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Explosive Growth: McAllen, Texas carrier satisfies drivers and bottom line with Kenworth T660s
Only six years old, USA Logistics Carriers has exploded onto the trucking scene. Starting with just two trucks in October 2000, the company now operates 474 trucks, mostly Kenworths. This year, revenue is expected to exceed $135 million, doubling its record-shattering $77 million revenue in 2006.
Co-owned by partners Aurelio Aleman, Sergio Lagos and George Gomez, the company specializes in serving factories south of the border and transporting finished goods all over the United States.
Kenworth T660s provide driver comfort, outstanding fuel mileage
How has the company been able to achieve such phenomenal success in so a short time? “We focus on taking care of our drivers, who take care of our customers,” says CFO Robert D. Long. “We pay our drivers more than most carriers do in the U.S., and we put our drivers in the best trucks available. Drivers want a big, fancy truck and they like the styling and roominess of the Kenworth T660.” A recent delivery of 20 new T660s included Pendleton interiors for extra driver comfort inside the 72-inch AeroCabs.
While drivers appreciate the advanced design and comfortable interior of the T660, Long points out the many operational benefits. “We like the aerodynamics of the truck, and the fuel mileage has been great,” he says. “We’re averaging 7.2 to 7.4 mpg with the T660. In our fleet, that’s a savings of $1.5 million this year. ”
By operating fuel-efficient trucks and keeping speeds between 62 and 65 mph, Long says the company wants to set an example for the rest of the country. Currently USA Logistics has 124 new Kenworth T660s on order. After the next trade in, the company will be running a 95-percent Kenworth fleet. Long could not be happier.
“We appreciate the aerodynamics and reliability of the Kenworth T660s,” he says. “And the dealer stands behind us. French-Ellison Truck Centers is always there for us. They’ve been really good on the trade-in cycles and are really easy to work with. That’s one reason we’ve been so successful.”
Along with dealer support and the latest aerodynamic design, USA Carriers relies on state-of-the-art technology to help fuel its success. APUs and Eaton AutoShifts have been added to their specs. For optimal parts management in the service department, the company depends on Kenworth’s PremierCare Connect System to stay informed about when parts are needed based on usage. “PremierCare Connect provides better communication between us and our dealer,” says Long. “It’s a good inventory control system and makes it easier for us to do business.”
While the future looks bright for USA Logistics, Long knows that rising fuel prices and tougher clean-air regulations can have a slowing effect on companies that aren’t prepared. “We’re really happy with the T660s, with their performance and low operating costs,” Long concludes. “That’s why we’re ordering more. Next year, maybe yet this year, we’ll be trading in 165 trucks for 200 new Kenworth T660s.”
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