Executives of Freightliner Trucks brightened a wet day in Green Bay, WI, last month when they presented long-time customer Schneider National with the 25,000th truck the OEM has built for it—decked out in the carrier’s trademark brilliant orange along with decals marking the milestone.
And the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of 23-year veteran Schneider driver Michael Darras (pictured), who was selected to pilot the spanking-new rig in honor of his 3.3 million mile safety record, which includes more than 20 consecutive years without a preventable accident.
Schneider began buying Freightliners in 1998 when it shifted away from running cabovers in favor of conventional-hood tractors. “Freightliner continues to be our provider of choice because of their consistent performance,” said Rob Reich, vice president of maintenance & driver recruitment. “Our decision to buy from Freightliner 15 years ago was driven by the need to work with a manufacturer that was as committed to innovation, driver comfort, safety and fuel economy as we are.”
During the ceremony, Schneider president & CEO Chris Lofgren observed that Freghtliner’s “carefully crafted tractors have literally powered our company for the last 15 years, enabling us to exceed both driver and customer expectations.”
