Since 1972, M C VanKampen Trucking has been a leader in transporting fresh produce, frozen foods, and furniture. With a reputation for providing on-time, damage-free deliveries, the Wyoming MI-based company is known for its late-model fleet of trucks—mostly Kenworths.
The latest addition to the fleet is an aerodynamic Kenworth T700. “Getting good fuel mileage means everything in this business today,” said Brad VanKampen, son of founder Marvin VanKampen. “We’re very excited about the aerodynamics and fuel efficiencies of the T700.”
In designing the T700, Kenworth optimized the aerodynamics of the bumper, hood, grille, roof, fairing, side extenders, and doors, as well as the interaction of these components. “With the skirting and the way everything fits, Kenworth has done a good job making it all work together,” said VanKampen. The sum of all the aero parts positions the T700 as the truck with the lowest aerodynamic drag in Kenworth history.
With 105 trucks, VanKampen Trucking has long embraced aerodynamic efficiencies, most notably with the Kenworth T660. “We have 44 Kenworth T660s,” said VanKampen. “It has been our most popular truck. We use a lot of team drivers and they like the extra comfort and room of the T660, especially with the Studio AeroCab sleepers.”
Like the T660, the T700 offers plenty of roomy comfort. In fact, the T700 boasts more than 60 feet of storage space and an aerodynamic high roof that creates nearly 25% more interior volume. With stand-up height at a full 8 feet—and nearly 2½ feet between the front seats—moving back and forth between cab and sleeper is an easy exercise in comfort.
Additional comfort features include a new refrigerator design and improved sleeper lights. The drawer-style refrigerator makes storing and retrieving contents easier, while the new sleeper lighting with Xenon incandescent bulbs improves illumination and overall cab aesthetics through fit, finish, and increased light quality.
“Time will tell,” said VanKampen, who notes that the T700 is still too new to make a total assessment. But one thing is certain: VanKampen’s first T700 complements this fleet of T660s that values low-cost operations, enhanced aerodynamics, driver comfort, and modern styling.
Visit www.kenworth.com for more information.
