Tire management, service options: What you need to know
There are many tire management and service options available to fleets; we will go through just a few of these options with the advice of the major tire makers. Some of the most beneficial service options available to fleets come from tire dealers and their trained technicians, notes Bridgestone. The dealers use the right equipment
Send it out to the ‘Experts’
I want to relate an experience I had to demonstrate the importance of training technicians for quality. There was an emissions problem with a vehicle under warranty, which seemed to be electrical; with the fleet’s mechanics not specializing in electrical issues, they decided to send it to the experts at the dealership for repair. So
Kenworth dealers expand customer support through new facilities, extended hours
Kenworth dealers have invested nearly $500 million in new and relocated facilities in the past five years, according to Jason Skoog, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing, “And that is reflected in a 20 percent growth rate for dealership locations,” he said. “We now offer over 360 locations in the United States and
Eaton increases availability of ServiceRanger 4
Power management company Eaton has extended the reach of its ServiceRanger 4 diagnostics and service tool, and is now offering new package options to independent aftermarket truck repair facilities throughout North America. Advanced versions of the tool were previously only offered to OEM dealerships and fleets. Updated in November 2013 with added functionality and an
Kenworth launches PremierCare Gold Certified support program
To increase its level of customer support, Kenworth Truck Co. has launched the new Kenworth PremierCare Gold Certified program. According to Jason Skoog, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing, trucks are not just bought through a single up-front acquisition transaction. “For our customers, a truck is a business solution. The ongoing service support that
Mitchell 1 updates web-based truck repair information software
Mitchell 1 has completed model year 2015 updates to its TruckSeries software suite, covering repair information, labor estimating and diagnostic trouble code procedures for all makes of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The software is available for Classes 4-8. Mitchell 1 keeps its software current throughout the year with running changes and adds data for the
Cooper Tire announces Roadmaster Fleet Service Network
Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. has announced its new Roadmaster Fleet Service Network, offering 24/7 emergency roadside tire replacement and repair for eligible commercial trucking fleets that are part of the Roadmaster national account program. The Roadmaster Fleet Service Network applies consistent pricing for tire and services across the country regardless of location and provides the ease of
Top 10 fleet maintenance management tips
1. Have a sound-documented preventative maintenance (PM) program combining annual inspections with schedule “B” PM intervals. A. Check batteries, load test and clean each time. B. Pressurize radiators to 18 lbs. C. Properly grease the truck or trailer. D. Maximize oil drains. E. Check alignment of front and rear axles. F. Air pressure, air pressure,
During transition: Hide the big stick, try evolution
Most often in fleet management, we have to be the agent of change. It is important to motivate people in maintenance and to coach them into change, not from the basis of fear or intimidation. As I advise current clients, their employees and maintenance personnel, I am not here to take your job. I am
Volvo Trucks North America expands its partnered uptime services
Volvo Trucks North America has expanded its partnered services to maximize uptime by providing more detailed diagnostics on truck components, allowing customers to make more rapid repair decisions. Volvo’s ASIST, a web-based service communication platform developed by Decisiv, now integrates with Truck Diagnostics System (TDS), a JPRO-based diagnostics software solution provided by Volvo partner Noregon
Love’s Travel Stops completes nationwide rollout of TirePass
The rollout of TirePass, Love’s Travel Stops’ full-service tire inflation system, is complete, and the system is now available at more than 200 locations. The technology in TirePass is built to detect potential tire- and wheel- related problems before they occur. “TirePass is a solution Love’s provides to save our customers on their cost per mile,” said Dan
Watch: Western Star 5700XE ride along, Daimler SVP talks dealer support
How do you craft a profitable fleet? Start with efficiency-grown original equipment, toss in productivity-boosting components and then blend in an experienced maintenance approach. But there’s one missing ingredient: The service support network that helps keep your trucks on the road. How important is that relationship and how does it impact your equipment’s uptime? Fleet
