Firestone is offering a new 29/32-in. deep drive-axle radial aimed at line-haulers. The maker says the FD690 PLUS has one of the deepest treads of any drive radial, along with a continuous shoulder design engineered to cut down irregular wear. The tire’s tread boasts an aggressive block/lug design with numerous angled edges to cut through water and road films. Center lugs are linked by tie bars to add stability and fight heel and toe wear. The continuous shoulder design helps prevent the start and spread of irregular wear without sacrificing wet traction, said Firestone. The tire, suitable for single and twin-screw applications, comes in both standard and low-profile sizes for 22.5- and 24.5-in. wheels. www.trucktires.com

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed standards for mandatory training requirements for entry-level commercial drivers who are required to hold or obtain a CDL FMCSA said that it is not proposing to require entry-level drivers to receive training in areas that are already covered in the CDL test. Instead, the required training would address driver qualifications (medical and drug and alcohol testing), driver hours of service, and whistle-blower protection.

It’s time to send in your Highway Hero nominations for 2003. Goodyear will accept applications through Nov. 30. Nominees must be full-time truck drivers; a resident of U.S. or Canada; and have been driving a vehicle with at least 14 wheels when the incident occurred. Incidents must have taken place between Dec. 1, 2002 and Nov. 15, 2003, and the driver must have been on the job or on the way to or from work. For more information or to get a copy of the nominating form, contact the Goodyear Highway Hero Hotline at 330-796-8183, or go to www.highwayhero.net.

Peterbilt Motors Co. has announced that new options of the Peterbilt Red Oval TruckCare Preventive Maintenance programs are now available for pre-owned truck customers. The new options expand contracted PM programs to include pre-owned vehicles equipped with Caterpillar C-10 and C-12 engines, and Cummins ISX and ISM engines. Engines already included in the Red Oval TruckCare Preventive Maintenance program are the Caterpillar 3406, C-15 and C-16; the Cummins N14; and the Detroit Diesel Series 60.

Kenworth Truck Co.'s PremierCare Customer Center has established a national tire account with Bridgestone to give owner-operators the ability to purchase new tires at preferred pricing in emergency situations. Drivers can call 1-800-KW-ASSIST to receive an immediate quote.

J.J. Keller’s Transportation Catalog for 2004 is now available. It features a number of products related to issues of interest to any trucker: hours of service; driver qualifications; security; alcohol and drug testing; training and hazardous materials. You can get a free copy by calling 1-800-531-8899— mention Action Code 1794. www.jjkeller.com.