recalling approximately 55 model year 2024 CCGN-40T 40-foot container chassis trailers in which the brake hose may be the incorrect length and have inadequate or missing air tank fasteners, which can result in brake hose failure. The recall said brake hose failure can cause a loss of braking ability.
Dealers will replace the brake hoses, and inspect and replace any inadequate air tank fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 13. Owners can contact Stoughton customer service at 1-608-873-2580. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-460.
