Longer tire life thanks to smarter management
Understanding and choosing tires with outstanding technology and fitting them to the fleet’s needs won’t amount to much if the tires aren’t also properly maintained. Every fleet should have a formal tire maintenance program to assure its tires are cared for and managed smartly. This will provide the most service to the fleet and provide
Industry perspectives with Wabash National: Information is thin stuff unless mixed with experience
The customer-centric leader of Wabash National Dick Giromini subscribes to the sustaining value of a positive “Wabash experience” and that it will provide to the fleet customers a transportation solution for efficiency, profitability and long trailer life. “The product must stand out; our goal is they’ll say ours is the best dry van in the
Detecting engine problems the scientific way
Oil analysis is a scientific way to assess the condition of engine lubricant and detect conditions within the engine that could cause premature wear and/or downtime. Think of oil analysis as a cost-effective early warning system, Arcy suggests. Is there too much diesel fuel in the oil? Check your fuel system. What about traces of
Heart and soul service pays dividends
“We don’t just fix trucks. We make certain our customers can move their freight as they promised.” That’s the wisdom and leadership of Brett Graham, chief executive officer of Graham Center, an International Truck dealer with locations in Sherman and Paris, Texas, and a recent recipient of Baylor University’s 2013 Small Business of the Year.
Tire “remanufacturing” pays dividends
“We were ‘green’ before it was cool,” proclaimed Randy Hanson, technical training manager, training and development, Bridgestone Commercial Solutions at its training center located within Bridgestone Americas’ LaVergne, Tenn., manufacturing facility. A 13-year veteran with Bandag, Hanson served as a field service rep become assuming the important and influential training role. With the genuine passion
Downtime is the enemy
“Established maintenance processes consistently from location to location.” “No surprises – we help our customers make decisions in advance.” “Excessive downtime is not acceptable – time is our enemy in service.” These are all passionate, meaningful statements from a savvy industry veteran and President and Chief Executive Officer of WheelTime LLC, Mike Delaney. “Established maintenance
Two solutions make for more confident operations
Mike Colaccino of SAF-Holland offers two worthwhile operational solutions provided by good technology: “check fifth wheels properly and manage diminishing pay loads smartly.” The increased trailer skirt usage in truckload or long-haul fleets has given rise to the difficulty in ensuring fifth wheels are engaged before a trip’s start. SAF-Holland’s national service manager, Rob Nissen, points out the company’s fifth wheel model FW35 features a lock adjustment yoke shaft that sticks out the front of the fifth wheel casting. This yoke shaft also functions effectively as one of three visual verifications of a proper trailer coupling.
Happy customers, prosperous business
A loyal Volvo dealership and fan of the truck’s equipment technology, the Nextran Orlando facility is one of 14 Nextran Centers located along major truck routes in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. The Orlando shop employs 21 technicians occupying 16 service bays.
Parts at the heart of the operation
Parts and service, the heart of fleet maintenance operations and the lifeblood of the OE dealership, are what keeps trucks and trailers on the road generating revenue for both parties.
Technicians and their tools
More than 90% of technicians’ tool collections are not insured, even though many are valued at $50,000 or more.
Trailer service that keeps ‘em on the road
Consider mobile trailer service support to minimize downtime and road-side repair costs.
Alignment training hits home, improves up-time
More than 200 independent service professionals gathered earlier this year to learn more about commercial vehicle axle alignment.