Stevens Transport, a national multi-modal truckload carrier whose companies include the Stevens Tanker Division, recently purchased $165 million in new equipment for 2019.
A total of 1,600 new trucks and trailers will be delivered throughout the year, the company said, demonstrating its commitment to having “the safest, most cutting-edge equipment on the road to continually better serve its customers and enhance the lives of its drivers.”
“We set the highest standards for maintaining the newest fleet on the road as we transport meat, produce and other refrigerated commodities to our customers,” said Clay Aaron, president of Stevens Transport. “Having the newest, state-of-the-art equipment increases our already impeccable reputation for reliability and on-time delivery as it reduces the incidence of breakdowns, as well as optimizes fuel efficiency.”
The new equipment purchase of 950 automatic trucks includes 500 Kenworth T680s, 250 Peterbilt 579s and 200 Freightliner Cascadias. The 650 new trailers include 450 Utility Trailer 3000Rs and 200 Pneumatic Trailers for Stevens Tanker. In addition, 500 Thermo King units and 750 auxiliary power units have been ordered. The equipment will be delivered and distributed throughout 2019, and will cycle out and replace approximately 25% of the current fleet.
“Stevens is a 100% Utility fleet, and the Aaron family and the Bennett family have a long-standing, valued relationship,” said Dave Wallace, director of sales for Utility Trailer. “The market today is extremely hot for trailer demand. We plan our production schedule each year based on Stevens Transport’s purchase to ensure we have the proper production planning for what they require.
“We are honored to have 100% of their business for many years.”
Stevens Transport said its mission is to hire and retain top-quality drivers and provide them with the safest, best equipment on the market with cutting-edge technology.
“Our drivers are our most valuable asset and are integral to our success with our customers,” Aaron said. “We take great pride in providing them with brand new equipment and appreciate their dedication to our company.”
Bob Bowden, vice president of regional sales in Texas for MHC Kenworth, said they supply about 62% of Stevens’ truck fleet.
“Stevens schedules replacement of vehicles at a certain point of wear and tear, averaging about 3.5-4 years, and they are religious about cycling out older equipment,” Bowden said. “We … have been working with them for the past 33 years. Stevens wants only the best—the best in safety features like collision mitigation, anti-rollover, anti-jack knife and lane departure warnings. They know the best premium trucks attract the best drivers and get the best fuel economy.”