A new business segment at Fontaine Modification is being launched to serve the needs of auto transport haulers. Fontaine Auto Transport Modification Services, located in a new modification center in Gainesville, Ga., is scheduled to be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2012. The operation will convert tractors for use as auto haulers, including lowering cab heights, and offer APU installation, fleet service packages and other post-production services.
“Most auto transportation companies in North America today own vehicles that are 10 to 15 years old and reaching the end of their lifecycles,” said Will Trantham, president of Fontaine Modification. “We believe there will be a serious upturn in the market in the next three to five years, so dedicating a business segment to this growing market was a natural decision.”
Trantham also pointed out that emissions regulations have resulted in major changes to tractors used by auto haulers. Some models have been eliminated, he noted, while others have grown up to four inches taller. Since auto haulers mount vehicle-holding bodies on top of the cabs, any loss in the amount of space available can result in a significant decrease in carrying capacity. As a result, many auto transport companies have the cabs of new trucks modified.
Fontaine Auto Transport Modification Services was situated near Cottrell Inc., the manufacturer of auto transport trailers. More than 80% of the tractors Fontaine has modified for auto haulers over the last two years have been sent to Cottrell to be fully converted into auto transport carriers, according to the company.
Jeff Martin, vice president of sales for Cottrell, said having the Fontaine team providing cab modifications nearby its facility will improve the manufacturer’s production processes. “The large majority of day cab tractor conversions go through Fontaine before coming to us,” he related. “Having a dedicated Fontaine Modification Center within five miles of our facility will improve communication between all parties and result in shorter delivery times for our customers.”
The Fontaine Auto Transport Modification Services facility is the company’s seventh nationwide. Other modification centers are located in Denton, Garland and Laredo, Texas; Charlotte, N.C.; Dublin, Va., and Williamstown, W.V.
