Key takeaways
- K.L. Harring Transportation emphasizes strong customer relationships and specialized services to meet the needs of time-sensitive freight.
- The company prioritizes operating late-model Kenworth tractors and Great Dane reefer trailers, along with advanced technologies for temperature control and fleet management.
- Keith Harring focuses on high standards through preventive maintenance and adaptability, ensuring readiness during challenging economic times.
Keith Harring knows exactly what has made K.L. Harring Transportation a success.
“We’re fortunate to have great customers,” the company’s president said. “We specialize in providing truckload service for dedicated, time-sensitive freight, so it takes collaboration to continue growing.”
Gold standard
Keith Harring wasn’t looking for a limited-edition truck when he pulled into Motor Truck Equipment—now known as Kenworth of Pennsylvania—in 1980. He was looking for a truck that could take him from being an owner-operator to a serious player in the trucking industry. The moment he saw the Gold Nugget Kenworth W900, he knew this was the truck that would set him apart from the competition.
The Gold Nugget was a rare, limited-edition model, part of a small production run of just 100 W900s. “Everything about it was distinctive—from its paint and special badging, it stood out,” Harring said. “But it wasn’t just about looks. The Gold Nugget was built for serious work.”
Under the hood, the special W900 packed a Caterpillar 3406A engine—still in the truck today—paired with a 15-speed manual transmission that was later replaced with a 9-speed and 3.90 ratio rear ends. Even now, after nearly 3 million miles and four engine overhauls, the truck runs strong.
Still in pristine condition, the Gold Nugget is stored indoors, occasionally taken out for a drive with Keith proudly behind the wheel. Without question, it is the gold standard of his fleet.
Based in Bethel, Pennsylvania, K.L. Harring operates 52 Kenworth tractors and 107 Great Dane reefer trailers with Thermo King refrigeration units. The carrier offers expedited team truckload, long-haul regional and national, specialized refrigerated, and express LTL logistics services.
Harring is quick to note that operating late-model, company-owned equipment is critical to meeting customer needs. He added that working with the same suppliers for many years has enabled growth and success.
“Since day one, we’ve run nothing but Kenworths on a strict three-year trade cycle, which keeps our fleet performing at the highest standard,” Harring said. “Our specs have evolved with fuel efficiency and safety technology—we’re even investing in three T680E battery-electric tractors for a customer committed to sustainability—but the manufacturers we rely on haven’t changed.”
Furthermore, Harring invests in technologies that ensure strict adherence to temperature control, not only to reduce cargo claims but also to enhance customer service.
“Our GDP (Good Distribution Practice) Accreditation by the Healthcare Distribution Alliance is a testament to our unwavering commitment,” he said. “It’s a high bar to achieve, and we’re the first asset-based carrier in the U.S. to do so.”
See also: An evolving safety program has proven the strength of this fleet’s safety culture
Behind the scenes, Harring explained that adherence to a “high-end preventive maintenance program” helps ensure fleet reliability. “We handle everything in-house except for warranty and some engine work,” he said. “Our three-bay shop is staffed by four technicians, and our Kenworth and Great Dane dealers are always ready to help us.”
Management technology is key for Harring as well. The company uses Trimble’s TMWSuite TMS and TMT Fleet Maintenance platforms as well as PeopleNet ELDs.
The story behind K. L. Harring illustrates the company’s dedication to service. He began working full-time as an owner-operator in 1978. In 1985, he decided to build a business after spending seven years on the road. By 1988, he moved his company out of a rented garage and into a new, custom-built facility that today includes office space, maintenance, and 30,000 sq. ft. of temperature-controlled warehouse space.
“Our goal has always been to provide our customers with safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation, and we deliver on that promise by thoroughly understanding and responding to each unique transportation requirement,” Harring said.
Keith Harring has successfully built K.L. Harring into what it is today. He climbed his way to success one step at a time, but while the company that bears his name is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, he’s not resting on his laurels.
“Being a growing and profitable company takes continual dedication and hard work,” Harring said. “Especially today, as we enter the longest freight recession in 44 years, we know that freight is cyclical. It may take a little longer this time, but it will come back, and we’ll be ready to remain competitive.”
About the Author
Seth Skydel
Seth Skydel, a veteran industry editor, has more than four decades of experience in fleet management, trucking, and transportation and logistics publications. Today, in editorial and marketing roles, he writes about fleet, service, and transportation management, vehicle and information technology, and industry trends and issues.