A Conquest Story from a 700 Truck fleet that was formally 100% International®
Featuring Russ Hull, Vice President of Maintenance
For more than three decades in the trucking industry, Russ Hull has seen just about everything when it comes to fleet performance, reliability, and maintenance challenges. As Vice President of Maintenance for Tankstar USA, a company with 700 tractors, 1,600 trailers, 30 terminals, and 27 shops across the country, he knows that keeping trucks on the road comes down to three key factors: safety, reliability, and fuel economy.
Recently, Tankstar added two International® trucks to their fleet—one day cab for regional hauls in the Midwest and one sleeper spec’d for long-haul routes nationwide. Both units feature the International® S13 Integrated Powertrain paired with the T14 transmission.
Reliability and Maintenance
Hull is quick to point out the trucks have exceeded expectations.
“We’ve really had no issues with these trucks. Outside of routine preventative maintenance, neither one has had a breakdown. They’ve been extraordinary trucks for us,” Hull said.
For a maintenance leader responsible for more than 100 technicians, uptime is everything.
“The biggest difference is I don’t get calls from drivers saying they’re broke down or the truck’s in the shop again. That gives me more time to focus on other priorities.”
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
If there’s one statistic that stands out most, it’s the fuel economy. Hull tracks performance closely and was surprised by the consistency.
Day Cab: Lifetime average of 8.40 MPG
Sleeper: Lifetime average of 9.24 MPG
“These numbers are incredible—especially when pulling dry bulk and liquid tankers without full aero packages. What impresses me is that the fuel economy started strong right out of the box and hasn’t dropped off. That’s just unheard of in my 30+ years in this industry. I still can’t believe what we are getting.”
Even in economy mode, the S13 powertrain has impressed drivers with its pulling power, handling 80,000 lbs. loads daily without complaint.
Rebuilding Trust with International®
Tankstar once operated an all-International® fleet before stepping away during the MaxxForce® era. Returning to the brand was not a decision taken lightly. Our last International® was a ProStar.
“We were skeptical, but International® brought us in, showed us how the engine was developed, and gave us confidence in the technology. With backing from Volkswagen and TRATON, there’s proven success around the world. From what we’ve seen, this product is something special.”
“It is my hope we can continue to add more International® to our fleet based on this performance.”
“I’ve been putting trucks into service for decades, and typically one of two things happens: either the truck starts with good fuel economy but drops off, or it starts out low and the economy gradually improves. With our two new International® trucks, they came out strong right from the start—and they’re still delivering excellent fuel economy. One of them has been running for over a year and a half now, and the performance has held steady. It’s a new breed. Not something we have ever seen”
The Bottom Line
For Tankstar, the decision ultimately comes down to costs and uptime.
“In today’s market, freight rates are down. To survive, companies have to save money, and that comes from fuel economy, uptime, and lower repair costs. So far, these trucks have fit that bill.”
Asked if he would recommend the S13 powertrain, Hull didn’t hesitate: “Absolutely. We all talk. I know other drivers of these trucks are just as happy as we are. International has something special with this truck.”