New Kenworth W990 Now Available for Order

KIRKLAND, Wash., Dec 20, 2018 – The Kenworth W990, the new long-hood conventional that establishes a new industry standard, is now available for order. The Kenworth W990 leverages the 67-year evolution of the iconic W900 platform to provide Kenworth customers with a product that captures the pride, image, freedom, and spirit of trucking; and continues Kenworth’s tradition of offering driver-focused trucks.

Designed to maximize performance in over-the-road and vocational applications, the Kenworth W990 is available in day cab, 40-inch flat top, and both 52-inch and 76-inch mid-roof sleeper configurations. The W990 is standard with the proprietary PACCAR Powertrain consisting of the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated up to 510-hp and 1,850 lb-ft of torque, 12-speed PACCAR automated transmission and PACCAR 40K tandem rear axles.

The W990 offers numerous options. Special comfort and style options include the W990 Limited Edition black interior, and the Driver’s Studio package of premium options that create a luxurious home on the road living experience. The W990 is standard with Kenworth TruckTech+® remote diagnostics system.

“The Kenworth W990’s outstanding performance, lifestyle amenities and classical styling truly makes it The Driver’s Truck,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director.

To learn more about the W990, contact your Kenworth dealer. A downloadable brochure is available on Kenworth’s website at www.Kenworth.com/trucks/w990.

The Kenworth W990 begins production in January at the Kenworth assembly plant in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Top Military Veteran Rookie Driver Quinton Ward Wins Kenworth T680

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 14, 2018 – As part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes Program, a former U.S. Army mechanic, instructor and career counselor was selected as the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” top military veteran rookie driver during a ceremony today at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in Washington, D.C. Winning driver Quinton Ward of Werner Enterprises received a fully-loaded Kenworth T680 Advantage, equipped with a fuel-efficient PACCAR MX-13 engine and top of the line 76-inch sleeper, from Kenworth Truck Company.

Ward comes from a family of military veterans and joined the Army after graduating from high school. He received the Kenworth T680 as part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program, which was conducted in partnership with the FASTPORT Trucking Track Mentoring Program. Stevens Transport’s Christopher Young (Army active duty and now Army reservist), TMC Transport’s Platt Brabner (Navy and Marine veteran), and Summar Hanks of US Xpress (Air Force and Air National Guard veteran), were the runners-up. Young received $10,000 as the first runner-up, while Brabner and Hanks each received $5,000.

Featured speakers at the special recognition event were Eric Eversole, U.S. Chamber of Commerce vice president and Hiring Our Heroes president; Brad Bentley, FASTPORT president; Patrick Murphy, former Under Secretary of the Army; and Chris Spear, president and CEO, American Trucking Associations (ATA).

“Quinton Ward’s influence on transitioning service members as well as his dedication to personal growth in the trucking industry makes him a well-deserving recipient of the Kenworth T680 Advantage. We appreciate his service to our country, and we look forward to watching Quinton continue to grow as a driver and influencer in the industry,” said Kurt Swihart, who presented the Kenworth T680 Advantage keys to Ward at the event.

“I chose trucking because it gives me the ability to drive and see the country I swore an oath to protect and defend,” said Ward. “The skills that are key for success in the military are the same that we as drivers use every day. Time management, communication skills, flexibility and problem solving are the cornerstones that make a great employee and a professional driver. I see my future with the industry growing exponentially. I don’t want to stay and just do one thing. I want to see every facet of this industry.”

FASTPORT president Brad Bentley said the four finalists were determined by tallying scores from a Selection Committee. The four then advanced to an online vote on the Transition Trucking website, where people could view a video of each driver and vote their choice for the top military rookie driver.

“I had the chance to meet all the finalists at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas and I can’t say enough positive things about them,” said Bentley. “Their dedication to this country is unwavering and they exemplify what it means to be an American. They are all wonderful people who share the characteristics we look for when selecting the top military driver: hard-working, disciplined and dependable. Quinton Ward separated himself by his dedication to overcome six years of medical treatment to become a driver, as well as his work in helping other veterans’ transition to the trucking industry.”

