Truck Parts & Service 0115

Mascot Truck Parts debuts strategic plan | Optronics expanding Indiana facility

Young Guns TOO MANY COLLEGE GRADUATES NEVER CONSIDER A CAREER IN TRUCKING. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO CHANGE THAT.

Striving for perfection in order fulfillment JANUARY 2015 |

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RELIABILITY IS EVERYTHING.

You need a reliable partner you can count on to help keep your business running.

Fortunately, for 75 years, Euclid® has provided truck parts you can trust. And we’ll be right here with you for the next 75 years, too.

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Volume 51 | Number 1 | January 2015

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Cover Story

@TPSMagazine /truckpartsandservice Truck Parts & Service

Editorial

Editor: Lucas Deal Online Editor: Jason Cannon Equipment Editor: Jack Roberts Contributing Editor: John G. Smith editorial@truckpartsandservice.com

Design & Production

Art Director: Richard Street Advertising Production Manager: Anne Marie Horton

Searching for professional talent

production@truckpartsandservice.com

Trucking Media

Vice President of Sales, Trucking Media: Brad Holthaus sales@truckingmedia.com

Corporate

Chairman/CEO: Mike Reilly President: Brent Reilly Chief Process Officer: Shane Elmore Chief Administration Officer: David Wright Senior Vice President, Sales: Scott Miller Senior Vice President, Editorial and Research: Linda Longton Vice President of Events: Stacy McCants Vice President, Audience Development: Prescott Shibles Vice President, Digital Services: Nick Reid Director of Marketing: Julie Arsenault

3200 Rice Mine Rd NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 800-633-5953 randallreilly.com All advertisers for Truck Parts & Service are accepted and published by Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC. on the representation that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC. harmless from and against any loss, expenses or any other liability resulting from any claims or suits for libel violations of right of privacy or publicity, plagiarisms, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or suits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC. neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee regarding the quality of goods and services advertised herein.

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Features 16 Tips for recruiting veterans 21 Striving for perfection in order fulfillment

Departments 1 2 6 12

Editorial Staff Editorials Industry Focus Tech Updates

26 31 32 32

Marketplace Classified Ads Product Spotlight Advertisers’ Index

ONLINE RESOURCES Visit us online to browse the latest industry news and products, the Buyers’ Guide and industry white papers and technical data at

WWW.TRUCKPARTSANDSERVICE.COM Truck Parts & Service (ISSN 0895-3856) is published monthly by Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC, 3200 Rice Mine Road N.E., Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. Periodicals postage paid at Tuscaloosa, AL and additional offices. Subscriptions: $50 for one year, outside USA add $10. For change of address and other subscription inquiries, please contact: truckparts&service@halldata.com.

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J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

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Editorial | Lucas Deal

Game planning for HDAW

By Lucas Deal, Editor lucasdeal@randallreilly.com

I

t’s crazy to think we’re already in 2015. It seems like only yesterday we were all chatting during the opening reception at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) in Las Vegas, and now we’re only weeks from doing that again.

If you’re like me, you probably have a hundred tasks on your calendar between now and your flight to the desert. I love attending HDAW, but it’s never not a busy trip.

For those of you who are preparing for your first HDAW, or are heading back after years away, I’d like to offer a bit of advice.

This year’s event is a milestone. It’s the tenth in our industry’s history.

Each year it has grown, and from the conversations I’ve had in the past few months with event organizers, this month’s event is expected to be gigantic.

If you want to make the most of it, I’d advise you to sit down right now and come up with a plan.

You are seriously at risk of missing something if you think otherwise.

Just take a look at the schedule. There are two great events — Service Opportunities Learning Days (SOLD) and Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue — taking place before HDAW even formally begins.

Now in its third year, SOLD has grown from a morning seminar to a twoday event with four great educational sessions geared directly at independent heavy-duty service providers.

This year’s event kicks off Sunday, Jan. 25 at noon with a business management

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workshop by consultant Bob Greenwood.

After an afternoon with the service expert, the event continues the next day with presentations on natural gas vehicle maintenance, an OEM vs. Aftermarket panel discussion and a detailed look at some of the industry’s most popular and sought after new tools.

Don’t miss out on opportunity to better your business.

Meanwhile, just a few doors down, the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) and MacKay & Company will be tackling every financial and business aspect of the aftermarket imaginable at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue.

And the slate there is equally impressive — with representatives from OEM, supplier, fleet, aftermarket and economic sectors all scheduled to present.

Two can’t miss events happening in the same building on the same day?

Unbelievable.

I’ll be racing through the halls that day trying to catch as much as possible from both events.

If you’re going alone, check out the agenda from each now. If you’re going with a team, delegate each member a session. But don’t miss out on the wonderful educational opportunities each event

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will provide by not being prepared.

That goes double for all official HDAW events.

“Each element of HDAW is designed to broaden your business partner relationship, resources and tools, preparing you and your business for a successful future,” organizers say.

That’s not empty rhetoric. I’ve sat in on HDAW planning meetings where they select these topics. Event organizers write that because they mean it.

This year’s anniversary event is themed “Elevate Your Business.” The three educational programs on tap this year have been built specifically for you.

For improving your bottom line.

Don’t miss out on opportunity to better your business.

I’d also recommend reaching out now to any customers, contemporaries or suppliers you’d like to see during your time at HDAW. Calendars fill up fast at these shows.

There are more than 1,800 distributorsupplier one-on-one meetings already scheduled. Some people are booked solid before they even walk into the casino.

Don’t miss your one chance a year for a face-to-face meeting because you forgot to send an email.

And yes, you probably should prepare now for a 12-hour day. Or two. That’s not out of the realm of possibility.

But know that with careful planning and preparation you can get a spectacular amount of information out of those long days.

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FAN FRIDAY RULES Every Friday from November 21, 2014, to February 20, 2015 Purchase at least $150 (pre-tax) worth of Alliance Truck Parts-branded parts and get $25 off Participating Freightliner, Western Star or Thomas Built Buses locations in the U.S. and Canada. Find your nearest location at alliancetruckparts.com One discount per customer, per Friday

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DTNA/PSM-A-934 Specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright Š Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All rights reserved. Alliance Truck Parts is a brand of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company. Daimler Trucks North America LLC reserves the right to end this promotion at any time. Discount is only good toward the purchase of at least $150 (pre-tax) of Alliance Truck Parts-branded parts and may not be used for any other products or services. Discount can be combined with Alliance Truck Parts gift cards only; it cannot be combined with any other Daimler Trucks North America offers. One discount per customer, per Friday. Used under license from Penske Racing South, Inc. and MillerCoors, LLC. Intended for adults of legal drinking age.

Editorial | Jason Cannon

The problem with selling solutions

By Jason Cannon, Online Editor jasoncannon@randallreilly.com

H

ow’s that old adage go?

“People do business with people they like.” Yeah, that’s the one.

Plenty of wisdom there, right?

Funny thing about old adages; they’re old.

Of course people do business with people they like. But they leave the people they like in the wake of doing business with people who bring them value.

They like people who tell funny jokes.

They love people who help them make money.

Rick Farrell is president of Tangent Knowledge Systems. He’s not a revolutionary but his ideas about how customers and suppliers interact with one another — specifically how they should interact with one another — may be.

Every sales-driven organization wants to have a rich and meaningful relationship with their customers. It’s a key part of selling, right?

