Nextran Truck Centers Presents Open Road

FALL 2019

ROAD

MOVING

DOWN SOUTH

Nextran Opens Latest Location in South Atlanta

WOMEN + VETERANS

A Key Source of Talent

ACCELERATING

INTO THE FUTURE

We’re not just crazy about trucks.

We’re SEMI-OBSESSED.

ARE YOU SEMI-OBSESSED TOO? Share your obsession with the rest of the world, visit

#SemiObsessed | NEXTRANUSA.COM

Letter from CEO

LEADING

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the way in the

TRUCKING GAME ROAD

FALL 2019

Four years ago, Nextran developed a game plan leading up to the year 2020.

The Vision 2020 Strategic Plan was designed to help our customers and employees by providing them with enhanced resources, like new locations in Duluth, Georgia and the latest in South Atlanta.

MOVING

While we’ve put a lot of points on the board and hit some pretty big milestones, we still have one year left on our plan. This was a main topic at our 2019 Nextran Sales and Management Conference that took place this past April.

In this issue, we will touch on some of the highlights from the event held in Gainesville, Florida. We will also recap some of the winners from the Sales and Management Conference awards ceremony and share insight from some of our outstanding customers and employees.

Another feature in this edition takes an in-depth look at our new location in South Atlanta and demonstrates how it is helping our customers stay competitive. We will also provide an update on the Nextran Foundation as we have a number of new charities that we are proud to partner with and support.

DOWN SOUTH

Nextran Opens Latest Location in South Atlanta

WOMEN + VETERANS

A Key Source of Talent

ACCELERATING

INTO THE FUTURE

ON THE COVER Taylor Transport: Nextran Truck Centers customer since 2015.

Whether you’re a part of the Nextran team, a long-time customer or someone who’s just now hearing about Nextran, I want to thank you for spending a few moments with our Open Road magazine. It’s great to have you along for the ride.

Sincerely,

Jon W. Pritchett President and CEO Nextran Truck Centers LAST ISSUE Did you miss our last issue?

Ask a Nextran representative about it and we will hook you up! Or find it online at: nextranusa.com/openroad

4 // Open Road

CONTENTS

16 ACCELERATING INTO THE FUTURE

12 NEXTRAN FOUNDATION

22 MOVING DOWN SOUTH

THIS ISSUE 8

Women + Veterans

10

Increasing Business Growth with Ergonomic Designs for the Driver

A Key Source of Talent

26 The Big Red X Challenge

Bringing a Competitive Spirit to Customer Engagement

28 Taking the Heat

The Nextran HeatBlocker Redifines Exhaust Insulation Systems.

2019-2020 Calendar

APPS TO KEEP ON

TRUCKING Check out the latest apps to help your business run smoothly DRIVEWYZE

BIGROAD TRUCKING LOGBOOK

Drivewyze features an app that truckers can use to bypass those pesky weigh stations. The company provides bypasses in 36 states and over 600 inspection sites. Drivewyze touts improved CSA scores with the help of inspection notifications that will keep drivers alert and safe.

Writing out a logbook is so twentieth-century—get Big Road and use their digital logbook program. It cuts down on the human error, saves you time and also comes with an interactive map that can help you limit your time wasted sitting in traffic. The app will automatically calculate available drive time based on your HOS rules.

TRUCKER PATH PRO

WAZE

Available on Google Play and iTunes, Trucker Path Pro is a comprehensive smartphone app that allows truckers to share the tricks of the trade on an interactive map. And it now offers a new Truck Posting feature, which allows you to let brokers know when you are ready to haul a new load wherever you happen to be. This way, brokers can proactively reach out to you.

With a unique interface that is user-friendly and detailed, this app will tell you exactly what obstacles lie ahead on a particular route and then suggest which alternative you ought to take. It also can send you to the cheapest gas station in your area when it’s time to fill up.

CAMSCANNER

IEXIT INTERSTATE

This app is universally useful for any businessperson— if contracts, receipts or paperwork are bogging you down, get CamScanner and save them in the cloud.

Once they’re saved, your documents can be emailed or faxed to whoever you need, wherever you need.

An easy way to identify truck-friendly businesses (and the cheapest diesel prices) at nearly every interstate exit in the United States. iExit is another mobile app that helps truckers find pit stops along any interstate. Find fuel, lodging, shopping, food, healthcare services, auto parts stores and more for every exit on your route.

