Behind the Scenes Delivering the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 29, 2018 – When Rick Williams was approached by Kenworth and the Papé Group to transport “The People’s Tree” from Oregon to Washington, D.C., in a new Kenworth W990, he had to give the project some thought. As CEO of Central Oregon Truck Company (COTC), he knew there would be a lot of paperwork, planning and logistics involved. “It was complex,” he said.

“But that complexity has been completely overshadowed by the honor of delivering the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. This has been a true highlight in my life, and for other drivers at our company. The joy we’ve seen on all the faces as the tour progressed – the celebrations and parades, and the bands, orchestras and carolers who performed when we arrived. It was a caravan of fun as we made stops along the Oregon Trail in reverse. I was able to be behind the wheel for several legs through Oregon. This is a memory I’ll never forget,” Williams said.

According to Williams, the best part of the project has been how the tree transport has become a company-wide source of pride. “We knew we wanted to get our Elite drivers involved in the delivery, and we’ve been able to do that,” he said. “Our company was built on teamwork and we wanted to share this experience with our senior drivers. We had 15 drivers from our Elite Team drive parts of the route. They were over the top with excitement.”

For Phil Taylor, COTC’s vice president of maintenance, being involved in the move has been special. “It began with Rick, Brad (Aimone, director of driver safety and services) and myself in the Willamette National Forest where the tree was cut and loaded on the Kenworth W990,” he said. “We saw it all the way through to Washington D.C., where it will stand in front of the U.S. Capitol Building. It was quite a journey.” (The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was officially delivered Monday, Nov. 26, to its final destination in Washington. D.C.)

When the Kenworth W990 and the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree were close to Pocatello, Idaho, Taylor and Aimone pulled over to meet up with Danny Leon-Guerrero, an Elite driver who has been with Central Oregon Truck Company for 4-1/2 years.

“I was routed so I could meet up with the caravan and have a turn at driving the Kenworth W990,” said Leon-Guerrero. “Brad took my load and followed us as I got to drive ‘The People’s Tree’. Driving that truck with the long hood brought back a lot of great memories. When I was an owner-operator, I drove a long hood. When we got to Pocatello, I met the mayor. We were even on Facebook Live. It seemed like the whole town came out to see us.

“From there we went to Soda Springs (Wyoming) where a band and cheerleaders greeted us, along with hundreds of others, and then onto Evanston, Wyoming – about 220 miles from where we started,” said Leon-Guerrero “Before we arrived, we stopped at a truck stop and were surrounded by other truckers who wanted to see the tree and the truck. It was amazing experience – a once in a lifetime thing. I then swapped trucks with Brad, did my 34-hour restart, and continued on with my original load to Hearne, Texas. It was one trip I’ll never forget.”

One of the highlights for Taylor and Aimone was participating in the Thanksgiving Day Parade in St. Louis. “The whole U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour has been incredible, and the parade was a major highlight for us,” said Aimone.

“Thousands lined the streets and we all celebrated Thanksgiving together. It was special that we could share the transport of ‘The People’s Tree’ in a Kenworth W990 with so many,” added Michael Gillespie, a senior/tenured COTC driver who had the honor of driving the W990 in the parade.

While taking the special tree coast-to-coast has been a unique experience for COTC drivers, so has been getting to drive the Kenworth W990. Other than a few pre-production units, there aren’t any out on the highways (production begins the first quarter of 2019). “So we’re really the first ones to drive the truck and it’s been a great experience,” said Williams. “It’s a beautiful truck – roomy, quiet and very comfortable. Kenworth did a great job with the W990. It’s sweet.”

Featuring a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, the Kenworth W990 is spec’d with the PACCAR Powertrain which incorporates a PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455-hp and 1,650 lb-ft of torque, 12-speed automated transmission, and 40K tandem rear axles. The truck was also specified with the W990 Limited Edition interior, premium GT703 seats and audio system, Kenworth Nav+HD, predictive cruise control, 1800W inverter, 180-degree swivel passenger seat, and Kenworth TruckTech+® Remote Diagnostics.

According to Taylor, the Kenworth W990 has been a big draw – giving tours inside the truck, and opening the hood has been commonplace. “People want to check out the truck and we’re happy to oblige,” he said. “A lot of truckers knew the truck was coming, so this is their first opportunity to see the W990. And, when we hit truck stops, the crowds always come. It’s pretty neat.”

Kenworth W990 with U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Visits Oregon Trail

ON THE OREGON TRAIL, Nov. 21, 2018 – With an 80-foot Noble Fir in tow – cut from the Willamette National Forest – a Kenworth W990 continues its march toward the birthplace of The Oregon Trail – Independence, Missouri. It will arrive there today – completing the 2,170-mile Oregon Trail route in reverse.

