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22 • February 15-28, 2021 Equipment THETRUCKER.COM More than 4,300 Freightliner Cascadias to be recalled because of steer-tire defect THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES WASHINGTON — Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) plans to recall more than 4,300 Freightliner Cascadia sleeper trucks because due to defective steer tires, according to safety recall report 21V-007 issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to information submitted by DTNA to NHTSA on Jan. 13, 2021, the recall impacts 4,341 model-year 2020-2022 Freightliner Cascadia sleepers. The affected vehicles are equipped with Bridgestone R284, R268 or R283S ECOPIA steer axle tires which, “in conjunction with a specific air dam,” could experience tread separation or blow-outs while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. “While the root cause (of the tread separation) has not been determined, DTNA’s best understanding is that the defect mechanism may be potentially caused by elevated tire temperatures during vehicle operation, leading to tire failure and loss of vehicle control,” the company notes in the recall report. The report continues, noting that other factors, such as underinflation, road speed and others, could also contribute to the failure of the Bridgestone steer tires. DTNA will reach out to owners of the affected vehicles, and dealers will replace the steer tires, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 13, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 800-547-0712; reference DTNA recall FL872. 8 DRIVE THE DIFFERENCE NOW HIRING DRIVERS At Penske, success behind the wheel is kind of in our DNA. Our professional drivers are the best in the business – and they deliver confidence every day. If you’re looking to work at an industry-leading company and move freight for some of the world’s biggest brands, then we want you to join our team of safe, professional truck drivers. Join Our Team 844-936-1043 penske.jobs/drivers Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MORE THAN YOU REALIZE Courtesy: Daimler Trucks North America More than 4,300 Freightliner Cascadias equipped with Bridgestone steer tires will be affected by a safety recall. The manufacturer will notify vehicle owners, and dealers will replace the steer tires, free of charge. b Split from page 21 b to both Daimler Truck and Mercedes-Benz. “We have confidence in the financial and operational strength of our two vehicle divisions. And we are convinced that independent management and governance will allow them to operate even faster, invest more ambitiously, target growth and cooperation, and thus be significantly more agile and competitive,” Källenius said. According to the company’s Feb. 3 statement, Daimler Truck intends to generate value for its shareholders by accelerating the execution of its strategic plans, raising its profitability and driving forward with the development of emissions-free technologies for trucks and buses. “This is a pivotal moment for Daimler Truck. With independence comes greater opportunity, greater visibility and transparency,” said Martin Daum, member of the board of management of Daimler and chairman of the board of management of Daimler Truck. “We will grow further and continue our leadership in alternative powertrains and automation. We have already defined the future of our business with batteryelectric and fuel-cell trucks, as well as strong positions in autonomous driving. With targeted b 579 from page 21 b Key exterior features of the new 579 include a redesigned stronger Metton hood that is narrower and more resistant to damage, along with improved halogen or optional LED headlights. A new three-piece bumper integrates the forward radar cover for collision mitigation, with a larger aerodynamic air dam. Improvements to the aero mirrors, fairings, side skirts and closeouts help improve the overall aerodynamic shape, with the revised A-pillar vane redirecting airflow around the windshield, reducing friction and helping deliver a 10% noise reduction in the cabin. The interior of the new 579 features softtouch materials. The 579 UltraLoft with an integral sleeper provides 70 cubic feet of space, partnerships we will accelerate the development of key technologies to bring best-in-class products to our customers rapidly.” Daum also stated that Daimler truck has a solid financial base and a “robust” business model. “We will continue to work on our cash-flow management, and we know how to deal with industry market cycles — we have proven that again in the significant COVID-related global market reduction,” he continued. “We have clear strategies to raise our financial performance and accelerate our execution. We will use our strong and well-known global brands, our scale and our exceptional technology to deliver industry-leading returns.” The intended structure of the transaction would involve Daimler transferring the majority of Daimler Truck to its shareholders on a pro rata basis in accordance with existing shareholdings, but it intends to retain a minority shareholding. Representation of Daimler in the Daimler Truck Supervisory Board will be in line with the intended deconsolidation, according to Daimler’s Feb. 3 statement. Further details of the intended spin-off are expected be presented to company shareholders at an extra-ordinary shareholder meeting during the third quarter of 2021, to obtain their mandatory approval to the plan. 8 including an 8-foot-high ceiling. The cabin has room for small appliances, including a microwave (1.1 cubic feet), a 32-inch TV, a tall wardrobe closet, multiple power outlets and optional bunkbeds with a fold-away ladder. New soundabatement technology helps minimize outside noise, creating a quieter cabin, both on and off the road. “The launch of the new Model 579 is a huge moment for Peterbilt and our customers. This new product is the result of five years of relentless focus on increasing fuel economy, taking driver comfort to new heights, and maximizing uptime. This new truck delivers the next level of performance for our customers and continues Peterbilt’s legacy of being the ‘Class’ of the industry,” Skoog said. The new Model 579 is available for order in a day cab configuration, integral 80-inch UltraLoft sleeper and a variety of other sleeper sizes. 8 V K w t
