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Smith Trucking driver Larry Proehl uses the Kenworth GPS navigation system in his Kenworth T660 to find his next stop.

The Smith Trucking driver already knows where he’s going, thanks to the Kenworth GPS navigation system in his Kenworth T660. Proehl simply touches the screen on his Kenworth system to call up his next destination, and then listens to the system’s turn-by-turn directions through his truck’s sound system.

“I usually have to drive at night to meet specific delivery schedules set up by customers,” Proehl said. “When it’s dark, it can be tough to see street signs, particularly at intersections. A lot of times I may not see the sign until I’m practically halfway through an intersection, and then it can be difficult to turn around and double back.”

By using the Kenworth GPS navigation system, which is standard on Kenworth Class 8 models with the Diamond cab interior, Proehl avoids driving out-of-route miles to make deliveries. The Kenworth system easily locates delivery addresses, multiple drop routes, Kenworth dealer locations, truck stops and other points of interest. Functions include routing, multiple route and waypoint selection and turn-by-turn voice commands.

Mike Smith, general manager for Smith Trucking, stands by one of the fleet's Kenworth T660s equipped with the Kenworth GPS navigation system.

Proehl can also use the Kenworth Driver Information Center, which comes standard with Kenworth Class 8 models, to monitor his truck’s engine speed and fuel mileage. The Center provides drivers instant access to current trip data, including miles per gallon, engine and idle hours, idle percentage and optimum rpm range for the engine.

“Both systems help our drivers be better and more efficient at what they do,” said Mike Smith, general manager for Smith Trucking, which operates an all-Kenworth fleet of about 100 trucks, including 45 aerodynamic Kenworth T660s, and is based in Worthington, Minn.

Smith Trucking, which was started by Mike Smith’s grandfather, Joe Smith, in 1946, offers temperature-controlled services to more than 250 customers throughout the 48 continental states. The fleet hauls fresh pork and other meats from Swift & Co. and John Morrell packing plants in Worthington, Minn., and Sioux Falls, S.D., and candy for the Farley’s and Sathers Candy Company from its manufacturing facilities in Minnesota and Iowa. The company’s drivers then back haul various other temperature-sensitive products, such as produce and animal vaccines.

The fleet’s Kenworth trucks all have the GPS system, since the company specifies the Kenworth Diamond cab interior to provide drivers with a more comfortable work environment. The GPS units provide the company’s customers with the assurance that drivers know exactly where they are at all times. This allows drivers to give customers more accurate arrival time estimates and inform them of any potential delays, Smith said.

The Kenworth GPS navigation system also makes it much less likely that drivers will get lost when they have to alter their routes due to traffic conditions or road closures, or when they drive different routes covering for sick or vacationing drivers, he added. That’s particularly important when they haul high-value loads. It also helps make the company’s trucks a much less stressful work environment for drivers, Smith said.

Proehl agreed, saying the Kenworth GPS reduced his anxiety level on several occasions because of its advanced navigation features. One good example of that came when he used the system’s “city option” to locate a delivery stop in the Oakland, Calif., area. Without that function, Proehl said he is convinced he would have spent at least another half hour, probably longer, looking for the right location in San Francisco Bay Area traffic.

“I’m relatively new to the trucking business, and the Kenworth GPS unit has been a fantastic tool to find the various pick-up and drop points,” Proehl said. “I’m thankful Smith Trucking ordered its Kenworth tractors with the GPS units.”