Skyroad Logistics announces mammoth Kenworth order

Skyroad Logistics has strengthened its long-standing relationships with Kenworth and Cummins by committing to its largest fleet order to date.

It involves a commitment for 25 new Kenworths with 16 firm orders comprising K200 and the new K220, T610, T909, and T360 models with options for deliveries across 2022 and into 2023.

The order follows a detailed review of data available from experience with the company’s current Kenworth Euro VI fleet, and extended trials of a major European brand.

Skyroad Logistics specialises in wholesale transport and logistics services for freight forwarders, airlines and air cargo charter operators with its network now covering all major capital city airports across Australia.

When it was established in 2015 Skyroad Logistics chose the Kenworth K200 as its platform represented the most flexible and practical truck to integrate with the company’s Performance-Based Standards (PBS) vehicle designs.

The new orders for the K200 and K220 trucks will comprise exclusively Cummins-Eaton Euro VI Integrated Power drivetrains and Meritor drivelines and axles.

Cummins Euro VI emissions technology provides up to 87 per cent reduction in emissions versus Euro V.

Included is a number of Kenworth T909 models and Skyroad Logistics will also be deploying Kenworth T610s mirroring the K200/K220 specification with these trucks targeting changeovers between Sydney and Melbourne. Adding the T360 in 8×4 rigid configuration allows Skyroad to step into the full vertical service for air cargo transport.

The K200, K220 and T610 Euro VI Cummins engines are rated at 550hp (580hp with Hill Climb Assist) and 2050lb-ft of torque with Eaton Integrated Power 18 speed 22 Series transmissions and Meritor drivelines.

Cummins Euro VI engines rated at 625hp and 2050lb-ft with Eaton 18-Speed 22 Series transmissions and Meritor rear axles are specified for the T909 models, while the 8×4 T360 will be equipped with a Cummins ISL Euro VI engine rated at 380hp.

Skyroad Group Managing Director Peter Assel said the company had to make a strategic decision on both its fleet renewal and its growth which continues in a demanding sector of the road transport industry.

“This is a major order in the context of our company’s short six year history, however with market leadership now in hand we intend to invest further in what customers demand of Road Feeder Services, and right at the top of their list is top quality and reliable equipment. With lead times for equipment growing we need to make our fleet decisions now,” Assel said.

“It was fortunate that in meetings with Andrew Hadjikakou of PACCAR Australia and Mike Fowler of Cummins South Pacific that all parties were willing to commit to mutual success. The fact these trucks are made right here in Australia with a high local content and with Australian employees performing everything from design through to final quality control is simply what we believe in,” he said.

“We have some exciting new PBS vehicle combinations developed in partnership with key suppliers and which are currently subject to MOUs with key customers. Kenworth and Cummins have worked with us from inception to show these customers via real data and computer modelling that we can deliver on what we say. The order we have placed underpins the commitments we are making with those customers.

“That includes the future we see with PACCAR and Cummins strategically launching their hydrogen and electric pathways. We intend to be part of that journey,” added Assel.

A large part of the heritage of developing trucks for the Australian market, according to Andrew Hadjikakou PACCAR Australia, Managing Director, is built on the back of having very close working relationships with its end-user customers.

“With Peter’s commitment and focus on a fleet that pushes the envelope for productivity while maintaining a strong environmental leadership focus, Skyroad Logistics are an ideal partner with which to work with on our ongoing product development programs such as Cummins’ Euro VI product line,” he said.

Mike Fowler, Cummins Director and General Manager – On Highway Business also commented on the strong relationship between Skyroad Logistics, Kenworth and Cummins.

“Cummins partnership with Skyroad Logistics has delivered significant insights into powertrain performance,” he said.

“As a result, we have adapted our advanced powertrain controls and tailored our X15 Euro VI products to meet the performance requirements of time sensitive interstate transport and maximising energy productivity.”

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