Volvo Tribute Trucks Honor Military Heroes

Employees at Volvo Trucks’ New River Valley (NRV) assembly plant in Dublin, Virginia unveiled the 2018 Ride for Freedom truck featuring the new VNL 760. The tractor, accompanied by a custom-designed Volvo VNR 640, led a motorcade of more than 150 motorcycles from the plant to Washington, D.C. during the annual “Run for the Wall” Ride for Freedom motorcycle rally Memorial Day weekend.

This year marks 27 years of NRV employee and the UAW Local 2069 Veteran Committee support of the Ride for Freedom event, now in its 31st year. The custom-designed graphics on the VNL 760 long-haul tractor honor America’s military heroes of all branches with the slogan, “All gave some, some gave all…some still give.”

Kenworth T880 Key to Efficiency at Western Forest Products

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 24, 2018 – Canada is the home and native land of Western Forest Products, the largest coastal timberlands operator and lumber producer in British Columbia. For years, the company, which has an annual available harvest greater than 6 million cubic meters (2.5 billion board feet), has relied on a private railway and off-road trucks to move logs to its sort yards, where they then were towed by water to their seven sawmills on Vancouver Island.

According to Rick Bitten, senior maintenance manager for Western Forest Products, transporting logs by rail – something the company had been doing for decades, will be replaced by highway truck hauling. The railway was used in conjunction with off-highway trucks capable of hauling 60 to 80 ton loads, which were transferred by a reload to the rail cars. The downside of the “Fat Trucks” is the parts are becoming more difficult to source and they are restricted to off highway hauls.

That’s all now changing. In a move that Bitten called an “evolution” to increase cost competitiveness and improve efficiencies, Western Forest Products turned to the Kenworth T880 to do double-duty – transporting timber off- and on-highway.

The Western Forest Products fleet numbers 75 trucks, including some well-used Kenworth T800s, and 24 new Kenworth T880s purchased from Inland Kenworth–Campbell River.

The T880s were specifically spec’d to handle 60-ton payloads. Specialty features include an 11-5/8-inch double frame rail with additional cross-members for added strength, Neway 78,000-pound tridem 54-inch air suspension, and a Meritor 20,000-pound drop axle. Profab Manufacturing added custom cab guards, bunks, and trailer components.

“The engineering solution from Kenworth was far more in-depth than the solutions we received from the other OEMs we evaluated,” Bitten said. “There were a whole lot of criteria coming back from Kenworth on what would be required to achieve the 60-ton rating. We liked the idea of them telling us what was required to meet the need.”

In comparing makes and models, Western Forest Products looked at 40 specific points, including safety, durability, efficiency, serviceability, support, parts availability, and driver comfort, graded on a scale of 1 to 3 with two being average and three being exceptional. “Kenworth and the T880 came out ahead,” Bitten said.

Durability was a key factor, as the trucks average 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of off-road conditions each trip with most trucks making three to five trips a day, depending on haul distance. Some of the mainline roads are fairly well maintained, but spur roads can prove a challenge. The spur roads don't have a lot of ballast on top, so there can be some really rough surfaces.

Any incline above 22 percent is called “steep-slope” hauling; Western Forest Products trucks can face 26 to 28 percent grades. To handle that, the Kenworth T880s are equipped with 565-hp engines and a 5:25 gear ratio. Tridem drive axles with locking differentials, and automated Eaton UltraShift® Plus transmissions – designed for vocational applications and including the Hill Start Aid feature – also help navigate mountain terrain.

“Some of our hauls are very demanding, and driver focus is critical. The UltraShift transmission allows the driver to focus on controlling the truck,” Bitten said. “The Eaton UltraShift is a huge step forward for us,” Bitten added. “We went in that direction because of the age of our workforce, the ergonomics of the transmission and also for the advantages of reduced maintenance costs.”

Before the T880s went into service, representatives from Kenworth, Eaton, and Neway provided drivers and mechanics extensive training sessions covering operation of the trucks and components so they’d be ready to manage any situation.

According to Bitten, the Kenworth T880 is one of the few trucks in which a driver can actually have three-point contact while climbing in and out of the cab. Kenworth also designed the engine compartment for easy access to maintenance items, and a self-locking mechanism ensures the hood remains in a safe position when open. “These little features benefit both our drivers, and technicians,” Bitten said.