On Thanksgiving Day, the Capitol Tree will take part in the Ameren Thanksgiving Day Parade in St. Louis. From there, it’s on to Washington, D.C. and the Capitol building. A special tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 5 will be hosted by the Architect of the Capitol, in conjunction with the U.S. Speaker of the House.

The Capitol Christmas Tree, transported by Central Oregon Truck Company, completed its leg through Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming Nov. 18, making stops at many historic towns on the Trail. More than 10,000 people are estimated to have seen the special tree at the stops, while thousands more have seen it traveling down the highway during its journey across America.

“This year’s tour is celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail. Kenworth has had a presence in the state of Oregon for 95 years. Kenworth’s legacy began in Portland as Gersix Manufacturing Company, which later was purchased by Kenworth’s founders. Some of our earliest employees were likely direct descendants of those who were trailblazers,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “Today, we have an excellent dealer headquartered in Oregon – The Papé Group – which operates eight Kenworth dealerships in Oregon and is a major sponsor of this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour.”

The Oregon Trail was used by an estimated 400,000 American pioneers in the mid-1800s to emigrate west – snaking its way through Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon.

The Kenworth W990 76-inch mid-roof sleeper transporting the tree features a distinctive graphics package with a brightly lit and colorfully adorned Christmas Tree next to the U.S. Capitol below the words “From the Oregon Trail to the Capitol Steps.” The Kenworth W990 features the PACCAR Powertrain and incorporates a PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455-hp and 1,650 lb-ft of torque, 12-speed automated transmission, and 40K tandem rear axles. The truck was also specified with the W990 Limited Edition interior, premium GT703 seats and audio system, Kenworth Nav+HD, predictive cruise control, 1800W inverter, 180-degree swivel passenger seat, and Kenworth TruckTech+® remote diagnostics.

“This is Kenworth’s fifth consecutive year of providing a new Kenworth truck to deliver ‘The People’s Tree’, and we couldn’t be more proud to support the event,” said Swihart. “We’re not just moving a tree, we’re celebrating tradition and kicking off the holiday season by transporting a tree specifically selected to stand tall outside the U.S. Capitol building. It’s why so many people come out to view the tree along the route. It’s special.”

For more information, including a complete tour schedule, visit the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree web site at: www.CapitolChristmasTree.com.

Mack Donates Anthem to ATA for Veteran Recruitment

GREENSBORO, NC (Nov. 19, 2018) – Mack Trucks announced it will donate a Mack Anthem® 70-inch Stand Up Sleeper model to the American Trucking Associations (ATA) to assist in the recruitment and hiring of military veterans into the trucking industry. The Anthem model will travel across the country and be used to encourage veterans to consider a second career in trucking.

“Mack is proud to demonstrate our support of veterans through this donation, and we look forward to working with ATA to shine a light on the opportunities trucking offers,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of North American sales and marketing. “Trucking offers a great career option, especially for veterans, many of whom already have experience driving large trucks.”

A unique camouflage-styled wrap will add to the Mack Anthem’s bold looks and help it attract attention to the ATA's message while participating in hiring events for veterans at schools, career fairs and military bases. The truck will also visit the Marine Corp. Museum in Quantico, Virginia and the new U.S. Army Museum in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.

“ATA is thrilled that Mack Trucks has again stepped up on behalf of our industry, and we are excited this new Mack Anthem will help trucking demonstrate the thousands of great jobs available to military veterans,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “As a military dad, I think this partnership is a great example of how industries can showcase themselves to talented individuals with demonstrated service to our nation and, I thank Mack Trucks for giving us the opportunity to expand our efforts on this issue.”

The truck will be driven by professional truck drivers from ATA’s Share the Road program, who present live safety exhibitions for students, media and policy makers, demonstrating how to drive safely alongside semi-trucks. Each driver has an outstanding safety record, including many with one million or more accident-free miles.

The Mack Anthem model delivers incredible performance and driver comfort, offering a great image of life on the road. The ATA’s Anthem model is equipped with a Mack MP®8HE-415SE engine with 415 horsepower and 1,660 lb.-ft. of torque and Mack mDRIVE™ automated manual transmission. By eliminating traditional shifting, the mDRIVE, which is standard on all Mack Anthem models, allows drivers to remain focused on driving, rather than shifting gears.

The truck also features a supremely comfortable interior with full stand-up height from the cab into the living environment. An ergonomic and functional driving environment also provides all-day comfort for drivers, with clear gauges, easy-to-reach controls and an industry-first flat-bottomed steering wheel for easier ingress and egress.

