Volvo Trucks North America has issued a recall on nearly 1,000 trucks after identifying a parking brake issue that could increase the risk of a rollaway.

Which Trucks Are Affected

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall covers about 800 model year 2024–27 Volvo VNL trucks. These trucks share several specific characteristics:

• 6×4 axle configurations
• Electronic suspension systems
• No auxiliary parking brakes installed

If your VNL matches that setup, it may be subject to this recall.

Why the Parking Brake May Not Hold

A recall acknowledgement document explains that when an affected truck is placed in “weight bias mode,” there may not be enough weight on the axle that carries the parking brake. When that happens, braking force can be reduced.

That lack of holding power creates a rollaway risk, especially when parked on uneven ground or grades.

There are no warning indicators for this condition. Volvo Trucks has stated that all 800 trucks included in the recall are affected.

No Crashes or Injuries Reported

So far, there have been:

• No warranty claims
• No field reports
• No accidents
• No injuries

The issue was first brought to Volvo’s attention last November after a truck roll incident. Following three safety evaluation committee reviews, the company determined in February that a product safety defect exists.

What Volvo Will Do to Fix It

Volvo Trucks will correct the issue by replacing the brake chambers on affected trucks with versions that include auxiliary parking brakes.

• Repairs will be completed at no cost to owners
• Notification letters will be mailed in April

If you operate one of these trucks, this is not something you’ll want to put off once your notice arrives.

Who to Contact

For more information, drivers and fleet owners can contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 800-528-6586 and reference recall number RVXX2601.

NHTSA’s recall number is 26V076.

Not Related to Another Parking Brake Recall

Volvo emphasized that this recall is not connected to a separate parking brake issue announced last year involving another manufacturer.

International previously recalled more than 11,000 model year 2023–26 LT and RH trucks. In that case, the problem involved an auto neutral function that may not recognize when the parking brake is applied.

As explained previously:

“The auto neutral function on some International trucks may not know that the parking brake has been applied. Consequently, the transmission may not shift into neutral. If the transmission remains in gear, the truck may move unexpectedly.”

What Drivers Should Do Now

If you run a Volvo VNL from the affected model years, keep an eye on your mail and be mindful of parking conditions until the repair is completed. Parking brake performance is not something you want to assume is working exactly as intended.

This recall is a reminder that even newer equipment can have hidden issues that only show up under specific operating modes.

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Which International Trucks Are Impacted?

International Motors LLC has listed several popular models across a wide range of years. If you’re running one of these, it’s worth taking a closer look:

• 2016–2023 Lonestar
  • 2018 8600
  • 2018–2023 LT
  • 2021–2026 MV
  • 2022–2023 RH
  • 2023–2026 HX
  • 2025–2026 HV

The problem stems from electrical noise and low signal strength on the power line carrier. When that happens, the ECU may misread commands or stop working altogether, something no driver wants to happen mid-run.

What’s Causing the Issue?

The power line carrier isn’t consistently delivering a strong enough signal. That interference can confuse the ECU or interrupt it, leading to incorrect responses. Drivers may notice unusual behavior in systems tied to ECU communication, though the recall does not list specific alerts or warnings.

How International Plans to Fix It

International is teaming up with Bendix to reprogram the ECU software at no cost to owners. This fix will address the electrical noise and low signal issues that can cause the ECU to misread commands or stop working. Owner letters are expected to go out Jan. 19, 2026, and drivers can reach International customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with any questions. The recall number is 25525. Drivers can confirm whether their truck is included by searching VINs connected to this recall through NHTSA’s database. By completing this reprogramming, the company aims to ensure trucks operate safely and reliably, preventing ECU-related problems on the road.

Source: The Trucker

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This move adds another layer of protection for drivers and passengers, particularly in rollover crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollovers account for nearly half of all truck occupant fatalities, making them one of the deadliest types of accidents on the road.

Building on a Legacy of Safety

Volvo’s reputation for safety leadership isn’t new. In 1996, the company introduced the driver-front airbag in its VN model and immediately made it standard across the lineup. Today, with side curtain airbags designed to deploy in the event of a rollover, Volvo continues that legacy by offering technology that helps minimize injuries in the most severe crash situations.

Magnus Koeck, Vice President of Strategy, Branding, and Marketing at Volvo Trucks, emphasized that safety is at the heart of everything the company does.

“We have always been the safety leader, and we will always be the safety leader,” Koeck said. “We will never compromise on safety. We’re putting active safety and passive safety at the top of our list.”

Leading the Industry Once Again

With this announcement, Volvo becomes the first heavy-truck manufacturer to make side curtain airbags a standard feature across all its models. The company has a long track record of pioneering safety advancements in heavy-duty trucks, from introducing high-strength steel cabs to implementing electronic stability control. More recently, Volvo was also the first to equip trucks with an automatic emergency call system that directly connects to 911 after airbag deployment.

