JOPLIN, Mo., Sept. 24, 2021 – CFI took delivery of its milestone 15,000th Kenworth truck in a special ceremony during the company’s 70th anniversary celebration. CFI President Greg Orr received the keys to a new Kenworth T680 Next Generation from Jim Walenczak, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. CFI purchased its first Kenworth – a Kenworth T600 – in 1985.
“From our first company-owned tractor in 1985, a Kenworth T600, to today’s T680 and W990, we have driven many millions of miles with MHC and Kenworth. Behind great equipment are the people who power the company, and we are proud to partner with groups who share our values. Our 15,000th tractor is made more monumental by CFI’s 70-year anniversary. We respect the legacy and the people who built our past, persevere in the present and create our future,” Orr said.
The special Kenworth T680 Next Gen will be driven by CFI professional driver team Ricky and Mary Norman, who hold a collective 5.2 million miles with CFI.
“CFI has been an excellent Kenworth customer ever since the company became the first fleet to take delivery of the revolutionary Kenworth T600 – the first truly aerodynamic truck. CFI is once again an early adopter – this time with the new Kenworth T680 Next Gen as its milestone truck,” Walenczak said. “It is a privilege to honor CFI with the delivery of its 15,000th Kenworth truck. On behalf of Kenworth; your dealer MHC Kenworth – Joplin, and the entire MHC organization; and our Kenworth Chillicothe plant employees who build your trucks, we thank you for your business.”
“CFI is a leader among truckload fleets as a direct result of its dedication to customers and drivers,” said Charlie Anderson, MHC regional vice president. “The company relies on the classic T680’s features and fuel efficiencies, and MHC’s 7-day, 24-hour support in major markets. We appreciate our long-standing partnership with CFI and the continued opportunity to support its fleet. We are honored to be part of the celebration of Kenworth’s landmark truck as well as CFI’s monumental milestone.”
Also representing MHC were CEO Mike Murphy; Jared White, executive vice president; Warren Bryning, regional new truck sales manager; Scot Robbins, MHC Kenworth – Joplin branch manager, and Greg Garton, MHC Kenworth – Joplin fleet account representative.
Kenworth participants also included Erik Johnson general sales manager – West; Doug Powell, director of fleet management; Jeff Lasley, senior director of national accounts; and Lindsey Wacha, fleet sales program manager.
The Kenworth T680 Next Gen establishes a new industry standard by raising the bar for superior fuel efficiency, class-leading performance and bold aerodynamic styling – expanding on the success of the classic Kenworth T680 model and taking The Driver’s Truck to the next level. The T680 Next Gen offers technology advancements, including an innovative 15-inch digital display, Next Gen SmartWheel, fully LED headlamps, under-the-vehicle airflow management, additional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and a sleek high-tech design that balances aerodynamics and serviceability.
Available in day cab, 40-inch, 52-inch and 76-inch sleeper configurations, the T680 Next Gen is standard with the proprietary PACCAR Powertrain featuring the 2021 PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 drive axle.
During the 70th anniversary celebration, CFI Associates Dustin Quesenberry, Matt Staniszewski and Danny Hale handed the keys to four drivers selected to receive brand new Kenworth tractors. The trucks each feature a special wrap designed to honor and highlight the skills and backgrounds of their drivers.
Albert Arriola Jr., who has been with CFI for more than 28 years with 3.3 million miles, received the CFI 70th anniversary Kenworth W990. The remaining three drivers each were presented with a classic Kenworth T680. CFI’s two “True to the Troops” themed trucks went to Steve Landon, a 26-year U.S. Army veteran as a combat medic, and 19-year U.S. Air Force veteran Les North, a driver for CFI Temp-Control. Former firefighter Michael Woods will be behind the wheel of the CFI “First Responder” truck. For 22 years, Woods served as both a firefighter and EMT. He has been in the Army National Guard for 17 years and counting.
CFI, a wholly owned operating company of TFI International Inc., is a multifaceted leading transportation provider. Established in 1951, the truckload segment delivers time-definite 53-foot dry-van truckload transportation services. Operations in Mexico add an owned LTL network to the portfolio. CFI offers global logistics solutions to support all modes of transportation including ground transport, air freight, warehousing and intermodal with North American cross-border expertise and bilingual support.
Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best® heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth’s Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth is a PACCAR company.