News roundup, March 30: Real ID enforcement deadline delayed; Truck-stop clinic network’s coronavirus consult service up and running

Updated Aug 3, 2023

Trucking news and briefs for Monday, March 30, 2020:

Real ID requirement delayed amid coronavirus pandemic
The Department of Homeland Security announced last week it is delaying the Real ID enforcement deadline which, in part, requires truck drivers to have an upgraded license to enter military bases and other federal facilities. The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards that are required for accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants and boarding commercial airplanes.

Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf issued a statement March 26 saying the Real ID enforcement deadline was being pushed from Oct. 1, 2020, to Oct. 1, 2021.

“Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the national emergency declaration, the Department of Homeland Security, as directed by President Donald J. Trump, is extending the Real ID enforcement deadline beyond the current October 1, 2020 deadline,” Wolf said. “States across the country are temporarily closing or restricting access to DMVs. This action will preclude millions of people from applying for and receiving their Real ID. Extending the deadline will also allow the department to work with Congress to implement needed changes to expedite the issuance of Real IDs once the current health crisis concludes.”

Brake light issue prompts recall of more than 13,000 International trucks
Navistar has issued a recall of approximately 13,570 International HX and LT models for an issue with the brake lights, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.

The recall affects model year 2018-2021 International HX tractors and model year 2019-2020 International LT models. In the affected trucks, the brake light switch may have a weak solder joint, possibly resulting in a poor electrical contact with brake lights that don’t work or that stay on.

Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch for free. Owners can contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with recall number 20501. NHTSA’s recall number is 20V-160.

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UrgentCareTravel video-linked coronavirus consult service now live
As of Wednesday, March 25, the new remote video-linked tele-consult service from the UrgentCareTravel (UCT) health clinic network, at various Pilot Flying J stops around the nation, is in place for those who experience symptoms they have questions about to put to an experienced health professional.

UCT remains open for business at its locations, too, the company’s Mitch Strobin emphasized, just as some “hospitals, medical facilities and clinics have stopped seeing patients for non-essential medical services. … UCT is committed to the truck driver population and will continue to provide the services they need every day, including chronic care management, primary care services” and more.

FMCSA put a pause in place on the need for driver medical certifications — UCT also can be utilized for DOT physicals — that will run at least through June 30.

For more about UCT’s coronavirus consult effort (cost: $40), read this story from last week about various telemedicine options for drivers.