Marten Transport Ltd, the Mondovi WI-based controlled-temperature carrier, has placed an order for more than 2,000 TriPac hybrid auxiliary idle reduction and temperature management systems (APUs) from Thermo King Corp. The systems will be installed over the next 18 months on company-owned tractors.
The TriPac system provides drivers with heat, engine pre-heat, air-conditioning, accessory power, and battery charging while reducing idling, conserving fuel, and extending tractor engine service intervals.
“We expect to virtually eliminate engine idle time while still maintaining driver comfort,” said Randy Marten, the carrier’s chairman, president, and chief executive officer.
Once the systems are implemented and assuming the cost of fuel remains high, the company anticipates an approximate monthly fuel savings of $1 million and to recover the cost of the systems in as little as 12 to 18 months.
Marten was initially introduced to the TriPac system through a grant from the state of Wisconsin to test the effectiveness of APUs. “One key reason we went with the TriPac system was the support of the Thermo King dealer network,” said Robert Smith, chief operating officer of Marten Transport.