Ward, who was injured while on active duty, medically retired in 2010. After undergoing six years of treatment, Ward utilized the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program to earn his CDL. After receiving his CDL, Ward went to work for Werner Enterprises, where he is an active driver for the Operations Freedom program. Through Operations Freedom, Ward meets with veterans and other service members who are transitioning out of the military, as well as students who are considering working in the trucking industry.

Kenworth T880 Trucks are the choice for New York Aggregate Hauler

TROY, N.Y., Dec. 12, 2018 – Roderick “Roddy” J. Valente founded R. J. Valente Gravel, Inc., in 1989 with one dump truck, a bulldozer, and dispatch located in his kitchen. Today, R. J. Valente is one of New York state’s largest material handlers. Serving the Albany, N.Y. region, the company is a family affair operated by Roddy, along with his daughter Daniella, son, Stephen A., and nephews, Anthony and Stephen J. With 52 trucks, the company is able to offer timely service and quality rock products from several of its pit and quarry facilities located in and around the Capital District.

For many years, Valente ran another truck make. That all changed about four years ago when the company switched to Kenworth. “We didn’t have a Kenworth dealer in our area until Kenworth Northeast Group moved to Albany,” says Anthony Valente, who is in charge of sales and fleet management. “We dipped our toe in the water with Kenworth Northeast - Albany, got a good feeling, and bought a round of Kenworths. That was it. Our drivers absolutely love the T880s. Not only do the trucks look sharp going down the road, everything in it feels well built. It’s a heavily spec’d truck and we’re very happy with the T880s.”

That first round of Kenworths included 10 T880s — five dumps and five tractors — all with PACCAR MX-13 engines. After working the trucks and seeing how they lived up to the Kenworth reputation and “after the sale” customer service, the company was sold on Kenworth. Since then, R.J. Valente has purchased a total of 38 new Kenworths based on driver appreciation, low cost of ownership, reduced downtime and superior service from Kenworth Northeast.

“We’ve had great experience with PACCAR MX-13 engines,” says Valente. “At first, we purchased the extended warranty with them, but over the past two orders we stopped buying the extended warranty because we haven’t had any problems. We plan to buy 10 more Kenworths this year or early next year, so that will pretty much turn the fleet over to all Kenworths.”

The company fleet is split between 26 dumps and 26 tractors that haul dump trailers. Kenworth T880 dumps are spec’d with PACCAR MX-13 engines rated at 455-hp, while the T880 tractors are rated at 500-hp, all with Eaton UltraShift® transmissions.

As good as the Kenworth T880s are, says Valente, the service department is second to none. “I’ll be honest with you, the Kenworth trucks have been very good, but the service department is even better. I can’t say enough about them. New trucks are going to have an issue here and there. When I take a truck over to my Kenworth dealer, they troubleshoot it right away and get it back to us. It’s horrible when you take your truck to another dealer and it sits there for two days just to find out that a cooling sensor failed and it could’ve been fixed in 20 minutes. That kind of scenario doesn’t happen with Kenworth Northeast.”

Valente says his maintenance costs have dropped by half since the company started running Kenworths. “Going forward, we’d like to trade out for 10 new Kenworth trucks every year,” he says. “We used to be a run-em-till-they-drop kind of company. When we started purchasing Kenworths, we decided we’d run them for four or five years, trade them in, and keep recycling them because Kenworths hold good value.”

Volvo to Commercialize VNR Electric Models in 2020

Volvo Trucks announced today that it will introduce all-electric Volvo VNR regional-haul demonstrators in California next year, operating in distribution, regional-haul and drayage operations. Sales of the VNR Electric in North America will begin in 2020.

“We are proud to announce the Volvo VNR Electric, designed to support cities focused on sustainable urban development and fleets operating in a range of regional-haul and distribution operations,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “The Volvo VNR Electric leverages the versatility of the new Volvo VNR series with a proven fully-electric powertrain, and represents a strategic stride toward a comprehensive electrified transport ecosystem. Cities prioritizing sustainable urban development can leverage electrified transport solutions to help improve air quality and reduce traffic noise. Cleaner, quieter, fully-electric commercial transport also creates opportunities for expanded morning and late-night operations, helping cut traffic congestion during peak hours.”

