>> Summer/Fall 2015 vol. 5, issue 3 Inspiration Truck: Inspiration, Innovation & Efficiency [ PAGE 30 ]
Rob McNees Elite Support Award Awards [ PAGE 24 ] [ PAGE 25 ] On August 1, 2015, we will to reach even higher goals. With the recent announcement of the GREETINbe celebrating our 45th GHG Phase ll regulations, it is reassuringGS to know DTNA is clearly anniversary as a family- the leader in the industry, not only meeting the new requirements; owned, customer service but exceeding them and achieving them ahead of schedule for our focused company. I am mutual customers. so thankful, BLESSED and Spec it Right incredibly proud of our 500 Over the past 45 years, it has been an honor and privilege to serve employees, many of whom our locally-based customers as well as our national transient are now 2nd generation and customers who operate in our service lanes. We are excited about some even 3rd generation. what our future together looks like and rest assured that at Truck Centers, we will continue to strive to exceed your expectations each As always, I have been presenting and every time. Specing the right TCI service awards to our many long time (5 through 44 year) employees this year at each of our locations. Each time, it John Hopkins alternator upfront pays reinforces how blessed our company has been with some really great employees who are passionate about what they do and truly care about providing the best quality service and products to our big down the road. loyal customers and often on a 24/7 basis. Our service and passion for repairing our customers' trucks more timely and cost effectively Highest output at low RPM: Manages heavy than any of our competitors remains our number one focus in our electrical loads at low engine RPMs, reducing battery parts, service, mobile repair and body shop departments.
charge time We continue to be a national leader in training our own technicians Remote Sense: Drastically reduces battery charge time as well as those of our customers and other DTNA dealers in a world of ever increasing complexity of diagnostics and repairs Brushless durability: 13 fewer moving parts, because of technological advances in today’s equipment. To stay ahead of the tide, we have already started the 18 month process eliminating components that wear out, while extending of certifying 3 new trainers, all who are valued TCI employees, to product life support and then replace Lenny Thole and Steve Brachear who are nearing retirement age after several decades of being the best of Efficiency and power density: Highest combination the best in their field.
in its class, providing substantial fuel savings It is hard to believe that one year has already passed since we acquired Freightliner of Evansville. The Evansville group has been Warranty: 3 years/350,000 miles a wonderful addition to our team. We have had the great fortune Available in 240, 275, 300 & 320 Amp of growing internally and through the acquisition of other long term family-run Freightliner dealerships during our 45 years and we look forward to other strategic opportunities as they may present themselves. We are excited about our future expansion opportunities within our Area of Responsibility including in-process activities in Effingham and Foristell (we reacquired the SelecTrucks property that we initially built in the late 1990s) to add more support to customers in various areas of our market. Go to SpecItRight.com Today we have a significant product advantage with our new OE Spec Codes l Try Our Products l Technician Training Freightliner and Western Star trucks with our lowest total cost of ownership in the industry, including the all-important MPG with the integrated Detroit powertrain and, best of all, DTNA continues to invest several hundreds of million dollars each year to keep striving
Delco Remy is a registered trademark of General Motors Corporation, licensed to Remy International, Inc. w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN Summer 2015 1 TCI_Ads_Layout 1 7/10/15 12:26 PM Page 1
>> Summer/Fall 2015 vol. 5, issue 3
D ID Y OU KN O W
TR UCK CENT ERS, INC. HAS ... 9 FULL-SERV ICE DEALERSHIP S IN TH E S T. LOUI S METRO , ILLINOIS AND SOUTHERN INDIANA NTCIews & Feat TOCures
NEW Patent- Pending CRT™ OV ER $1 2M IN INDUSTRY-BEST vents increase News from TCI Profitability in Trucking ST OCK E D PAR TS HOURS OF air-flow to further Patented wear reduce operating 06 Notes from Our General Best Business Practices INVEN TO RY TO OPERATION indicator saves 37 temperatures Managers M INIM IZE YO UR INCLU DIN G time and helps you 24/ 7 IN TROY get maximum life Driver Recruiting DOWNT IME from your drum Special Services 38 Is a Marketing Effort 10 Serving You Better Than Ever Fleet Efficiency Industry News & Notes 43 10 Trends to Watch 16 DTNA, FET & More Morton, IL TCI Team Notables Hudson,Morton, IL IL TCI F.I.R.S.T. 46 What Makes the TCI Team Proud Morton,Morton ILIL, IL 20 The Sophomore Class Service Awards Gov. Rauner Visits TCI 52 TCI Team Recognitions Springfield,Springfield, IL IL Springfield,Springfield,Springfield ILIL, IL 21 Starts Southern Tour in Troy Decatur, IL The Latest Inside TCI Decatur,Decatur, IL IL TCI Team Accolades 58 What's Happening t. Peters,SSt.t. PPeters, MOeters, MMOO St.St.St. Peters, Peters,Peters, MO MO Going Above and Beyond Troy,T ILTroy,roy, I LIL 24 Troy,Troy, ILIL TCI Vendor of the Year A NATIONALLY- Runs 15% cooler Freightliner Inspiration 66 Stemco Recognized by TCI RENOWNED 30 Truck EVANSVILLE, IN TRAININ G CENTER for better braking First Licensed Fully What You Need to Know Mt. Vernon, IL SSt.t. LLouis,ouis, M MOO Mt. Vernon, IL 3 S TATE-OF-THE-ART Automated Truck 68 Understanding a Complete St. Louis,St.St. Louis,Louis, MO MOMO St. Louis, MO COLLISION C ENTERS
performance Brake Job
History of Innovation Mt. Vernon, IL and 34 Freightliner Paves the Way in Ask the Technician Trucking 76 The ParkSmart Auxiliary 25% longer life! HVAC System 2 HR EXPRESS A SSESMENT The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. You may S ERVICE WITH not reproduce any articles online or in print without first obtaining written permission from ELITE S U PPORT Truck Centers, Inc. Please contact Michelle Petroff at [email protected] for ® more information on the rights holder for the specific piece that you are interested in. CE RTIFICATION
Managing Editor: Michelle Petroff | Designer: Fee McCaskilL www.webbwheel.com Contact your local Webb Wheel Products supplier >> for training that can cut your operating costs! Check out the NEW TruckCentersInc.com Site! ©2015 Webb Wheel Products Inc. WWW.TRUCKCENTERSINC.COM 2 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 3
CRT ad.indd 1 6/24/15 3:54 PM As the word continues to spread, our customers are calling us more with questions on what products are best suited for their applications. A group from TCI took customers to attend a ride and drive event in Kansas City. Over 1 ½ days, we learned a lot about the equipment and customers had the opportunity to ride in trucks with a trained Daimler driving instructor to learn how the seamless integration translates to JUST THE premier fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The new Detroit Assurance Safety System is one of the new Daimler products that has received a lot of buzz. The system offers various safety offerings under one umbrella. Bumper-mounted radar and optional camera equipment on the windshield of the Freightliner Cascadia and FACTs Cascadia Evolution communicates with the truck’s brakes, engine, Let me first thank each and every one of our customers and transmission in real time to detect and track up to 40 objects at for allowing Truck Centers, Inc., to play a role in a distance up to 660 feet, while the Video Radar Decision Unit (VRDU) supporting your transportation needs – whether for Sales, refreshes its speed, distance, and time calculations 200 times a second. Parts, Service or Body Shop needs, we appreciate the Active Brake Assist (ABA) is always on to detect objects and signal opportunities that you allow us to assist you. We consider the driver of any warnings and decelerates automatically to lessen it an honor that you continually choose to work with us the severity of collisions that may be otherwise unavoidable. Adaptive and look forward to doing everything we can to keep you Cruise Control (ACC) automatically adjusts your truck’s cruising speed up and running! I would also like to thank our dedicated to maintain safe following distances from other vehicles to extend teams for all their efforts in providing our customers the cruise control sooner. And the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is an best possible experiences. independent system that is only available in addition to the radar system. LDW uses a camera to track the truck’s position and provide warnings if It is my pleasure to share a few of the most recent points the truck departs the lane. The forward-facing camera is built to detect that I hope will rate us as the take home value for you… reflective paint and road reflectors. When activated, LDW mutes the radio and sends an audible warning to the driver. The 2014 year ended on a very positive note for Truck Centers. We While we have a lot going in our heavy-duty segment, we have also were able to deliver many customer new trucks for the end of the year. been gaining market share in the medium-duty market and currently With that said, we were almost immediately hit with a shortage of trucks holds 37% market share. Our M2 has made itself known as a reliable for 2015. The heavy-duty order board for Detroit engines and Detroit performer. Customer option requests for municipal, box truck, utility, and DT12 Transmissions was completely filled for other vocational applications have been added and will continue to meet the year by the end of February. Fortunately, the demands of those who use these trucks in the field. we were able to put a large group of trucks on order for our current customers and even a few I would also like to remind you of our Elite Support program that we for new customers. We also made every effort are part of through DTNA. This program certifies that the dealer (in to be proactive in ordering large groups of stock our case the full-service TCI dealerships) meets various components trucks, which have been suited to meet the needs for a superior customer service experience from the 2 Hour Express of smaller fleets and owner operators. It has Assessment and quicker actual repair time to customer communication been somewhat of a juggling act to get trucks and facility amenities. We were one of the first dealer networks to join in a timely manner when our customers needed this program and have proudly continued to expand with it including them.. However, we have been able to meet the multiple peer Elite Support and Customer Improvement Coordinator majority of those needs and are in the process of awards. This network not only allows us to enhance the customer’s planning for next year to secure orders as soon experience in our own stores, but also allows us to help you receive as Detroit makes products available. We hope the the best possible experience when stranded in other areas and at the additional component production will also allow us to be more flexible location of one of our dealer friends. Please do not ever hesitate to in our ordering system and meet the market demand with a more involve us if you experience issues at another dealership because we streamlined approach. will do our best to help your claim or repair.
At this writing, we are halfway through 2015 and our parts, service and Garry Jarrell has been with TCI over 43 years and has been diagnosed body shop departments have also maintained a high work volume and with cancer. Garry has filled many roles for us in service with the most we don’t anticipate any slowdown in the near future. Our truck sales recent in our New & Used Truck Prep department. His expertise and team has also been in a whirlwind as our facilities are overrun with new willingness to take care of the customer is sorely missed right now. We truck preparations and deliveries. All good things! The first part of the are sending healing thoughts and strength to Garry and his family. year is busy because of traveling required for manufacturer meetings, In closing, I would like to send our thoughts and prayers to a long-time major truck shows, and training obligations for the equipment we offer. TCI-Troy employee.
As many of you already know, we have been very fortunate to provide an With all of this said, I hope that this article finds your company and integrated drive train through Daimler that has continued to outperform family are doing well in 2015. Please contact me at any time if you our competitors. Freightliner has grown its market share in excess of have any questions about our product line or any suggestions for us. 36% in heavy-duty products and that is forecasted to continue to climb. The Detroit engine paired with the Detroit DT12 transmission has met the market’s call for high performance and maximum fuel economy. Mike Yates
4 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 5 Each of our General Managers have prepared a small introduction and update on the activities at their location to familiarize our current and potential customers with their management team. At Truck Centers, we feel that it is important for you to know that we are not only dedicated to superior service, facilities and resources to ensure a positive experience; but also, to provide an NEWS FROM TCI opportunity to get to know some of the team members who are working diligently for you.
Katie Hopkins Steve Bartels Bryan Jubelt Jim Pennington Paul Lawrence Jeremy Williams Randy Melvin Steve Lanier Travis Dunn Keith Krider Julie Klebba Webb Eastham Buddy Shires Suzanne Talley General Manager Parts Manager Service Manager General Manager/ Parts Manager General Manager/Parts Manager Service Manager General Manager General Manager Parts Manager General Manager Parts Manager General Manager Parts Manager [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Service Manager [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] I-55/I-70 & Hwy. 162 I-55 & Hwy 29 (800) 669-3454 (800) 786-1280 EVANSVILLE TROY 24/7 Parts & Service ST. LOUIS SPRINGFIELD M-F 7a-12a sa 7a-5p ST. PETERS MORTON MOUNT I-70 & Broadway – I-70 & Hwy 79 I-74 & Exit 102B I-64 & Hwy 41 (800) 680-5910 As Truck Centers approaches another milestone, 45 Downtown St. Louis The year is simply passing by way too quickly. It is the waning (800) 985-0380 (800) 397-4292 days of the summer season already but where are those M-F 7A-11P Sa 8A-4P M-F 7a-12a VERNON M-F 7:30a-12a years in business, I have been thinking a lot about our (800) 325-8809 history and culture. Small businesses fail at a rate of 9 24 Hrs M-F warm, sun shiny days hiding at? Illinois is currently totally Sa-Su 7a-3:30p I-57/I-64 & Rt. 15 Sa 7:30a-5p saturated with rain, flooding many rivers, towns, crop fields While our General Manager Steve (800) 786-2545 of 10 in the first 18 months and the average Fortune Sa-Su 6a-6p Lanier is out, I am taking advantage and structures. Hopefully all of our employees, families, Well last time we did our M-F 6a-12a Ryan Seibert 500 company has a total life expectancy span of 15 of this opportunity to write an entry articles, Thanksgiving just Service Manager years according to Forbes.com. So the question is what customers, vendors and friends have not endured any tragedy on his behalf. Sorry Steve! My name Sa-Su 7a-7p Hello again from “The during this time. passed and we were getting [email protected] make Truck Centers’ different? Why has this company Lou” and very big is Jon Rothove and I am the new ready for the winter months. Anthony Johnson beat those statistics and continued to grow over the Continuous Improvement Coordinator I hope everyone had a great thank you for your TCI Springfield-Decatur recently had the pleasure to honor (CIC) and Inside Parts Salesman for Service Manager June 1st marked one year since the acquisition of Freightliner of years, slowly and steadily? holiday and stayed warm. [email protected] continued support and a few employees with service awards. Jake Meyer (Decatur TCI’s Saint Peters location. I have Finally, it is summer and, Evansville by TCI. The last year been has been one of transition as patronage from our over fifteen years experience in the we became a part of a much larger family. While trying to keep I obviously have a biased opinion on all of these Parts) received a plaque for his loyal 5 year anniversary boy, have we had the rain entire team! trucking industry as well as thirteen this year? I feel like I have Hello from Southern Illinois! Summer is in full swing changes to a minimum, there will inherently be adjustments. questions. So I throw that out there right at the beginning and I am sharing from with the company. Recently, Jake and Kayla were united in However, the TCI culture is a good fit for our team here in Evansville. marriage to begin their prosperous relationship together. We years in logistics while serving in the mowed my yard every day and I hope that you are enjoying your time in the great my childhood memories, which may or may not be 100% dead on. Many Saturdays United States Marine Corps. We have During the past year, all staff members worked very hard to make The St. Louis team strives each and every day are sure hoping they do return to Illinois from the honeymoon this summer. Oh well nothing outdoors. were spent at Truck Centers back in the days when it was called Central Illinois exciting things happening here in St. we can do about it but enjoy the necessary changes while working to maintain the high level of to ensure that our customers, both local and in Hawaii. :) Judy Buraski (Springfield Admin/Receptionist) customer service we were accustomed to providing to our clients. Truck Centers and was housed in what is currently a City of Highland building. I can Peters - our store is currently in the the summer and the heat. I would like to mention something that our company transient, receive “World Class Customer Service” was presented a plaque for her loyal and dedicated 30 year process of becoming an Elite Support remember that smell of popcorn in the front entrance that was also the front parts does that I am very proud of. Our employees receive each and every time. Whether its adding additional anniversary with TCI. Judy and many others have become my certified dealership hopefully by the Speaking of summer heat, From a product standpoint, between Freightliner and Western Star counter. I remember the feel of family in the place, everyone working there seemed a service award for every fives years of service at TCI. pushing a 40% market share will present some challenges to make inside parts salesmen, extending our hours as of second family throughout the years experiencing great times end of the calendar year. This is a we have all the stores to be an extension of the family. I remember also driving with our family when my huge accomplishment since our little stocked for the summer Whenever possible, one of the owners themselves sure we can always take care of our customers. With this in mind, dad asked what we thought of changing the CITC name to something else. All of December 1, 2014, offering Express Assessment, and moments together along with the economy recession Suzanne is constantly reviewing our parts orders to make sure we cycles. She has decided to retire from the company in early store is still the new kid on the block. months so please stop by will make a trip to each location and present the us had a chance to throw our ideas in the ring, and what I don’t remember was Elite Support certification or stocking nearly $2 We are clearly thriving thanks to our if you’re A/C unit is having employees with their plaque and a monetary bonus. have what our customers need and the quantities to fill their needs September to enjoy time with her husband and family along in a timely manner. In service, Ryan is always looking at ways to what my idea actually was, if I had one. There were so many Christmas parties and Million in on-site parts inventory, our goal is premier dedicated team and loyal customers! any issues. Please take Our employees always feel appreciated and these with possibly picking up former hobby of bowling. Please wish advantage of our Express attract new