Here are the headlines from this week in trucking:

Paccar is including new infotainment systems in its 2027 trucks

Most new Peterbilt and Kenworth Class 8 trucks will come standard with the Paccar Connect platform in 2027. The platform includes a digital display, several vehicle and app software integrations, and voice commands. The Peterbilt displays are 13-inch screens in portrait orientation, while the Kenworth displays are 15-inch screens in landscape orientation.

Paccar may also be facing a class-action lawsuit

The Washington court system is processing a class action lawsuit against Paccar for its EPA 2021 MX-13 engines.

The lawsuit claims the engines had fuel-system defects: Allegedly, the fuel injectors in EPA 2021 MX-13 engines would fail much more often and render the trucks inoperable. Allegedly, Paccar either knew or should have known this information and did not disclose it.

About 30 companies are registered as plaintiffs against Paccar. The case will head to trial around October 2027.

ATA has its new president: Mark Colson

The American Trucking Associations named its new president and CEO after Chris Spear's sudden departure. The industry group’s new leader is Mark Colson, who most recently served as president and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association. Colson will take over ATA’s leadership beginning December 1.

Spot market rates remain flat

Overall average spot market rates remained on their plateau last week, according to FTR Transportation Intelligence. Overall spot rates eased three-tenths of a cent, remaining around $3.26 per mile. Dry van rates declined less than 1 cent to $2.85 per mile. Refrigerated rates decreased 1.5 cents to $3.54 per mile. Flatbed rates ticked up 0.2 cents to $3.34 per mile.

In fuel, diesel prices are heating up again

The national average on-highway diesel price increased 10 cents to $6.28 per gallon, according to weekly data from the Energy Information Administration, or $6.31 per gallon according to the latest data from AAA. The Iran War continues, and the U.S. allegedly plans to re-escalate the conflict after the midterms.

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