Melton Truck Lines Inc., a Tulsa, Okla.-based flatbed carrier has announced plans to increase its fleet to nearly 900 trucks by the end of 2006.

Melton recently ordered 440 new trucks and 150 new trailers. “We are very excited about our upcoming truck purchase,” said Melton President Bob Peterson. “With the purchases we made in 2005 plus our 2006 purchases, our fleet will be nearly brand new by the time we begin 2007.” Melton is eager to move into the new year by increasing capacity to better serve customers in the U.S. and Mexico.
To provide drivers with more choices, the new trucks will include Kenworth T-600’s with 13-speeds and Cat engines, Freightliner mid-roofs with both Cat and Detroit Diesel engines and Peterbilt Model 386’s with 13-speeds and Cat engines.
Melton also purchased 150 Utility air-ride flatbeds, bringing the total trailer count to more than 1,600. The additional trucks and trailers will serve Melton’s new terminal in Birmingham, Ala., as well as add capacity to other domestic freight lanes.
The new trucks will include features such as an anti-theft device, leather driver seats, and XM radio service provided by Melton.
The fleet increase is largely due to consistent expansion in business and the growing demand for flatbed services both domestically and internationally.
In business for more than 50 years, Melton has offices and terminals in Tulsa, Dallas, Laredo, El Paso, and Birmingham.