Source: Top Smartphone Apps for Truck Drivers in 2019. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2lXJhCg

TOP NEXTRAN SOCIAL POSTS OF 2019 GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? Find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

HAVE A CALENDAR SUBMISSION? Email us at marketing@nextranusa.com

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6 // Open Road

INVESTING IN NEXTRAN’S FUTURE We’re excited to congratulate the four Nextran employees who attended the prestigious ATD Academy program—a yearlong course for current and future dealership managers to prepare them for leading a dealership and all its operations.

By Brittany Weissler Einsman

As a leader in the trucking industry, Nextran Truck Centers is always on the lookout for new ideas, technology, and most of all, potential future managers and leaders of Nextran.

That’s why we’re incredibly pleased to highlight our latest four employees to attend the distinguished ATD Academy program: Cameron Freeman, Greg O’Connor, John Schwind and Robby Willingham.

The ATD Academy programs are designed to prepare dealership leaders to improve each department’s profitability, understand new technology and examine how innovations can reshape the trucking industry.

What did our employees think of the course and what they learned?

Cameron Freeman Sales Manager of Nextran Atlanta “I would recommend the academy to anyone who has a desire to move into upper level management. The knowledge and experience I gained has helped build a foundation that I will use the remainder of my career.

There is a lot of pre-class and post-class work that goes with attending the academy, but I found it both educational and rewarding. The class also provided me an opportunity to meet and network with other students from all around the country, and some of those relationships have turned into friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Greg O’Connor Director of Operations of Nextran Atlanta “There is a level of pride and stature based on being an alumni of the program. I’m thankful for the time the instructors put in to train us...

I feel that I have a broader view of the departments and can use that [information] to narrow in on specific areas that will help us to better serve our customers.”

John Schwind General Manager of Nextran Fort Myers “This has been an outstanding experience! Firstly, the amount of information and real world application of it has been of tremendous help to me in my new position as a GM. While I’ve been in the business a long time, I had a lot to learn and this class filled in the blanks for me on so many levels. The instructors have done a great job along the way and will continue to be a valuable resource long after completing this course.”

Robby Willingham, Service Manager of Nextran Birmingham “I honestly enjoyed each segment of the training, but I was particularly partial to the Financial Management course. I also enjoyed the camaraderie among my class group—we still keep in touch today!

I certainly think of the big picture more. A deep dive into all operations gave me a new perspective and has promoted stronger teamwork between the departments.”

Academy Feature

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Top: Michael Hayes, ATD Academy director, Robby Willingham, 2019 graduate, and Robert Nuss owner of Nuss Truck and Equipment.

Bottom Left: John Schwind and Cameron Freeman, 2019 Graduates Bottom Right: Greg O’Connor - 2019 Graduate

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WOMEN + VETER

Industry Highlight

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T

he recruitment shortage for the trucking industry is nothing new. For years, the industry has faced shortages on both sides of the wheel. As changes in commerce force an increase in delivery demand by fleets, the number of drivers and service technicians required to meet demand is skyrocketing.

A Look at the Numbers As of April 2019, U.S. unemployment rates are holding steady around 3.6%. While these numbers are decreasing, the trucking industry is still facing a severe deficit of qualified workforce. The American Trucking Association estimates that the trucking industry is in need of approximately 50,000 employees, and that is just drivers. Some resources state that by 2027 the industry could be looking at a shortage of upwards of 900,000 people.

Despite the need, fleets may be missing a key opportunity to open the pool of candidates. According to a survey by Driver iQ, 38% of the fleets surveyed reported that there were no programs specifically aimed at recruiting either female drivers or veterans.

What is Causing the Shortage?

There is a lot of debate on what exactly is causing the trucking industry shortage. Everything from increased demand to long hours and hard working conditions could contribute to the overall shortage of industry workforce. One of the main challenges facing the industry is the average age of current drivers. With the average age of drivers being 55, many are retiring, or are planning to in the next few years.

Increased government regulations on the trucking industry is also a source of contention when it comes to retaining talent. In combination with intense working conditions, there is also the stigma of the trucking industry despite its respectable wages, insurance and training opportunities.

RANS A Key Source of Talent

By Rachel Satow

Women and Veterans Are Key Women make up approximately 47% of the overall workforce population. This means that businesses that do not have programs in place to proactively recruit women into the trucking industry are essentially neglecting almost half of the potential workforce pool.

In fact, of the 8-9% of current women in the trucking industry, their turnover rates are much lower. Female drivers also report fewer accidents and more miles logged than their male counterparts.

