Officials at D&D Sexton, one of the Midwest’s largest refrigerated carriers, are implementing innovative, environmentally responsible systems that reduce idle time, save fuel, and increase overall energy and operational efficiency.
The company is adding new systems that include refrigerated transport units and auxiliary power units (APUs). These APUs are reducing idling time from 70% to 10%. A web-based asset management system is cutting fuel costs by up to 15%.
This commitment by D&D Sexton has helped reduce driver turnover to 40%, well below the 106% second quarter 2012 turnover rate for large carriers and 86% rate for small carriers, the most recent quarterly results reported by the American Trucking Associations.
D&D Sexton has implemented sustainable initiatives across 80% of its fleet and plans to upgrade the rest of the fleet by late 2013. The company started upgrading its fleet in 2008 to reduce fuel costs, its largest expense, in the face of rising diesel prices. The firm, which operates 170 tractors and 350 transport refrigeration units, also wanted to maximize driver retention.
Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control systems, is recognizing D&D Sexton by presenting the company with the Energy Efficiency Leader Award.
Martin Duffy, vice-president of sales and market development for Thermo King, will present the award to Dean Sexton, president of D&D Sexton. The presentation will be at 1 pm December 12 at D&D Sexton headquarters in Carthage MO.
D&D Sexton initially upgraded its fleet with efficient transport refrigeration units that provide reliable, consistent temperature control. The firm is currently retrofitting its entire fleet with APUs.
Also added was a web-based asset management system that provides the ability to remotely monitor and track un-tethered refrigerated units in a fleet. This allows D&D Sexton to address any changes in programming refrigeration units and increase uptime.
Door switches connected to the asset management system uncovered frequent door openings, identifying an opportunity to further reduce fuel costs. D&D Sexton worked with shippers to implement this change. The firm also installed fuel sensors, enabling accurate fuel consumption monitoring.
The company has also increased sustainability by implementing trailer tails and trailer skirts (both of which minimize transport drag while improving fuel efficiency) and regularly recycling engine oil.
Access www.ingersollrand.com or www.thermoking.com for more information.