Farrell says it’s part of selling, just not an incredibly important part. Not in 2014.

The old ways of selling, where sales people relied heavily on relationships and sold like they are the primary source for information, are long gone.

Good and free information about all of your products is readily available on the Internet, but sales people are preconditioned that their job is to give out information.

“When customers have unlimited free access to information, the value of the information you bring has been minimized,”

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Farrell says. “This makes it hard for sales people to stay relevant. They had a monopoly on information. Today, in many cases, customers don’t tolerate sales calls.”

One of the more popular sales tactics is to identify your products as solutions.

But if sales personnel haven’t spent any meaningful time wading though the customer’s problem, they can’t possibly understand how to solve it.

Every sales-driven organization wants to have a rich and meaningful relationship with their customers.

It’s at this point your salesperson becomes a commodity. If all you bring to the table is information, you’re expendable.

“Customers rely on you for your context, not your content,” Farrell says.

If your sales people are only prepared to sell on the basis of “Here’s what I have.

Here’s what it does, and here’s the list of problems it solves,” welcome to Commodity Town. Population: You. “If you’ve become a commodity, all you have left is price,” Farrell says. “In a pure commodity business, it does not make sense to have sales people add to the cost.”

What customers really want, if they value you and if they trust you, is they

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want your context. Farrell says customers want sales representatives to “ask them questions and give them perspective and make them look at things of which they haven’t thought of. Not necessarily to be influenced, but to be better informed.”

In a modern sales environment, the number one goal is to get your customers to share information with you, Farrell says.

“The most important information is the information (the customers) have about their problems,” Farrell says. “You can’t sell someone a solution without understanding the breadth and depth of their problem.”

A customer with no problems likely doesn’t trust you enough to share them with you. In other words, they don’t value your relationship or what you’re bringing to their business.

If you’re lucky enough to have a customer share their business problems with you, dig as deep as they’ll let you go.

“Help me understand how this problem impacts your business.”

“How long have you had this problem?”

“How have to tried to solve this problem in the past?”

“Tell me why you think that didn’t work.”

Once you’re in the business of identifying problems, you’ve become a valuable tool in the process of finding, and selling, solutions.

And you can bet your customers will like doing business with you, too.

“ELITE SUPPORT KNOWS THE INS & OUTS OF

MY TRUCK. SO MY TRUCK IS

IN & OUT FAST.” ANDY ROTH,

CO-OWNER, DEDICATED DELIVERY PROFESSIONALS, INC.

WHO DO YOU TRUST WITH YOUR TRUCK? For maximum uptime, look for Elite SupportSM Certified Freightliner and Western Star dealers. This distinction requires a commitment to exceptional levels of customer service and performance. With continuous improvement efforts and technicians trained by the manufacturers, we streamline your return to the road. It’s all a part of why elite drivers and fleets demand the Elite Support experience.

Visit EliteSupportNetwork.com to find the nearest location.

Experience a Higher Standard.

Copyright © 2014. Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All rights reserved. Daimler Trucks North America LLC is a Daimler company.

Industry Focus

Dealer News The American Truck Dealers (ATD) have announced the following six dealer principals are finalists for the 2015 Truck Dealer of the Year award: Brian M. Bruckner, president of Bruckner Truck Sales, Inc.; Kevin G. Holmes, president and CEO of Tri State Truck Center, Inc.; Scott McCandless, president of McCandless Truck Center, LLC; Robert A. Neitzke, president of GATR Truck Center; Kari J. Rihm, president and CEO of Rihm Kenworth; and Jim Sayre Jr., president of GL Sayre Inc., in Conshohocken, Penn.

Summit Holdings recently held a grand opening event at its new facility in Kansas City, Kan.

Harrison Truck Centers, a Freightliner dealership network based in Waterloo, Iowa, has acquired Freightliner of Des Moines.

Rensselaer, Ind.-based Talbert Manufacturing has acquired Ferree Trailers, located in Liberty, N.C. McCandless Truck Center has announced the acquisition of two

CIT Group, Inc. has been named a 2014 Outstanding Industry Partner by Universal Technical Institute (UTI).

Hanson International locations Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs, Colo.

Inland Truck Parts Growing In Oklahoma Inland Truck Parts & Service has acquired East Tulsa Truck Parts, adding more remanufacturing capacity and local expertise to the company’s Tulsa, Okla. presence.

“East Tulsa Truck Parts is a large remanufacturer with a long Tulsa history,” says Inland President and CEO Dave Scheer. “ETTP technicians will be joining our current staff at the new Inland Tulsa facility. We’re excited to gain their experience and professionalism.”

The company also recently opened the doors of a brand new 31,000-sq. ft. facility with eight drive-through service bays, a move that combined the company’s operations in Tulsa and Broken Arrow.

“We’re now able to serve the entire Tulsa metro area with a complete range of services,” says Inland General Manager Jay Oney.

“We’ve always offered a comprehensive parts inventory. Adding full-service capabilities completes the picture.”

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Oxnard, Calif.-based Big T’s Freightliner has been rebranded Velocity Truck Center Ventura County.

Volvo Plant Eliminates Carbon Footprint The electric power used by Volvo’s New River Valley (NRV) assembly plant in Dublin, Va., is now carbon neutral.

Volvo says 100 percent of the plant’s electricity is generated by methane gas produced at 13 landfills in the region. The fossil fuels previously used to generate the NRV plant’s electricity in 2013 produced 40,408 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

“We are proud that Volvo’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond producing fuel-efficient trucks,” says Göran Nyberg, president, Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing. “Our customers can be assured that we strive for energy efficiency every step of the way.”

Industry Focus

Four Star Freightliner has purchased the assets and ongoing business of WW Williams in Albany, Ga., creating its sixth Four Star Freightliner location. The company’s Montgomery, Ala. facility also has received DTNA’s Elite Support designation, and has partnered with J. F. Ingram State Technical College (ISTC) to help the school build skills with its student-body that will help them successfully re-enter the workforce.

David A. Thompson, president and CEO at TEC Equipment and 2013 Successful Dealer award winner, has pledged $5 million to support the construction of a new medical/surgical patient care facility at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center in Oregon.

Montana Peterbilt has opened its fourth dealership, a parts-only facility in Sidney, Mont., strategically located in the Bakken Shale region of the state.

Great Dane Honors Top Aftermarket Suppliers Great Dane recently presented its 2014 Customer Service Award to Grote Industries and Hendrickson International at the company’s 2014 Aftermarket Parts and Service Conference.

Established in 2010, the Great Dane Customer Service Award recognizes suppliers who go above and beyond the call-of-duty to support Great Dane and its customers through warranty and field technical support, the company says.

“Grote and Hendrickson earned the award this year because they have quickly identified and resolved field issues, provided prompt warranty claim resolution, and improved in-the-field technical support with maintenance and troubleshooting training for branch and dealer service facilities as well as fleet customers” says Barry Mitchell, Great Dane’s director of customer service.

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Peterbilt Manitoba has added a third dealership to its group with the opening of Peterbilt Manitoba-East in Springfield, Manitoba.

Donaldson Closing Iowa Plant Donaldson Company is closing its Grinnell, Iowa, manufacturing facility, which manufactures mufflers and other exhaust products for off-road equipment.

The Grinnell plant opened in 1952 to produce mufflers and air cleaners. As a result of the diesel emission regulations in the U.S. over the past 10 years, Donaldson says the demand for muffler products has fallen steeply.