And then there are the mirrors – something Bitten liked to point out. “The fat trucks we operate are equipped with ‘West Coast’ style mirrors that stick out far enough to allow drivers to see past the wide 10-foot, 6-inch bunks,” he said. “But, because of the rough roads, they tend to shake out of adjustment creating delays while readjusting. The T880 solved that issue with standard spec modular mirrors with electronic adjustments.”

Bitten said he feels a true partnership among Kenworth, its local dealer, Inland Kenworth - Campbell River and Western Forest. “Our goal is to establish a long term relationship. It’s all about being well supported, getting the right product, and getting through challenges,” he said.

“When you're putting together a log truck, it’s a joint venture,” Bitten concluded. “We had some very in-depth things that we wanted done, and Kenworth worked very hard to put the product together that we wanted. It's been a very successful relationship.”

Kenworth and UPS Collaborate on DOE SuperTruck II

KIRKLAND, Wash., and ATLANTA, Ga., May 24, 2018– Kenworth is developing important advancements in Class 8 truck aerodynamics, engine and powertrain efficiencies under the $8 million SuperTruck II program funded by the Vehicle Technologies Office of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Goals for the program include the demonstration of greater than 100 percent improvement in freight efficiency* over 2009 equivalent product, and a 55 percent engine increase in brake thermal efficiency performance.

The project will utilize the flagship on-highway Kenworth T680 tractor and an industry leading PACCAR MX engine.

“UPS deploys advanced technology to efficiently manage the transportation of packages and freight. For the SuperTruck II project, UPS will provide guidance on their drive and duty cycles to drive SuperTruck II performance. UPS will also offer advice on the commercial feasibility and driver acceptance of technologies developed under SuperTruck II,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “This important program is designed to produce advancements that will benefit fleets and truck operators with future reductions in fuel usage and emissions.”

“The UPS collaboration with Kenworth is an opportunity to study cutting-edge technologies in our real-world truck applications, expand the boundaries beyond what is possible today, and further enhance performance and efficiency,” said Bill Brentar, UPS Director of Maintenance and Engineering for Transportation Equipment at the company’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. “This initiative will also help support UPS’s sustainability commitment to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global ground operations 12 percent by 2025.”

PACCAR joins four other SuperTruck II teams working to develop such innovative technologies designed to more than double the freight efficiency of Class 8 trucks. Up to $12 million in additional funding could be awarded for the Kenworth T680 and PACCAR MX engine project over the next three years, subject to annual appropriations by Congress, which has been very supportive of the SuperTruck II initiative. Kenworth also is working closely with the PACCAR Technical Center and DAF Trucks NV, a subsidiary of PACCAR, Eaton, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Mississippi State University, and AVL.

According to the DOE, trucks haul 80 percent of goods in the United States and use about 28 billion gallons of fuel per year. This accounts for approximately 22 percent of total transportation energy usage and presents a significant opportunity to increase efficiency and reduce cost for a key segment of the nation's transportation sector.

The Department’s Vehicle Technologies Office in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy invests in early-stage research to spur private-sector research, development and commercialization of more energy efficient and affordable transportation technologies that increase energy security and economic growth. To learn more about the Department's work with industry, academia, and other partners on advanced vehicle technologies, please visit the Vehicle Technologies Office website www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/vehicle-technologies-office.

Western Star Offers OOIDA Member Discounts

PORTLAND, Ore. – (May 24, 2018) – Current members of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) can receive rebates on qualifying new Western Star truck models. Qualifying used trucks at SelecTrucks Centers are also eligible for the discount program.

To be eligible for a rebate from Western Star or SelecTrucks, customers must be OOIDA members for 90 days prior to purchase and must present their membership card at the time of sale. All trucks must be sold and delivered to the customer by December 31, 2018.

Qualifying Western Star trucks include new 2018 and 2019 model-year 4900 and 5700XE sleepers or day cabs. Visit the local SelecTrucks dealer for qualifying used truck inventory.

Based on truck model and configuration, OOIDA members can receive a $1,000 to $2,000 rebate. Rebate offers vary based on manufacturer. The program may be combined with other discounts. The SelecTrucks OOIDA discount can be combined with the All-Star Line Up promotion or the Proud to Serve Veterans promotion.