Farm to Carton – Milky Way Always Delivers

LYNDEN, Wash., Nov. 13, 2018 - From farm to the refrigerator, the production of fresh milk is a 24/7 operation. For Milky Way, one of the largest bulk milk haulers in the Pacific Northwest, that means its fleet of 300 tractors and tankers are on the road 24/7. There’s never a day off.

Since its founding in 1948 in Lynden, Washington, Milky Way has steadily grown its operation from its days serving rural Whatcom County – about 100 miles north of Seattle. Today, the company collects milk from about 500 farms throughout Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana, and delivers to 15 to 20 production plants throughout the region. Milky Way has 22 terminals in order to stay close to farm locations.

For the last two years, the company has been “beefing” up its fleet with Kenworth T680 day cabs, purchased through Papé Kenworth Northwest. The company has added a number of T680s, with the 2017 order featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine, rated at up to 480 horsepower. “But, with that initial order, we also spec’d two T680s with the MX-11 engine, rated at 430 horsepower,” said Dave Seaman, Milky Way’s director of equipment and maintenance. “We wanted to test the engines to see how they would perform in our operation. Weight savings means a great deal to us, and being 400 pounds lighter. That’s huge.”

According to Seaman, the PACCAR MX-11 impressed Milky Way so much, its subsequent order in 2018 were all spec’d with that engine – each rated at 430 horsepower and equipped with Eaton Fuller Advantage® 10-speed transmissions.

Since farms can only hold fresh milk for a few hours, a breakdown of equipment en route to pick up milk can prove disastrous. Dependable service is what helps separate Milky Way from its competitors. “What we do is not for everyone,” said Jason Jansen, president of Milky Way, part of the Lynden family of companies. “You have to give credit where it’s due. Our drivers are incredible. No matter what the weather throws at them they always make it to the farm for pickup. Putting our drivers in reliable equipment is also part of the equation, and we think we have the best and most productive fleet in the industry.”

Typically, a Milky Way tractor will pull dual trailers. The state-of-the-art stainless steel tankers used by Milky Way aren’t off the shelf; they’re manufactured by the company itself to ensure the highest standards of quality are met.

According to Jansen, a driver may visit five or more farms in a day depending upon the territory. Since drivers typically travel less than 500 miles a day, the majority of drivers operate day cabs since they’re home every night. But, in areas like Klamath Falls, Oregon, hauls are longer and sleepers are required.

While providing comfortable trucks for its drivers is a high priority, productivity is as well. Jansen said he’s seeing both with the Kenworth T680. He pointed to the PACCAR MX-11 engine as having a significant impact. “When we tested the initial two trucks, we had them on a line-haul from Yakima, Washington, going over White Pass with deliveries to Centralia,” he said. “Since we consistently haul at the legal weight limit, we wanted to see if we could cut down the weight of the truck, but still have enough power to haul their max load.”

The results? “Outstanding. With the PACCAR MX-11, we are able to cut 400 pounds from the weight of the truck…meaning we can haul an additional 400 pounds of milk,” Jansen said. “We have the power we need, we are getting better fuel economy, and our drivers love the trucks. It’s a win-win.”

Since the experiment proved to be a success, Milky Way has ordered nearly 100 Kenworth T680s powered by PACCAR MX-11 engines and will continue to run with that engine. Other lightweight specs, including the use of super single tires, save about 1,500 additional pounds. “We’re never done looking at ways to save weight,” said Jansen. “We like to try new things and turn over every rock to see where we can trim pounds. We feel how we spec trucks is one of our competitive advantages.”

“I love driving the T680,” said Scott Polindar, a veteran Milky Way driver. “It’s easily the best truck I’ve ever driven, and I’ve been driving for Milky Way for nearly 35 years. The drivability of the T680 is outstanding and the PACCAR MX-11 engine provides plenty of torque getting up hills. Kenworth’s T680 is top-of-the-line and I’m happy Milky Way added more to the fleet.”

According to Seaman, the support Milky Way receives from “Papé Kenworth Northwest has made a difference. “We’ve received excellent support during the spec’ing process,” he said. “It’s also how you are supported after the sale that really makes a difference. Kenworth and Papé help us achieve improved utilization, fuel economy, driver acceptance, safety and lower maintenance costs. Papé is making a difference for us; we have developed a strong partnership and look forward to a successful future with them.”

When it comes to downtime, new technology is helping Milky Way. Backed by Kenworth TruckTech+® Remote Diagnostics, the milk hauler receives immediate diagnostics when a fault code comes on regarding the engine or aftertreatment system. Rather than pull over and call in for support, drivers can continue on their route if they know it’s a minor issue and something that won’t damage the engine.

