Sterling Acterra & L-line

Sterling Trucks now offers the Acterra and the L-Line trucks for beverage transportation applications. According to the company, the trucks are designed with an eye to visibility and maneuverability, and the cabs allow ease of driver entry and egress,

The Acterra has a Class 5-8 rating and a 106-inch BBC. It is a medium-duty truck designed for "best-in-class ride and handling, maneuverability and toughness," according to the company. The chassis offers a reinforced frame for beverage applications.

L-Line trucks and tractors are heavy-duty vehicles with lighter frames offering over 5 million RBM. L-Line trucks are available in four BBC's. Sterling notes that the short-nosed 101-inch L-line offers a unique beverage muffler package.

According to the company, features common to Sterling trucks include easy cab entry/exit, tight turning radius, lighter, stronger frames and comfortable seating.

One key driver-comfort feature is the HVAC system, which offers high volume, uniform airflow throughout the cab.

Willoughby, OH-based Sterling Trucks is a member of the Freightliner Group.

Harper Transporter

Harper Trucks, Inc. of Wichita, KS, introduces their new "Transporter" Volume Delivery System. According to Harper, the "Transporter" has a 1200 pound capacity, with a welded aluminum frame 40% lighter than steel trucks. When folded up, Harper says it reduces its storage space by 80%.

"The Transporter is more than just a space saving platform truck," explains Harper Trucks President, Greg Keller. "It's the total system. A 'Volume Delivery System' that benefits route delivery companies. It allows warehouse picking and pricing, which increases accuracy, while decreasing labor costs. That improves customer satisfaction."

Harper's "Transporter" comes standard with 8" premium caster and aluminum folding handless. Available options include 6" casters, or 5" and 6" combination casters.

Magline CRDS

Magline has introduced their new C-Store Rapid Delivery System (CRDS). This new system is designed to reduce account service time, improve productivity and lower capital and operating costs. (see feature in this issue). MagLine, Inc. says their RDT system eliminates driver pick time, allows fewer trips from track to shelves, allowing more payload per trailer and less time per stop. This means more deliveries per driver, per day, the company points out, and the Magliner Rapid Delivery Truck can handle up to 1200 pounds.

The RDT is aluminum with thermoplastic rubber casters. The company says that the specially-mounted center casters provide a tight turning radius for entry into narrow spaces and aisles. CRDS system requirements include a pre-sell environment, end-load trailers, lift-gates, 25-50 RDTs per delivery vehicle, new warehouse organization, additional loading dock space, and storage space for empty RDTs.

Mickey Truck Bodies

Mickey Truck Bodies, Inc. of High Point, NC, is a global manufacturer of all-aluminum track bodies and milers. The Load Bear series of bodies and trailers provide yeoman service in beverage applications and meet loading and unloading requirements of side and/or rear access applications. According to the company, Mickey can fabricate virtually any custom bay and shelving configuration as well as a variety of heating and cooling options for refrigerated or dry freight products.

Features of the Load Bear series include a re-engineered roll-up door, "The Gripper" hand grip for comfort and safety, and the "Lock-Latch" hand cart retaining system.

The new Thermal Bear Refrigerated Van Body is available in any standard length from 10-28 feet, with a variety of custom options available upon request. The Thermal Bear comes standard with insulated roll-up doors, with optional insulated doors in various thicknesses available.

Mickey Truck Bodies, Inc. has their main manufacturing facility in High Point, NC, with Reconditioning and Service Centers in North Carolina, New Jersey, Florida, Illinois and Texas.

New Centennial bodies & trailers

New Centennial, Inc. of Columbus, Georgia, manufactures a line of beverage tracks, tractors and trailers. The Centennial Keg Trailer features include cold plate refrigeration and a new drainage system to eliminate moisture problems. They have stainless steel doors and locks, hardwood floors, insulated point-of-sale boxes, storage racks and recessed one-inch rubber drop pads to reduce bay floor and keg barrel damage.

The Century Series 1000 and the Century Series 2000 have all aluminum construction, a positive lock system, step rail and finger-style door panel. The Series 1000 offers a lock-tight safe, and the Series 2000 offers optional front step skirts. Both models offer optional retractable door straps and grab handles.

The Centennial Party Trailer is available in 14-foot or 16-foot models. Both trailers have a three-spigot service area on both sides of the trailer as well as three-inch foamed-in-place insulation. They have a 24 keg single stack capacity, and the 16-foot trailer has added storage space and shelving.

Waymatic Draft Trailer

South Fulton, TN-based Waymatic builds its Refrigerated Draft Trailer in 10-foot and 16-foot lengths. In both models, the trailer and cooler are built as one unit with a minimum of four inches of insulation. The company reports that the 10-foot unit can hold up to 10 half barrels on the floor, while the larger unit can hold up to 24 half barrels.

There are three taps on each side of the 10-foot unit and five on each side of the 16-foot unit. Both models come with a canopy door/awning to cover the serving area. Faucets and tapping equipment are not supplied.

International 4000 Series

The International 4000 series beverage trucks have a lighter, more durable frame system that provides more payload capacity and eliminates the need for "L" reinforcements, according to the company. The integrated powertrain features engine and transmission combinations that the company says are specifically engineered for each beverage application.

The company says truck features include a tight turning radius with up to a 50-degree wheel cut, sloped hood to enhance visibility and International engines that extend truck life and reduce cost of ownership.

Chevy W-Series

According to Chevrolet, their W-Series trucks are renowned for the ample power and torque of their engines and for their strong frames. The Chevrolet W-Series has a range of tilt cabs, from Class 3 to Class 5. They offer the choice of a gas or diesel engine.

The W3500, W4500 and W5500 can accommodate bodies up to 20 feet long. The WT5500 can accommodate bodies up to 24 feet in length. The standard cab features include cornering lamps, folding mirrors, two-way roof air vent and large, drop-design windows. According to the company, the W-Series trucks are capable of making a U-turn in a two-lane street (wherever that is legal).

Penske Truck Leasing

Penske Truck Leasing has a range of vans, trucks and trailers available for rentals. With preapproved credit, Penske's Rental Express service allows you to rent by phone, a service the company says takes one minute.

Penske provides late-model vans, light duty, straight trucks, specialized vehicles, tractors and trailers, including a 20-foot and a 22-foot refrigerated van. Daily, weekly and monthly rates are available for all vehicles. According to the company, they offer lower costs, the latest model trucks, optimized productivity and maximum fuel economy.

Buck's Trucks

Bucks Trucks, LLC in West Columbia, SC, buys find sells beverage delivery trucks, trailers and tractors. From the six-bay route truck to the 24-bay route trailer, the company says they have bought and sold thousands of trucks over the past several years. Customers are not required to pay for a truck until it is delivered and checked out. Bucks Trucks, LLC says it is interested in purchasing equipment "regardless of age, condition or location," and they do accept trade-ins.

Discounts for NBWA Members

Caterpillar has announced that National Beer and Wholesalers Association (NBWA) members will earn special discounted pricing on Cat Lift Trucks during the NBWA Distributor Program. This program is available to U.S.-based NBWA members on any Cat lift truck models, and includes a 12-month warranty with unlimited hours (parts and service).

"Theses are the kind of low costs usually reserved for major breweries replacing an entire fleet" Cat Lift Trucks Senior Account Manager Doug McConnell said. "Quantities aren't limited, so the cost savings should be considerable."

Cat Lift Trucks offers a full line of lift tracks with models ranging from 2,200-33,000 pound capacity. According to the company, truck features include an energy-efficient hydraulic system, advanced drive control, regenerative braking (using the accelerator to brake), interactive displays and comfortable seating.

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