Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025:
Four more states issue emergencies over winter weather
Following recent emergency declarations in seven states as a result of winter weather across the country, four more states have followed suit.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued an emergency declaration waiving the hours-of-service regulations within Iowa Code 321.449 for crews and drivers delivering propane, diesel No. 1, diesel No. 2, natural gas and other fuels used for residential, agricultural and commercial heating purposes. Reynolds cited high demand for petroleum products throughout the Midwest, as well as the need for access to motor and heating fuels to continue to process and dry harvested crops and to provide residential heating.
In Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore issued a state of emergency, waiving HOS regulations for drivers providing direct assistance related to the winter storm.
An emergency declaration issued in New Hampshire waives HOS rules for motor carriers and drivers delivering propane and home heating oil to homes and businesses within the state.
Finally, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein in an emergency declaration said the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene, along with anticipated impacts of prolonged cold weather, have increased demand for drivers hauling propane and other heating fuels. As such, the declaration waives the maximum driving time regulations for drivers transporting propane or essential heating fuels in the emergency area.
[Related: Winter weather prompts slew of emergencies, waiving hours and other regs]
I-17 closures planned for next weekend
A weekend closure of southbound I-17 in north Phoenix is scheduled Jan. 17-20 as the Arizona Department of Transportation starts a final series of closures needed for a pavement improvement project south of State Route 74/Carefree Highway. A primary detour route will be in place west of I-17.
ADOT recommends drivers allow extra travel time, consider adjusting travel schedules and use the primary detour. Drivers should avoid using local streets east of I-17 that are not designed to handle freeway traffic.
For the upcoming closure, I-17 SB will be closed between SR 74/Carefree Highway and Loop 303 from 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, to 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20. The I-17 SB on-ramps at Daisy Mountain Drive and Pioneer Road will also be closed.
SB I-17 traffic will detour on WB SR 74 to SB Lake Pleasant Parkway and use EB Loop 303 to return to I-17.
Approximately three other I-17 weekend closures are anticipated, including two NB, as crews work to finish the project that began late last spring. ADOT will provide additional closure information as it becomes available. The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
The project to improve the pavement along I-17 between Happy Valley Road and State Route 74 removed the old, worn top layer of asphalt pavement, and the concrete pavement beneath it has undergone a treatment known as diamond grinding to create a smoother, safer and longer-lasting surface along 6 miles of I-17.
Heavy-duty Ford pickups recalled for fuel pump issue
Ford Motor Company is recalling nearly 300,000 pickup trucks equipped with 6.7-liter diesel engines, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
There are a total of 295,449 trucks included in the recall. Affected models include: model year 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, and F600; and model year 2021-2022 F-650 and F750.
In the affected trucks, biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Jan. 13. Owners can contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 with recall number 24S78. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-957.
[Related: Cummins' new diesel for Ram HD hotshot trucks, pickups]
A. Duie Pyle opens new Pennsylvania facility
A. Duie Pyle is expanding its Northeast network with a new facility in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. The company's first expansion this year brings A. Duie Pyle to 31 facilities total.
The new facility extends customer access to Pyle’s LTL services and includes 85 LTL service center doors situated on 11 acres, the company said.
The service center is currently undergoing a complete refresh, including all offices, dock area and fleet maintenance facilities. The new facility is strategically positioned off I-83 and U.S. 11 to efficiently service Pyle’s customer base in the Northeast. Upon its opening, the facility added 35 drivers, 18 dock workers, five fleet technicians and six leaders, creating a total of 64 new jobs and boosting the local economy.
By yearend, Camp Hill is projected to have over 150 employees as Pyle continues to optimize its terminal network to support new business growth.
