Help Inc. Adds Seven PrePass Sites in North Carolina

Photo: Help Inc.

Help Inc. announced seven new operational weigh station bypass locations in North Carolina, increasing the number of stations available to PrePass users traveling in the state.

These sites are in addition to the PrePass sites on I-85 at Hillsborough, which have been in service since 2015. Three additional PrePass sites will be activated in the coming months at Interstate 85 southbound near Charlotte, Interstate 85 northbound in Gaston County, and Interstate 77 northbound near Mount Airy.

The new PrePass sites include:

• I-95 northbound near Lumberton
• I-95 southbound in Halifax County
• I-77 southbound near Mount Airy
• I-40 eastbound near Asheville
• I-26 westbound near Hendersonville
• I-40 eastbound and westbound near Statesville

North Carolina rules require that to be eligible to bypass a state weigh station, each PrePass fleet must have a representative photo on file with the State. If a fleet has more than one truck of the same make and color, only one photo per make and color is necessary. PrePass customers can upload the photos through Prepass.com, or email them to [email protected]. Additional instructions are available here.

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

APC Launches Replacement Parts Program for Trucks

Image via APC Automotive Technologies

APC Automotive Technologies has launched a replacement parts category program for light-, medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

The offering covers all classes of commercial vehicles and now includes a wide range of manufactured components from APC's DieselTech, recently acquired DuraFit, and Centric Parts brake systems brands.

APC's new program incorporates a product offering from three under-truck parts brands:

• DieselTech, a complete line of medium- and heavy-duty exhaust and emissions replacement parts.
• DuraFit, a full line supplier of EPA-certified, exact-fit, heavy-duty replacement diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs).
• Centric Parts, a manufacturer and supplier of aftermarket brake system components, including a recently launched air disc brake program.

“Our replacement parts combine advanced engineering, innovative enhancements, and upgraded materials that are designed to improve vehicle performance and reliability,” said Henry Hippert, vice president of sales for APC.

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

White House halts Bannon's testimony

CNBC's Eamon Javers reports the latest details on Tuesday's closed-door hearing with former White House advisor Stephen Bannon.

X-Tend Tracker Bar Extension Prevents Damage from Cables

Phillips Industries' X-Tend tracker bar extension is designed to prevent scuffs and marring on the back of the cab from swinging cables.

The X-Tend extends the tracker spring kit and cables out an additional eight inches from the tracker bar, with a total of 12 inches away from the back of the cab. This additional space keeps cables from knocking against the back of the cab, preventing surface damage.

The nylon support bracket rests up against the back of the cab eliminating the need for installation hardware. Additionally, a soft cushion of foam gasket padding on the back of the bracket prevents damage to the cab's surface. Both the mounting bracket and support bracket are made of non-corrosive materials, and the metal tubing and eye hook are constructed of stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance.

The X-Tend can be installed on tractors with a solid metal back or with windows with a metal frame down the center of the cab. It is available at Phillips' exclusive distributors throughout North America.

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

LeasePlan USA Names Truck Sales VP

Morris.

LeasePlan USA has today announced the appointment of Naeem Morris to its Truck and Equipment Division. In his role of truck sales vice president, Morris will be responsible for overseeing the growth and development of the LeasePlan truck division in the Midwest.

Morris has more than 15 years in financial services and fleet management, with nearly half of that time in the commercial finance industry with Daimler Truck Financial and CitiCapital formerly Associates Commercial Corporation, according to a release from the fleet management company.

“Naeem is a welcome addition to the truck division,” said John Jaje, executive vice president of truck, for LeasePlan USA. “He brings a wealth of experience and we are excited to tap into his expertise and leverage it to our advantage.”

He looks to incorporate his background in risk and credit, collections and sales into LeasePlan's growth strategy. Morris spent the last 18 months closing several large conquest accounts at Element Fleet Management and simultaneously completing his MBA at DePaul University.

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

People in California are calling for the rural counties to declare independence from the rest of the state

The aspiring 51st state would incorporate the central, mostly rural counties and contain roughly 15 million people, according to the group's organizers. A split between California and New California is highly unlikely. "New California" is swiftly taking over social media.

How Ford is taking on Jeep

Ford sees that as an opportunity. Its new Ranger pickup, revived after a seven-year hiatus, is aimed at recreational enthusiasts who don't need a work truck but love the flexibility a pickup offers. “The Ford brand has off-road credibility.