Customers moved from mufflers to emission control systems.

“The need to align our global manufacturing capacity to remain cost-competitive is the overriding reason for our plan to close the Grinnell facility,” says Bill Cook, CEO at Donaldson.

Donaldson says 75 workers will be impacted by the closing.

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Industry Focus

Mascot Truck Parts Debuts Strategic Plan Mascot Truck Parts Canada, Ltd. has announced the first steps of its strategic plan to increase remanufactured product availability across Canada, and to lower delivery lead times for its Canadian wholesale customer base.

Purchased from Meritor in October, Mascot has been increasing production levels to execute on a customer-focused plan that will see sustained and increased inventory levels across an expanded Canadian distribution network.

“The strategy has to change. Customers no longer want to wait for their most popular major drivetrain components to be repaired and returned,” says Bill Statham, president of Mascot Truck Parts.

“Our business model is largely based on opening multiple new logistics warehouses across Canada, strategically selected to complement existing logistics locations and to better mirror the expanding needs of our wholesale customer base.”

Mascot says it also has stepped up its customer service by improving the response rate and measuring its own support of customers’ needs.

Velociti, Aperia Announce Partnership Velociti, Inc. and Aperia Technologies have announced a new partnership.

Under the agreement, Aperia will make Velociti’s project management and deployment services available to its customers for the installation of its Halo.

“We place a premium on our customers’ experience,” says Josh Carter, CEO and co-founder of Aperia. “With Velociti, we found a partner for deployment and project management services that has the same customer service mindset.

While it only takes minutes to install Halo, the successful coordination and management of a fleet deployment can enhance and accelerate the ROI for our customers.”

Extended Wheel-End Warranty Package SKF has announced the launch of its new premium wheel-end system extended warranty packages, under the SKF Trouble-Free Operation (TFO) program, for both the trailer OEM and retrofit markets.

With this SKF TFO program enhancement, SKF says trailer OEMs and customers can choose extended warranty options for up to seven years, based on the components in the package.

In enhancing the SKF TFO extended warranty wheel-end system, SKF says it has evaluated and ensured compatibility of its components with the leading automatic tire inflation system (ATIS), the Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS) by PSI. “The industry has been demanding wheel-end products that work together and complement each other, especially when it comes to warranties,” says Scott Simmonds, vice president of heavy-duty sales at SKF. “Fleets want to know that they can use the best products without having to worry about conflicting warranties later on.”

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Accuride Reaches CBA With Gunite Workers Accuride Corporation has successfully reached a new four-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Local 718, which represents 291 hourly associates at Accuride’s facility in Rockford, Ill. The plant produces Gunite-brand brake drums, hubs and other wheel-end components for the North American commercial vehicle industry and is one of the country’s oldest continuously-operating manufacturers.

“Accuride greatly appreciates our Rockford associates’ commitment to creating an industry-leading, globally competitive facility,” says Rick Dauch, Accuride president and CEO.

Industry Focus

Truck Parts & Service Calendar Event information can be submitted at: www.truckpartsandservice.com/story-ideas/

Jan. 25-26 Jan. 26 Jan. 26-29 Feb. 16-19 March 2-6 March 26-28

Service Opportunities and Learning Days, Las Vegas Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue, Las Vegas Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week, Las Vegas Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting & Technology Expo, Nashville NTEA Work Truck Show, Indianapolis Mid-America Trucking Show, Louisville

Optronics Relocating, Expanding Indiana Facility Optronics International announces its expansion and relocation to a large new facility in Goshen, Ind. The move from nearby Elkhart, Ind., puts Optronics in close physical proximity to many of the RV and trailer manu-

facturers it serves, while substantially boosting its capabilities and distribution capacity in North America’s eastern region, the company says.

“The new Goshen facility significantly expands our distribution reach, speed

MILE After.

Mile..

and efficiency,” says Brett Johnson, president and CEO of Optronics. “Our already short lead times will become even shorter, reducing customers’ exposure to out-of-stock situations and enhancing service to the eastern U.S.”

® ocks sSLX sh s a G d n a ® leetLine of truck Gabriel F proven on millions es. il have been of owner-driven m atched s m n n o u li il h it over b cks you w verage. So go a b l ie r b a o And G een ment c at have b y replace heavy-dut avy-duty shocks th dence for more e fi with the h dustry-leading con ine and GasSLX. in e g le l F tL providin — Gabrie s r a e y 0 than 5 ®

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Industry Focus

Dana Broadening Axle Warranty

PSI Nabs Workplace Award Pressure Systems International (PSI) has been named a Top Workplace for 2014 by the San Antonio Express-News and its employees.

The San Antonio Express-News teamed with Workplace Dynamics to choose winners of this award based on the results of surveys conducted with employees of companies doing business in the San Antonio area. PSI was named one of the area’s winners, and was recognized during an award luncheon held in October.

“We value everyone who walks through our doors each day,” says Tim Musgrave, president and CEO. “For us it’s not just talk, we really do understand our employees’ contribution and that we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.”

Dana Holding Corporation has broadened its Extended Protection Plan for drive axles used in on-highway linehaul applications by customers in the U.S. and Canada.

Dana now offers optional warranty coverage beyond the standard five year/750,000 miles on select single drive and tandem drive axles used exclusively in linehaul applications, including the Spicer AdvanTEK 40, Spicer EconoTrek, and Spicer Pro-40 tandem axles. Under the new program, Dana says customers may extend their warranties to six years/850,000 miles or seven years/one million miles for an additional fee.

“These improvements to our extended warranties result from our continued investment in manufacturing and commitment to best-in-class quality, which allow us to support our customers with industry-leading protection programs long after the sale,” says Mark Wallace, executive vice president of Dana and group president of Dana OnHighway Driveline Technologies.

People In The News Mike Pennington, CEO of PenNotes LLC and longtime Meritor employee, has died.

SmartTruck Systems announces John Manchulenko as its new Pennington business development manager for its Canadian division.

Donaldson announces Peggy A. Herrmann, vice president, disk drive and microelectronics, has retired. The company also announces Trudy Rautio has been appointed to its board of directors, and F. Guillaume ”Bassy” Bastiaens and Janet Dolan have retired from the board after reaching their maximum term limit.

Mike Rumsey, vice president, sales operations for Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, is leaving the company to pursue a management position at a truck dealership.

B. Ross McKenzie has been hired as west region

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sales manager for Talbert Manufacturing.

VIPAR Heavy Duty has promoted Chris Baer to executive vice president.

Vanguard Truck Centers has appointed John M. Thomas Baer executive vice president of sales.

Eaton announces Pavan Pattada has been named president, North American Truck.

Jack Allen has retired after 33 years at Navistar. Pattada He was the company’s COO since 2013. Navistar has promoted Bill Kozek to president, Truck and Parts and Persio Lisboa to president, Operations. Walter Borst, executive vice president and CFO, also is adding business development, mergers and

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5

acquisitions and corporate strategic planning responsibilities to his portfolio.

Dean Croke has been named vice president of Omnitracs Analytics.

Andy Jablonski has been named president of Landmark International Trucks.

Croke

Mitsubishi Electric has added Scott Balgenorth and Marc Van Poperin as national account managers.

Meyer Kurt Meyer has been named CFO for Truck Bodies and Equipment International (TBEI).

