Schneider National Outfits Tractor Fleet with First-of-its-Kind Aerodynamic Wheel Covers
GREEN BAY, Wis. – MARCH 23, 2010 – Schneider National, Inc., a premier provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services, today revealed it is installing the Deflecktor Aero Wheel Cover on its entire tractor fleet. The innovative, aerodynamic wheel covers improve the mpg efficiency of the vehicle, with Schneider slated to realize an additional fuel savings of 1.8 million gallons annually as a result of implementing the Deflecktor on its fleet of over 12,000 tractors.
“The Deflecktor helps environmentally conscious truckload carriers like Schneider reduce fuel consumption and operate more efficiently,” said Jon Fleck, owner of A de F, Ltd., a Minnesota-based entrepreneurial company. “Since the deep-inset wheel creates aerodynamic resistance when the tractor is in motion, I knew that smoothing wheel contours with a simple, lightweight device would reduce the overall coefficient of drag and thereby increase energy efficiency.”
The four drive positions of each Schneider tractor are being outfitted with this new device. (The company is still evaluating the possibility of installing them on the trailer wheels.) So far, 6,000 units have been installed on 1,500 tractors.
“The portion of the fleet already running with the Deflecktor is performing just as we expected,” noted Steve Duley, vice president of purchasing at Schneider National. “We spent over two years testing this device, and the results we got were consistently positive in regard to fuel savings: almost 1 percent per tractor. We’re pleased – yet not surprised – to see the same results now as we expand to the rest of the fleet.”
Duley also said that drivers are giving the Deflecktor good reviews, citing them as easy to install and remove and extremely durable, even through the toughest weather conditions.
Schneider is the first in the industry to use Deflecktor Aero Wheel Covers (or anything similar) to save energy, which is consistent with the company’s 30+-year reputation as the industry leader in sustainable operations. Long known as the most energy-efficient fleet on the road, Schneider also pioneered offering drivers incentives for idle reduction and fuel management (1978) and the use of no-idle heaters to reduce winter idling (2003). It is one of only two carriers to win the SmartWaySM Excellence Award for leadership in energy conservation and emission reduction practices every year since the award’s inception.
“Saving energy by harnessing the latest in technology is a hallmark of Schneider National, and the Deflecktor is a perfect example of that,” added Duley. “We knew it was the right thing to do – both fiscally and environmentally. The fuel savings we generate will allow us to pay for the devices in just under one year, but more importantly, it’s enabling us to reduce our fuel consumption even more than before.”
For more information on the Deflecktor Aero Wheel Cover (which is covered by multiple patents that are pending worldwide), please visit www.deflecktor.com or contact Jon Fleck at (651) 270-9148 or sales@deflecktor.com.
About Schneider National, Inc.
Schneider National, Inc. is a premier provider of truckload, logistics and intermodal services. Serving more than two-thirds of the FORTUNE 500 companies, Schneider National offers the broadest portfolio of services in the industry. The company’s transportation and logistics solutions include Van Truckload, Dedicated, Regional, Bulk, Intermodal, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing and International Logistics services.
Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Schneider National has provided expert transportation and logistics solutions for nearly 75 years. A $3.7 billion company, Schneider National conducts business in more than 28 countries worldwide. For more information about Schneider National, visit www.schneider.com.
About A de F, Ltd.
A de F, Ltd. is a privately held, entrepreneurial company located in St. Paul, Minn. owned by Jon Fleck, an independent inventor/entrepreneur. From a healthier and more convenient way to cook bacon in the kitchen to a fuel-saving device on the road, Jon Fleck’s inventions focus on simple solutions to real opportunities that add measurable value to everyday life. From the world’s largest businesses, to millions of kitchens in households throughout North America, his company delivers real product every day to those who appreciate value through innovative design. He can be reached directly at (651) 270-9148.
“The Deflecktor helps environmentally conscious truckload carriers like Schneider reduce fuel consumption and operate more efficiently,” said Jon Fleck, owner of A de F, Ltd., a Minnesota-based entrepreneurial company. “Since the deep-inset wheel creates aerodynamic resistance when the tractor is in motion, I knew that smoothing wheel contours with a simple, lightweight device would reduce the overall coefficient of drag and thereby increase energy efficiency.”
The four drive positions of each Schneider tractor are being outfitted with this new device. (The company is still evaluating the possibility of installing them on the trailer wheels.) So far, 6,000 units have been installed on 1,500 tractors.
“The portion of the fleet already running with the Deflecktor is performing just as we expected,” noted Steve Duley, vice president of purchasing at Schneider National. “We spent over two years testing this device, and the results we got were consistently positive in regard to fuel savings: almost 1 percent per tractor. We’re pleased – yet not surprised – to see the same results now as we expand to the rest of the fleet.”
Duley also said that drivers are giving the Deflecktor good reviews, citing them as easy to install and remove and extremely durable, even through the toughest weather conditions.
Schneider is the first in the industry to use Deflecktor Aero Wheel Covers (or anything similar) to save energy, which is consistent with the company’s 30+-year reputation as the industry leader in sustainable operations. Long known as the most energy-efficient fleet on the road, Schneider also pioneered offering drivers incentives for idle reduction and fuel management (1978) and the use of no-idle heaters to reduce winter idling (2003). It is one of only two carriers to win the SmartWaySM Excellence Award for leadership in energy conservation and emission reduction practices every year since the award’s inception.
“Saving energy by harnessing the latest in technology is a hallmark of Schneider National, and the Deflecktor is a perfect example of that,” added Duley. “We knew it was the right thing to do – both fiscally and environmentally. The fuel savings we generate will allow us to pay for the devices in just under one year, but more importantly, it’s enabling us to reduce our fuel consumption even more than before.”
For more information on the Deflecktor Aero Wheel Cover (which is covered by multiple patents that are pending worldwide), please visit www.deflecktor.com or contact Jon Fleck at (651) 270-9148 or sales@deflecktor.com.
About Schneider National, Inc.
Schneider National, Inc. is a premier provider of truckload, logistics and intermodal services. Serving more than two-thirds of the FORTUNE 500 companies, Schneider National offers the broadest portfolio of services in the industry. The company’s transportation and logistics solutions include Van Truckload, Dedicated, Regional, Bulk, Intermodal, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing and International Logistics services.
Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Schneider National has provided expert transportation and logistics solutions for nearly 75 years. A $3.7 billion company, Schneider National conducts business in more than 28 countries worldwide. For more information about Schneider National, visit www.schneider.com.
About A de F, Ltd.
A de F, Ltd. is a privately held, entrepreneurial company located in St. Paul, Minn. owned by Jon Fleck, an independent inventor/entrepreneur. From a healthier and more convenient way to cook bacon in the kitchen to a fuel-saving device on the road, Jon Fleck’s inventions focus on simple solutions to real opportunities that add measurable value to everyday life. From the world’s largest businesses, to millions of kitchens in households throughout North America, his company delivers real product every day to those who appreciate value through innovative design. He can be reached directly at (651) 270-9148.