Smithway Motor Xpress (SMX) has announced it will replace 25% of its fleet with International Class 8 trucks.

According to a new partnership agreement between SMX and International Truck and Engine Corp., SMX ordered 215 International 9400i-model on-highway trucks.
As the newly appointed vice president of vehicle operations for SMX, Chad Johnson said he is focusing on maximizing the performance of his company’s truck fleet, which includes 800 power units and 2,000 trailers operating from 18 terminals across the country.
Johnson cited fuel efficiency, ease of service, uptime performance and an extensive dealer support network as critical differentiating points on International trucks. International claims SMX’s decision to convert more of its fleet to the sloped-nose International 9400i means the vehicles can gain up to an additional half-mile per gallon in fuel efficiency. SMX also was able to change the gear ratios on its new International trucks to 3.55 from 3.70 on previous vehicles, a shift that International says will add even more fuel efficiency.
International also will be helping SMX switch from its current powder blue look to a stronger "Daytona blue" with updated graphics.