What It Means for Drivers

For professional drivers, these standard safety upgrades translate into more confidence behind the wheel. Rollovers can happen in an instant, often with devastating consequences. By making side curtain airbags standard, Volvo is reducing risks in a way that could save countless lives and injuries on the road.

The decision reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to driver protection and reinforces why Volvo remains a leader in heavy-duty truck safety.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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This shift marks a move away from the Bendix Fusion system previously used in Mack’s Class 8 lineup. Mack Protect was built in-house to meet the unique needs of Mack drivers and offers new layers of protection — both in terms of crash mitigation and helping prevent incidents before they happen.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all setup, Mack Protect comes in three versions so fleets and drivers can choose what fits best for their needs:

• Mack Protect (Standard) includes core forward-facing tools: adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alerts, traffic stop-and-go support, frontal airbags, forward pedestrian detection, and road sign recognition.
• Mack Protect Pro adds more side protection, including side curtain airbags, lane change alerts, blind spot monitoring on both sides, and pedestrian detection along the sides of the truck.
• Mack Protect Premier takes it a step further with active steering and lane-keeping assist layered on top of the Pro package.

On top of all this, Mack says the system brings in some brand-new technologies never before offered on their trucks. That includes:

• Driver Awareness Support with a heads-up display
• Radar systems for both the driver and passenger sides
• Automatic warnings for forward and side pedestrian detection
• Lane-keeping assistance through active steering

Scott Sokach, senior safety product manager at Mack Trucks, explained that the new system was built with everyday driving challenges in mind.

“The driver awareness features we’ve developed respond directly to the challenges professional drivers face every day,” Sokach said. “Our system is designed not just to respond to emergencies, but to help prevent them from occurring in the first place by extending the driver’s awareness of their surroundings.”

With safety demands evolving quickly in the trucking world — especially on long highway hauls — Mack is clearly putting a stronger focus on helping drivers feel more in control behind the wheel. And with the new Pioneer leading the way, the company seems committed to keeping both drivers and those around them safer mile after mile.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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Cooling System: Don’t Wait for Overheating

High temps push your engine harder, and a weak cooling system won’t hold up. Make sure coolant levels are right and the mix is correct—usually 50/50 coolant and distilled water. If you haven’t flushed the system in a while, now’s the time. Gunk and scale slow cooling efficiency. Check for debris around the radiator, condenser, and charge-air cooler. Dirty fins block airflow fast.

Also, check your radiator cap. If it’s not holding the proper pressure, it can cause boil-over or leaks. A pressure test takes minutes and saves a major headache.

Tire Pressure: Heat Doesn’t Forgive Mistakes

Tire pressure fluctuates more in the summer. Hot pavement and long runs push tire temps up fast. Over-inflation increases blowout risk, and under-inflation leads to faster wear. Always check pressure when tires are cool, and adjust to spec.

While you’re at it, inspect tread depth. You’re required to have at least 4/32″ on steer tires and 2/32″ on others. Uneven wear could mean alignment issues or problems with shocks.

A/C System: Stay Sharp Behind the Wheel

When your cab’s too hot, it gets harder to focus. Make sure the air conditioning is doing its job. Start with the basics—check refrigerant levels, clean the condenser, and inspect belts and hoses for signs of wear or leaks. A cabin filter that’s clogged with dust will choke airflow and make the system work harder.

Fluids: Don’t Rely on Last Month’s Check

Oil and other fluids break down quickly in heat. Watch for changes in level or color, and check your oil daily. Also, look at transmission fluid, power steering, and brake fluid. Heat adds stress across the board, especially under a heavy load or in stop-and-go traffic.

Belts and Hoses: Small Parts, Big Problems

Belts and hoses are more likely to fail during summer runs. Look for cracking, soft spots, or bulging. Press lightly on the ends of your hoses—if they feel spongy, it’s time to replace them. The water pump is also worth checking. Any leak or sound from that area should be taken seriously.

Brakes: Check Them More Than Once

Hot weather increases brake fade, especially on hills. If you haven’t inspected your brake pads, drums, or rotors in a while, do it now. Air lines should be checked for leaks, and the system should be draining properly to avoid moisture buildup.

Lights and Electrical: Storm Season Is No Joke

Summer storms can hit without warning, and poor visibility is a major risk. Make sure headlights, brake lights, and signals are all working. Swap out cracked lenses or dim bulbs. Don’t forget wiper blades—if they streak or skip, replace them. And check your battery terminals for corrosion. Heat and vibration accelerate battery wear.

