S13 INTEGRATED POWERTRAIN HELPS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SAVE ON FUEL, MAINTENANCE COSTS

Fuel consumption and maintenance continue to rank high on the list of fleets’ total      operating expenses — particularly for smaller fleets and owner-operators. The good news is fleets of all sizes can take matters into their own hands to keep some of their biggest costs in check and reduce their total cost of ownership.

Reducing fuel and maintenance costs has become second nature to Scott Miller, an independent contractor for America’s Service Line. Miller, a professional driver for the past 31 years, currently owns an International LT Series truck equipped with the S13 Integrated Powertrain to run his routes for America’s Service Line, a Green Bay, Wisconsin-based refrigerated carrier. 

America’s Service Line, whose main business is to haul beef out of its own plants, is the premier private fleet for American Foods Group and transports more than 40% of the company’s shipments. America’s Service Line’s fleet includes more than 200 trucks, 350 temperature-controlled trailers and serves all 48 contiguous states. 

As an independent contractor looking for fuel-economy savings and exceptional drivability, Miller met his match with the International S13 Integrated Powertrain. 

“My truck is the only truck in our entire fleet that is getting consistent, double-digit fuel mileage numbers,” Miller explained. “As an independent contractor, choosing the International S13 made all the sense in the world to me. I typically see fuel mileage ranges above 10 miles per gallon, and that’s real-world numbers hauling heavier loads.”

“It’s typically saving me $10,000 [per year] just in fuel alone,” he added.     

Miller initially chose to purchase an International LT Series with the S13 Integrated Powertrain for the powertrain’s simplicity. He’s genuinely impressed that “everything is simple about the engine, transmission and rear-end combination.”

“The engine, the transmission and the aftertreatment system all work together,” Miller said. “It is a very simple design that is easy to service.” 

The simplified design of the S13 Integrated Powertrain delivers so well on fuel efficiency because of the highly effective exhaust aftertreatment with dual diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) dosing. Because this aftertreatment is so good at reducing tailpipe NOx emissions, the engine can simply be an engine and not be tasked with a second job of emissions reduction. Therefore, the need for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler is eliminated.

The elimination of the EGR cooler means operators no longer see the pumping losses and hardware compromises that come with it. Removal of the EGR also helps reduce carbon buildup that historically caused numerous maintenance issues. 

When it comes to drivability, the powertrain’s T14® transmission delivers a noticeably smoother ride, enhanced maneuverability thanks to its precision-maneuvering mode and seamless pulling power.

“I really love the T14 transmission,” Miller said. “It has crawler gears down low when you need them. There’s a little ‘turtle’ button to help you maneuver, so when you’re backing into docks, you’re not slamming into docks, and when you’re hooking up to your trailer, you’re not slamming into your trailer.”

“Hills are no problem,” he added. “When I pick up a load and I head down the road, sometimes it feels like I don’t have anything in the trailer at all.”

Touting the overdrive as “absolutely amazing,” Miller reports seeing cruise speeds at 62 miles per hour at 900 rpm (revolutions per minute).    This lower RPM is ideal for fuel economy. Properly spec'd powertrains also help ensure the engine operates efficiently at lower RPMs for cruising, while also providing sufficient power for climbing grades or accelerating.

“My International S13 Powertrain is saving me money,” Miller said. “The reliability is amazing. It has 50,000 miles on it, and the truck hasn’t had to go back to the shop yet.”

“International nailed it with the S13 Powertrain,” Miller noted. “Period.”

The International S13 Integrated Powertrain is available in the International LT®, RH™, HX®, and HV™ Series trucks. With capabilities of up to 515 hp and 1,850 lb-ft of torque, the S13 Integrated Powertrain includes the S13 Engine , T14 Transmission and aftertreatment system that are designed to work together seamlessly. This integration sets a new standard for efficiency, profitability and sustainability for International customers.