“Kenworth Truck Tech+ is beneficial in addressing fault codes and locating the closest dealer support on the map if needed,” explained Seaman. “This program makes it easier for us to keep trucks on the road.”

And, when the trucks are at a Milky Way shop, technician Antonio Cardenas, operating out of Sunnyside, Washington, said the PACCAR MX engines are a plus for maintenance. “Performing our PMs on the engine is easier than other brands,” he said. “The oil filters and fuel filters are accessible. The Kenworth T680 is mechanic-friendly. The components are all accessible and the engine’s software is user friendly. It’s easy to hook up our computer to check for fault codes.”

While on the road, the trucks Milky Way operates project the positive image the company likes. Milky Way drivers have a sense of pride while driving, and keeping the truck looking nice has become standard. “We all take pride in what we do,” said Jansen. “We represent our customers and we feel our tractors and trailers are moving billboards. They show that we’re all about quality from top to bottom.”

The focus on quality, and working for a company that puts drivers first, has helped Milky Way achieve an enviable record when it comes to driver turnover. “One of our drivers, Tom Bera, told us he really appreciates the roominess and comfort of T680, as well as the great visibility made possible by the large windshield,” said Jansen.

“We’ve heard numerous comments just like that from our other drivers. I think part of the reason we are well below the industry average in terms of driver turnover is because we provide our drivers with trucks they enjoy driving,” Jansen said. “All of our equipment is relatively new and well spec’d, and we work closely with our drivers to ensure their voice is heard. In this business, you can’t be sidelined due to mechanical issues. We didn’t miss any pickups last year and the Kenworth T680s have been solid for us.”

Kenworth-Chillicothe Earns Award from Ohio EPA

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio, Nov. 9, 2018 – The Kenworth-Chillicothe manufacturing plant recently received the 2018 Encouraging Environmental Excellence “E3” Gold Award from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The award recognizes businesses, nonprofits and government agencies in Ohio that demonstrate commitment to exceed regulatory compliance and attain exceptional achievements in environmental stewardship.

Kenworth-Chillicothe was one of just 12 organizations in Ohio that received either platinum, gold or silver award recognition, and one of only five organizations to achieve the Gold Award this year. “This recognition was achieved through the dedicated efforts of our employees who pursue and achieve outstanding levels of environmental excellence and sustainability every day,” said Rod Spencer, Kenworth-Chillicothe plant manager.

The plant was recognized for reducing its annual hazardous waste footprint by more than 2.7 million pounds and reclaiming approximately 70 percent, or 3.1 million pounds, of its waste solvent stream. In addition, year to date, Kenworth-Chillicothe has diverted over 3 million pounds of waste into energy generation in lieu of landfill disposal as part of its Zero Waste to Landfill program. Since its commencement in March 2016, the program has enabled the plant to save over 443,000 cubic feet of landfill space.

The Kenworth-Chillicothe plant’s environmental efforts include participation in an American Electric Power Ohio program that produced savings of more than 2.8 million kilowatt hours at the plant over the past 12-month rolling period compared to the same period in 2017.

The plant saved 1.52 million gallons of potable water through a project that re-purposed waste water for use as a concrete ingredient in the construction of a 400,000 square-foot truck staging lots. Tank and pond systems used to collect rain and snow melt serve as an alternative source to city water for application as a dust suppressant on gravel roads and parking areas, as well as a back-up water supply for the plant’s fire suppression system. Since the start of 2017, Kenworth-Chillicothe has eliminated more than 28.8 million pounds of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from the atmosphere via on-site thermal destruction.

Kenworth-Chillicothe also reuses various plastic and metal drums, repurposed from raw material products used in the truck manufacturing process, to contain waste materials. The plant also donates off-specification sleeper mattresses to multiple homeless shelter organizations, and contributes truck rail bracing wood to other community assistance organizations for use as firewood.

Kenworth’s heavy duty manufacturing plants in Chillicothe, Ohio, and Renton, Washington, have both earned the prestigious ISO 14001:2015 certification for their environmental management systems, which support the production of trucks in an environmentally responsible manner. Kenworth medium duty trucks are produced at the PACCAR Ste-Thérèse, Quebec, manufacturing facility, which also has achieved ISO 14001:2015 status.

Kenworth Leads the Way for Washington State Heavy Haul

HILLSBORO, Ore., Nov. 8, 2018 – Hillsboro, Oregon–based Omega Morgan specializes in heavy rigging and transportation, among other services. The company recently hauled one of the heaviest combination loads in Washington state history, weighing in at nearly one million pounds.

