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Wabash Q1 revenue and income fell slightly short of prior expectations due to slower customer pick-up of equipment, according to the company’s quarterly earnings report on April 24.
The company’s net sales for the first quarter of 2024 was $515.3 million, a 17% decrease compared to the same quarter in 2023. Consolidated gross profit came in at $76 million, or 14.8% of sales. Operating income amounted to $29.6 million, representing 5.7% of sales for the quarter.
“I’d like to emphasize that, particularly for a year of weaker demand, Q1 tends to be seasonally weaker,” Brent Yeagy, president and CEO, told investment analysts on the Wabash earnings call. “Additionally, the size of our products necessitates that we rely on customers to pick up their equipment before we were able to recognize revenue. That said, our production outstripped shipments during the first quarter. The associated income will flow into subsequent quarters during 2024, particularly Q2.”
As of March 31, total Wabash backlog stood at approximately $1.8 billion, a decrease of 5% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 as new order activity “nearly kept pace” with shipments during the first quarter of 2024, the company reported. Backlog expected to be shipped within the following 12 months amounted to approximately $1.5 billion.
Regarding market conditions, Yeagy explained that while customers continue to experience “a challenging freight environment,” Wabash has seen “important leading indicators” take a turn for the better heading into Q2.
“While these positive indicators have yet to meaningfully translate into improved freight conditions, we are optimistic that improvements may be on the horizon when you pair the strengthening macro backdrop with the amount of capacity that has left the transportation industry since the market downturn began in early 2022,” he said.
The Wabash financial outlook for the full year remains unchanged, with a forecast of $2.3 billion in revenue, Yeagy added.
“2024 is a pivotal year for our strategic advancement. Despite a down year for dry vans, we view this as an unprecedented opportunity to continue investing in our business,” Yeagy said. “We are strengthening our competitive position by leveraging our dealer network to create national scale and integrating digital solutions to better enable access to parts, trailers, and services across this network. With the ongoing development of our Wabash Marketplace digital platform, we anticipate streamlining the supply chain experience and offering best-in-class access to parts, services, as well as Trailers as a Service (TAAS).”
Wabash shipped 8,500 new trailers in the first quarter, down from 11,780 in Q1 last year (-27.8%), along with 3,690 truck bodies, which is down from 3,815 the year before (-3.3%).
“As we gain more clarity for 2024, it’s important to emphasize the resilience of our portfolio that has grown over the last decade,” Yeagy emphasized. “We see relative stability in customer demand for our truck bodies and tank trailers, which helps mitigate the anticipated decline in dry van demand this year.”
During the first quarter, Transportation Solutions achieved net sales of $470.4 million, a decrease of 18.6% compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Operating income for the quarter amounted to $44.3 million, representing 9.4% of sales.
Parts & Services’ net sales for the first quarter reached $49.2 million, an increase of 4.4% compared to the prior year quarter as the segment “continued to make strides” along its path of strategic growth. Operating income for the quarter amounted to $10.5 million, or 21.4% of sales.
Keizer Companies, one of the largest familyowned dealers and distributors of transport and refrigeration equipment in the Midwest, earned six prestigious annual National Safety Council (NSC) awards this month, the group reported. NSC awards recognize companies with the highest safety standards and practices across the U.S. each year, as well as excelling in improving workplace health and safety and preventing injuries.
“The importance of safety in our industry cannot be overstated. The vision of the National Safety Council is that no one should be injured or made ill through their work,” Shane Keizer, president of Keizer Companies, said. “In the transportation industry, achieving this requires more than complying with legislation; it means getting every employee behind our safety mission.
“Our teams have earned an exceptional safety record over the years. Winning six safety awards from the National Safety Council this year is a significant achievement. I could not be more proud of everyone for going above and beyond to keep a safe, injury-free working environment for themselves and their colleagues.”
Power Only Transport LLC, the group’s freight transportation company based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, earned the NSC’s Occupational Excellence
Award for its outstanding safety record of reported injuries and illnesses. This achievement also comes after winning the South Dakota Governor’s Meritorious Safety Awards for 2023.
The group’s Carrier Transicold dealer, Transport Refrigeration of South Dakota Inc, was also awarded the NSC’s Occupational Excellence Award, along with the Safety Leadership Award honoring companies, locations, or divisions that have achieved at least five consecutive years without incurring an occupational injury or illness. Transport Refrigeration of South Dakota also earned the South Dakota Governor’s Meritorious Safety Award in 2023.
And Mid-States Utility Trailer Sales, one of the nation’s largest semi-trailer dealerships and a Top 5 Utility Manufacturing dealer, earned the Occupational Excellence Award and the Significant Improvement Award, as well as being recognized as one of Nebraska’s Safest Companies by the NSC.
“Health, safety, and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do at Keizer Companies,” Tom Johnston, the group’s safety manager, said. “I’m delighted the efforts we make and the huge milestones we are achieving have been recognized by the NSC. The accolades are a testament to the tireless work of our teams across all locations, whether they’re working out on the roads or in support functions in one of our offices.”
XPO’s in-house trailer manufacturing facility in Searcy, Arkansas, on April 4 celebrated its 30th anniversary. The factory’s team has produced nearly 90,000 trailers since 1994.
XPO’s plant in Searcy employs more than 300 people and is among the area’s largest employers. The factory produces custom-designed trailers that feature XPO’s proprietary SafeStack system for safe freight handling and transportation.
The facility also enables the LTL giant to adjust production quickly to meet the specific needs of shippers. In addition, the Searcy factory is one of the nation’s most active centers for recycling used trailers, recycling 86% of trailer materials to reduce the amount of waste in landfills.
“As the only freight transportation company to manufacture its own trailers, we are uniquely positioned to provide customers with both the capacity and reliable,
world-class service to meet the rising demand for LTL shipping,” Mario Harik, XPO chief executive officer said. “Our in-house manufacturing facility enables us to maintain our trailer fleet at a lower cost while quickly adapting to our customers’ changing needs. We are proud of our talented team in Searcy for the great work
Dewey Weiss was one of the first entrepreneurs to produce a pintle-style coupling for semi-trucks and trailers, and 100 years after he founded Premier Manufacturing, the brand, now part of High Bar Brands, is celebrating its centennial anniversary.
“It’s a testament to any company to reach such an incredible milestone and say they’re 100 years old,” HBB Regional Sales Manager Darrel Wilson said. “Providing a superior product that has been widely regarded as the best coupling component in the industry is a testament to the employees who’ve worked at Premier over these years and why Premier has been able to produce high-quality products year after year.”
Wilson started with Premier 35 years ago, while Operations Manager Todd Mitchell has been with the company for nearly 40 years.
“People have come and gone, and ownership has changed, but one thing has remained constant: the drive, commitment, and employee pride to
produce the highest-quality, safest coupling components in the trucking industry,” Mitchell said.
Premier Manufacturing has grown from a small business in Portland to its current location in Tualatin, where it produces couplings, drawbar eyes, dolly jacks, hinge assemblies, and front-end assemblies.
“I think major changes have occurred
they’re doing to support the growth of our fleet and the delivery of exceptional service for customers.”
XPO increased its manufacturing capacity significantly in Searcy over the past few years to meet growing demand. The plant produced more than 6,400 trailers in 2023, exceeding the company’s target and more than doubling the its output in 2021.
The factory features six production lines across 200,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space. And the plant has provided career opportunities for thousands of area residents over the past three decades, and training in sought-after specialties such as welding and production technology.
in our manufacturing process. For example, we still produce the 270 coupling, which was a staple when I started in the 1980s, but the techniques used today are vastly different,” Mitchell said.
Premier Manufacturing has long focused on innovation, boasting nearly 50 mechanical patents granted during its first 100 years in business. Five patents remain active, and all five were granted within the last ten years.
“If you don’t focus on improving, it’s hard to make it ten years, let alone 100plus,” Mitchell said. “We will continue to work tirelessly to maintain the reputation that Premier has earned over the last century.”
“Our customers, employees, and suppliers have played a crucial role in our overall success over the past 100 years,” Wilson said. “Some of the most reputable fleets in North America have specified Premier Manufacturing’s components for decades, and our consistent product quality and exceptional customer service have earned this trust.”
Range Energy secures $23.5 million for electric trailer development
Range Energy received $23.5 million in new funding led by Phillip Sarofim’s Trousdale Ventures, with participation from UP.Partners, R7, and Yamaha Motor Ventures. Range will use this fresh capital to accelerate its work on customer pilot programs to advance full-scale production of its electric powered trailers. In addition, Range will invest resources towards the initial development of its trailer data and telematics platform to bring unique insights to customers and further enhance the company’s growing technology portfolio. This additional financing brings Range’s total funding to $31.5 million inclusive of the company’s $8 million seed financing.
“Commercial-led innovation is material for achieving the electrification of on-road transportation,” said Ali Javidan, CEO and founder of Range Energy. “Range is poised to ensure commercial fleets are able to adopt and transition to electric with speed and ease and our investors are committed to helping get our trailers into the hands of commercial fleet owners—and on the roads—quickly.”
Range’s electric trailers can hook up to any of today’s diesel-powered trucks to immediately improve fuel economy by 36.3%, as shown in recent third party on-road testing, the company stated. Range’s powered trailers also can double the range of the electric semi-trucks beginning to hit the roads.
The new financing comes on the heels of significant milestones Range achieved since its inception, including the development and debut of its first powered 53’ dry van, becoming the first trailer electrification platform eligible for California’s Clear OffRoad Equipment (CORE) voucher incentive project, and launching its Dealer Advisory Council with top commercial OEM dealers.
“Range is at the forefront of broad electric equipment adoption and the overall electrification of on-road transportation,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, general partner at Trousdale Ventures and former president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “We believe in the company’s mission to make towing cleaner, safer, and more efficient, and are excited to have skin in the game.”
Premier Trailer Leasing is expanding its corporate social responsibility efforts with a new human trafficking awareness campaign that addresses the signs of human trafficking and how to report it.
