simpsontruckdriver
Guest
We constantly hear about automobiles being delayed due to parts delayed. Same with repairs. But, I am dealing with another parts shortage: Peterbilt (tractor-trailer, aka Lorry). Last week, I was going to get into my semi after time off, and when I started it (2018 Peterbilt 579 with 430000-ish miles), the dash lit up like a Christmas Tree. I talked to the company shop, the mechanics looked into it and found out an emissions sensor went bad. So, the company put me in another 2018 Peterbilt 579. The company contacted PACCAR (parent company), the sensor is on a 6-week back-order! Last night, the 2018 I drive now had the same issue, but this time I am in Valdosta GA. When I was talking to the mechanic, another driver had the same exact issue, but his 2018 "Pete" had 500,000 miles. My company shop is worried because 20% of their fleet are 2018 Peterbilts coming close to the 425000-500000 breakdown point with no replacement parts available.
Many non-truckers will wonder about the reliability about dozens of trucks/lorries having a sensor break, but a semi works 200 times harder per day and covers 10 times more miles in a year compared to the measly car/pickup. The problem is a parts shortage is going to cause slow-downs. Unlike you, who can simply borrow or rent a car if your car is out of commission, the costs to rent a replacement semi/lorry is expensive, and that comes out of company profits. And there is no stock at dealers, every truck at factories have been bought by trucking companies.
Will this cause a shortage? No, but when a truck breaks down, that freight will be delayed. Just thought I'd point out there are more shortages than just brand new cars thanks to the Pandemic.
TS
Many non-truckers will wonder about the reliability about dozens of trucks/lorries having a sensor break, but a semi works 200 times harder per day and covers 10 times more miles in a year compared to the measly car/pickup. The problem is a parts shortage is going to cause slow-downs. Unlike you, who can simply borrow or rent a car if your car is out of commission, the costs to rent a replacement semi/lorry is expensive, and that comes out of company profits. And there is no stock at dealers, every truck at factories have been bought by trucking companies.
Will this cause a shortage? No, but when a truck breaks down, that freight will be delayed. Just thought I'd point out there are more shortages than just brand new cars thanks to the Pandemic.
TS