Washington state issues between 600 to 700 “superload” permits a year – meaning the combined weight of a tractor and trailer exceeds 200,000 pounds. Omega Morgan transported a 460,000-pound transformer, combined with a massive 360-foot trailer with 48 axles weighing 484,000 pounds, which could be labeled as a new permit category. The 47-mile haul through Washington’s Klickitat County, started in Sundale, Wash., in late September, and ended at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Rock Creek substation two days later.

To accomplish the move, Omega Morgan used three heavy-haul Kenworth trucks. A Kenworth C500 was the lead (pull) truck, while two Kenworth T800 heavy haulers were the pushers.

“Kenworth makes the best heavy-haul trucks, in my opinion,” said Troy Tallent, vice president of operations at Omega Morgan. “They’re incredibly strong, built to last, and engineered for extreme duty. There is no such thing as calling in a tow truck if something fails. We do all of our own service. It’s vital to have equipment that you are confident in and will get the job done day-in-day-out. It’s why all our heavy haul trucks are Kenworths.”

After Omega Morgan received a contract to haul transformers with BPA, the company built its 360-foot trailer and bought the Kenworth C500, specifically for use with the trailer, from Papé Kenworth Northwest – Lakewood. For its C500, Omega Morgan selected a 550-horsepower engine, an Allison 4700 RDS seven-speed automatic transmission, and a four-speed air shift auxiliary transmission. The truck also has Sisu planetary tridem axles — rated at 105,000 pounds with cross locks and a 7.01 ratio, and a 22,000-pound front axle with 24,000-pound front slipper springs. The C500 was built on a strong foundation – a triple rail steel frame providing a 200,000-pound gross combination weight (GCW) chassis rating.

“Rick Barry and the guys over at Papé Kenworth Northwest were, and continue to be, a big help to us,” said Tallent. “They got us set up with the specifications we needed to get any job done.”

The BPA transformer project took months to plan, schedule and coordinate with state officials and private groups to ensure a logistically friendly route, without damaging roads.

“For this transport, there were quite a few obstacles we had to plan for, not to mention two-lane roads that had to be closed,” said Tallent. “For instance, we had to widen the gravel road from 16 feet to 20, and reduce the grade by the rail head (where the transformer was lifted off the railcar and placed in the trailer-cradle) from 16 percent to 15 percent.”

To ensure Omega Morgan had enough traction to make it up the grade, the company added a fourth heavy hauler, loaded with concrete blocks that was tethered to the Kenworth C500. “We had plenty of horsepower with our three Kenworths, but needed added traction to pull all that weight up the 15 percent grade on gravel,” said Tallent. Two Kenworths were positioned in the back, connected through a 10-foot A-frame to generate power, while the C500 and other heavy-hauler were connected through a steel cable to help pull and direct the trailer.

Once on the road, it was back to the three Kenworths. The move had its share of challenges. “When going up steep grades, our drivers are zeroed in on their truck’s boost meters, talking back-and-forth on how much throttle they needed to give,” said Tallent. “Going down hills, the drivers used their engines – along with the trailer brakes – to slow down.”

Bridges and tight turns also came into play. “We also had to go over three bridges, so we had to use hydraulic dollies to help spread the load,” explained Tallent. “On top of that, we had to make a few larger than 90 degree turns. For that, we slowed to walking speed and had our two tillers, who steered the trailer, work with our Kenworth drivers, so the trailers could turn in tandem with the trucks.”

Perhaps the biggest white-knuckle experience was navigating Hoctor road, a 20-foot wide road that had to accommodate Omega’s 18-foot wide trailer for 14 miles. “With only a foot on either side, it was a little hair-raising, but we had great drivers that made it look easy. They were locked in,” said Tallent. “After that, we arrived at our delivery location at the Rock Creek substation and began unloading.”

Once the mammoth move was completed, it was back to regular work for Tallent and his crew. “Driving is considered the easy part of the job for our drivers,” he said. “Omega Morgan’s drivers are a part of the crew. We deliver and then can offload ourselves. We’re turnkey. Our drivers are involved in the whole operation. The majority are mechanics as well.”

Omega Morgan isn’t done with big moves, albeit not as heavy. Using the company’s 360-foot trailer, more than 30 transformer moves have been completed for BPA, with more to come.

“This operation got a lot of attention because of its enormous size,” concluded Tallent. “What we do is about as heavy as heavy transporting gets. Kenworth trucks are built for these applications, which is why we only run Kenworth trucks in our heavy duty fleet. Nothing can deliver like a Kenworth.”

