OLATHE, Kan. — A reefer carrier in the U.S. has placed an order with Kenworth to replace virtually its entire fleet with 2010 Paccar MX, SCR engines.

Refrigerated carrier TransAm Trucking has ordered 1,050 Kenworth T660 trucks with brand new MX 2010 engines rated at 485 horsepower and 1,650 pounds-feet of torque.

"We have studied Paccar’s global engine capabilities, their engine technology and validation processes," said Russ McElliott, TransAm Trucking’s president.

Some observers might raise an eyebrow to a reefer fleet — which can ill afford any unplanned breakdowns — replacing most of its fleet with an engine that was just introduced in North America this year.

Though, commenting on the agreement, the Gerson Lehrman Group says the big order makes sense for TransAm, which is a longtime Kenworth customer.

The financial business services group points out that delivery of the 1,050 trucks will be spread over multiple years, therefore "if major MX problems were to occur with the initial engines, the order could be modified to spec Cummins or even canceled."

As well, Gerson Lehrman reasons that TransAm is already pretty comfortable with the MX engine, as it’s based on the DAF engine, which has been using SCR in Europe for years.

Also, by signaling the intent to renew their fleet, TransAm may find it easier to attract quality drivers, says Gerson Lehrman.