EnRoute- December 3, 2020

• By: Shannon Davison
• On: 12/03/2020 16:11:38
• In: EnRoute

TOP STORIES

The Department of Transportation has taken regulatory measures to help ensure the safe, and rapid transportation of the COVID-19 vaccine, including expanding the emergency exemption for trucking operations involved in the effort. FULL STORY
 
The Biden-Harris Transition Team has created an 18-member panel to review the Department of Transportation and other related U.S. agencies to help prepare the incoming administration before taking over the federal government Jan. 20, 2021. FULL STORY
 
The California Court of Appeals recently ruled that the ABC test, first expressed in the state Supreme Court's Dynamex ruling and later codified in the state's controversial AB5 law, is not preempted by federal law. FULL STORY
 
The California Air Resources Board has provided an update to the Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance pilot program as well as to the On-Board Diagnostics data collection and submission requirements. FULL STORY
 

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

Volvo Trucks North America says it has further enhanced its fuel economy packages for its VNL and VNR trucks to help customers increase operational efficiency and decrease fuel costs. FULL STORY
 
Accommodating significant fleet growth and modernization, KLLM Transport Services, is adding 1,400 new Utility trailers refrigerated by Carrier Transicold units equipped with the eSolutions telematics platform and TRU-Mount solar charging systems. FULL STORY
 
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company has entered into a strategic relationship with TuSimple to provide tires and tire management solutions to TuSimple's Autonomous Freight Network (AFN). FULL STORY
 
International Trucks recently made updates to its severe-duty HX Series truck lineup. FULL STORY
 
Cummins announced its first connectivity-enabled X15 Efficiency series engine and new Endurant HD powertrain for Freightliner Trucks. FULL STORY

BRIEFLY

DAIMLER TRUCK AG recently established a new Connectivity Services Group (CSG) global division to develop the next generation of vehicle connectivity solutions and digital services for customers across the globe. . . VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA announced it will begin producing the VNR Electric Truck at its New River Valley manufacturing plant in Dublin, Virginia, in early 2021. . . GENERAL MOTORS has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nikola, replacing the previous transaction from September 8th. Under the agreement, GM's Hydrotec fuel cell system will be integrated into Nokola's Classes 7 and 8 commercial trucks. . . DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA'S (DTNA) Mount Holly truck manufacturing plant in North Carolina, recently marked two milestones, its 41st anniversary and the production of its 700,000th truck. . . Enterprise Holdings is enhancing its cleaning procedures through a new initiative with Clorox to reinforce its Complete Clean Pledge, which the company implemented to help customers feel confident as they begin to travel again. . . MACK TRUCKS' DEALER TRI-STATE TRUCK CENTER, INC. recently invested $3.7 million to expand its Springfield, Missouri dealership to better serve Mack customers, offering increased parts availability and extended service support. . . DOUBLE COIN AND CMA has expanded its warehouse network with the addition of their new warehouse and distribution center in Houston, Texas. . . GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY announced that it will supply fuel cells to Nikola but will no longer take an equity stake in Nikola's plans to build an electric pickup truck for the startup. . . UTILITY TRAILER MANUFACTURING COMPANY yesterday announced the results of a fuel economy test conducted by MVT Solutions on Utility's standard Aerodynamic Side Skirt (USS-120A-4) and the optional Aerodynamic Tail (UAT), which showed that fuel savings for the UAT when combined with the USS-120A-4 side skirt is 646 gallons of fuel per 100,000 miles. . . PACCAR recently recognized its Columbus, Mississippi engine factory for 10 years of manufacturing excellence and a strong commitment to its community. . . NETRADYNE recently announced the expansion of its Driveri product line with the introduction of the smaller Driveri D-210 in-cab camera.

NUMBERS

As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into its 10th month in the U.S., its lasting effects on the economy — from more companies embracing remote work to more consumers embracing last-mile delivery — are not going away, according to economist Bob Dieli of MacKay & Co. FULL STORY
 
In the release of its Commercial Vehicle Dealer Digest, ACT Research reports that even before the pandemic plunge in Q2, there was never serious doubt that the demand for commercial vehicles would rise in 2021. FULL STORY
 
October net US trailer orders of 54,691 units posted another sequential improvement, up nearly 7% from September's rise and well above October 2019's level (up 70%), according to industry analyst ACT Research. FULL STORY



 

TRALA ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONTRIBUTE TO TRALA'S 2020 LEGAL ACTION FUND TODAY!
 
Please support TRALA's Legal Action Fund by making a corporate contribution today. TRALA is engaged in significant legislative, regulatory, and legal battles that directly impact your company's bottom line. A Legal Action Fund contribution is an investment in your company's future, as it ensures that TRALA has the financial resources necessary to protect the truck renting and leasing industry as well as your company's best interests.
 
Click here to make your company's donation! Thank you for your support of TRALA's advocacy efforts.
 
Please contact TRALA's Andrew Stasiowski at astasiowski@trala.org or Elizabeth Hyers at ehyers@trala.org with any questions or if you need more information.