Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, April 1, 2025:
Women in Trucking crowns Driver of the Year
Women in Trucking at the Mid-America Trucking Show named its 2025 Driver of the Year. Shown, from left: Fritz Keel, Walmart (sponsor); Gina Jones, Werner (finalist); Kathy Blaies, United Road (winner); Sandy Winters, Leonard's Express (finalist).Women in Trucking
The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) announced last week at the Mid-America Trucking Show that Kathy Blaies, a car hauler at United Road (CCJ Top 250, No. 63), has been named the recipient of the organization’s 2025 Driver of the Year Award, sponsored by Walmart.
Blaies was among four finalists for the award. The other finalists include Ericka Norfleet, owner-operator, R.E. Garrison Trucking (No. 110).; Gina Jones, company driver, Werner (No. 14); and Sandy Winters, company driver, Leonard's Express (No. 109).
The announcement was made during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event, hosted by WIT at MATS in Louisville, Kentucky. The event honors female commercial drivers for their contributions and successes in the trucking industry.
"Kathy was selected for her remarkable contributions to the trucking industry, her unwavering commitment to safety, and her dedication to mentorship, particularly of women in the trucking industry," said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO.
Blaies' journey into trucking began with hauling cars. Despite being initially told she wouldn't make it in the industry, she proved her doubters wrong. She quickly earned respect not just for her exceptional driving skills but for her efforts to help others succeed. She regularly advises newcomers, helping them navigate the complexities of car hauling and find success in an industry that's often known for its challenges.
Beyond her technical expertise, Blaies' professionalism and leadership have earned her numerous accolades. With over one million safe driving miles, she is a four-time recipient of United Road's prestigious Gold Elite Award and two-time recipient of the Damage-Free Elite Award, recognizing her consistent performance and commitment to excellence.
AEB software error prompts Daimler recall
A software error in the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system has prompted a recall of nearly 1,900 Freightliner and Western Star trucks, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
In the affected units, a software error in the advanced signal and actuator module for the automatic emergency braking system may cause the brake lights to fail to illuminate.
The recall includes 1,891 model year 2026 Freightliner 108SD, Freightliner 114SD, and Freightliner Cascadia units; and model year 2025-‘26 Freightliner Business Class M2, Western Star 47X, and Western Star 49X trucks.
Dealers will update the brake light software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 24. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks North America customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with recall number F1018. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-187.
Kenworths, Peterbilts recalled for wiring harness issue
Paccar is recalling 239 model year 2021-‘25 Peterbilt 520, 579 and Kenworth T680 trucks in which the high voltage (HV) contactors may open, causing a sudden loss of high voltage and a loss of drive power.
Dealers will update the software and replace the electrical harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 23. Owners can contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 25PBC and Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with recall number 25KWC. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-181.
Battery-electric trucks from three manufacturers recalled
Paccar and Mack Trucks have issued separate, non-related recalls for some of their respective battery-electric trucks.
Paccar’s recall includes 42 model year 2024-‘25 Peterbilt 220, Kenworth K270 and K370 medium-duty BEVs in which the cradle harness may have a loose electrical connection that can cause a loss of drive power.
Dealers will inspect and replace the cradle harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 23. Owners can contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 25PBD and Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with recall number 25KWD. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-182.
Mack’s recall affects just seven model year 2022-‘24 Mack LRBE trucks in which the high-voltage batteries may have loose hardware that can fall inside the battery pack and create a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the batteries, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 19. Owners can contact Mack's customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with recall number SC0475. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-185.
Severe-, medium-duty Internationals recalled for brakes issue
International Motors is recalling 153 model year 2024 HV, 2020-‘25 MV, and 2019 Workstar 7400 trucks. In the affected trucks, the brake caliper may contact a suspension spring or axle U-bolt and prevent the outer brake pad from functioning, which can extend the vehicle’s stopping distance.
Dealers will switch the left and right rear air disc brake calipers, replace the rear brake torque plates, and replace the brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 19. Owners can contact International customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with recall number 25501. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-178.