Documentation: Stay Legal and Covered

FMCSA rules (49 CFR 396) require regular inspections and written maintenance records. Keep track of everything you do—fluid changes, brake checks, tire inspections—and file it in one place. If you’re ever pulled in for a DOT inspection, having clean records can make or break the day.

Staying ahead of the heat isn’t about guessing or hoping things hold up. It’s about regular checks, a solid routine, and knowing what to watch. Knock out these tasks before the next long run, and you’ll be a step ahead of whatever summer throws at your truck.

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The competition drew participation from drivers representing leading organizations, including FedEx Freight, Walmart Transportation, and HEB, the San Antonio-based grocery chain with over 440 stores across Texas and Mexico. HEB drivers notably secured wins in six different vehicle classes, demonstrating their dominance in this year’s event.

Class Winners of the 2025 Texas Truck Driving Championship:

• State Grand Champion: Christopher Flippin, FedEx Freight
• Flatbed: Juan Martinez, HEB
• Step Van: Matthew Logan Montandon, FedEx Ground
• Sleeper Berth: Robert Svoboda, Walmart Transportation
• Straight Truck: Jason Salazar, HEB
• Tank Truck: David Sanchez, HEB
• Twin Trailers: Christopher Flippin, FedEx Freight
• 5-Axle Van: Christopher Pieper, HEB
• 4-Axle Van: Ruben Cortez, HEB
• 3-Axle Van: David Urrea IV, HEB

The competition brought together regional winners from Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, where drivers were evaluated on their ability to handle challenging maneuvering and control tests in various vehicle classes. The first-place winners in each category will now represent Texas at the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) National Truck Driving Championship, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, later this summer.

Recognizing Excellence in Maintenance

Beyond celebrating driver expertise, the event was also named the winner of the 2025 Technician of the Year Contest. After demonstrating exemplary written and technical skills, Corey Tegeler of Old Dominion Freight Line claimed victory. Tegeler will next compete in the ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council’s National Technician Skills Competition in Raleigh, North Carolina, this September.

Honoring the Professionals Behind the Wheel

“These championships highlight the exceptional skill and precision it takes to operate and maintain commercial trucks on our roads safely,” said John D. Esparza, President and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association (TXTA). “We’re proud to recognize these dedicated professionals who keep our economy moving each and every day.”

The championships are preceded by three regional contests held in the spring, where drivers secure their place in the state championship by finishing in the top three. National qualifiers, including these top drivers, will gather in Minneapolis this August to showcase their skills on the national stage.

The 2025 Texas Truck Driving Championship was a testament to the expertise and dedication of professional truck drivers and technicians, celebrating the individuals who play a crucial role in keeping the economy moving safely and efficiently.

Image & Source: Truckers News

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The Recall Details

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling select trucks due to a reduced brake performance safety concern. Approximately 68 vehicles are impacted by this recall.

According to the NHTSA, the recall includes specific 2025 models of the following trucks:

• Freightliner 114SD
• Freightliner Business Class M2
• Freightliner Cascadia
• Western Star 49X

The issue arises from insufficient air tank capacity, which affects the vehicle’s braking power. This discrepancy means the trucks do not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121, which governs “Air Brake Systems.”

Resolution Plan

DTNA is currently working on a fix for this problem. Interim notification letters will be mailed to vehicle owners on July 6, explaining the potential safety risks associated with this issue. A follow-up notification will be sent once a proven remedy is available.

What Should Owners Do?

If you own one of the recalled vehicles, you can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 for more information about the recall (reference recall number F1019). You can also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or visit their website at nhtsa.gov.

Stay informed and take action to ensure safety on the road!

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: Freightliner

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that almost 15,000 trucks from the 2025-26 model years, including HV, HX, LT, MV, and RH models, are affected. The defect lies in the linkage that connects the right windshield wiper to the motor, which may detach. If this happens, the wipers could fail to function correctly in poor weather conditions.

How the Problem Was Identified

The defect was initially identified on January 31 during a pre-delivery inspection at International’s assembly plant in Escobedo, Mexico. Technicians discovered that the right-side wiper linkage had detached from the truck’s motor. A deeper investigation revealed two previous warranty claims linked to the issue, both submitted prior to the trucks being delivered to customers.

Further collaboration with Trico, the company responsible for manufacturing the windshield wiper system, uncovered the root of the problem. It was determined that the linkage sockets in the windshield wipers were not meeting quality standards. Trico, widely credited as the inventor of wipers back in 1917, implemented what it believed to be a fix in late March. However, the issue persisted until a permanent remedy was established in early April. Following this discovery, International initiated an official safety recall on April 17.

What Truck Owners Need to Know

To address the defect, International’s authorized dealers will replace the entire windshield wiper module at no cost to affected truck owners. Starting June 23, notification letters with further details will be sent to vehicle owners.

