Trucking news and updates for Tuesday, July 9, 2024:
Speed Limiter Proposal Delayed Until 2025
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is postponing its proposed rule regarding the potential requirement of speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks.
The Spring 2024 Unified Regulatory Agenda indicates that FMCSA now plans to publish the speed limiter notice of proposed rulemaking in May 2025. This is a shift from an earlier timeline that suggested a May 2024 announcement, as noted in the Department of Transportation’s Significant Rulemakings Report released in January.
FMCSA reintroduced discussions on speed limiters in 2022, signaling its intent to proceed with a mandate requiring these devices on heavy trucks. A DOT report published last September initially listed a maximum speed of 68 mph for the limiters, but this specification was later removed. The publication was originally set for December 2023, then delayed to May 2024.
According to FMCSA, the forthcoming proposal will require motor carriers operating trucks with electronic engine control units (ECUs) to limit their trucks’ maximum speeds to a level set by the new rule and maintain this setting for the truck’s operational life. Meanwhile, Congress is considering measures to prevent FMCSA from enforcing speed limiter requirements.
Tie Rod Recall Expands for Volvo, Mack, and Daimler
Three major truck manufacturers are extending recalls for potentially defective tie rods that may impair steering capabilities.
Volvo Trucks is recalling 12 model year 2025 VHD and VN units equipped with Hendrickson Composilite EXS20 liftable steer axle suspension systems. This comes alongside a recall of three previous VN trucks due to concerns that improperly heat-treated tie rod assembly ball studs may lead to failure.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that these ball studs could detach, posing a road hazard and increasing the risk of accidents. Dealers will inspect these tie rod end assemblies and perform necessary replacements at no cost. Owner notification letters are set to be sent out on August 30, and owners can reach Volvo Trucks customer service at 800-528-6586, referencing recall number RVXX2405. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-503.
Comment Period Extended for Under-21 Drivers Waiver Request
The comment period regarding a small private fleet’s request for a waiver to allow three of its intrastate drivers under the age of 21 to operate in another state has been extended by two weeks.
The FMCSA published this request from 3 North LLC on June 11. This fleet, which operates specialized construction trucks to transport concrete for wind turbine foundations, seeks to allow these three drivers to operate trucks across state lines after initially transporting them with different CDL-holding drivers. Current federal regulations restrict CDL holders under 21 from interstate operation.
Originally open until July 11, the comment period has been extended to July 25 due to FMCSA’s failure to make 3 North’s application publicly available in the Federal Register docket. Comments can be submitted here.
New Truck Care Location from Love’s; Upgrades Completed at Others
Love’s Travel Stops has announced the opening of a new Love’s Truck Care facility at its location in Salinas, California.
Additionally, upgrades have been completed at five existing facilities, two of which now include truck wash services. These enhancements introduce five new service bays, four truck wash bays, and three new service trucks to Love’s maintenance network across the nation.
The newly opened and upgraded locations are situated alongside Love’s facilities in Salinas, California (new), Calvert City, Kentucky (upgraded), Wells, Nevada (upgraded), Sidney, Ohio (upgraded with added truck wash), Columbia, Tennessee (upgraded with added truck wash), and Ranger, Texas (rebuilt). These sites offer tire services, lubrication, light mechanical repair, and roadside support for truck drivers and fleets. Moreover, Love’s Truck Care and Speedco serve as the exclusive warranty repair providers for Freightliner and International trucks.
