LANCASTER, N.Y., April 28, 2010 – You won’t find many beer distributors older than Lancaster, N.Y.-based Try-It Distributing. Launched in 1928 by Stephen L. Vukelic, the company originally bottled soft drinks for thirsty customers throughout western New York. When prohibition ended in 1933, the company quickly turned to beer distribution. It became a Budweiser and Michelob distributor in 1946.
Today, still family-owned, the company distributes over 7 million cases a year with a fleet of Kenworth medium duty trucks, featuring the Kenworth T370. Growth has been steady, with the company always having an eye out for possible acquisitions. “We’ve broadened out over time and acquired several beverage companies, but our core beer distribution is run through Try-It Distributing,” said Ken Aiken, director of operations for the beverage distributor.
The company decided to revamp its truck fleet several years ago, originally purchasing some Kenworth T300s, before quickly moving to the new Kenworth T370. The T370s are spec’d with PACCAR PX-6 engines rated at 300 hp, driven through Allison automatics. “It’s been a great decision from many standpoints,” said Aiken. “We’ve always viewed Kenworth as a higher grade vehicle than others on the road, so we were elated when we decided on Kenworths – we’ve been getting a great quality vehicle that pays dividends in productivity, image, and driver acceptance.”
With 45 of the fleet’s 55 trucks converted to Kenworth, Aiken said the trucks are spec’d as single and tandem-axle straight trucks with up to 18-bay boxes, as well as single-axle tractors that haul 40-foot side-loading trailers. “This gives us the versatility we need in making the 14 to 15 stops each vehicle makes per day,” said Aiken. “We have a 60-mile beer delivery radius throughout Erie and Niagara counties, with soft drinks in several more counties. On some routes we haul kegs and cases of beer, so we need the weight hauling capacity of the tandem-axle Kenworth T370s.”
According to Aiken, the Kenworth T370s sharp turning radius especially lends itself to narrow streets. “It’s a pronounced difference in how well the Kenworths maneuver as compared to our previous trucks,” he said. “This lets us get in and out of tight areas quicker with less stress on drivers.
“Overall, drivers couldn’t be more pleased with the decision to standardize with Kenworth,” Aiken said. “We see them carrying their heads a little higher and you can see the pride in the workforce. Our trucks are washed every day and the vehicles promote our company and our products – we’re proud to see these Kenworth trucks on the road and so are customers.”
Since the trucks are in service for the long haul, Aiken said the corrosion resistance of the Kenworths – thanks to its aluminum cab – is a welcome feature. “And the doors close as tight today as the day we bought them. That’s saying something,” he said.
While Kenworth quality is evident to Aiken, it also is mirrored in dealer support through Kenworth of Buffalo. “Our decision to move to Kenworth was not only based on vehicle quality, but dealership quality,” said Aiken. “We rely on the dealership to service and maintain our trucks since we no longer operate our own maintenance facility. Kenworth of Buffalo support has been tremendous – they’re an important business partner. Combined, the great trucks and service we receive from Kenworth has given us an advantage in the marketplace. We couldn’t be happier.”
Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best(R) heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is an industry leader in providing fuel-saving technology solutions that help increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The company’s dedication to the green fleet includes aerodynamic trucks, compressed and liquefied natural gas trucks, and medium duty diesel-electric hybrids. In 2009, Kenworth became the first truck manufacturer to receive the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Excellence award in recognition of its environmentally friendly products. In addition, Kenworth is the recipient of the 2009 J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for both Over the Road Segment and Pickup and Delivery Segment Class 8 Trucks. Kenworth’s Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. A PACCAR Company.
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