The Volvo VNR Electric demonstration units will be based on the proven propulsion and energy storage technology currently being used in the Volvo FE Electric, and builds on the Volvo Group’s accumulated expertise in electrified transport solutions. Sister company Volvo Buses has sold more than 4,000 electrified buses since 2010.

“The Volvo VNR is ideal for applications like heavy urban distribution, drayage and other regional applications where electric trucks will first have the greatest impact,” said Johan Agebrand, Volvo Trucks North America director of product marketing. “The VNR series has received tremendous industry acceptance since its April 2017 introduction and the addition of an all-electric powertrain provides even greater opportunities to expand its footprint in the regional-haul market.”

Introduction of the Volvo VNR Electric models are part of an innovative partnership, known as LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) between the Volvo Group, California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), and industry leaders in transportation and electrical charging infrastructure.

“The LIGHTS project is a truly unique opportunity to showcase a holistic approach to electrification of the freight transport industry as we handle ongoing challenges including electricity generation and battery optimization,” said Voorhoeve. “We appreciate that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the SCAQMD have recognized our leadership and trusted us to oversee this project that will ultimately result in the commercialization of fully-electric heavy-duty trucks. In addition to introducing the VNR Electric, through LIGHTS we will bring a complete sustainable freight solution with end-to-end electrification coordination with our many partners.”

"Electric trucks bring many unknowns and our holistic focus through the LIGHTS project will help our fleet partners transition securely and smoothly based on their individual needs regarding driving cycles, load capacity, uptime, range and other parameters,” said Agebrand. “Within the project we’ll look at everything from route analysis and battery optimization to servicing and financing. We always aim to offer high uptime and productivity.”

CARB has preliminarily awarded $44.8 million to SCAQMD for the Volvo LIGHTS project. The Volvo LIGHTS project will involve 16 partners, and will transform freight operations at the facilities of two of the United States’ top trucking fleets. Volvo LIGHTS is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.

New Axle Option for Western Star 4700 Snow Plows

PORTLAND, Ore. – Dec. 11, 2018 – The Western Star® 4700 set-back (SB) all-wheel drive (AWD) 6x6 and 4x4 trucks can now be spec’d with an 18,000-lb. front drive axle. This option, ideal for snow plow applications, provides enhanced maneuverability required for harsh winter conditions.

The heavy-duty front drive axle from Meritor also contributes to sharper wheel cuts, superior steering control and better weight distribution, helping drivers maintain better control on slick winter roads.

“Snow plows work under some of the most extreme conditions and often in tight, neighborhood or urban environments. The new front drive axle option delivers increased capacity and better mobility when it’s needed most,” said Peter Schimunek, vocational marketing manager for Western Star. “When adding new specs, we evaluate the needs of our customers and the challenges they face to ensure we have the best options available to help them stay productive on the job.”

Available with hundreds of customization options, the versatile 4700 can be purpose-built to take on local and regional hauls as well as tough vocational applications.

The 4700SB AWD with the 18,000-lb. front drive axle can be spec’d with the Cummins L9 engine and is now in production.

For more information about Western Star, visit: www.WesternStarTrucks.com.

New Aerodynamic Roof Fairing for Western Star 5700XE

PORTLAND, Ore. – Dec. 11, 2018 – A new roof fairing is now available for Western Star® 5700XE 82-inch ultra-high roof sleeper models. The roof fairing maximizes aerodynamics for the largest sleeper available from Western Star, providing superior fuel efficiency without sacrificing comfort and space.

Designed and tested in the Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) proprietary, state-of-the-art wind tunnel, the roof fairing optimizes airflow across the trailer gap and sides to reduce drag.

The new roof fairing has been designated as SmartWay® Certified by the EPA. SmartWay is a voluntary program for the transportation industry that is comprised of companies committed to reducing emissions and eliminating waste. Several 5700XE configurations with full aerodynamics packages are already SmartWay certified.

“We’re proud of our participation in the SmartWay program and are dedicated to providing new solutions that benefit both our customers’ bottom lines and the environment,” said Samantha Parlier, vice president, marketing and product strategy for Western Star Trucks. “Western Star Trucks and DTNA are deeply committed to manufacturing products that improve freight efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.”

