Jeff Foster Trucking Moves Confidently Forward Into the Future with New, Aerodynamic Kenworth T660s

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Jeff Foster likes to analyze his options. When he started his trucking company in 1981, it was a calculated risk. Watching with interest what happened to the airline industry when deregulation hit in 1978, Foster saw small start-up airlines succeed. “I knew with good business acumen, there was opportunity in the trucking industry thanks to deregulation,” he said. “Everyone had a fair shot at business.”

Although new to the industry, Foster succeeded behind the wheel of his own truck. And, within 4 years, he built up a small fleet of seven trucks before turning in his keys to become a full-fledged fleet owner.

Fast forward to 2007, and Jeff Foster Trucking is thriving from its headquarters in Superior, Wis., with a fleet of 190 tractors, mostly Kenworth T600s. The diverse company has divisions in flatbeds and vans, petroleum transport, heavy and oversized hauling, aggregate transport, and forestry transport. Now, Foster has carefully analyzed his options in 2007 and is confidently moving forward into the future with orders of the aerodynamic Kenworth T660. Up to 40 units of the new Kenworth model are scheduled for delivery in the next few months and eventually Foster’s fleet is expected to predominately run Kenworth T660s.

“We’re sold on the Kenworth T660 and the new engines. We took delivery of our first T660 a few months ago to analyze the truck and engine and we’ve had absolutely no problems,” said Foster. “Plus, in working with Kenworth and our engine supplier, we know they are committed – they’ll take care of us if we have any issues. The T660 is fuel efficient and offers a great image for our fleet. And the driver of our first T660 loves the truck. The results and support made us comfortable to move forward with an order for more.”

Doug Mitchell, the driver of that initial Kenworth T660 at Jeff Foster Trucking, says he’s driven every Kenworth over-the-road model, and his new ride is great. “I couldn’t ask for anything better,” Mitchell said. “I really like the T660’s new aerodynamic styling and the headlight system is fantastic. When you put on the high beams it’s as if you’re driving during the day. Amazing.”

Inside, Mitchell said he was impressed with the dash layout and how all the gauges and controls are in easy reach. “Kenworth really paid attention to the little things that in the whole make for a better truck,” he said. “Something simple, such as a control in the cab to turn on the air conditioning in the bunk, means a lot to a driver.”

As for the new emission engine, his 485 horsepower power plant driven through a 13-speed transmission has plenty of power. “If you didn’t know you had a new emission engine under the hood, you couldn’t tell the difference in performance from earlier engines. I’ve had no problems or concerns with the engine, DPF or with fueling,” Mitchell said.

Helping to improve driver performance, Foster said he spec’d the new Kenworth Driver Information Center for his Kenworth T660s. Drivers receive instant access to current trip data, including miles per gallon, engine and idle hours, idle percentage and optimum rpm range for the engine. This information can help drivers to optimize fuel usage and reduce engine and transmission wear and tear.

“We’re very excited about the T660 – the improvements make tremendous sense. The truck has better lines for enhanced aerodynamics, and the new headlight system is fantastic. Inside, the foldaway armrests really add to the comfort of the driver environment,” said Foster.

For Foster, the logical move to the Kenworth T660 won’t be without fond memories of the T600, which has served Jeff Foster Trucking well over the years. “It’s been running in our fleet since 1987 and the truck has been a real money maker for us,” he said. “We look forward to similar results with the new T660.”