Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, June 5, 2024:
Paccar’s newest MX-13 now CARB low-NOx compliant
Paccar on Tuesday announced the availability of a new MX-13 engine that is compliant with the California Air Resources Board’s low nitrogen oxide (NOx) regulations. The engine meets the CARB Omnibus Regulation and features redesigns of internal hardware and the aftertreatment system to effectively reduce NOx emissions.
The larger volume aftertreatment system includes an innovative compact twin assembly featuring a 48-volt generator located in the flywheel housing, and an electrical heater located in the inlet to provide lower NOx output.
The internal hardware now features a larger volume mixer, longer selective catalytic converter and an improved and more durable NOx sensor design with increased longevity for improved uptime. These features allow Paccar customers to achieve increased engine efficiency and fuel economy while continuing to meet stringent CARB emissions regulation, the company said.
The CARB low NOx compliant Paccar MX-13 engine is available in two ratings with a flat torque curve providing performance across a wider range of RPMs for excellent drivability and fuel economy. This includes a high performance 510-horsepower rating with 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque and an efficiency-focused rating of 455-horsepower and 1,650 lb.-ft. of torque between 900 and 1,325 RPM.
Peterbilt Models 579, 567 and 589 with the new MX-13 engine are available for orders now.
Third Jason’s Law Truck Parking Survey in the works
The Federal Highway Administration is preparing to conduct its third Jason’s Law Truck Parking Survey.
The agency on May 28 published an information collection request in the Federal Register that it seeks to have reinstated by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The new survey will be targeted at “individuals who are responsible for providing or overseeing the operation of truck parking facilities and stakeholders that depend on such facilities to safely conduct their business,” FHWA said. These include state transportation and enforcement officials, port authorities, private sector facility owners, trucking company owners and truck drivers.
For truck drivers and trucking company owners, FHWA said it plans to ask about:
- The location and frequency of insufficient truck parking and capacity at rest facilities
- Future truck parking needs and locations
- Availability of information on truck parking capacity
- Other impediments to identification, access and use of parking
FHWA is required by the MAP-21 transportation spending law passed in 2012 to complete a survey and comparative assessment of truck parking facilities in each state. The agency published the results of its the first survey, conducted in 2014, in 2015. Its second survey was conducted in 2019, and the results were published in 2020.
FHWA is accepting public comments on how it plans to conduct the updated survey through June 27. Comments can be filed here.
A. Duie Pyle opens new NYC facility
A. Duie Pyle on June 4 announced it opened the doors of a new facility in New York City to further enhance its Northeast network and strengthen its position in the region. The opening of this facility is the company's second expansion in 2024.
Located at 58-60 Page Place, Maspeth, NY 11378, which is situated in the Maspeth community of the Queens borough, the facility will extend access to Pyle’s LTL services and includes 77 LTL service center doors with an on-site fleet maintenance shop, enhancing its ability to service more customers in the New York metropolitan area.
Upon its opening, the facility added 25 drivers, 12 dock workers and eight leaders, creating 45 new jobs and boosting the local economy, Pyle said. The company plans to have the facility fully staffed by the end of 2024, adding 49 additional jobs and bringing the total number of employees to 94.
“This strategic expansion into Queens allows us to significantly enhance our service offerings in the busiest region of the U.S. supply chain and maintain our commitment to providing first-rate solutions for our customers," said John Luciani, COO of LTL Solutions. “By increasing our network capacity in the New York metropolitan area, we can not only better service our customers, but also fuel local economic growth by boosting job opportunities. We’re one of the few carriers in the industry that services New York City direct, and this further strengthens our network.”
Volvo, Westport officially launch joint venture
Volvo Group and Westport Fuel Systems announced Tuesday the closing and launch of their previously announced joint venture transaction.
The joint venture is committed to accelerating the commercialization and global adoption of Westport's HPDI fuel system technology for long-haul and off-road applications. The joint venture will be led, on an interim basis, by Dan Sceli, CEO of Westport, in addition to Scott Baker who will take on the role of Vice President, Product Development and Technology Officer and Anders Johansson who will be Vice President and Commercial Officer. The joint venture will be headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
Volvo trucks with hydrogen-powered combustion engines will feature High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI), a technology where a small amount of ignition fuel is injected with high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is added.
"This collaboration with Westport is a testament to our shared dedication to sustainability and our belief in the power of partnership to drive industry change,” said Lars Stenqvist, Chief Technology Officer of Volvo Group. “As we embark on our joint venture together, we are confident that we can bring sustainable solutions forward, using the internal combustion engine, running on renewable fuels now and hydrogen in the future. We, at Volvo, are committed to driving the transition to decarbonize transportation and this new HPDI joint venture enables us to accelerate the adoption of combustion engines powered by hydrogen and renewable fuels for long-haul and off-road applications in partnership with Westport."
The joint venture will operate as an independent entity with Westport contributing certain HPDI assets and activities including related fixed assets, intellectual property, and business, into the joint venture. Volvo Group has acquired a 45% interest in the joint venture for approximately $28 million, plus up to an additional $45 million as an earn-out depending on the subsequent performance of the joint venture.
[Related: Volvo to start testing hydrogen combustion engine]
