For Andrews Logistics, a Texas-based transporter of bulk liquids and hazardous materials, the quest to achieve a 100% safety record includes the purchase of 100 new Peterbilt 579 trucks featuring the Bendix Wingman Fusion advanced braking system.

The acquisition of the new trucks, which marks the biggest fleet expansion order in the company's history, began two years ago, when Andrews Logistics launched its Target Zero campaign with the goal of achieving zero injuries, accidents, spills or contaminations.

The fleet already has an enviable safety record, winning multiple safety awards from the National Tank Truck Carriers, including the organization's top prize, the Outstanding Performance Trophy. The firm has also earned consistent praise from the National Tank Truck Association as one of the safest tank-truck carriers in the country, and is the youngest company to ever win the NTTA's Overall Top Safety Award. It’s all part of a safety-focused culture the fleet reinforces by providing its team with ongoing safety training and educational materials, and holding every employee accountable for safety measures, according to the company.

Darron Eschle, CEO of Andrews Logistics, said is this drive for safety that makes the Bendix Wingman-equipped Model 579 trucks a perfect fit for the fleet. Bendix Wingman Fusion integrates next-generation advanced safety technologies, including radar, camera and brakes, into a comprehensive driver assistance system. The collision mitigation system warns drivers of potential hazards, and can even help brake the truck to prevent accidents.

Eschle said the decision to go with Peterbilt Model 579s wasn’t solely rooted in its safety systems, however. He notes that the new trucks weigh less than the models they are replacing, which helps increase payload, safety and driver comfort.

“The larger cab and modern sleeper helps promote a better night's sleep for our drivers-and well-rested drivers are safer operators," he said. "We attribute a lot of our success in safety to a very low driver turnover rate compared to the industry as a whole. Taking care of our employee team has made a significant impact in our turnover rate and our safety record alike.”

The new trucks are a timely acquisition, too, as Eschle says Andrews Logistics is growing incrementally with existing customers and trying to expand into a couple of new customers in new service and product lines that have historically been a smaller part of its business. “So these new trucks are both replacement and expansion equipment for us,” he said. “Our feeling is if we experience more growth than expected, we can move up delivery at any point, with a much upgraded fleet in the 350-unit range.”