Thermo King recently highlighted Sorenson Transport, which this year is celebrating 50 years.
The Chehalis WA-based refrigerated carrier runs approximately 52 Peterbilt tractors with Thermo King TriPac auxiliary power units (APUs), along with 72 Utility trailers and four 20-foot refrigerated box trucks—all with Thermo King units.
“I’ve always run my business with the best, most reliable equipment—it’s essential if we are going to protect each load,” owner Darrell Sorenson said. “Our profits are in the products we haul, so keeping our fleet updated with the latest models and technology is a must.”
Driver oriented
Sorenson started out as a driver in 1965 before deciding to start his own business in 1970 with three key pieces of equipment—a 1967 Freightliner, a 1965 40-foot Utility trailer and a Thermo King NWD-30 reefer unit, which was nine years old when he purchased it. “I replaced that first rig in 1974, and then grew the fleet through the years to as many as 105,” Sorenson recalled.
Sorenson Transport serves seven western states stretching from Canada to the Mexican border, specializing in less-than-truckload (LTL) refrigerated freight such as fresh and frozen seafood, meat, poultry, dairy and ice cream. The company’s equipment must perform well on long hauls and in warm temperatures, while abiding by CARB and EPA environmental regulations and ensuring company drivers are comfortable throughout their five-day stints on the road.
To maintain the highest equipment standards, the owner keeps his fleet within the seven-year CARB compliance benchmark and specs the most modern technology available, including the highest-capacity Thermo King refrigeration units.The addition of TriPac APUs several years ago was a “no-brainer” from an environmental standpoint, Sorenson said, and because “they offer a fast payback with the fuel saved and the decreased wear and tear on the tractor engine.”
“We save a lot of fuel with the TriPac,” said Sorenson, whose drivers previously kept their tractor engines running while they slept.
By keeping drivers happy with state-of-the-art equipment and industry-leading benefits, Sorenson Transport enjoys “solid” driver retention rates, with half of its drivers boasting 10 or more years with the company.
Technology enabled
Precise temperature control is vital to load security, and Sorenson puts food safety first with strict temperature logs that ensure every customer’s specification is met throughout each run. Thermo King’s TracKing temperature and management system, helps, offering real-time visibility into the location and status of assets.
TracKing, which now comes standard on Thermo King’s 2018 and newer trailer units, increases fleet efficiencies by detecting potential issues, determining maintenance actions, offering remote communication with the refrigeration unit controller, and delivering the information customers and regulatory agencies demand. “We just started implementing this technology and it’s a great thing,” Sorenson said. “It allows us to get real-time information, and we are loving it.”
Sorenson Transport also relies on its industry partners for help with fleet decisions and in navigating the ever-changing transportation technology and equipment landscape.
“I have always partnered with Thermo King Northwest and rely on them for new purchases, genuine Thermo King parts and service,” Sorenson said. “A dealer technician is based here at our facility to perform reefer maintenance. Added peace of mind comes with the entire Thermo King dealer network—they are all along our routes so if something does go wrong, we are covered.”
In the end, customer service is the most critical factor for Sorenson Transport and its owner.
“Service always wins, and I am proud of the company I have built,” Sorenson said. “I have never wanted to do anything else.”
