Interview with Harry Muhlschlegel, Chairman and CEO of New Century Transportation, Inc.
01/15/2009
An interview with Harry Muhlschlegel, Chairman and CEO of New Century Transportation, Inc.
New Century Transportation was founded in July 2000 by Harry Muhlschlegel. Prior to forming New Century, Mr. Muhlschlegel founded and was Chairman and CEO of a publicly traded, award winning LTL and Truckload firm that served the logistics needs of many Fortune 500 companies. The formation and extraordinary growth of New Century is a testimony to Mr. Muhlschlegel’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Today, New Century is a leading provider of unique Load-to-Deliver (LTL) regional and national truckload services. The company optimizes service levels and provides flexibility thanks to an innovative network and business model, satellite communications system and highly specialized operations and customer service teams.
New Century Transportation, Inc. offers a full range of services through its affiliates New Century Transportation, NorthWind Logistics and
Q. Mr. Muhlschlegel, what stands out most from your recent visit to
A. As a customer of the heavy duty industry, what stands out the most was how much information I was able to get this far ahead and in a short amount of time. In the past, no one laid out the facts and we got the information we needed way too late. Thanks to visiting with Daimler customers (in
“Talking with European customers eased any fears about 2010 urea availability and infrastructure. How much is needed, how it will be handled and distributed is simply not an issue.”
A. I’m satisfied and confident and looking forward to the 2010 engines. The engines may cost more, but they will run better with SCR and urea (diesel exhaust fluid). SCR should be a good pre-investment to keeping the trucks longer. Customers in
“I’m satisfied, confident and looking forward to 2010 (
The engines might cost a bit more, but they run better with urea. Good fuel economy means you get more miles. That was proven by European customers who have been running with SCR for two years.”
A. No matter what engine you choose, when you buy a new truck and trailer, you also buy the service network. This service network is a key factor. With CAT (Caterpillar) going out, the service network is limited to few other players. Meanwhile, while the engines operate well and pollute less, their complexity is greater. Engines are being engineered away from the driver, which is not a bad thing because the electronics add greatly to the control of costs and fuel efficiency. But, the complexity does add to our need for a reliable service network. I’m pleased and confident that with 2,500 points of service, SCR technology won’t be a problem. Detroit Diesel really has it together.
“When you buy a truck and trailer, you buy the engine and service.
Q. Do you think it will be difficult for drivers to deal with SCR technology and diesel exhaust fluid refilling?
A. Today, nearly 40% of our fuel is refilled “in-house.” Considering that one tank (of diesel exhaust fluid) will cover several thousand miles and one gallon will last a few hundred miles, refilling (diesel exhaust fluid) will not be an issue. While it may take a while to fully integrate (diesel exhaust fluid) into the fuel lanes at every truck stop, it will happen over time. Meanwhile, it will be in bulk at some truck stops and at home depots. In addition, most trucks will carry an extra 2-2 1/2 gallon quantity on board that will get them several hundred miles. It won’t be a problem for the drivers we hire.
Technorati Tags: SCR Technology, 2010, New Century Transportation, emissions reduction