A full-service leasing, renting and maintenance services provider, Eagan, Minn.-based Allstate Leasing LLC attributes much of its success and longevity to its long-standing practice of being responsive to customer needs. “We feel that being flexible and innovative when it comes to meeting customer requests is the way to remain competitive,” says Gary LeLoup, general manager. “We began doing business with Minnesota companies in 1968 and over the years we’ve expanded to other states as our customers have needed more of our services at other locations.”

Allstate’s practice of striving to meet customer needs extends to its tractor specification programs as well. For example, according to Bob Johnson, director of purchasing, the company has changed some of its specifications to incorporate higher horsepower engines in on-highway tractors.

“For most over-the-road applications, when weight is not an issue,” Johnson explains further, “Allstate has been buying Caterpillar C15 engines rated at 475 HP. Customer desires and applications, including the need to enhance driver satisfaction as a retention tool, and to consider resale values, all led to that decision.”

The introduction of 2007 emissions-compliant engines, coupled with ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel, also provided Allstate with an opportunity to anticipate and exceed

 customer needs. “Fuel economy concerns with the newer engines and the recent spike in the price of fuel have raised fuel economy concerns throughout the industry,” LeLoup says. “We decided to specify a tractor that includes industry-leading equipment and technology so real-world fuel performance could documented. Being proactive and creating this tractor with the top technology available today gives our customers, and the industry, some real information on fuel performance.”

Green machine

Dubbed the “Green Machine,” Allstate’s tractor is designed to optimize engine and fuel performance. The 2008 Peterbilt Model 387 has a Caterpillar C15 engine rated at 475 HP. Other specs include an Eaton Fuller 13-speed transmission and low-profile Bridgestone tires.

“We’re anticipating that customers who have begun testing our prototype will realize a 0.5 to one MPG improvement over previous generation equipment,” Bob Johnson states. “A key part of that achievement is the Thermo King TriPac hybrid auxiliary idle reduction and temperature management system. We’ve been using TriPac units for 18 to 24 months on several of our fleet customer vehicles. It’s almost become standard equipment because we know it reduces idle time, which improves fuel economy.”

Allstate also has installed several tools on the Green Machine to help drivers and fleets better manage and track fuel economy performance. Included is satellite tracking (GPS) and instant, in-dash MPG reporting. The company also is working with the component suppliers to develop instruction manuals, and in some cases, actually train drivers to ensure that the equipment and technology are being operated correctly so the fleets can realize optimum results.

With a fleet that ranges from Dodge Sprinters to Class 8 on-highway trucks and tractors, Allstate applies its approach of addressing customer needs across a wide spectrum of industry segments. Specifications and trade cycles based on time and/or mileage are customized for each individual customer’s operation. Allstate currently fields a fleet of approximately 550 tractors, 200 trucks, 150 trailers and 150 refrigeration units.

Working together

A subsidiary of W.D. Larson Companies Inc., which includes truck dealerships, transportation services and trailer rental, Allstate has branch locations throughout the upper Midwest. All of the W.D. Larson Companies work together to provide a variety of services to customers.

“For example,” LeLoup says, “having new and used truck dealerships under the same parent company enables us to buy new equipment for our customers and used equipment from our customers at very attractive prices. We also perform warranty work on all of the equipment in our own shops, saving our customers the inconvenience and downtime associated with waiting in line at dealerships.”

For LeLoup, supplier relationships are a key element of the ongoing success of Allstate Leasing. “For instance,” he says, “while we chose the Thermo King TriPac because it is dependable and efficient, we also knew we’d get superb dealer support locally from Thermo King Sales & Service in St. Paul, Minn. and on the road.

“Many of our equipment decisions are based on our suppliers’ ability and willingness to support our operation of their products,” LeLoup states. “We depend regularly on their expertise to ensure economical operation for our customers and help meet their changing and diverse needs.”

Allstate Leasing “Green Machine” Tractor Specifications

Model: Peterbilt 387

Wheelbase: 244 in.

Engine: Caterpillar C15; 475 HP @ 2100 RPM, 1850 lb./ft. @ 1200 RPM

Clutch: Eaton Fuller Easy Pedal, 15.5-in.

Transmission: Eaton Fuller 13-speed

Driveline: 1810 HD

Front Axle: Dana Spicer

Power Steering: Sheppard M100

Rear Axle: Dana Spicer DSP40; 3.25 ratio

Wheel Seals: Chicago Rawhide Scotseal Plus XL

ABS: Bendix

Automatic Slack Adjusters: Haldex

Rear Suspension: Peterbilt FlexAir

Parking Brakes: MGM

Wheels: Alcoa, aluminum

Tires: 295/75R22.5; Bridgestone R287 steer, M726EL drive

Air Compressor: 16.1 CFM

Air Dryer: Bendix AD-IP, heated

Fuel/Water Separator: Davco, heated

Air Cleaner: Donaldson

Batteries: (4) Paccar, 2800 CCA

Starter: Paccar

Alternator: Paccar, 130 amp

Mirrors: KAM; motorized, heated, driver’s side temperature display

Lighting: Truck-Lite LED

Seats: Peterbilt Ultraride

Fuel Tanks: dual aluminum, 120 gal.

Paint: Dupont