Nick Lambevski of Transport Trailer Sales has been installed as the 25th president of the National Trailer Dealers Association (NTDA).

Industry Focus

ACT Expo, Trucking Efficiency Teaming Up Trucking Efficiency, a joint effort of The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) and Carbon War Room (CWR), has formed an expanded partnership with the 2015 Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo to provide greater emphasis on trucking efficiency at North America’s largest clean fleet event.

“Given the collaborative nature of the event, ACT Expo is an ideal venue to actively engage fleet managers, OEMs and manufacturers on the range of efficiency technologies available in the market today,” says Mike Roeth, NACFE executive director.

NACFE and CWR’s commitment to ACT Expo reinforces the industry’s increased focus on efficiency technologies as an integral part of the advanced clean vehicle discussion.

The 2015 ACT Expo is set to take place in May in Dallas.

SuperSprings International Expanding Headquarters The growth of SuperSprings International’s suspension enhancement products has led the company to move to a larger facility in Carpinteria, Calif.

The new facility is more than 50 percent larger than its previous location. It includes additional offices, larger warehousing space and increased assembly areas.

“Over the last year, we have introduced new variations of our suspension enhancing products and dramatically increased the number of parts numbers and vehicle applications available,” says Mike Visser, president at SuperSprings International. “This has required us to maintain a larger inventory to provide the typical 24-hour turnaround service our customers have grown accustomed to. We also brought on an additional engineer and increased warehouse and office staff, so we were bursting at the seams in the old facility.”

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Tech Updates

INSPECTION TIPS FOR ANTIFREEZE/ COOLANT MAINTENANCE

P

restone Command has produced a white paper to help service providers and vehicle owners keep trucks on the road during these winter seasons.

According to Prestone, the primary functions of antifreeze/coolant are: Efficient heat transfer, transporting

engine heat to control critical metal temperatures.

Maintain optimum engine temperature for fuel and lubrication efficiency.

Increase the cooling index to help prevent boilover and overheating failure.

SAFETY RECALLS DTNA is recalling certain model year 2015 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, and M2 Business Class; Thomas Built Buses HDX; Western Star 4700; and FCCC MBC, MC, MT45, MT55, S2C 106CAB, Sport M2 106, XBR, XBS, XCL,XCM, XCR, and XCS vehicles manufactured May 2, 2014, to July 31, 2014. The Cummins ISB or ISL engines in these vehicles may have been equipped with Fleetguard UFF-XT fuel filters, part number FF63009, whose filter shell may separate from the fuel filter nut plate causing the engine to stall without warning. If the engine stalls unexpectedly there is an increased risk of a crash.

Great Dane Trailers is recalling certain model year 2015 Converter Dollies manufactured March 7, 2014, to May 16, 2014. Due a problem with a brake valve, the affected trailers may experience brake drag. If the trailer brake drags, the wheel end may overheat, resulting in a fire. Also, the wheel may detach. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 FEC52, FEC72, FEC92, and FGB72 trucks manufactured April 8, 2011, to April 18,

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Prestone Command says when the elements are at their worst is when proper maintenance is most important.

The following are safety recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

2014. The automatic transmission fluid (ATF) oil cooler hose may burst. If the hose bursts, the ATF would leak out. Once a significant amount of fluid is lost, the transmission may become inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash.

NABI Bus, LLC is recalling certain model year 2012 31LFW transit buses manufactured April 28, 2012, to Dec. 16, 2012, and 2008-2013 416 transit buses manufactured Oct. 30, 2008, to Feb. 15, 2014.

The affected vehicles may not be equipped with a transmission interlock that prevents the wheelchair lift or ramp from being moved from the stowed position unless the transmission is in neutral. As such, the buses fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 403, “Platform Lift Systems for Motor Vehicles.� If the wheelchair lift or ramp can be removed from the stowed position while the transmission is not in neutral, if the service brakes fail to hold the bus, the bus may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to the wheelchair lift or ramp user.

Navistar is recalling certain model year 2015 International Durastar vehicles manufactured

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5

Provide freezing protection to the very lowest temperature encountered.

Provide effective corrosion protection or corrosion inhibition for all cooling system metals through a wide range of temperatures.

Each one of these functions will be tested by the extreme weather seen in the

May 9, 2014, to July 22, 2014, and 2015 IC Bus CE Commercial buses manufactured June 5, 2014, to June 6, 2014. The Cummins ISB or ISL engines in these vehicles may have been equipped with Fleetguard UFF-XT fuel filters, part number FF63009, whose filter shell may separate from the fuel filter nut plate causing the engine to stall without warning. If the engine stalls unexpectedly there is an increased risk of a crash.

Polar Tank Trailer, LLC is recalling certain model year 2014 SRJ7 trailers manufactured Jan. 2, 2014, to Jan. 14, 2014, and equipped with certain SAF-Holland-brand CBX Trailer Suspension Air Ride Axle Systems.

The affected trailer suspensions have pivot bolts that may fail. Failure of the pivot bolts may cause the suspension and attached axle to separate from the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.

Spartan Motors is recalling certain model year 2006-2013 Advantage, Diamond, Gladiator, and MetroStar emergency vehicles manufactured Nov. 29, 2005, to June 19, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the transmission fluid cooler may fail, allowing the engine coolant to mix with the transmission fluid. If the engine

Tech Updates coming months. Prestone says the key to ensuring that antifreeze/coolant perform at optimal levels year-round is a comprehensive maintenance and testing system.

Prestone says three testing options include: Test kits: A thorough test of an antifreeze/coolants properties is the best way to know how it is peforming. Prestone says it offers customers test kits that can check for any number of potential weaknesses in a fluid’s performance.

Test strips: Test strips are submerged into antifreeze/coolant, and when removed offer key information on the pH, glycol concentration, water quality, nitrate levels and corrosion inhibitor levels found in the fluid.

Refractometer: A refractometer measures concentration and freezing

temperatures of ethylene and propylene glycol-based coolants.

When used regularly, Prestone says each testing product allow a maintenance team to preserve the performance and

integrity of its antifreeze/coolant.

For a copy of the white paper, please see www.prestone.com/command/commandcenter.html.

Conventional mud flaps are hiding a dirty little secret.

coolant mixes with the transmission fluid, the transmission may not shift properly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Strick Trailers, LLC is recalling certain model year 2009-2015 Dry Freight Van Trailers manufactured April 25, 2008, to June 5, 2014. The affected trailers are equipped with rear impact guards using gusset part numbers 40033/40034, 43191/43192, 63133/63134 or 67046/67047. The rear impact guards with these gussets do not meet federal standards for strength and energy absorption. As such, these trailers do not comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 223, “Rear Impact Guards.” If the trailer is struck from behind and the rear impact guards do not meet the required standards, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

They’re increasing your fuel costs.

Eco-flaps® deliver up to 3.5% fuel savings by reducing wind resistance created with conventional mud flaps.

By reducing heavy road spray, Eco-flaps effectively increase visibility and help to prevent traffic accidents on wet roadways by providing safer passing conditions.

Boasting a full 2-year warranty, Eco-flaps are available in 24-inch and 30-inch lengths. For more information, call us at 866-543-5277 or visit us at ecoflaps.com.

Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain model year 2015 VNL and VNX trucks manufactured Jan. 7, 2014, to June 5, 2014, and equipped with a D16 engine. Due to the engine control unit having an incorrect parameter setting in the software, the engine may stall. An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.

