The Quincy, Illinois-based company positioned the campaign as both a brand effort and a way to highlight the role vocational trucks play in industries such as skilled trades, utilities, infrastructure, maintenance, and other essential services.

“This is a meaningful moment for our industry and for the people who rely on work trucks every day,” said Bo Knapheide, president and CEO of Knapheide. “For 178 years, our mission has stayed the same: build tools that help America work. America’s Work Truck honors that legacy while clarifying what the modern work truck can and should be for today’s workforce.”

Defining the Modern Work Truck

Knapheide explained that the campaign is designed to do more than promote the company brand. It aims to help drivers, fleet managers, and contractors understand how truck bodies and equipment can be configured to make crews more effective and efficient.

“Workers know trucks but not always how a truck can be built to work the way they do,” said Mandar Dighe, vice president of sales and marketing at Knapheide. “No one has told that story at national scale before. America’s Work Truck is a clear signal for the category and a promise of clarity for customers. It defines who we are, who we’ve always been, and how we support the people behind the work.”

By connecting its history and national reach with the story of skilled trades, Knapheide wants to show how modern work trucks support safe and productive fleet operations.

Growth, Capacity, and Supporting Skilled Trades

The campaign comes as demand for vocational trucks rises and awareness of modern truck capabilities remains uneven. Knapheide continues to scale production, technology, and distribution, working with more than 250 distributor partners nationwide.

The company also notes that more work trucks on U.S. roads carry its name than any other brand, and it links this to nearly two centuries of family ownership.

“Our story is deeply tied to America’s story,” Bo Knapheide said. “We’ve built alongside generations of workers through economic cycles and industry change. America’s Work Truck is our way of honoring the past while preparing for the next era of American work.”

Campaign Rollout and Industry Reach

The Work Truck Week introduction is the first step in a larger, year-long campaign. Knapheide plans to expand the message across industry events, business networks, and cultural platforms starting April 1, with broader awareness efforts continuing throughout 2026.

The campaign reinforces Knapheide’s core values of craftsmanship, reliability, and customer service, showing the company’s commitment to supporting independent contractors and national fleets alike.

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Mack Protect combines radar, cameras, and smart detection algorithms designed by Mack to help drivers avoid accidents or reduce their impact. It now provides expanded safety coverage, including forward- and side-looking pedestrian recognition.

Alex Lee, senior product manager for vocational and medium-duty vehicles at Mack Trucks, explained how the system works for everyday driving. “The system includes a camera in the windshield, along with radar units in the front bumper and passenger side. It offers forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with an adjustable time gap, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, speed-limit sign identification with overspeed alerts, and right-side lane-change and blind-spot support with pedestrian and bicyclist detection.”

Lee also described how the alerts communicate with drivers. “If a pedestrian or vehicle is detected, a warning lamp flashes on the A-pillar. It glows orange as the truck gets closer and beeps and turns red if the vehicle gets too close. The radars are designed to cover a 102-inch width and track objects between 150 and 250 meters in ideal daylight highway conditions.”

With Mack Protect now available on medium-duty trucks, MD Series drivers gain the same advanced safety features that heavy-duty drivers rely on, helping reduce collisions and enhance confidence on the road.

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In a nod to a long-standing business relationship, the newly built 47X went to Alamo Group. Based in Seguin, Texas, Alamo Group is a trusted DTNA partner and a leading producer of snow and ice removal equipment. The new Western Star will join their Snow & Ice Team.

“Alamo Group has been a valued partner for many years, and we’re proud to support their mission with our most advanced vocational trucks,” said David Carson, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing at DTNA. “The Western Star 47X is purpose-built for demanding applications like snow and ice management.”

Cleveland Plant: Where Heavy Duty Meets Heritage

Founded in 1989, DTNA’s Cleveland Truck Manufacturing Plant now serves as the company’s biggest U.S. facility for building heavy-duty trucks. It sits on 178 acres, covers 1.2 million square feet, and employs about 2,000 people. The plant produces the Fifth Generation Freightliner Cascadia, along with the Western Star 47X and 49X models.

The Western Star brand, described as the fastest-growing division at DTNA, centers on performance, strength, and dependability. The featured 47X is designed specifically for tough jobs—its Detroit DD13 engine helps it plow through harsh snow and ice, meeting the high standards DTNA sets for its customers.

Driven by People and Progress

The assembly of over 850,000 trucks at the Cleveland site highlights the dedication and skill of its workforce. Senior vice president Jeff Allen stated, “Reaching 850,000 trucks is a testament to the dedication of our Cleveland team and the strength of our manufacturing processes.”