This new campaign comes at a time when the company has been named one of the 2024 “Top Places to Work” by USA Today, the company noted. Conducted by Top Workplaces USA in partnership with USA Today, the 2024 “Top Places to Work” award recognizes organizations across the nation that exemplify an employee-first culture and foster strong engagement on all levels.
Premier is taking its new campaign, titled “Raising the Bar Against Human Trafficking,” on the road with signage that states, “See It. Say It. Stop It.” and includes the phone number for the national human trafficking hotline.
Premier also is inviting its lease customers to actively partner in the initiative by choosing either a decal sticker to place on the trailers they lease, or a full trailer wrap with the anti-trafficking message accompanied by both the customer’s logo and Premier’s logo. The campaign supports Premier’s ongoing partnerships with anti-trafficking organizations Nomi Network, Truckers Against Trafficking, and One More Child.
“Driven by integrity is the slogan that we live by at Premier,” said CEO Jim AuBuchon. “We pride ourselves on our culture of care that encompasses every aspect of our business—from how we treat our employees and customers to our support for
important causes like ending human trafficking. We asked ourselves how we could make an impact, leveraging the size of our fleet and more than 40 locations across the country. Through this new initiative, our trailers serve as traveling billboards to raise awareness about human trafficking, and we are proud to offer our lease customers the opportunity to join us in this effort.”
Premier is providing the anti-trafficking decal stickers to lease customers at no charge as long as supplies last. For the full-wrap option, Premier will cover half the cost of wrapping the trailer for customers with a minimum 18-month lease of 2023 and 2024 model-year dry vans or new production builds.
As part of the campaign, Premier is training its employees on how to spot the signs of human trafficking via lunch and learn events hosted in partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking and Nomi Network, as well as providing educational collateral for drivers who visit Premier’s branch locations throughout the country.
“As we continue to build upon our culture of care with initiatives like the human trafficking awareness campaign, we look forward to offering additional opportunities for our employees and customers to get involved,” AuBuchon said. “We were thrilled to receive the ‘Top Places to Work’ recognition from USA Today, in which 95% of the employees surveyed agreed that our company is moving in the right direction. It’s a testament to how valuing and supporting our team has made a significant impact on our business.”
Curry Supply in April launched the Curry Skill Enhancement and Employee Development (SEED) Program for its Paint and Blast Division. The program is designed to underscore Curry Supply’s commitment to empowering its team members with a clear career growth roadmap, from entry-level positions through successive roles.
The SEED Program brings structure and transparency to career advancement by defining training, skills, and performance requirements, the company noted. Through SEED, employees gain the opportunity to enhance their job skills, leading to higher pay and a greater sense of purpose in their work.
The SEED program categorizes Blaster and Spray Applicator employees into three specific classes based on their skill sets, from entry- to senior-level positions.
Advancement within each class is determined by a comprehensive evaluation process, ensuring individuals possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and performance standards to excel. Blasters and Spray Applicators must complete assessments and training syllabi tailored to their respective roles.
Through the SEED program, employees have the opportunity to earn
Custom Truck One Source Inc. was recently recognized with a Capstone Award by the Kansas City Business Journal for the company’s $35 million renovation of a 220,000-sq.-ft. warehouse located on the former site of Kansas City’s Armco Steel plant, which is now part of Custom Truck’s 175-acre headquarter campus.
The renovated building was part of the historic factory that closed in 2001 and which is now undergoing an overall adaptive reuse transformation. Custom Truck revamped the building to house its Fabrication & Crane Manufacturing; Paint & Powder Coating; and Parts, Tools and Accessories departments.
The site, which has been used by various manufacturers since the late 1800s, was taken over by Armco Steel in 1930. It employed roughly 4,500 at the plant’s century-old warehouses, including Building H, during its peak in the 1950s.
Today, Custom Truck employs close to 1,000 people at its overall headquarters site. Executives expect to add almost 100 positions at Building H this year, including machinists, welders, painters, assemblers,
certifications such as the Curry In-House Certificates and the AMPP C-7 and C-12 Certificates, signifying their expertise and proficiency in their fields.
SEED career progression planning is mandatory for all Class I and II employees, with a special focus on mapping their training and career progress. Meanwhile, Class III employees undergo reviews focused on their management and leadership skill development.
Professional training and certifications offered through the SEED program provide a pathway for career advancement, while also fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within Curry Supply, according to the company. Through SEED, employees are equipped with the tools and resources needed to succeed, ensuring mutual prosperity and fulfillment for employees within the organization.
and materials operators.
The work is part of an ongoing renovation of Custom Truck’s campus, which company founder Fred Ross and his family purchased in 2005. Since then, Custom Truck has grown from 250 employees and one location to a leading North American
specialty truck and heavy equipment provider with more than 2,500 employees in nearly 40 facilities.
Custom Truck last won a Capstone award in 2019 for the renovation of a 119,000-sq.-ft. production facility which was also from the early 1900s.
Infrastructure investment firm I Squared Capital is combining its newly rebranded Transportation Equipment Network (TEN) with TIP Canada, the Canadian subsidiary of the Europe-based TIP Group, in a move it says creates the second-largest full-service trailer lessor in North America with 83,000 trailers.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter, I Squared reported.
“This transaction is a win for our investors and our global transportation franchise,” Gautam Bhandari, I Squared chief investment officer, said in a news release. “Leveraging I Squared’s expertise in platform building, the combination streamlines TEN and TIP’s operating footprints, improves purchasing power, and clarifies strategic objectives. Trailers play a critical role in complex supply chain networks by meeting customers’ needs for operational and contractual flexibility.
“These are two leaders in their respective markets and combined they represent a very attractive prospect for infrastructure investors.”
I Squared announced April 5 it was combining portfolio companies Star Leasing Company, CTL (Commercial Trailer Leasing), Cooling Concepts, and NETS Leasing (North East Trailer Services)
as TEN. The latest move allows TIP, which the firm acquired in August 2018, to streamline its portfolio, focus on its core European operation, and free up capital for growth opportunities in its home market, I Squared said.
“For TIP, this will mean a renewed focus on Europe, our home market,” TIP Group CEO Bob Fast said. “We greatly anticipate prospects for diversification and electrification of our fleet, alongside the expansion of our maintenance network to continue to serve our valued customers and align with our vision to be a leading equipment service provider.”
TIP Canada, a “leading player” in the Canadian trailer leasing and rental market, boasts approximately 28,000 units. The company has over 480 employees and 1,500 customers with diversified end-sector exposure, I Squared said. TIP Canada also operates 12 shop locations across Canada and 36
SAF-HOLLAND is planning to build a new manufacturing facility in Rowlett, Texas. The new Rowlett facility is the next phase of the SAF-HOLLAND manufacturing optimization and vertical integration strategy to increase capacity output that began with the opening of its Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico plant last August.
“We are excited about this important strategic step toward our future,” said Kent Jones, president—Americas for SAFHOLLAND. “Investing in new facilities like the Rowlett plant enables us to not only meet additional customer demand but provide a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility designed with our employees in mind.”
The new facility, focused on high-complexity, high-variation specialty fifth wheel manufacturing, will include the current SAF-HOLLAND Wylie, Texas operation. The Wylie operation will move to the new facility after construction.
mobile service units, providing coast-tocoast maintenance services to its own customers and third parties.
I Squared’s buildout of its trailer-leasing platform began in March 2021 with the acquisition of Star Leasing and subsequent acquisitions of Cooling Concepts (May 2022), NETS (July 2023), and CTL (September 2023). TEN has now more than quadrupled in size through organic growth and tuck-in acquisitions.
“While continuing to service the individual customer base, we see a great opportunity to service both Canadian customers that do business in the U.S., as well as U.S. customers that do business in Canada, providing them with value-added solutions to help them run their businesses more efficiently,” said Scott Nelson, TEN president. “Our expanded scope will allow greater access to equipment and expanded relationships with our supplier partners.”
Located eight miles from Wylie, the new facility will be staffed by the Wylie team in addition to regional offices for advanced manufacturing engineering, product line management, and continuous improvement groups.
Starting production August 31, 2025, the new facility’s design and features include a full plant HVAC and general advancements in manufacturing optimization that will produce the FW70, specialty FW35 including no-tilt, Kompensator and ELI-te, and terminal tractor fifth wheels.
Because standards don’t raise themselves, NTEA’s Member Verification Program (MVP) acknowledges the companies leading the industry to excellence. Fleet managers, truck dealers, and OEMs know truck equipment manufacturers and distributors with MVP status have implemented specific business and quality standards and comply with federal regulations. New MVP members (since Jan. 1, 2024)
• Baldwin Truck Equipment (Narvon, Pennsylvania)
• H&H Sales Co. Inc. (Huntertown, Indiana)
• Knapheide Truck Equipment Center Tampa (Largo, Florida)
• Knollwood Tire & Wheel (Douglas, Georgia)
• M-L Utilities LLC dba Cherokee Truck Equipment (Mableton, Georgia)
• M-L Utilities LLC dba Cherokee Truck Equipment (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
• Zoresco Equipment Co. – Ohio (Oakwood Village, Ohio)
• Zoresco Equipment Co. – Pittsburgh (Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania) Renewals
• Eberhard Mfg. Co. (Cleveland, Ohio)
• Fontaine Modification Co. (Charlotte, North Carolina)
• Knapheide Truck Equipment Center Atlanta (Griffin, Georgia)
• Knapheide Truck Equipment Center Dallas (Red Oak, Texas)
• Knapheide Truck Equipment Center Kansas City (Kansas City, Missouri)
• Knapheide Truck Equipment Center Miami (Miami, Florida)
• Knapheide Truck Equipment Center San Diego (San Diego, California)
• Lancaster Truck Bodies (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
• M-L Utilities LLC DBA Utility Equipment Services (Spring Hill, Tennessee)
• Northern Truck Equipment Corp. (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
• Scelzi Enterprises Inc. – Riverside (Riverside, California)
• Summit Truck Bodies LLC (Wathena, Kansas)
• Transfer Flow Inc. (Chico, California)
• Zoresco Equipment Co.–Monroe (Monroe, Ohio)
Current NTEA Distributor and Manufacturer members are encouraged to apply for MVP status at any time. There
is no charge to apply for MVP status—NTEA underwrites the cost of MVP applications as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the core competencies of its members. Once qualified, companies receive MVP status for a three-year term. To renew, MVP members must again document their compliance, ensuring their ongoing commitment to professionalism, industry knowledge, and high performance.