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Cover Story

By Lucas Deal, Editor lucasdeal@randallreilly.com

YOUNG GUNS 14

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5

Cover Story

C

Too many college graduates never consider a career in trucking.

Here’s what you can do to change that.

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ollege graduates today are finding out there’s a bigger challenge than earning a four-year degree.

Earning a paycheck.

According to a 2014 report by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), 8.5 percent of college graduates ages 21 to 24 are unemployed, and 16.8 percent of all college graduates, are underemployed.

That means 1 in 6 college-educated adults are overqualified for their current position.

With numbers that staggering, it’s hard to believe any professional industry could be suffering from an employee shortage.

Yet in trucking, employee shortages not only exist — they are widespread.

The industry’s driver and technician shortages have received most of the headlines, but industry members say those jobs aren’t the only open positions.

This perceived blue-collar industry has a lot of white-collar openings.

“I don’t think most people have any idea about the size and scope of this industry,” says Northwood University’s Brian Cruickshank, director of the school’s University of the Aftermarket program. “I think people just don’t think of the other opportunities [that exist]. They might think about working on a car or truck, but a lot more goes into it.”

It’s with that in mind that businesses throughout the commercial vehicle industry are beginning to actively recruit new talent. If college graduates aren’t going to turn to the industry on their own, the industry has to go to them.

“Our [open] positions are not going to fill themselves,” says Dave Willis, president of CRW Parts and the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN). “We have to be more proactive as companies — not just from the OE side but also the aftermarket standpoint — in getting our message out there.”

One way industry members are fighting the

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

15

Cover Story industry’s image problem is through educational outreach programs.

High school career days, collegiate job fairs and corporate literature allow businesses to showcase the industry’s various opportunities to young people. Misconceptions about career advancement and salaries are quickly put to rest, giving interested young adults a clearer picture about the industry.

Trucking is more than just shifting gears and turning wrenches. It’s an industry that can offer entry-level salaries typically higher and more flexible than some of America’s most sought after professional fields.

“If you can get in front of students coming out of school and show them ‘you can make a nice living doing this. You’ll have a good livelihood,’ that’s a great start,” says Willis.

“There is definitely an image issue for the heavy-duty

Peterbilt says trade shows and career fairs have a lot in common, as both allow businesses to showcase opportunities to those interested.

parts and service provider,” adds Dave Scheer, president and CEO at Inland Truck Parts. “You can have a really good career and make a great salary working in the [industry]. There are a lot of good places to work; and students

need to know that.”

Job fairs also give companies a chance to show how a student’s interests and talents relate to its open positions.

They let students see where they fit, says Marlin Smith, director of human resources,

Armed forces opportunity One area where industry recruiting has prospered is with veterans.

Veterans are one of the largest potential employee pools available today. And unlike the industry recognition issue faced with college graduates, most veterans have experience working with or around commercial vehicles.

“On a national level it makes a lot of sense for us to develop a rapport” with the military, says Dave Willis, president of CRW Parts and the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN). “There are veterans everywhere looking for work.”

Willis says CRW Parts recently

16

committed to improving its communication with military placement programs in its area (Maryland and Virginia), and hopes to do the same on a larger scale with CVSN and each branch of the armed forces.

“It would be easier for CVSN to reach out to the military and tap into that national source [of employees] than trying to make every member of the organization proactive with the veterans’ programs in their community,” he says.

A strong relationship can be beneficial for both sides, adds Lynsey Johnston, human resources representative, truck commercial

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5

vehicle systems at Hendrickson.

Johnston uses Hendrickson’s involvement at the U.S. Army base in Fort Campbell, Tenn., as an example.

She says the company created a relationship with the facility to recruit new employees. Then, as the relationship grew, Hendrickson began giving back and assisting in career placement programs to help veterans prepare for the private sector.

“We were there as a resource,” she says. “We would send them job openings, but we’d also help [veterans] prepare for interviews, write résumés. It was more than just recruiting for us.”

truck commercial vehicle systems at Hendrickson.

“There have been some career fairs we’ve attended where we’d have a truck and trailer on a poster and students would just walk by thinking we were recruiting truck drivers,” he says.

“We had to tell them ‘Oh no, we’re looking for research and development, engineers, accountants … We’re looking for career professionals.’”

“People’s image of this industry is that it’s not a hightech one but that’s not true,” says Cruickshank. “It’s a hightech industry and requires a lot of really smart people in those high-tech areas.”

Willis says this can be just as valuable for high school and technical/vocational students because it gives them insight on a career path, and

Cover Story

By proactively visiting vocational schools and career fairs, Hendrickson is working to introduce its company to youth interested in the automotive industry and technical careers.

Accuride attends job fairs and hires interns for its co-op program through long-standing relationships with Evansville, Ind.-area colleges and universities.

how they can ascend.

“It helps to advertise to students who have a desire in pursuing the industry,” adds Shona Mack, human resources generalist at Accuride.

Good recruiting can entice other students as well — students who otherwise may have no interest in trucking.

Smith says Hendrickson has updated its recruiting signage to better showcase the breadth of its positions, and appeal to a broader selection of students.

Trucking is a large industry. Every employee doesn’t

have to love trucks. Communicating that message to young people opens the ears of previously uninterested talent.

“Recruiting is all about selling. You’re trying to sell candidates the rewards of working at your company,” says Teresa Sato, director of human resources at Peterbilt.

She adds, “We have many long-service employees at Peterbilt who joined the company not originally seeking work with commercial vehicles. But once they get here and learn about the industry

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and opportunities Peterbilt offers, they value our focus on quality, innovation, integrity and business results.”

And with so many students and graduates clawing for jobs, just knowing positions are available can open other students’ eyes to trucking.

“A company as large as ours has job openings all the time,” says Brian Thomas, marketing communications manager at Alcoa. “We’re always looking for people, and we want [students] to know that.”

Another great way industry operations are fighting the employee shortage is through internship programs.

These short-term employment opportunities give students a chance to experience day-to-day life in a business, says Mack.

Accuride teams with schools around its Evansville, Ind., headquarters to fill its internship program. Students entering the program are hired for a set period of time and once on staff, they are given projects and tasks

consistent with full-time employees.

Mack says this gives the students a real-world experience within the operation and allows Accuride to see how the students might respond in a larger capacity. It also provides the best marketing possible, word of mouth.

“The word of mouth really gets out there,” Mack says.

“We’ve been at job fairs and people come to our booth and say ‘I had you marked.

I wanted to see about your company’ and that’s really great. It’s reassuring to know it is working.”

But it’s important to note word of mouth is not immediate. Recruiting takes dedication and time.

“When we first went to campuses there was very little awareness about [Alcoa],” Thomas says. “We’d see students run to Google, Microsoft. They didn’t really know us.

“But once we were able to show them you can finish school and have a really successful career and you don’t have to just work for one of those companies — once we were able to bring that to light — we started seeing that brand awareness and interest in Alcoa.”

Internship programs also can double as grooming programs for potential managers and executives, which can be enticing for companies and employees alike.

Marc Karon says he’s created an apprenticeship

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17

Cover Story program at Total Truck Parts specifically for this reason.

“I think a lot of people hire seasonal employees and then put them out on the dock or stocking trucks and that doesn’t do anything for them,” says the Total Truck Parts president. “That’s the non-opportunistic side of the business.