Noted Samantha Parlier, vice president, marketing and product strategy for Western Star: “We’ve had a long relationship with OOIDA, and it’s important that we continue to support independent owner-operators and professional drivers with valuable resources that will benefit their business.”

Western Star recently donated a new 5700XE to power OOIDA’s “Spirit of the American Trucker” tour trailer, which promotes OOIDA’s mission of celebrating American truck drivers.

To learn more, visit a Western Star or SelecTrucks dealership.

Freightliner Trucks Offers OOIDA Member Discounts

PORTLAND, Ore. – (May 24, 2018) – Current members of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) can receive rebates on qualifying new Freightliner truck models. Qualifying used trucks at SelecTrucks Centers are also eligible for the discount program.

“We’re proud of our partnership with OOIDA, and are pleased to offer its members rebates on our trucks,” said Kelly Gedert, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks and Detroit. “We are confident we can provide the right truck to match the business needs of any professional truck driver.”

To be eligible for a rebate from Freightliner Trucks or SelecTrucks, customers must be OOIDA members for 90 days prior to purchase and must present their membership card at the time of sale. All trucks must be sold and delivered to the customer by December 31, 2018.

Freightliner models that qualify for the rebate include 2018 and 2019 model-year new Cascadia®, original Cascadia and 122SD trucks. Visit a local SelecTrucks dealer for qualifying used truck inventory.

Based on truck model and configuration, OOIDA members can receive a $1,000 rebate. The SelecTrucks OOIDA discount can be combined with the All-Star Line Up promotion or the Proud to Serve Veterans promotion.

To learn more about these offers, visit a Freightliner Trucks or SelecTrucks dealership.

California Customers Can Receive Vouchers for Mack NG Models

GREENSBORO, NC (May 24, 2018) – Mack Anthem®, Mack® LR and TerraPro® models equipped with Cummins Westport natural gas engines now qualify for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). HVIP encourages the purchase of natural gas–powered vehicles in California with vouchers to help offset the cost.

Mack Anthem models are eligible for $40,000 in vouchers, and Mack LR and TerraPro models are eligible for $10,000 in vouchers through HVIP. CARB works closely with dealers to apply the discount at the point of purchase, ensuring that customers don’t have to wait for a rebate.

“Mack is pleased that our vehicles qualified for this program so that we can pass along savings opportunities to our California customers,” said Jonathan Randall, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Mack Trucks North America. “Multiple California dealers are participating in the program, and we offer factory installation of the fuel tanks on Anthem models at our Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania, simplifying the ordering and delivery process for these vehicles.”

The vouchers apply to Mack Anthem day cab models equipped with Cummins Westport ISX12N natural gas engines and Mack LR and TerraPro models – both 6x4 and 4x2 configurations – equipped with Cummins Westport L9N natural gas engines. The compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks are available in two different configurations. The spark-ignited ISX12N and L9N are the lowest certified nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission engines available in North America, according to Cummins Westport, with NOx exhaust emissions 90 percent lower than the current EPA NOx limit of 0.2 g/bhp-hr.

Mack Anthem, LR and TerraPro models spec’d with the Cummins Westport natural gas engines are available for order now. For more information, contact your local Mack dealer or visit the HVIP website at: www.californiahvip.org.

Kenworth Offers Dana SPL 250 Lite Driveline for T680 and T880

KIRKLAND, Wash., May 23, 2018 – Kenworth now offers the new Dana SPL® 250 Lite driveline for the Kenworth T680 and Kenworth T880 in linehaul and regional haul applications.

The SPL 250 Lite sheds 25 pounds without sacrificing performance or durability, has fewer moving parts, and reduces Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) values compared to the SPL 250 XL driveline series it replaces in the Kenworth lineup.

The new SPL 250 Lite series is also designed to better support powertrain downspeeding, which requires numerically lower rear axle ratios that increase driveline torque values. The driveline can support 18,400-plus lb-ft of driveline torque, more than enough for most linehaul or regional haul operations.

The SPL 250 Lite driveline offers extended component life and reduced maintenance. When it is time for service, the driveline uses common end yokes and universal joints with the rest of the SPL family, making the changeover a non-issue during service work. The Dana driveline is available with a choice of service-free or standard re-lube designs to accommodate fleet preference.

“Kenworth’s addition of the SPL 250 Lite driveline reduces weight and maintains durability, provides longer service intervals for powertrain components, and enhances comfort with a quiet and smooth ride that drivers will appreciate,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director.