The 5700XE was designed with efficiency as a priority with standard features such as an aerodynamic hood, roof, chassis and cab fairings that reduce drag. And, when spec’d with Detroit™ powertrain components – such as Detroit engines, the Detroit DT12™ automated manual transmission and Detroit axles – the 5700XE delivers the performance and efficiency customers demand.

For more information about Western Star, visit: www.WesternStarTrucks.com.

Freightliner 114SD Available with Cummins X12 Engine

FORT MILL, S.C. – (Dec. 10, 2018) – The lightweight Cummins X12 engine can now be spec’d in the Freightliner 114SD. This powerful combination provides a new option for a wide variety of vocational applications, particularly in segments where weight savings are a key consideration, such as concrete mixers, refuse trucks, dump trucks, auto haulers, and more.

At 2,050 pounds, the Cummins X12 engine is up to 600 pounds lighter than other medium-bore engines in the 10 to 13-liter category. Its ultra-lightweight design contributes to increased payload and productivity without compromising on the power and performance required for vocational applications. Less weight can also mean more upfitting options, a benefit to both end customers and Truck Equipment Manufacturer (TEM) partners.

The X12 engine delivers up to 500 HP and 1700 lb-ft of torque and has a low-friction design for improved efficiency. Combined with the durable and highly customizable 114SD chassis, customers can expect a productivity powerhouse that gets the job done day in and day out.

“We are dedicated to providing vocational customers with a wide range of powertrain options to meet the specific needs of their businesses,” said Kelly Gedert, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks and Detroit Components. “By adding the Cummins X12 to our engine portfolio, we give the already versatile 114SD yet another option, showing our commitment to providing customers a choice.”

“Cummins is excited about the positive impact our X12 will have in weight-sensitive markets,” said Brett Merritt, vice president of Cummins On-Highway Engine Business. “We believe that the Cummins X12 in the Freightliner 114SD will be an exceptional option for vocational customers.”

Engineered for productivity, the 114SD provides superior visibility, reliability and ergonomics for optimal performance in the most demanding vocational applications. The truck features a versatile weight-optimized design and durable components that contribute to maximum productivity.

Customers can get a first look at this product combination by visiting the Freightliner Booth at World of Concrete 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada in January. The 114SD with the Cummins X12 will start production mid-year 2019.

For more information, visit www.Freightliner.com.

The 2019 Kenworth Trucks Calendar is Now Available

KIRKLAND, Wash., Dec. 10, 2018 – The 2019 Kenworth Calendar features beautiful images of The World's Best® aerodynamic, vocational, traditional and medium duty trucks in both scenic and work settings. The new calendar is now available for purchase.

The 6-page, 2019 Kenworth Wall Calendar offers a two-month format with six colorful Kenworth truck images. The featured heavy duty models are the new Kenworth W990 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, on-highway flagship Kenworth T680 Advantage 76-inch sleeper with the PACCAR Powertrain, and Kenworth T880 vocational leader in both a dump truck configuration and a set-forward axle T880S twin steer mixer. The featured medium duty trucks are Kenworth’s K270 cabover and T370 conventional vans, and T370 dump with a front axle rated at 20,000 pounds and rear axles rated at 46,000 pounds. The large, poster-size wall calendar is 26-1/4 inches tall by 28 inches wide.

The 2019 Kenworth Appointment Calendar highlights a Kenworth Truck of the Month, and includes all six of the wall calendar photographs. Also featured are the T680 Advantage equipped with both 52-inch and 76-inch mid-roof sleepers, T680 day cab with compressed natural gas (CNG) engine, T880 wrecker with a 40-inch sleeper and a T880S set-forward axle flatbed, and W900L 86-inch Studio Sleeper. The appointment calendar is 9-3/4 inches tall by 13 inches wide.

The T680 and T880 models in the wall and appointment calendar are equipped with the 12.9-liter PACCAR MX-13 or 10.8-liter PACCAR MX-11 engines. The medium duty trucks are specified with the 8.9-liter PACCAR PX-9 engine.

“Kenworth’s outstanding truck lineup provides excellent performance, exceptional driver comfort and low operating costs in a wide range of on-highway, vocational and medium duty applications. The 2019 Kenworth calendar highlights the new Kenworth W990, and gives fleets, drivers and truck enthusiasts the chance to display this new model on their wall for the first time. The W990 represents the pride, image and freedom of trucking,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director.