Image Source: Daimler Truck North America
Source: Truckers News

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The order grants motor carriers and drivers in these areas exemptions from the standard maximum driving time when they are directly involved in relief operations. This includes the transportation of critical fuels such as propane, heating oil, gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and heating fuel to the affected regions.

Initially issued on January 10, the emergency declaration addresses challenges posed by severe winter storms and freezing temperatures. These extreme weather conditions have heightened fuel demands while creating significant obstacles in the distribution process.

What Does “Direct Assistance” Mean?

Under the FMCSA’s directive, “direct assistance” refers to transportation and relief services provided by motor carriers or drivers that play a key role in the immediate restoration of essential supplies or services. However, this does not cover transportation intended for long-term recovery beyond the initial emergency phase or for reconstructing damaged infrastructure. Additionally, routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with only minimal emergency supplies, do not qualify for the exemptions provided.

Motor carriers or drivers who have been issued an out-of-service order are also not permitted to operate under the declaration until they meet all applicable conditions.

Returning to Normal Operations

Once emergency relief activities conclude, carriers and drivers must comply with standard driving time regulations while operating commercial vehicles. However, drivers can return empty to their terminal or their usual work reporting location without additional restrictions.

If a driver transitions from emergency relief efforts back to normal operations, they must take a 10-hour rest period if their total time engaged in relief efforts or combined relief and everyday driving exceeds 14 hours.

Additional State Declarations

Several states have also implemented their own emergency declarations to provide motor carriers and drivers with additional relief measures tailored to specific regional needs. To learn more about these state-level declarations, detailed information is available here.

Source: Land Line

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Efforts are ongoing to repair Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge after damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Crews are making steady progress (NCDOT via X).

The closure of I-40, a major route linking North Carolina and Tennessee, has presented significant hurdles for truck drivers. Many tractor-trailers are inadvertently diverting to narrow, two-lane mountain roads, leading to delays and occasional gridlocks. Officials from both states are emphasizing the importance of sticking to approved truck routes and avoiding reliance on GPS systems designed for passenger vehicles.

“Some trucks are following GPS routes that are programmed for passenger vehicles,” shared North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) spokesperson David Uchiyama. “Those are routes that accommodate passenger vehicles. But they’re steep, winding, curvy roads, not built for trucks.”

A Critical Interstate Severed

Since September 27, when floodwaters from Hurricane Helene washed out more than a mile of the eastbound lanes near the North Carolina/Tennessee state line, I-40 has remained closed. This critical artery, which previously carried over 25,000 vehicles daily—many of them commercial trucks—has been effectively severed.

Addressing the closure, both state governments launched awareness campaigns, utilizing social media, electronic road signs, cellphone alerts, and truck cab notifications. NCDOT’s DriveNC website now displays a “truck closure” marker to identify areas where vehicles over 30 feet are prohibited due to frequent incidents of trucks getting stuck—approximately two dozen so far.

Challenges Persist

Despite these efforts, some drivers continue to face challenges. Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Lieutenant Bill Miller highlighted the issue, noting that truckers frequently drive east on I-40 until they encounter road closure barricades, forcing them to backtrack.

“Many truck drivers are ignoring the signs posted on I-40 East daily for one reason or another,” Miller explained via email. “They then get turned around and continue to rely on their GPS, and they are routed to secondary roads in Cocke County, such as Big Creek Road and Hartford Road. These roads are small and are not wide enough to accept commercial traffic.”

This isn’t a new challenge. Similar issues arise during snowstorms or accidents in the Pigeon River Gorge, which often prompt truckers to search for alternative, but ill-suited, routes. One particularly troublesome route, N.C. 209, even earned the nickname “The Rattler” due to its winding path through Pisgah National Forest. The increase in incidents since Hurricane Helene has prompted NCDOT to erect additional warning signs.

Stepped-Up Enforcement

The mountain roads themselves haven’t become less truck-friendly; it’s simply that the closure has increased the volume of drivers seeking alternative routes that have always been closed to large commercial vehicles. To address the issue, state troopers in both North Carolina and Tennessee have increased enforcement efforts. Last week alone, the North Carolina Highway Patrol issued over 100 citations to truckers using non-truck-approved routes—a statistic NCDOT shared in a Facebook post aimed at the trucking community.

“We don’t want to issue citations,” explained 1st Sgt. Chris Knox of the State Highway Patrol. “But we don’t want to see them stuck or turned around or overturned. That further complicates people navigating those roads who should be on those roads.”

