Con-way Truckload has order 635 new twin-screw tractors equipped with automated manual transmissions (AMT). The orders include 575 Kenworth T680s and 60 Freightliner Cascadias. The vehicles will be phased into Con-way’s 2,500-vehicle fleet beginning this month and continuing through November. They are replacing current models and will increase the percentage of trucks in the fleet with AMTs from 23% to 48%.According to the fleet, driver surveys have indicated that AMT-equipped trucks are becoming increasingly popular as they eliminate the need for the driver to operate a clutch and manually shift the truck through its gear sequence.“Driver safety and comfort is of paramount importance to our company’s success, and we value our drivers’ input when we make fleet purchasing decisions,” said Joseph Dagnese, president. “As a result, all of these trucks are not only equipped with the very latest safety technology, they also include features installed based on feedback from our drivers that help make these vehicles a better home away from home.”The vehicles also feature advanced safety features such as lane departure and blind spot warnings, front-end collision avoidance and electronic stability control. Con-way Truckload is also upgrading its trailer fleet, retiring 1,000 trailers and replacing them with new trailers, starting this month.
