Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Feb. 3, 2025:
Oregon lawmakers look to delay 'zero-emissions' sales rule
The Oregon House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment last week held a public hearing on House Bill 3119 -- a bipartisan effort to delay Oregon's Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, which went into effect Jan. 1.
It would also declare an emergency and demands the state's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to delay adoption of the regulations until Jan. 1, 2027.
"Oregonians are frustrated with our cost of living," said Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, chief sponsor of the bill. "These regulations are not only unattainable, they will only fuel price increases in every sector of our economy. In some cases, they require manufacturers to sell products that don't yet exist. Class 8 EV tractor trucks cost twice as much, haul 25% less and can only travel about half the distance. The math doesn't math."
Boshart Davis said the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which mirrors California's, will "limit access to the newest, cleanest and most efficient diesel-powered trucks." The ACT rule sets sales requirements for so-called "zero emissions" (ZEV) trucks within the state, requiring an escalating percentage of trucks sold there to be ZEVs.
Early in January, after Oregon's ACT went into effect, Daimler Trucks North America briefly halted diesel sales in Oregon due to concerns with the rule's emissions-credit system for manufacturers and dealers. Oregon's ACT is similar but not identical in scope to California’s much debated and also named Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which has caused challenges for OEMs and dealers alike.
[Related: Daimler resumes diesel sales in Oregon]
Oregon rep Boshart Davis is the second-generation owner of Boshart Trucking, a 20-truck fleet out of Tangent, Oregon.
"Today's truck is not a truck from the '80's rolling coal," she testified before the committee. "It is an understatement to say trucks we're driving today are cleaner than when my dad started driving in the early '80's. It's not even comparable. This progress demonstrates the industry's commitment to environmental stewardship while maintaining the reliability and performance that working people depend on."
Proponents of the bill argue the Advanced Clean Trucks regulations prevent truck owners from purchasing newer, cleaner diesel trucks. Boshart Davis pointed out that of the 14 states that also adopted California's rules, three have rejected the rules and five more delayed the rules. She said the language in her bill comes from a similarly structured New Jersey bill that came out of committee at the end of 2024.
"What we are trying to do today is happening across the nation," Boshart Davis noted.
[Related: New York trucking group calls for delay of emissions regs]
Mack recalls severe-duty models over ABS issue
Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 142 severe-duty units that are missing the anti-lock brake (ABS) warning light and circuitry that controls the anti-lock brake function for an attached trailer, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
The recall affects model year 2010-’18 Mack MRU and 2019-’25 Mack TerraPro vehicles spec’d to tow trailers.
With the lack of ABS warning light and circuitry, the trucks do not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems." Driving without a functioning anti-lock brake system may result in the trailer not braking as intended, increasing the risk of a crash, the recall noted.
Dealers will add an ABS warning light and circuitry, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 21. Owners can contact Mack's customer service at 800-866-1177 with recall number SC0474. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-030.
[Recall: Recall for sticking throttle hits medium-duty Kenworth, Peterbilt trucks]
Pilot takes on heart disease in February
In honor of Heart Month ongoing in February, Pilot is calling on guests to join the fight against heart disease and stroke.
Marking its eighth year of supporting research and heart health education, Pilot is inviting its guests to make a difference by donating in-store and, as a thank-you, fuel their day with a free cup of coffee.
"At Pilot, safety goes beyond being road-ready -- it’s about protecting what matters most: our team members, guests and communities," said Adrienne Ingoldt, Pilot’s chief marketing officer and member of the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why Council. "Standing together in the fight against heart disease and stroke -- the leading and fifth-leading causes of death in our country -- is a meaningful way to bring our purpose to life and show people they matter at every turn.”
From Feb. 1-16, guests can visit participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers to donate and celebrate their commitment to heart health and safety.
Ways to contribute include:
- Paper hearts: $1, $3 and $5 paper hearts will be available for purchase at participating travel centers with 100% of proceeds supporting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign in the U.S. and the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada. Additionally, guests who purchase a paper heart at U.S. locations can enjoy a free any-size hot coffee through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app as a token of appreciation for supporting the cause.
- Pin pad roundup or donation: Guests can round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar or donate an amount of their choice via the pin pad during checkout. Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions
"We’re proud to support the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to promote heart health and safety. Every paper heart purchased and extra dollar donated fuels groundbreaking research and lifesaving initiatives,” Ingoldt added. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our guests and team members, whose support enables these organizations to make a profound difference.”
