Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Feb. 10, 2025:
Overhaul warns of in-transit theft activity
Cargo theft tracking firm Overhaul is warning of a new cargo theft tactic from thieves, which involves the pilferage of cost-dense consumer electronics in trucks while in transit.
This situation does not appear to involve the daring entry method known as the “Romanian Roll” or “Romanian Gymnast,” an event seen in Europe where thieves enter moving trailers from the hood of another vehicle. However, it is believed that suspects are entering trailers at brief stops, such as traffic signals, and performing a thorough pilferage of small, cost-dense items while the vehicle is in motion.
Once suspects have loaded up large bags with cargo, they will communicate to an accomplice, who will be driving a nearby vehicle, before exiting the trailer at another brief pause.
In some instances, opportunities to exit the trailer have been limited, and said accomplices have resorted to pulling in front of the tractor and slowing or stopping to the point where suspects in the trailer can safely exit.
This method has been observed in both East Coast and West Coast areas of the United States, although at this time there is no indication that the incidents are connected. This tactic targets items where a small volume of cargo can add up quickly in monetary value, meaning that traditional, large-scale pilferage is not necessary to drive profit.
[Related: Fighting the double brokering ID theft scam]
Overhaul recommends that shippers and carriers of such items be vigilant for signs of surveillance at all origin locations. Additionally, drivers should stay alert for any indications of being followed.
If a driver suspects they are being followed, they should first slow down to 15 mph below the speed limit for 10 minutes. If the vehicle is still following, exit and then immediately re-enter the highway. If the tail persists, contact dispatch and/or your remote monitoring center before stopping in a well-lit and populated area to call police. Stopping at a police station (during business hours) is a good option.
Drivers should also maintain communication with dispatch and/or their remote monitoring center when traveling through or stopping in a high-risk area. An immediate escalation with a path to effective law enforcement engagement is critical to driver safety and recovering stolen cargo.
[Related: Overhaul: Cargo theft continues rise]
Kenworth, Peterbilt trucks recalled for lighting issue
Paccar is recalling more than 5,000 trucks due to an issue in which the exterior lighting switch may fail, resulting in the hazard lights and the instrument display back-light brightness adjustment not functioning.
The recall affects 5,378 of the following makes and models:
- 2025 Kenworth T180
- 2025-’26 Kenworth T280
- 2023-’26 Kenworth T380
- 2024-’26 Kenworth T480
- 2025 Peterbilt 535
- 2024-’26 Peterbilt 536
- 2024-’26 Peterbilt 537
- 2024-’26 Peterbilt 548
- 2025 Peterbilt 567
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, these units do not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment." Inoperative hazard lights cannot alert other drivers as intended, and the inability to adjust the brightness on the instrument panel display can make it difficult to see critical safety information or distract the driver. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash, NHTSA said.
Dealers will update the vehicle cab controller unit (VECU) software, free of charge. Owners are advised that a non-responsive switch can be temporarily reset by a key cycle. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 30. Owners can contact Kenworth's customer service at 425-828-5888 with recall number 25KWB and Peterbilt's customer service at 940-591-4220 with recall number 25PBB. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-041.
Electric Freightliners recalled over possible loss of drive power
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling approximately 810 model year 2020-‘25 Freightliner eCascadia and 2022-‘26 Freightliner eM2 trucks in which the electric vehicle power distribution module (EVDM) may not be assembled properly. The recall states this can cause electrical circuits to disconnect and result in a loss of drive power
The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 31. Owners can contact DTNA customer service at 800-547-0712 with recall number F1017. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-046.
Battery short-circuit risk prompts recall of small number of Volvo electric trucks
Volvo Trucks North America is recalling approximately 13 model year 2023-‘25 VNR Electric trucks.
In the affected units, the high-voltage battery may contain loose hardware, which can create a short circuit inside the battery cells, increasing the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the batteries, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 6. Owners can contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 800-528-6586 with recall number RVXX2501. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-055.
