Trucking news and briefs for Monday, July 14, 2025:
Lighting issue prompts recall of 56K Kenworth, Peterbilt trucks
More than 56,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks have been recalled because of a lights-related issue.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, the tail brake light, upper and lower beam headlights, reverse light, and turn signal lamps may not illuminate as intended. Additionally, the lift axles, if lowered, may revert to a raised position, or oscillate up and down when the signal warning lights are activated.
As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
The 56,575 affected trucks include:
- 2023-’26 Kenworth T380
- 2023-’26 Kenworth T680
- 2023-’26 Kenworth T880
- 2023-’26 Peterbilt 520
- 2023-’26 Peterbilt 548
- 2023-’26 Peterbilt 579
- 2024-’26 Kenworth T480
- 2024-’26 Kenworth W990
- 2024-’26 Peterbilt 536
- 2024-’26 Peterbilt 537
- 2024-’26 Peterbilt 589
- 2025 Kenworth T180
- 2025 Peterbilt 535
- 2025-’26 Kenworth T280
- 2025-’26 Kenworth L770
According to the recall, delayed and unsteady headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
In addition, an unexpected position change of the lift axles may increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will update the Vehicle Control Unit software, free of charge. Paccar has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners can contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 25PACF. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-436.
Hours of service waiver issued in New Mexico for flood responders
Deadly flooding in the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, has prompted an emergency declaration from New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The governor’s declaration calls for regulatory relief for truck drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and Lincoln County.
Under terms of the declaration, truck drivers responding to the emergency are exempt from 49 Code of Federal Regulations 395.3 -- Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles. The declaration also waives 395.5 for passenger-carrying vehicles.
“Ruidoso endured devastating wildfires and flooding last summer, and now catastrophic flooding is hitting this resilient community again,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “This crisis demands immediate action.”
The order is effective for the duration of the emergency or through 2 p.m. on July 31, whichever is sooner.
Trucker named Highway Angel for helping crash victims
Asheboro, North Carolina-based Tim Akins, a truck driver for ABF Freight, has been named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association for stopping and rescuing crash victims who were trapped in their vehicle.
Tim Akins
“His trailer started fishtailing back and forth,” Akins said. “It was so abrupt; jerking him everywhere.”
The trailer had become partially separated from the four-door Dodge pickup truck and, ultimately, the truck jackknifed and flipped on the side of the road. Akins immediately stopped his tractor and ran to the truck to help. He saw that the crashed truck’s two passengers were conscious but trapped inside.
“I was able to bang on the windshield,” said Akins. “The driver said, ‘we’re okay, we just can’t get out.’”
Akins jumped up on the side of the truck, quickly grabbed a pocket knife, and was able to cut the airbags. He then hung upside down in the truck to release one of the men’s seatbelts and then helped them vacate the vehicle. Both passengers were able to walk away from the accident with minor injuries due to Akins being able to cut them free.
“It’s just human instinct,” Akins said. “If there’s anything I can do to help, I’m gonna do it.”
