Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, June 25, 2024:
New Paccar trucks face recall for steering control
Paccar is recalling nearly 4,000 model year 2025 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks over concerns that the tie rod or drag link assembly may contain an improperly heat-treated ball stud, causing the ball stud to break, causing a complete loss of steering control.
Affected are PACCAR certain 2025 Kenworth K270, K370, T280, T380, T480, T680, T880, W900 and W990; and 2025 Peterbilt 220, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, and 589 trucks.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the tie rod and drag link assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 11, 2024. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24KWG and 24PBG.
Mack's BEV recalled for High Voltage (HV) connector fix
Mack Trucks is recalling 24 model year 2024 MD Electric vehicles that may not have the mechanical connector lock properly engaged for the High Voltage cable. An improperly locked connector may come loose over time, and may result in a sudden loss of power. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and repair the mechanical connector lock as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 2, 2024. Owners may contact Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177. Mack's number for this recall is SC0467.
Bollinger EV gets okay from EPA
The Bollinger B4 Chassis Cab is an all-new, battery-electric, zero-emissions Class 4 commercial truck designed from the ground up with extensive fleet and upfitter input. Bollinger's unique chassis design protects the 800V battery and components to offer unparalleled safety, flexibility, and performance in the commercial market. Bollinger Motors recently qualified for federal clean-vehicle purchasing incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides $40,000 in refundable tax credits per truck.
Electric commercial vehicle manufacturer Bollinger Motors has received its Certificate of Conformity from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Class 4 B4 Chassis Cab. Bollinger Motors plans to launch the Bollinger B4 Chassis Cab in the second half of 2024. The Certificate of Conformity certifies that the Bollinger B4 conforms to EPA emissions requirements and is a requirement for any manufacturer to begin selling vehicles in the United States.
"This is a huge step for us in becoming the leader in all-electric commercial trucks," said Robert Bollinger, founder and CEO of Bollinger Motors.
Saia opens new terminals in California, Minnesota
Saia LTL Freight has opened new terminals: one in California, near Anaheim, and another facility in Owatonna, Minnesota.
“We are thrilled to enhance and expand our network with these two terminals,” said Executive Vice President of Operations Patrick Sugar. “The terminal near Anaheim will significantly boost our service offering in Southern California, replacing our current Long Beach facility, while the Owatonna terminal will strengthen our operations in the Upper Midwest, as this is a new market for Saia. Both facilities are strategically located to improve our service and provide customers with increased shipping flexibility and reliability.”
The facility in Owatonna is important to Saia’s Western expansion plans over the next few months as it builds out its network.
This year, Saia has opened new facilities in Montana, New Jersey, Texas, and Utah, extending its reach across the Northeast, South, and Western United States. The company plans to open up to 16 terminals by the end of the year.
