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October 30, 2000 8:45 AM, EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The urgency of the driver shortage has spawned a vigorous effort by fleets to acquire trucks that feature a wide range of amenities to attract and retain drivers.

Representatives of two manufacturers, two carriers and two equipment companies presented examples of “specing for driver retention” at the fall meeting of The Maintenance Council, held Oct. 16-19 at the Hyatt Regency here.

“By day, the driver sees his truck as the most powerful thing on the road,” said Freightliner Corp.’s Jim Marrs. “By night, it is his personal castle.”

“Fleets used to spec horsepower in the 315-to-360 range,” said Herman Miller of Shopko Stores. “Now, fleets have moved to the 400- to 475-horsepower range, with some ordering 500 or more.”

For the full story, see the Oct. 30 print edition of Transport Topics. .