Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023:
Diesel reaches new 2023 high with latest increase
With a 9.3-cent increase during the week ending Sept. 18, diesel prices across the U.S. have now risen in 10 of the last 11 weeks for a total 86.6-cent increase during that 11-week period, dating back to the week ending July 10.
With the latest increase, the U.S.’ national average for a gallon of on-highway diesel is $4.63 -- the highest weekly average of 2023, based on Energy Information Administration data. The last time the national average was higher was the week ending Dec. 12, when prices stood at $4.75 a gallon.
During the most recent week, prices increased in all regions across the U.S. California saw the most significant increase -- 22.2 cents -- followed by the Gulf Coast region, which saw a 14-cent jump.
With the increase, California’s diesel average jumped above $6 to $6.19 a gallon. The only other region with prices averaging above $5 is the West Coast less California region at $5.26 per gallon.
Spot rates in the last week lagged behind owner-operators' and brokers' reactions to them as spot rates in all three segments slipped on average nationwide.
Volumes were comparatively weak on the load boards compared to this time last year, and Truckstop and FTR noted rates overall were almost 11% below the same 2022 week, too. At once, that's the least negative year-over-year comparison since the month of August 2022, and just 5% off the five-year average. Comparisons year over year have been relatively stable since August of last year when the spot market, by their estimation, had "fully normalized."
As usual for the week last week, the cheapest diesel can be found in the Gulf Coast region at $4.35 per gallon, followed by the Lower Atlantic region at $4.46 per gallon.
Prices in other regions:
- New England -- $4.59
- Central Atlantic -- $4.75
- Midwest -- $4.49
- Rocky Mountain -- $4.86
ProMiles’ diesel averages during the most recent week showed a 6.7-cent increase to $4.52 a gallon nationwide.
According to the ProMiles Fuel Surcharge Index, the most expensive diesel can be found in California at $6.16 per gallon, and the cheapest can be found in the Gulf Coast region at $4.21 per gallon.
[Related: Tesla Semi real-world performance stats finally drop: Does it live up to the hype?]
Settlement reached in Canadian Navistar MaxxForce lawsuit
A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit against Navistar in Canada.
The proposed settlement of $14.5 million in Canadian dollars (approximately $10.8 million U.S.) will go to Canadian individuals or businesses, excluding those in Quebec, who on or before Feb. 24, 2022, purchased or leased for more than 30 days a 2011-2014 Navistar vehicle with a MaxxForce 11-, 13- or 15-liter engine using EGR technology.
This would include Paystar, Workstar, Transtar, 9900i, Lonestar and Prostar models.
The settlement is not an admission of liability, fault or wrongdoing, but is a compromise of disputed claims. It is meant to resolve all outstanding class litigation against Navistar in Canada, including similar cases in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba. As noted, cases do not include any in Quebec.
The suit alleges that Navistar Canada, Navistar Inc., Navistar International Corporation and Harbour International Trucks sold or leased vehicles with defective advanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems.
A court still must approve the settlement, and that hearing is set for Nov. 30. If you are eligible and want to be included in the class and the settlement, you don't need to do anything now. The deadline to exclude yourself or to object to the settlement is Nov. 17. You can read more and calculate a potential payment on the settlement website.
[Related: Judge finalizes $135 million Navistar settlement in MaxxForce engine defects case]
New Kenworth dealership opens in Michigan
Michigan Kenworth has opened a new 66,000-square-foot Kenworth dealership in Metro Detroit.
Michigan Kenworth, a subsidiary of CSM Companies, has six locations throughout the state, including Grand Rapids, Gaylord, Saginaw, Dearborn, Clinton Township and now Metro Detroit.
"We are proud to announce the opening of our newest dealership in Detroit," said Bill Kozek, CEO of CSM Companies. "As a leading provider of Kenworth trucks, we are committed to providing our customers with the best service and support. Our new dealership will allow us to better serve the Detroit community and surrounding areas."
The expansion is part of the company’s mission to provide support to customers with facilities nationwide for new and used truck sales, all-make parts sales, and world-class repair & maintenance service, CSM Companies said.
Located at 44660 N. Interstate 94 Service Dr., Van Buren Township, MI 48111, the newest Kenworth facility will bring CSM Companies locations to 28 total. The dealership will feature more 17,000 sq. ft. of warehouse for parts inventory, 30 service bays -- including three bays dedicated for Express Lane Triage -- and an additional dedicated wash bay.
The property will have nearly 10 acres of parking area that allows ample parking for new and used truck sales, along with dedicated space for trailer parking. In addition, the facility will be fitted with infrastructure to support green initiatives, such as EV charging stations.
