Task Force to Explore Link Between Corrosion, De-Icers
Trucking industry executives attending the Technology and Maintenance Council's annual meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., earlier this month formed a task force to examine the growing problem of truck corrosion possibly caused by de-icing and dust control chemicals on roads
Trucking industry executives attending the Technology and Maintenance Council's annual meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., earlier this month formed a task force to examine the growing problem of truck corrosion possibly caused by de-icing and dust control chemicals on roads.
According to the Colorado Motor Carriers Assn., which has spearheaded the fight against these de-icers, participants said they believe that chemicals such as magnesium and calcium chloride are accelerating the deterioration of their vehicles.
Joe Fleming, president of Falcon Transport Co. in Youngstown, Ohio, said that chloride-related corrosion started showing up on his trucks three years ago. He attributed the damage to chlorides sprayed on the Ohio Turnpike and other roads.
CMCA has been monitoring the issue of truck corrosion and the use of magnesium chloride for the past several years and continues to try to work with the Colorado Department of Transportation on the problem.
Heavy Duty Trucking magazine helped bring attention to the problem with its award-winning September 2001 cover feature, "Killer Chemicals."
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