Athens Paper: Leased Trucks from PacLease Proving to be a Difference Maker
December 6, 2024
Paper products encompass a wide range, including envelopes, newsprint, and wall signage. With 10,000-plus products available, Athens Paper stands out as a leading distributor in the Southeast. Based in Nashville, the company began operation in 1959 and now operates across 16 states with 10 core distribution centers. All told, the company pulls 3 million miles per year distributing its paper products.
Utilizing a fleet of 70 medium and heavy-duty trucks, nearly all Kenworths through PacLease, Athens Paper runs a seamless transportation operation to ensure deliveries can be made to its more than 3,000 plus customers.
The efficiency and productivity of the Kenworth equipment came about several years ago, and it all started with a knock on the door and a sales call.
“I remember it well,” said Scott Loomis, Athens Paper’s corporate operations manager. “We weren’t looking to switch to a new leasing provider. But when I accepted the sales call, PacLease surprised me. The first words out of their mouths were, ‘We want to know your business. We’re not here to lease you trucks, we want to understand your operation, then we can talk about trucks.’ I thought that was a unique and interesting approach; and one at that time that was in line with our changing business and product mix. I had no problem setting things up so they could make their visit and assessments.”
With that, PacLease surveyed transportation operations at some of Athens larger distribution centers. They assessed the routes, the product mix, and the variety of trucks in use, plus how the trucks were spec’d.
“PacLease came back with some recommendations, and it was all about optimizing our fleet mix and leasing trucks that fit our profile,” said Loomis. “They did their due diligence and showed us new products and new specs. That was a departure from the mindset we were used to dealing with our other lessor. So, we were open to discussing lease options, and PacLease put together a package that lowered our costs while getting us behind the wheel of Kenworth trucks.”
PacLease first began working with Athens Paper in seven locations, leasing the company 31 medium and heavy-duty trucks. As lease contracts expired with other lessors in other locations, PacLease provided lease packages and won the business. “Each of our locations worked with PacLease to develop a program that would work best in their area,” said Loomis. “Initially, they didn’t want change…change is always hard. But once the trucks came in, they said, ‘Wow, these are really nice, and the specs are great!’ They got the same reaction from their drivers.
According to Loomis, the latest Kenworth T680s, which represent 20% of the fleet, are spec’d with the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated 455 hp and driven through the PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission. The medium duty Kenworths have the PACCAR PX-9 engine rated at 330 hp and feature a PX-8 automatic transmission.
Each day, seven Kenworth T680s travel into Nashville with 53’ trailers and resupply the nine other core Athens Paper locations. From there, it’s a hub-and-spoke operation with Kenworth T380 and T480s with 26’ boxes delivering to customers in a 150-mile radius. Combined, 800- to 900 deliveries take place each day. Larger customers might receive two shipments per day, while others might receive paper products once a week.
While an optimized fleet (the right mix of Class 8 and Class 6/7 single and tandem axle) help make the Athens Paper fleet more productive, fuel economy – especially with the Kenworth T680s – are cutting operational costs. “We’re getting anywhere from 1 to 1.5 mpg better in fuel economy compared to the brand we were running,” said Loomis. “When you consider the miles we run, that’s huge.”
Loomis also pointed out that PacLease helped with the specs on the cargo components on the box trucks as well. “They looked at our box trucks and had their preferred partner come talk with us,” he said. “They offered up some ideas that we put into motion – most notably, we went with a cargo box that was four inches wider, along with a taller door opening that didn’t impact overall height. Both of those changes have made our straight trucks more productive.”
While Loomis handles the “macro” – overseeing all the locations -- each logistics manager works closely with their local PacLease franchise to ensure trucks come in for scheduled maintenance. “That’s critical to us since we can’t afford downtime,” said Loomis. “It’s a just-in-time world and we’re a part of that with our customers. We can’t be late with a delivery, and our customers know that we can handle turnaround on orders very quickly – sometimes within two hours of receiving a call. We couldn’t do that if we didn’t trust our trucks and a proactive PM program is part of that.”
All told, Loomis said the relationship with PacLease has become a great partnership. “I’m glad I got that sales call seven years ago,” he said. “They’ve helped turn around our transportation program, and we couldn’t be more pleased.”