This means less liability and higher ROI for fleets.

Similarly, veterans can be a valuable addition to any fleet. Veterans often face difficulty finding work upon leaving the armed forces.

The trucking industry actually shares a regimented and structured day-to-day job description, similar in nature to the military. This can, in turn, give veterans a smoother entrance back to civilian life while providing them with benefits and experience.

Many of these veterans also have multiple years of operating heavy machinery or equipment from their time in the service. This comes as a benefit to fleets as the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration passed a waiver allowing those individuals with applicable experience to forego the skills portion of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) test.

This under-served market is also the right age. Of the 326,000 unemployed veterans in 2018, approximately 54% were age 25 to 54. This means veteran workforces are in a demographic that leaves quite a few years before retirement.

How Do We Bridge the Gap? If women and veterans are the answer to the trucking industry shortage, how does the industry work to recruit these individuals?

Well, the key is outreach. Specific recruitment programs should be put in place to recruit talent from these sectors. In doing so, the trucking industry as a whole can benefit from increased awareness of the benefits, salaries and training opportunities that exist.

Adding more individuals from these workforce sectors can also help expand and reverse the overall stigma that exists towards trade professions, while helping solve the industry shortage. 

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INCREASING BUSINESS GROWTH

WITH ERGONOMIC DESIGNS FOR THE

DRIVER.

By Rachel Satow

For many drivers, the cab of their trucks has become a combination of their daily office, home and tech hub.

With fleets trying to meet the heavy demands of delivery and commerce, OEMs are focusing on how to improve those drivers’ day-to-day surroundings to increase comfort and productivity.

A multitude of ergonomic improvements have been made to commercial trucks over the last few years. Leading OEMs like Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks are focusing on ergonomic improvements in order to better serve the driver and fleet. In 2017, Mack Trucks made strides in the industry by developing a multi-position seat with Sears Seating for their LR model. The seating was specific for the LR model and boosts comfort for operators in right-hand stand-up/sit down drive configurations. The Mack Anthem features a flat-bottom steering wheel, intuitive design for the instrument panel controls and seating with various style and function configurations, as well as a 70-inch standup sleeper configuration with 35% more space than previous models to revolutionize the ergonomic fit of the operator environment.

Similarly, Volvo Trucks announced a new ergonomically advanced workstation offering for the VNL 760, 740

and VNX 740 models this year. This configuration was previously available on the VNL 670 model. The workstation turns the sleeper into an all-in-one living space and working environment. The area transforms from a workstation to a sitting area with a table for leisure then lowers as a base for cushions that unfolds into a bed. Additional ergonomic features from Volvo include an angled table, optimized seating and a three-way neck tilting steering solution for increased driver comfort and productivity.

The industry-wide effort to improve ergonomics for drivers has brought about new changes in interior and exterior design from OEMs throughout the last few years. Businesses are now taking into account workforce productivity and comfort as a measure of business growth alongside vehicle efficiency features. No matter the business’s vocational segment, it is imperative to devote time and effort to ensure the ergonomic upfits fit the driver over the service and efficiency of the truck.

Through close relationships with ergonomically advanced OEMs, Nextran Truck Centers is dedicated to ensuring that all fleets have the tools and resources to keep moving forward, comfortably. 

Customer Profile

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QUALITY IN EVERYTHING THEY DO Customer Profile - Taylor Transport Ricky Cole, Founder and President of Taylor Transport, discussed with us his company’s origins, values and the importance of quality.

Ricky Cole didn’t accidentally get into the trucking business—it was something he was practically destined for. As a kid, he and his father would play a game of trying to guess the make and models of passing trucks. He grew up on his grandfather’s farm, driving tractors and helping out. The very second he got his driver’s license, his dad put him to work straight from the DMV, having him drive a truck and haul cars. So, it’s no surprise that one day Ricky Cole would go on to create Taylor Transport.

Named “Taylor” after his son and grandfather, Cole started Taylor Transport in 1995 under the qualities his family instilled in him: hard work and a commitment to quality.

“We value quality,” said Cole.

“Quality equipment. Quality people. Quality service.

We run the kind of trucks I’d want to drive—that any driver would want to drive.”

When you look at the Taylor Transport fleet, this dedication to quality is apparent. They have a oneof-a-kind fleet because Taylor Transport makes special customizations to their Mack Trucks through Nextran to maximize safety and driver comfort.

