Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Sept. 11, 2023:
Massey Motor Freight gets Peterbilt’s 100,000th 389
Troy Massey, owner of Massey Motor Freight, received the 100,000th Peterbilt 389 produced by Peterbilt's Denton, Texas, manufacturing plant.Peterbilt
The 389 was introduced in 2006, and this 100,000th truck represents the hard work of designers, engineers and plant employees to create and manufacture the most iconic truck on North American highways today, the company said.
As part of the celebration, Peterbilt presented the milestone truck, equipped with the limited-release Model 389X special edition package, to Massey.
“We are extremely pleased to present the 100,000th Model 389 to Massey Motor Freight,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president. “Troy Massey is a longtime Peterbilt customer who recognizes the craftmanship, performance and durability of the Model 389 and is the perfect customer to receive this milestone truck.”
[Related: Test drive: The Model 589, Peterbilt's successor to the 389]
Founded in 2016 by Troy and Abby Massey, Massey Motor Freight is dedicated to providing fast, on-time deliveries to its customers across the United States. Massey Motor Freight’s motto is “Quality Without Question.” The company operates a total of 325 units along with Tri-State Vacuum & Rental, also owned by the Masseys.
“It is a great honor to receive the 100,000th Model 389 and celebrate this milestone with Peterbilt,” said Troy Massey. “Massey Motor Freight’s long-standing relationship with Peterbilt is based on the common values our companies represent and our commitment to exceed customer expectations.”
The Model 389 will end its historic production run at the end of this year. Its successor, the new Model 589 introduced earlier this year, is now available for order through any of Peterbilt’s 425+ dealer locations in North America. Model 589 production begins January 2024.
[Related: Troy Massey's 'Lot Rot' Peterbilt 389]
House transportation subcommittee hosting autonomous trucks hearing Wednesday
The U.S. House’s Highways and Transit Subcommittee will hold a hearing focused on automated commercial motor vehicles and the effects they will have on the future of the U.S. economy and supply chain on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. Eastern, and will be available for public viewing online.
Appearing during the hearing as witnesses will be representatives from autonomous trucking companies, the American Trucking Associations and more. As of Monday, Sept. 11, those testifying during the hearing are:
- Chris Urmson, co-founder and CEO, Aurora Innovation, Inc.
- Jeff Farrah, executive director, Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association
- Chris Spear, president and CEO, American Trucking Associations
- Cathy Chase, president, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety
[Related: California bill requiring drivers in autonomous trucks advances]
Mack recalling MD models for steering issue
Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 395 model year 2024 MD6 and MD7 trucks in which the steering gear fasteners may not be properly tightened.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, loose steering gear fasteners may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Mack said the affected units were manufactured between June 23 and July 21, 2023.
Dealers will tighten the steering gear fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Oct. 23. Owners can contact Mack's customer service at 800-866-1177 with recall number SC449. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-605.
