Redefining reward: Western Star’s 5700XE puts an edge on efficiency
The driver shortage continues to plague fleets. The latest numbers from American Trucking Associations showed that annualized turnover rate for large truckload fleets rose two percentage points in the fourth quarter of 2015 to 102%, the second straight quarter in which it was at least 100%. The turnover rate for small truckload carriers—fleets with less
Five truck trend takeaways from May
We know it’s not easy to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories from May focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.
Watch Western Star’s Multi-Body Transformer truck in action
It’s not every day that Fleet Equipment gets to take trucks off road in an adult-sized sandbox. So we jumped at the chance to put the new Western Star XD off road package through its paces at Michelin’s Laurens Proving Grounds. Even more impressive was the unveiling of the Western Star 6900XD off road MBT-40.
Watch: Reward truck ROI with Western Star President Kelley Platt
With the launch of the 5700XE last year, Western Star aimed to redefine the words “reward truck.” After all, what’s more rewarding than getting to jump behind the wheel of a burly truck? Many of the 5700XE features—the polished stainless steel grill surround and bumper, as well as a sun visor that provides adequate sun
Western Star introduces XD off-road package, transformer truck
Western Star Truck Sales Inc. announced its new Extreme Duty (XD) off-road package and the launch of the MBT-40 Transformer chassis. The Western Star XD off-road package is engineered specifically for extremely rugged environments, the company said, and is available on both the 4900 and 6900 models. Western Star plans to open the XD off-road package
Five truck trend takeaways from August
1. It’s time to start preparing for GHG Phase 2 “The new standards separate rules for engines and vehicles, an approach that some manufacturers supported while others preferred a single standard. In general, industry reaction was positive.” It’s time to gear up for phase 2 of greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards. The new standards
Watch: Western Star 5700XE ride along, Daimler SVP talks dealer support
How do you craft a profitable fleet? Start with efficiency-grown original equipment, toss in productivity-boosting components and then blend in an experienced maintenance approach. But there’s one missing ingredient: The service support network that helps keep your trucks on the road. How important is that relationship and how does it impact your equipment’s uptime? Fleet
Bold, meet efficiency: The Western Star 5700XE rolls out
“Bold,” “burly” and “workhorse” are just a few adjectives that often describe Western Star’s hard-working trucks. You can add “efficient” to that long list of superlatives as the Western Star 5700XE rolls off the line and onto roads across the country. The 5700XE is Western Star’s first fully aerodynamic truck, and it’s the marriage of
Western Star puts fans in charge with “Design Our Star Project II”
Based on the success of its first campaign, Western Star Truck Sales Inc. is brought back the “Design Our Star Project II.” Voting started at MATS in the Western Star booth and online. Western Star will build a customized show truck based on final voting results, with the final truck revealed at the 2016 Mid-America Trucking
Western Star features all-new 5700XE at MATS
Western Star Truck Sales Inc. featured its all-new 5700XE Class 8 highway tractor at the 2015 Mid-America Trucking Show. Customers that wanted to experience the 5700XE first hand could participate in a ride and drive at MATS. The 5700XE features all-new aerodynamic innovations, powerful and efficient powertrain with the premium style, comfort and toughness expected
Investing in aerodynamics to improve fuel efficiency
Wind resistance is a total drag—literally. Wind resistance is one of the top forces working against the truck as it runs down the road. (The other factors being: grade resistance; tire rolling resistance; and engine accessory and/or drivetrain losses, according to Cummins MPG Guide: “Secrets of better fuel economy”.) Did you know that every 2%
Western Star GM Michael Jackson to retire, Kelley Platt named as successor
Following 10 years of exceptional service, Daimler Trucks North America announced that Michael Jackson, general manager of Western Star Truck Sales Inc., will retire March 31. Jackson joined DTNA in 2005 as the general manager marketing and controlling. Since taking over as general manager of Western Star in 2009, Michael has transformed the Western Star
