At Epes Transport System, equipment programs are effectively enhancingsafety and efficiency, and meeting customer needs
The business strategy of Epes Transport System Inc. isequally simple and clear: “To form long-term partnerships with select customersand bring true customer-recognized value to the relationship by doing more thanproviding basic transportation.” Inherent in achieving that goal, says VicePresident of Maintenance, Paul Huffman, is to field a fleet that operates assafely and efficiently as possible.
The largest privately-held trucking company in NorthCarolina, Greensboro-based Epes Transport System is owned by A.M Bodford andheaded by President Britt Colley. The 48-state general commodities common andcontract truckload carrier operates primarily in the eastern half of the U.S.serving customers in the Southeast, Mid-South, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast andMidwest regions.
The Epes fleet consists of 717 tractors and 2,571 trailers.Power units are mainly sleeper-equipped Freightliners, including more than 520Columbia models and about 75 Cascadia models, along with a mix of InternationalProStar, Volvo VN and Kenworth T660 units as well as day-cab models used inlocal and some dedicated operations.
“For 2009,” Huffman relates, “we have 100 FreightlinerCascadias on order. Even though the economy is very tough, we are sticking toour trade plan, which calls for replacing tractors after four years/ 500,000miles of service and keeping trailers for ten years.”
Safety first
Huffman notes that several technologies aimed at improvingand ensuring safety are part of Epes Transport’s latest specifications. “We’vebeen spec’ing Meritor WABCO ABS and Roll Stability Control (RSC) systems on tractorsand ABS on trailers,” he says. “We’re also considering adding a roll stabilitycontrol system to trailers in the future.
“RSC is especially effective, because it helps maintainstability and reduce the potential for rollovers,” Huffman adds. “It automaticallyintervenes to reduce vehicle speed if a risk is detected, before the driver iseven aware of the need to slow down. In addition, anytime we have a near missor a hard braking event, RSC sends a message, including a Google Earth map ofthe location where it occurred, via the Qualcomm on-board system.”
Epes has been using Meritor products for more than 12 years.Current specs call for the manufacturer’s Sachs Twin XTend self-adjustingclutch, drivelines, steer and drive axles, Q Plus brakes and automatic slackadjusters, and a Meritor WABCO System Saver desiccant-type air dryer. Thelatest vehicles are also being equipped with the Meritor Tire Inflation Systemby P.S.I.
Perfect fit
“For safety and fuel savings,” Huffman states, “all of ourvehicles are electronically governed to 63 MPH. That includes the newFreightliners we’re buying this year, which will be equipped with DetroitDiesel DD15, 14.8-L, 6-cylinder engines. The DD15’s features are a perfect fitfor us.
“For example,” Huffman adds, “the DD15’s Amplified CommonRail System (ACRS), turbo compounding technology and electronic enginecontrols, along with an integrated Jacobs engine brake, offer the right mix ofsafety enhancement, fuel savings and performance for drivers. In addition, withthe use of Exxon Delvac Elite 15W40 semi-synthetic engine oil, we have beenable to extend drain intervals to 50,000 miles.
“All of our suppliers play a key role in helping us achieveour objectives,” Huffman continues. “They provide parts, service and warrantysupport, and make us aware of new product introductions. They also offertraining, including online learning. For example, we rely heavily onFreightliner, and on ArvinMeritor for foundation brake and ABS diagnosticstraining. We also use the Meritor OnTrac program for diagnostic and repairinformation.”
Important programs
Those programs are important to Epes, Huffman points out, inpart because the carrier operates four shops in three states. In addition tothe new 30,000-sq. ft. main facility built in Greensboro in 2007 to house astaff of 35 technicians, five technicians work in Chester, Va. and there aretwo technicians in Morristown, Tenn. and one in an Elm City, N.C. location.
In addition to its technicians, the Epes Transportmaintenance operation includes Mike Glynn, who serves as warranty administratorand uses the Meritor OnTrac program’s online warranty claim system. Glynn andAaron Beal, who manages the parts department, utilize a TMT Transmanmaintenance management system (now offered by TMW Asset Maintenance, part ofTMW Systems Inc.) to produce reports on costs, MPG, parts and other operatingmetrics.
Other members of the Epes maintenance team include TommyWilson, who manages the tractor department with the assistance of Sam Nifongand Tony Lackey, who is based in the Chester, Va. facility. Richard Hackettmanages trailer repairs and the fleet’s tire program. Over-the-road repairs arehandled by Josh English and Bill Davis, who use the services of FleetNetAmerica as needed.
Valuable background
Huffman’s own background complements the wide range ofexpertise on the Epes maintenance staff. His career began in 1977 at CarolinaFreight Carriers where the legendary Hugh Watts hired him to help develop atire maintenance and management program that would reduce failures on the road,improve fuel economy and enhance tire life.
Over the next 18 years, Huffman served Carolina Freight invarious roles, heading up tractor, trailer, body shop and inbound service laneoperations, filling the role of manager of technical training, and managing thecarrier’s in-house retreading plant. Before joining Epes Transport as vicepresident of maintenance in 2004, he also worked as the general service managerresponsible for operations at four truck engine service shops, as vicepresident of maintenance at Cardinal Freight Carriers, and as a regionalmaintenance director for JB Hunt Transport.
Along with enhancing safety, Huffman says, effectiveequipment and maintenance programs are especially important to Epes Transportfor its own success and to enable the carrier to meet customer needs.
“We serve a select core customer base with dedicatedoperations, much like a private fleet,” Huffman concludes. “At Epes, eachmember of the staff and all of our suppliers have very important roles to playin improving equipment up time and utilization. One of the lessons I’ve learnedover the years is that successful equipment and maintenance programs require ateam that consistently goes beyond the basics.”
Epes Transport Trailer Specifications
Model: Wabash National Duraplate
Length: 53 ft.
Landing Gear: Jost A401
Axles: Hendrickson HP
Suspension: Hendrickson HKANT 40
Oil Seals: National
Brakes: Meritor Q Plus
Brake Linings: Carlisle CF 2000
ABS: Meritor WABCO
Automatic Slack Adjusters:Meritor
Tires: Yokohama RY587
Wheels: Accuride, steel disc
Lighting & Electrical:Truck-Lite
Epes Transport Systems Tractor Specifications
Model: Freightliner Cascadia
Wheelbase: 232 in.
Engine: Detroit Diesel DD15, 455 HP
Clutch: Sachs Twin XTend (Meritor)
Transmission: Eaton Fuller FRO 15210 C
Driveshafts: Meritor
Front Axle: Meritor AF-12.0-3, 12,000-lb.
Front Suspension: Taperleaf
Power Steering: Sheppard HD 94
Rear Axle: Meritor RT-40-145, 40,000-lb.
Rear Suspension: Freightliner Airliner, 40,000-lb.
Wheel Seals: CR Scotseal Plus XL
Brakes: Meritor Q Plus
Brake Linings: Carlisle CF 2000
ABS: Meritor WABCO, with Roll Stability Control
Automatic Slack Adjusters: Meritor
Parking Brakes: Haldex Gold Seal, Long Stroke
Wheels: Aluminum
Tires: Goodyear
5th Wheel: Fontaine
No Slack II 6000
Air Compressor: Bendix, 15.9 CFM
Air Dryer: Bendix AD-IP
Fan Clutch: Horton Drivemaster
Batteries: (4) Alliance Absorbed Glass Mat 9A31
Starter: Delco 39 MT
Alternator: Delco 36 SI, 160 amp
Lighting: Truck-Lite LED
Seats: National
Cab Heater: AirTronic D-2
Fuel Tanks: (2) 120-gal. Aluminum