More information on the SPL 250 Lite driveline is available on the Dana website at: www.dana.com.

Rude in control as Bandits head to Cedar Rapids

(Cedar Rapids, IA May 23, 2018) – Ricky is being awfully Rude to his fellow Bandits this season, and he has no plans of taking his foot off the gas.

The driver of the #14 Peterbilt is on top of the Minimizer Bandit Big Rig Series standings, but three races don't make a season, so he'll have to keep looking for wins as the series hits Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids, Iowa June 9th .

"We've had a little bit of a break and I know these Bandits will be itching to get back in the cab and put on a show for the great fans of Iowa," Bandit general manager Jason Johnson said.

Sadler Power Train is the event sponsor for the race at Hawkeye Downs.

"When we were presented with this opportunity by the Bandit Big Rig Series, we were thrilled because this race has such a natural connection to our core business of truck parts and service," Sadler Power Train sales manager Randy Kray said.

SPT has four locations across eastern Iowa, and in addition to sponsoring the Bandit race, they're also hosting a toy raffle at Hawkeye Downs the evening of the 9th .

"We participated in the toy raffle last year and it was awesome to see the kids get excited about truck racing. Who knows, we might even see one of them in the driver's seat some day," SPT marketing director Matt Poeltler said.

"Upon entry, younger fans will receive a ticket and get a chance to win a toy provided by Sadler Power Train," Johnson said. "We will also have Cedar Rapids Truck Center out at the track with us, showcasing some great Peterbilt trucks and entertaining their customers on the party deck."

Minimizer is sponsoring the Fan Series Truck Show, which takes place prior to the start of the Bandit race. It's designed as a ‘wash n' show' event, so truck drivers can bring any kind of rig and show it off. Drivers can register online prior to the event.

"We have plenty of room to let the next generation of truckers get to see some iron up close," Johnson said.

Tickets for the Bandit race at Hawkeye Downs are available for purchase online.

"We still have seats left, including our VIP tickets, which get you first class treatment, food, drinks, reserved seating and access to the Bandit Pits," Johnson said. "There will be a lot going on, including the truck show, activities for the entire family, and the Bandit meet n' greet starting at 4 p.m. You don't want to miss this event!"

Check out the 2018 Bandit schedule and grab your favorite Bandit gear by clicking the banner below.

Kenworth Hawaii Opens New Dealership Location in Hilo

HILO, Hawaii, May 22, 2018 – Kenworth Hawaii recently celebrated the grand opening of its second location – an 11,000 square-foot parts and service dealership on the east side of the Big Island.

More than 75 customers, plus local officials and company dignitaries from Kenworth and PACCAR, attended the event. Earlier this year, Kenworth Hawaii held its grand opening for its first location in Kailua-Kona.

“Kenworth Hawaii – Hilo, our second location, offers our customers on the windward side of the Big Island a more convenient option for their parts and service needs,” said Kevin Balog, dealer principal for Kenworth Hawaii. “Though the distance between our two locations is 75 miles, it can still take two hours or more to drive from Hilo to Kailua-Kona. Traffic and inclement weather on the windward side of the island can further complicate our customers’ efforts in getting parts and service support. With this location, we can provide faster and more convenient service that doesn’t require truck fleets and operators to give up a full day of productivity whenever they need to have a truck serviced.”

Balog said with the growing focus on powertrains, emission controls and diagnostics in trucks, Big Island truck owners and fleets need the continuing commitments and support that Kenworth Hawaii can offer. The factory training that PACCAR offers dealers for its PACCAR engines, transmissions and axles and the training Kenworth offers dealers for Kenworth TruckTech+® provides Kenworth Hawaii technicians a solid foundation from which to offer customers highly trained expert service.

“Kenworth Hawaii is a family owned business and the only OEM truck dealer on the Big Island. Our customers benefit from our inventory of new Kenworth heavy and medium duty trucks, service with factory-trained technicians, parts support through PACCAR Parts, and truck financing from PACCAR Financial,” Balog said.

The Hilo dealership, located at 110 Holomua St., offers customers two service bays, a 2,000 square-foot parts display area, and 3,600 square-foot parts warehouse. The dealership is ideally located in an industrial park off of Hawaii Highway 11, a major route connecting Hilo and the windward side of the island to Kailua-Kona and the leeward side of the island. Kenworth Hawaii invested $1 million into remodeling the Hilo and Kailua-Kona dealerships.

