The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will hold a public listening session to collect comments and information on autonomous truck technology, or what it calls “highly automated commercial vehicles,” at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Workshop in Atlanta on April 24th. They hope to solicit information on issues relating to the design, development, testing, and deployment of HACVs. FCMSA will webcast the entire session to allow for increased viewing and participation for…
Read More2017 Ford F-450 & F-550 DriveShaft Recall
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-450 and F-550 Superduty vehicles. Operating the vehicle at highway speeds may cause the driveline to vibrate and fracture the driveline components or the transmission. CONSEQUENCE: If the driveline or transmission fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft and two center bearing brackets, free…
Read More2013-2017 Hino Trucks Clutch Drum Recall
Hino Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. is recalling certain 2013-2017 XFC710L, XFC720L, XFC730L, and XFC740L vehicles. The clutch drum spline of the front module of the Hybrid Vehicle (HV) motor may wear out. CONSEQUENCE: If the clutch drum spline wears out, the vehicle will lose the ability to move under its own power, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: The Manufacturer will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch…
Read MoreSpartan Motors Chassis Cab Ball Joint Recall
Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain chassis cab vehicles including 2011-2017 Gladiator, 2016-2017 MetroStar, 2012-2018 K2, 2011-2018 K3, 2017-2018 K4, and 2011-2017 MM vehicles. The ball joints on the independent front suspension (IFS) modules can loosen and separate, leading to a partial loss of steering. CONSEQUENCE: A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Spartan will notify owners, and…
Read MoreNavistar International Trucks Air Dryer Recall
Navistar Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2016-2018 International LT, 2016-2017 International ProStar, 2017 International LoneStar, and 2017-2018 International RH heavy diesel trucks. The air dryer mounting bracket may fracture, causing air system leaks or a loss of air pressure to the brake system. CONSEQUENCE: A loss of brake air pressure could lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Navistar will notify owners,…
Read More2017 Navistar International Trucks Recall
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2017 International ProStar, LoneStar, 9900i, and TranStar trucks. The affected vehicles have a metallic battery cover latch that may unlatch and contact the battery jump start stud, causing an electrical short to ground if the jump start stud is not covered. CONSEQUENCE: An electrical short to ground increases the risk of a fire in these trucks. REMEDY: Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will…
Read MoreNavistar’s New Cruise Control Doubles MPG
Navistar on Wednesday announced its SuperTruck demonstration vehicle, CatalIST, achieved a freight efficiency improvement of 104 percent – more than double the 50 percent goal set by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its SuperTruck program Against a 2009 base line model truck, CatalIST achieved fuel economy of 13 miles per gallon and demonstrated 50.3 percent Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) and a path towards 55 percent BTE, Navistar adds. Mark Stasell,…
Read MoreVolvo’s SuperTruck Testing Yields 13 MPG
Volvo Trucks North America’s SuperTruck demonstration rig combined advanced aerodynamics, vehicle and powertrain technologies to achieve a freight efficiency improvement of 88%, exceeding the 50% improvement goal set by the U.S. Department of Energy SuperTruck program compared to a base model 2009 Volvo VN. From the top-of-cab solar panels powering its battery and interior lights, to its ultra-light aluminum frame and highly advanced 425 horsepower 11-liter proprietary engine, the SuperTruck…
Read More2014-2017 Winnebago Itasca ATS Switch Recall
Winnebago Industries, Inc (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Itasca Cambria, 2015-2017 Winnebago ERA, Travato, Fuse, Aspect, and Vista recreational vehicles, and 2015-2016 Itasca Sunstar recreational vehicles manufactured May 6, 2014, to April 22, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power cord connection to the automatic transfer switch (ATS) that may not be properly tightened. CONSEQUENCE: A loose power connection may cause a build up of heat at the…
Read MoreELD Mandate May Cost Fleets 15-20% More
Large fleets that have adopted electronic logging devices (ELD’s) in recent years learned that productivity dropped, said Todd Amen, president of owner-operator financial services provider ATBS. “You lose 10 to 20 percent of your ability to run miles,” said Amen, on Friday at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas. Most small fleets and independent owner-operators will wait until late 2017 to comply with the mandate, which takes effect in December…
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