Kolman’s Korner: Top heavy haul/severe duty truck chosen

The American Truck Dealers announces its 2015 ATD Commercial Truck of the Year.

I had the honor and privilege of once again being a judge for the annual American Truck Dealers (ATD) Commercial Truck of the Year competition.

This year, for the first time, the award recognized the top truck entered in the vocational and heavy haul/severe duty category. Previously, the award was for heavy and medium duty trucks.

The nominees were: the International WorkStar 7600, Kenworth T880 Vocational Truck and Peterbilt Model 567. 

While all three trucks, all of which were, coincidentally, blue, had their merits, chosen as the 2015 ATD Commercial Truck of the Year was the Kenworth T880.

No beauty contest

Unlike truck beauty contests, the ATD Commercial Truck of the Year competition, first held in 2009, is based on specific judging criteria. These include innovation, design, powertrain performance, braking, safety, driver ergonomics and comfort. 

As part of the judging process, judges do an extensive walkaround with a representative from each truck's OEM. Plus, judges drive each vehicle over a designated on-road course to see how well each performs. 

This is no easy process. Firstly, who isn't impressed with a brand new truck?

Secondly, I think it is safe to say that most of us have a favored vehicle model or manufacturer.

The challenge is to remain impartial.

What makes the evaluation of all the entries more "manageable" is that the judges get to drive each entry vehicle one after another. 

The winner was announced on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the 2015 ATD Convention & Expo in San Francisco.

More information on the award program and previous winners can be found at VehicleServicePros.com.