Visit ntea.com/mvp to learn more.
Thunder Creek Equipment recently introduced EquipmentShare as a new dealer of its product sales and support lineup at locations in Columbia, Missouri; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Thunder Creek Equipment designs and manufactures products that are used in a variety of industries, including construction, roadbuilding, oil and gas, and utility construction.
“EquipmentShare has a mission that combines technology, equipment, and support to ensure uptime, productivity, and efficiency,” said Larry Lea, vice president of sales, Thunder Creek Equipment. “Thunder Creek will support that mission by providing contractors in the region with innovative new ways to manage fueling, preventive maintenance, and mobile fleet management.”
Established in 2015, EquipmentShare provides multiple lines of equipment manufacturers for a wide variety of customer applications, from large commercial construction companies to local contractors.
“Ensuring uptime through the smart use of technology is what has made EquipmentShare one of the fastest-growing integrated equipment rental and equipment asset management companies in the United States,” said Jabbok Schlacks, CEO, EquipmentShare.
“Thunder Creek’s product offering delivers a complete rethinking of how businesses take control of their fleet fueling and preventive maintenance activities in a way that saves time, money, and labor. Their solutions support the value we provide to our customers and we look forward to offering these products at two of our locations.”
The Shyft Group signed a national distribution agreement with Model 1 Commercial Vehicles. For Model 1, the agreement expands its commercial product offering, which supports vehicle upfitting and second-stage manufacturing. The arrangement also gives The Shyft Group access points into new markets and a national distribution and upfit footprint.
“While selling this vehicle category is not new for Model 1, the collaboration with The Shyft Group expands offerings across the country and touches into new markets with local servicing and upfitting,” said TJ Matijevich, Model 1 vice president and GM. “Traditionally, the commercial supply chain for upfitted vehicles has created unnecessarily long wait times and complicated processes. Someone has to fix that, and Model 1, in collaboration with Shyft, is going first,” he said.
Model 1 will carry Shyft Group brands and offer local upfit services nationwide. For customers, the distribution agreement creates a one-stop-shop option for fleets, municipalities, and work truck end users in services such as plumbing, heating, HVAC, landscaping, oil and gas, and general contracting.
Model 1’s access to chassis pool inventory and vehicle body stock also eliminates the traditional domino effect timing lag experienced by most in the commercial vehicle space.
M&D recently joined VIPAR Heavy Duty, adding its 41 U.S. locations to the group’s network. Headquartered near Houston in Humble, Texas, M&D offers diesel engine solutions from “fan to flywheel.”
“Every day we wake up and we work toward the goal of pushing more diesel engine market share toward the independents,” said Justin Pasdach, M&D’s vice president of sales, marketing, and national accounts. “I think becoming a VIPAR Heavy Duty stockholder will significantly strengthen that mission. The stronger we can work together, the stronger the aftermarket.”
M&D has worked to expand their location network throughout the U.S. over the past 80 years, while also refining and growing the products and services they offer.
“We’ve quadrupled revenue during the last eight years, largely driven by new locations and broadening our portfolio of the products and services we offer,” Pasdach said. “When it makes strategic sense, we’ll continue to grow through acquisition while adding new capabilities.”
“M&D brings immense value to our organization,” said Jim Pennig, vice president of business development for the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies. “They’re a top-tier supplier for our network, and they’re top-quality diesel experts for our customers.”
Hoffman Family of Companies (HFOC) acquired Doonan Specialized Trailer, a semi-trailer manufacturer based in Great Bend, Kansas. Doonan has been operating for 50 years and offers 57 dealer locations across North America.
“As we continue to grow our network, our venture with Doonan is an affirmation of our belief in the future of American Manufacturing,” said Geoff Hoffmann, co-CEO at Hoffmann Family of Companies. “Doonan is a great fit for the Hoffmann Family of Companies, and we have tremendous confidence in the proven management team and the positive culture fostered throughout the company.”
Mike Ruddle, vice president of Operations at Doonan, and Kelly Zecha, national dealer manager and application specialist, will both continue to play pivotal roles in the company post-close, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in serving customers.
The Doonan acquisition expands HFOC’s presence in the transportation sector, building on the 2021 purchase of Texas Bragg Trailers, based in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.
Gincor Werx recently acquired Wiltsie Truck Bodies. Wiltsie offers a variety of products including dump trucks and truck bodies along with pony trailers and flat decks.
“We are pleased with the opportunity to build on the foundation of the Wiltsie family business from the Aylmer, Ontario, community,” said Luc Stang, president and CEO of Gincor Werx. “This foundation and its client base have been built by men and women who have a passion for the industry where it all happens. It’s all about the people and that’s what makes this latest acquisition a great fit for all stakeholders. We look forward to bringing Gincor Werx to the former Wiltsie Truck Body team to help enrich the lives of each other and those we serve and partner with.”
Located in Aylmer, Ontario, the family-owned business also offers parts and service to all their customers for truck body repairs, sandblasting and painting, custom fabrication, wheelbase changes, and lift-axle calibrations.
WD Capital acted as M&A Advisor to Gincor Werx. and Wildeboer Dellelce acted as legal counsel to Gincor Werx.
CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Mexico—Engineered Transportation International equipment brands include storied tank trailer manufacturers Heil Trailer and Polar Tank Trailer, which combine to capture nearly 50% of the tank trailer market in North America. And EnTrans’ most prolific plant is its Juarez Trailer Operations (JTO) in Mexico, just across the border from El Paso, Texas, where Heil and Polar can cover 40% of the tank trailer industry’s total annualized demand, according to EnTrans CEO Ryan Rockafellow.
It’s also one of the most efficient facilities in the 43-company portfolio of private-equity owner American Industrial Partners, he adds with pride.
“Over the last two years, when AIP brings in interns and new hires and
wants to show them what good looks like, they bring them to this facility,”
Rockafellow told Mexican officials and other special guests Feb. 27 during the unveiling of a vintage tank wagon and tour of the “maquila” opened here
10 years ago. “It’s the people in this plant, the lean OpEx activities here, and the quality.”
More specifically, facility leaders’ access to skilled laborers; dedication to effective, flexible operations and continuous improvement; and consistent production quality—combined with Heil and Polar’s comprehensive tank trailer lineup and telematics innovations—have transformed JTO into the most prolific tank trailer plant in North America, turning out roughly 2,700 liquid and dry bulk tankers last year.
“And we still have an opportunity to really turn things up,” he told Bulk Transporter in an exclusive interview.
The flagship facility provides a competitive advantage no one can match—and EnTrans, its blue-chip fleet customers, and the city of Juarez all share in the rewards, leaders maintain. EnTrans’ five-brand portfolio is now a booming business (with tank trailers products generating nearly three-fourths of total revenue), bulk haulers benefit from a responsive partner who’s able to meet their specialized specs, and about 900 employees enjoy life-changing pay and perks inside a safety-minded environment.
“It’s impressive to see how quickly they can respond to customer issues, concerns, or feedback, and distill that
Food-grade customer Foodliner visited the Juarez manufacturing facility to discuss its equipment needs and tour the prolific EnTrans International plant.
Photos: Jason McDaniel | Trailer Body Buildersimplementation down to an actual running production change,” said Jon Sarrazin, president of Quest Liner and Foodliner Mexico, who travelled here to discuss his team’s equipment needs and tour the facility. “They strike the right balance between running a large-scale production operation to support the tank truck industry with the appropriate amount of customization to meet the unique requirements of individual customers.”
Tank trailer titan
Heil is the oldest tank trailer brand in the U.S. Julius Heil founded the business as Heil Rail Joint Welding in 1901 in Milwaukee. Polar formed in 1946, giving the combined operations more than 200 years of tank trailer manufacturing experience. AIP purchased Heil from Dover in late 2011 and formed EnTrans in 2014, the same year it acquired Jarco and opened the Juarez facility. AIP bought Polar and Jarco in 2015, merged EnTrans and Polar in 2017, and divested Polar Service Centers to Quala in 2022.
Heavy-haul trailer maker Kalyn Siebert, originally a division of Heil based in Gatesville, Texas, rounds out EnTrans’ brands (J&L Tank still is a Heil sub-brand). Jarco builds LPG bobtails in Salem, Illinois; and Serva provides oil and gas equipment out of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Heil and Polar operate three North American factories in Juarez; Athens, Tennessee; and Holdingford, Minnesota; which combine to produce a full line of aluminum and stainless-steel tank trailers. Aluminum trailers for refined petroleum products account for about a quarter of EnTrans sales; and stainless steel chemical trailers, dry bulkers, aluminum asphalt and crude oil trailers, and stainless foodgrade tankers combine for close to
50%. “What makes EnTrans, and Heil and Polar, unique is, unlike our competition, if there is a tank trailer to be sold for a product vertical, we build it,” Rockafellow said. “It’s in our portfolio, ensuring we withstand the headwinds in any market segment.”
Athens, with the capacity to produce 2,400 trailers per year, builds only aluminum tankers; Holdingford, with a capacity of 1,500 trailers per year, primarily makes stainless steel tankers; and Juarez, with a 3,600-trailer capacity, builds every trailer, helping EnTrans executives establish JTO as an indispensable manufacturing enterprise, both within its own business and the Mexican economy.
With help from John Snodgrass, vice president of international business, EnTrans supplied the Mexican government with 50 aluminum tanks built for an overseas market within three weeks of officials’ decision to phase out carbon steel trailers after a deadly explosion in 2019. And a key customer helped them stay open during pandemic lockdowns by convincing local authorities EnTrans was a critical supplier when many other Juarez companies ceased operations deemed non-essential.
