Trucking news and briefs for Monday, July 15, 2024:
Cummins receives $75M to expand ZEV truck production
Cummins Inc. announced Thursday that the company has been awarded $75 million to convert approximately 360,000 sq. ft. of existing manufacturing space at its Columbus (Indiana) Engine Plant (CEP) for zero-emissions components and electric powertrain systems.
The $75 million grant is the largest federal grant ever awarded solely to Cummins and is part of the appropriations related to the Inflation Reduction Act.
Cummins will match the grant and invest $75 million for a total of $150 million to convert the space and expand production of battery packs, powertrain systems and other battery-electric vehicle (BEV) components for Accelera by Cummins, the company’s zero-emissions business segment.
“This DOE grant is another step forward in the progress we are making toward a zero-emissions future and expanding battery manufacturing in the United States, strengthening our global position in electrified solutions for commercial markets,” said Amy Davis, President of Accelera by Cummins. “Today’s announcement represents a crucial step in advancing electrification and domestic battery supply chains. Partnership with government, customers and the industry as a whole is required to accelerate the shift to zero.”
After the completion of this project, CEP will house approximately 350 employees focused on BEV-related work. Nearly half of the 1.42 million sq. ft. facility, which opened in 1926, will be dedicated to zero-emissions manufacturing. The electric powertrains produced at CEP will result in greenhouse gas emission reductions of approximately 104 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2030, the company said.
[Related: Peterbilt powered by Cummins' X15N natural gas engine: How does it compare to diesel?]
Cargo theft activity in Q2 higher than 2023, down from Q1
CargoNet recorded 771 theft incidents in the second quarter this year, representing a 33% increase compared to the second quarter of 2023. However, theft activity decreased by 10% from all-time highs established in the first quarter of 2024.CargoNet, a Verisk company
Cargo theft recording firm CargoNet has revealed cargo theft in the second quarter of 2024 increased significantly over the same period a year ago, but fell from first-quarter highs.
CargoNet's analyst team noted slight behavioral shifts in the country's most prolific organized cargo theft groups operating in Southern California. Across the board, these groups evolved to be more discriminating in their shipment targets, stealing high-value freight like motor oil and computer electronics less frequently.
[Related: How carriers can respond to the rash of cargo thefts hitting the industry]
Compared to the first quarter of 2024, CargoNet observed significant growth in targeting of vitamins and supplements, alcoholic beverage shipments (primarily liquor), and over-the-counter skincare products. In contrast, theft of vehicle accessories like tires and motor oils, footwear, and consumer electronics such as televisions and computers decreased notably.
Theft activity was highest in California, Texas, and Illinois. In line with the 10% decrease in activity from Q1, reported activity in the top five counties -- Los Angeles County, California; San Bernardino County, California; Riverside County, California; Cook County, Illinois; and Dallas County, Texas -- shrank significantly. However, in most areas, activity remained relatively consistent. For example, while activity in Dallas County decreased, activity in Tarrant County grew significantly due to a surge of thefts around the western edges of Fort Worth.
CargoNet expects cargo theft activity in the third quarter of 2024 to remain elevated. Organized cargo theft rings in Southern California continue to be the most prolific threat, but theft by deception schemes are growing in popularity across the continental United States, particularly targeted pilferage schemes and non-delivery of whole shipments. The firm anticipates that these methods of cargo theft will continue to increase in popularity.
[Related: Southeastern cargo theft ring members get jail time]
