With the recent shortage of good, quality used trucks combined with the desire to operate like-new trucks at less cost, fleets of all sizes are generating a resurgence for glider kits. Many remember from yesteryear the brand-new cab with steer axle and frame rails, some outfitted with a new or reman engine, rear axle and transmission.

Charles Napier of Alliance Truck Parts, a brand of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), reports a significant increase in the sale of glider kits in 2011. One of Alliance’s large customers, Schneider National, a premier provider of truckload, logistics and intermodal services headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., has outfitted over 700 glider kits this year, with 100 more in the queue.

“Glider kits have proven the right decision for Schneider,” said Chris Brandt, fleet sales manager, Schneider. “It’s a true all-around savings for us, considering the lighter weight, pre-2010 emissions systems which save fuel and lower maintenance costs, and avoid federal excise tax (FET). Plus, our drivers love them and can’t tell the difference—the glider kit units are very attractive.”

Brandt strongly recommended that carriers pursuing glider kits, “Go to a vendor that’s built glider kits before.  There are lots of nuances, and everyone thinks they can do it themselves, but don’t fool yourself; it’s a real specialty.” For its kits assembly, Schneider relies on Clarke Power Services, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based Detroit Diesel distributor with 29 service facilities.

A glider cannot exceed 75% of the price of a similarly-equipped new truck or 12% FET is due. Some carriers are placing rebuilt truck drivetrains into glider kits to avert the purchase of new engine emission standards on new trucks.

One district manager for a drivetrain supplier reported several dealers ordering glider kits for customers; some are even ordering them with drive axles and remanufactured rear ends, and some with reman engines installed at the OEM level. Another sizable dealer in Florida is assembling glider kits in its own shop, turning to its experienced technician force for expertise and quality workmanship.

Another large supplier of glider kits, Fitzgerald Kit Tricks (FKT) in Pall Mall, Tenn., outfitted over 500 glider kits in 2011 from its two facilities. With about 15 kits produced weekly, “FKT has the production capability, buying power, refined process and proven track record to remain the leading glider kit supplier for over 20 years,” said Nick Bresaw, vice president, sales and operations, FKT.

“Our core customer is the owner-operator, in addition to several medium-sized fleets. Our new manufacturing plant (in Byrdstown, Tenn.) is designed to accommodate fleets of any size. Due to our large inventory, we sell to Freightliner dealers as part of a dealer program, which allows a dealer to complete a glider kit sale without the risk of maintaining a glider kit inventory,” said Bresaw.

So what drives the glider kit business? “The reduced complexity (additional emission components) and increased fuel economy. Plus these kits, with Detroit Diesel engine, can be maintained in a local shop,” Bresaw suggested.

The Fitzgerald kits offer a comprehensive warranty on cab and chassis components, with the reman Detroit Diesel engine (3 year/300,000 mi.), reman Eaton Fuller transmission (3 year/300,000 mi.), and rear axles (factory installed, 5 year/750,000 mi.).

Regarding past quality concerns, Bresaw said, “The misconception on glider kits was originally started by installing used components into a new cab and chassis. Our belief has always been to provide factory remanufactured components coupled with a brand new factory built cab and chassis. This gives the end-user a quality product, with high resale value using proven components assembled to maximize value through reduced purchase price, excellent fuel economy, reduced maintenance costs and ease of ownership.”