Caldwell Freight Lines Purchase Will Enhance Service

Furniture World Magazine

A recent boom in business has led Caldwell Freight Lines to purchase $8.4 million worth of top-of-the-line equipment, reports president David Brenner. In December, the Lenoir, North Carolina furniture carrier will increase its fleet by 60 tractors and 150 trailers. Many of the new tractors are equipped for long-distance team driving. This results in virtually non-stop delivery-allowing Caldwell to put a load of North Carolina furniture in, for example, Phoenix, Arizona in 48 hours. The 53-foot-long trailers offer twelve percent greater capacity than the standard "48s." They also feature ABS braking systems as well as "air ride" suspension-important options for a carrier hauling delicate furniture cargo. This new equipment will be divided between Caldwell Freight, its subsidiary Parsons Trucking Company of North Wilkesboro, NC, and a new, soon-to-be-announced acquisition. Most of the trucks are expected to be on the road by the end of January. According to Brenner, the new equipment was necessary for several reasons. Caldwell Freight dramatically expanded its territory in 1997 when it integrated Parsons into its corporate structure. Plus, several major accounts have recently increased their business with Caldwell. "Now that we've opened longer delivery lanes, we needed a lot of new equipment," he explains. "Our driving teams who deliver to the West Coast will really appreciate the state-of-the-art cabs. And of course the air ride trailers help our customers' freight get there." Brenner adds that although this transaction is larger than usual, new equipment purchases are standard procedure. It is Caldwell's policy to replace tractors after they have accumulated 450,000 to 500,000 miles. "Well-maintained, top-quality equipment is critical to quality service," he asserts. "That's the bottom line in every decision this company makes. Superior service is what Caldwell Freight is all about." For more information on Caldwall call 800-438-8244.