Breckenridge Trucking, a family-owned logistics company, has raised the bar for transportation safety with its collaboration with Bendix, a leader in commercial vehicle safety technologies. The partnership is not only fulfilling the lifelong ambitions of Daniel Breckenridge, the company’s owner, but is also driving innovation in safe trucking operations.
A Legacy in Motion
“I played with trucks,” recalls Daniel Breckenridge, reflecting on his childhood fascination with the big rigs that pass by every day. That childhood passion grew into Breckenridge Trucking Inc., which Daniel now runs alongside his wife, Susan, and their daughter, Courtney.
Founded in 1973 by Daniel’s father, Donald, the Wenona, Illinois-based business has evolved into a specialized HAZMAT carrier. Today, the company operates a fleet of 100 Kenworth tractors and 130 tank trailers, transporting products such as alcohols, petroleum items, and food-grade liquids across the U.S. and Canada.
Safety is the Heart of the Business
Daniel measures success not just by miles traveled, but by the safety of every trip. “The business is a lifelong dream,” says Breckenridge. “We operate by family values. It has to come from the heart and soul—that’s what we do.”
With this in mind, Breckenridge Trucking has integrated Bendix technologies into its operations to protect its drivers and cargo. From advanced braking systems to cutting-edge stability controls, the focus on safety guides every decision.
Air Disc Brakes: A Step Ahead
Since 2010, Breckenridge Trucking has incorporated Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes across its fleet. For hazardous material transport, these brakes are a game-changer. “You don’t have the brake fade you get with drums,” Daniel notes. “You just get in and go, and you can expect the truck to stop.”
The switch to air disc brakes wasn’t without hurdles—early adoption came with resistance from dealers. “We were told disc brakes were too new and untested,” says Breckenridge. Yet, the company stocked parts and persisted, confident in their decision. Today, Bendix ADB22X brakes provide shorter stopping distances, enhanced stability, and reduced maintenance. These benefits become especially critical in mountain descents or heavy traffic, where traditional drum brakes can falter.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Breckenridge Trucking was equally forward-thinking about incorporating Bendix Fusion, an advanced ADAS system, in its fleet starting in 2016. Built upon the foundational Bendix ESP stability system, Fusion combines radar, video, and braking data to assist drivers in preventing crashes.
The system is designed to mitigate rear-end collisions, lane departures, rollovers, and loss-of-control incidents. Highly detailed sensor inputs enable advanced features like active cruise braking, following distance alerts, and stationary object detection.
Breckenridge Trucking complements these cutting-edge features with Bendix’s TABS-6 trailer roll stability system and the BlindSpotter side object detection system, which alerts drivers to nearby vehicles to help avoid sideswipes.
“You drive the equipment and see it perform,” says Daniel, referencing Bendix demos that reenact real-life situations from high-speed braking to stability tests. This hands-on evaluation helped inform his decision to adopt these safety technologies early.
A Safety-Centric Culture
The Breckenridge team shares one mission—consistent excellence in safety. “It starts with everyone, from office personnel to drivers,” Daniel explains. Every employee undergoes the same rigorous training in safe operations and HAZMAT handling, ensuring a shared understanding of protocols.
This focus on safety has garnered the company multiple accolades, including top marks in safety awards from Great West Casualty Company.
Bendix supports this initiative by conducting on-site sessions at the company’s headquarters, educating the team on how to maximize the capabilities of the systems in place. “It’s a group effort at Breckenridge Trucking,” says Al Rollison, interim senior director of fleet and aftermarket sales at Bendix. “They live their safety mission, and we’re honored to partner with them.”
Looking Ahead
For Breckenridge Trucking, choosing Bendix has paid dividends—not just in terms of performance, but in peace of mind. “Bendix is a leader in the industry and has served us well,” says Daniel. “We would like to thank Bendix for their continued partnership.”
Through relentless dedication to safety and technological innovation, Breckenridge Trucking demonstrates how the right partnerships can drive real progress in the transportation industry.
Source: The Trucker
