In one of the company’s largest single fleet orders for its fully automated UltraShift Plus transmissions, Eaton Corp. said it will supply UltraShift Plus Linehaul Active Shifting (LAS) model 10-speed transmissions for the 1,000 Kenworth T680 tractors recently ordered by TransAm Trucking Inc. The new vehicles are being delivered monthly over the next three years.
“We have been 100% Eaton automation for more than 10 years,” said Russ McElliott, president of TransAm Trucking. “The support that we have received from Eaton during that period has kept us coming back. We’re looking forward to similar support with this next order of UltraShift Plus transmissions, which we believe are the best automated transmissions on the market.”
Olathe, Kan.-based TransAm Trucking is a 25-year-old temperature-controlled carrier that serves all of the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains and Southern California with about 1,400 tractors and 2,400 trailers.
The Eaton UltraShift Plus automated transmission specified by TransAm has a torque rating of 1,650 ft.-lb. The manufacturer’s Linehaul Series of UltraShift Plus transmissions available in overdrive and direct-drive models feature shift selection software that employs grade sensing, weight computation and driver throttle commands to make intelligent shift decisions, according to the maker. UltraShift Plus automated transmissions are available in eight platforms and more than 50 models for linehaul and vocational use.
“The TransAm order demonstrates the growing interest and confidence among trucking fleets in North America with our newest generation of automated transmissions,” said Ken Davis, president of Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “TransAm is a leader in implementing technologies that enhance fuel economy and performance, and we are very excited with their choice of transmission on this significant new truck order.”