Mack Defense Showcases Granite M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck

ALLENTOWN, PA (Nov. 8, 2018) – Mack Defense recently showcased the Mack® Granite®-based M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) at the Association of United States Army (AUSA) 2018 show at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Mack Defense was awarded a $296 million contract in May 2018 to produce 683 HDTs for the U.S. Army.

“The M917A3 is a great example of the capabilities Mack Defense has to develop solutions for military customers,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “Using the rugged Mack Granite as a foundation, we were able to engineer the M917A3 to meet the U.S. Army’s challenging applications.”

Based on the civilian Mack Granite model, Mack Defense optimized the M917A3 HDT to meet the current needs of the U.S. Army, while allowing for evolving requirements and future growth. Mack Defense engineers added heavier-duty rear axles and all-wheel drive, while increasing the suspension’s ride height to create a heavy dump truck capable of meeting the demanding payload and mobility requirements set by the U.S. Army HDT program.

The M917A3’s cab armor was engineered by external partner experts to maintain all the comfort and driver-focused amenities of the commercial Granite model, while adding force protection to keep occupants safe in hostile environments.

Mack Defense is a member of AUSA, whose vision is to be the premier voice for America’s soldiers. AUSA is committed to building the best professional and representative association for the U.S. Army. More than 30,000 attendees visited AUSA and the 700 exhibitors representing 100 countries around the world.

Kenworth T680 Gives Dallas Carrier the Edge

DALLAS, Texas, Nov. 7, 2018 – As the “go-to” carrier for many Fortune 500 companies – hauling a variety of freight including retail items, dry goods and housing materials – Summit Trucking has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s premier trucking and logistics companies.

The Dallas-based carrier runs a fleet of 145 trucks with plans focused on growth to increase those resources. Kenworth plays a major part in the company’s plans with the addition of 70 new Kenworth T680s purchased from MHC Kenworth – Dallas.

“When you put a brand new truck, like a Kenworth T680, on the yard at your terminal, drivers get excited, especially when they know it’s going to be the future of the company,” said Summit President Bart Plaskoff. “It’s definitely a recruiting tool. Our drivers get stopped with questions at truck stops, and potential hires come into our terminal inquiring about driving the new trucks.”

The Kenworth T680s are equipped with 76-inch sleepers, full aerodynamic packages, 450-hp engines, 12-speed automated transmissions, Meritor MT40-14X rear differentials with a 2.79 ratios, and low-profile Bridgestone tires.

“We were looking for fuel efficiency, uptime, and a comfortable ride for the driver, all of which Kenworth provides in the T680. Add an APU into the mix, and being a smaller carrier, we can supply drivers with the same top-rated equipment as some of the large carriers,” Plaskoff said.

“A major portion of our decision was based on the support that we got from Kenworth and from MHC Kenworth – Dallas in particular,” said Tim Roach, Summit executive vice president. “We are fortunate to know a lot of people in the industry, and relied on them for their experience with Kenworth trucks and their powertrains, and the positive results they are achieving.”

While servicing the 48 contiguous United States and Canada, Summit’s trucks average 140,000 miles a year. The new Kenworth T680s were purchased with 500,000-mile warranties. The plan is to run them about 400,000 miles before trading them in. That way, there are still under warranty and will command premium resale value.

The decision to go with the automated transmission was admittedly a big move for Summit, but one that made sense. “It's all about the cost of operations, and with fuel being a major expense, (switching to automated) was more than justified,” Roach said. The combination of the T680s efficient powertrain and aerodynamic performance has conservatively gained more than a one-quarter mile per gallon in fuel efficiency.

According to Plaskoff, it took a little persuading to get Summit’s drivers on board with an automated transmission. The majority of them have 30-plus years behind the wheel, and had become accustomed to shifting a manual transmission. But once the drivers understood the benefits – not only to them, but the company as a whole, they were sold.

“I gave them the option that if they didn't like the new T680 and the automated transmissions they could go back into a different truck. None of them have switched back over,” Plaskoff said.

“The drivers really like the T680. It’s got plenty of power and torque. They’re also impressed with the comfort level of the cab and the 76-inch sleeper, and the smooth shifting, quiet ride and increased visibility,” Plaskoff added. “With some of the other makes of trucks we’ve run, we had driver complaints of them not being put together well, with rattles and excessive noise going down road. We’ve had zero complaints on the T680 with anything of that nature.

“We’re very concerned with keeping our trucks rolling so that drivers can get their miles and get back home to have some time off,” Plaskoff continued. “We’re very confident in the T680. Our drivers don’t stay out a long time, so if we ever do have to put a truck in the shop, MHC Kenworth – Dallas is very responsive. They really take care of us.”

