JOPLIN, Mo., April 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Con-way
Truckload, a full truckload carrier and subsidiary of Con-way Inc.
(NYSE: CNW), today announced its purchase of 635 new, twin-screw
tractors — each of which will be equipped with an Automated Manual
Transmission (AMT) — in a replacement cycle that will maintain the
company's 2,500-tractor fleet as one of the newest and most
technically advanced in the truckload industry.
This purchase of 575 new Kenworth T680s and 60 new Freightliner
Cascadias, which are being delivered into the fleet in a phased
deployment starting this month through November, represents an
increase from 23 percent to 48 percent in the number of trucks
outfitted with AMTs.
Driver surveys have indicated that AMT-equipped trucks are
becoming increasingly popular, particularly with new drivers
entering the profession, as it eliminates the need for the driver
to operate a clutch and manually shift the truck through its gear
sequence. Much like an automatic transmission in an automobile,
AMT's shift the truck through its gears without intervention from
drivers, which enables them to place additional focus on traffic
and road conditions ahead, checking mirrors and employing proactive
defensive driving techniques.
"Driver safety and comfort is of paramount importance to our
company's success, and we value our drivers' input when we make
fleet purchasing decisions," said Joseph
Dagnese, president of Con-way Truckload. "As a result, all
of these trucks are not only equipped with the very latest safety
technology, they also include features installed based on feedback
from our drivers that help make these vehicles a better home away
from home."
"These trucks are more powerful, and with the AMTs, are easier
to drive," said Jack Wold a
professional driver for Con-way Truckload. "The AMT contributes to
safer operation of the vehicle because I don't have to hunt for a
gear when I'm making a turn in traffic. I can focus more on what's
happening ahead of and around me."
In addition to the increased traction and improved handling
provided by the twin screw axle configuration, and advanced safety
features such as lane departure and blind spot warnings, front-end
collision avoidance and electronic stability control, the new
trucks provide drivers with many comforts and conveniences not
provided by older models. The 2015 models have significantly more
head and legroom, a larger area between the seats and better
visibility. They also feature 1,500-watt power inverters that take
DC power from the battery and convert it to AC power — allowing the
driver to use small household appliances for preparing meals during
rest stops, as well as other conveniences such as flat-screen TVs,
DVD players and music players.
Con-way Truckload began taking delivery of the new tractors this
month and is phasing in remaining units month by month through
mid-December. At the same time, Con-way Truckload is upgrading its
trailer fleet, retiring 1,000 existing trailers and replacing them
with new trailers. The company is taking delivery of the new
trailers starting this month with this replacement cycle to be
completed by mid-November.
Follow Con-way Truckload on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/True2BlueJobs.
Con-way equipment images are available at:
www.con-way.com/en/about_con_way/newsroom.
About Con-way Truckload
Joplin, Missouri-based Con-way Truckload is a
leading provider of time-definite dry-van full-truckload
transportation services throughout the U.S., with extensive
coverage of Mexico and service for
Canada. With 3,350 employees,
2,900 of whom are company drivers and dedicated owner-operators
piloting a fleet of 2,900 tractors and 8,000 trailers, Con-way
Truckload provides solo, team and dedicated trucking operations,
with a focus on superior performance built on Lean continuous
improvement methodologies to drive efficiencies and consistent
quality service. With a workplace culture built on respect for
employees and recognition of their professional skill and expertise
as our keys to success, Con-way Truckload strives every day to
deliver value-added services that help Fortune 500 businesses
achieve supply chain goals. Visit Con-way Truckload on the web at
www.con-way.com/truckload or call (800) 641-4747.
Con-way Truckload is an operating unit of Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Con-way Inc. (NYSE:
CNW), a $5.8 billion diversified
freight transportation and global logistics company
(www.con-way.com).
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SOURCE Con-way Truckload