technicians and maximize all hours of operations (which I really loved watching the TCI employees go dance to the music and there was service and care each and every time. things usually start to fade in companies our size so always that special picture in front of the truck. Granted I didn’t maybe appreciate her the best when you speak with or visit her in the store as Elite Support is a DTNA program that Assessment bay in the are the most accessible in the market). she will soon be deeply missed by all. When Judy announced certifies premier dealers have met service dept and with our we are blessed. This personal touch is just one of the The last year has also seen us embrace Express Assessment the truck picture as much back then but it was a tradition and a family moment. I With the Midwest summer being what it is, we stout stocked parts inventory, reasons that I feel we have so many longstanding with the goal to promptly diagnose and estimate the repair cost can remember the special evening where all the employees were invited to Diamond her retirement plans, later that week I shared a video article or exceeded critical facility, parts, understand the challenges that our customers with her regarding an auto dealership salesman that still staffing and customer service needs we will make sure that your employees and low turnover at Truck Centers. I did and needs within two hours of a customer’s arrival so they can Mineral Springs to celebrate the TCI win of the ATD “Truck Dealer of the Year” award. make the necessary decisions regarding their truck and loads. We face with your equipment. We also understand the enjoys going to work six days a week at the young age of 105 to guarantee a consistent, customer- downtime is minimal. If a quick calculation here in Mt. Vernon and including We all received a ring commemorating the occasion. I still have mine, it’s like a class oriented commitment to excellence. you have any body, fram or part-time, our average tenure is just shy of 12 years. also have our first TCI F.I.R.S.T. participant entering the training challenge we have ahead for our team to provide attempting to persuade her to stay for many more years – it and apprenticeship program. This program is a great resource ring from 1980’s, so very fancy when I bring it out but it was a special moment in the service that you need and deserve keep your Fortunately for us, TCI was one of the trailer issues, we can also And this includes five new hires this year! our history. didn’t work! first dealer groups to jump on board handle those here in Morton for young people looking for in-demand careers and a stable units one the road and turning revenue rather than with the program so we have our at our Collision Center. We company as it selects an elite crop of high school, VoTech and trade I could go on with the memories but over all these years, Truck Centers has survived sitting in the shop. Uptime has been the buzzword I would like to take the opportunity to introduce a few new sister stores to look to for guidance do offer on-site estimates On another note, we recently took our grill out on school applicants as well as former military personnel to learn the a lot of turbulent times in the industry. The culture of the company is what I believe for some time now and that is what we strive to faces to the TCI team. Tricia Thomas will be filling the admin/ and experience. For customers, one and trailer repairs if needed. the road and had a customer appreciation meal for fundementals of service technology to get a foot into the shop door has allowed us to thrive and grow when others have not been so fortunate. “Do what provide you and your company! Others may speak receptionist position. She and her fiancé Dustin live in of the most exciting things about If you are a parts customer Shawnee Express located in Herrin, Illinois. My parts at TCI. We are looking forward to our student graduating and coming Springfield and will be married later this fall. James Melvin Elite Support is Express Assessment. in the Bloomington-Normal manager, Webb Eastham, manned the grill and the to work with us this fall and hopefully share the word with other is right.” That is written on all of our dealership walls and it is a mantra that I feel has of it but we have processes and resources in place area, our Hudson location former classmates at Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center. made its’ mark through the company. There are so many opportunities for us all to joined the team in our truck detail department. Andrew Snider Express Assessment is designed to rest of us helped with the fixings. We got to enjoy time to make the talk a reality. Having your vehicle on the provide the customer with an initial is ready for you to call on with Gary and Glenda Krutsinger and their crew. Gary “do what is right” but it’s the freedom to really do that that has made the difference has been assisting the parts department on a part-time We recently expanded to add a 10,000 sq. ft. collision center road and turning miles is your life blood and what single failure diagnosis, check of for added convenience. The started the company in 1982 and from reading their in our company’s path. I could give a hundred examples of our team stepping up and basis keeping the stock shelves organized and cycle counted team would be happy to at 5900 Old Boonville Hwy in Evansville. This location was drives us to be at our very best each day. Even with parts inventory and repair estimate history, they have a lot in common with TCI operating doing what is right. freight tonnage being a little bit of a roller coaster for inventory accuracy. He recently became enrolled in the within two hours of their arrival to accommodate you. formerly occupied by Mills Truck Equipment and allows us a great second TCI F.I.R.S.T. (Future In Repair Service Technology) help expedite the repair process and on strong Christian, family values. Through the years, opportunity to enter the heavy-duty body repair business here in Over all these years, different programs have come and gone but Truck Centers has so far this year, we see our service and parts teams give the customer the information We try to be your one stop Shawnee has hauled a variety of freight throughout 48 Evansville. We can now take care of all of our customer needs and class as part of our apprenticeship program and he will shop so when you are visiting us please provide us with your never strayed from our core beliefs and values. Today, DTNA has a program you have staying very busy to give our customers the very hopefully have a long career as technician. necessary to make prompt, critical states plus Canada. Also like TCI, Gary is fortunate to warranty items in our own internal network to control the process best possible experience. decisions regarding their truck. feedback or suggestions that you may have on additional have long-time employees. Two of their top mechanics and make it as stressfree as possible for our customers. We are no doubt heard about, Elite Support, which formalizes into processes much of what services or features to make your visit more pleasant. If have been there since the beginning over 30 years ago pleased to have Bryan McDaniel as our collision center manager TCI has already represented over the years. I believe this program across the DTNA As manufacturers and companies continually invest in their there is ever something that we could do better or different and feel he and his team will do their best to take care of your network is a game changer in provider to our customers by offering best in class As we move into fall and the challenges ahead of us, We want our store to become the – way to go Jeff Bradford and Donnie Shaw! research and development programs to be on the leading one-stop partner that companies please let us know. We strive to make our customers feel as repair needs. service consistently across the USA. we look forward to serving your company and the edge of technology, Daimler Trucks North America showcased and drivers look forward to working comfortable as possible when visiting a dealership. needs of your truck, trucks or fleet. Truck Centers the first autonomous truck licensed for U.S. highways and I am thankful for all of our team members here at Since the last issue, we have also welcomed John Kobylanski as With the product innovations that DTNA has invested in (and that you will read with when the need arises, whether I would also like to thank our team members for always going and the St. Louis team are here for you and your is leading the competition. The Freightliner Inspiration truck for sales, parts or service. Watch Truck Centers and the good business partners like our Sprinter Brand Manager. While John is based in Evansville, about in several other articles in this magazine) and the culture that Truck Centers the extra mile and making sure the customer is always our first company and we look forward providing you and was granted approval in early May by the governor of Nevada. for exciting things here in St. Peters priority. We all understand that when you turn into our lot, you Shawnee Express that we have the pleasure of working he is responsible for Sprinter sales at all the TCI locations. I know represents, I am looking forward to the next 45 years. Granted I will be 96 then, he would love to hear from you any answer any questions that your company that “World Class Customer Service” Amazing progress of innovation throughout the last few and all positive steps in making our have chosen our dealership over others and thank you for that!!! alongside. It takes the entire dedicated team to make so that fourth or fifth generation will be leading the charge at that time and I will you have regarding Sprinter and their exciting new lineup that that I speak of and that you deserve. decades and I can’t wait to see what the future holds! customers’ experience only more Please enjoy your summer and give us call if you need anything. us all successful so thank you! hopefully be there just to see it all thriving! positive. If you have any comments We will be happy to assist you in your transportation needs. includes all-wheel drive units. We now look forward to year two or suggestions, please contact me! and many more to come! Thank You for Your Support! Have a safe summer! Until next time! Regards, Til next time, Julie Klebba Sincerely, Katie Hopkins Jim Pennington Take care, Sincerely, Travis Dunn Jeremy Williams Jon Rothove Buddy Shires
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Last month, I was lucky enough to accompany 16 of our technicians and managers to the plant in Detroit, Mich. Trips like this are what allow our people to see exactly why Detroit makes the finest engines and transmissions in the world and affords us the opportunity to develop strong relationships with the manufacturer to help us FROM THE DESK OF gain inroads when needing support for our customers’ trucks. And secretly, I really like being able to see what is next on the horizon! Between you, me, and the 2000 Justin Hopkins: VP of Sales other people that are reading this magazine, it is really cool stuff! DPFS NOW Speaking of really cool stuff, I was lucky enough to be invited to Las Vegas Well summer is finally upon us and during this time of year that’s filled with to be a part of history. Freightliner recently unveiled the first Autonomous BBQs, I tend to get a bit reflective on where we are vs. where we came Commercial Vehicle in world that you will read about more in this issue! Many from. Freightliner and Truck Centers have both come a long way since I people that I have talked to question its purpose in this world. But I can see this technology has traction! The Platoon option they are working on where trucks got to climb around on the old cab overs in the bone yard of Troy and the link together would significantly reduce fuel consumption and then of course the Columbias of the late 90’s and early 00’s. The Cascadias CLEANED HERE auto pilot feature was mesmerizing! In short order with some Federal and 5700s that are being built today are arguably the government assistance (I know, right? Sounds like an oxymoron!), finest trucks on the road. They are certainly the most we could have these trucks operating on interstate highways during ALL DAY, EVERY DAY! fuel-efficient anyway! It always makes me smile each daylight hours when no inclement weather is present. The GPS system that is already on the truck could be linked to the appropriate time a new customer gets into a Cascadia with a DD15 state department of transportation web sites to further ensure safe and runs the truck. Their excitement over the fuel operation of vehicles so they wouldn’t work in construction zones. If numbers is energizing! I can see the gears turning in we can get up to the minute traffic on our smartphones, it is entirely their heads about the amount of additional income they possible to get it in the truck. People worry about autonomous will now make due to this technological advancement. vehicles and the safety implications. I, too, worry about this but I recently read an article in USA Today about the Google autonomous It gets even better when they come to find out that car. It has been in 12 accidents. 100% of them are caused by real reliability of the Detroit engine is equally head and people not the computer. There is some discussion that the car is shoulders above the competition! actually too safe and that is why people keep crashing into it! Imagine that something can be deemed too safe. I get to share this similar excitement when we deliver new trucks to current customers. They are trading in the pre-GHG14 trucks and seeing roughly the same So, in closing, I will leave you with this - these are extremely exciting times! The level spike in fuel economy they did when they went from 2009 to 2010. This is due to Daimler of innovation that is coming into our industry is truly awe inspiring! It might not be Trucks North America commitment to improve fuel economy by 5% every two years. While quite to the level of the invention of what the gasoline engine did to the buggy whip the bar is getting ever higher, it certainly makes new and return customers extremely happy industry; but there are seriously amazing things happening all around us! Enjoy your when their bottom lines continue to improve. It is great to know that you are supporting a summer and I look forward to us finding out what the next innovation is together! product and company that are not complacent and will continually work to achieve new goals just as 19523the consumers Monroe CVad_Print.pdfdo. 1 1/30/14 10:15 AM Justin Hopkins
Truck Centers, Inc. is pleased to now offer DPF Cleaning Service utilizing FSX Technology as another value-added service to better serve our customers. Trained specialists utilize our new, in-house equipment that can swiftly clean your filter from ash and soot that accumulates and reduces filter life and performance. C
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CM DPF CLEANING HELPS: Please contact your OPS or our MY Parts Department at (800) 669-3454 • Reduce regenerations CY for more information! • Lower maintenance costs CMY • Extend expensive filter life K • Reduce costly, unscheduled downtime • Help maintain optimal performance
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St. Louis, MO St. Peters, MO Evansville, IN Decatur, IL Hudson, IL Morton, IL Mt. Vernon, IL Springfield, IL Troy, IL 747 E. Taylor Ave. 8016 Veterans Mem. Pkwy. 325 Rusher Creek 5002 Cundiff Ct. 19336 N 1425 East Rd. 300 E. Ashland St. 621 S. 45th St. 2981 E. Singer Ave. 2280 Formosa Rd. St. Louis, MO 63147 St.Peters, MO 63376 Evansville, IN 47725 Decatur, IL 62526 Hudson, IL 61748 Morton, IL 61550 Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 Springfield, IL 62703 Troy, IL 62294 (314) 381-3800 (636) 978-3870 (812) 868-2700 (217) 877-0152 (636) 614-3470 (309) 263-4240 (618) 244-2545 (217) 525-1280 (618) 667-3454 (800) 325-8809 (800) 985-0380 (800) 680-5910 (855) 287-1228 (800) 397-4292 (800) 786-2545 (800) 786-1280 (800) 669-3454 8 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 9 Driveline Service Truck Centers, Inc. recently relocated our popular driveline service to our Troy store to offer expanded hours As part of our ongoing for reduced downtime and get customers back on the road quicker than ever! Our veteran driveline experts can repair damaged drivelines or commitment to offer our build new ones to specification to promptly get your truck back on the road. Contact your nearest TCI Service Department for more information! customers the latest technology and advancements for lower overall cost of ownership, Truck Centers proudly offers five special services. These special services are designed to save you Special valuable time and money so please take a moment to see Services what the buzz is all about. Radiator Repair Truck Centers, Inc. offers in-house radiator repair services for all makes and models of heavy trucks. Our experienced staff has decades of experience in radiators and can promptly evaluate any radiator to determine whether it can be repaired or rebuilt. In the instances a radiator cannot be repaired, a TCI parts specialist will work with customers to locate and install new units in a prompt, cost-effective manner.
Frame Repairs Accidents happen but Truck Centers, Inc. is always here to help. TCI has the most advanced equipment available in the industry and experienced technicians that have the ability to bring even the most twisted and mangled frames back to perfect alignment thanks to cold pulling and laser alignment. In addition to frame straightening, we also offer three axle alignments.
Refurbishment Performance Where It Counts… Savings Where It Matters! DPF Cleaning Truck With the soaring costs of raw • Breathe new life into your trucks with Detroit Step-UP engine refurb options with up to 3 year/300,000 Centers, Inc. is pleased to offer DPF Cleaning Helps: materials and emissions technology, mile warranty and various reman drivetrain options DPF Cleaning Service utilizing FSX • Reduce regenerations new truck prices continue to climb. • Fleet mechanics continue working on known equipment and technology so there is no additional training Technology as another value- • Lower maintenance costs Truck Centers, Inc. has a proven or tooling costs added service to better serve our • Extend expensive filter life • Save on FET taxes and EPA up charges associated with new equipment purchases refurbishment program that several customers. Trained specialists • Reduce costly, unscheduled national fleet customers have utilized • Refurbishment provides a cost effective restoration for improved performance, driver morale, appearance, utilize our new, in-house equipment downtime to extend the life of their current fleet. uptime and DOT compliance that can swiftly clean your filter from Refurbished trucks offer new truck • Reduced fleet investment and downtime compared to new equipment purchases ash and soot that accumulates and • Help maintain optimal reliability and comfort with less cost • Refurbishment is a “green” process that utilizes the three pillars of recycling and waste reduction reduces filter life and performance. performance and downtime. • Tax incentive of bonus depreciation for initial year of refurb and through the taxable life of the refurbishment PLEASE CONTACT YOUR OPS OR OUR PARTS DEAPRTMENT for more information! 1010 S UMMERSUMMER 2015 2015 driveN driveN << << www.truckcentersinc.com w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 11 12 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 13 First Look: St. Louis Area Transportation Plan Preview The East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG), St. Louis region’s federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, recently gave a first look at their proposal for the region’s infrastructure development plan. Connected2045 establishes a project and policy- based framework that will be implemented through a variety of short-range transportation plans and programs. The Plan addresses immediate needs as well as the future of transportation in St. Louis.
People think transportation 100 years ago was fundamentally different, but it wasn’t really. " Back then we had steam- engine trains, trolleys, Model T’s. Now we have diesel- electric trains, the Metro and, soon, automated vehicles.