The remodeled Hilo location features a brand new customer lounge complete with comfortable recliners, work stations and Wi-Fi access. The team at the Hilo location is led by Leslie Boteliho, store manager. The service manager for Kenworth Hawaii – Hilo is Chris Harris, who also manages the service department at the Kailua-Kona dealership. The dealership’s phone number is 808-961-3388.

Volvo Dedicates New VNL 760 to America’s Road Team

Volvo Trucks North America presented a new Volvo VNL 760 to representatives of the America’s Road Team, the trucking industry’s premier safety outreach program, at the recent Volvo Ocean Race stopover in Newport, Rhode Island. The Road Team Captains will drive the new VNL 760 and the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Interstate One mobile classroom trailer all over America, meeting with everyone from members of Congress to school-aged children to help spread the word about how the trucking industry delivers America's freight safely, securely and on time.

“It’s an honor for us to work with such a dedicated, elite group of industry professionals,” said Magnus Koeck, Volvo Trucks North America vice president, marketing and brand management. “The America’s Road Team embodies all the greatest elements of this industry. They’re truly heroes and we’re happy to support them with the best tools for the job, a new VNL 760 outfitted with our top safety, efficiency, comfort, and connectivity features.”

The new Volvo VNL 760 will be used by America’s Road Team Captains to haul the ATA Interstate One mobile classroom. The 53-foot show trailer, which is equipped with a conference room, seven presentation screens, a truck driving simulator and educational displays enables the Captains to deliver interactive trucking demonstrations on safety and the importance of trucking on daily life.

“America’s Road Team Captains speak to tens of thousands of people every year about the essential and safe role the trucking industry plays in the American economy, and being able to showcase industry-leading equipment like the Volvo VNL 760 really helps reinforce our message,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Volvo Trucks’ generosity is deeply appreciated by ATA and goes a long way toward helping us reach our goals as an association."

After the ceremony, the America’s Road Team Captains spent time familiarizing themselves with their new VNL 760 model, equipped with active safety technologies like Volvo Active Driver Assist with Bendix Wingman Fusion fully integrated into the Driver Information display. The new VNL 760 also features Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology and a Lane Departure Warning system. The new tractor is powered by a Volvo D13 engine and is equipped with a 12-speed Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission. Volvo’s connectivity services, Remote Diagnostics and Remote Programming, supported by Volvo Action Service agents, help maximize uptime.

The America's Road Team program is a national public outreach effort led by expert professional truck drivers who have logged millions of accident-free miles. The ATA created the America's Road Team in 1986, and Volvo Trucks North America has been the exclusive sponsor of the program since 2002.

Kenworth Medium Duty Cabovers Add Three Dana Spicer Axle Series

KIRKLAND, Wash., May 21, 2018 – Kenworth has added the availability of three Dana Spicer axle series for its K270 and K370 medium duty cabovers.

The Kenworth cabovers are now available with the Dana Spicer S140 series of single-reduction, single-drive axles, ranging from 16,000-lb to 21,000-lb gross axle weight rating. According to Dana, the two S140 series axles are designed to handle a wide range of applications and feature broad ratio coverage from 3.31 to 6.50, allowing maximum performance across a variety of vocations. The axles provide excellent durability and reliability with higher horsepower and torque engines due to high-capacity gearing and bearing systems. Standard “R” series spindles are used for ease of fit up and commonality.

The S140 axle design also features GenTech™ extra-quiet gearing to reduce noise levels by up to 12dB versus standard gear designs and provide a smoother vehicle ride. The S140 series axles offer a weight savings of up to 85 lbs. compared to the Dana P20060S axle.

The Dana Spicer S21-172 and S21-172E single-reduction, single-drive axles provide increased durability, reliability and efficiency compared to the S170 series. Both axles have a 21,000-pound rating and are available in ratios between 3.07 and 6.14. The S21-172 offers reductions of 57 pounds in weight, 10 pints in oil usage, and 10 to 20 percent in power loss for the same ratio compared to its predecessor S21-170. The S21-172E has the same weight and oil usage as its S21-170E predecessor.