“Kenworth T680 is a top-of-the-line truck,” Roach said, “It’s a perfect fit, as we think of ourselves as a ‘cut-above’ trucking company.”

That cut-above mentality is helping fill seats. “Drivers are key to our future,” concluded Roach. “Not only do we have to find qualified drivers to feed our growth, but we need to give them the best equipment so we can retain them. The Kenworth T680 gives us that edge.”

Features Contribute to Demand for Freightliner EconicSD Trucks

PORTLAND, Ore. – (November 8, 2018) – With its enhanced safety features and a driver-focused design, the Freightliner® EconicSD™ waste collection truck is a modern, innovative solution for the refuse segment.

“Market demand for the Freightliner EconicSD has exceeded our expectations and confirmed our premise that there was a critical need for this vehicle in the refuse segment. We have already sold our first round of trucks,” said Richard Saward, general manager, vocational sales for Freightliner Trucks. “Every indication is that this industry has been underserved on safety and technology. For this reason, we believe the Freightliner EconicSD is a game changer in waste collection.”

A first for the brand’s vocational lineup, the Freightliner EconicSD comes standard with the Detroit Assurance® suite of safety systems – which includes active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and side guard assist.

Noted Saward: “Many of our on-highway fleets throughout North America have already experienced the benefit from Detroit Assurance, and we’re proud to bring these innovative safety technologies to neighborhood streets.”

The vehicle’s expansive windshield and enhanced mirror system both reduce blind spots and provide panoramic views for outstanding visibility at every turn. When combined with the truck’s lower seat orientation, drivers have clear views of their surroundings.

The Freightliner EconicSD’s low-entry concept – which includes an optional kneeling function on front axles – makes getting in and out of the cab safer and easier. With a low step-in height of only 19-inches and a low floor height, through-cab access is easier for both drivers and passengers. And, with options like a pneumatic bi-fold door with full-length tinted glass on the passenger’s side and an optional built-in camera system with blind spot views, the Freightliner EconicSD was designed for next-level safety and driver comfort.

Inside the spacious cab, an intuitive and ergonomically designed digital instrument cluster further enhances the driver experience. The suspended driver’s seat features multi-axis adjustment and heating capability for comfort. Adding to the driver’s experience, the vehicle’s wheel cut provides superior maneuverability, especially in urban and neighborhood environments.

“We took into consideration what would most benefit the driver, passengers and other drivers and incorporated those features into the Freightliner EconicSD. As customer demand indicates, this vehicle has been thoughtfully engineered to meet the day-to-day challenges of the refuse route,” said Saward.

For more information, visit www.freightliner.com.

Peterbilt Recognized as a Top Place to Work for Women

DENTON, Texas – November 6, 2018 – Peterbilt Motors Company today announced it will be recognized by Women in Trucking as a top workplace for women in the trucking industry.

Peterbilt will receive the award on November 13th as part of the Women in Trucking Accelerate conference being hosted this year in Dallas, Texas.

“Receiving this award is a testament to Peterbilt’s commitment to fostering and empowering a diverse workforce,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt General Manager. “I am excited about our progress to date, and the continued expansion across all of Peterbilt’s diversity initiatives, including the implementation earlier this year of a Veteran’s affinity group.”

In 2018 Peterbilt’s Women Initiative (PBWIN) has featured guest speaker Joann Lublin, retired management news editor for The Wall Street Journal and author of “Earning It: Hard-Won Lessons from Trailblazing Women at the Top of the Business World”, as well as led workshops on growing one’s personal brand. Empowerment of local students and individuals is an outreach initiative of PBWIN. The organization frequently visits local primary and secondary schools to promote STEAM education.

Under the Peterbilt Diversity Council, Peterbilt has two affinity groups to date: PBWIN and the Veterans’ organization. PBWIN currently has more than 100 members within their organization who are dedicated to championing the empowerment of women at Peterbilt through education, support, networking, personal growth and development opportunities.

Kenworth Certified Pre-Owned Offers Expanded Warranty Option

KIRKLAND, Wash., Nov. 6, 2018 – Kenworth has announced a new, two-year 250,000-mile factory backed Class 8 PACCAR Engines Pre-Owned Warranty option available through the Kenworth Certified Pre-Owned Program. This gives customers the opportunity to add extended coverage on top of the standard one-year, 125,000-mile warranty.

For Kenworth trucks powered by PACCAR engines, the one- and two-year warranty options cover 105 engine and aftertreatment components. Kenworth also offers a 90-day buyer assurance vehicle warranty that provides protection on 135 components, ranging from the HVAC system to select cab and sleeper components.