- Shawn Leight, VP of Crawford, Bunte, Brammeir, and adjunct professor at Washington University [ IndustryNews The 4 Biggest Myths a B o u t T r u c k e r s
14 SUMMERFor 2015 more driveN information << in the initial plan or updates w w w. on t r uprojects, c k c e n tvisit e r s iwww.ewgateway.org n c . c o m [ w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 15 [ CONT. IndustryNews Makers of Collision-Mitigation “It’s kind of nice to see all this conversation about Systems Say They Pay for Themselves this technology,” said Fred Andersky, director New GHG Proposal Tightens Truck Agility Now Freightliner’s Sole Natural of government and industry affairs at Bendix Emissions, Includes First Trailer Gas Fuel System Provider Representatives of Bendix and Meritor Wabco, the two major Commercial Vehicle Systems, in an interview with Targets suppliers of safety devices that warn drivers of impending " HDT. “There must be something there,” and fleet- Freightliner signs exclusive deal with Agility Fuel Systems collisions, are glad to see renewed attention put on their customer experience shows that it’s positive. On June 19, the federal government issued its long-awaited for its natural gas fuel systems. Under a seven-year products by recommendations issued this week by the National proposal to further tighten greenhouse-gas emissions for agreement between the two companies, Agility will provide Transportation Safety Board. But they say they don’t necessarily “It’s not all that surprising,” he said of NTSB’s push. trucks, improve their fuel economy and regulate trailer custom-designed products, according to the custom chassis want to see them mandated on trucks. “A lot of collisions occur, and there are different manufacturer. types, including rollover and jackknifes. Collisions efficiency for the first time. The joint proposal from the U.S. And they make a point of calling the products “collision Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway with stationary (or slow-moving) objects are a lot Santa Ana, Calif.-based Agility designs and produces mitigation” systems, because they cannot promise to eliminate more serious than those from lack of roll stability Traffic Safety Administration would phase in more stringent accidents, only to reduce their severity. The NTSB used the term control. standards for heavy- and medium-duty trucks from 2021 compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) “collision avoidance” in its call Monday for the National Highway through 2027. fuel systems for heavy-duty vehicles. Freightliner has worked Traffic Safety Administration to require such devices on new with Agility since 2002. trucks and cars. Those benefits are driving industry adoption in absence of a The 1,329-page main proposal includes separate standards mandate. for engines and vehicles. The trailer regulation would kick Agility recently announced the opening of a new manufacturing in Jan. 1, 2018, and then tighten in 2021 and 2024 before facility in Salisbury, N.C., which is in close proximity to the [ reaching its most stringent level in 2027. “Once upon a time, Freightliner manufacturing plants in Cleveland, N.C., and Mt. Companies that are developing this type of product are not waiting for NHTSA to come to be pro-environment you had to be anti-big-vehicles. This Holly, N.C., where the Freightliner Cascadia 113, M2 112, out with a rule,” said Alan Korn, director of rule will change that,” U.S Transportation Secretary Anthony and 114SD natural gas trucks are produced. Expected to Advanced Brake Systems Integration for Foxx said. “In fact, these efficiency standards are good for the start production in late 2015, it is the industry’s first vertically Meritor Wabco Vehicle Control Systems. environment — and the economy. When trucks use less fuel, integrated natural gas fuel system production facility, according " to Freightliner. “We’re responding to a demand" from shipping costs go down.” safety-minded fleets. Fuel is an enormous expense for our industry Freightliner currently has more than 6,000 natural — and carbon emissions carry an enormous gas trucks on the road. cost for our planet. That’s why our industry supported the Obama administration’s historic " first round of greenhouse gas and fuel- efficiency standards for medium and large trucks and why we support the aims of this second round of standards,” said Bill Graves, the president of the American Trucking Association.
The proposal applies to semi-trucks, large pickup trucks and vans, and all types of buses and work trucks. EPA and NHTSA said the proposal would cut carbon-dioxide emissions and fuel consumption for tractors by up to 24% in 2027, compared with 2018 levels. “This proposal will save consumers, businesses and truck owners money, and at the same time spur technology innovation and job growth while protecting Americans’ health and our environment over the long haul,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said.
[ Photo: Meritor Wabco ] [
16 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 17 TCI_Ads_Layout 1 6/3/15 11:09 AM Page 4
INCOMING VEHICLE
SERVICE ADVISOR EXPRESS WRITE-UP ASSESSMENT St. Louis, MO 747 E. Taylor Ave. St. Louis, MO 63147 (314) 381-3800 V E H I C L E R O U T I N G (800) 325-8809 St. Peters, MO 8016 Veterans Mem. Pkwy. St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 978-3870 (800) 985-0380 Evansville, IN 325 Rusher Creek DIAGNOSIS Evansville, IN 47725 (812) 868-2700 (800) 680-5910 Decatur, IL 5002 Cundiff Ct. Decatur, IL 62526 Any vehicle that (217) 877-0152 requires more Hudson, IL DIAGNOSIS SIMPLE than one hour of 19336 N 1425 East Rd. Hudson, IL 61748 YES diagnosis or has (855) 287-1228 COMPLETE? REPAIR? multiple repair Morton, IL needs will be 300 E. Ashland St. moved to the Morton, IL 61550 main shop. (309) 263-4240 (800) 397-4292 NO YES NO Express Assess- Mt. Vernon, IL ment is only 621 S. 45th St. Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 offered during (618) 244-2545 first shift week- (800) 786-2545 days unless Springfield, IL otherwise posted. 2981 E. Singer Ave. Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 525-1280 (800) 786-1280 Troy, IL MAIN SHOP EXPRESS REPAIR 2280 Formosa Rd. Troy, IL 62294 (618) 667-3454 (800) 669-3454 www.truckcentersinc.com 18 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 19 Gov. Rauner Kicked Off TCI F.I.R.S.T. S o u thern I l l in o i s T o u r at T r u c k C enter s , I nc . Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center TCI F.I.R.S.T. – The Sophomore Class TCI had the pleasure of being one of the career day Over the last half-decade, the practical skills from experienced participants at the Southern Indiana Career and management and service support professionals. And, thus, the TCI Technical Center in Evansville, Ind., to discuss the team of Truck Centers, Inc. has Future in Repair Service Technology opportunities available through our F.I.R.S.T. program. worked together to design an (F.I.R.S.T.) program was fine-tuned Our team was highly impressed with SICTS and the Diesel Service Technology program offered there. apprenticeship program to help train and launched. and place future technicians in our SICTC is part of the Evansville Vanderburgh School network shops. With a nationwide Our first official F.I.R.S.T. class Corporation and serves approximately 800 students from Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, North and South technician shortage and some of successfully completed the program Gibson, and the southern half of Spencer counties our seasoned veteran technicians and entered the work force in the by offering 20 courses of study in 10 different nearing retirement age, we have fourth quarter of 2014. We are career clusters. All of the programs prepare students worked diligently to stay ahead of the pleased to report that all students for high skill, high wage, or high demand careers curve so that these novices can not who finished the program were including 35 of the Hoosier Hot 50 jobs. The Career Center is identified by the National Research Center only get practical, classroom training, placed within two TCI stores and are for Career and Technical Education as one of the top but also be able to work along some continuing to build their skill set and five secondary career centers in the United States. of the best in the business to learn experience on the job. The graduation rate for students who attend SICTC was over 95% for the 2012-13 school year. In a follow-up study in 2011, it was determined that 69% of students who had taken classes at CTE continue their education with a post-secondary educational experience 15 months after graduation, and 51% of the students who are employed entered occupations related to their training at the school.
The school’s Diesel Service Technology is a two year course designed for high school juniors and seniors. The training program is Master Accredited by ASE/ Truck Centers, Inc. was proud to host Gov. Bruce Rauner for his NATEF. Areas of Accreditation include Diesel Engines, first stop on a tour of southern Illinois to highlight his pro-business, Drive Train, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Brakes, Heating & Air Conditioning, Preventive Maintenance education and economic growth platform. Echoing most of his agenda Inspection, and Suspension & Steering. Training is from his first State of the State address, the new Republican leader divided between the classroom and labs that feature the latest tools and industry equipment. launched a four-stop tour of Southern Illinois.
Students are also trained beyond hands-on Rauner spoke to an audience of a few hundred local officials, key business representatives, educators technical skills. They learn critical computer and voters and reiterated he is here to work for the voters of Illinois. His primary platform centers on skills and receive training on different three main pillars of jobs and industry, education and governmental reform. Meanwhile, the Governor facets of communication including effective and other elected representatives in the state have a daunting challenge of remedying budget gaps [ Inaugural TCI F.I.R.S.T. Graduates, Trainers and Mentors ] writing techniques and how to interact with and fiscal crises. customers, colleagues and management. As a prospective employer, we were extremely “A lot of our government is not run for your benefit. It’s run for the benefit of the people in the impressed by the facility, staff and students at SICTC and look forward to fostering a long- government,” Rauner stated. standing relationship with them. Job well done! Welcome to the TCI The governor mentioned the need for reforms to improve infrastructure, right-to-work zones, taxation changes and incentives to make Illinois a lucrative base for industry and commerce because of our F.I.R.S.T. 2015 Participants location as a primary transportation corridor. This was welcomed news for the audience including Truck Centers, a family-owned Freightliner truck dealer network that operates 9 Midwestern locations Ray Braden Cody Hunter including 6 in Illinois. Andrew Christ MaKayla Saalweachter He also mentioned the need to reintroduce and support trade education and skill development in Jacob Feldmann Andrew Snider local schools and to curb unnecessary governmental waste to help Illinois grow and prosper. Joshua Funk Gov. Rauner toured the facility in Troy before moving on to his next stop in Mt. Vernon.
20 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 21 TCI_Ads_Layout 1 11/10/14 9:36 PM Page 7
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Automatic Tire Inflation System? Introducing: AERIS ™ by Stemco
• Superior reliability and durability • Never pressurizes the wheel end • Mechanic and DOT friendly SUBMIT YOUR SUBMIT YOUR • Industry leading warranty • Smart Sense — no more searching for leaks! Inflation | Information | Solutions OWN AD OWN AD C O N T A C T C O N T A C T The full-service Collision Centers of Truck Centers, Inc. provide a dedicated team of professionals and certified body shop technicians that can handle everything Michelle Petroff Michelle Petroff from alignments, driveshaft and radiator repairs to custom paint service, intensive accident repairs and complete truck refurbishment service for all makes and models. With over 45 years of superior customer service, industry-best equipment and a preferred shop rating for most insurance companies, Truck Centers, Inc. is a proven provider for all of your truck repair needs because customers are our first priority! Reduce Repair Downtime. Increase Your Bottomline. E M A I L E M A I L [email protected] [email protected] www.truckcentersinc.com TCI-EVANSVILLE COLLISION CENTER TCI-Morton Collision Center TCI-TROY Collision Center Southern Indiana (I-69 exit 9) Northern Illinois (I-74 exit 102B) St. Louis Metro (I-55/70 exit 18) BRYAN MCDANIEL, MANAGER Cheryl Williams, Manager KENT ZOBRIST, MANAGER (800) 680-5910 (800) 397-4292 (800) 695-9924 since 1970 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] P.O. Box 1989. Longview, Texas 75606-1989 | www.stemco.com | Tel: 903-758-9981 Fax: 903-232-3508 ©2012 STEMCO LP
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24 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 25 ACCOLADES Every now and then, an extra shout out for a job well done is appreciated. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to leave us constructive feedback and recognition for team members who go above and beyond! “… All through this ordeal (motorhome breakdown), Mid-West Gabe was patient, reassuring and a pleasure to work TRUCK & TRAILER SHOW with. We have been RV’ing for 52 years and we have encountered all manner of service facilities and In February, thousands of people flock to Peoria (Ill.) Civic Center for the Mid-West Truck & Trailer personnel, spanning from terrible to terrific. I can Show. Since 1962, attendees get to see the newest products, innovations, and meet with equipment honestly say, Gabe and your staff including Shane in representatives. TCI is always in attendance and enjoys having the opportunity to interact with our current parts are the best we have ever encountered.” and potential customers to show them our newest product offerings and how they can help their business. - Jerry Fuzak – Sandwich, IL “I have had dealings with Truck Centers in Troy for many years-what impresses me the most is the way all TRUCKLOAD CARRIERS' ASSOCIATION employees seem to work together as a team-that is what it takes to have a successful business and the way Truck Centers has grown since its Highland operation is very impressive.” - Air Products – Granite City, IL ANNUAL “Thank you guys for going above and beyond getting my truck in and out of the body shop. Keep up the outstanding job.” CONVENTION - Richard Johnson, Cortland, NY Truck Centers also participated in “The easiest place to deal with I have ever been in! Great the TCA Annual Convention that folks and a place for my dog :) “ took place March 8-11th in - Denise Herman, Inman, SC Orlando, Fla. Our team was “Good, honest, hard working and friendly people. Best on hand to participate in place to go for ANY repair. THANK YOU!” some breakout sessions and - Jan McCarter, Florence, KY interact with customers. If you are ever at an event and “Very clean facility and speedy service got me back on see us, please stop and share the road quick so I can take home time. Very nice staff working here.” some feedback or suggestions - Brian Harris, Killeen, TX that you may have for us. “A bright light in the service community. Always pleased with treatment & service.” 18-Wheeler Pinewood - William Nicols, Manchester, MO Ready to Serve OuR "I will definitely use y’all again. Jim did a super job. Thank you." Derby Winner - Taylor Truck Line CNG Customers One of the entertaining sidebars to the “I told Tyler that if I need work done & am within 500 show is the Mid-West Truckers’ Association miles, this is the place!!” Our Troy facility has been undergoing “18-Wheeler Pinewood Derby”. For the - Bruce Chandler, Stockholm, WI construction and safety modifications first time in the competition’s three-year “Best body shop from Freightliner. 5 Stars!” history, TCI participated in the event. - DJ Torres, Mansfield, TX to have dedicated bay space compliant Shane Morgan, Morton parts counterman, “After 3 shops, your guy found the problem on my Volvo.” with servicing compressed natural gas designed and built his entry that brought home the gold. Great job, Shane! - Brian Grensman, Wilsey, KS (CNG) alternative fuel trucks.
26 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 27 2015 models have increased fuel economy and service intervals are 20,000 miles. The most exciting option for the 2015 year is the 4x4 model! The Freightliner Sprinter is designed to meet all of your needs. Whether it is for business with the Cargo Van or to transport people around with the Crew and Passenger Van, the Sprinter Van has just what you need. With multiple wheelbases and heights, you can customize the van to what works best for you. Call our Sprinter Brand Manager John Kobylanski (812) 868-2700 to become part of the Sprinter family today.
28 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 29 The Freightliner Inspiration Truck is equipped with the Highway The Freightliner Inspiration Truck operates on highways at what the Pilot sensors and computer hardware is based upon a series National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines as Level 3 of production Freightliner Cascadia Evolution, fully certified to exceed autonomous vehicle capabilities, enabling the driver to cede full control all U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The Highway Pilot of all safety-critical functions under certain traffic or environmental links together a sophisticated set of camera technology and radar conditions. The autonomous vehicle system is responsible for systems with lane stability, collision avoidance, speed control, maintaining legal speed, staying in the selected lane, keeping a safe braking, steering and other monitoring systems. This combination braking distance from other vehicles, and slowing or stopping the creates a Level 3 autonomous vehicle operating system that can vehicle based on traffic and road conditions. The vehicle monitors perform safely under a range of highway driving conditions. In total, changes in conditions that require transition back to driver control when THE First Licensed two trucks with this equipment exist. necessary in highway settings. The driver is in control of the vehicle for exiting the highway, on local roads and in docking for making deliveries. Autonomous Freightliner Trucks does more than any other commercial truck manufacturer "Freightliner is the recognized leader in developing trucks that improve Real Cost of OwnershipSM for our customers. The Cascadia Evolution Commercial Truck to integrate the truck, the driver and the redefined what was expected in terms of fuel efficiency, connectivity, business. The Freightliner Inspiration safety, quality and uptime. And the Freightliner SuperTruck, unveiled to Drive on U.S. " Truck is a case in point because it is not a at the recent Mid-America Trucking Show, shattered the goal set driverless truck—the driver is a key part by the U.S. Department of Energy for heavy-duty Class 8 trucks by Public Highway of a collaborative vehicle system," said achieving an incredible 115 percent ton-miles per gallon freight Richard Howard, Senior Vice President, efficiency improvement," said Diane Hames, General Manager, Sales & Marketing, DTNA. "And now, the Freightliner Inspiration Truck is yet Sales & Marketing, DTNA. "With the another prime example of the infinite inspiration from the research and Freightliner Inspiration Truck, drivers can design team at DTNA when it comes to advancing our state-of-the-art optimize their time on the road while also commercial truck technology. We want to always have the best truck handling other important logistical tasks, on the road, so we will never stop investing in our customers through Freightliner from scheduling to routing. The autonomous the product we put on the road." vehicle technology not only contributes to By bringing together the best minds at Daimler Trucks—the worldwide improved safety and efficiency, but allows technological leader in the commercial vehicle business—the unveiling for improved communication through of the Freightliner Inspiration Truck showcases the possibilities of connectivity and integration." autonomous vehicles and advances an important discussion about the Inspiration Truck future of logistics and distribution across North America. On an early May evening, Daimler Trucks we are inspired by meeting the challenges faced For more information, visit www.freightlinerinspiration.com North America (DTNA) unveiled the Freightliner by our customers. Inspiration drives technology Inspiration Truck to several hundred international leadership and, ultimately, customer value. Our news media, trucking industry analysts and customers are our inspiration." officials at a spectacular event at Hoover Dam. The Hoover Dam was selected for the unveiling because it represents The Freightliner Inspiration Truck is the first autonomous commercial America's ability to dream big and accomplish amazing things even truck licensed to operate on an open public highway in the United in the midst of adversity. Built during the Great Depression under States. Developed by engineers at DTNA, it promises to unlock harsh conditions, it took fewer than five years to complete. The autonomous vehicle advancements that reduce accidents, improve fuel largest dam of its time, the Hoover Dam still stands as an engineering consumption, cut highway congestion, and safeguard the environment. marvel eight decades later. The Inspiration Truck presented itself to the world by driving on top of the dam while the dam was used as a "Putting the Freightliner Inspiration Truck on the road is an historic large-scale projection surface. day for Daimler Trucks and the North American trucking industry," said Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of The Freightliner Inspiration Truck illustrates DTNA's commitment Daimler AG Daimler Trucks & Buses. "Our team has done a marvelous to customer value through consistent investment in the latest job in bringing this breakthrough technology to the road." technology and the design and production of the best commercial trucks on today's roads. Some of the core autonomous vehicle Freightliner Trucks has been setting the systems in the concept vehicle are already successfully deployed in standard for commercial vehicle design the current Freightliner Cascadia Evolution. and technology for nearly 75 years," said The Freightliner Inspiration Truck underwent extensive testing before Martin Daum, President & CEO, DTNA. the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles granted it a license to " "Whether it was the first all-aluminum cab operate on public roads in the state. On May 5, Nevada Gov. Brian introduced in 1942 or the current industry- Sandoval formally granted the license to operate the vehicle in the state, affixing a license plate to the truck and taking part in the leading Freightliner Cascadia Evolution, ceremonial first drive of the truck in autonomous mode.
