Trucking news and briefs for Monday, March 20, 2023:
Trucking trade group meets with Congress
Pictured are Gregg Troian, PGT Trucking; Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia); Ron Faherty, ARL Transport; Jennifer Recker, US 1; Mike Joyce, TIE.TIE
During the two-day visit, the coalition met with 18 congressional offices, outlining the essential role independent contractors play in the American economy and the challenges these drivers and businesses face navigating the current legal and regulatory framework.
"One out of every seven trucks you see on the road in the United States today is operated by an independent contractor," said TIE Executive Director Scott Brenner. "Our association is committed to ensuring that the independent contractor model remains a viable option for businesses and workers alike, providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and job flexibility."
TIE said the meetings with Congress were a step in educating lawmakers on the issues surrounding the independent contractor model and advocating for policies that support its continued use.
[Related: CDL Drivers Unlimited, a new advocacy/support organization, makes first push]
International recalls severe-, medium-duty trucks
Navistar is recalling more than 1,400 severe-duty and medium-duty trucks for issues related to the driveshaft and the batteries, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
One recall includes approximately 791 model year 2023 International HV and 2023-2024 International MV trucks in which the assembly bolts used to attach the battery box to the mounting bracket may be loose or missing, which could allow the battery box to detach from the truck.
Dealers will replace and tighten all four bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 5. Owners can contact Navistar's customer service at 800-448-7825 with recall number 23506. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-154.
In a separate recall, Navistar is recalling approximately 660 model year 2023 International HV and 2023-2024 International MV trucks in which the rear axle spring wedge shim may have been incorrectly installed, which can cause U-joint failure and result in driveshaft separation, causing a loss of drive power.
Dealers will reinstall the rear axle wedge shim, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 5. Owners can contact Navistar customer service with recall number 23505. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-153.
Mack recalls small number of Granite models over steering issue
Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 17 model year 2023 Granite trucks in which the front-drive steer axle fasteners may not have been tightened sufficiently and could come loose, resulting in a complete separation of the axle assembly joints.
Dealers will replace and tighten the axle fasteners, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 28. Owners can contact Mack customer service at 800-866-1177 with recall number SC0441. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-143.
Love’s adds 400 truck parking spaces to network
Love’s Travel Stops has opened new stores in Jacksonville, Florida; New Boston, Texas; and Lafayette, Indiana; and reopened one in Gary, Indiana. Combined, they offer 397 truck parking spaces.
The Gary location was closed last year after a fire. The store was demolished and rebuilt to include more square footage and parking spaces, and updated amenities including the third Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill at a Love’s location.
The locations include:
Jacksonville, Florida
- Bojangles
- 93 truck parking spaces
- Eight diesel bays
- Seven showers
- Speedco
New Boston, Texas
- Arby’s
- 86 truck parking spaces
- Nine diesel bays
- 10 showers
- Speedco
Gary, Indiana
- Godfather’s Pizza and Naf Naf
- 154 truck parking spaces
- 15 diesel bays
- Nine showers
- Speedco (opening in the summer)
Lafayette, Indiana
- Hardee’s
- 64 truck parking spaces
- Nine diesel bays
- Seven showers
- Speedco (opening April 3)
[Related: Americans largely unaware of truck parking crisis: Survey]
CVSA accepting nominations for annual IDEA contest
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is accepting nominations for its International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA), an annual award that recognizes an extraordinary professional commercial motor vehicle driver and their commitment to public safety.
In addition, the alliance announced it has increased the monetary award amount for the IDEA winner, doubling it from the previous amount of $2,500 this year.
The 2023 IDEA recipient (and a guest) will also receive complimentary airfare to Grapevine, Texas, along with a two-night, one-room hotel stay at the Gaylord Texan, to attend the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition awards luncheon where they will receive their check and crystal trophy.
Nominees must have:
- At least 25 cumulative years of crash-free driving in a commercial motor vehicle with a clean driving record for the past three years
- No felony convictions
- No safety-related driving suspensions in the past three years
- No driver violations in the past three years, excluding form and manner violations
CVSA’s application enables individuals to easily fill out the nomination form and submit the required supporting documentation online. Access the 2023 IDEA online nomination submission form.
“Commercial drivers are the backbone of North America’s supply chain, ensuring people and goods reach their destinations safely,” said CVSA President Maj. Chris Nordloh with the Texas Department of Public Safety. “IDEA is the perfect way for a motor carrier to honor and recognize drivers for their vital work.”