To order, visit your local Kenworth dealer or go to www.ShopKenworth.com for the 2018 Kenworth Wall Calendar and $11.95 (US$) for the 2019 Kenworth Appointment Calendar. Prices do not include shipping and handling. The calendar also may be ordered by calling 1-877-705-3314 (U.S.) and 1-425-806-2306 (International).

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lit in Special Ceremony

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 7, 2018 – After a journey of more than 3,000 miles from Oregon, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was lit in a special ceremony Thursday, Dec. 6, on the Capitol’s West Lawn.

The 80-foot Noble Fir is adorned with thousands of LED lights and ornaments made by Oregon residents. Brigette Harrington, a fourth grader from Hillsboro, Oregon, lit the tree with U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan presiding over the ceremony. Harrington received the honor after winning an essay contest on Oregon’s beauty entered by 1,200 fourth graders in Oregon.

The tradition of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree started in 1964 by then-U.S. Speaker of the House John W. McCormack, who planted a live tree on the Capitol lawn. That tree lived three years before succumbing to wind and root damage. In 1970, the Capitol Architect asked the U.S. Forest Service to provide a Christmas tree. Since then, a different national forest has been chosen each year to provide "The People’s Tree."

The tree was harvested in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest, and transported by Central Oregon Truck Company and their new Kenworth W990 model on a reverse path of the historic Oregon Trail. The company’s Kenworth trucks are purchased from The Papé Group, a Kenworth dealer headquartered in Oregon and a major tour sponsor. The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour, which began Nov. 9 in Sweet Home, Oregon, and ended Nov. 25 at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, made more than 25 stops for community events while traveling across the nation. Thousands of people saw the tree and the W990 during the stops and going down the highway.

Featuring a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, the Kenworth W990 was specified 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 also featured 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 participating in the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour. This very special tradition and celebration brings communities together. It was especially significant to provide a new Kenworth W990 to transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to its destination,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director.

Kenworth Expands Branded Merchandise Collection for 2019

KIRKLAND, Wash., Dec. 5, 2018 – The 2019 Kenworth Merchandise Collection has added more than 65 new officially-licensed merchandise items for fleets, truck operators and drivers interested in purchasing products that represent Kenworth, The World’s Best®.

The new Kenworth items now available include:

• Dri Duck Sequoia khaki water-resistant work jacket.
• Carhartt® black hoodie with white logo.
• Women’s Harriton polyfill black water-resistant jacket.
• Kenworth W990 belt buckle.
• Kenworth W990 black T-shirt
• Kenworth Richardson classic charcoal and white trucker cap.
• Women’s purple mesh-back unstructured cap.
• Tonal Flag dark-textured oil cloth hat.
• Brown wood toy semi-truck with rolling wheels.
• Red 20-ounce Basecamp® Tundra vacuum-insulated bottle.
• Luke plush puppy with red bandana.

The comprehensive line-up consists of more than 220 items, including caps, men and women’s apparel, kids’ items, drinkware, golf accessories, and the Kenworth 2019 appointment and wall calendars.

To order, visit www.ShopKenworth.com, or call 877-705-3314 toll free from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT). Those ordering from Canada may call 855-537-5332 during the same time period. Kenworth dealerships in the United States and Canada also offer officially-licensed Kenworth merchandise for sale.

New Volvo Trucks Freight Efficiency “Payload Plus” Package

Volvo Trucks’ new “Payload Plus” packages for the Volvo VNR and VNL series provide significant weight savings, helping maximize payload and fuel efficiency in weight-sensitive tanker, bulk-haul, and specific dry van and refrigerated applications. The Payload Plus packages, now available to order, provide a simple model-based way to shave up to 540 lbs. from Volvo VNR regional-haul models and remove more than 335 lbs. from Volvo VNL long-haul models.

“Some applications are all about weight, and every pound saved means more payload and greater profitability per job,” said Chris Stadler, Volvo Trucks North America product marketing manager. “We hear from some fleets, particularly in bulk applications, that every pound of additional payload can equate to an additional $10 USD or more per job, so the Payload Plus packages represent a tremendous business opportunity. Bulk and tanker businesses are typically constrained by weight, not trailer capacity, so reducing weight from the trailer and tractor can translate into greater payload capacity.”