30 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 31 Radar and Camera Systems The radar unit in the center area of the Freightliner Inspiration Truck front Inspiration Truck bumper scans the road ahead at long and short range. The long-range radar, with a range of 820 feet and scanning an 18-degree segment, looks far and narrow to see vehicles ahead. The short- range radar, with a range of 230 feet and scanning a 130-degree segment, looks wider to see vehicles that might cut in front of the truck.
The front radar unit is the basis for the Active Cruise Control and Active Brake Assist available in the Detroit Assurance™ suite of safety systems on the series production Freightliner Cascadia® Evolution.
The area ahead is scanned by a stereo camera located behind the Freightliner Inspiration Truck windscreen. The range of the camera is 328 feet, and it scans an area of 45-degrees horizontal by 27-degrees vertical. The camera recognizes lane markings and Full Range Radar 18° | Range 820 ft s A F e r , M o r e e F F i c i e n t communicates to the Highway Pilot Front Stereo Camera 45° | Range 328 ft steering gear for autonomous lane short Range Radar 130° | Range 230 ft guidance.
Adaptive Cruise Control Plus The Freightliner Inspiration Truck is Connectivity equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control Commercial Trucks An autonomous commercial truck is not a driverless truck. We think this point is very important PLUS (ACC+). ACC+ has the standard and, since highly trained CDL drivers will remain in our trucks, we are inspired to also create the Some of the key components in the Freightliner Inspiration Truck include: hardware and software used in series On May 5, 2015, the first production vehicles such as the best possible experience for them. We not only want the driver in the truck, we want to be the autonomous commercial Mercedes-Benz Actros; however, it has driver’s partner in improving safety and fuel efficiency while they are on the road. vehicle to operate on an Highway Pilot modified software specific to the AV Highway Pilot links together sophisticated camera and radar technology with systems driving application. With a state-of-the-art dash interface, connectivity in the Freightliner Inspiration Truck is key to open public highway in the providing lane stability, collision avoidance, speed control, braking, steering and an a great driver experience. It is large in size and is able to greatly improve the way data from the United States was unveiled advanced dash display to allow for safe autonomous operation on public highways. ACC+ combines the abilities of truck’s performance is communicated to the driver. Highway Pilot informs the driver visually on to international media at active cruise and distance control in its current status and also accepts commands from the driver. Taking connectivity to another Hoover Dam, outside of combination with the ability of the level, video displays inside the truck are capable of replacing exterior mirrors. Not only does vehicle to stop and go without driver this boost fuel efficiency by up to 1.5 percent, but the use of tiny cameras on the exterior of the Las Vegas. The Freightliner intervention. Simply, the Freightliner truck greatly reduces blind spots. With the safety features of the Freightliner Inspiration Truck, Inspiration Truck showcases Inspiration Truck can control distance drivers can optimize their time on the road by utilizing Detroit Connect to handle other important Freightliner Trucks’ and speed in a range of 0 mph up to the logistical tasks, from logging to routing. The technology contributes to improved safety and commitment to delivering maximum vehicle speed. efficiency, while allowing for improved communication through connectivity and integration. the best commercial trucks on the road today and for years to come.
For us, unveiling the Freightliner Inspiration Truck is about more than operating in autonomous mode, it’s about leading the evolution for cutting edge safety, efficiency and connectivity technology within the trucking industry.
32 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 33 Freightliner Trucks is recognized for Equipment – The Right Choice Pays breakthrough Saying that the right equipment is essential to efficient innovations in 6 E’s of Evaluating business seems obvious. But with equipment purchases commercial vehicle being a key expense to your company, one must factor in the initial purchase costs as well as the foresight for technology that maintenance and total cost of ownership. help reduce our The first critical decision once you determine a need for new or additional customers’ Real equipment, is the decision, to buy or lease. With numerous financing options and SM Efficient Cost of Ownership . alternatives, owners must decide their initial budget capabilities as well as the long-term implications of their decision. Buying the equipment is straightforward. Fleet managers and You provide a down payment and often get a loan through your own private owner-operators financing or explore various finance offerings from dealers. There is also the count on Freightliner in factor with trades, private sales, and volume purchases to try to leverage your Business buying power. But once your equipment is paid off, you own it outright and can for efficient, reinvest in your business by using your assets as collateral for trades or financing. dependable vehicles Leasing is more complicated. Initial payments and start-up costs are often lower with some of the than purchases but you are basically paying a monthly fee to use the equipment Trucking much like a rental agreement. Other leases do offer buy-out options at the end of smartest technology the payment cycle but if you do not explore these options and calculate your total on the market. In today’s world, technology and the cost invested in the equipment; you may be left with nothing to show in the end. development of informatics has impacted the transportation industry. The trucking There is no right or wrong answer on the decision to buy or lease and it A History of Innovation in depends on each specific situation. Each option has benefits and drawbacks. businesses built and cultivated over the However, it is important to compare apples to apples on what the same truck last 50 years look quite different today than will cost you to purchase versus a lease or lease/purchase agreement and not their original foundations. While the job may negating any disruption to business that may occur should your lease term still be the same in assisting customers in expire without a new contract in place or the lack of building equity in one of getting freight from Point A to Point B, the the most vital components of your business. Commercial TruckING infrastructure, logistics, and equipment have Freightliner L e a d s t h e Way i n R e d uc i n g R e a l C o s t of o W n e r s h ip changed. Employees Matter – Your Best Recruiting Resources Here are some key milestones from 1989 Freightliner’s proprietary AirLiner 2011 Detroit Virtual Technician onboard Technology has significantly changed the Freightliner’s history that showcase their suspension gives drivers a new level of diagnostic system is launched and made equipment used in today’s trucking – from Work for You ongoing commitment to innovation: comfort. standard in all Freightliner Cascadia truck automated transmissions to onboard While equipment is required, employees are critical to making models. 1942 Freightliner is founded and the diagnostic telematics. Today’s trucksare your entire operation work. Without good help, you have no business, no 1995 The Freightliner Century Class offers equipment moving, and unhappy customers. Employees are the driving force in Model 600 “Shovelnose” features the technological breakthroughs that improve 2012 The Freightliner Cascadia ever changing and so are the needs for industry’s first all-aluminum cab. making your business profitable or a bust. Your company is only as strong as your fuel economy, increase payload, enhance Evolution truck is introduced, setting a manufacturers, dealers and servicerproviders weakest employee and every one of them is a reflection on your company and 1950 Freightliner sells its first driver safety and increase productivity. new standard for reducing Real Cost of to stay ahead of the customer’s needs to important in the perception of your business within the industry and your clients. transcontinental cab-over-engine sleeper Ownership. increase uptime and efficiency. Driver recruit- 1999 Freightliner Trucks introduces the That being said, recruitment and particularly, driver recruitment, has become capable of hauling a 35-foot trailer. Century Class S/T (Safety/Technology) vehicle, 2013 Detroit Connect is introduced giving ment, office management, and brokerage also have evolved into critical gears in a well-oiled increasingly competitive and critical to trucking companies. With a nationwide 1958 Freightliner revolutionizes vehicle a major product upgrade, adding numerous fleets a suite of telematics offerings. driver shortage, qualified drivers are in need everywhere. The associated costs standard safety and technology features. machine to keep your business operating servicing with the first 90-degree tilt 2014 The Detroit Assurance suite of safety or savings of safe driving records, thorough record keeping, DOT compliance, cab, giving mechanics easy access for 2000 The aerodynamic Columbia reduces systems, linking the engine, transmission efficiently and in near real-time situations. and experience with driving strategies to maximize fuel economy make engine maintenance. wind resistance and provides excellent fuel and braking systems to radar and camera experienced drivers in high demand. The continued need for reinvestment and 1965 Powered by a Boeing model 553 economy, along with a lightweight design. sensors, is introduced. The integrated Most larger fleets and companies have marketing professionals that exclusively Detroit Powertrain is introduced offering advancements has seen the industry become gas turbine, the Freightliner Turboliner 2004 Freightliner builds the first, and work to entice the cream of the crop drivers with signing and performance weights 2,400 pounds less than a engine, transmission and axles engineered increasingly difficult for smaller companies or bonuses, competitive pay, at-home time, and new equipment offerings. still the only, full-scale wind tunnel owned and designed to work together. similar truck with a diesel engine. and operated by a North American truck start-ups to compete in the highly-automated, Billboards, magazine ads, radio commercials, social media, and catchy graphics manufacturer. 2015 The Freightliner SuperTruck is uber-efficient conglomerates. Running a are all popular recruitment tactics. However, it is a known marketing fact that 1973 Freightliner introduces its word of mouth is the most influential tool in attracting new hires. That translates flagship Powerliner, a truck with a unveiled at the Mid-America Trucking successful trucking business today is far more 2007 The Freightliner Cascadia debuts, Show, smashing a goal set by the U.S. to happy employees as your best spokespeople. They are on the frontlines, massive 2,000-square-inch radiator incorporating a range of new aerodynamic, than knowing how to drive a truck or follow a interacting and representing your business and have persuasive influence with and 600-horsepower engine. Department of Energy by increasing freight route. We hope that these 6 E’s will serve as lightweight and maintenance-reducing features. hauling efficiency by 115 percent. potential hires. Often employees are asked if the managers and leadership do discussion points for your leadership team to as promised, if they treat employees well, respect employees and their personal/ 1987 The FLD is introduced and The Detroit DD15 engine, a lighter-weight Freightliner Inspiration Truck receives engine that reduces parasitic loss to boost licensing to become the first autonomous continually reevaluate to help you continue to family needs, and provide excellent equipment and support. Often they also see is Freightliner’s first aerodynamic the equipment being used by your company and it’s appearance, reliability, and conventional tractor. fuel efficiency, is introduced. commercial truck that is able to operate be successful. on U.S. roads. performance and powerful factors in the decision-making process.
