EnRoute- February 18, 2021

• By: Shannon Davison
• On: 02/18/2021 16:09:05
• In: EnRoute

TOP STORIES

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended its pandemic-related emergency exemption. This is the eighth extension of the order, which will now last through May 31. FULL STORY
 
Congressional Democrats are looking to include climate change-centric policies in upcoming infrastructure funding legislation. FULL STORY
 
In his recent budget address, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont proposed a mileage-based fee on tractor-trailers estimated to raise $90 million annually. FULL STORY
 
Finding no viable safety benefit in California's meal and rest break (MRB) laws for truck drivers, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld that federal laws preempt state rules in denying a petition brought by labor unions and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. FULL STORY

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

The sun is still setting on 3G cellular service for fleet telematics — but it's taking longer than initially expected. FULL STORY
 
Isuzu has begun production of its Class 5 gasoline-powered trucks which will be assembled by Builtmore, in Charlotte, Michigan. FULL STORY
 
Peterbilt Motors Company recently launched the Model 579 which is the most technologically advanced truck the company has ever built. FULL STORY
 
Daimler Trucks North America is bringing the proprietary Detroit ePowertrain for the upcoming Freightliner eCascadia and Freightliner eM2 as part of Daimler Trucks' strategy to establish a uniform basic architecture for its broad lineup of battery-electric vehicles. FULL STORY
 
Cummins and Isuzu Motors Limited have announced agreements for a global mid-range diesel powertrain and an advanced engineering collaboration, marking another step forward in the Isuzu Cummins Powertrain Partnership (ICPP). FULL STORY
 
Kenworth recently unveiled its next-generation T680 flagship on-highway tractor, touting its improved aerodynamics and driver-focused features. FULL STORY

BRIEFLY

RUSH ENTERPRISES recently partnered with Locomation to provide installations and maintenance for Locomation's Autonomous Relay Convoy (ARCTM) platform, which allows one driver to pilot a lead truck equipped with technology augmentation while a follower truck, operates in tandem through the company's fully autonomous system. . . RYDERVENTURES has invested in the Miami logistics startup SmartHop, an artificial intelligence-powered platform for small trucking companies, to support its full-service dispatching platform and seek strategic partnerships with trucking companies. . . NAVISTAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION announced the company and its International dealer network are building momentum through their TECH EmPOWERment initiative, which is supplying accredited technical schools with valuable training equipment, real-world advisory counsel and insights into the opportunities available to aspiring technicians. . . MACK TRUCKS recently launched a fuel savings calculator at macktrucks.com which clearly shows fleet owners and owner-operators how much fuel savings could be realized if their trucks were spec'd with the next-generation MP8HE+ powertrain package and also named Bergey's Truck Centers of Pennsauken, New Jersey as the winner of the Mack Trucks 2020 North American Dealer of the Year. . . MACK FINANCIAL SERVICES is working with REIN, a leading insurtech company, to pilot a new integrated insurance service on a digital platform providing an easier, more competitive and quicker insurance experience for Mack customers. . . . CARRIER TRANSICOLD recently supplied its X4™ 7500 refrigeration units to Tribe Transportation out of Gaines, Georgia to help it meet demand in transporting pharmaceutical products, its TRU-Mount solar panels to help maintain battery charge, and its ComfortPro ® auxiliary power units to help maintain cab climate control for its drivers. . . GOODYEAR VENTURES has invested in autonomous delivery company Starship Technologies to support its network of self-driving robots to carry and deliver packages, groceries and food to consumers. . . PETERBILT MOTORS COMPANY recently named Jackson Group Peterbilt as its 2020 North American Dealer of the Year, which is awarded to the dealer group that best represents Peterbilt's commitment to excellence and the never-ending pursuit of driving customer uptime. . . PENSKE LOGISTICS recently awarded its inaugural Freight Management Trucking Carrier Awards to 23 recipients who are among the company's expansive base of trucking carriers operating within its freight management operations . . . DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA announced the success of its initial pilot with Microsoft's HoloLens augmented reality technology as a viable method of virtual collaboration with dealers.

PEOPLE

Corcentric has appointed SUNIL PADIYAR as chief technology officer to oversee the company's global technology roadmap and vision. . . Dana Incorporated recently announced that CHRIS CLARK has been named senior vice president of global operations to lead global manufacturing operations across Dana's more than 150 major facilities with an emphasis on safety, customer satisfaction, and overall operational efficiency. . . Cummins has promoted JENNIFER RUMSEY to president and chief operating officer. . . Daimler Truck's Board of Management has appointed JOHN O'LEARY as the next president and chief executive officer of Daimler Trucks North America, effective April 1.

NUMBERS

Class 8 U.S. retail sales in January gained 7.7% compared with a year earlier, reaching 16,844 compared with 15,645 in 2020, WardsAuto.com reported. FULL STORY
 
According to ACT Research, preliminary reports indicate that January net order volume of 29,100 trailers was up 94% from the same month in 2020 but down 33% from December 2020 bookings. FULL STORY
 
Preliminary used Class 8 volumes fell 8% month over month in January while rising 14% compared with January 2020, according to ACT Research. FULL STORY

TRALA ANNOUNCEMENTS

Register Today for TRALA's 2021 Annual Meeting
 
While meetings in 2021 will look different from what we have all experienced in the past, TRALA is providing two great opportunities for its members that will be taking place April 11-14, 2021. TRALA is offering an in-person meeting at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas or a live, virtual meeting that attendees can join from the comfort of their home or office.
 
You may visit TRALA's 2021 Annual Meeting website by clicking here to view additional information. If you have any questions, please contact TRALA's Shannon Davison at sdavison@trala.org or Jennylynne Bowman at jbowman@trala.org.