Additionally, International has submitted a reimbursement plan to NHTSA for truck owners who may have already paid for repairs related to this defect before the recall was issued. These owners will be provided instructions in the notification letter on how to make reimbursement claims.

Need More Information?

If truck owners have any questions regarding this recall or the windshield wiper defect, they can contact International customer service at 800-448-7825 and reference recall number 25505. Alternatively, NHTSA can provide additional information using recall number 25V-276.

Rest assured, International Motors is working diligently to resolve this issue and ensure the safety of all drivers and their trucks on the road.

Source: Land Line

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Today’s rigs are smarter, quicker to respond, and loaded with systems that weren’t even on the radar a few decades ago. Let’s take a look back at where truck safety started, how it’s progressed, and the features making the biggest difference on the road today.

From Brute Force to Basic Protection (1950s–1980s)

In the early days of long-haul trucking, safety features were basic, if they existed at all. Drum brakes, manual transmissions, and little to no crash protection were standard. Air brakes became the industry norm in the ’50s, offering better stopping power than hydraulic brakes, but they still required skill and experience to use effectively.

Seat belts were introduced in the 1960s, but they weren’t mandatory for commercial trucks until the 1970s. Even then, enforcement was spotty. Most safety still relied on the driver’s instincts—and not much else.

The Rise of Engine Braking and Anti-Lock Brakes (1990s)

One of the most important upgrades to safety came with the popularization of Jake Brakes—short for Jacobs Engine Brake. Introduced in the 1960s, they became widespread by the ’90s. These engine brakes gave drivers far better control when descending steep grades, helping prevent brake fade and runaway trucks.

Also in the ’90s, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) became standard on new trucks, helping reduce skids and loss of control during hard stops. ABS helped lay the groundwork for more advanced safety features in the years to come.

Electronic Stability and Rollover Control (2000s)

By the early 2000s, the industry began focusing on crash prevention, not just survival. This is when electronic stability control (ESC) entered the scene. ESC helps keep trucks upright and in control by detecting wheel slippage and automatically adjusting brake pressure to individual wheels.

This was a major step forward in preventing rollovers and jackknifes, especially in wet, icy, or curvy road conditions.

Camera and Sensor-Based Assistance (2010s)

The 2010s saw the rise of camera-based systems, radar sensors, and onboard diagnostics. Suddenly, trucks could “see” what was happening around them. These systems led to:

• Forward collision warnings
• Lane departure alerts
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind spot monitoring

Many of these features used to be found only in luxury cars. Now, they’re becoming more common in Class 8 trucks.

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) showed that trucks equipped with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking had 40–44% fewer rear-end crashes than those without it.

Where We Are Today: Smarter, Safer, Still Driver-Controlled

Modern trucks are rolling safety platforms. Some of the features now considered “standard” in new trucks include:

• Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
• Lane keeping assist
• Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS)
• Driver fatigue detection
• Air disc brakes (better stopping power, less fade)
• Telematics that flag unsafe behavior like hard braking or swerving

Yet despite all this tech, safety still comes down to the driver. These systems are here to support—not replace—you.

Why It Matters to Drivers

You’ve got enough to worry about on the road—tight schedules, heavy traffic, unpredictable drivers. Safety tech helps reduce the mental load, allowing you to focus on what you do best.

• AEB and lane alerts help when traffic gets crazy.
• TPMS prevents blowouts before they happen.
• Fatigue monitoring reminds you to take that break before your body gives out.
• Video-based coaching systems help some drivers cut down on habits that increase crash risk.

When used right, these features don’t just save lives—they reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, and keep you rolling.

The evolution of semi-truck safety hasn’t been about bells and whistles. It’s been about building smarter systems that give drivers more tools to stay in control.

From the first air brakes to today’s radar-based crash prevention systems, the goal has always been the same: get the job done and get home safe.

And while trucks have come a long way, nothing replaces the skill, focus, and judgment of a good driver.

The post The Evolution of Semi-Truck Safety Features Over the Years appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the NHTSA, a key issue has been identified with the braking system. The organization stated, “The brakes may take longer than expected to activate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, ‘Air Brake Systems.’”

What Owners Need to Know

To address this issue, Volvo Trucks will provide a fix at no cost to affected owners.

• Remedy: Dealers will install a new pneumatic circuit for free.

• Notification: Owners will receive notification letters by mail starting April 18, 2025.

Contact Information

• Volvo Trucks Customer Service: 800-528-6586 (reference recall number RVXX2502).

• NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171).

• More information can also be accessed through nhtsa.gov.

Owners with the impacted VNL models should act quickly upon receiving the notification to ensure their vehicles remain safe for operation.

Source: The Trucker

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