34 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 35 Excellent Clients Efficient Operations – Saving Dollars – Profitable Makes Sense Partnerships While your drivers are the face of your company that most people New owner-operators or come into contact with, those in the back office are the ones that keep smaller companies often use a load board for everything moving – they are the heart of making it all work. For owner-operators, it getting clients. This approach should be used may be 1-3 people that make your whole operation work and handle everything from as an initial resource but not your only strategy the driving and brokerage to billing, fuel tax, and operational paperwork; whereas, or long-term tactic for obtaining customers. small or medium-sized fleets have more administrative needs and employees. These boards are very competitive and great for back-hauls or specific situations but you When identifying your operational needs, it is important to determine your business have to often bid at rock bottom prices with culture. Identify and prioritize the businesses’ needs (fixed and variable), top factors minimal profits to secure a contract. Similarly, in maximizing/reducing profitability, policies or processes that are critical, and how
rucking these low-bid situations rarely allow you to much management or direct oversight you want to provide. forge long-term relationships with potential
T Once you identify your needs, goals, and potential avenues to achieve your goals (or fail customers since they are just a one-off or price to meet them), you can work to put the right people in the right positions. It is not just
in shopper. Continually having to work to secure having qualified, dynamic personalities on your team but making sure their personalities, new clients and loads is not efficient or cost- personal strengths, and experience are utilized to the fullest so they can offer your effective for your administrative team. company the best that they have to offer. For example, if you have multiple strong accounting reps who are thorough, detail-oriented, and good with research, they may While building your client base, use Internet be a good candidate for brokerage or maintaining compliance, DOT, licensure needs. resources as well as making sales calls and mailing direct mail pieces for your own With the best-suited employees in the right position, processes that are clear, targeted client list. Creating a client list is concise, and efficient will help your business flourish. Even if you are a single truck, a lot of work and why many companies are owner-operator now, having a business owner mentality and incorporating efficient protective of that asset. You have to spend operational practices now will help you as you continue to grow. Business a lot of hours researching companies in your Best B usiness P r a ctices f o r area of interest or operation, find out about each business and their needs, assess what Economic Sustainability – opportunities may exist, prepare marketing materials on your company and what you Maintaining Cash-Flow offer, write a powerful cover letter to mail Successful and efficient businesses run on more than paper, they need with your proposal, and follow up with a cash. Cash-flow problems can plague companies that are seemingly sales call. These clients take work and Profitability in Trucking doing well because of lack of economic management and foresight. sometimes a lot of courting but are the fficient most likely to pay off with secured contracts Most often, trucking companies falter because of a lack of cash-flow and get behind In order to properly use the information E Metrics are the building blocks that can help you grow your business. because shippers have delayed payment. If shipped loads fail to pay on time and you available and to understand your own are 60-90 days out, you are losing revenue for 2-3 months for a load that you already of business planning and company’s information, it is important to paid your costs for in terms of equipment, maintenance, fuel, wages to deliver. profitability and minor changes recognize how key factors are defined Expenses – In this industry, preparing for the unknown is also critical to safeguarding your in key metrics can make a and measured. For example, miles, Know Your Costs sustainability in darker times. Unplanned expenses such as rising fuel costs, repairs, Metrics significant impact on the revenue, and trucks are the building cost of tires, driver turnover will happen – the key is just having a buffer to be prepared performance and profitability blocks of many trucking statistical
ting While bidding wars and for them. Similarly, rapid growth can have leadership lose sight of their bottom line elements and can each be defined in competition can be fierce to when expenses overshadow revenues and you run on credit until clients start paying. bottomline of any trucking several different ways. gain and retain clients, it is critical company. The transportation to know your break-even point and minimum All of these scenarios are opportunities to allow your competitors to court your clients if they industry has never been more Mileage-based metrics typically utilize profit margin to keep afloat. The only way to start to question your dependability and fear you will not continue to deliver quality service. Matter: different “miles” depending on the bid efficiently is to truly know your expenses metric driven than it is today; a l ua Budgeting and saving a portion of your profit from each load paid to put into a fund will be metric. Fuel and many equipment including equipment payments, maintenance, and, as a result, access to a safe harbor for your company during these times. Another alternative is working with a Know Your maintenance statistics (tractor fuel, licensing and insurance, wages, tolls, and industry data is becoming freight factoring company. These financing companies provide a type of advance on slow- maintenance cost per mile, miles per the cost of your work. pay bills to get you immediate funds to allow you to cover expenses to keep delivering Numbers more prevalent with new gallon, etc.) are usually presented using benchmarking endeavors odometer, hub or ECM miles. This can All too often, forgetting to factor in a dollar new loads without disruption. These services should be used with proper consideration as you are losing some of your profit to have the convenience of quick cash. to Improve covering all critical aspects of be confusing when comparing to fuel amount for your troubles can come back to be a and maintenance costs per mile as sore point. Metropolitan areas with truck travel These tips hopefully are just a starting point for your management team to think about the business including general presented in financial reports which use restrictions and heavy traffic add delays and how your company is operating and what opportunities may exist to improve more Trucking financial data, driver recruiting dispatch miles and, therefore, reflect added travel time and should have a premium efficiently and profitably. Scheduling quarterly or annual (at a minimum) efficiency and retention statistics, a higher cost per mile as by definition added to them. And the costs extend beyond evaluations will help you continue to stay ahead of the needs and growth that your Profitability maintenance and a wealth of dispatched miles that are less than drop off, because there is added time (thus business faces to ensure continuity and continued success for everyone. It is also Excerpts from “Trucking Profitability Insights” odometer, hub or ECM miles. 6 E ’s o f v cost) in securing a load nearby to avoid costly prudent to always include your financial planner or consultant to help you stay abreast on by Kirby McLinn, KSM Transport Advisors, operations statistics. deadhead miles that can eat away at your profits. any tax, regulatory, or compliance changes that may impact your business operations. November 17, 2014 (online)
36 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 37 Miles used for billing between two points may be different than miles used to pay the driver between the same two points due to routing or mileage program differences. Understanding these mileage differences is critical when evaluating or proposing rates to shippers. Historically, the carrier has an understanding of its operating costs and quotes its prices based on the dispatched Driver miles generated in the carrier’s TMS or dispatch system. Shippers may specify the mileage engine (Rand McNalley, PCMiler, etc.) and mileage type (short, practical, etc.) when requesting rates in bids; sometimes Recruiting shippers provide their own miles. Carriers must understand the variance in the is a Marketing miles used by the shipper and the miles used to generate the carrier’s costs when Effort submitting bids or quotes. Failure to do so may result in under or overpricing the freight; a 3-5% variance between the miles used for calculating operating costs and the miles used for invoicing the customer could possibly mean an unintentional 3-5% “discount” given to the customer. Dr. Philip Kotler revolutionized the marketing world in the early 1960s with a defined and simplified approach The different types of revenue can also to the consumer marketing world by evangelizing the 4 cause confusion when looking at various P’s of Marketing – Product, Price, Place and Promotion. revenue statistics. Are fuel surcharges or While this model has evolved over time, the 4 P’s are other accessorial charges included in the still the core of all consumer marketing; and industry statistic? When comparing rates among analyst leaders as KSM Transport Advisors suggest these customers or to industry rate indices, fuel p r i c e P r o m ot i on surcharges should be included, but when principles should also be the core of your efforts to attract Economics 101 states that markets are rational and that the Similar to the change in “place” mentioned above, the promotion market sets the price. Attracting qualified drivers requires a of driving jobs has changed as our delivery of information has comparing rate trends over a long time safe, productive and loyal drivers to your company. We have summarized how these four principles translate to competitive pay package starting with the base pay but also become faster and more frequent. Gone are the days of newspaper period they probably should not. including pay for performance, tenure increases, insurance and and truck stop magazine ads. Today’s promotion is simultaneously Truck counts can vary for productivity, the driver recruitment in the trucking industry. other benefits. It is critical that carriers understand the competitive transmitted to various outlets and pushed directly to the driver’s driver turnover and other statistics landscape and benchmark their “price offering” to both current and smartphone, tablet, or laptop via Facebook, LinkedIn, Craigslist, depending on whether the statistic is using prospective drivers. Instagram, recruiting portals, carrier websites, etc. However, again, total trucks, active trucks, staffed trucks p r o d u c t even with all of the technological tools available, the power of The product that a truck driver is “buying” from a trucking company is or available trucks and how each of those word of mouth and driver referrals remain extremely persuasive in complicated. It is the sum of the driver’s perception about the company: p l a c e recruitment. terms is defined and used. the quality and cleanliness of the equipment to which (s)he is assigned; the There has been massive change where the product is introduced appearance, professionalism and friendliness of all of the company’s associates to and reviewed by the driver. Today, marketing is all about the Carriers should employ all four elements (product, price, place, and The key point is to be aware that there are including drivers, mechanics, operations personnel, payroll, president, etc.; the internet. Carriers use all facets of the internet (websites, social promotion) as they craft the marketing mix to create a balance of differences in how various elements used cleanliness and quality of the company’s facilities including the facilities set media, messaging, etc.) as the place to display their product and the four elements that provides the carrier the maximum return. to measure key performance indicators aside specifically for drivers; the verbal, written and electronic communications entice drivers to take the next step and reach out to a recruiter via This is not a “one and done” effort; carriers need to continually test that the driver receives from the company; the company’s home time policy and e-mail or phone to obtain more information and hopefully close the and other statistics are defined. When and analyze their marketing mix and results and make changes to looking at industry statistics try to find out practice; etc. sale. Both drivers and carriers have become more sophisticated as the world has become more virtual in initiating contact and maximize their driver recruiting efforts on a regular basis. There how the key factors are defined and use is no one marketing recipe for success; carriers that adopt a Perception is reality and, for a driver, his or her perception is his or her reality. communication channels. similar definitions when comparing your marketing mentality, understand the elements and analyze cost/ Further, first impressions or perceptions are very important in the decision- own statistics. This will allow you to more effort/results will achieve superior results. making process. Make sure that potential employees’ perceptions are positive One area that has not changed is the power of driver referrals. accurately benchmark your activities and from first contact through termination; these perceptions are especially Referrals and word of mouth endorsements are very powerful If you are interested in learning more about the services of KSM results; thus, being able to more accurately important during the first 90 days when turnover rates are the highest. It is as the prospective driver has an opportunity to preview the Transport Advisors, visit www.ksmta.com price your freight. critical that there is an expectation exchange prior to the driver getting in the carrier’s product by directly talking to a current driver and possibly truck. Make sure the driver’s perception from recruiting, orientation and word of observing his or her assigned equipment. Do not discount referrals; If you are interested in learning more about mouth is consistent with what the company believes to be reality. they should be a part of every carrier’s marketing mix. the services of KSM Transport Advisors, visit www.ksmta.com Article synthesized from “Trucking Profitability Insights” by David Roush, KSM Transport Advisors, July 16, 2014 (online)
38 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 39 CBX SERIES PINTLE HOOKS & DRAWBARS MARK V™ ATLAS 55™ CLASSIC™
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40 SUMMER 2015 driveN FRONT-TO-BACK << w w w. t r u c k cORIGINAL e n t e r s i n c . c o m SERVICE PARTS DESIGNED TO KEEP w w w.YOU t r u c k c e nROLLING t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 41 This is what we do. Ten Trends in Fleet Efficiency Rightsizing Trucks and Engines Manage Fuel Spending Fuel spending is the largest component of operating costs for fleets, It is crucial to know the true needs, applications so it is an ongoing focal point for cost-saving strategies. Volatile fuel prices keep managers continually searching and expectations for your trucks and their for ways to improve fuel efficiency. Many fleets, to control costs, have implemented multifaceted management performance so you do not cut short on strategies such as those outlined below: performance by downsizing but also do not 1. Revising Vehicle Specifications – Feasible reductions in vehicle platform or engine size can save fuel costs. overbuy with equipment that exceed your 2. Modifying Driver Behavior – Many large fleets are implementing programs to train employees on more efficient needs. Working with a sales expert will allow driving styles. Reducing fast starts, hard stops, speeding and excessive idling can significantly improve fuel you to determine the right size truck and engine efficiency. Visit our website at www.daimler-truckfinancial.com package that allow you to get the best vehicle for 3 Using a Managed Fuel Program – Certified Transportation Professionals advise fleets to use a managed fuel your specific needs and can significantly reduce program to automatically limit spending at the pump. initial purchase cost and improve fuel economy 4. Adopting Apps to Find Lowest Fuel Prices – Several smartphone fuel apps exist to help find the lowest-priced for a lower total cost of ownership. fuel. Using these “find fuel” apps on the road can mean as much as 30-cents a gallon difference within a few miles. Truck Acquisition Trends Fleet 5. Taking Advantage of Fuel-Efficient OEM Offerings – OEMs have responded for the demand for fuel-efficient managers are working to stretch their vehicle’s life vehicles with various offerings to allow fleets to better customize their specific units. Using APUs – Many fleets are using auxiliary power units to provide driver comfort features and ©2015 Daimler Truck Financial is a business unit of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC. All rights reserved. and budgets. This translates to strict 6. preventative maintenance plans and electric power without idling the vehicle to reduce fuel consumption. truck refurbishment programs to allow for a longer service Telematics Fleet Applications Fleet telematics is an life and, in turn, lower overall emerging resource for fleets to consider increasing efficiency. Obstacles maintenance costs compared to from identifying at-risk driver behavior and excessive idle time to creating new acquisitions. Companies more efficient delivery routes or avoiding traffic delays can be corrected by are also reacting to the rising using telematics. Using new technology to improve efficiencies and monitor acquisition costs by exploring data. Detroit’s Virtual Technician On-Board Diagnostic System captures financial alternatives including diagnostic data and vehicle performance, sends automatic communications fixed-term leasing or locked-in to fleet managers and dealers if there is an anticipated program, logs idle time lower interest rates. and driving style to help give fleet managers the data necessary to manage a modern fleet. Top UpfittingT rends Upfitters are responding to demands for Truck Maintenance Trends While engineering improvements and new lightweight alternatives and more flexibility in modifying technology implemented by OEMs improve the vehicle lifespan and reduce overall cost of ownership, upfits with new options including modular bodies. segmenting maintenance costs alone can show some increases because of lubricants, motor oils and filters that offer improved fuel efficiency or longer service life. Additionally, increases in raw materials, emissions C31AGM Truck Remarketing Trends regulations and components such as diesel particulate filters contribute to the maintenance bottom line. AGM Power and Projections for the wholesale market for used The new technology in these trucks also demands skilled technicians because of the complexities of repairs. Deeper Cycles trucks remains strong. The vitality of the To avoid being in a costly dilemma for pricy repairs and downtime for repairs, it is important to have a strong construction industry is projected to continue to relationship with your dealer. Dealers such as Truck Centers offer Express Assessment service and are Elite keep the demand high. Support certified, showing our commitment to ongoing customer satisfaction and excellence.
Growing Use of Alternative Replacement Tires & Recaps The costs of raw materials greatly influence the price XHD31 Fuels With volatile diesel prices, there is of tires. The increasing prices for oil and rubber that drive up the prices of tires with a 14 percent increase Extreme Heavy increased interest in alternative-fuel vehicles over the past three years means that many fleets investigate recapped tires as a cost savings measure. Duty Performance including CNG, LNG, propane or electric hybrid options. Dealer sales experts can help fleets Trends in Truck Safety & Accident Management Identifying and identify which, if any, alternative-fuel truck option limiting accident risk and avoidance measures provide significant opportunities for cost reductions via is best for their fleet. Factors including cost insurance costs, repairs and downtime. Telematics and driver training, combined with Bluetooth technology, savings, performance, maintenance and support navigation systems and reverse sensing technology, are utilized by some of the most efficient fleets. infrastructure are critical in determining an www.continentalbattery.com alternative-fuel powered vehicle. Compiled from a Work Truck article of the same name by Mike Antich, March 2013. Read the full version online at www.worktruckonline.com
42 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 43 TCI_Ads_Layout 1 11/10/14 9:35 PM Page 12
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Joe Switzer (TCI-Troy) We Troy Salesman, Joe Switzer, competed in the World Bicycle Relief Challenge at the wanted Indianapolis Motor Speedway on June Justin Hopkins 20th. Joe won first place in category 4. to give Way to go, Joe! (TCI-Corporate) TCI’s VP of Sales, Justin our team Hopkins, has earned a chance honors in our annual Davis Wilder (TCI-Eureka) Jerry Duft Fishing to share I am so proud of my wife, Brenda. She is an educator and an author Tournament on a few what of a series of books aimed at young girls. These books also have occasions and he has a very devoted audience of older women (senior girls as one put it) passed along the love makes who may be more familiar with the times that the book covers. The of fishing to his 3 year Jim Pennington (TCI-St.Louis) series is called The Grand Adventures of Sadie Mae Fuller and it is old son, Justin Jr. The them just that - a story about a little girl growing up in rural Kentucky in younger Hopkins caught My daughter, Vanna, is doing soccer cheer again the 1930's and the adventures of growing up. One can find the his first fish at the TCI and is going to be abase this year. She is photo- proud. books by googling "The Grand Adventures of Sadie Mae Fuller". pond and was ever so graphed on the far right. We are so proud of her! proud! Here are Here is Brenda in Western Kentucky where the books are set. some of those things… TCI Team Notables! Terry Marks (TCI-Troy) Terry Marks and his wife JoAnne are the proud grandparents to 3 new grandchildren: Zachary Joseph, born 12/15/14, 9lb 3oz to son Kevin • Landon Ryan, born 1/4/15, 8lb 7oz to son Tim (who also works at TCI) • Sadie Rae, born 2/11/15, 6lb 5oz to son Brian • Daughter Stacey also works at TCI and is a proud aunt to the new additions. T.J. Moore (TCI-Troy) I would love to share that Phoebe has Larry Walcheck (TCI-Troy) Katie Hopkins Angie Fickert been seizure free since her surgery Larry Walcheck recreates demolished MLB on Oct 28th. She went from having Megan Paschedag Tim Robertson stadiums as a hobby. Larry¹s latest master- (TCI-Troy/Corporate) (TCI-Corporate) 30+ seizures a day to none. She has (TCI-St. Peters) (TCI-St. Louis) piece is the old Busch Stadium that took Devin Cargill, son of Katie Hopkins, My son, Brendan Fickert, started to play with toys, understands Kyler Reed Paschedag Tim Robertson is 720+ hours to recreate in exact scale. This nephew of Justin Hopkins, and grandson recently graduated Cum Laude verbal commands, plays with her recently visited our proud of the new is the -ninth stadium that he has created of John Hopkins, graduated with honors from Lindenwood University in brothers and loves to give big hugs. St.Peters store to visit his addition to their family and one is currently displayed in a museum. from Christian Brothers College High St. Charles with a Bachelor’s She is a huge Cardinals fan! She will mom, Megan, at work and - grandson Christian School. Devin plans to attend University Degree in Marketing. He has start school in August and the doctors loved the trucks! Kyler is Owen Robertson. of Missouri – Columbia in the fall and has already secured a position with have began to wean her off of her Steve Bartels (TCI-Troy) also the grandson of Connie Congratulations! been accepted to the NROTC Midshipman an IT recruiting firm in Clayton, meds. She has a long road ahead of Steve Bartels also welcomed a new Paschedag. granddaughter – Stella Kate. Congratulations! Battalion. We are so proud of you, Devin! Mo., and started there in June. her but she is doing great! 46 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 47 TCI Team NOTABLES! The Smart Way to Get Linda Landmann (TCI-Corporate) My son, Logan Landmann, graduated Highland High School on May 17th with honors. He is 3-6% Better Fuel Economy. attending SWIC in Belleville to work on his Associates Degree. My daughter, Hailey Landmann, turns 16 on June 7th and will be getting her license. I am not sure if I am ready for this! She just completed the 10th grade at Highland High School. I am so proud of both of them and wish the best to them on their future plans.
Jennifer Price, (TCI-Corporate) Jennifer Price is the proud aunt of a new princess nicknamed Eva Diva.
Rick Eldridge (TCI-Evansville) Best wishes to Rick Eldridge Josh Jones on his recent retirement! Rick (TCI-Morton) joined Freightliner of Evansville TCI-Morton recently hosted their in January 2004 and was a own "Biggest Loser" competition. valuable asset to our front General Manager Josh Jones took parts counter team. Enjoy your top honors for the most weight Introducing the retirement, Rick! lost. Congrats Travis! SmartAdvantage™ Powertrain Gabe Klein (TCI-Morton) Cummins and Eaton have joined together to deliver fully integrated powertrains with unprecedented performance and fuel economy. The SmartAdvantage Powertrain takes the efficiency of Cummins ISX15 and I was able to coach the baseball team of my youngest son, Dalton, this year. We placed 4th in our tournament ISX12 with SmartTorque2 (ST2), and combines it with the smooth-shifting Eaton Fuller Advantage™ 10-speed and had a great time holding our own against some Automated Transmission, for 3-6% better fuel economy for the ISX15 and 2-4% better fuel economy for the of the “best” teams. That is my boy in the middle with ISX12. The engine and transmission share critical data, determining the torque required to deliver the power the trophy covering half of his face. :) level drivers need. Error-free, guess-proof shifting makes every driver in your fleet as efficient as your best driver — so you save more money on every haul.
