Truckers, take note: the world of trucking is constantly evolving, and there are some exciting updates on the horizon. Love’s Travel Stops is expanding its services and locations, with new travel stops, truck care locations, and restaurants set to open in 2023. Meanwhile, BP has acquired TravelCenters of America, adding 280 travel centers to its existing US convenience and mobility business. In safety news, over 70,000 Freightliner and Western Star vehicles are being recalled. Keep reading to stay in the know about the latest updates in the world of trucking.
70,000 Trucks
Over 70,000 Freightliner and Western Star vehicles produced over the past six years are affected by a recall due to modular valve corrosion that may cause brake pull, potentially leading to a safety hazard. This little bit of corrosion is enough to cause the vehicle to begin pulling to one side when the brakes are applied which can ultimately cause the driver vehicle to lose control.
The affected vehicles include Freightliner Cascadia trucks produced between 2017-2023, Western Star 47X, Western Star 49X, and 2022 Freightliner 114SD vehicles. But don’t worry, Daimler Truck North America has got your back! They’ll replace the front brake modular valves free of charge.
Customers can expect to receive owner notification letters by April 10th, and they can contact DTNA customer service for further information.
Pivot!
That’s not all, folks! The second recall is for a potential problem with a foldable upper bunk in certain 2021-23 Freightliner Coronado tractors. The mounting pivot bolt for the bed may loosen, which could lead to an increased risk of injury. Daimler Truck North America is on it again. The company will tighten the pivot bolts for free at Freightliner dealers, so you can rest easy knowing you’ve got your best foot forward and are safe on the road.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by April 5th, and owners can contact DTNA customer service from there. The recall number for this issue is FL964.
So there you have it, truckers! Make sure to check if your vehicle is affected by these recalls and get in touch with DTNA customer service at 800-547-0712 for any questions or concerns. Stay safe out there on the road!
America’s Best Truck Stop & More
Truck stops are all the rage this week! From app-based rankings to surprise champions, we’ve got all the latest news to keep you in the know. here are just a few quick snippets to ensure you’re up to date on the latest. If you saw our article earlier this week you’ll know that Trucker Path, the nation’s leading navigation app for commercial drivers, released their comprehensive list of the best truck stops in North America based on real data they’ve collected from real drivers using their app. The 2022 champion is a Kwik Trip out of Iowa if you can believe it!
BP Spends $1.3 Billion
BP has acquired TravelCenters of America, a popular travel center operator, for a whopping $1.3 billion cash deal. This move will add 280 travel centers to BP’s existing US convenience and mobility business, all strategically located on major highways across the country. Not only that, but this acquisition is expected to nearly double BP’s global convenience gross margin and bring growth opportunities for four of their five transition growth engines. BP plans to invest heavily in these areas over the next decade, with around half of their annual and cumulative investments going into convenience, bioenergy, and EV charging.
According to BP, this is a smart business move that is expected to deliver big returns and be accretive to free cash flow per share from 2024. In other words, we can expect to see some exciting new offerings from BP in the near future. With convenience and mobility at the forefront, BP is taking things to the next level, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us!
More Love to Give
Love’s Travel Stops announced it is expanding its services and locations in 2023, with plans to open 25 new travel stops, 15 new truck care locations, and add 30 new restaurants. The company will also remodel older locations and expand the number of RV hookups, in addition to adding new services and partnerships with top brands. Love’s President, Shane Wharton, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and strategic growth, stating that Love’s will continue to find new ways to offer good value at competitive prices across the Love’s Family of Companies.
Professional drivers will have access to exclusive partnerships with Interstate Batteries and Daimler Truck North America, as well as additional truck care and maintenance services. Love’s other entities, including Musket, Gemini Motor Transport, and Trillium Energy Solutions, are also set to expand and add new services. With plans to add 2,000 employees across the country in 2023, Love’s is poised for major growth in the coming year.
Stay Safe Out There!
Whether you’re a trucker, a fleet owner, or just a curious reader, there’s always something new and exciting happening in this ever-changing field. From Love’s Travel Stops’ expansion plans to BP’s acquisition of TravelCenters of America, the trucking industry is poised for major growth in the coming years. And with a focus on safety and innovation, the future of trucking looks brighter than ever. As always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.