“We will have them ride around with a salesperson, or shadow a counter employee so they see everything that’s out there.”

This meshes with another important recruiting aspect: employee training.

Getting a prospective employee in the door is only half the battle, Karon says. Once an employee is hired, training is a great way to keep them active and engaged.

Scheer says that was the idea behind Inland’s decision to build a dedicated employee training facility in 2013.

“It makes us more visible to the potential employees,” he says. “Some of them maybe have never heard of Inland

Finish First program recruiters discuss opportunities with potential DTNA network technicians at a Houston job fair.

Truck Parts but now we are in front of them.”

The training center, “interests them,” he says.

If recruiting helps hire employees, training is what keeps them, adds Cruickshank.

And training is an area the University of the Aftermarket knows quite well.

As the only college in the U.S. offering undergraduate degrees in Automotive Aftermarket studies, Northwood’s University of the Aftermarket program also offers Heavy

Recruiting programs allow Alcoa to highlight engineering and other advanced careers the company can offer college graduates.

18

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5

Duty Leadership — a oneweek post-graduate course for heavy-duty aftermarket professionals.

Now in its fourth year, Heavy Duty Leadership relies heavily on veteran members of the aftermarket to create a curriculum that both stimulates and educates aftermarket professionals.

It gives young employees a better understanding of the industry they’ve entered, and offers assistance on how to succeed moving forward, Cruickshank says.

Training like that is something all young people appreciate, adds Karon.

“Millennials really seem to get excited about training.

They want that and expect that,” he says.

Corporate training efforts also can reap rewards on the local level, adds Dragan Brocilo of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA).

Brocilo is the manager

of training programs and marketing for DTNA’s Service Training Academy, which in cooperation with Universal Technical Institute trains students on service for all DTNA vehicles as part of its heavyduty training courses.

“We realize most of the recruiting efforts of our [dealer] network are done on a grassroots local level, so this program helps students build relationships with future employers,” he says. “We have found these relationships lead to increased retention after hiring.”

And both recruiting and training will be a necessity for the industry as more of its aging workforce reaches retirement age, Smith says.

“We’re already fighting for talent, and with all the [Baby Boomers] that are going to be leaving the industry soon, it’s going to become tougher and tougher for all of us,” he says.

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Every Eaton Factory Reman is built with more new parts than an ordinary rebuild.

Every standard unit includes a new clutch housing and all units are performance tested to ensure the same quality as a brand new transmission. It offers a best-in-class nationwide fully transferable

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• Supporting all makes, models and configurations of commercial vehicles.

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• Roadranger real-time warranty provides timely response to warranty claims.

With Eaton’s new Authorized Rebuilder Program you now have the option to purchase locally rebuilt transmissions with 100 percent genuine Eaton components, meeting all of Eaton’s stringent re-use and rebuild requirements. Just look for the Eaton Authorized Rebuilder tag.

Eaton Advantage Series™ Clutch Roadranger-Approved Lubricant

3-Year/Unlimited-Mile Transmission Warranty* *Applies to applications only in the U.S. & Canada. Please refer to the Roadranger Warranty Guide (TCWY0900) for the latest warranty time and mileage offerings.

SOLO ADVANTAGE™ SELF-ADJUSTING CLUTCH The Solo Advantage Self-Adjusting Clutch features exclusive technology that keeps the clutch in constant adjustment. It also features spring-loaded cams that adjust for proper clearance with every disengagement.

If your truck has hydraulic linkage, Solo is the only way to go.

If you replace a truck with hydraulic linkage with anything other than a Solo Advantage, it is difficult for the driver to detect the need for adjustment. A clutch operating out of adjustment creates excess heat and friction, which diminish clutch life. If unaddressed, this results in damage to the clutch and hydraulic release system components. visit roadranger.com/clutch ©2015 Eaton. All rights reserved.

• Over 4,000 service and aftermarket partners throughout North America.

visit roadranger.com/authorizedrebuilder

EATON’S FULL PORTFOLIO OF CLUTCHES– TIERED TO MEET A RANGE OF NEEDS FOR PERFORMANCE, PROTECTION AND VALUE. Best: Easy Pedal Advantage™ Manual Adjusting Clutch

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Industry-leading vibration dampening along with Eaton proprietary friction material to protect the driveline and extend service life. Advantage Series release bearing extends lube interval to 50k in linehaul applications.

The reliability of a new clutch at the price point you need. Features aftermarket specific facings, a visible wear indicator and a 25,000-mile lube interval for linehaul applications.

Solo and Easy Pedal Remans are built to Genuine OE specs but priced for savings. The ValueClutch line is everything you expect from a new clutch at about the same price as a non-genuine clutch. visit roadranger.com/clutch

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SCAN AND SIGN UP FOR NEW PRODUCT ALERTS!

By Lucas Deal, Editor lucasdeal@randallreilly.com

Sales & Marketing

Parts on Demand Comprehensive warehouse practices can improve your order fulfillment rates

D

istribution is based on one simple concept: Give the customer what they want when they ask for it. In the heavy-duty aftermarket this is typically misconstrued as “give the customer what they want as soon as possible,” but in truth that’s not the case.

While there’s no doubt distributors receive a large portion of rush orders, not every customer’s order is a red-alarm emergency.

Some orders are placed with the future in mind, and in those situations it’s valuable for distributors to treat those requests as such.

Building best practices for all order types allows distributors the flexibility to accurately manage order requests, and ensure they are still able to give their customers what they want at the right time.

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Service Bay

The first step in installing an order fulfillment strategy is creating different operating procedures for each possible order type.

Most heavy-duty aftermarket orders can be divided into two categories: Rush orders and stock orders.

The former applies to unit-down emergencies; the latter is catch-all to describe all other orders — but typically refers to a once or twice a week order placed by a customer to replenish its parts inventory. (A third category of non-rush, but slightly expedited orders also can occasionally be found in the aftermarket.)

While the picking, packaging and delivery of each order type is typically the same, stock orders allow distributors much more leeway in delivery time.

A rush order requires a sense of urgency.

“Fulfilling customer orders is the most critical point of this entire [industry],” says Brandon Ford, director of sales and marketing for Power Train Companies.

“We ask every customer when they want their order delivered, and when they say it’s a rush order we know that means immediately.”

Rick Fulks, director of operations, aftermarket, North America at Meritor, says his company’s parts distribution center in Florence, Ky., immediately separates all orders into unit down (rush) or stock orders when received.

Fulfilling customer orders is the most critical point of this entire [industry].

– Brandon Ford, director of sales and marketing for Power Train Companies

22

Meritor’s parts distribution center has been carefully organized to maximize picking efficiency and ensure on-time delivery.

Fulks says rush orders are given priority over stock orders because of their timeliness, and adds that during high-volume periods pickers are taught to fulfill any open rush orders before beginning stock orders.

Stock orders, consequently, are sorted and picked by their required delivery date.

A similar protocol is in place at Dorman’s four distribution centers, says Clinton Shultz, senior vice president of distribution.

“We split out our orders based on their due dates,” he says. “For a priority order, if [a customer] gets it to us by 7 p.m. we will pick it and ship it that day.

For normal restock orders, we will pick it and ship it within 48 hours.”

But streamlining parts fulfillment takes more than order categorization. How employees pick and package orders also has a profound impact on the speed and accuracy of a distributor’s performance.

