Bridgestone Commercial Truck Tires

What made you decide to participate in 18 Wheels of Justice?
Ed Caudill, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president: “One
important thing we hope to accomplish is to enhance the image of truckers
and the trucking industry.
“We want the world to know that trucking is an attractive profession
that employs good people, and makes a valuable contribution to the American way of life.
“We believe the character of Chance Bowman, an FBI agent hiding from an evil crime lord by working as a trucker, shows truckers in the positive light they deserve.“
And it’s in keeping with our support for the ATA’s ‘America’s Road Team’ program, which presents a positive image of our industry.”

town to town, helping others, doing good wherever he went, but keeping his identity forever a secret. Today, the lawman is Chance Bowman, played by Lucky Vanous in The Nashville Network’s hit series 18 Wheels of Justice. And he actually has several hundred fiery horses, under the hood of a sleek, high-tech T2000 tractor, created by Kenworth.

Ed Caudill, Kenworth’s general manager and PACCAR vice president, tells us what TNN’s top-rated show means to Kenworth – and to the trucking industry.

What does the program do for Kenworth?
“First, it allows us to show off our latest, top-of-the-line
truck, the T2000, along with a host of high-tech features
that improve safety, comfort and productivity of drivers.
“And, it allows our suppliers, like Caterpillar, Eaton – and Bridgestone of course – to show off their latest products as well.
“18 Wheels of Justice is an opportunity for all of us to demonstrate our leadership in trucking technology. “
It’s TNN’s most popular program, reaching over 3.5 million viewers, most of them
men and women who are prime candidates to become truck drivers – and potential buyers of our trucks.”

“Of course, the T2000 has state-of-the-art aero- dynamics, plus some pretty incredible on-board computer

equipment, lots of creature comforts, and

enhanced safety features.

“For example, the T2000 used in the show

has full cellular phone service and full

Internet access. The navigation system

uses GPS data to provide not only the

truck’s location, but directions to wherever it

needs to go.”

How are those directions given?
“Right now, there are flat-screen displays that show maps and other data, and the navigation system also provides verbal directions to the driver, so it’s not necessary to take your eyes off the road.
“As you get closer to your destination, the
system tells you which way to turn at each corner
– and how to get back on course if you take a
wrong turn.
“The displays are positioned in the
driver’s normal line of scanning vision,
so they’re easy to use. And eventually,
we’ll combine all the displays on a single
monitor.”

What kinds of safety features have
you included?
“We have TV cameras in each of the mirrors which provide a wide-angle view down each side of the
truck. There’s even a ‘curb-vision’ camera, on the sleeper’s upper right side, to eliminate additional
blind spots.
“We’re also working on a new, infra-red night vision camera that will extend the driver’s forward view.
“At night, regular headlights let you see about 300-
400 feet ahead of the vehicle. With night vision, you’ll
be able to spot potential hazards up to 1,500 feet in
front of the truck.”

And driver amenities?
“The Kenworth Technology Truck featured on 18 Wheels
of Justice has a 42-inch flat-screen TV, viewable from the
bunk, VCR, DVD and satellite TV capability, plus an
incredible sound system.
And with our QuietCab® noise suppression
system, you can really enjoy the sound too.
“We even added electric cup holders that keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Not to mention a redesigned sleeper with 42-inch wide bunk and nearly twice the storage of comparable trucks.”

How much of this is available to Kenworth buyers today?
“Much of it. Even the navigation and sound systems are available today, and we expect to offer many of the other features over the next several months.”

Is 18 Wheels of Justice meeting your objectives?
“Absolutely. Not only do the ratings indicate it’s really being watched by the public, but our Kenworth Drivers’ Board, a group of professional drivers who act as advisors to us, report that they either watch the program every week, or record it on their VCRs.
“We’ve received an incredible number of phone calls, plus e-mails through the 18 Wheels of Justice website, telling us how much truckers appreciate the fact that ‘there’s finally a program for us’ on television.
“They’re also peppering us with questions about the truck, its specs and its high-tech features – even wanting to know its exact paint color.”

Where will 18 Wheels of Justice go from here?
“The program has been renewed for next year, and we’re already putting together new trucks for next season. In the television business, you need stand-ins for the trucks, just as you do for the actors. We’ll have two trucks for studio and location work, and one for stunts.

What’s going to happen to the current “star”?
“Some lucky trucker is going to win the T2000 in the Kenworth 18 Wheels of Justice sweepstakes. Look for information in trucking magazines, at truckstops, or visit the 18 Wheels of Justice website, www.18woj.com.”