The lightweight, 10-000-pound rated Dana Spicer E1002IL steer axle features a steel-forged beam design, which reduces weight and enhances strength and torsional stiffness for improved braking response. Available in both standard and wide beam widths, the axle offers up to a 35-pound weight reduction per vehicle for increased payload and productivity.

The axle features an exclusive, one-piece forged design, which includes the steer arm, tie rod arm, and spindle for turn angles up to 55 degrees. There also is a large diameter kingpin with 15 percent larger bushing area for greater durability and reduced maintenance, kingpin joint-sealed thrust bearings with compressible inserts for superior strength, and standard and wide beam widths for enhanced maneuverability.

More information on the axles is available on the Dana website at: www.dana.com.

NEW Iowa DTNA Parts Distribution Center

GRIMES, Iowa – May 17, 2018 – Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) yesterday celebrated the opening of its newest parts distribution center in Grimes, Iowa. This new facility will complement DTNA’s already expansive service network and continue DTNA’s long-term strategy to enhance the customer experience.

Located at 1000 SE 19th Street, the Grimes parts distribution center is situated just west of Des Moines and enables DTNA to provide faster service to customers located in the Midwest.

“Uptime is critical to our customers’ business and having the right part at the right time is essential to achieve a 24-hour or less service turn-around time,” said Stefan Kurschner, senior vice president, Aftermarket for DTNA. “The new facility located in Iowa is fundamental to our ongoing investment in our network.

The facility in Grimes is the third parts distribution center opened by DTNA in two years, and the ninth in DTNA’s overall supply chain network. This includes the recent addition of a new parts distribution centers in Indianapolis and Dallas.

“With the opening of the PDC in Iowa, 80 percent of dealer order volume in the U.S. can be delivered by the next day,” said Jay Johnson, general manager of Aftermarket Supply Chain for DTNA. “While we’re excited about that turnaround time, fast shipments are only part of our larger strategy to deliver uptime and improve the customer experience.”

“We feel fortunate that Daimler Trucks North America located the new facility in Grimes, Iowa. Their reputation for being a leader in innovation and the high regard they have for their employees fits with the values of our growing and progressive community,” said Scott Mikkelsen, Mayor, Grimes, Iowa.

MEMBER UPDATE: 1991 Indianapolis 500 Gallery 1

MAY 15, 2015 DUNCANPUTMAN.COM MEMBER AREA UPDATE!

• Added 1991 Indianapolis 500 Gallery 1.
• This gallery contains 31 various images taken during the Month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and photos taken on race day during the 75th Running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing!

PHOTO CAPTION: Mario Andretti on track in 1991 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in his Newman-Haas Racing #6T Lola/Chevrolet IndyCar.

• Join now to get access to this entire gallery! CLICK HERE to become a Member!
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• The member only galleries contain over 1000 images of Cool Photos of Cool Trucks!
• All Photography is exclusive to our website and taken by the staff of Duncan Putman Photography!

MEMBER UPDATE: 1990 Indianapolis 500 Gallery 1

MAY 15, 2015 DUNCANPUTMAN.COM MEMBER AREA UPDATE!

• Added 1990 Indianapolis 500 Gallery 1.
• This gallery contains 24 various images taken during the Month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and photos taken on race day during the 74th Running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing!

PHOTO CAPTION:1990 Indianapolis 500 Front Row on a Pace Lap, pole sitter: Emerson Fittipaldi, Middle: Rick Mears and Outside: Arie Luyendyk.

• Join now to get access to this entire gallery! CLICK HERE to become a Member!
• Already a member? Click Here to Sign-In to view this gallery now!
• The member only galleries contain over 1000 images of Cool Photos of Cool Trucks!
• All Photography is exclusive to our website and taken by the staff of Duncan Putman Photography!

Virginia Department of Forestry Armed with Kenworth T370s

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., May 14, 2018 – For the Virginia Department of Forestry, the heavy artillery to combat forest fires throughout the state consists of medium duty trucks – primarily Kenworth T370s – and John Deere bulldozers.

The fire dozer is the go-to piece of equipment to cut trenches and lines that keep wildfires from spreading. “Getting our bulldozers to the scene quickly keeps fires from spreading – they are our firefighters’ best friend,” said Danny Fortune, the Virginia Department of Forestry’s transportation officer. “When fire firefighters see the dozers, it’s like how infantrymen in World War II viewed tanks coming in for support. They make all the difference and we count on the Kenworths to get that equipment were it needs to go.”