Taylor Transport boasts lighter trucks that can haul more. And these aren’t just cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all trucks, either. Cole

takes pride in the fact that you’ll see Taylor Transport trucks in all different colors and paint jobs to show off his company’s personality.

When it comes to quality people, Taylor Transport is sure they have some of the best, whether it’s in their office or behind the wheel.

The company never needs to put out job ads for drivers because they do so well in terms of word-of-mouth advertising.

“When you have a good reputation,” Cole said, “word gets around.”

Speaking of a good reputation, their customer service reputation is among the best, as well. Quality customer service is their number one priority, and their customers know Taylor Transport can be counted on to do what needs to be done. Working with Nextran is a great fit.

“Nextran is very gracious to us,” said Cole. “We work with Paul Dempsey and Cameron Freeman, and they bend over backwards to help us. We pride ourselves on customer service, so we expect a lot back. And [Nextran] keeps us well satisfied. They go above and beyond.” 

12 // Open Road

ANOTHER YEAR OF SERVICE &

ANOTHER YEAR OF IMPACT

By Rachel Satow

In 2018, Nextran Truck Centers established the Nextran Foundation, an initiative dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve.

The mission of the foundation is to partner with inspiring organizations to make a lasting impact in the communities we serve while contributing to the wellness of children and families.

We are proud to say that last year, the Nextran Family donated to 69 charities, 18 of which were matched dollar-for-dollar across Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

This year, 20 charities have been selected by our ambassadors and leadership.

Each of these charities will receive an initial $5,000 gift, in addition to the Nextran dollar-for-dollar match on all funds donated by employees, up to an additional $5,000 matched.

Nextran Foundation // 13

HOW IT WORKS

OUR AMBASSADORS

Empowering our employees with the ability to select the cause that resonates with their individual motivation for giving is part of the mission of the Nextran Foundation. The Foundation allows Nextran employees to select their charity of choice and a contribution amount that can be easily donated through their paycheck. This philanthropic outlet promotes the altruistic principles of our company on an individual level.

Georgia Region:

Through these efforts, our hope is to inspire individuals to continue to spread hope and kindness throughout our community. With these goals in mind, we can all truly make an impact for families and individuals that need it the most. 

• Terry Barrows • David Bennett • Wendell Acevedo • Cathie Cooper • Brandi Trussell • Debra Calhoun • Aaron Rumney Alabama Region: • TJ Willings • Zinnia Sanchez • Robby Willingham • Pam Townsend • Glenda Frazier • Skeeter Rickard • Gerald Eddleman North Florida Region: • Don Cox • Carolyn Houser • Vonda Wilds • Harold Bundy • Jennifer Petit Central Florida Region: • Todd Brown • Genesis Aponte • Kenneth Conley • Sandra Smith South Florida Region: • Francisco Blanco • Nick Abatecola • Norma Saiz • Sean Wood • Tina Bricker • Gilberto Beato

OUR CHARITIES

14 // Open Road

KEEPING IT COOL Customer Profile - Sunstate Carriers We talked with the Co-Owner and President of Sunstate Carriers, Kyle Fulmer, about his company, dedication to customer service and the future of the trucking industry

When it comes to hauling refrigerated goods, none keep it cooler than Sunstate Carriers. Founded over 20 years ago, Sunstate Carriers, Inc. is a premier refrigerated truckload carrier based in Tavares, Florida. With owners Kyle and Josh Fulmer at the helm, they know how to drive customer satisfaction.

With an attitude like this, it’s easy to tell that Sunstate Carriers puts a heavy emphasis on keeping their drivers, employees and customers happy. Coming from a transportation family, this is something that is near to Fulmer’s heart.

“We would like to… be a friendly and fair employer to our drivers and employees. Drivers work hard on the road and away from their families. We do our best to accommodate them, get them home when they want to be home and pay a fair wage.”

Sunstate Carriers specializes in the efficient and safe transportation of temperaturecontrolled, time-sensitive products, such as fresh produce, frozen goods and medicine. They operate 120 tractors and 150 53’ air-ride refrigerated trailers that are capable of transporting up to 46,000 lbs at -20˚.

“The most rewarding [thing],” said Kyle Fulmer when asked about his job, “is to sit around the table at dinner time and see all the things that you have hauled. What makes me proudest of the trucking industry is to see all the things that are transported throughout the world. It is great to take a look around and say that without our drivers, these items would not have been here.”