“They are doing a great job,” said Sergio Colín, president of the manufacturer’s association in Juarez, who attended the unveiling and tour. “And with the market we have today, they still have a lot of opportunity to grow here. Why? Because in all the border crossings from Brownsville [Texas] to San Diego, the commercial transactions between Mexico and the U.S. involve a lot of raw materials that are transported in these tanks.”
The 400,000-sq.-ft. Juarez plant sits on a 20-acre lot. It includes offices, shared spaces, a spacious cafeteria, and a cavernous production floor with 11 manufacturing lines and floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with myriad tank trailer parts and components. Lines 1-6 are for aluminum trailers, and Lines 7, 8, 11, 12, and 14 produce stainless-steel tankers. JTO previously used Lines 9 and
10 to build carbon steel barrels, work EnTrans now sends to Arrow Tank and Engineering in Cambridge, Minnesota, to make room for additional stainless steel production.
Heil and Polar trailers are built on “flex lines” regularly reconfigured for new trailers. “We have to adapt to the changing marketplace,” said Randy Arlt, EnTrans senior vice president and JTO general manager. “If you stay static, you shrink.”
Adaptability also allows the plant to manage smaller production runs compared to orders placed by large dry van fleets. “It’s abnormal for us to get a run of 100 of anything,” Arlt explained. “It’s often one, three, or five units, and we can better respond to those changes with flexible cells.”
A dedicated team utilizes software and detailed measurements of all equipment, down to the fixtures, shelves, and carts, to improve processes and model
new layouts operators recreate on the production floor. “With Lines 12 and 14, we only need three days to install the whole line,” said Carlos Ivan, JTO director of continuous improvement. The facility runs a lean manufacturing program that encourages employee collaboration and certification advancement, and continuous improvement efforts include regular “Kaizen” meetings for attacking challenges, and incorporating dealer and customer input. “That helps us reduce our warranty percent of sales,” Arlt said. “It was over 2% and now it’s less than half a percent.”
Arlt “near-sources” materials wherever possible, and EnTrans’ industrial supplier, Fastenal, sources parts locally, he said. Finished trailers are shipped to a PSC yard in New Horizon, Texas, just outside El Paso, where dealers and customers receive them. Direct sales to fleet customers account for approximately 50% of sales, with the other
50% sold through EnTrans’ network of 45-plus dealers spread across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
“There’s no one else like us in this business,” EnTrans CCO Jake Radish noted. “And the transformational efforts taking place at this facility, the build quality, and the quality of labor we’re able to secure in this market, are unmatched.”
Colín agrees, saying companies like EnTrans also are transforming Juarez’s overall reputation.
“I’m very proud that the companies producing products in Juarez are creating finished goods, because in the past we executed a lot of manual operations without finished goods, only parts that were shipped out, maybe to the U.S. or another country, where somebody else put everything together and created the finished good,” he said. “And today, we’re seeing finished goods here—and that is beautiful.”
As Arlt walked the plant floor during the tour, he greeted employees by name and took time to shake hands and pose for pictures. And every fabricator, welder, and shop supervisor shared one thing—the smiles on their faces. “People here truly aspire to a better life,” Arlt said. “We’re blessed in the United States, and they have a lot going for them here, but they work very hard to improve their circumstances.
“[And] these jobs will bring people into the middle class—and even better for some.”
JTO jobs also come with two meals a day, transportation to and from work, and safety-focused management. The facility earned plant safety awards from the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association in three of the last five years. Leaders also host annual family days for employees, their loved ones, and local officials, firefighters, and police that can draw up to 3,000 attendees, Arlt shared. “It’s personal,” Radish added.
“We want to make sure that our employees’ livelihood is elevated to the next echelon.”
Juarez boasts 320 manufacturers that employ 316,000 workers, Colín said. JTO lifts up nearly 900 people, while also creating indirect jobs for Mexican suppliers, service providers, and contractors, he pointed out. And EnTrans could easily add 100 new workers if it needed to quickly boost production, Arlt said. “The deep labor pool in this region, and the access we have to skilled workers, who we put through our own training programs, gives us an advantage our competitors can’t match,” Rockafellow said.
Personalization extends to how EnTrans identifies orders on the
line—always by name, not serial numbers, which promotes buy-in, Arlt maintained—and its commitment to incorporating operator input into enhancements. “Our people produce these trailers,” Ivan said. “Not the managers, not the directors—the people. And if they don’t work well, then we can’t deliver our products.”
JTO benefits extend beyond the lives of employees, delivering advantages The facility last year produced approximately 2,700 Heil and Polar liquid and dry bulk tank trailers.
“The transformational efforts at this facility, the build quality, the quality of labor we’re able to secure, are unmatched.”
EnTrans CCO Jake Radish
EnTrans International’s Juarez Trailer Operations facility employs nearly 900 highly skilled workers, who also receive two meals a day and transportation to and from work.
for EnTrans and its customers. “This Juarez plant allows us to compete within every tank trailer space and go after every customer within each of these groups,” Radish said, pointing out EnTrans serves eight different aluminum and stainless-steel tank trailer segments and now is adding cryogenic and liquid hydrogen tankers.
The plant currently makes 50% of all EnTrans trailers, Arlt said.
“The tank trailer side of our business truly is the core part of our business,” Rockafellow confirmed.
The range of trailer equipment coming out of the facility also allows EnTrans to serve large customers with diverse trailer fleets.
“Between our two brands, Foodliner and Quest Liner, we run a variety of trailers—aluminum, stainless, dry bulk, and liquid in many configurations,” Sarrazin said. “And if you think about it from a supply chain perspective, our customers are the ones who dictate to us what type of equipment is required for a load, based on product, and loading and unloading requirements, and that works its way back up the supply chain to our trailer manufacturers. So if we’re going to be a carrier that meets the value proposition we drive to the market, we need a manufacturing partner that can do the same for us.”
They also need a partner who can supply trailers quickly, and JTO is delivering there, too.
“We’re producing more than we ever have out of this facility because we’ve been able to diversify this plant.”
EnTrans
CEO Ryan Rockafellow
“We’ve really caught up to the demand,” Arlt said. “The last two years, bookings were ahead of builds, and that was true for the industry. But right now we’re building at the booking rate, or slightly ahead.”
With the largest and lowest-cost tank trailer manufacturing operation leading the way, EnTrans companies are generating more than twice the revenue they produced when AIP purchased Heil in 2011, and it’s still growing by replacing diminished demand for crude oil and sand trailers with more specialized tankers for fuel, DEF, and asphalt. “We’re still building crude trailers but nowhere near the level that we were 10 years ago,” Rockafellow said. “Yet we’re the biggest we’ve ever been and producing more than we ever have out of this facility because we’ve been able to diversify this plant.”
Key growth areas include new
military contracts, hydrogen delivery solutions, smart-trailer telematics, and Kalyn Siebert’s heavy-haul equipment. EnTrans is also growing and diversifying its international presence with Snodgrass’ help. Heil has a plant in Thailand that serves local and export markets, and EnTrans maintains licensing and supply agreements in Argentina and Australia. “The goal over the next three years is continued growth,” Radish confirmed.
EnTrans’ intelligent tank system, TANK Ai, already is taking off, he added, with close to 300 orders from key customers on the books. “We’re excited with where that’s heading, and it’s taking more of a diverse element than we originally expected,” Radish said. “We thought it’d be more tailored toward the petroleum side. But we’ve got chemical guys coming to the table, and carriers on the dry bulk side.”
Key customers also are exploring the liquid hydrogen space today, Rockafellow said.
“We look at that as being a good growth opportunity for us,” he said. “We’re probably still years away from hydrogen really presenting a viable need to be transported. But when it becomes a viable on-highway fuel— meaning it’s actually powering cars or trucks—that’s really when the tanker side will come in, and that’s arguably three to five years away. But we want to get in on the front end of that.” TBB
NATM 2024 convention returns to Vegas with more exhibits, education, excitement
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers 2024 Convention & Trade Show celebrated enormous success in its return to Las Vegas in February. e event posted great attendance and exhibitor totals as once again trailer manufacturers came in search of new supplier solutions a er years of supply chain disruptions and shortages. ( e event was held at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, the same venue for the 2020 show—which was among the last major gatherings before the COVID-19 travel restrictions took e ect that spring.)
“Together NATM, its members, and the entire light- and medium-duty trailer industry are proud of the work we do to improve the safety of the U.S. roadways through our Compliance Verification Program and Trailer Safety Week efforts,” said past President Marty Lorick of Triple Crown Trailers Inc. at the event. “But, it’s the NATM Convention & Trade Show that brings the greatest direct benefit to the success of companies in this industry.
“This show brings hundreds of suppliers to one convenient location, which
allows trailer manufacturers to shop for everything they need in one place. The last few years have been hard on the industry with supply chain shortages, delays, and price increases. The ability to connect with hundreds of component suppliers and service providers in a single place within two days is not a convenience, but a necessity for businesses in our industry.”
Overall attendance of the 2024 show reached near record-breaking levels with 1,432 registrants. Trailer
manufacturer registrations reached a near record as well with 410 individual trailer manufacturing attendees.
The NATM trade show floor featured 230 exhibiting companies with 321 booths. The show also featured 47 brand-new exhibitors—a new record. Additionally, the New Member Promotion brought in nearly 90 new trailer manufacturer attendees to tour the show. The promotion offered two complimentary full registrations, two complimentary spouse/partner registrations, and two complimentary hotel room nights.
“The NATM Convention & Trade Show brings the best and brightest in the industry together,” said NATM President Marco Garcia of U-Haul International Inc., speaking at the annual awards luncheon. “NATM’s 2023 Convention in Fort Worth was a record-breaking success for trailer manufacturer attendance and I am glad to see that 2024 is shaping up to be another incredible year.”
Among the accomplishments from the past 12 months, Garcia pointed to government affairs efforts like the Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill Visits, along with work behind the scenes to achieve the association’s mission to improve trailer safety and performance, enhance the image of the industry, provide educational tools and events, and offer benefits and services to help member companies succeed.