Lanny Ribes (TCI-Troy) Learn more at SmartAdvantagePowertrain.com I am proud of my sister, Lisa (Ribes) Roberts. Lisa took second place in the Ironman France Triathlon on June 28th, finishing with a time of 9:26:00 - just one minute and ten seconds behind the winner. She swam 2.4 miles in 1:03:04, biked 112 miles in 5:21:07, and ran a 26.2 mile marathon in 2:54:45. Lisa finished top 20 at the World
Finals in Kona, Hawaii, in 2014 and has her sights set on returning ©2015 Eaton Corporation. All rights reserved. Eaton and Fuller are registered trademarks of Eaton. Cummins and the “C” logo are registered again this year. We wish her the best of luck in her drive for Kona! trademarks of Cummins Inc. All trademarks, logos and copyrights are those of their respective owners. 48 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 49 50 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 51 >> TCIC ongrat u lations toS all ofervice o u r service award recipients ... and thanAwk you for your hardar work and dedicationd. sWe appreciate you!
35 Years (Cont.) November Dave Deuser works out of our Troy location as an outside January parts salesperson. Dave and his wife, Mary, live in Highland, 5 Years Illinois, and they have three children - Jennifer, Scott and Stacy 10 Years Devin Bushrow works at the back parts counter in St. Louis. Prior to joining and 3 grandchildren. You may not know that Dave is an avid Buddy Shires is the general manager at the TCI, Devin worked as an automotive technician. Devin and his wife, Jodi, were bowler and has had 3 "300" games. Dave also enjoys golfing Evansville location. Prior to Evansville becoming married in March 2014 and they live in Hamel, Illinois. In his free time, Devin and Illini basketball. And he still owns an original 1974 Olds a part of TCI, Buddy was the Evansville sales enjoys deer hunting, fishing, camping and enjoying his 2006 Harley Davidson 442 that he bought new and still enjoys. manager. Buddy and his wife, Christina, live in Dyna Superglide. Robards, Kentucky, and have two daughters. Buddy is a graduate of Purdue and is an avid February 20 Years golfer. Tim Cobine works in the Troy parts department handling shipping and 5 Years Jason VonHatten is a service technician at our Troy location. Jason and his wife, receiving. Tim and his wife, Ladonna, call Wood River, Illinois, home. Tim has January 15 Years Kristin, have two children, McKenzie and Klay, and live in Breese, Illinois. Jason two children, Ben and Stacey, and three grandsons – twins Brenden and Randy Hayden works in Evansville as a enjoys spending time with his family, hunting and fishing. He also farms and cuts Brayden as well as Lleyton. When Tim is not working, he keeps incredibly busy 5 Years Curtis Link is a trailer shop technician in our Morton store. parts counterman. Randy and his wife live in wood when he’s not at work. He has proven that he is a great softball player from with his grandsons many sports since they participate in wrestling, football, Prior to his career at TCI, Curtis was an over the road truck Evansville, Ind., and have two children. Randy the last time there was an intercompany softball match because he helped make baseball and soccer. Tim is also a huge sports fan of the St. Louis teams - driver. Curtis and his wife, Sonya, have 3 children and two is described as very hard working, reliable and Tyler Yates eat some of his pre-game crow! Cardinals, Blues and Rams. grandsons. They live in Mackinaw, Illinois. Curtis and Sonya kind. Randy is also a big sports fan. also have numerous pets including 2 dogs and a bearded Bryan Jubelt is the service manager at our Troy location. We have to give him 30 Years dragon named Wilma. Wilma got loose once and wandered James Garrett is a technician at our Evansville props for taking on what many would say is one of the most challenging positions in Jerry Reidelberger works in the Troy Body shop as a radiator shop technician. the streets of Mackinaw scaring the residents. location. He and his wife life in Chandler, Ind., a dealership (and most rewarding I am sure Bryan would note)! Bryan and his wife, Jerry built the TCI radiator business from the ground up when we originally and have 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 5 Valerie, live in beautiful Gillispie, Ill., with their three children - Bryan Jr., Andrew and started doing radiator repairs way back at the Highland location. Jerry and Fred Bownes works in Troy in the housekeeping great grandchildren. James is a part of “Outlaw Caroline. Bryan spends his free time with his family including camping, fishing and his wife, Jeanne, have been married for 40 years and live in Highland, Illinois. department. Fred and his wife, Barbar,a have been married Drag Racing” and he has a mustang that he watching his boys play baseball. Bryan is also an avid sports fan and collector of Jerry’s biggest pride and joy are his grandchildren - Mariah (13), Logan (11), for 25 years and live in O’Fallon, Illinois. They have adopted races. autographs and memorabilia. Nicole (10) and Kayden (7). Jerry is also a big Cardinals fan and one thing you a 5 year-old Bischon Frise named Sophie. Fred is a veteran may not know about him is he is the official track welder at Highland Speedway. of the US Navy and he enjoys playing the guitar, exercising Jenna Langendorf works in Troy as the Dave Dillon is a technician at our Springfield location. Dave has two daughters and and bowling with his wife. assistant parts manager. She and her husband, two grandchildren and also lives in Springfield. Dave has 20 years of mechanical Donnie, live in Hamel, Ill., and have three experience and brings a wide array of knowledge to his position. In Dave’s free time, Paige Wallace is the system administrator and CIC at the children - Dakota , Colton and Rylee. Jenna is he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. One thing you may not know is that Evansville location. Paige and her husband have one 15 very involved with her daughter’s softball team Dave’s nickname is Homie - I can’t explain the reason behind the nickname though! December year-old son and live in Evansville, Indiana. Paige enjoys and spends much free time there. Jenna is one gardening/landscaping, sewing and loves to fish! She of those “can do anything” types! She posts for Jeremy Reed works as a technician at the Mt. Vernon location and lives in Iuka, 15 Years the parts department, does front counter sales Larry VanBlaricum works in our Evansville location as a truck sales recently was honored at the convention of all the CICs in Illinois, with his wife, 2 year-old daughter and newborn baby girl. Jeremy is one of as needed, pulls parts, helps in shipping and executive/used truck coordinator and he has been at the Evansville location the Elite Support program and admitted to the prestigious the many who have multiple family members also working at TCI. In his case, he receiving, delivers parts and even knows how to since it opened. Larry and his wife live in Noble, Illinois, and have 5 children Summit Club. has two brothers also working at TCI - Allen (another technician in Mt. Vernon) and clean DPFs. and 7 grandchildren. Larry is an avid golfer and his favorite quote you may Josh (technician in Evansville). Jeremy is a great mentor to the newer technicians have already heard him say, "Life is Good!" Kyle Huene is a service writer in the Mt. Vernon store and and is always willing to help out. has previously worked in the parts department at TCI-Mt. Gerard Fiegl is a body shop technician at Vernon. Kyle lives in Mt. Vernon but has family spread about our Morton location. He and his wife, Lynette, 20 Years have two sons, Eric and Cody, and they live in 10 Years – he has a sister that lives in Washington, his mother lives Rick Owens works at the Decatur location as a parts counterman. Rick lives in Dirk Abeln is a technician in our Springfield location. Dirk specializes on Fuso, Lexington, Ill. Gerald is currently restoring a in Salem, Ill., and father in Kinmundy, Ill. Kyle’s hobbies are Springfield, Ill., and has a son, Thomas. Rick apparently is an avid Black Friday Cummins, and electrical repairs… aka all of the fun type of repairs! Dirk and 1960 Ford Starliner and is close to completion. playing golf and poker. shopper and keeps the Decatur location in Christmas spirit and music throughout the his wife, Amanda, have one son, Gage, and live in Athens, Illinois. In his free Xalta (formerly DuPont) is sponsoring Gerald season. Another interesting note, his son, Thomas, recently won a Nitro bass boat time, Dirk enjoys rebuilding and restoring older vehicles. One of his projects with the paint and he will possibly earn a place David Zint is a parts delivery driver at the Evansville location. from a contest, so Rick may be spending more time on the lakes soon. was the rebuilding of a Cummins ISB 3.9L and installing that into a modified on their calendar when it’s completed. 4x4 Jeep. David and his wife live in Newburgh, Ind., and have three children, 3 grandchildren and 2 more grandchildren on the 15 Years way. David loves fishing Rick Hamm is a technician at our Morton 30 Years store. Rick and his wife live in Delavan, Ill., and Pat McDougal is a technician at the Troy location. Pat and his wife, Christy, live in Nathan Holle is a technician in our Mt. Vernon have a 17 year-old son. Rick has become one Edwardsville, Ill., and have 2 children - Elizabeth and Kenneth. Pat is a member of location. Nathan has two sons, Donavan (who is of our “go to” guys in Morton on difficult engine the 11th Mississippi Company Civil War re-enactment group. He travels around the currently attending SIU-Carbondale) and Devin or electrical repairs. His wife started a hair and country to historic civil war battlegrounds with his group re-enacting the war battles (who is currently attending Kaskaskia College), and make-up salon, Special Effects, and Rick, being including living conditions of that time period. Also of interesting note, Pat is restoring one daughter, Janie, who is still in high school. a great husband, volunteered to be made up as a 1966 Mustang coupe with all new technology (engine, transmission, suspension His hometown is Hoyelton, Illinois. In his free time, a zombie on Halloween. and electronics). Nathan enjoys restoring and collecting old farm tractors.
52 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 53 TCI Service Awards (cont.) February (Cont.) April 15 Years 5 Years Dawn Jorgensen is an outside parts salesperson from the Roger Taylor is a technician at our Mt. Vernon location. He is a graduate of Evansville location. Dawn originally started at Freightliner of the Universal Technical Institute and is our Fuso certified technician in Mt. Evansville delivering parts. She is a great example of a “go-getter” Vernon. Roger and his wife, Jayna, have two boys (ages 6 and 8) and a 2 and taking initiative to advance in the industry. She would come year-old daughter. Roger and his family live in Waltonville, Ill. In his free time, Roger enjoys camping, hunting, fishing and auto racing. 25 Years back after delivering and start learning how to look up parts herself Joe Aud is a truck sales executive to be able to answer customers’ questions. She started taking all (Cont.) at the Mt. Vernon location. Joe and Marty Forbes is a technician working at our Troy location. Marty and his May/June parts tests available to further her knowledge in the business and his wife, Carol, live on the family girlfriend, Jordan, live in Mt. Olive, Ill. They have a son, Hunter, who recently be able to help customers more efficiently and eventually moved 5 Years farm that Joe grew up on in Mt. became a big brother to another boucing boy! Prior to his days at TCI, Marty into an OPS position. Dawn and her fiancé, Chuck, have 3 children Joe Schultze works at our Troy store in the dispatch department. Joe and his high school sweetheart Vernon, Ill. Joe and Carol have two worked at South Litchfield Township and also on the farm of Raymond - Dillan, Kaytee and Zach. She enjoys camping, baseball, bowling wife, Karen, have been married for 45 years and live in St. Jacob, Ill. Joe has one daughter and two children, two grandsons and one Akeman. In his free time, Marty enjoys riding 4 wheelers and boating. and watching the kids’ sports events. grandchildren. In his former careers, Joe worked in law enforcement and was head of security at the great grandson. In his free time, he Alton Belle Casino. is involved with his church, enjoys Ryan Zumwalt is also a technician at our Troy location. Ryan lives in Mt. working in the yard and spending 30 Years Olive and has a dog named Maggie and a horse named Tess. Prior to his Ray Weil is the controller at our Evansville location. Ray and his wife have been married for 41 years and Dan Green is a technician at the Troy location. He has three children time with his grandsons. current position as a service technician, Ryan worked in the lube bay and have 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren. They call Evansville, Ind., home. Ray enjoys spending time with and three grandchildren and lives in St. Jacob, Ill. Dan is the Troy also spent some time working as a service writer in Troy. In his free time, his family and has a great love of music. Ray was an avid trumpet player at one time and has created an motorhome specialist and is often requested and recommended Ron Donze is a truck sales Ryan enjoys riding and training horses as well as fishing. excellent music collection. specifically by RV customers. Dan is also great with helping out the executive at the Troy location. newer techs and helping to mentor them with the knowledge they Ron and his wife, Betty, have two Joe Howard works in Mt. Vernon as a technician on the second shift. Joe lives 10 Years children, Sue and Steve, and 2 need in the field. Dan is a huge collector of fishing lures and he in a small town north of Mt. Vernon called Texico and he has three daughters - enjoys spending time trading, selling and refinishing lures. Jeff Clayton works as a parts counterman at the Evansville location. Jeff calls home Yankeetown, Ind., and grandsons. Prior to working at Lexxi, Sydney and Hailey. Joe is a graduate of Nashville Auto Diesel College. In is married with 2 children and 1 grandchild. Jeff and his wife also have three dogs, 2 chihuahuas and 1 TCI, Ron sold Navistar and GMC his spare time, he enjoys camping, four wheeling, boating and spending time pug. Jeff enjoys riding his Harley in his free time. products. Ron and his family have a with his kids. farm and home near St. Genevieve Matt Gibbs is a technician at the Troy location. Matt started with TCI in an apprentice co-op program with where he enjoys tinkering with March 20 Years Triad High School and he has worked his way up from the detail bay. Matt and his wife, Casey, have two old tractors and farming. Ron also Jack Scott works in the Mt. Vernon location at the parts counter. Prior to his sons, Carson and Easton, and one on the way. They live in Highland, Ill. In his free time, Matt enjoys hunting enjoys spending time with his 5 Years time at TCI, Jack worked as a technician and shop manager at Union 76 Truck and collecting guns. grandsons. Michelle Petroff is our corporate marketing manager and has her Stop for 12 years. Jack and his wife, Joyce, live in Mt. Vernon and he has 2 primary office in Troy. Michelle and her husband live in Caseyville, stepdaughters and 7 grandkids. Something you may not know about Jack is Casey Eyman currently works as an outside parts sales representative in Morton. Casey, his wife, Illinois, with their 2 year-old twins, Liljana and Roman. Michelle 30 Years that he played drums for 40 years with different groups playing rock, country, Stephanie, and daughter, Mackenzie, call Deer Creek, Ill., home. He began as a parts counter person with had an interesting educational and career path before joining TCI. Darrin Laird is a technician at our jazz and swing/big band. Jack is also a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan. no truck industry experience and quickly became one of our leading parts countermen. Casey enjoys She graduated from St. Louis University with a B.A. in history and Mt. Vernon location. Darrin and his camping and spending time with his family and friends. attended graduate school at Indiana University studying Eastern wife, Christine, have been married European history/ethnic conflict and archive management. She for 30 years and have three children. previously worked in the publishing sector and the fast-paced world 15 Years Darrin and family also will be of motorsports for 12 years overseeing public relations and driver welcoming their first grandchildren, May/June Buster Lamke is a technician in the Troy service department. Buster and his wife, Lori, live in Union, twins this September. Darrin lives in development in dirt racing, motocross, IRL and NASCAR. 5 Years Mo., and have two sons, Brandon and Tim. Buster started working in the truck industry under his dad’s Bluford, Ill. In his free time, Darrin tutelage and his dad’s shop, Lamke Auto Body and Truck Repair, at about 10 years old. When his dad’s enjoys deer hunting and is involved Jake Meyer works in Decatur at the parts counter. Jake and his bride, shop was flooded and destroyed Buster began his career with TCI. Buster is taking on a new adventure at 10 Years Kayla, were just married on June 20th and they live in Springfield , Ill. In his with his church. One interesting note Steve Richardt works at the Evansville location as a service TCI by starting as a trainer this fall. free time, Jake enjoys being outdoors, hunting and weight lifting. One thing about Darrin is he recently made 2 technician. Steve and his wife live in Tell City, Ind., and have 2 sons, you may not know about Jake is that he conducts guided birth hunts with his quilts with his aunts out of 20 years 1 daughter and 4 grandchildren including a set of twin girls. One Scott Koenig works in Troy as a rear parts counterman. Scott and his wife, Renae, live just south of dad and uncle at their 3000-acre hunt club. worth of Levi jeans. thing you may not know about Steve, he served our country in the Hamel, Ill., with their two sons, Haden and Kaden. Scott began his career at TCI working part-time while Army and his favorite holiday is the 4th of July because he enjoys in high school in the parts warehouse and after graduation began full-time in the parts department. He Bernard Harrison works in Evansville as a service maintenance technician. Judy Buraski works in Springfield putting on quite a firework display every year. has worked in all facets of the parts department, in the warehouse, delivery and, since 2000, on the parts as our dedicated receptionist. Judy Bernie and his wife have two children and two grandchildren. In his free time, counter. In his free time, Scott enjoys motorcycle riding. Bernie enjoys working on cars and taking care of his 3 dogs and 1 chinchilla. and her husband, Tony, just recently 20 Years celebrated 29 years of marriage and Sheri Eveland is an F&I manager and works out Stan Miller works in Evansville as the day shift shop foreman. Stan previously worked on the parts they call Springfield, Ill., home. Judy of the Troy location. Sheri and her husband, Jim, counter and on the weekend shift covering parts and service. Stan is engaged to be married and has 2 is a huge St. Louis Cardinals’ fan. live in Highland, Ill., with daughter, Morgan. Sheri children. He calls Haubstadt, Ind., home and enjoys working on cars and auto racing in his free time. She would attend a game every day is very active in the Highland community with the if possible. Judy also enjoys bowling youth football program that her husband coaches 20 Years and plans to rejoin a league once as well as the Highland High School cheerleader Don Junge works in St. Louis as a technician. Don and his wife, Pam, have two sons, Noah (15) and Derick she retires at the end of August. organization. Sheri enjoys camping with her (18). Don and his family live in Farmington, Mo. Don enjoys hunting, fishing and camping with his family and friends and following Morgan as she competes in also has 3 rabbit dogs. Don is a Boy Scout leader and his son, Noah, made Eagle Scout this year. cheering competitions.
