Antidotes for transportation troubles

AINTAINING a transportation fleet that functions economically at top efficiency, projects a favorable image of the company and keeps the employees who drive the vehicles happy is often a high priority with management. This collection of timely tips is designed to help.

O If you need an efficiency standard for your drivers, you might consider these figures released after the Car Economy Challenge driving competition finals. A standard tractor-trailer equipped with basic fuel-savers such as radial tires, wind deflectors, synthetic oils, etc. and a top notch driver should be able to achieve the following mileages: 290-hp class, 6.91-7.63 mpg; 350-hp class, 6.46-6.65 mpg; 420-hp class, 6.00-6.1 I mpg. How are your drivers doing?

o Trucks that have been converted to diesel fuel can save about $2,500 per truck per year, according to the experts. The biggest savings are for medium and long haul rigs.

o Clogged fuel lines and filters can cause problems in diesel trucks during cold weather. Try eliminating the problem with a new heated fuel line that keeps fuel above the temperature at which wax crystal starts to form. They say you can use No. 2 fuel all winter without additives after this device is in place.

o Create a more favorable image with the public by maintaining clean trucks. Other drivers on the road are said to perceive clean trucks as safer and better maintained, with better drivers. The public also considers the company to be more safety minded if the truck bears the company name.

o A new development for repairing damage to the fenders or hoods of trucks, plastic replacements are now being marketed. The plastic Parts which are glued over the damaged area are available in many standard sizes. Typical cost for a large fender is said to be $270. o To keep better drivers longer, consider the horsepower of your trucks. Statistics show that the better drivers prefer high-horsepower vehicles and many leave companies because they feel the trucks are underpowered. o Modifications on the tractortrailer can improve mileage and cargo space. An experimental model from Fruehauf Corp. gets 4090 better mpg. with 3990 more cargo space. The cab resembles the front of a highspeed train with a rounded rear end and side skirts on the trailer to reduce underneath air drag. Lightweight materials were used to cut weight by 2s/o The components are expected to be available soon.

O Cold weather presents specral problems such as the amount of fuel used to warm up the engine. Idling a truck in the cold can burn uP to two gallons of fuel an hour while cutting Story at records. the life of the engine by 1090. The problem can be solved by installing an auxiliary generator to warm both the engine and cab. o Age is an important consideration when hiring truck drivers. Records show that the older driver in the 48 to 65 years range operates equipment more carefully with maintenance costs running about lQ per mile less than those of drivers who are 27 to 35 years of age. o Make your drivers aware that accident records show that eating a big meal during the rest stoP often makes the driver drowsy. Accidents are common in the first 30 minutes after a driver has eaten. Light snacks eaten frequently are safer than one heavy meal. Coffee and stay-awake pills are considered to have onlY a limited value since the effect can wear off suddenly. o The problems of the company car fleet are different from those of the trucks, but the differences in mileage rating add up. For example, an improvement of only two to three miles per gallon will mean five more weeks of driving for the same cost.

O Truck drivers can be motivated to save fuel by careful driving if their ability is recognized. A list posted in the garage with each driver's milesper-gallon driving record can accomplish good results.

O The diesel engine is not necessarily the most efficient engine in a small car. Recent findings report a savings of just over l0 a mile in a car driven over 25,000 miles a year with a diesel engine as compared to a standard V-6 gasoline engine. The higher cost of the diesel-powered car plus the increased price ofdiesel fuel tends to balance out this saving. Other disadvantages are high maintenance costs. For example, the diesel needs an oil change every 3,000 miles while a gasoline engine can go 7,500 miles between oil changes. o However, the diesel engine car does have a better resale value. The enticement of those more miles to a gallon is strong. o Your salespeople will be more accepting of down-sized models if they are loaded with options, but the

The increasing demand for supplemental heaters will continue for the next three to five years, predicts Joseph Bredau, president of Radiant King kerosene heater company and secretary/treasurer of the National Kerosene Heater Association. But, he warns, many retailers must improve their sales approach to heaters if they are going to capitalize on the market.

"As long as we're under the thumbs of OPEC nations, supplemental heaters will always be in demand," he says. "But anyone intending to retail the heaters success- transportation manager may have problems when it comes time to dispose of them. Records show that used car buyers are less influenced by extras these days and even less willing to pay extra for them. o Synthetic fuels continue to attract attention, but it appears that because of the lack of government interest less work is being done on developing liquid and gaseous fuels from coal and shale. fully better have a full education on their varied uses, features and operations. "

Pointing out that a supplemental heater is not "an off-the-shelf item" that can be "mass merchandised," he emphasizes that they require a personal sales approach in which a salesperson totally familiarizes a customer with all of its aspects.

According to Bredau, retailers should demand that education from the manufacturers. "If a customer is satisfied with a heater, it's usually because he dealt with a knowledgeable salesperson," he explains. "This can lead to second sales and cut returns dramaticallv. "

The major criminal fraud case, filed by Yolo County, Cz., names four defendants and charges them with conspiracy to defraud creditors and grand theft by false pretenses involving building supplies valued at about half a million dollars.

Timothy Watkins and Eric Forrest operated a business known as "Wholesale Lumber" in Broderick, Ca., and together with the other two defendants, Judy Seacat and Douglas Harrison, are charged with having obtained, removed, concealed and failed to pay for $500,000 of building supplies received from some forty businesses located throughout the western U.S. and Canada.

Defrauding creditors and obtaining property without the intent to pay for it are felonies in California, punishable by up to three years in the State Prison. The theft of mgney or property valued in excess of $ I 00,000 increases the maximum penalty to five years in the State Prison.

Bail on Watkins was set at $l million. Bail on Forrest was $500,000.00 Seacat and Harrison were released on their own recognizance.

July,1982

I{EWLY-ELECTED president of the Los Angeles Hardwood Lumbermens Club, Dennis Johnston took the reins from immediate past president Gage McKinney at the club's most recent meet. Editor-publisher David Cutler spote at the meeting of the 60 year history of The Merchant Malazine. (1) iom Powell, Walt Ralston, Gaoe-McKinriev. (2t Clint Bower, Bill MacBeath. Pete peteimdn.

(3) Qave Shepard, Ken Tinckler, Jay Abete.

(4) Charlie Wall, Jim Summertin. (0; eete Bower, Bob Wall, Barry Heppner. (6) Chartie Bohnhoff, George 0autiiit. (Z) 'Dennis :lghlstonl Jack Buchanan. (8) Bill Cockroft, Wally Atkinson. (9) "Woody" Toat, Rob Kincaid, Larry Knox. (10) Ed Slattery, Jerry Lapin, Bob Sherratt, Stan Swaflord.

North Hollywood, Tarzana, Thousand Oaks and Goleta Builders Emporium stores will undergo major renovation over the next six months in an effort to update and remodel all stores, according to William Teachout, gen. mgr. of the california chain, a division of the bankrupt (Chapter I l) Wickes Companies.

Landera Heights, San Jose, Milpitas and Redwood City will have minor facelifts. At the other 55 stores, signage and interior decor will be updated, flooring will be replaced and the interiors and exteriors will be repainted depending upon need.

"Where improved lighting is needed to enhance customer appeal, it will be added," Teachout said. "If we need new fixtures or panel racks or gondolas, they will be replacedtoo."

No figure was given for the amount being spent, although Teachout said that the Wickes' new management has been supportive of the chain. Sales are reported as having remained relatively strong.