Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024:
Tesla Semi catches fire after crash, shuts down interstate
I-80 was closed in both directions in Placer County, near Nyack, California. Trucks were turned around at the Nevada state line and Applegate, according to the California DOT.Caltrans District 3
A battery-electric Tesla Semi operating on I-80 near Nyack, California, caught fire Monday, shutting the interstate down for 16 hours.
The truck went off I-80 EB near the off-ramp for Laing Road, crashing into trees and catching fire, according to local reports.
Crews were called to the scene just after 3 a.m. Monday. WB lanes reopened around 4:30 p.m., but EB lanes remained closed until after 7 p.m. as crews battled toxic fumes released by the truck’s lithium-ion batteries.
Cal Fire officials who were on the scene described the incident as more of a hazmat situation than a normal fire. “Because of the toxic fumes that come off the batteries, we don’t want passenger vehicles driving by on the interstate with windows open or intake vents,” the official said.
Even the firefighters had to keep a distance due to the fumes and extreme heat of the battery fire. “It was hours and hours before they could even get close,” Cal Fire said.
[Related: Nikola truck erupts in flames again, company still suspects ‘foul play’]
The firefighting efforts included “air attacks,” or planes flying overhead and dumping fire retardant liquid to cool the blaze. “It was even a while before our air resources could go over the plume,” Cal Fire said, citing 1,000-degree temperatures.
Overall, Cal Fire dumped thousands of thousands of gallons of water on the truck in an attempt to cool the batteries down to about 100 degrees, at which point they could approach and move it. Luckily, fire retardant drops helped contain the blaze and there was “very little” damage to wildlife and the surrounding area.
The driver of the truck reportedly walked away from the crash and was taken to a nearby hospital. Police are investigating the cause of the crash and whether the driver fell asleep.
Ultimately, the Semi was towed and escorted back to Sparks, Nevada, and a Tesla hazmat crew visited the scene. Cal Fire said Tesla would examine the truck to figure out how the fire happened.
[Related: Slow-moving superload moving across I-80 Tuesday, parts of Wednesday]
ATRI calls on carriers, brokers to weigh in on cargo theft
As part of its research on the growing problem of cargo theft, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is asking motor carriers and brokers to participate in a new data collection initiative.
Cargo theft — which has evolved from thieves simply stealing cargo to sophisticated impersonation schemes — is becoming more common, according to some industry stakeholders. In March, ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC), citing FBI statistics that indicate $15 to $30 billion is lost to cargo theft annually, voted to prioritize research on the topic.
While the problem of cargo theft is growing, many industry stakeholders are hesitant to publicly provide cargo theft data, ATRI said. ATRI’s survey is designed to confidentially and anonymously collect accurate loss data, as well as identify successful counter-strategies used by both motor carriers and freight brokers.
Motor carriers and brokers can participate in the survey here.
[Related: Congress eyes creation of anti-fraud/cargo theft task force]
Penske debuts new used truck auction site
Penske Used Trucks has launched an online auction platform for used vehicles, which is designed to streamline the commercial equipment-buying process, providing a seamless and intuitive interface that allows buyers to easily find and bid on a wide selection of quality equipment from Penske.
Auctions are held weekly, starting every Tuesday at 8 a.m. EST and ending on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. EST. The platform will feature a range of vehicles, including light- and medium-duty trucks, heavy-duty tractors, semi-trailers, and specialized equipment.
To participate in the auctions, buyers must create an account on the Penske Used Trucks Auction site. Registration provides access to the platform and its benefits.