“The new two-year warranty option really gives peace of mind to new owners who want the ultimate in used truck protection,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth director of marketing. “Kenworth trucks have a history of desirability on the secondary market. With the availability of a two-year, 250,000-mile factory backed warranty, second owners can purchase with even more confidence.”

In order to qualify for the Certified Pre-Owned Program, Kenworth trucks must be four (model) years in age or less, have mileage under 450,000, and pass a 150-point inspection completed by Kenworth certified technicians. Extended coverage options are also available for trucks five years old with 550,000 miles or less.

Kenworth trucks with Cummins engines are also included in the Kenworth Certified Pre-Owned program and come with their own warranty plans.

Full details on each Kenworth Certified Pre-Owned truck can be found on Kenworth’s dedicated used truck website: www.KenworthCertified.com. A search function allows customers to pick the Kenworth model they would like based on model year and location preference. In addition, the search can fine-tune Kenworth models available by listing preferences, such as engine horsepower, transmission, sleeper configuration and mileage range.

To assist Kenworth Certified Used Truck buyers, PACCAR Financial is providing a $1,000 rebate for any truck it finances through the program.

Kenworth W990 Begins Transport of U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

SWEET HOME, Ore., Nov. 6, 2018 – The 54th U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree – an 80-foot Noble Fir from Oregon’s Willamette National Forest – has started its nearly 3,000-mile journey to Washington, D.C., following its Nov. 2 harvesting near Sweet Home, Oregon.

The Oregon Forest Service nominated six trees as candidates for the special honor. The Noble Fir, the first ever to serve as the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, was ultimately selected by a representative of the Architect of the Capitol. “It’s a stunning tree and will certainly represent Oregon well when it makes its way to Washington, D.C. Oregon is the largest producer of Christmas trees in the country, but no other tree will surpass this one, which was found about an hour outside of Sweet Home,” said Nikki Swanson, district ranger, for the Sweet Home Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest.

On hand and ready for the load was a brand new Kenworth W990, along with members from Central Oregon Truck Company, this year’s designated hauler of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The company’s CEO Rick Williams; Phil Taylor, vice president of maintenance; and Brad Aimone, director of driver safety & services; watched as the tree was lifted by crane and set on the 80-foot long trailer. Williams, Taylor and Aimone are driving the Kenworth W990 and its special load as a part of an overall company effort that will involve other driving team members from the company. The flatbed carrier transports freight across the 48 continental states and Canada, and purchases its Kenworth trucks from The Papé Group, which is a major sponsor of this year’s tour.

“It was a great sight. You don’t see an 80-foot tree loaded on a trailer every day, and they had to take great care to secure the branches,” said Rick Williams.

Once the tree was set on the trailer, securing of the branches began. Taylor drove the Kenworth W990 and traversed the eight miles of logging roads before hitting U.S. Route 20 and Forest Service Road 2044, while Williams drove from there to the tree preparation area in Sweet Home. “The looks we received from other drivers were something else,” said Taylor. “We had so much pride in hauling the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. It was inspiring.”

Once in Sweet Home, the tree was fitted with a special 200-gallon water bladder – to keep it hydrated, carefully wrapped and boxed. Final preparations were then made for the cross-country transport. The tour, which follows the Oregon Trail in reverse, will officially commence when the tree departs Sweet Home and begins its journey 3,000 miles to the east. Along the way, the tree will stop for 25 community events, helping to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail, and the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act.

The Kenworth W990 transporting the tree features a distinctive graphics package with a brightly lit and colorfully adorned Christmas Tree next to the U.S. Capitol below the words “From the Oregon Trail to the Capitol Steps.” Featuring a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, the W990 was spec’d with the PACCAR Powertrain – a PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455-hp and 1,650 lb-ft of torque, 12-speed automated transmission, and 40K tandem rear axle. The truck was also specified with the Limited Edition interior, premium GT703 seats and audio system, Kenworth Nav+HD, predictive cruise control, 1800W inverter, 180-degree swivel passenger seat, and Kenworth TruckTech+® remote diagnostics.

The tour stops begin Monday, Nov. 9, at nearby Sweet Home High School where the tree will be the main event for a parade and street fair. The tour will end Nov. 25 at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, before being delivered to the U.S. Capitol in late November. A special tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 5 will be hosted by the Architect of the Capitol, in conjunction with the U.S. Speaker of the House.

For more information, including a complete tour schedule, visit the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website at www.CapitolChristmasTree.com. Choose Outdoors, a non-profit organization that works with the Forest Service on promoting outdoor recreation and public access to federal lands for recreation, assists with coordinating the annual tour.