Blue Max Trucking is adding the Paccar 12-speed automated transmission featuring vocational-specific calibrations to its Kenworth T880 vehicles. The company specified the Paccar transmission in some of its new Kenworth T880s used in its dump division operations.
“It’s proving to be an effective transmission for us,” said Denton Williams, owner of Blue Max Trucking. “Since we were already running Paccar MX-13 engines in our Kenworths, it made sense to include the Paccar transmission. We like the fact we can get the entire truck and powertrain serviced in one location – at our Kenworth dealer shop.”
Blue Max Trucking, a Charlotte, N.C.-based company, operates a fleet of 325 dump trucks and tractor-trailers to transport aggregate, equipment, stone, pre-cast concrete and building supplies for public and commercial construction projects throughout the Carolinas, as well as bordering states.
Most trucks in the company’s dump division are Kenworth T880 dump trucks with 405-hp Paccar MX-13 engines and Kenworth T880 tractors with 455-hp Paccar MX-13 engines. The T880s spec’d with the Paccar 12-speed automated transmissions haul dump trailers and are primarily used on-highway and on maintained dirt roads. A few Paccar transmissions are operating in the company’s flatbed division.
Since Blue Max Trucking transitioned to operating mostly Kenworth T880s in 2014, purchased through MHC Kenworth – Charlotte, the company has noticed an improvement in fuel efficiency and driver acceptance.
“Our drivers are particularly fond of the T880,” said Williams. “Its versatility enables our dump truck drivers to navigate challenging unpaved roads with ease. Plus, our Paccar MX-13 engines provide a solid fuel economy improvement – without sacrificing the power our drivers need – compared to other trucks and engines we’ve run.”
According to John Cochran, a Blue Max Trucking driver, the Kenworth T880 allows him to operate in poor weather and road conditions better than other truck makes.
“I’ve driven a number of truck makes and models in my career and the T880 lives up to the expectation of being the ‘vocational leader.’ One time I got myself stuck in deep mud on my way out of a mine. It was bad – I figured I would need a tow. I locked my differentials and to my surprise, I was able to drive the truck out without any help.
“The T880 really is the most versatile truck out there,” Cochran said. “The ride is so smooth. There are days I spend more time in my truck than I do at home – and I don’t get fatigued. It’s like driving a luxury car. Kenworth hit a home run with this one.”
“Our drivers really do love our T880s and enjoy driving them,” said Williams. “In our business maximizing uptime is crucial for us to deliver the service our customers expect. The Paccar MX-13 engine has been an efficient and reliable engine for us.
“I can’t say enough about our dealer’s role in ensuring our trucks are always rolling,” Williams added. “When we need service, MHC Kenworth – Charlotte is a great partner and consistently works with us to deliver the maintenance we need to get our equipment in and out of the shop quickly.”
