International Truck and Engine Corp. has announced that a new cab sound insulation package that can decrease interior sound levels by up to 60 percent is now in production. It will be standard in the International PayStar 5900

and an option in the International PayStar 5500 and International PayStar 5600.
Bill Sixsmith, director of marketing for International’s Severe Service Vehicle Center, said, “PayStar drivers spend a lot of time in the truck at the construction site and by lowering the interior cab sound, we are giving them a better work environment.”
Through various testing procedures, International has found that the new sound insulation package reduces interior noise by approximately 3.7 decibels (dBA). And every decibel counts, especially for construction professionals on the jobsite daily. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the maximum exposure time at 85 dBA is eight hours. By having a quieter truck cab, PayStar drivers can help reduce their exposure to the loud sounds typically present on the job.
“A quieter cab can help reduce overall driver stress, help them better understand conversations with co-workers and even help drivers hear emergency sirens or announcements,” said Sixsmith.
International unveiled the relaunch of the PayStar name earlier this year at the 2006 World of Concrete Show, when the company’s new lightweight mixer was launched.
“This is a big year for PayStar,” said Sixsmith. “We started off by announcing that our lightweight mixer can haul more by weighing less. Now, we’re subtracting noise levels by adding a sound insulation package. The PayStar Series continues to provide customers with upgraded features to help customers get the jobs done more efficiently and with greater comfort.”
In the late-1970s, International’s severe service trucks and tractors were introduced under the PayStar name to fit with the company’s line of Transtar, Fleetstar, Loadstar and Cargostar trucks. Known for its legendary performance, the PayStar was used all over the world for decades. Several of International’s most respected severe service vehicles carried the PayStar moniker until 1998, when they were re-named the 5000 Series, which included the International 5500, 5600, and 5900 trucks.
International Truck and Engine Corp. recently has received the J.D. Power and Associates award for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Vocational Segment Class 8 Trucks,” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Heavy-Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study. In addition to its top ranking in the vocational segment, International ranked second in service satisfaction.