54 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 55 56 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 57 The Latest Color Run This spring, several TCI employees and their families participated in the Color Run. The Color Run was founded in March 2011 as an event to promote healthiness and happiness by bringing the community together to participate in the “Happiest 5k INSIDETCI>> on the Planet”. 60 Days Final Report Each year, Truck Centers, Inc., a family-owned dealer group of 10 locations proudly representing Freightliner,Western Star, and Detroit, supports a local charity to help make a small difference in the lives of others. During the holiday season, we are stepped things up and are counted on our 488 team members to help us collectively be a positive force in today’s chaotic world when we launched a 60 Days of Giving campaign.
The primary fundraising campaign at the center of the program benefitted the USO. We wanted to show support for our military and their families and there is no more credible, diverse or impactful organization than the USO. Thanks to the generous donations by our employees, management, and vendors as well as a generous corporate matching program that included surprise double-match days for donations on Election Day and Veteran’s Day, together we raised $17,907 for Team USO and topped the online USO fundraising charts during our event.
Below is a brief summary of what was accomplished during our TCI 60 Days of Giving campaign. Together we made an amazing impact on our community and are so grateful to have community-minded employees. Job well done, team!
• $17,907 raised for the USO • 216 coats donated to Warners’ Warm Up • Roll Back the Clocks OPS Fall Back Pricing Special • 83 shoeboxes packed and delivered to children primarily in Ukraine and India as part of Operation Christmas Child • Gather Wish List Items for Ronald McDonald Houses in St. Louis (Mo.) and Springfield (Ill.) as well asA urora Outreach in Evansville (Ind.) • Raise money for Gene Slay’s Boy’s Club of St. Louis through a Give It Up! Challenge with a corporate match • Provide $10 to employees who registered to participate in a Pay It Forward Challenge – the only stipulation was the money was paid forward to someone else • Raffle 12TC I TruckBucks gift certificates for $1,655 our annual 12 Days of Christmas event
58 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 59 22nd Annual Jerry Duft The Latest Memorial Bass Fishing INSIDETCI Tournament Report Truck Centers, Inc., recently hosted the 22nd Annual Jerry Duft Memorial Bass Fishing Tournament. The tournament was started by the TCI coworkers of Duft, who passed away from a Randy Dees massive heart attack in 1994 at the age of 55.
Customer Jerry was a body shop technician for thirteen years and Baseball Game built a reputation as a skilled tradesman as well as an avid And speaking of the Cards, Randy Dees fisherman and upbeat, well-respected individual. Jerry took (TCI-Mt. Vernon) and his wife Elaine hosted great pride in his work, helping his colleagues, and his family. customers Brian Norris and Mikayla Munday He was also very skilled with a rod and reel and, thus, the at the game. Where is the selfie stick? memorial fishing tournament was born in his memory and as a celebration of his life.
In June for the past 22 years, two-man teams have launched in Opening Day BBQ search of the biggest bass for the multiple awards up for grabs. In honor of the Cardinals’ Opening Day, the TCI- As in years past, teams converged at Lake Kincaid in southern Troy team enjoyed a BBQ. Thanks to Mike Holguin Illinois. The full field of 24 boats from the various TCI locations for serving as grill master… yet again! scoured the 4 square-mile lake for their prized catches. Once again, we were honored to have the Duft family a part of the tourney and share the experience with them.
Winners were determined by the weight of six fish caught by each team. All fish had to be live or face a deduction. A special award was also given for the largest individual fish.
This year's overall champions were Justin Hopkins and Travis Dunn with their 15.3 lb. haul. Their weight was only based on 5 fish since they faced a 1 lb. deduction for a floater. Justin & Travis also earned the biggest fish award with st ND a 4.9 lb. heavy hitter. 1 2
Jerry's son, Steve, and Kirk Kampwerth earned runner-up honors this year after claiming the title in 2014. They had 2 fish that weighed 7.65 lb. Dave Kromer and Jordan Roepke finished a close 3rd place with 7.6 lb. for 2 fish. Ryan Krider and Drake Rundall notched 4th place with a 6.4 lb. pair. Our 5th and 6th place teams or Larry Celia/Brian Kling and Mike Lindsey/Zach Wells caught one fish that weighed in at 3.7 lb. rd th and 3.45 lb. respectively. 3 4
On behalf of Truck Centers, we would like to thank all of our participants and generous sponsors. Preparations are already underway for the 23rd installment of the event slotted Mardi Gras for Saturday, June 4, 2016. Our St. Louis store participates in the Mardi Gras Grand Parade Thank you to our sponsors: The Duft Family, Crest Industries, every year as Krewe TCI. St. Louis hosts the second largest Eaton, 1st Ayd Corp, National and Bostrom Seats, Hillyard, TH TH Mardi Gras celebration in the country behind New Orleans. 5 6 Phillips Industries, Color Masters, Weller, Robinar, Donaldson This year’s parade was on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. Filters, Becker Iron and Metal, Cummins Inc., RS Oil, Continental Batteries, Accuride, Snap-On Tools, Minimizer Fenders, McCoy's Detailing, Gorilla Brakes and DTNA.
60 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 61 TCI_Ads_LayoutTCI_Ads_Layout 1 1 7/9/15 7/9/15 3:45 3:45 PM PM Page Page 10 10
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R Reefufurbrbisishheedd e eqquuipipmmeennt th haass (8(81122) )8 86688 2 2770000 • • ( 8(80000) )6 68800-5-5991100 JJOOHHNN P PRRYYOORR reredduucceedd o oppeeraratitningg e exxppeennsseess t hthrorouugghhoouut tt hthee l ilfiefeccyycclele, ,n noo D DPPFF’s’s DDeeccaatutur,r ,I LIL TTrruucckk C Ceenntteerrss, ,I Inncc.. toto c cleleaann o or rD DEEFF f lfuluidid t oto p puurcrchhaassee 5500022 C Cuunnddififf fC Ct.t.• •D Deeccaatutur,r ,I LIL 6 622552266 22228800 F Foorrmmoossaa R Rooaadd •• R Reefufurbrbisishhmmeennt ta at tT TCCI Ii sis p peerfroformrmeedd b byy f afacctotorryy--cceertritfiifeiedd (2(21177) )8 87777-0-0115522 TTrrooyy, ,I ILL 6 622229944 tetecchhnniciciaiannss t oto e ennssuurere s suuppeeriroior rq quuaaliltiyty HHuuddssoonn, ,I ILL •• C Cuutttitningg--eeddggee b booddyy r ereppaairisrs a anndd p paainint tt etecchhnnoolologgyy o offfefersrs d duurarabblele 119933366 N N 1 1442255 E Eaasst tR Rdd. .• •H Huuddssoonn, ,I LIL 6 611774488 ((880000)) 6 66699--33445544 fafacctotoryry f ifninisishh. .O Ouur rb booddyy s sppeecciaialilsiststs c caann a alslsoo f ifninisishh e eaacchh u unniti tw witihth (8(85555) )2 28877-1-1222288 jpjprryyoorr@@ttrruucckkcceenntteerrssinincc.c.coomm nneeww c cuusstotomm g grarapphhicicss a anndd l elettteterirningg MMoorrtotonn, ,I LIL •• I nInteteriroior ri sis r eresstotoreredd t oto l ilkikee n neeww a appppeeaararannccee a anndd f ufunncctitoionnaaliltiyty 33000 E E. .A Asshhlalanndd S St.t.• •M Moortrotonn, ,I LIL 6 61155500 wwitihth m maannyy o opptitoionnss s suucchh a ass s seeaat tu uppggraraddeess t oto b boolslsteter rd drirviveer r (3(30099) )2 26633-4-4224400• •( 8(80000) )3 39977-4-4229922 wwwwww..ttrruucckkcceenntteerrssiinncc..ccoomm ccoommfofortr ta anndd s saatitsisfafacctitoionn MMtt. .V Veerrnnoonn, ,I LIL •• F Foor rm muunnicicipipaal lc cuusstotommeersrs, ,r erefufurbrbisishheedd u unnitists c caann b bee u uppggraraddeedd 662211 S S. .4 455thth S St.t.• •M Mt.t .V Veernrnoonn, ,I LIL 6 622886644 wwitihth “ “nnoo s smmookkee p paartritcicuulalatete f iflitletersrs”” t oto c coommpplyly w witihth l oloccaal la airi r (6(61188) )2 24444-2-2554455• •( 8(80000) )7 78866-2-2554455 qquuaaliltiyty p proroggrarammss SSpprrininggfifeieldld, ,I LIL •• R Reefufurbrbisishhmmeennt ts strteretctchheess s scchhooool lt rtarannssppoortratatitoionn b buuddggeetsts b byy 22998811 E E. .S Sininggeer rA Avvee. .• •S Spprirninggfifeieldld, ,I LIL 6 622770033 uuppddaatitningg e eqquuipipmmeennt ta appppeeaararannccee a anndd f ufunncctitoionnaaliltiyty w witihthoouut tn neeww (2(21177) )5 52255-1-1228800• •( 8(80000) )7 78866-1-1228800 eeqquuipipmmeennt te exxppeenndditiutureress TTrrooyy, ,I LIL •• V Vooccaatitoionnaal lc cuusstotommeersrs b beenneefifti tf rforomm r erefufurbrbiningg t hthee p poowweer ru unniti tu unnddeer r 2228800 F Foormrmoossaa R Rdd. .• •T rToroy,y ,I LIL 6 62229944 (6(61188) )6 66677-3-3445544• •( 8(80000) )6 66699-3-3445544 eexxppeennssivivee, ,r eretrtorofiftitetedd v vooccaatitoionnaal le eqquuipipmmeennt tt oto r eresstotorere r erelilaiabbiliiltiyty aanndd i mimpprorovvee a appppeeaararannccee f ofor ra a f rfaracctitoionn o of ft hthee c coosst ta anndd w witihth mmininimimaal ld doowwnntitmimee 62 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 63 64 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 65 Stemco Recognized as TCI’s Inaugural "Parts Sales Vendor of the Year"
Low tire pressure bites.
{ Gary Moore, TCI Parts Marketing Manager, presents Keith Fally from Stemco with the inaugural “Parts Sales Vendor of the Year” award }
As a way to recognize} outstanding support and customer from customer tech nights to on-site customer }training events. commitment by our vendors, Truck Centers launched a “Vendor of the Year” award. Keith Fally of Stemco was named the inaugural Keith stated that when he joined the company 15 years ago, TCI’s recipient in December 2014. purchases were $10,000 per year and last year alone, sales ™ exceeded $700,000. Together Keith and the TCI parts team have Making the Roadways Safer. Voting by TCI Outside Parts Salesmen showed that Keith and continually worked to provide the best products and solutions Introducing the Aeris by STEMCO® high-performance automatic tire inflation Stemco offered the highest level of support throughout the year. available to our customers so thank you all for that. system with Aeris SmartSense™ technology, the ONLY system on the market that Keith has been very active in customer training efforts and a informs your drivers and mechanics exactly which wheel ends are taking air. Just one visible presence at the various TCI locations. Stemco has also Congratulations Keith and Stemco – thank you more way STEMCO is Making the Roadways Safer.™ supported all special programs and incentives pitched to them for your support! stemco.com | 800-527-8492
66 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 67
an EnPro Industries company A complete Brake Job is more than replacing the brake shoes or friction. Check the lining for wear. 3) Check for excessive S-cam movement tape measure against the face of the brake chamber and position Disconnect the slack adjuster from the chamber clevis by removing S-cam drum brakes are the most The legal limit on two piece the clevis pin. Mount a dial indicator on the end of the S-cam and it to measure the travel of the pushrod at the center of the large common air foundation brake block is 1/4”. If it’s time to do then manually move the cam head up and down to measure the clevis pin. Manually adjusting an ABA involves working against its a brake job and replace the up & down play. If the play is 0.030 of an inch or more, the cam system on the road and are a internal back-off clutch, which can damage the adjuster. Refer to bushing or camshaft is worn and needs to be replaced. Keep familiar sight to every technician the manufacturer’s instructions and mechanism tests to determine friction, it’s time to check the in mind that even if the radial play is below maximum, the next in the trucking industry. Every whether the brake adjuster is properly adjusting the brake. brake drums, brake adjusters, brake servicing may be several hundred thousand miles down cam shafts, cam bushings, the road, and too much radial play leads to uneven brake shoe technician must understand that To measure free play use a small pry bar to move the wear, increased brake stroke and a loss of stopping power. Bronze 1) and shims as well. bushings are recommended for severe-duty vehicles and heavy- brake adjuster and see how far the center of the large clevis it is a braking system and not just wear brake situations, such as refuse vehicles. Nylon bushings individual components. All the pin moves before the brake shoes come in contact with the generally will work for line haul and highway applications. drum. Free play should be between 3/8” and 5/8”. If free play 1) Measure the brake drum with a components need to work together falls below the minimum or exceeds the maximum, inspect drum micrometer in two or three areas in the drum and record the measurements. The maximum wear limit on 4) Check brake adjuster alignment and to get long life out of the brake all brake components for damage or out-of-spec conditions. a standard 16.5” drum is .120”. If the drum is beyond “end play.” Put the brake adjuster back on, placing a washer products and understanding there Free play should be the same across all brakes on a system. A the legal limit, it must be changed. Also inspect the between the adjuster and the S-cam tube, and another on the are several options when it comes few common issues that could cause brake components to be drum for heat checks or cracks in the drum. Heat cracks cam head. This will help keep dirt and contaminants out of the damaged are defective brake adjuster, brake adjuster installation are caused from the thermal expansion and contraction bushings and seals. Add or remove washers (shims) between the to aftermarket replacement parts. (angle not set correctly), excessive S-Cam bushing wear, S-Cam of the drums. If the drum has severe heat cracks, it is brake adjuster and the end of the cam tube to ensure that it lines Technicians need to pay attention spline wear, clevis pins and bushing wear or oversize brake drum. recommended the drum be replaced because it will up directly with the center of the clevis. The shims on the outside of reduce the life of your brake lining. The cracks expand the brake adjuster next to the snap ring are for adjusting “end play,” to several details during a routine during normal braking and act like little razor blades and which should be between .005” and .025” on the dial indicator. The To measure brake stroke, bleed the air system down to brake job. Doing so can have a 2) shave off the lining. It is also important to know you are closer “end play” is to zero, the better, since it will increase as the between 90 and 100 psi. Take a measurement from the brake using the correct brake drum for the application. The brake is worn-in over the first couple of months of use. Shims get major impact on keeping trucks on chamber mounting to the center of the large clevis pin and record main purpose of the brake drum is to provide a heat worn down through exposure to the elements and road grit, so we the road in good working condition, measurement. Have someone fully apply the brakes and hold sink to dissipate the heat from the brake applications. recommend changing the shim packs during brake jobs. The few reducing maintenance costs, and the pedal down to the fully applied position. Measure the new If you are using a drum that is undersize or weighs less minutes spent making these measurements, re-shimming, and re- Making the Roadways Safer®. position of the center of the clevis pin with the tape measure. The than what it should, it will affect brake performance and bushing are well worth the extension in brake life and performance. difference between the two measurements indicates the brake’s stopping power. power stroke. The maximum allowable power stroke varies 5) When greasing S-cam tubes and depending on the chamber size and type. The maximum allowed 2) Inspect the brake lining for brake adjusters, it’s important to grease the brake Brake Free Play and Brake Stroke components to capacity. Putting in less grease than is needed to fill stroke for a standard 30 brake chamber is 2” and 2 1/2” for long abnormal wear on the shoes before removing All brake adjuster manufacturers recommend that an automatic all interior gaps can lead to condensation forming inside the brake stroke 30 brake chambers. the shoes from the brake spider. By looking at the shoes, brake adjuster (ABA) should only be manually adjusted when you it will help you determine if you have a bent spider, worn components, which may cause rust and corrosion. Seals inside do a brake reline or when replacing the brake adjuster with a S-cam bushings, bad brake drum, weak return springs, the cam tube are engineered to let excess grease out of the area, meaning new grease should be added until any dirty grease or new one. The first thing a technician should measure is free pay Brake stroke is one of the key measurements during roadside worn anchor pins, or a bent brake shoe table. If you look condensation is visibly purged out of the end S-cam tube near the or brake stroke to verify the brake adjustment. brake inspections such as the Commercial Vehicle Safety at the brake lining wear on the old shoes, it can point Alliance’s annual Brake Safety Week campaign. In September you in the right direction of what parts need replaced. brake adjuster. Grease purging at the opposite end of the cam tube, Example: if the bottom shoe is worn down to 1/4” and the near the S-cam head, indicates a bad grease seal or one of the seals Tools are available for measuring a brake’s free play and stroke, 2014, 10.4% of the vehicles inspected were placed out of top shoe still has 1/2” of brake lining left on the table, it was installed incorrectly and they must be replaced. Grease purged at as well as the do-it-yourself method of cutting a short segment service due to brakes being out of adjustment. In 2013, the the cam head can drop into the brake drum, contaminating the drum number was 9% and was 9.4% in 2012. is probably worn S-cam bushings or weak return spring of tape measure and attaching a magnet to one end. Place the causing the uneven wearstopping power. and lining, and impacting brake performance.