“NATM is the only not-for-profit in this industry that offers reputable safety resources and needed education, and this year’s educational lineup of workshops were excellent for all the members who participated in the workshops, technical forums, and the tradeshow floor,” Garcia added.
A variety of educational workshops were offered to attendees in 2024:
• The Power of Innovation: Powder Coating Technologies Unveiled
• Welding and Cutting Automation
• A Comparison of Cargo Trailer Assembly Methods
• VIN Calculations Made Easy
• Government Affairs Panel
• Beyond Compliance: Turbocharge Your Sales with the NATM Decal Advantage
• HR Insights Unveiled: Elevating the Employee Experience
• Financial Resolutions for a New Year: Investing for the Future
“The trailer manufacturing industry, though not without significant challenges, has fared well throughout the course of the last year.” Garcia said. “And as such, so has the industry’s association. With over 1,000 trailer manufacturer, supplier, automobile OEM members and trailer dealer affiliates, NATM continues to grow.”
NATM aims to keep the momentum moving forward and is already planning ahead for the 2025 Convention & Trade Show, to be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, Feb. 17-20, 2025.
For anyone interested in helping new trailer manufacturers attend and who would like to grow company exposure, including personalized boothvisit invitations for future NATM Convention & Trade Shows, contact NATM Events Director Aileen Valido for information about sponsorship at Aileen.Valido@natm.com. TBB
Akey strategic goal of NATM is to continue to serve as a leader in trailer safety. To accomplish this, the association recognized the need to better incorporate and work with dealer a liates. Dealers, a er all, regularly meet face-to-face with end users and are an important avenue for sharing associationcreated content and helping to ensure their customers have access to best practices for towing safely.
And, as announced at this year’s convention, the NATM board has decided to move forward with offering a dealer-specific trade show to launch in 2025. Called the NATM Trailer Expo, the event will take place in the fall and offer manufacturer members and suppliers the opportunity to showcase their products directly to dealer affiliates. Additionally, this offers industry experts the chance to share insights and information that NATM’s dealer affiliates have expressed a current lack of access to.
“This event is designed to bring
together the entire spectrum of the light- and medium-duty trailer industry, including trailer dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and automotive tow vehicle OEMs,” NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan said. “Our target audience walking this show floor includes trailer dealers, fleet managers, and government purchasing agents.”
The NATM Trailer Expo, a not-forprofit event, will feature trailers under 26,000 lbs GVWR, allowing dealers to explore the latest innovations and technologies. Additionally, suppliers and
service providers that play a crucial role in supporting dealerships will be welcome to exhibit, “fostering a comprehensive representation” of the industry.
“One of the primary motivations behind the creation of the NATM Trailer Expo is to address the gap in education, resources, and self-governance that exists in the trailer-dealer realm,” Ryan said. “As leaders in national towing safety efforts, dealers have long looked to NATM for support. To meet this need, NATM is rapidly expanding benefits for dealers with our warranty program, our dealers connect, and additional programming throughout the year.”
To fund the initiative of expanding dealer benefits, the revenue generated from the NATM Trailer Expo will be reinvested into dealer-specific programming and benefits, Ryan emphasized.
“We’ll be returning to our roots in Oklahoma City, where NATM was founded in 1987 by five livestock trailer manufacturers seeking better benefits as they understood the power in numbers, unifying for the greater good,” Ryan said. “The NATM Trailer Expo marks a fresh restart, a full circle, and a new chapter for the trailer industry, this time incorporating trailer dealerships into our efforts while now being able to support our trailer manufacturing members by offering an event at which they can exhibit.
“This event is more than a convention; it is a celebration of the success, growth, and expansion that NATM has experienced over the last forty years.”
The inaugural 2025 NATM Trailer Expo will be hosted at the state-ofthe-art Oklahoma City Convention Center, completed in 2020. The Omni Oklahoma City will be the host hotel. Visit www.trailerexpo.com for more information on the event. TBB
Process, performance, and aesthetics—or how do trailer manufacturers want to build their products, how are their trailers going to be used, and what should they look like? That’s how a team from 3M compared a range of cargo trailer side wall attachment methods during a demonstration at the NATM convention.
Mechanical fasteners remain the most common manufacturing and assembly method, and the method is often used because “it’s the most familiar,” explained Julia Poppe, an application engineer with 3M and a member of the NATM technical committee.
“It’s fairly easy to train operators and the cost of materials is very, very small,” Poppe said. “This method is very quick—there is no waiting for any adhesive to cure or to reach full strength. The screw doesn’t care how dirty your panel is, or if your posts are aligned. The application also is not swayed based on the temperature or the humidity in your shop.”
Manufacturing can be loud, however, and screws are not recommended for aluminum trailers. The panel load is focused on those few points where the fasteners are in place, and there is often friction and corrosion, along with “dimpling.” Additionally, screws can work loose. Finally, applying graphics or a wrap is more challenging when working around rivets.
The use of liquid adhesives is the least common assembly method, Poppe continued. While the application is easy, a fixture has to be used to hold the panel in place on the frame while the adhesive cures. Among its advantages is that this method does not require holes in the panel, and therefore eliminates water intrusion. Liquid adhesives do require surface prep, however, and the cure can be impacted by the environmental conditions in the shop. And the assembler can’t be sure the bond, which is not visible, is as firm as it needs to be.
A third method, acrylic foam tape, is “one of the cooler technologies to hit the assembly world in a long time,” suggested Josh Dunn, advanced training manager at 3M. And to prove the point, the 3M team assembled a trailer wall during the presentation. While the compounds may vary, the advantage of acrylics is their flexibility, Dunn explained. Unlike the visible stress concentration of mechanical fasteners, tapes act as a “suspension system” that stretches with the panels as the trailer rolls down the road.
“The frame behind the panels is moving at a different rate, so this is actually absorbing all those stresses across that entire frame where the tape or the adhesive is binding the metal paneling,” Dunn said.
Test simulations have shown no delamination after 100,000 miles for acrylic tapes, versus screws that fail in 36,000 miles, Dunn added. The method also makes for a quieter trailer, as the tape absorbs vibrations.
In terms of assembly advantages, the 3M team pointed out that acrylic foam tape can be applied to the post and staged before the frame is welded for improved manufacturing throughput.
As for limitations, tapes require some surface prep and operator training on the process, application temperature should be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and an unconstrained top-rail resign is recommended.
Finally, a combination or hybrid method leverages benefits of tape and adhesive, as tape holds the panel in place while the adhesive cures, allowing for immediate shipment after assembly. However, using the two different methods often requires additional training.
Indeed, the key is to make the attachment method and materials align with the assembly process.
“Anyone can walk into an account and sell a roll of tape, or a tube of glue. Well, not everyone can walk into an account and sell that process to go with it,” Dunn said. “You can buy the best acrylic foam tape in the world but, if your process is broken, that’s not going to work. You can buy the best sealants in the entire world but, if your process is broken, it’s not going to work. So it’s really, really important that we make sure we’re maximizing the process.”
Matrack’s PingMaster 5000 boasts an array of features plus long battery life and easy installation
Matrack Inc., an AI-based GPS fleet management solution provider, launched its pioneering trailer tracker, the PingMaster 5000, at this year’s National Association of Trailer Manufacturers Convention and Tradeshow. e PingMaster 5000 won two major NATM awards, the Manufacturer’s Favorite Award and the Innovative Breakthrough Award for best cutting-edge technology.
year’s National Association of Trailer Manufacturers Convention and
“The PingMaster 5000 is designed with our customer’s needs at the forefront and integrates our most acclaimed features, such as instant theft alerts, our proprietary MoveGuard motion-sensing technology, an unparalleled battery life that exceeds ten years, and detailed departure and arrival reports, along with a unique cellular triangulation feature,” said Faith Pomeroy Ward, Matrack’s spokesperson.
The top features of PingMaster 5000 that make it popular among trailer manufacturers include:
• Theft detection with instant alerts: The PingMaster 5000 sets the standard with its MoveGuard technology, detecting theft immediately, a stark contrast to traditional trackers’ delayed responses. Its one-touch security allows you to easily arm the device, triggering instant alerts and aggressive tracking for any unauthorized movement, all manageable via a user-friendly app available for Android and iPhone, enhancing security and control.
• Advanced MoveGuard motion-sensing technology: The tracker leverages its advanced technology to filter out minor movements and focus on significant events like theft with customized geofence alerts for critical areas. PingMaster 5000 offers precise monitoring of trailer status, direction, and speed with every ping, ensuring alerts are meaningful and actionable.
• Industry-leading battery life: One of the unique selling points of the PingMaster 5000 is its battery life of 5,000+ pings, providing 10+ years of service on one daily ping. Fully customizable ping frequency through the app is designed to meet all monitoring needs, significantly cutting maintenance and replacement costs.
• Comprehensive departure and arrival reports: The device’s ability to generate detailed departure and arrival reports makes it invaluable for logistics and fleet management. These reports facilitate tracking trailers’ movements for deliveries, employee shift patterns, and break times—all timestamped for verification purposes.
• Unique cellular triangulation mode: The PingMaster 5000’s cellular triangulation mode provides approximate location data when GPS signals are unavailable, such as indoors or in satellite-obstructed areas. This feature ensures continuous monitoring capability where other trackers fail.
• Instant installation and low-profile design: The small size (3.6” by 3.3” by 1.3”) and easy fitting process allow the PingMaster 5000 to fit onto any trailer without problems, staying hidden while providing the best security.
• Dedicated 24/7 technical support: Matrack specializes in offering 24/7 technical support 365 days a year for all of its products, including the PingMaster 5000.
The Matrack team emphasized the commitment to building solutions that truly meet the customers’ needs, listening closely to fleet managers’ challenges to help them continually optimize their trailer monitoring and security. TBB
How do you build a custom trailer for a unique piece of equipment with only specs to go by?
