First Customers for UnderTray System Include Con-way, Frito-Lay and PepsiCo
PHOENIX – October 19, 2010
SmartTruck, a new manufacturer of aerodynamic products for the trucking industry, introduced its UT-6 Trailer UnderTray System today at the 2010 ATA Management Conference & Exhibition. SmartTruck has begun production of the system, which provides a fuel efficiency gain of at least 8.5 percent for the base model, with the full UT-6 trailer system delivering more than 11 percent gains in fuel efficiency, according to test results.
“With aerodynamic forces accounting for a significant portion of a truck’s fuel efficiency, we’re providing the trucking industry with the ROI-driven, next generation in trailer aerodynamics,” said Mitch Greenberg, president, SmartTruck. “Fleets want to see the return on their investment. We have the testing and research to back our product, and now we look forward to making a difference for fleets and owner-operators across North America.”
The UT-6 system starts with a base model, with additional components and options available to further enhance the performance of the system. The SmartTruck system is on the verified aerodynamic technologies list in the EPA SmartWay program.
“Drawing on our experience in aerospace technology and motorsports aerodynamics, we’re able to make the airflow work for, not against the truck,” said Steve Wulff, senior vice president and general manager, SmartTruck. “There’s a lot of science and sophisticated aerodynamic modeling behind these products, but the bottom line is that this system can improve highway fuel efficiency by more than 11 percent. Those are numbers fleets are noticing.”
A number of fleets are initial customers for SmartTruck products, including Con-way Truckload, Frito-Lay, and PepsiCo. Other fleets will be evaluating the SmartTruck system, including Swift Transportation, Lily Transportation and Fremont Contract Carriers. SmartTruck’s UT-6 system will enable Con-way Truckload to more than double the fuel mileage improvement offered by typical trailer aerodynamic technologies and provide a true return on the investment.
“SmartTruck’s technology is like none other available in the industry today,” said Bruce Stockton, vice president of maintenance & asset management, Con-way Truckload. “Previous attempts to gain a return on our investment of typical trailer aerodynamic technologies haven’t existed until now. With years of aerospace experience at their back, we believe SmartTruck has found a way to utilize the airflow and minimize turbulence around a tractor-trailer, while improving safety as well as fuel efficiency.”
“PepsiCo and Frito-Lay are committed to improving the performance of its entire fleet, particularly in the miles per gallon,” said Mark Whittaker, vice president, transportation, PepsiCo. “We are working on improving Class 8 vehicle MPG and SmartTruck’s UT-6 is an important step forward in this mission.”
“Midlands Carrier Transicold is excited to work with SmartTruck on making this new trailer concept available to fleets and owner-operators,” said Bill Willett, president, Midlands Carrier Transicold – an Omaha, Nebraska dealer working with SmartTruck. “The initial reaction to the UnderTray system has been excellent. In fact, our first fleet customer took all of our evaluation units.”
The SmartTruck UnderTray System is made of durable polyethylene plastic – a 100 percent recyclable material used in many truck and marine applications. The material is proven to stand up to the abuse of the road, chemicals and weather, meaning the SmartTruck system is designed to last as long as your trailer.
“Installation of the system on existing trailers is straight-forward,” said Wulff. “The system is bolted to the trailer using weather-resistant, galvanized hardware and fasteners. No special tools or equipment is needed – the trailer can be ready to roll in as little as three hours.”
Building on its aerodynamic background in the aerospace, motorsports and automotive industries, SmartTruck is bringing the next generation of aerodynamic products to the trucking industry. SmartTruck is headquartered in Greenville, S.C. For more information, visit the SmartTruck website at www.SmartTruckBrands.com.