To cover all the Commonwealth’s forests – nearly 16 million acres – the agency utilizes 88 transporter/dozer units, 56 of which are Kenworths, purchased through Truck Enterprises Harrisonburg.

Each dozer is mated to a truck, which has a beaver-tail loading ramp. Spread out among three regions in Virginia, drivers of the Kenworth T370s also operate the bulldozers. According to Fortune, the Kenworth’s low profile is an advantage. “We have some overpasses that aren’t very tall,” he said. “One of the procurement requirements was for a truck lower than 13 feet, 6 inches – a necessity since the units must be able to go under all overpasses. Kenworth was the only OEM able to meet that requirement.”

The trucks were spec’d with firefighting and high heat in mind. “These trucks can really get blasted by heat – not often, but it can happen,” said Fortune. “We also spec’d locking differentials – which is needed since the trucks are off-road and need maximum traction.”

The Kenworth T370s are powered by the PACCAR PX-9 engine rated at 330 hp, and use Allison automatic transmissions. The trucks are geared for low-end torque to help in pulling power in difficult terrain.

Virginia has two fire seasons, the spring and the fall – Feb. 15-April 30, and Oct. 15-Nov. 30. “Those are the seasons when we’re on high alert – we have high winds and a lot of outdoor burning. In the fall, the leaves are on the ground and dry out – adding more potential fuel to fires. In the spring, the forest floor dries out before the grasses begin to grow. In a three-day period in early March, we responded to 127 fires, covering more than 302 acres. We protected at least 78 homes with a combined value estimated at more than $12 million. Most of our wildfires are a result of debris burning. In a typical year, we will respond to 900 wildfires, which burn around 12,000 acres.”

During the “off-season,” the Kenworth T370s and bulldozers are on call to help neighboring states. “We all help each other in times of need,” said Fortune. “We also help our federal partners in the state, such as U.S. Forest Service ranger districts that are responsible for 1.8 million acres of land in the the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.”

According to Fortune, mileage is very low on the trucks during the off-season. “We’ll make sure the trucks are run at least once a month to keep everything moving and lubricated, so they are always ready to go when needed. We also promote fire prevention – using our trucks in parades, as well as school programs with our Smokey Bear program.”

Volvo Trucks Salutes Antonio Cruz of McKenzie Tank Lines

Volvo Trucks recently had the honor of hosting McKenzie Tank Lines at the new Volvo Customer Center for their presentation of the company’s inaugural Driver of the Year award. McKenzie Tank Lines president and CEO Jim Shaeffer presented the award to Antonio Cruz, who has been a professional driver for two years following many years of service in the United States Army.

“We congratulate Antonio on his outstanding performance and safety focus, exemplifying what it means to be a professional truck driver,” said Magnus Koeck, Volvo Trucks North America vice president, marketing and brand management. “We’re very appreciative of the partnership with McKenzie Tank Lines and applaud their safety focus and appreciation for professional drivers.”

As part of the 2017 Driver of the Year award, McKenzie Tank Lines presented Antonio with a 2019 Volvo VNL 740 flat-roof sleeper model that will be his assigned truck.

“I’m proud to be named McKenzie Tank Lines’ 2017 Driver of the Year, but the pressure is on now because I have a standard to keep,” said Cruz. “This job requires a team effort and I always tell myself that I don’t want to ruin it for everyone else by compromising safety just to get from point A to point B faster. What I love about being a professional driver is that it gives me the opportunity to explore America, driving around the country and discovering places that I never knew.”

A twenty-year U.S. Army veteran, Antonio was wounded in combat in Afghanistan and lost his right leg below the knee. He received a special permit from the U.S. Department of Transportation that allows him to drive a Class 8 vehicle.

McKenzie Tank Lines regularly celebrates their drivers with a Driver of the Month program, which recognizes professionals for exceptional performance, safety, dedication, community engagement, leadership, mentoring and other areas. Components of the Driver Scorecard include longevity, revenue, miles driven, HOS efficiency, as well as Safety Event data points such as Hard Braking, Collision Mitigation, Excessive Curve Speeds, Excessive Lane Departure and Stability control.

Last year, 52 McKenzie Tank Lines drivers received awards for surpassing a million miles driven without a preventable accident. The company, based in Tallahassee, Florida, operates more than 300 trucks, of which 175 are Volvo.