How automated workflow impacts truck equipment operations
Say, “Automated,” and the thought of self-driving trucks immediately comes to mind in the trucking world. That may grab headlines, but the idea of automating fleet operations goes beyond the yet-to-be available self-driving technology. Taking an automated approach to your workflow–from managing trucks to communicating to drivers to directing dispatch and dealing with loads–means putting
OEM vs. third-party scan tools: What’s the right mix for your truck shop?
We’re taking it back to basics to talk about different scan tool options. The scan tools you have in your shop should allow you to work on all makes and models of commercial trucks and simultaneously diagnose all electronic components on a vehicle. Maintenance and repairs drive uptime, so it’s critical for technicians to be
How electric trucks will change your shop
You might be interested in electric trucks, but the trouble is, like many other exciting new technologies, your initial excitement often gives way to questions of practicality. “This would be so cool” morphs into “Wait, how would this work, exactly?” Click here to watch more of FE’s On the Road video series. Here is a
What’s supporting your truck equipment warranty?
Equipment warranties play a big role in your truck service operation’s profitability. No fleet is a stranger to the warranty claim process, and the headaches that come along with it. But, with all the service data streaming off of your trucks, you have a host of information to help push your claim through. The catch?
Visible value that parts inventory software can bring to truck shops
It’s probably not a surprise that parts costs can account for a substantial portion of a fleet’s maintenance and repair expenses. What’s not often as apparent, however, is the cost of managing parts, and the ways that activity can be streamlined to generate savings and improve a service operation’s productivity and efficiency. “Fleet operations often
Olympic Truck Service is Drive’s latest Shop Spotlight
Dan and Kris Bullinger, owners of Olympic Truck Service in Olympia, Wash., feel lucky to be able to attend their kids’ sports events and school functions without having to ask for time off. The shop is in the heart of the South Puget Sound region, and the area has a clean and outdoorsy vibe. Dan,
How electric trucks could change service shop operations
Electric trucks are coming and reduced maintenance is potentially coming along with them, but that doesn’t mean that truck service is going to change overnight. There will be differences, but electric trucks offer an opportunity, not a threat, to truck service operations. While there are plenty of conversations to be had about service needs and
Smart solutions for fleet service shops
During the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC)’s Fall Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, TMC and Decisiv Inc. released their most recent North American Service Event Benchmark Report, which showed an increase in parts and labor costs over the first six months of 2021. The reports, which cover power unit costs in nine top Vehicle Maintenance
The value of VMRS in your shop
It’s important to have everyone involved in the truck repair process speaking the same language. This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook how much time is saved when there is consistency across your fleet, your service providers and even the OEMs. It’s for this exact reason that the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC)
Mitchell 1 Truck Shop Management Program to increase fleet integration
Mitchell 1 announced that the latest release of its Manager SE Truck Edition truck shop management software includes new fleet management and communication features. Building on the recent addition of VMRS codes in its TruckSeries truck repair software, the latest upgrade to Manager SE Truck Edition increases a service provider’s capability to integrate and communicate
