Con-way Truckload has ordered 635 new twin-screw Kenworth and Freightliner tractors equipped with automated manual transmissions.

The 575 Kenworth T680s and 60 Freightliner Cascadias ordered will more than double the percentage of trucks with automated transmissions in Con-way Truckload’s fleet, from 23% to 48%.

The new trucks will be delivered into the fleet starting this month through mid-December.

AMT-equipped trucks are becoming more popular with drivers, which Con-way took into account when making its purchasing decision.

“Driver safety and comfort is of paramount importance to our company’s success, and we value our drivers’ input when we make fleet purchasing decisions,” said Joseph Dagnese, president of Con-way Truckload. "As a result, all of these trucks are not only equipped with the very latest safety technology, they also include features installed based on feedback from our drivers."

The new trucks also feature the traditional twin-screw axle configuration and various advanced safety features, such as lane departure and blind spot warnings, front-end collision avoidance, and electronic stability control. The 2015 models also have driver amenities such as more headroom and legroom, a larger area between the seats and better visibility.

Con-way’s new trucks will also have 1,500-watt power inverters that convert DC power from the battery into AC power, which drivers can use to power appliances, TVs, DVD players and music players.

Con-way is also upgrading its trailer fleet, retiring 1,000 existing trailers and replacing them with new ones. The new trailers will also begin arriving this month with the replacement cycle to end by mid-November.