William B. Cassidy | Jun 25, 2010 9:47AM EDT
Refrigerated trucking company Stevens Transport ordered 500 heavy trucks from Kenworth Truck, a Paccar subsidiary.
Dallas-based Stevens Transport is the latest of several carriers to place a large order for new trucks in recent weeks, as freight volume rises.
The carrier, one of the largest privately owned refrigerated truckers, is ordering Kenworth T700 Class 8 trucks designed to boost fuel efficiency.
The new trucks, powered by Cummins diesel engines, will also meet the Environmental Protection Agency's stringent 2010 diesel emissions standards.
The order is the latest in a series of purchases by large fleets that signal confidence in truck and engine makers' latest emissions controls and a stronger freight market.
Net orders for heavy-duty trucks increased 84 percent year-over-year in May, as truck operators anticipated a stronger shipping peak, said ACT Research.
Stevens Transport did not say if it is replacing older vehicles or expanding capacity.
Rising fuel costs are also pressuring carriers to look at more fuel-efficient truck models. Heartland Express this month ordered new 2010 trucks from Navistar.
The carrier's fuel expenses increased 20 percent from a year ago in the first quarter, even though it reduced fuel purchases by 8.1 percent, or 1 million gallons.
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-- Contact William B. Cassidy at wcassidy@joc.com.