The T800s operate from the company's hub, delivering milk and cultured products to each of the company's eight satellite distribution centers, as well as major customers. A fleet of 32 46-foot and 48-foot multi-temp refrigerated trailers (a mix of Utility and Wabash) are kept in a load-deliver-and-reload cycle around the clock, seven days a week. At branch locations, the leased medium duty trucks-predominantly Kenworth T300s-are spec'd with Johnson cold plates and make daily deliveries to lower-volume customers, such as hospitals, nursing homes and convenience stores. PacLease maintains all power units on a strict preventive maintenance regimen, supported with emergency over-the-road service. Should a vehicle break down en route, a replacement vehicle is provided within a couple hours.

"PacLease provides us with tremendous assurance in meeting our delivery schedules," noted Mike Snow, Sinton's fleet manager. "When a unit requires service, replacement vehicles are provided without any hassle." In addition, the PacLease program calls for two MHC technicians to work full-time on-location at Sinton, maintaining the mix of Carrier and ThermoKing multi-temp units. They are supported by a 20-foot box truck that carries a parts inventory, compressor and welder. For many companies in the food processing business, transportation is a necessary evil, but according to Bruce Heidenreich, distribution mgr., if the product doesn't get to the customer, it doesn't get sold.

"Transportation isn't a dirty word here at Sinton," he said. "From the top to the bottom of our company, it's top of mind and dealt with respect. It's our business."