“Like our recently introduced Xceed fuel efficiency package for the VNL 760 and 860 models, Payload Plus packages help simplify the truck spec’ing process,” said Allison Athey, Volvo Trucks North America product marketing manager. “We’re focused on helping maximize freight efficiency because nobody can afford to overlook profit-boosting opportunities. Truckload carriers also have a strong opportunity to shift weight from the tractor to their loads so they can exceed previous payload opportunities.”

Key lightweight components in the Payload Plus packages include horizontal exhaust, aluminum wheels, lightweight chassis components. Additional opportunities to reduce weight based on application can include optimized wheelbases and frame rail thicknesses.

Kenworth T680s are a Sure Bet for Las Vegas-Based MC Carrier

LAS VEGAS, December 4, 2018 – MC Carrier may roll out of Las Vegas, but they don’t gamble when it comes to reliability.

Since 2012, MC Carrier has earned the respect of more than 600 satisfied customers who count on the company to transport everything from dry van loads and refrigerated goods to heavy equipment and hazardous materials. It hauls cargo that absolutely, positively has to be there as scheduled. And, according to MC Carrier President John Lupusor, “that’s why we rely so heavily on Kenworth.”

The company’s recent order of 60 new T680s from Kenworth Sales Company – Las Vegas brings the MC Carrier fleet to 117 trucks. The company started with just two big trucks, driven by Lupusor and business partner Cristian Margineanu. Previously involved in the construction trade, a drop in housing starts and a slump in the local economy six years ago led the duo to look at the trucking industry as their new venture. As the business grew, they added more trucks and brought on many of their former construction employees to drive them.

“Initially, we didn't know much about trucking other than it was a way to make a living,” said Lupusor. “Because of our work ethic, and the commitment of our employees, we knew whatever the job was, we had a great chance to succeed.”

The first trucks that Lupusor and Margineanu put on the road were purchased for as little upfront investment as possible. The used equipment may have seemed like a good deal at the time, but proved noisy and uncomfortable to operate. During a trip through the Midwest, Luposor’s truck ended up on the side of the road. The company, to which he was contracted, offered a Kenworth truck as a temporary replacement so he could finish the delivery. Temporary wasn’t really temporary.

Seventy-thousand miles later, what impressed Lupusor the most was the smooth ride. “I didn’t get tired driving the truck,” he said.

The MC Carrier drivers now represent a wider mix of experience. For that reason, the fleet is also a mix — of manual and automated transmissions. With the latest orders, they’re moving to keep performance on a level playing field with 12-speed automated transmissions coupled with 500-hp engines. Lupusor estimated his Kenworth T680s equipped with the automated transmission can best some of the manuals by up to one mile per gallon.

For a growing company, where the T680 really wins out is in driver satisfaction, Lupusor noted. With the driver in mind, each of the fleet’s T680s are equipped with ​​extendable TV wall mount, 1,800-watt power inverter and 120-volt outlets, large capacity drawer-style refrigerator/freezer, upper storage unit that includes a tie-down to accommodate a microwave, and a work table that swivels for easy access from bunk or passenger seat.

“We cater to our drivers and give them the best equipment,” Lupusor said. “They appreciate every little thing that you can provide so they can do their job more easily, and ultimately they perform better.”

The plan is to eventually upgrade to all Kenworths, so that they will have a uniform fleet. "It's easier for the drivers should they have to switch from one truck to another; and more convenient and cost effective for our mechanics to only work on one product,” said Lupusor.

Every load is important, but some are more pressing than others. When MC Carrier is hauling packages for Amazon from the e-commerce giant’s Las Vegas warehouse to fulfillment centers in Nevada, Utah, California and Arizona, they are given specific pickup and delivery schedules. It doesn't matter if a driver misses a window by one minute or one hour ― late is late. Not hitting the mark can result in fewer trucks being requested or termination of the contract.

"We're confident in the performance of our Kenworth T680s. We know that they will do the job and make the pickup and delivery on time," Lupusor said.

Hazmat loads represent a similar need for dependability. “You can't be stopped along the highway where the freight might present a danger to the public,” Lupusor stressed. “Kenworth's demonstrated reputation for reliability provides us, and our drivers, the assurance that asset that there are minimal chances for mechanical failures.”

