Silchuk Transport recently added 80 all-new Volvo VNL 860s to its long-haul fleet with the goal of enhancing safety, reducing fuel costs, and improving driver recruitment and retention.
This is the largest truck order that the company has ever placed, according to Volvo Trucks North America.
Silchuk, a family-owned and -operated carrier based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that specializes in refrigerated, dry van, and flatbed transportation and logistics, primarily runs routes from the Northeast to the Midwest, and coast to coast, making fuel efficiency and driver comfort critical priorities.
“The all-new Volvo VNL is the most driver-focused truck on the market, and it is fantastic to see fleets deploying it with the goal of attracting and retaining new drivers,” Peter Voorhoeve, VTNA president, said in a news release. “This shows we succeeded in creating an optimized environment for a driver’s work, life, and rest, redefining safety, comfort and operational efficiency in the heavy-duty trucking industry.”
Silchuk attended the launch events for the all-new Volvo VNL at Volvo’s New River Valley plant in Virginia, gaining a first-hand look at the new truck and the streamlined spec’ing process. The company configured the trucks with a focus on balancing power and efficiency with features such as an overdrive automated I-Shift transmission to reduce fuel consumption and increase driver productivity. Silchuk’s trucks are also equipped with the Volvo Parking Cooler, which uses battery power to run the cab’s HVAC system when parked, minimizing engine idling. This reduces emissions, engine wear, and fuel usage while creating a quieter, more comfortable rest environment, Volvo reported.
The all-new VNL is a next-generation long-haul truck designed to change everything and set new industry standards in safety, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort. Featuring a completely reimagined cab, advanced aerodynamics, and cutting-edge connectivity, the VNL delivers an optimized driving and resting experience tailored to the needs of today’s tech savvy professional drivers. The VNL 860 is Volvo’s flagship, premium 74-in. sleeper cab and features thoughtful upgrades focused on a great home away from home experience.
Silchuk reports that their drivers have been extremely impressed with the active and passive safety features in the all-new Volvo VNL, particularly the Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) package. The VADA package comes standard across all VNL models and features forward collision avoidance technology with adaptive cruise control to assist drivers in maintaining safe speeds and distances. It also includes lane departure warning which alerts the driver to help them maintain their driving lane.
“We’ve already reviewed driver testimonials and dash cam footage showing the VADA system preventing collisions. The reaction time and detection capabilities can be superior to human response in some circumstances and have already proven effective in real-world scenarios,” said Andrey Silchuk, Silchuk president.
“In our opinion, the all-new Volvo VNL is the most beautiful and comfortable truck on the market - something our drivers can truly appreciate. Our goal is to provide top equipment that offers both a premium driver experience and operational efficiency.”
