the last word

Private fleet scores first ProStar

U.S. Foodservice recently took delivery of the first new ProStar tractor at International Truck and Engine Corp.'s truck plant in Chatham, ONT. The ceremonial delivery marked the culmination of a $300-million and five-year process to design a new Class 8 aerodynamic platform and transform the Chatham plant into a state-of-the-art facility, according to Tom Baughman, International's vp of heavy vehicles.

“I can't wait for our drivers to get in and drive it,” remarked U.S. Foodservice vp of fleet management Bernie Cassetori as he took the keys. Number 25 on the Fleet Owner 500 list of top U.S. private fleets, U.S. Foodservice fields over 6,200 tractors and trucks to deliver foodstuffs and supplies to restaurants, hospitals and other institutions.

The ProStar is the first of approximately 130 to 150 trucks U.S. Foodservice will buy this year with engines meeting the new '07 diesel emissions standards, Cassetori told Fleet Owner. “That's fewer than normal since we've decided to wait a bit [on larger orders of '07 engine vehicles], but we have to continue to buy because trucks get tired and have to be replaced.”

Cassetori said the fleet is also interested in trying the International MaxxForce big-bore diesel engine when it becomes available later this year.

Hats off to a driver

The Montana Highway Patrol has named 19-year veteran Con-way Freight driver Angelo McCloskey a recipient of its Meritorious Service Award — its top civilian honor — for helping save the life of a trapped motorist.

McCloskey was driving on I-15 last year when road debris he noticed led him to discover an overturned vehicle 50 feet down a ravine. After flagged down a motorcyclist to call 911, he assisted the driver of the crashed vehicle until authorities arrived.

“Angelo McCloskey did all the right things. We are very proud of his selfless actions that day,” said Con-way Freight president David McClimon.”

A real webslinger

This Hummer H2 is the latest one-of-a-kind creation by RealWheels of Gurne, IL, which makes stainless steel wheel covers for Class 8 tractors as well as other accessories for all kinds of trucks and cars. While this H2 was decked out to honor Criss Angel, the magician on A&E's Mindfreak show, we think Spider-Man would approve. It boasts a red interior made up like a spider's lair, an on-board fog machine and a device that shoots playing cards out of the front bumper. Only took a crew of eight about three-and-a-half months to build this baby.

Mixing it up

Mack Trucks recently held a “Driving Skills Safety Challenge” in Las Vegas featuring both individual and team competitions. Contestants chose one Mack Granite mixer to operate over a closed course set up to simulate an actual job site. The competitors had to complete a pre-operation safety check, successfully navigate the skills course and then secure the truck as if it were the end of a workday. Scoring was based on accuracy and adherence to safety procedures.