Hitting The Road
At first glance, the logo on the new, light blue International trucks at
Service Transport appears to be a bolt of lightning: bold stripes of navy
blue, lighter blue, and red zigzagging to form the “S” in the word that
the company is most proud of — “SERVICE.”
The new vehicles drive many levels of Service Transport’s business.
They are built strong, durable, and fuel-efficient in order to deliver
petroleum, petrochemicals, and waste liquids for the firm’s 500 plus customers.
They also maximize comfort and safety for the drivers and employ the
latest technology to ensure equipment reliability and driver responsibility.
The 275 new trucks, purchased between December 2003 and December 2005,
are Class-8 tractors, fully equipped for safety, comfort, and efficiency.
The International 9400 Eagles come equipped with a deluxe interior and a 72”
stand-up, walk-in sleeper.
These trucks are equipped with state-of-the-art ISX Cummins engines.
The engines also conform to the mandated changes in the Environmental
Protection Agency’s emissions standards.
The trucks are designed to provide a comfortable sanctuary for the drivers.
Our drivers live, sleep, and travel in these trucks, and they are like a mini-camper
on wheels, with a CD player, hook-up for a small icebox, and even a little desk.
From a corporate standpoint, one of the most important facets of the trucks is their
technological capabilities. The trucks are equipped with satellite systems that
interface with the engine. Sensors monitor engine problems, fuel mileage, and
performance, and report the results to the office.
Because of the TMWSuite, a cutting-edge computer package, each truck is
connected to the office through the Internet.
The system can also report elements to improve a driver’s performance.
Back at the office, the safety department or the terminal operations can
review information regarding the driving conditions. Through the PeopleNet
connection, statistical data is available for these reviews.
Seniority and a reward system determine which drivers get behind the wheel
of the new trucks. Essentially, when we give a driver a truck, it’s theirs.
They can put their personal belongings in it and depend on them being there
on the next load. Newer trucks are usually used on the road for longer hauls.
Technology is constantly improving. We expect more out of our trucks than ever
before. We must know what’s going on from a maintenance standpoint and be able
to track fuel performance.
From a driver-safety point of view, managers follow up on reports regarding
the drivers’ performance. We are able to pull up data for any particular unit
and driver. We can manage more effectively and avoid possible accidents.
The review of this data makes it possible to identify and reward the better
drivers as well as identifying certain driving mistakes and making specific
training available to those who need it.