FFE Transportation Services increases used of Bendix-equipped trucks
FFE Transportation Services, Inc., added 257 International ProStar trucks to its fleet – all of which are equipped with the Bendix ESP Electronic Stability Program full-stability system. FFE also added 50 Volvo tractors, on which Bendix ESP is standard, bringing its total number of Bendix ESP-equipped trucks to more than 300. The FFE fleet also relies on Bendix AD-9 air dryers.
FFE boasts a tradition of improving its fleets through advanced technologies. With its roots going back to 1946, the company operated some of the first deep refrigeration trailers in the United States. Now a leading temperature-controlled truckload and less-than-truckload carrier serving the US, Canada, and Mexico, FFE employs 2,500 workers and operates a fleet of 1,700 trucks and 3,000 trailers. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has been publicly traded since 1971.
"We place a tremendous emphasis on safety at FFE, and that includes providing our drivers with the most advanced safety technologies available," said Mike Bromhall, FFE vice president of maintenance. "Bendix ESP has been a part of our fleet for several years, and from an ROI standpoint and the peace of mind the system offers, we made the decision to begin spec'ing it on our new trucks. Our goal is to eventually have full-stability technology on every truck in the FFE fleet, helping ensure our drivers' safety and the safety of all motorists on the highways."
Bendix, the North American leader in the development and manufacture of leading-edge active safety and braking system technologies, was the first North American brake system manufacturer to make a full-stability solution – Bendix ESP – widely available to the commercial vehicle market.
Unlike roll-only stability systems, Bendix ESP addresses both roll and directional stability. The system also recognizes and mitigates conditions that can lead to rollover and loss-of-control situations, including snowy, ice-covered, and slippery roads.
Because full-stability systems include sensors that measure driver intent and vehicle direction, the technology typically assesses situations more quickly than roll-only systems, and tends to be more effective. Full-stability technology delivers automatic brake interventions involving the steer, drive, and trailer axles – unlike most roll-only systems, which lack directional sensors and only apply the brakes on the drive and trailer axles. By slowing the vehicle quickly, full-stability systems help mitigate rollovers faster, while slowing and redirecting can help the driver maneuver in loss-of-control situations.
Bendix ESP also serves as the foundation for other Bendix advanced active safety technologies, such as Bendix Wingman Advanced – A Collision Mitigation Technology, which helps drivers mitigate or reduce the intensity of potential rear-end collision situations.
"FFE has made investing in safe drivers and fleets a priority over its long history, and Bendix is proud to assist the company in its efforts to constantly improve roadway safety," said TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions, Controls group. "While fleets will always rely on comprehensive driver training and alert, safe drivers practicing safe driving habits, active safety technologies are powerful tools to help drivers and everyone on the highways reach their destinations safely."
FFE also equips its fleet with Bendix AD-9 air dryers, which help keep air brake systems clean by collecting and removing solid, liquid and vapor contaminants before efficient operation is jeopardized. Providing clean, dry air to reservoirs, valves, and other air brake system components increases system life, reduces maintenance costs, and prevents freeze-up. The AD-9 model is the industry-standard air dryer because of its integrated design, proven performance, and reliability.
Bendix helps fleets increase return on investment in its technologies by supporting all of its commercial vehicle safety solutions through robust "train the trainer" driver and technician training programs and ASE-certified service teams. Additionally, the Bendix Tech Team – the company's venerable field technical phone support group – represents over 85 years of combined field-tested comprehensive commercial vehicle troubleshooting experience.
