Thermo King announced that Mondovi, Wis.-based refrigerated carrier Marten Transport had ordered more than 2,000 TriPac hybrid auxiliary idle reduction and temperature management systems. The auxiliary power units (APUs), which will be installed over the next 18 months on company-owned tractors, provide drivers with heat, engine pre-heat, air conditioning, accessory power and battery charging while reducing engine idling.
Assuming the cost of diesel fuel remains in its current range, Marten expects to achieve monthly fuel savings of $1 million and to recover the cost of the systems in 12 to 18 months once they are installed, Thermo King says.
Marten first used the TriPac system under a grant from the state of Wisconsin to test the effectiveness of APUs. The truckload carrier has long been a Thermo King customer for reefer units.
