SMX selects International Class 8 trucks to help drive company profitability (March 03, 2004)

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WARRENVILLE, Ill. According to a new partnership agreement announced today between Smithway Motor Xpress (SMX) and International Truck and Engine Corporation, SMX will replace 25 per cent of its fleet with International Class 8 trucks.

The order of 215 International 9400i model on-highway trucks has re-invigorated the carrier’s successful, longtime relationship with International.

As the newly appointed vice president of vehicle operations for SMX, Chad Johnson has focused on maximizing the performance of his company’s truck fleet, which includes 800 power units and 2000 trailers operating from 18 terminals across the country.

"We’re interested in improving the bottom-line profitability from each and every truck in our fleet," said Johnson. "The future looks very bright for SMX, and we’re confident that International can help us drive toward continued profitable growth."

Johnson and SMX cited fuel efficiency, ease of service, uptime performance and an extensive dealer support network as critical differentiating points on International trucks. International executives point out that the SMX decision to convert more of its fleet to the sloped-nose International 9400i means the vehicles can gain up to an additional half-mile per gallon in fuel efficiency. SMX also was able to change the gear ratios on its new International trucks to 3.55 from 3.70 on previous vehicles, a shift that will add even more fuel efficiency.

"We offered SMX a fresh, sleek and sophisticated looking vehicle that also contributes to the health of their bottom line," said Tom Lerch, vice president, Midwest Region Sales, International Truck and Engine Corporation. "This agreement is another demonstration of International’s progress in strengthening our heavy business, which is based on closer relationships with important customers like SMX."

For more information, visit www.InternationalDelivers.com.

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