Very carefully. By TBB staff
Aspecialty drilling company saw a great opportunity in making a deal for a one-of-kind piece of equipment—except, to be really e ective, a one-of-a-kind trailer would be required as well. e challenge: e trailer had to be designed and built before the new equipment arrived.
Osseo, Minnesota-based Atlas Foundation Co. is a deep foundation and earth retention solutions provider. Atlas’s Micro Pile Division hired an overseas manufacturer to design and build a custom water pump to be used for extremely specialized deep foundation drilling applications, the only pump of its kind in the United States. For this custom application, the pump needed to be mounted to a trailer for ease of transport to and from jobs, as well as maneuverability on job sites.
This trailer would need to be designed and engineered around the specifications of the water pump, along with incorporating usability and safety for the crew operating it.
Atlas Foundation Superintendent of Maintenance and Shop Repair Larry Boeke had previously worked with Felling Trailers and knew they were the right manufacturer for the project. The company has close to a dozen Felling trailers currently in their fleet.
Boeke had worked with Felling’s Mike Wolff before, who at the time was part of the service team, to set up the refurbishing of five of their trailers over a period of 5-10 years; most of these trailers are 20+ years old.
“After decades of experience using and maintaining Felling Trailers, it was an easy choice for me to reach out to Mike,” Boeke said. “Mike had done a fantastic job with us on previous
projects. I knew I only wanted to work with Felling.”
Boeke contacted Wolff, who was now in trailer sales, and explained the scope of the project to him.
“Mike immediately put me in contact with T.J. Schwartz, Felling’s OEM trailer specialist, to get the ball rolling,” Boeke recalled.
The three met together multiple times to review the requirements and specifications that would need to be incorporated into this trailer build.
An FT-20 WD (wide deck) was selected as the base model for the trailer. Wolff, Schwartz, and Felling’s engineering team collaborated with Boeke’s team at Atlas, along with the
overseas water pump vendor ,through the duration of the design process.
“It was really a team effort, and Larry was very accommodating in helping us (Felling) to understand what the application was, what environment the trailer would be utilized in, and what features needed to be incorporated for operator safety and functionality for the Atlas team,” said Wolff.
Throughout the design process, there were many changes; some were small, like shortening up the overall trailer length. Others were more detailed, like incorporating pull-out steps/platforms and handrails for the crew to access the deck safely.
“The selection of Grat-X [expanded metal] decking was made in place of standard decking for crew safety,” Schwartz explained regarding the design process. “When the unit is used in cold weather environments, the crew must disconnect water lines and drain the pump at the end of each shift to prevent freezing. The Grat-X decking allows for the water to pass through to the ground below, preventing water/
ice build-up, greatly reducing the likelihood of the crew slipping.”
Attention to the finer details was key. With the pump still in production, the teams worked off drawings and maintained continuous communication with the overseas vendor.
“We worked closely with the pump vendor to verify the water pump’s overall size and weight and determine the center of gravity for proper axle placement,” Boeke said. “We had to really pay attention to the smaller details and plan ahead for things like compartment door clearance for mounting a spare tire, clearance for personnel to access the deck from all sides, and so on.”
With the design process completed, the trailer then moved onto the production floor.
Built to spec, this high-pressure water pump trailer was constructed with Grat-X decking, with custom mounting provisions for the skid-based water pump and 8’ pull-out grip strut side steps on curbside, roadside, and
WSD Wheel Systems is expanding DURARIDE axle systems to the commercial trailer market in the US and Canada. The DURARIDE brand includes heavy duty, mechanical trailer axles (22.5k – 30k LBS), plus the related sundry components built for trailer OEMs and parts distributors.
WSD Wheel Systems has been supplying the United States, off-road, OEM market with custom tire and wheel assemblies for over 30 years. Beginning five years ago, WSD invested in the engineering resources to develop, test, and manufacture the DURARIDE axle systems program.
WSD has been supplying top-tier trailer builders in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Today, there are many thousands of DURARIDE heavy duty trailer axles on the road, according to the company.
Mike Kay, founder and President at WSD, made the decision to introduce the DURARIDE axle systems program, because it was a “natural progression for WSD’s customer base.”
“Many of our existing heavy-duty customers were seeking a new supplier for axles,” Kay said. “There was a need, so we jumped on the opportunity.”
along the rear tailboard. Rear stabilizer jacks, and two heavy-duty storage boxes provided by Atlas Foundation, were mounted on the rear of the trailer.
Once assembled and inspected, the finished trailer was delivered to Atlas Foundation, where the one-of-a-kind pump was mounted to the custom trailer, and the fully completed project was put into service.
“In my opinion, Felling builds the best construction equipment transport trailer on the market. They are extremely heavy-duty from front to back,” said Boeke. “From their parts and service department to the refurbish division, to now having had the chance to work with their engineering and design team, and then finishing up with the production division.
“Every interaction has been positive and professional. I was impressed with how knowledgeable Mike and T.J. were throughout the entire process. I would definitely recommend anyone … take a look and see how the team at Felling can help with a specialized project like ours.”
TBB
DURARIDE axle systems offers several value-add, supply chain services to support the OEM Market. JIT delivery is available with US-based, stock-to-forecast warehousing and end-to-end logistics services, WSD noted. Additionally, concurrent engineering with 3D modeling is available to ensure DURARIDE axles will perform at every OEM use-case for the heavy-duty industry.
Advanced disc braking tech sets safety, performance standards for medium-duty trailers
By Jacob Crabb, Diamond C trailer nerd
’m admittedly a “trailer nerd,” my title even says so. I literally grew up in a business that was started in my family’s backyard just a couple of years before I was born. Today, my brother Je ery and I both work in our family’s enterprise, and one thing we can both point to has been a part of this business from the start—the spirit of innovation.
Founded in 1985 in the heart of East Texas by our parents, Kim and Mike Crabb, Diamond C was born out of necessity and a profound desire to make a meaningful impact. What began as a small family endeavor to support a personal livelihood has blossomed into a thriving business that focuses intensely on the well-being and success of our team members, customers, and community.
Our company’s tagline—“Do Work. Love Strong.”—encapsulates the ethos that has driven our family-owned company from its inception. Values of hard work, integrity, and community support are literally engineered into every trailer we build.
Innovation isn’t just about keeping up with the latest technology—it’s about pioneering it. At Diamond C Trailers, we work hard to be at the forefront of trailer design and functionality, pushing the industry towards newer, safer, and more efficient standards.
One of the clearest examples of our commitment to innovation is our adoption and advocacy of disc brake systems over traditional drum brakes, particularly for our heavier trailers in the 10K, 12K, and 16K weight classes.
The leap forward
Diamond C has carved out its niche in the trailer industry by consistently delivering reliable products coupled with exceptional service.
Our trailers aren’t just built—they are crafted with an attention to detail and a commitment to quality that we believe sets them apart in the marketplace. Our focus on quality and customer satisfaction is why we’ve leaned into developing and promoting advanced disc brake systems, which represent a significant leap forward in trailer safety and maintenance.
a virtually maintenance-free suspension in the 7K and 8K axle market.
Photos: Diamond C TrailersHistorically, the trailer industry has relied heavily upon drum brakes, which are cheaper up front but offer less stopping power and require more maintenance over their lifespan. With electric drum brakes, the trailer often relies chiefly on the towing vehicle to provide the majority of the braking force, causing excess wear and tear and ultimately, expense. It’s not an ideal scenario.
Our exploration into disc brakes started from a simple yet powerful place: listening to our customers. Over the years, feedback consistently identified a demand for better stopping power and more durable, longer-lasting brakes. This customer feedback, coupled with advancements in brake technology, pointed to the idea that disc brakes were the next step forward for our trailers. While not new, disc brake technology has evolved significantly over the years, with improvements in electric over hydraulic pumps and the brake components themselves. What began as a novel braking system for luxury and sports cars has today become standard equipment on virtually all passenger vehicles. Our move to prioritize the migration of disc brakes on trailers aligns with what we believe will be the ultimate adoption trajectory. Particularly for 10K, 12K, and 16K trailers— the benefits become even more pronounced, making disc brakes an essential feature for anyone requiring robust, reliable trailer braking performance.
Our initial switch to disc brakes was not without its challenges. Early on, we encountered issues with caliper durability and a constrained supply of replacement parts and pads, which was particularly pronounced with our first disc brake systems. This experience underscored the importance of quality components and reliable supplier relationships, which led our axle supplier, Lippert, to partner with a new disc brake supplier, DeeMaxx components.
Like us, DeeMaxx is a family-owned business. Its founder, Chuck Deegear, has worked in the trailer and disc brake industry for 30 years. He saw a need for new and improved brakes and spent countless hours developing what he called “the perfect trailer disc brake”. We were excited when Lippert informed us of their decision to go with DeeMaxx disc brakes. Lippert’s transition to DeeMaxx marked a significant improvement; warranty claims and customer satisfaction issues related to disc brake components decreased
dramatically. The superior grade of DeeMaxx’s components— from the quality of the brake pads to the unique coatings on the rotors—has made a substantial difference.
The DeeMaxx difference
DeeMaxx bills itself as the only brake manufacturer to pass the SAE J2681 Brake Test and to pass it “satisfactorily.”
DeeMaxx has a trademarked integrated caliper mount-bolt/ sleeve design for ease of installation and to ensure that they stay in place within the caliper. And DeeMaxx’s silicone boot also has improved performance at extreme temperatures compared to other designs.
Their patented rotor design runs cooler and has improved coating consistency. Water is able to drain and not collect in the hat section, and it has a larger diameter. DeeMaxx products also have more brake torque, which allows for shorter stopping distances and increased safety for all users. Other features that stand out are no warping on rotors; better caliper bleeding; exclusive laser writing on all calipers; no-handed component design; and compatibility with every surge and electric over hydraulic controller.
DeeMaxx is also constantly innovating and providing customers, like us, with the benefits of its knowledge. The team at DeeMaxx make it their responsibility to provide exceptional customer service to us, ensuring our customer’s safety while using their trailer brakes, so they fit right into our philosophy.
