‘Validation drivers’ from Shaffer Trucking give T680 Next Gen high marks

Before Kenworth launched its new T680 Next Generation, drivers and fleets provided on-going feedback during the development process on what they would like to see in the new on-highway truck model.

“That valuable input and perspective guided the design of the T680 Next Gen,” said Jonathan Duncan, Kenworth design director. “We continue to validate how the truck performs in real-world operations with real drivers and customers.”

That meant a fleet of camouflaged T680 Next Gens hit the road for use with fleets and hand-picked drivers. That included a husband-and-wife team from Shaffer Trucking, the refrigerated division of Crete Carrier.

“We lobbied hard to be able to test the new Kenworth T680 Next Gen,” said Deb Bazier, who drives team with her husband John Bazier out of Portland, Maine. The couple earned ‘Team of the Year’ honors with Shaffer Trucking in 2015, which boosted their credentials.

“We felt we were more than qualified after having driven team for 23 years, including the past 17 with Shaffer. We had driven other truck brands over the years, but for the last several we had driven Kenworth T680s,” Deb said.  “So, John and I knew we could give some candid feedback on the T680 Next Gen. Plus, since we have two drivers, we’d have twice the input and twice the miles to report as we typically run about 250,000 miles per year.”

The couple kept meticulous notes and reported findings to MHC Kenworth–Lincoln, Crete’s local Kenworth dealer. “Scott (Kiddoo), our MHC salesperson, was fantastic to work with and quick to help address any issues in conjunction with Kenworth engineers and suppliers,” Deb said. “Overall, we were just so impressed with how the T680 had changed and become even more comfortable to drive. Plus, the styling—which we really got to see after the camo came off—was impressive. It’s a great looking truck.”

Driving the Kenworth Next Gen with camo for a little over three months meant the couple was routinely queried at fuel islands, delivery points, and even at company terminals. “We had a non-disclosure agreement, so we couldn’t talk about the new model or give other drivers tours inside,” Deb said. “When the camo came off and we could talk freely, John and I let them know what we thought, and we were happy to show them around. Many had seen the Kenworth T680 Next Gen video, but seeing the truck in person really impressed them.”

According to John, the narrower hood gives more road view and better sight lines. “And little things, like the repositioning of the fuel fill spouts to the side, instead of behind the cab, makes fueling so much easier,” he said. “Plus, the new drop-down door for battery access is a big improvement over the old style where the battery box had to be unbolted for access.”

Added Deb: “The steps into the cab are great as well. They’re very sturdy, nicely spaced and angled and seem to get less ice build-up.”

Inside, the couple gave high marks to the truck’s 15-inch, high-definition digital display, which can be customized for driver preference. “I like to see all the gauges, while John just likes to see the speedometer,” Deb said. “One roll of the dial on the (Kenworth SmartWheel) steering wheel and I can have the information I want displayed. And I like the line gauges—so if the line gets in the red, you know you’re getting in a danger zone.”

Behind the wheel, both John and Deb said the new ‘torque assisted steering’ function on the steering column has made a difference. “Wyoming can be especially windy,” John said. “It takes very little pressure to keep the T680 Next Gen going straight and helps keep your hands from cramping if you’re getting moved around by the wind.”