Features February 15-28, 2021 • 23 Modern-day successes: Drivers’ achievements recognized by Trucking Moves America Forward during Black History Month THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES During Black History Month, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) is recognizing the achievements of professional truck drivers for their modern-day successes in the trucking industry. Ericka Rountree and Herbert Holmes, both drivers with Dayton, Ohio-based MTS, are recognized as this year’s Black History Month Leaders who are helping to move America forward every day. These two professionals are leaders within the trucking industry and personify excellence in trucking. Their professionalism, dedication to their job, commitment to safety and love for trucking is inspiring. Ericka Rountree: “It’s my peace.” Rountree joined the trucking industry nearly seven years ago after coming across an ad for a truck-driving school. The decision to join the trucking industry was life-changing — and one of the best decisions she has ever made, she said. When describing her love for her job, Rountree spoke about how she enjoys driving — a trait she picked up from her dad, who was also a truck driver. Her father first drove trucks in the military; then later joined the U.S. trucking industry and started team driving with his wife. Rountree fondly remembers getting to ride along in the truck with her father on trips from Ohio to other states, including California and Florida. One of the reasons Rountree was drawn to trucking was because it allows for travel and can take you to almost any state. “You get to travel and meet different people from every ethnic background,” she said. Patience and safety while driving are important priorities for Rountree. “My biggest thing is safety first,” she said. “Take your time and pay attention. I’m a very cautious driver. I always give myself enough time, enough distance.” While making her daily round-trip deliveries from Ohio to Kentucky, Rountree enjoys the peace and quiet of the open road. “It’s my peace,” she explained. “I really enjoy my career. I love what I do.” Herbert Holmes: “Give it 110%.” Holmes first started driving in 1999 after coming across an ad for trucking in the Sunday paper. “Having the freedom on the open road, seeing different things, going different places, meeting new people,” are just some of the reasons why he says he loves trucking. Holmes also enjoys being able to travel and get paid for it as part of his job. During his work week, depending on what needs to be delivered, Holmes usually drives to the Cleveland, Ohio, area as well as Louisville, Kentucky. While on the road, he says, he is committed to safety. He always stays alert and drives defensively. See Successes on p24 m Courtesy: Trucking Moves America Forward Ericka Rountree, left, and Herbert Holmes, both drivers with Dayton, Ohio-based MTS, are recognized as this year’s Black History Month Leaders who are helping to move America forward every day. Visible values: Ohio company’s ‘charity truck’ pushes awareness, activism Courtesy: Thomas E. Keller Trucking Keller Trucking’s “charity truck” is a rolling tribute to autism awareness. For Keller, which has a track record of philanthropy, a charity truck felt like a good fit — provided they could come up with the right cause. Dwain Hebda SPECIAL TO THE TRUCKER When John Tibbs climbs into his rolling office and fires up the Volvo VNL760, he turns heads just about anywhere he goes. That’s thanks to the fully wrapped cab that features graphics of puzzle pieces and a handshake, arranged to form a heart. Amid the colorful shapes, slogans proclaim: “Celebrate neurodiversity” and “Help raise autism awareness.” The truck’s cab is crowned with the phrase, “There is no cure for being yourself.” Tibbs enjoys driving the truck — and not just because he topped many of his co-workers at Thomas E. Keller Trucking of Defiance, Ohio, for the honor. He also enjoys driving the rig because of the chance it gives him to share his unique perspective with people on the subject of autism. “I have two children that are plagued by the disorder,” he said. “One is 12; her name is Abigail. The other is getting ready to turn 19, and his name is Nicholas. He has it pretty severe.” This firsthand experience makes Tibbs the ideal ambassador for the company’s awareness truck. Wherever he goes, he’s either fielding questions or sharing stories with people who, like himself, have been personally impacted by the developmental disorder. “I get people coming up all the time wanting to take pictures of it. With all the information on the truck and all the colors, it kind of sticks out,” he said. “On this one particular occasion I had a gentleman that drives tractor-trailers who had a family member with him that deals with this disease. He asked me to take a picture of him and his daughter next to the truck,” he shared. “They were very excited to know what we were trying to accomplish, and I’ve had many people comment on the fact that they have a family member who is affected by this disorder and how much they appreciate the fact that we’re trying to raise money for families that are dealing with the same issues.” Such field reports are sweet music to the ears of Jonathan Wolfrum, president of Keller Trucking, a 250-tractor outfit that’s a subsidiary of Keller Logistics Group. Designating a company “charity truck” wasn’t his idea, but it quickly became a popular labor of love for the company’s 275 drivers. “I want to give credit to a company called See Values on p25 m
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