For both the OE supplier and aftermarket distributor, there’s value in building procedures for how components are picked from warehouse shelves. One common method on the supplier side is assigning pickers to dedicated product areas.

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5

Under this system, a warehouse employee is notified of every order that requires a component within his designated area. The employee then spends his day picking the necessary parts for each order and delivering them to the packaging area.

This is common in large warehouses as a way to maximize productivity. One employee tasked with covering a finite space spends less time searching for parts, or in transit delivering parts, than an employee tasked with covering an entire facility.

Fulks says Meritor uses this throughout its Kentucky facility. He says the company also has high-velocity pick zones where employees are tasked with kitting and picking the PDC’s most ordered items.

“We are always analyzing our data to find the most economical pick path,” says Fulks. “It allows us to reduce labor costs and improve [fulfillment] times.”

The same lean processes can be found at Dorman, Shultz says.

“We are continuously challenging ourselves to remove unnecessary steps from our system,” he says. “If you have 42 steps in your [order fulfillment] process and you’re only adding value with 10 of

Service Bay

them, then it makes sense to do everything you can to remove those excess steps.

“We do that. We ask ourselves about every step in our system, ‘Does this help our customers?’”

Ford says his company uses a simple yet effective picking strategy in its locations.

When an order comes in to one of the distributor’s nine locations, it is taken by the first team member available. Power Train stocks its inventory by product categories, so the employee begins in the first area of need. If another employee becomes available he will take another category, and the duo will work together to pick the entire order.

Ford says this maximizes the productivity of the team.

Packaging is another area where strategy is invaluable, experts say, as bringing the right parts together is only half the battle in a warehouse.

Shultz says Dorman uses dedicated packaging stations in its distribution centers to box orders and fulfill shipping instructions.

Products are sent via conveyor and various other types of material handling equipment to each station where they are briefly rechecked for order accuracy and then packaged for delivery. Employees at each station also are responsible for printing and affixing packaging labels, as well as updating the company’s inventory system that the products are on the way out.

This also is where out of stock parts are accounted for, he says. When a part is unavailable during the picking and packaging process, it is immediately ordered from the factory and added to the customers’ next available order. Documentation within the original order then notifies the customer of the backordered product and its status.

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We are continuously challenging ourselves to remove unnecessary steps from our system.

– Clinton Shultz, senior vice president of distribution for Dorman

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23

Service Bay

Fulks says Meritor has a similar protocol, and adds the company refuses to take credit for incomplete orders when calculating its 95-plus percent fill rate.

“We have very high expectations for ourselves,” he says. “If we ship nine SKUs and an order required 10, we give ourselves a 0 for that. We don’t believe in taking credit for an order” that isn’t completely filled.

As the last step in order fulfillment, Ford says delivery is one area where Power Train has recently focused its resources.

The company recently added GPS to its delivery fleet as a way to minimize driver downtime.

“If a customer calls now and needs something immediately, we can get on the GPS and see we have a driver five minutes away, call him and have him come pick it up and get back on the road in 15 minutes,” Ford says. “We don’t have to wait until [the driver] finishes his route anymore.”

Both Dorman and Meritor use LTL carriers for most of their delivery needs.

Fulks says Meritor has same-day turnaround for all unit down rush orders

Products move through Dorman’s warehouses quickly. Any rush order received by 7 p.m. is picked and shipped that day, the company says.

submitted by 5 p.m. to its Kentucky location. Which means as long as a customer gets his order in by that time, the PDC team can get it picked, packaged and on an LTL trailer departing the facility later that night.

From there, Fulks says the rush orders quickly travel to the LTL terminal where they are sorted, and sent back on the highway later that night for next-day delivery.

Shultz says Dorman’s carriers will

Power Train stocks its facilities by product line and department so its team can quickly move through and complete orders.

24

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5

leave trailers at its PDCs for loading during the day, and come switch out full loads for empty trailers as needed.

Even Dorman’s trailer loading process has been recently enhanced, he says.

“We run conveyor lines directly into the back of trailers now. We used to place packages on pallets and have them delivered to the trailer, but that was an extra step because someone had to put them on [the pallet], transport them and then unload them,” Shultz says. “Now they come off the conveyor, our [employees] put on the shipping labels and they go right back on [the conveyor].”

Shultz says that’s all part of Dorman’s never-ending quest to build lean and efficient processes in its operation.

“Small improvements made daily by every one of our employees will lead up to big changes,” he says.

Ford says Power Train tries to do the same thing for its customers. Because even if every order doesn’t need to arrive today, that doesn’t mean it can be late.

“It all comes back to adding value,” he says. “Anything we can do to make our business run better adds value for our customers.”

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Marketplace

New 10W30 oil Chevron has introduced Ursa Super Plus EC SAE 10W30 motor oil in the U.S. and Canada, a new heavy-duty motor oil designed to improve fuel economy.

Ursa Super Plus EC SAE 10W-30 is an API CJ-4 heavyduty diesel engine oil that provides key benefits for on- and off-highway applications.

Ursa Super Plus EC SAE 10W-30 provides key benefits to on- and off-highway diesel engines in fleets, construction, agriculture, mining and quarrying equipment.

The Buzz The five hottest products as determined by readers of truckpartsandservice.com Bulk DEF storage product PEAK Commercial & Industrial has launched its BlueDEF Mini Bulk System for storing large quantities of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

According to PEAK, the system has the ability to hold up to 1,000 gallons.

It features an automated fill-port valve (to prevent overfilling), dry-break adapter fill port, high-level indicator, a weather-tight control panel mounted on front wall and a lockable fill port door and is pre-wired for easy installation, the company says.

Comprehensive replacement parts line

Decorative fender brackets Minimizer says it fender bracket systems are now available in decorated options.

The decorated finishes are produced using heavy-duty material in a robust manufacturing process, allowing the decorated brackets to withstand heavy use while providing a sleek and finished look, the company says.

All the material utilized in the brackets systems are weather, light and scratch resistant. The decorated composite material bracket kits are available in Chrome, Carbon Fiber and Liquid Platinum finishes.

The decorated brackets are available in Minimizer standard bracket kits, the company says.

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TRP has expanded its offering of replacement parts, including turbochargers, power steering pumps, windshield wash and LED work lamps.

The TRP engine program features new, nonremanufactured TRP turbochargers that are available with no core charge.

TRP says its steering pumps provide the correct amount of pressure to decrease steering effort, increase vehicle safety and ease driver fatigue. The company adds that TRP Premium windshield wash also beads and repels rain to keep windshields clear for improved visibility. TRP LED work lamps have a low power draw and also come with a 10-year warranty, TRP says.

New former dealer-only parts Dorman HD Solutions has introduced a new collection of former dealer-only parts to the heavyduty aftermarket.

New releases include Mack Truck door latches, a coolant reservoir for multiple Freightliners, a clutch switch for a Freightliner Cascadia, a remanufactured air control drive for Cummins ISM and ISX engines and a cab entry step for select Peterbilt, Kenworth and Volvo trucks.

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5

Marketplace

DEF dispensing hose

Twin-steer front suspension Fontaine Modification Vocational Services has partnered with Canadian-based Simard Suspensions to install and distribute Simard’s patented AMS twin-steer front suspension products in the United States and Mexico.

Fontaine is the first post-production installer to complete a long-term working relationship with Simard. Fontaine says it will offer the full range of Simard AMS tandem suspensions, which includes air and spring designs with up to 46,000 lbs. of capacity.