Working with A.J. Rowe at Kenworth Sales Company – Las Vegas, Lupusor and Margineanu were able to tour the Kenworth factory in Chillicothe, Ohio. They witnessed the build process involved in manufacturing a Kenworth T680 tractor. The pair were especially impressed with the precision that goes into assembling the cab structure.

“Kenworth really knows what they are doing,” Lupusor concluded. “Having trucks like the T680 is a big part of what makes our drivers and company successful. Kenworth provides the quality equipment that gives confidence to our drivers and customers."

O’Sullivan's Delivers New York Stock Exchange’s Christmas Tree

NEW YORK, Dec. 3, 2018 – From working out of a pickup truck with a $10 chainsaw to delivering the New York Stock Exchange’s (NYSE) Christmas Tree, O’Sullivan’s Tree Care and Recycling has seen its hard work from humble beginnings pay off.

For the past 29 years, O’Sullivan’s Tree Care and Recycling, which specializes in tree service and organic recycling, has been responsible for locating, cutting, transporting, erecting and dismantling the NYSE Christmas Tree. This year’s 78-foot Pine tree was transported with a Kenworth T880 from Foxboro, Mass., where the tree was cut, to the entrance of the New York Stock Exchange. A tree lighting, which was held Nov. 29, represents the 95th year for the Stock Exchange Tree.

For O’Sullivan, it’s vital to have reliable equipment, since operating in Hudson Valley and the Metropolitan New York is hard on the company’s equipment. The Kenworth T880 used to move the NYSE Tree, was purchased through Gabrielli Kenworth headquartered in New York, and is one of five Kenworth T880s in O’Sullivan’s fleet. Overall the company operates 30 light-to-heavy-duty trucks.

“With all of the stop-and-go traffic, potholes and tight roads, our trucks are tested,” he said. “Our trucks, especially the T880s, have held up well for us. Our first Kenworths date back to 2005 and we’re still running them. Some of our trucks have a million miles on them, and those are hard-earned city miles. Kenworths have been great to us.”

When it comes to a haul like the NYSE Christmas Tree, many moving parts are required. Jim O’Sullivan, owner of the company, estimates around 50 people were involved throughout the entire process of planning, cutting, transporting, erecting and decorating the Tree once it arrived at the NYSE. The company relied on its crew and heavy duty boom trucks to help direct the tree on and off the trailer, as well as erecting the Tree at the NYSE.

“There’s a lot of planning that goes into making a haul like this happen,” said O’Sullivan. “It takes two to three days to prepare the tree to be cut, another day to cut the tree, not to mention all of the logistics of getting the tree to the Stock Exchange, which involves the use of flaggers to direct traffic while we erect the tree.”

According to O’Sullivan, after 20 years of being responsible for the NYSE Tree, they have become very good at the job.

“Back in 1993, a tree decorator approached me about bringing in a tree and wanted it located by the Wall Street Bull,” recalled O’Sullivan. “It was a smaller tree than the one the Stock Exchange uses, but for a couple years, we were contracted to deliver a tree to that location. After a few years, we were approached by a contractor who oversaw the Stock Exchange Tree and we were given a contract to do theirs. The rest is history, we’ve been doing it ever since and we continue to get better at it each year.”

For O’Sullivan, the toughest challenge the company faces is finding a tree that looks good and is large enough to present at the New York Stock Exchange.

“It takes months to find the right tree,” he said. “The best trees are those planted generations ago, and they are often found in residential areas. It’s difficult to find the ‘perfect’ tree and when you do, most aren’t willing to part ways. We’ve gone as far as California to find a tree suitable for the Stock Exchange. This year, we got lucky. When John Bolton, our senior arborist was visiting family in Foxboro, he saw a beautiful pine tree that he remembered from his childhood days. John asked the family if he could take their tree and have it displayed at the Stock Exchange. They said yes. It’s just a beautiful tree.”

When the tree is to be taken down, the company will haul it away and grind it up so that it can be reused for material such as mulch or topsoil. Aside from hauling Christmas Trees, O’Sullivan’s Tree Care and Recycling provides services such as tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, emergency tree service, crane services, the manufacturing and sale of mulch and topsoil.