Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Aug. 26, 2024:
California legislators call for delay of Advanced Clean Fleets rule
After an incident in late July involving a lithium-ion battery fire that shut down I-15 for two days, a group of California lawmakers is asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to delay the implementation of the Advanced Clean Fleets rule, which bans the sale of diesel trucks in the state by 2036.
The state legislators said during the two-day interstate closure, “Without an alternate route, people were stuck in the desert without water, food or medical supplies. Some ran out of fuel; others lost charge for their electric vehicles.”
Despite emergency response from numerous agencies, “there was nothing that could have been done to suppress the fire,” a letter to Newsom said. “Adding water to lithium batteries would have resulted in toxic gas emitting into the air,” and the batteries had to burn out on their own.
The letter to Newsom added that his policies have “favored electric vehicles that use lithium-ion batteries. If one diesel truck carrying six batteries can shut down a major highway for 48 hours, what will happen when the highways are swarming with electric trucks powered by these batteries?”
With numerous unanswered questions, the legislators asked Newsom to delay the implementation of the ACF mandate.
In addition to the I-15 closure, a Tesla Semi truck fire along I-80 shut the interstate down for 16 hours just last week.
The U.S. DOT on Tuesday will host a virtual meeting related to post-accident battery safety. Representatives from DOT and other agencies and organizations will discuss EVs and fire safety topics related to lithium-ion batteries.
[Related: Trucking to EPA: Send CARB 'back to drawing board' for its ZEV truck-purchase mandates]
ATRI asks truckers to rank top concerns
The American Transportation Research Institute has launched its 2024 Top Industry Issues Survey, which asks trucking industry stakeholders to rank the top issues of concern for the industry, along with potential strategies for addressing each issue.
Now in its 20th year, ATRI’s annual analysis not only ranks the issues overall but also provides insights into how critical topics are ranked differently by motor carriers and professional drivers. The report also allows trucking stakeholders to monitor issues over time to better understand which issues are rising, or falling, in criticality.
“Every year ATRI’s annual survey gives drivers an opportunity to make our collective concerns known,” said Chevelle Walker, an America’s Road Team Captain and professional truck driver for Werner Enterprises. “Whether your top challenge is truck parking, driver compensation, detention, traffic congestion or something else, this is your chance to bring those issues to light. Please take a few minutes to complete the online survey and encourage your peers to do so also.”
The results of the 2024 survey will be released Oct. 12 as part of the American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition to be held in Nashville, Tennessee.
Industry stakeholders are encouraged to complete the 2024 survey here by Sept. 27.
Continental truck tires recalled for shoulder separation
Continental Tire the Americas is recalling certain HDL2 DL+ long-haul drive tires in size 11R24.5, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
In the approximately 462 affected tires, an incorrect rubber compound may cause the steel belt edge to separate from the shoulder. Tire shoulder separation could extend into the sidewall, causing a sudden loss of tire air pressure and a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Sept. 23. Owners can contact Continental customer service at 1-800-726-7113. NHTSA’s recall number is 24T-008.
Mobil Delvac hosting college football contest
ExxonMobil has launched the “Unstoppable Drive” college football contest, aimed at highlighting how Mobil Delvac lubricants can help trucks go longer while picking college football teams that drive farther, driving success for America’s trucking fleets.
As part of the contest, participants will have the chance to pick which Division 1 football teams they think will go farther on the field and convert more third downs for weekly prizes. Winners who select the team with the highest 3rd-down conversion rate that week will receive exclusive swag, and everyone who participates each week will automatically be entered toward the grand prize drawing to send two people to the National Championship game in Atlanta.
“College teams are known for their relentless drive, and so are Mobil Delvac lubricants,” said Vanessa Andreotta, Brand Manager for Mobil Delvac. “This shared commitment made our collaboration a natural fit. We want to showcase the best-in-class lubricants with the best teams…and we are thrilled to send some lucky fans to the National Championship in the process.”
To participate:
- Sign up online here
- Pick two Division 1 teams each week that you think will have the highest 3rd down conversion rate
- If your team has the highest 3rd down conversion are, you’ll win Unstoppable Drive swag. Everyone who plays has a shot at the grand prize of two tickets to the National Championship game.