Husky Corporation now offers dispensing hoses for diesel exhaust fluid.

With the DEF dispenser, the company has now completed its DEF product line. The hose tube and cover were assembled using a black customized peroxide-cured EPDM, and a synthetic rubber that avoids contamination, the company says.

Husky adds the hose is available at any desired length, and has been inspected for pressure up to 50 PSI.

ALL-MAKES PARTS ENGINEERED, TESTED AND SUPPORTED BY MERITOR.

NOT JUST QUALITY. MERITOR® QUALITY Meritor AllFit parts are design-engineered and manufactured to meet aftermarket performance expectations and OEM specs on all makes of vehicles. For industry-leading support and unsurpassed value, go to MeritorPartsOnline.com or call 888-725-9355. And ask for the box with the bull. ©2014 Meritor, Inc.

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Marketplace

New suspension system Watson & Chalin introduces the SL13K-1190 with air disc brakes (ADB), a suspension solution that provides sufficient clearance for faster installation, proper torqued fasteners and the ability to maintain track.

The company says the SL 13K Series Tru-Track Alumilite is its most popular capacity steerable model and incorporates a “quick-change ride height system.”

The SL 13K Series is ideal for dump, mixer, refuse and heavy-duty applications, the company says.

Off The Line Spotlighting a new OEM innovation

Locking fuel caps 12Volt-Travel introduces new locking fuel caps.

The company says its locking fuel caps can all be keyed alike, and also can have a fleet’s logo, company colors or other custom graphics applied to each fuel cap.

12Volt-Travel says it offers locking fuel caps for all different makes and models as well as quarter-turn and threaded filler necks.

Two SmartWay-approved retreads

New ‘show-ready’ Peterbilt in production Peterbilt’s Pride & Class Model 389 entered production in late 2014 and will soon begin shipping to customers and Peterbilt dealerships throughout North America.

The Pride & Class edition features many unique features both inside and out. Peterbilt says numerous bright exterior accessories and interior accents provide a customized, show-truck-ready look. Insignias in the cab and on the sleeper identify the Model 389 as an exclusive Pride & Class edition.

“The Pride & Class edition appeals to all truck owners who take pride in their vehicles and want to make a lasting impression,” says Darrin Siver, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president.

The Model 389 Pride & Class edition can be ordered as a day cab or with a 72- or 78-in. sleeper, the company says.

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T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has debuted two new SmartWayverified retreads.

The G392S SSD and G394A SST wide-base retread products are offered with Goodyear’s exclusive UniCircle Technology, whose spliceless design matches the shape of the tire’s casing, the company says. Because there is no cutting or splicing during the UniCircle tread application process, the retreaded tires are uniform and balanced, which helps extend casing life and mileage, the company adds.

In addition, the G392A SSD UniCircle boasts a 24/32-in. tread depth, while the G394A SST UniCircle has a 12/32-in. tread depth.

Marketplace

Mobile column lift accessories Forward Lift introduces several accessories that increase the versatility and ease-of-use of its FCH series of mobile column lifts.

The fork reducer sleeves, riser kits, jack stands and LED lights allow shops to service a wider variety of vehicles and complete jobs more efficiently, Forward Lift says.

Other optional accessories for Forward Lift’s FCH series of mobile column lifts include LED lighting for enhanced visibility underneath the vehicle and a weight gauge that can help prevent technicians from overloading the lift.

No-grease composite bushings Etcom has introduced a ‘no grease” s-cam composite bushing.

According to the company, the bushing is designed to end the need for grease in the brake system. The bushing is engineered to last longer with less downtime and to eliminate the possibility of contaminating the brake shoes and drums, Etcom says.

LED spot-flood light bars Buyers Products introduces four new LED combination spot-flood light bars.

The combination of spot and flood lights allows for a wide-patterned beam and also a focused, targeted light in one hard-working unit, the company says.

These new LED combination spot-

flood lights from Buyers Products are available in four different sizes: 12.5 in., 19.75 in., 27.75 in. and 34.75 in. long. Buyers says the LED spot-flood light bars range from 2,700 lumens achieved with 12 clear

LEDs to 10,800 lumens achieved with 48 clear LEDs.

Visit us at HDAW’ 15 booth #421

TAKE COMMAND WITH THE

COMPLETE SOLUTION INCREASE UPTIME AND DECREASE MAINTENANCE COSTS COSTS. The Prestone Command® line of heavy duty antifreeze, additives and testing products deliver the technology and innovation fleets can trust.

Protects your engine from extreme on-road conditions and corrosion while increasing uptime with the proven reliability of Prestone.

Prestone Antifreeze/Coolant has protected vehicle cooling systems since 1927. www.PrestoneCommand.com • (888) 282-8960 • Email: OrdersPrestoneCommand@Prestone.Com PRESTONE PRODUCTS CORPORATION, 1900 West Field Court, Lake Forest, IL 60045, ©2014 Prestone Products Corporation

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J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

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Ad Index Company

Phone Number

Page

Alliance

800-385-4357

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Automann, Inc.

888-288-6626

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dormanhdsolutions.com

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roadranger.com

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Gabriel Heavy Duty

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Meritor, Inc.

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Meritor, Inc.

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Minimizer Prestone Corporation

Dorman Products EATON Eco-flaps Elite Support

Company

Phone Number

Radiator Works

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S & S Truck Parts, Inc.

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IBC

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Direct Equipment Supply Company

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IFC

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Classified Ads

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Sponsored Product Spotlight

This advertisers’ index is a service to readers. Although every effort is made to maintain accuracy, Truck Parts & Service cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions.

NEW REPLACEMENT INTERCHANGEABLE WITH CHELSEA PTO Midwest Truck & Auto Parts says its all cast iron PTO was created to be stronger and more dependable than the competition.

It features an improved mounting flange to body radiuses and cast covers that are said to prevent oil leaking from material expansion differences.

The gussets were made deeper and the pump mounting flange has a few extra holes that are tapped to make installing the PTOs easier and less time consuming, according to the company.

The replacement PTO uses a steel shift fork to make sure it engages every time.

New euclId SuSPeNSION catalOg 700d The revised Euclid Suspension Catalog includes exploded views of the suspension systems with parts identified for quick reference.

There is also now a separate section for Components that includes the Euclid part number, competitive replacement part number and model identification. New sections for Meritor AllFit shocks and Firestone air springs are also included, making this a complete one-stop catalog for all of your part needs.

AN INDUSTRY TRIPLE PLAY FROM AUTOMANN

Midwest Truck & Auto Parts www.midwesttruck.com

Meritor, Inc. MeritorPartsOnline.com

Automann USA www.automann.com

Text INFO to 205-289-3544 or visit www.tpsdigital.com/info

Text INFO to 205-289-3544 or visit www.tpsdigital.com/info

32

T r u c k Pa r T s & s e r v i c e | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5

Automann offers three reference catalogs: • Air Spring: 250 pages with more than 500 air springs, bellows charts and extensive cross references.

• Steering: 408 pages with more than 1,200 detailed pictures, progressive size and OEM charts and an index with more than 6,000 cross references.

• Suspension: 1,432 pages with more than 300 schematics across 47 makes, including 35 new models.

More than 3,500 detaled pictures, dozens of charts and OEM and industry cross references.

Text INFO to 205-289-3544 or visit www.tpsdigital.com/info