68 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 69 TCI_Flyer.Parts.6/15_Layout 1 6/23/15 3:28 PM Page 1
JUNE 2015 TM Compact Trailer Wire PARTS SPECIALS OLT-BOX Management System The industry’s first and only ® STARTER AND ALTERNATOR SPECIALS compact STA-DRY trailer wire management system that keeps wires pinch-free and seals the interior wiring MAXIMUM COOLING TECHNOLOGY against corrosion, chemicals and extreme weather. Delco Remy alternators utilize a new Maximum Cooling Technology that is ® STA-DRY housing is specifically designed for today’s higher under-hood temperatures. The 24SI HP resistant to impact, has a dual internal fan (DIF) design that provides Maximum Cooling Technology. chemicals and harsh Dual fans mean greater air circulation over the alternator electronics that allow the Keeps wires organized environments unit to run at lower temperatures for improved operating efficiency and durability.
ALTERNATORS
Cool New Standard for the Aftermarket STA-DRY® QCS2® for fast and easy socket replacement! DR 8600310 NEW $161.95 160 AMP- HINGE MOUNT DR 8600889 NEW $161.95 160 AMP- PAD MOUNT
ALTERNATORS 35SI Delco Remy 35SI HP Heavy Duty Brushless Alternator The 35SI HP alternators are designed with fewer moving parts and internal • Compact design fits tight space constraints DR 8700016 ReMan Exchange $267.00 connections for superior performance, contamination resistance and a longer ® lifespan compared to traditional brush-type alternators. • STA-DRY housing is resistant to impact, chemicals and 140 AMP- HINGE MOUNT harsh environments Features ® DR 8700018 ReMan Exchange $267.00 • Premium brushless design for extended service life and optimized performance • Features the industry standard QCS2 made with high VOLT-BOX™ 140 AMP- PAD MOUNT • Oversized heavy-duty bearings and premium quality steel shaft to withstand impact composite material with interchangeable mounting holes Part No. Description high vibration and heavy belt loads • Available with split or solid pin VOLT-BOX™ 7-way nosebox, without 16-8000 circuit breakers, split pin • Available with Remote Sense Technology for improved battery life • Can be used for retrofit and features the standard 7-way VOLT-BOX™ 7-way nosebox, without trailer mounting bolt pattern 16-80002 circuit breakers, solid pin • Offers more interior room than the competition for easier wire STARTERS CRANKING SPEED PERFORMANCE maintenance QCS2® Socket Replacements The Delco Remy 39MT engine ® ™ • Measurements: 6.5” H x 5.8” W x 3.02” D and QCS2 New Rotatable Flange Models cranking speed (RPM) is 30% Part No. Description J560 Socket protrudes 1.5” from housing ® faster than other starters on the market. STA-DRY socket, 2-hole bullet • Stainless steel mounting carriage bolts for ultimate 16-724 DR 8200308 NEW $295.00 termination, split pin corrosion resistance STA-DRY® socket, 2-hole bullet Rotatable Flange 16-7242 Fits ISX, DS60, C13, C15 and Mack E7 • Available with PERMALOGIC™ - Please contact your local termination, solid pin sales representative for more information DR 8200434 NEW $295.00 Rotatable Flange Fits MBE 4000, DD13 and DD15 All the new Delco Remy service models come standard with Over Crank Protection (OCP). OCP monitors the internal temperature and prevents thermal damage to the starter by preventing overcranking.
For new and innovative products, visit www.phillipsind.com (L-VB-ENG) REV1 4-28-15 These models also feature an Integral Magnetic Switch (IMS). IMS reduces voltage drop and ensures the solenoid receives the maximum available voltage in any starting condition. 12070 Burke Street, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 www.phillipsind.com 70 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w . t r u cwk wc w.e tn r ut ce kr cs ei nn tc e r.c s io n cm . c o m 800.423.4512 Fax 800.597.7757 w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 71 72 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 73 FREIGHTLINER
ex-guard.com/products
THE MINIMIZER TIRE MASK SYSTEM Ex-Guard’s high tensile steel front-end protection guards are built to last. With our state-of-the-art REDUCES MASKING bumper, grille, headlight and fender protection, your truck can handle anything that crosses its path. AND CLEANUP TIME BY 90%!
Why Ex-Guard?
• Made of high-tensile steel, Ex-Guard is much stronger than other aluminum or stainless steel guards
• Fully sleeved stainless steel hinges prevent rattling
• Easy-to-use stainless steel latches secure the grille guard and stand up to the wear and tear of the road
MINIMIZER TIRE MASK SYSTEMS • TESTED AND TORTUREDTM • DAILY BY TRUCKERS FOR TRUCKERS
• Ex-Guard coats each guard which provides a more malleable finish that is resistant to damage and chipping, keeping the guards maintenance-and corrosion-free
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• Designed to fit all major brands of trucks, all guards come pre-assembled and can be installed in less than an hour
• VORAD (vehicle on-board radar system) is not obstructed by the installed Ex-Guard
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• Mounting brackets are made of sturdy, coated, high-grade steel, making them rust-free and more secure AN AMERICAN FAMILY OWNED COMPANY FOR 30 YEARS MINIMIZER.COM 800.248.3855 74 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 75 In this cooling mode: When the vehicle is running, the ParkSmart HVAC unit functions similarly Set the unit to full cold, blower speed 8, and make sure that both air to the standard auxiliary unit. The controller exits parked mode when vents are fully opened. Press the "PARK" button. With the engine off • Condenser fan is ON Ask the Technician: the engine is started, the unit is shut off or if the ParkSmart batteries (key in the OFF position), use a current clamp (See Fig. 24 or Fig. 25) • Compressor is ON (as needed) are drained below the ParkSmart internal low voltage disconnect (LVD) to determine the number of amps that the ParkSmart unit is drawing • Blower is ON (at selected speed) setting of 11.3 volts. The "PARK" lamp illuminates for eight seconds from the auxiliary batteries: • The blend door should be fully closed What You Need to Know when touched in "PARK" mode, but remains illuminated if communication • Temperature is controlled with compressor and condenser fan speed with the parked unit responds to the "wake-up" request. When a vehicle • If the duct outlet temperature is 15°F (8°C) or more cooler than the equipped with DDC O/I is in O/I mode, the ParkSmart ON/OFF button and inside cabin temperature, the A/C system is operating correctly. About the ParkSmart NOTE: The system turns off when the key is turned to the "OFF" LED indicator on the parked HVAC control module do not function. When • If the system is full of refrigerant, the current draw should be in position, and the system must be restarted if continued operation is the vehicle is not in O/I mode, the ParkSmart ON/OFF button and LED the range of 45 to 70 amps as measured on the main ground cable desired. indicator operate normally. If the O/I shuts down due to a fault in the O/I coming from the ParkSmart unit. Auxiliary HVAC System system, the ACU will operate normally and the ParkSmart will continue to • If the current draw is lower than 40 amps with the compressor Engine OFF Mode (ignition ON)—If the engine is OFF and the key is operate until it is shut off by the driver or one of the automated fail safes. running (as well as the condenser and blower fans), the refrigerant The ParkSmart system is designed to maintain cab temperatures for driver in "ACC" or "ON" position, the ParkSmart unit runs in ventilation mode charge in the system is suspect. • If the voltage of the auxiliary batteries is less than 11.3v for 10 safety and comfort while the vehicle is parked as well as in motion. This running the blower but not the compressor. If you want cooling in this • One check of the refrigerant level is to touch the A/C line leading seconds, the unit shuts off. to the evaporator (it can be accessed from the filter opening without system was designed to maintain a preset ambient temperature while the mode, you can press the "PARK" button to put the system in parked removing the unit). When the compressor is running this line should engine is off. The system does not have enough capacity to significantly mode. When the "PARK" button is depressed the air conditioning An Espar Hydronic 5 fuel-operated heater is an integral component of the be cold and covered in condensation. If this line is not cold, the unit raise or lower the cabin temperature without the help of the vehicle’s portion of the unit will operate until the disconnect voltage is reached. ParkSmart HVAC system. This unit is used to heat engine coolant, which is likely low on refrigerant or experiencing another refrigerant loop then passes through the auxiliary heater core and warms the bunk. The primary HVAC system. The ParkSmart air conditioning unit contains a stand- problem. On systems built after July 2011, also check the high side fuel-operated heater is plumbed in series with the engine coolant system. alone refrigerant loop separate from the main HVAC system so it is not line going to the evaporator to see if it is hot. When the engine is running, heat to the ParkSmart unit is supplied by the impacted by the main unit operation. Units manufactured after July 2011 • If the fan, blower, and compressor are running in parked mode and engine coolant system and the fuel-operated heater is not operational. When are capable of being recovered and charged in the field and some parts in the air is not cold at the louvers and the evaporator inlet tube is not the engine is not running, coolant is drawn from the engine coolant system, the refrigerant loop are also serviceable. The ParkSmart HVAC system on the cold, then there may be a refrigerant leak (Refrigerant type R-134A). heated by the fuel-operated heater, and passes through a heater core in Cascadia has several unique components from the standard sleeper HVAC. If there is a leak, units built before July 2011 will need to be the ParkSmart unit to heat the bunk. The heated coolant flows through the These components replace those of the standard unit and, although the role replaced. Units built after July 2011 will need to be checked for leaks rest of the vehicle’s coolant system and returns to the fuel-operated heater is similar, the function is different. The ParkSmart auxiliary HVAC replaces using an approved refrigerant leak detector and repaired or replaced through the internal water pump. The fuel-operated heater exhausts through the standard sleeper auxiliary HVAC unit. It is located in the left side cabinet [ depending on the failure mode, location, and progressive damage. a tube located at the rear of the sleeper. The parking brake switch used on stack. The heater core, blend door stepper motor, bunk temperature sensor, • A clogged inlet filter will decrease performance. The filter can be ParkSmart is a ambient temperature sensor (same as bunk), evaporator temperature sensor removed and cleaned by hand washing it in water. normally-closed (in units built prior to July 2011), and blower motor are common parts with PARK Mode (engine OFF, ignition OFF)—If the engine is OFF, the air switch installed those used in the main HVAC unit. Beginning in July 2011, the condenser ignition key is in the "OFF" position, and the fan knob is in any position Cooling Performance in the air manifold There are no fault codes for low system pressure or an improperly and fan assembly are located outside the cab and are on the back wall of other than 0, pressing the "PARK" button on the auxiliary HVAC control above the throttle functioning compressor. If the compressor is not functioning, a the sleeper. These systems utilize a different evaporator sensor. On vehicles puts the ParkSmart HVAC system in the parked mode. It draws power pedal. When the determination will have to be made based on available voltage and with DDC O/I (Opt-Idle), there is no battery isolator and a different internal from all eight batteries until the separator disconnect voltage is sensed parking brake in the main batteries. When separator voltage reaches 12.5v, the unit wiring integrity in the system. The ParkSmart system uses a non- controller and software is used. The ACU (Auxiliary Control Unit) contains the is applied, air conductive compressor oil. The system should never be recovered to will run only on the auxiliary batteries until the battery bank reaches knobs and switches that allow the bunk occupant to select various modes pressure in the check AC charge. The ParkSmart system does not need any oil added the units internal disconnect voltage of 11.3 volts, at which time the of operation such as temperature and blower speed. The ACU interfaces circuit opens the unless refrigerant loop components have been replaced or the system system shuts down. In this mode the system runs either the internal air with the main HVAC control unit similarly to the standard ACU. The ACU switch. There has been recovered in excess of 4 times. The addition of improper oil communicates with the front HVAC, and internal ParkSmart control units on conditioner for cooling or a fuel-operated heater. can be up to types or too much oil will cause damage to the compressor. Refrigerant the J1939 datalink. The "PARK" button replaces the air conditioning button three similar air oil residue on a part may be an indication of a refrigerant leak in that of the standard auxiliary unit. This "PARK" button enables control of the PARK Mode with DDC, O/I (Opt-Idle) Activated—If a Cascadia switches installed area but it is not an acceptable method of determining if a part is system when the engine is off vehicle is equipped O/I, it will affect the way the ParkSmart operates. in this location bad. In units built from start of production through June 2011, the When the driver initiates the O/I, the ParkSmart will operate in O/I but they are not ParkSmart refrigerant loop is not serviceable. When a performance There are four operating modes for the ParkSmart HVAC unit: mode as follows: identical. If the wrong switch is connected to the ParkSmart system, the complaint is coupled with evidence of a refrigerant leak, standard leak • Engine ON fuel-operated heater will not be requested in parked mode, but all the other detecting methods may be employed to confirm the unit is loosing features will function as designed. • Engine OFF (ignition ON) • The ParkSmart runs unless the ParkSmart fan speed control knob refrigerant. Follow the manufacturers’ operating instructions and use is turned to the "OFF" (0) position. The fan speed control knob the leak detectors from the approved tool list to confirm suspected • PARK (engine OFF, ignition OFF) Refer to the Cascadia Driver’s Manual for proper operation instructions must be set at "1" or higher. leaks. If a leak is confirmed on an underperforming unit, the refrigerant • PARK, O/I activated (if Opt/Idle equipped) because improper use and proper operation are essential for achieving loop will need to be replaced with a new one. Beginning in July 2011, • The engine will periodically start and run for two hours to advertised run times. maintain battery voltage then shut off. The ParkSmart will an R-134 A/C service port has been added to the high pressure side When the unit is turned on initially, regardless of the mode or temperature continue to operate during this time. of the ParkSmart system for charging and recovery of refrigerant. setting (heat or A/C), the condenser fan will run for up to 30 seconds. Cooling Performance • If the O/I shuts down due to a fault in the O/I system, the If the unit is operating but is experiencing a lack of proper cooling, run the Charging and recovery of this system should not be done until after ParkSmart will continue to operate until it is shut off by the driver ParkSmart unit on full cold, blower speed 8 for at least 20 minutes and the other troubleshooting methods have pointed to low or no Engine ON Mode—If the engine is ON, the ParkSmart HVAC unit runs or one of the automated fail safes. then check the points below. Ambient temperature must be above 60°F refrigerant in the system. For additional information on ParkSmart, on the power supplied by the alternator and either uses its internal air • The ParkSmart ON/OFF button and LED indicator on the parked (15°C) to test the ParkSmart system. To test for low refrigerant in go to www.AccessFreightliner or to the Bergstrom web site conditioner for cooling or the engine coolant for heating (similar to the HVAC control module do not function when the vehicle is in O/I an otherwise operating system, the following conditions are met: http://us.bergstrominc.com/nite-oe-systems/ standard auxiliary HVAC unit). While the engine is running, the fuel-operated mode. When the vehicle is not in O/I mode, the ParkSmart ON / • Duct outlet temperature is within five degrees of inside cabin temperature Regards, heater is not allowed to operate. In engine ON mode, the ParkSmart unit will OFF button and LED indicator operate normally. run at maximum available output if set on max cold. At this cooling level, the • Auxiliary batteries must be charged to in excess of 12.3v Steve Brachear • The front HVAC control panel is disabled when the vehicle is in c., Training Dept. A/C will run at maximum potential output, (812)lengthening 868-2700 the time needed to • The blend door is completely closed Truck Centers In (800) 680-5910 O/I mode. recharge the batteries. 76 SUMMER 2015 driveN << w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m w w w. t r u c k c e n t e r s i n c . c o m >> driveN SUMMER 2015 77 TCI_Ads_Layout 1 7/10/15 7:33 PM Page 2
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