Marten Transport Orders 2,000 TriPac Idle Reduction, Temperature Management Systems

Refrigerated carrier Marten Transport, Mondovi, Wis., has placed an order for more than 2,000 of Thermo King's TriPac Hybrid Auxiliary Idle Reduction and Temperature Management Systems. The APU 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," says Randy Marten, chairman, president and CEO of Marten Transport.

Marten also expects a big impact on the bottom line from the TriPac systems. Once the systems are implemented and assuming the cost of fuel remains high, the company expects to realize 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.

Driver reaction has been positive, with many calls from Marten drivers asking to get a TriPac system installed right away, according to another company spokesman.

"Installing the TriPac system is the smartest thing Marten has ever done for drivers. I got the best night of sleep I've ever had in a truck in over 15 years driving with the company," says driver Larry Johnson.