KIRKLAND, WASHINGTON -- Unlike his namesake, one Alabama trucking company owner frankly does "give a damn" when it comes to his customers and his drivers. With a firm philosophy of remaining at the leading edge of technology, Rhett Butler's Andalusa, Ala.-based Rhett Butler Trucking has steadily grown over the years to an all-Kenworth fleet of 122 trucks today.

Borrowing on the theme of the fictional character that shares his name, the latest indication of this philosophy is Butler's "Gone with the Wind" truck - a Kenworth T2000 designed to showcase the future of trucking - and road test the latest over-the-road technologies.

"It's really something to look at," said Butler, as he describes the sleek T2000 with the custom-painted trailer, depicting scenes from his favorite movie. "We didn't spare any expense putting this rig together. We wanted it to be as technologically advanced as it is beautiful. I believe we succeeded on both accounts."

Butler first came up with the concept when he toured Kenworth's High-Tech T2000 at the Mid-America Trucking Show two years ago. "I took a look at that truck, and it set a lot of ideas in motion," he explained. "We had already been developing the concept with about 20 vendors, but when I saw that truck, I knew we would have the perfect tractor to complete the package."

Butler is expected to show his own, new T2000 at this year's Mid-America Trucking Show and recently made a well-received appearance at an industry event in Dothan, Ala., in conjunction with Kenworth of Dothan.

According to Butler, the "Gone with the Wind" truck is first and foremost a way to recruit top drivers and promote his company. "We'll also participate in all the major truck shows, display it at schools for career days, park it at customer anniversary celebrations and even haul freight," he said, emphasizing that the truck was built to attract attention.

What may not be apparent from the outside is the technology built into the truck itself. "We wanted this truck to be a way to 'test drive' new technologies and determine their value for implementation on the rest of our fleet."

According to Ed Caudill, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president, pro-active companies like Rhett Butler Trucking are paving the way for greater use of advanced technologies. "We are eager to work with people like Rhett, because his experience provides us with tremendous feedback on new technologies, which then benefit all Kenworth customers," Caudill said. "As a result, everyone can share potentially significant safety and performance benefits."

While the "Gone with the Wind" truck will doubtlessly play center stage at truck shows and other high-profile events for months or years to come, Butler is not hesitant to put the T2000 to work. "We'll haul as much freight as possible with it, allowing select drivers to climb behind the wheel," he said. "This is a partnership with Kenworth, and we want to provide them as much real-world information as possible."

"Gone with the Wind" T2000 High-Tech Specs

Rhett Butler Trucking's "Gone with the Wind" truck, features the following commercially available and "test" systems:

• Alpine Navigation System
• Kenworth Side-Vision Camera System
• Bendix XVision Night Vision System
• Kenworth Complex Reflector Headlamps
• Kenworth Dinette
• Caterpillar C16 electronic engine (600 hp and 2050 lb.-ft. torque)
• Eaton 18-Speed AutoShift
• SafeTRAC Drowsy Driver Monitor
• PeopleNet InTouch G2X Data/Voice Messaging System
• Bendix Integrated Air Drier
• Proheat Thermal Technology ICE Auxiliary Power Unit
• ProSine 2.0 2000W/110V Power Inverter/Charger
• Panasonic Premium Sound and Video System
• Polekat Satellite TV Antenna System
• Merritt Rear Axle Fenders and Storage Box
• Fontaine Lightweight Air-Slide Fifth Wheel

To learn more about Rhett Butler Trucking, visit the company's website at www.rhettbutlertrucking.com.

Kenworth Truck Company, a division of PACCAR Inc, is a leading manufacturer of heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth's Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com.