U.S. Xpress Orders Hendrickson AIRTEK®-Equipped Freightliners and Volvos
August 2004

U.S. Xpress Orders HENDRICKSON AIRTEK®-Equipped Freightliners and Volvos
WOODRIDGE, Ill. — Hendrickson International Truck Suspensions Systems officials announce that U.S. Xpress Enterprises Inc. placed a significant order for Hendrickson AIRTEK® equipped Freightliner and Volvo trucks to be delivered over the next four years.

The 12,000-pound capacity Hendrickson AIRTEK® front air suspension with STEERTEK front steer axle form the industry’s first integrated front air suspension and steer axle.

“We are pleased to support U.S. Xpress in their ongoing desire to reduce maintenance and weight while providing best-in-class ride to their drivers,” said Steve Kiefer, director of marketing and program management at Hendrickson truck suspensions systems.

The superior design and engineering features deliver many benefits for drivers, mechanics and fleet owners. AIRTEK provides significant improvement in ride and handling, with some fleets claiming substantial increase in steer tire life. AIRTEK helps protect drivers from bumps and potholes, providing a premium ride while reducing noise, vibration and harshness.

The axle-section and leaf-spring geometry produce improvements of up to 30 percent in ride and 64 percent in roll stability, in addition to a 90-pound weight savings compared to traditional steel spring suspensions and I-beam axles.

Premium rubber suspension bushings eliminate lubrication requirements, while the innovative two-piece knuckle design simplifies serviceability.

“Providing the best in driver comfort is a key component for the equipment decisions that we make at U.S. Xpress, and Hendrickson’s AIRTEK front air suspension system is lighter than other suspensions on the market today,” says Jerry Elkins, U.S. Xpress vice president of maintenance.

AIRTEK makes the road much smoother for our drivers. Our drivers are the difference makers in our fleet. We spend a great deal of time seeking their feedback,” Elkins continues.

We’ve always believed that a satisfied driver is the foundation for a successful fleet. AIRTEK contributes to that sense of satisfaction, and AIRTEK is part of the U.S. Xpress effort to offer the members of our fleet the best driving experience available in the trucking industry today.”

AIRTEK is currently available on several Freightliner, Sterling, Volvo and Western Star models and was recently introduced on a number of Mack models.

For more information about AIRTEK, contact Hendrickson truck suspension systems, Woodridge, Ill., 630-910-2800, or your local truck dealer.

Hendrickson International is one of the largest global suppliers of truck and tractor suspensions, trailer suspensions, truck and trailer lift axles, springs and bumpers to the commercial transportation industry. Headquartered in Woodridge, Ill., Hendrickson has been meeting the needs of the transportation industry for more than 90 years.