Fewer Wrong Turns on Mountain Roads

While the problem hasn’t disappeared, officials report progress. The partial reopening of Interstate 26 in Erwin, Tenn., on October 30 has provided a temporary alternative, albeit with some restrictions, such as one-lane traffic in each direction while bridges over the Nolichucky River undergo reconstruction.

NCDOT expects to reopen a section of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge by early next year. Plans involve converting the westbound lanes into a two-way roadway, separated by a concrete barrier and with a reduced speed limit of 40 mph.

“All drivers need to keep in mind it will be slow going,” Uchiyama said.

Recommended Detours for Truckers

Until repairs are complete, NCDOT is advising truckers traveling between North Carolina and Tennessee to use one of two alternative routes:

• I-77 to I-81

• U.S. 74

By adhering to these routes, truck drivers can avoid unnecessary delays and potential hazards on unsuitable roads.

Source: Transport Topics

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Key Participants in the Clean Truck Partnership

The partnership includes industry giants such as Cummins Inc., Daimler Truck North America, and Ford Motor Co., among others. These companies have pledged to meet California’s stringent vehicle standards, which mandate the shift towards zero-emissions technology, irrespective of federal challenges.

CARB is committed to collaborating closely with manufacturers, offering ample lead time for compliance with emission standards and supporting ZEV infrastructure development. “This agreement makes it clear that we have shared goals to tackle pollution and climate change,” stated CARB Chair Liane Randolph.

Jed Mandel, President of the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Through this agreement, we have aligned on a single nationwide nitrogen oxide emissions standard.”

Agreement Highlights

1. Alignment with Federal Standards: CARB will mirror the EPA’s 2027 nitrogen oxide emissions regulations while modifying some 2024 NOx requirements.

1. Regulatory Stability: CARB will provide a minimum of four years lead time and three years of stability before new regulations are introduced.

1. Commitment by Manufacturers: Companies will adhere to California’s zero-emission regulations, regardless of challenges to state authority.

Progress Towards a Clean Future

California is set to implement a phased transition to 100% zero-emission technology for medium and heavy-duty vehicles by 2045. This initiative is supported by federal approval, making California the first state to enforce such stringent standards.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

• Cummins Inc. expresses dedication to a zero-emissions future, appreciating CARB’s flexibility and alignment with EPA standards. “These actions will enable Cummins to improve product availability for our customers, while delivering significant emissions reductions,” says Shelley A. Knust.

• Daimler Truck North America remains focused on carbon-neutral vehicles by 2039, with Sean Waters emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

• Ford Motor Co. highlights the need for program harmonization during this industry transition. Cynthia Williams notes, “This alignment… will help us get more clean trucks on the road across the country.”

• Navistar values the regulatory certainty provided by the agreement, stating it allows for preparation for an increase in zero-emissions technology.

• PACCAR Inc. supports the environmental goals of California and the nation, with John Rich acknowledging the agreement’s role in ensuring product supply.

• Volvo Group North America praises the partnership for fostering product availability in line with California’s climate goals. Dawn Fenton believes cooperative efforts will lead to a less disruptive transition to zero-emission vehicles.

This partnership signals a united front in the move towards a sustainable future, paving the way for cleaner air and a healthier planet.

Source: The Buzz EV News

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The root of the problem lies in the production of fuel pump barrels that may have been manufactured using materials with low fatigue strength, making them susceptible to cracks. If these cracks occur, a fuel leak is possible, which could stall the engine, significantly heightening the risk of an accident on busy roads. Cummins estimates that this flaw will appear in just 3% of the affected engines.

To address the issue, Cummins is offering a free replacement of the faulty fuel pump barrels. The company is moving quickly, planning to notify original equipment manufacturers by October 16, with engine owners receiving notification letters by November 22 at the latest.

It remains unclear which specific vehicles are equipped with these problematic engines. However, well-known manufacturers such as Kenworth, Peterbilt, Navistar, and Daimler Truck North America have purchased these Cummins X15 engines. As a proactive measure, truck manufacturers might announce additional vehicle recalls in the future based on further developments.

Customers should stay alert for any indications of diminished engine performance or a warning light activation, which could signal that fuel pressure is below the expected level. There is also the possibility of detecting diesel fumes around the vehicle.

For those seeking more information about this recall, Cummins customer service is reachable at 812-377-5000. Be sure to reference recall number C7083. The corresponding NHTSA reference number for this recall is 24E-078.

Source: Land Line

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