TransAm Trucking Inc. of Olathe, Kansas is spec'ing its fleet of over 1,000 tractors with auxiliary power units from Toronto-based RigMaster Power.

In testing, the fleet said the units have reduced idle time by almost 80% and improved fuel economy by over 10%.
According to Murray Droescher CFO of TransAm, "anytime you make a significant investment, the most critical thing is rapid payback. In this case the decision was simple because the fuel saving alone allows for a quick return. Then when you consider the potential for lower maintenance costs and reduced driver turnover, the answer is blatantly obvious."
Frank Nicholson, TransAm Director of Maintenance said the fleet also liked the fact that the RigMaster units provided a charging system for the trucks’ batteries. "In the event we have a truck alternator failure, we now have an option to the typical road repair – we can now drive the truck home. By reducing engine idle time you are also reducing the amount of time the engine fan cycles on and off, the A/C clutch kicks on and off, reduced bearing wear on the alternator and water pump, as well as injector slobbering and turbo wear etc. etc."
The RigMaster is a stand-alone fully independent generator set that does not share the truck's coolant or Freon system.