Our efforts are about creating a new level of trailer safety that encourages the industry to elevate its standards. Since its introduction, the adoption of the 16K disc brake has grown among our customer base, demonstrating the market’s recognition of its benefits and the strengthening demand for higher-performance braking solutions.
In our product lineup, disc brakes have increasingly become a factor. We now offer integrated disc brakes across our models from 7,000- to 16,000-lb axles, with the highest utilization on our 12K and 16K trailers.
These heavier trailers, which can range in price from $20,000 to $60,000, make the additional cost of disc brakes
a relatively minor factor for our customers who prioritize performance and safety. While still an option on our 12K trailers, these trailers outfitted with disc brakes represent our highest volume in sales, indicating the growing preference among our customers for advanced braking systems.
At Diamond C, our philosophy is that safety and quality should not be compromised for cost.
Disc brakes, while more expensive initially, provide superior stopping power, greater reliability under stress, and significantly lower long-term maintenance costs. Changing a set of pads on disc brakes is notably more cost-effective than replacing a complete electric brake assembly, as is required with drum brakes.
Despite the superiority of disc brakes, their adoption is taking time, with many manufacturers and customers entrenched in the traditional drum brake paradigm due to familiarity and initial cost savings. At Diamond C, we see it as our responsibility not just to innovate but also to educate. We’re on a journey to familiarize the industry with the advantages of disc brakes, which is why I’m writing this article. From their enhanced safety to their reduced long-term maintenance costs, sooner or later, disc brakes are coming to a trailer near you.
In addition to being a trailer nerd, I’m also the chief brand officer at Diamond C. My role extends across many aspects of our business, from product design and marketing to sales and customer relations.
Decisions like the transition to disc brakes are aimed at advancing our brand and ensuring that every Diamond C trailer exceeds industry standards and customer expectations.
Top: Lippert’s transition to DeeMaxx marked a significant improvement in customer satisfaction. Below: The DeeMaxx disc brake is also an option on the 8K LXP model.
Our commitment to innovation isn’t just relegated to disc brakes; it’s illustrated through our pioneering efforts in other areas of trailer design, such as our move away from structural beams to custom-engineered I-beam construction on all of our gooseneck trailers.
Another example was our introduction of the low-profile, I-beam-frame dump trailer back in 2009. Other manufacturers took note of the design and today, virtually all dump trailers use I-beam frame construction.
Looking forward, our commitment to enhancing the trailer towing experience continues. We’re actively working with DeeMaxx and exploring further innovations with Hydrapro, focusing on the Electric-Over-Hydraulic (EOH) brake actuators. These actuators are crucial for the performance of disc brakes, and recent developments have significantly improved engagement times and durability. Our goal is to enhance these systems to the point where disc brakes can become a standard feature across more of our models, balancing cost reduction with advanced technology to make this option accessible at all levels.
By continuing to work on cutting-edge developments in brakes, axles, lighting, and other critical components, we ensure that our trailers not only meet but exceed the expectations of our customers. Our journey with disc brakes is more than a simple switch in technology—it’s a reflection of our broader commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. As we continue to innovate, we remain dedicated to the principles that have guided us from the beginning: to build extraordinary trailers and provide unmatched service, ensuring the growth and success of our community and everyone who comes into contact with our products.
Jacob Crabb, trailer nerd, chief brand officer and partner at Diamond C Trailers, represents homegrown expertise in the trailer industry. Immersed in his family’s company from a young age, Crabb has garnered experience across various facets of the trailer business, from manual labor to marketing management. Crabb’s journey through every department not only highlights his deep connection to the trailer business, but also his commitment to helping to steer the industry toward continuous innovation and growth. TBB
MAC Trailer Enterprises Inc. has added the TipperMax, an aluminum drop center tipper trailer, to its diverse lineup of transfer trailers. MAC bills the new tipper trailer “a significant advancement in waste transportation.”
Featuring an innovative aluminum design with a lowered center floor, TipperMax is designed to enable the handling of higher waste capacities while maintaining standard ride height, setting it apart from drop deck tipper trailer designs. This advancement eliminates the need for low-profile suspensions and tires, enhancing operational efficiency and maximizing payload, according to MAC.
Customers seeking a tipper transfer trailer now have a broader range of options, including standard tippers, drop deck tippers, and the high-capacity TipperMax. By offering standard ride height and tire sizing, this adaptation allows customers to streamline parts needs across their fleets of tippers and moving floors, facilitating serviceability and maintenance consistency, the company added.
“TipperMax fills a critical gap in our lineup, offering a tailored solution for landfill-based customers and other environments
that may prove challenging for a standard drop deck design,” said Bill McKenzie, president of sales at MAC Trailer Enterprises. “This latest addition reflects MAC Trailer’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative and practical solutions that our customers are looking for.”
Available in various configurations, including a length range of 48-53’ and tandem or multi-axle setups, TipperMax can be tailored for specific applications such as recyclables, woodchips, and municipal solid waste (MSW), while maintaining high-quality and cost-effective transportation solutions.
Pratt Industries recently unveiled its Gooseneck Super Lightweight (GSL) 412 intermodal chassis trailer for tanks and containers in commemoration of the company’s 50th anniversary.
The GSL 412 is 700 lbs lighter than previous models and engineered to be “remarkably strong” for its 4,550-lb weight profile, Pratt reported. The new GSL 412 maintains the same structural integrity as preceding generations of Pratt chassis, and end users can further reduce the new chassis’ weight to 4,450 lbs by switching from standard dual tires to super singles.
“The GSL 412 represents Pratt’s renewed commitment to our customers and their needs, a core value that extends all the way back to the company’s founder 50 years ago,” Joel Schubach, Pratt COO and co-owner, said in a news release. “The new GSL 412 embodies our customer commitment by addressing their needs to maximize load capacity and reduce fuel consumption—all in a robust and highly functional chassis design that will stand the test of time.”
Over the previous five decades, Pratt has diversified into tank and container chassis; truss and modular home trailers; gas and energy trailers; heavy haul, lowboy, and gooseneck trailers; EZ ramp utility trailers; flatbed and platform trailers; log and pole trailers; and trailer refurbishment. However, the company’s legacy leadership position in the chassis sector remains a top priority, Pratt said.
Schubach and Garrett Musick, Pratt chief sales officer, agreed that Bob Pratt, the company’s founder, would be “exceptionally” proud of the new GSL 412. Both also said the new chassis renews the company’s dedication to its 1974 intermodal roots.
“End users can feel confident that they are buying the most advanced, lightweight intermodal chassis out there, and that we will continue to support that chassis for another 50 years,” said Musick, who also is a co-owner of the company. “That’s an important point, because we still have some of our original chassis in the field, and recently received a request for replacement parts for one of our 1978 models.”
The new chassis trailer is designed with “best-in-class” components, including aluminum landing gear, large-diameter axles, sealed wiring harnesses, and LED lighting, allowing users “to maximize intermodal payload capacity when laden and to save on fuel costs when not,” Schubach and Musick noted.
More than 95% of the new GSL 412 is made in the U.S., the company said.
Fontaine Specialized unveiled the new Magnitude 75 lowbed trailer. This rugged, 3+3+2 modular multi-purpose trailer is designed and crafted to efficiently transport a diverse range of loads, the company stated. The Magnitude 75 offers three distinct deck options: flat (MFLD), drop side rail (MDSR), and beam (MBMD).
“The Magnitude 75 epitomizes versatility in heavy-haul lowbeds,” Heather Gilmer, VP of Sales, said. “It accommodates loads of up to 75 tons in 16 feet as a 3+2 or with five close coupled axles. It adeptly handles 70 tons in just 12 feet configured with the tandem axle EQ2 spreader. This adaptable trailer features a
hydraulic detachable gooseneck and a tridem axle bogie, each providing seven ride height positions.”
Crafted with 100,000# minimum yield steel main beam flanges, the Fontaine Magnitude 75 is robust and dependable. The flat and beam decks provide a 24” loaded deck height, while the drop side rail deck reduces it to 15”. At full load, all modular decks offer 6” of ground clearance.
Additionally, Fontaine offers an extensive range of attachments and components such as jeeps, flip boxes,
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America developed a new craft beer truck in collaboration with Summit Truck Bodies. Isuzu’s Ultimate Craft Beer Truck debuted in 2019 and is a dual-purpose vehicle that helps connect all the facets of the craft brewery business. It gives breweries the ability to make their regular deliveries and to promote their beer at live events as a weekday workhorse and a weekend party machine.
“Most people associate work trucks with box trucks, sweepers, and dumps, but the Ultimate Craft Beer Truck is synonymous with delivering fun,” said Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “The customers that have bought them have enjoyed a lot of success and we constantly get questions about the truck and if there’s one available.”
The truck’s design also challenged Isuzu’s partner to consider how they engineered their insulated body for a new market while maximizing the features available to users.
The Isuzu Ultimate Craft Beer Truck starts with a Class 5 (19,500lb GVWR) diesel-powered Isuzu NRR. The 5.2-liter I4 turbocharged engine generates 215 hp and 452 lb-ft of torque. It also features a B10 durability rating of 375,000 miles, and the chassis offers plenty of payload for weekly deliveries. The Class 5 chassis also doesn’t require a commercial drivers license to operate.
The low-cab-forward design provides drivers a view of the ground as little as eight ft. from the front of the truck. The truck’s maneuverability also aids navigating tight city quarters.
The Ultimate Craft Beer Truck also includes the following features for greater efficiency:
A 16-ft. Summit insulated body (16’ long by 90” high by 96” wide) that is cooled with a Thermo King 690R with electric standby. The walls are made with compressed foam, and inside, the smooth walls, keg-height e-track, and insulated aluminum floor has ample space for kegs and crates while keeping the
spreaders, and flip axles, and the Magnitude 75 can be tailored to suit specific applications.
product refrigerated. The electric standby provides flexibility in loading the truck in the evening for the next morning’s delivery.
