CFI, a North American full-truckload carrier and subsidiary of TFI International Inc. has announced it has increased its 2018 fleet purchase plan from 500 to 600 new Kenworth T680 over-the-road long-haul tractors. Delivery of the additional 100 tractors is expected by year end.

The additional new tractors represent the latest investment in a two-year modernization program, begun in 2017, that by the end of this year, will have replaced 65 percent of CFI’s North American power fleet with the new, high-performance, driver-preferred Kenworth tractors.  CFI operates 1,897 company-owned power units and 7,365 53-foot dry-van trailers, and employs about 350 owner-operators.

“This investment is good news for our customers as well as our professional drivers,” said Greg Orr, CFI’s president. “We are accelerating our program to refresh and modernize our fleet with one of the most advanced power units on the market, which features excellent fuel economy and the latest safety systems.”

Orr noted that drivers will enjoy operating new equipment that has many of the most-requested driver comfort features available, as well as a reputation for reliability, minimizing downtime and maximizing driver miles and pay. For the customer, the new assets support CFI’s mission to provide superior service that is ultimately safe and reliable, consistently delivering shipments on-time.

The 2018-model Kenworth T680s are powered by the Cummins X15 15-liter turbo-diesel engine, with Eaton Ultrashift automated manual transmissions, and twin-screw drive axles with dual tires. The driver’s cab is outfitted with Sirius XM radio, Bluetooth-enabled hands-free communications features, an inverter to provide 110-volt power, and bunk heaters.  The fully-appointed and trimmed-out cab and sleeper areas also have other driver comfort amenities including mounts for flat-screen televisions, computer laptops and microwave ovens.

The company expects to begin taking delivery of the new tractors this summer and will concurrently retire older units as new ones enter the fleet through the end of the year.