Leaders at D&D Sexton, one of the Midwest's largest refrigerated carriers, are implementing innovative, environmentally responsible solutions that reduce idle time, save fuel and increase overall energy and operational efficiency.
The company is adding new solutions that include innovative refrigerated transport units and auxiliary power units (APUs). The APUs are reducing idling time from 70 percent to 10 percent. A web-based asset management system is cutting fuel costs by up to 15 percent.
D&D Sexton's commitment to state-of-the art solutions has helped reduce driver turnover to 40 percent. This driver turnover rate is well below the 106 percent second quarter 2012 turnover rate for large carriers and 86 percent rate for small carriers, the most recent quarterly results reported by the American Trucking Associations.
D&D Sexton has implemented sustainable initiatives across 80 percent of its fleet and plans to upgrade the rest of the fleet by late 2013. The company started upgrading its fleet in 2008 to reduce fuel costs, its largest expense, in the face of rising diesel prices. Leaders at D&D Sexton, which operates 170 tractors and 350 transport refrigeration units, also wanted to maximize driver retention.
Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control solutions for a variety of mobile applications and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, is recognizing D&D Sexton for its commitment to energy and operational efficiency and sustainability by presenting the company with the "Energy Efficiency Leader Award."
Details of the award presentation:
- Martin Duffy, vice president of sales and market development for Thermo King, will present the award to Dean Sexton, president of D&D Sexton
- The awards presentation will be at 1 PM on Dec. 12 at D&D Sexton, 1154 N. Garrison, Carthage, Mo.
"D&D Sexton focuses on innovative solutions that meet our fuel and operational efficiency needs while enabling us to provide our drivers with a state-of-the-art fleet that fosters a long-term drive commitment," said Dean Sexton, president of D&D Sexton. "Many of our drivers and employees have been with us more than 20 years."
D&D Sexton leaders initially upgraded their fleet with highly efficient transport refrigeration units which provide reliable, consistent temperature control. They are currently retrofitting their entire fleet with APUs which optimize driver comfort by providing cabin comforts such as air conditioning and electricity for personal devices such as televisions.
Leaders also added a web-based asset management system which provides the ability to remotely monitor and track un-tethered refrigerated units in a fleet. This allows D&D Sexton to address any changes in programming refrigeration units and increase uptime.
Door switches connected to the asset management system uncovered frequent door openings, identifying an opportunity to further reduce fuel costs by minimizing door openings. D&D Sexton worked with shippers to implement this change. The company also installed fuel sensors which enabled them to accurately monitor fuel consumption.
The company has also increased sustainability by implementing trailer tails and trailer skirts (both of which minimize transport drag while improving fuel efficiency) and regularly recycling engine oil.
