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Spirit Truck Lines to Be the First Fleet Equipped with the New Utility Side Skirts

"We are extremely pleased with the level of quality and efficiency that Utility has demonstrated and as a result, we have equipped our fleet with 100% of their dry vans and reefers," said Raul Garza, President of Spirit Truck Lines. "Additionally, we are proud to be the first to equip our trailers with the new Utility side skirts."

Since 1990, the Garza Family has owned and operated Spirit Truck Lines in San Juan, Texas. For almost two decades, the Garza's have been purchasing dry vans and reefers from Utility's dealer in Southeast Texas. Spirit now has over 800 Utility trailers. "We value Spirit's loyalty to our products and we are honored that they are the first fleet to have the new Utility side skirts," said David Escobar, Sales Associate for Utility Trailer Sales Southeast Texas, Inc.

Spirit's continuing efforts to reduce emissions earned them the highest SmartWay score truck carriers can receive. "Besides using wide-base single tires and wide track suspension systems, we have added Utility's new side skirt to the already light weight 4000D-X Composite ," said Garza. "This will allow Spirit to improve the efficiency of our fleet as well as help the environment."

Spirit placed orders for the Utility Side Skirt 160 (USS-160) to be installed on 300 new 4000D-X Composite dry vans manufactured at the Paragould, Arkansas plant. The USS-160 is SmartWay verified to achieve greater than 5% fuel savings (actual fuel economy gains may vary) and can be used without any other aerodynamic device on dry vans. In addition to fuel efficiency gains, the new Utility side skirt is designed with a unique bracing system which allows it to flex both inward and outward providing optimal performance. "We were happy to hear that Utility has stepped up to design a side skirt that upholds the same quality, strength and durability that their trailers have for so many years," said Garza.

The USS-160 is available as a factory installed option for new Utility trailers. Retrofitting for existing trailers is available through Utility's Aftermarket Department. Visit the dealer directory online at: www.utilitytrailer.com/dealer_locator for the nearest location.

For information about Utility, visit www.utilitytrailer.com. For more information about Spirit Truck Lines, visit www.spirittrucklines.com. To learn more about U.S. EPA SmartWay, visit www.epa.gov/smartway/documents/420f07033.htm.

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Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company
Craig Bennett, (626) 854-7220
cbennett@utm.com