A 2,500-lb. Maxon TE-25L tuck-away liftgate with side steps to help ease loading and unloading. Its capacity and platform are large enough for a loaded pallet jack.
Two toolboxes (one on each side) provide storage for the reefer power cord and event materials.
A 13-ft. power retractable awning on the driver’s side, as well as LED lighting to keep the area below illuminated at night.
The new tap system’s insert has been redesigned to incorporate the Isuzu logo and a numbering system for the 8 Perlick 650SS taps. It is taller than previous generations to accommodate larger tap handles, and it is deeper so the drip tray can catch the overpour more easily. This also gives more room for pitchers and glasses. The drip tray also incorporates a glass rinser that uses a 5-gallon Corny keg hooked to the system’s gas and drains to a 15-gallon grey water tank that can later be dumped.
Finally, the truck features a new dual-gas tap system. This new system lets servers pour with CO2 or Nitrogen simultaneously. The taps are customizable and, with individual pressure gauges, users can dial in the right pressure for each beverage.
Stoughton Trailers LLC’s dry van trailers are exclusively compatible with Electrans Technologies Ltd.’s Auto Connect. The system is designed to automatically connect the truck and trailer air, 7-way electrical, and communication lines in seconds.
“Imagine a driver simply backing up, pushing a button within the cab, and 7 seconds later driving away with the trailer,” said Jeremy Sanders, chief commercial officer for Stoughton. “This is not the distant future. It’s here now.”
Electrans Technologies’ Auto Connect is compatible with Tico terminal tractors. Auto Connect couples the pneumatic airlines, electrical lines, and the CAN bus or other communication wiring required to operate sensors and cameras. The lines are connected and operational with signals flowing in both directions.
An upgraded coupler on Stoughton dry van trailers is designed to accommodate the new system. A slot on the front bolster is designed to house the Auto Connect receiver and protect the it from damage and comes with two airline fittings and an electrical harness to allow for easy connection.
The Electrans’ receiver can be installed, connected, and ready for use in an hour on new trailers with the optional Auto Connect coupler. Stoughton dry van trailers outfitted for this feature will be backwards compatible, allowing trucks and trailers to be coupled with legacy connections or the Auto Connect feature.
Coxreels recently introduced a new line of industrial-duty LED lights that now are available on its PC10 reels.
The three new LED lights feature a variety of industrial-grade features and options, including a 50,000-hour rating, internal light diffusers, and shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses, the company said. Coxreels’ new LED lights also feature adjustable steel hooks for hands-free placement.
“Whether you are looking for the compact LED light feature (-M), the LED light with the additional power source (-K), or the industrial-duty, UL Listed LED light (-H), these reels have the perfect features to complement a variety of applications,” Coxreels stated in a news release.
Visit www.coxreels.com for more information.
Buyers Products has rolled out several new products designed to meet the diverse needs of towing professionals. Newly released is an adjustable tri-ball hitch for two-in. hitch receivers, a 12-ton receiver mount pintle hook, and a pair of Class 5 service body hitch receivers.
The adjustable tri-ball hitch is ideal for both work and recreational applications. Users can select the 1-7/8” ball, 2” ball, or 2-5/16” ball rated at 6,000, 10,000 and 15,000 lbs. The adjustable height makes for versatile use.
The 12-ton receiver mount pintle hook is for heavy equipment trailers, compressor trailers, and industrial applications.
“We continue to expand our broad range of towing equipment,” Dan Doerr, director of new product development at Buyers Products, said. “We are working to meet the demands of the work truck industry. In this case, 2-½ inch receivers and hitches are becoming more and more prominent, and our efforts reflect that.”
The Class 5 service body hitch receivers feature bolt-on mounting, a hassle-free alternative to weld-on installation.
“Buyers Products is well-known for our weld-on service body hitch receivers,” said Doerr. “We’ve expanded our mounting options to now include bolt-on, all without sacrificing any towing capacity,” said Doerr.
With ratings of up to 20,000 lbs, users can tackle heavy-duty towing tasks with ease. The new service body hitch receivers are compatible with the Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550, along with the GM 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks.
Visit www.buyersproducts.com for more information.
May 20-23, 2024
June 2-5, 2024
Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference Williamsburg Lodge & Conference Center Williamsburg, VA www.eufmc.com
August 21-22, 2024
ACT Research’s 71st Outlook Seminar The Commons, Columbus, IN www.actresearch.net
August 27-29, 2024
North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) Trailer Show Music City Center, Nashville, TN www.natda.org
September 9-11, 2024
Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) Intermodal EXPO
Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA www.intermodalexpo.com
September 9-12, 2024
FTR Transportation Conference Union Station, Indianapolis, IN www.ftrconference.com
September 9-12, 2024
The Summit (CVSN Executive Conference) Fontainebleau Las Vegas (NV) cvsn.org
September 15-19, 2024
TMC 2024 Fall Meeting & National Technician Skills Competitions Raleigh (NC) Convention Center tmc.trucking.org
September 24, 2024
NTEA Executive Leadership Conference Saint John’s Resort, Plymouth, MI www.ntea.com
September 30-October 2, 2024
Wabash Ignite 2024
Kentucky International Convention Center Louisville, KY wabashignite.com
October 9-11, 2024
NTDA 34th Annual Conference Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa Indian Wells, CA www.ntda.org
October 12-15, 2024
ATA Management Conference & Exhibition Music City Center, Nashville, TN mce.trucking.org
October 15-16, 2024
2024 Commercial Vehicle Upfitting Summit Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Sandusky, OH www.ntea.com
October 15-17, 2024
FABTECH
Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL www.fabtechexpo.com
October 20-25, 2024
VIPAR Heavy Duty IMPACT Conference
JW Marriott Marco Island (FL) vipar.com
November 5-8, 2024
SEMA Show
Las Vegas (NV) Convention Center www.semashow.com
January 23-30, 2025
Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week ‘25 Gaylord Texan, Grapevine, TX www.hdaw.org
Amy Campbell has joined REV Group as the company’s chief financial officer. She will sit on REV’s executive leadership team and report to CEO and President Mark Skonieczny. Before she joined REV Group, Campbell was the CFO of ASC Engineered Solutions and CFO for BrandSafway’s Commercial and Industrial Division. She also served with Caterpillar, Inc. as CFO, VP of Investor Relations, and chief audit officer after progressing from an intern to fill several accounting and finance leadership positions.
GreenPower appointed Paul Start as its vice president of Sales – School Bus Group. Start joins GreenPower after serving as the dealer development manager for Thomas Built Buses for almost 20 years, prior to which he served with Macnab Transit Sales Corp. as a sales representative and sales manager. In his new role, Start will lead the school bus sales team in generating new business, supporting existing sales functions, managing dealers, and liasing between sales and other internal departments for production, finance, service, support, and parts sales.
Maxim Crane Works promoted Larry Lis to chief operations officer after over 25 years with the company. Throughout his time at Maxim Crane Works, Lis rose from a sales representative to operations management before transitioning to regional vice president of the northeast region and vice president of the midwest region. Finally, he moved to the vice president of fleet management position before his most recent promotion. Lis’ new responsibilities include overseeing all operations of the company’s six U.S. regions, and he will report to CEO Paul McDonnell.
Continental appointed Brandon Lane as its newest plant manager for the New Braunfels, Texas facility. Lane will oversee all aspects of plant operations, including production, quality control, and employee and community relations. Lane first joined Continental in 1993 and held several leadership positions in industrial engineering and production management. Prior to his appointment, he was the plant manager and head of location in Frankfurt, Germany.
John Beering has joined Red Dot Corporation as the company’s CEO, replacing John Kaestle after his four-year tenure in the role. Kaestle will continue to lead Red Dot as a member of the company’s board of directors, while Beering will work closely with the board, executives, and team members to optimize Red Dot’s operations. Prior to joining Red Dot, Beering led operations growth and strategic consolidation at BraunAbility Arch Retail | United Access.
Alison Trueblood accepted a promotion as Cummins’ vice president of Cummins Emissions Solutions. Prior to her promotion, Trueblood led the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies department for Accelera by Cummins. She has also served in several other commercial leadership roles in the Engine, Distribution, Power Generation, and Accelera businesses. In her new role, Trueblood will help the department navigate stricter emissions regulations and execute the company’s Destination Zero strategy.
Eaton promoted Adam Wadecki to the role of senior vice president and controller from senior vice president of Internal Audit. Before joining Eaton, Wadecki was the chief financial officer of Corporate Finance and Finance Transformation at General Electric Healthcare, as well as chief financial officer of Global Medical Imaging for the same company. He also filled leadership roles at W.W. Grainger, Advance Auto Parts, and General Motors.
Kevin Sabourin has joined Rollick as head of Sales Commercial/Industrial.
Sabourin has worked in sales for 30 years in a number of industries, including construction products, golf, grounds, landscape, rental, bio-waste, recycling, and equipment management. He most recently served as VP of Broker and Enterprise Sales for Inside Real Estate. In his new position, Sabourin will work to drive growth and help the Rollick grow into new markets.
T K H D G - C O M M E R I C A L
F o r m o r e t h a n t w o d e c a d e s , o u r H y d r a u l i c D e t a c h a b l e G o o s e n e c k
T r a i l e r h a s b e e n N o r t h A m e r i c a ’ s b e s t s e l l i n g d e t a c h a b l e l o w b o y f o r
c o n s t r u c t i o n p r o f e s s i o n a l s — a n d f o r g o o d r e a s o n . I t ’ s e n g i n e e r e d t o
m a k e u n h o o k i n g , l o a d i n g a n d u n l o a d i n g , a n d h o o k i n g u p a g a i n
a s i m p l e o n e - p e r s o n o p e r a t i o n . I t s d e p e n d a b l e l o a d - h a u l i n g s t r e n g t h ,
d u r a b i l i t y , a n d v e r s a t i l i t y c a n s t a n d u p t o a n y c h a l l e n g e , i n c l u d i n g
“ t o u g h t o s c a l e ” l o a d s . “ u g t o s c l e ” l o a d .
