Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025:
Volvo receives massive order for new VNL 860
Volvo Trucks North America earlier this month secured a massive 185-unit order from Koch Trucking (CCJ Top 250, No. 86) for its new long-haul truck, the Volvo VNL 860.
The family-owned, full-service transportation provider, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will integrate the new VNLs into its fleet of late-model tractors that operate across North America.
“Koch Trucking has been a trusted transportation provider for nearly 50 years, and their commitment to investing in equipment that supports both their drivers and their customers aligns closely with our values at Volvo Trucks,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “The all-new Volvo VNL 860 brings together efficiency, safety, and driver comfort in a way that raises the bar for long-haul operations, and we’re proud to support Koch as they continue to grow and modernize their fleet.”
The new Volvo VNL 860, launched in 2024, is engineered around the needs of drivers, with a premium living and working environment and driving features that support comfort and safety on the road. Volvo’s I-Shift automated transmission and I-See predictive cruise control technology help deliver a smoother, more confident driving experience across Koch’s varied operating environments.
“The all-new Volvo VNL 860 is already proving its value with meaningful reductions in idle time and strong fuel efficiency on the road,” said Jeff Koch, chief operating officer, Koch Companies. “Maintaining one of the newest fleets in the industry allows us to maximize uptime and deliver consistent, reliable service our customers expect. As a family-owned business, investing in equipment that enhances driver comfort, safety, and sustainability isn’t just operationally smart, it’s foundational to who we are and how we plan for the future.”
Harbor Logistics names new SVP of Business Development
Integrated logistics solutions provider Harbor Logistics has named a new Senior Vice President of Business Development. Jason Essenberg, who joined the company earlier this month to fill the role, reports to Harbor CEO Kevin Shuba.
Essenberg will lead Harbor’s customer growth strategy, strengthening partnerships across the Southeast and expanding the company’s service and geographic footprint.
“Jason brings a deep understanding of transportation, logistics and customer operations that aligns perfectly with Harbor’s commitment to strategic growth,” said Shuba. “His leadership experience and proven ability to build lasting customer relationships make him a tremendous addition to our executive team. Jason’s combination of industry insight, commercial drive and focus on service excellence will be vital as we continue expanding our presence in key markets.”
Essenberg joins Harbor Logistics with more than two decades of experience in supply chain and logistics management, including leadership roles in operations, business development and strategic partnerships. He most recently was Vice President of TrueBlue Inc., a provider of specialized workforce solutions based in Chicago. Prior to TrueBlue, he worked his way up the corporate ladder to President of Kontane Logistics, a dedicated third-party logistics provider with multiple locations throughout the Southeast.
“I am thrilled to join Harbor Logistics at such an exciting time for our business as well as our industry,” Essenberg said. “It is clear to me that Harbor has built a robust reputation for performance, reliability, and trust. I look forward to partnering with current and new clients to strategically grow a meaningful business encompassing the Southeast and beyond.”
Harbor Logistics operates a network of port and regional logistics facilities, serving customers with integrated drayage, transload, consolidation and value-added services designed to streamline supply chains and improve delivery velocity.