Hopefully, doing this will be even easier for Sunstate Carriers as the trucking industry evolves. Fulmer believes that in the future, we’ll start seeing electric trucks on the road and more regional hauls rather than long distance treks, encouraging a new wave of drivers to join the ranks.

One thing that will never change is need for incredible customer service, and that’s where Sunstate Carriers and Nextran’s relationship shines brightest. “Nextran’s Olin [Yingling] is full of knowledge on these trucks and is so happy to help,” said Fulmer. 

“We have worked with Nextran for over 10 years and they offer the best customer service.”

- Kyle Fulmer, Co-Owner and President, Sunstate Carriers

“ EMPLOYEE PROFILE//

Spend a moment with Lauren, and you’ll feel the positive energy radiate off her. For more than 17 years, Lauren has worked hard for Nextran’s Orlando and Auburndale locations, and we’re happy to highlight her talent.

Lauren, what’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

I find the relationships I have made with co-workers throughout the entire Nextran network the most rewarding. I could do accounting for any company, but it’s the people that I work with that make Nextran special.

Who would you say is your mentor?

I have a few mentors. I worked for our [now retired] corporate controller, Nanette Tool, since the day I started back in 2002.

I cannot put into words how much she taught me over the years! I am so thankful to have had her guide me through pretty much my entire accounting career. I have also learned a great deal from our CFO, Steve Perez, and my GM, Todd Brown.

LAUREN SCHULTZ What would you say is your personal philosophy with customer service?

I believe that if you treat the customer right, they will come back and continue to do business with you. In this industry you must be quick to respond to customers’ needs in order to keep their business moving.

Spirit animal?

Golden Retriever. I am loyal to my friends and family, passionate and high energy.

If you had a semi-truck for the day, which one would you pick and where would you go?

I’d take a sleeper and hire a driver—no one wants to see me behind the wheel of a Class 8 truck! I’d enjoy seeing our country from the road as I headed to the West Coast, and I’d love to see the Pacific.

REGIONAL CONTROLLER

16 // Open Road

CCELERATING

Sales & Management Conference // 17

INTO THE FUTURE.

By Brittany Weissler Einsmann

Every year, the sales and management teams of Nextran Truck Centers come together to recognize individual and team achievements and discuss the goals of our organization. The ideology of moving forward is a core element of Nextran’s culture. Whether it’s working with our teams, learning about new products or helping to keep our customers on the road, we aren’t strangers to setting big goals and accelerating towards them.

It is this spirit that inspired the theme, Accelerate—acceleration toward new goals, the completion of our Vision 2020 Strategic Plan. Nextran has made some major moves in the past year. From the openings of our Mack flagship location in Duluth and our South Atlanta location at Sullivan Road to the acquisition of our Fort Myers location and the establishment of the Nextran Foundation, we’ve achieved many significant goals. But as moving forward and acceleration is ingrained in our organization, we know that there are still things left to achieve and moments to treasure.

18 // Open Road

The 2019 Nextran Sales & Management Conference was held last quarter in Gainesville, Florida and was attended by over 150 Nextran employees. The conference was kicked off with some excitement—literally. Showing a hype video with high-action sports footage, our President and CEO Jon Pritchett set the tone and established the theme of this year’s conference: Accelerate.

Touching on the strides Nextran has made over the years, we focused this year’s conference on Nextran’s Vision 2020 Strategic Plan of growing all aspects of our business, while maintaining superior quality and establishing an even higher level of customer service.“If we accelerate,” Pritchett announced to the conference, “there’s no telling how far we will go, how much we will achieve and the impact we will make.”

During the conference, we were happy to honor Nextran employees who are helping drive us toward these goals: Kelsey Trimarchi, Rental Account Manager of the Year; Larry Walker, Lease Account Manager of the Year; and Juan De Oliveira, Top Salesperson of the Year for the second year in a row. Our winner for Service Department of the Year went to Pompano, and both Parts Department of the Year and Location of the Year was Orlando. While we’re looking toward the future, we wouldn’t be here without the hard work and dedication of our wonderful employees. At the conference, we celebrated TJ Willings, Nanette Tool and Randy Dann, who are all retiring this year after many dedicated years of service to both Nextran and our customers.

After the speakers, receptions and awards, our sales and management team is energized and ready to hit the ground running. We’re putting the pedal to the metal, and accelerating to our goals in the coming year.

Sales & Management Conference // 19

Nextran Truck Centers Orlando For 4 years straight now, Orlando has been Nextran’s Location of the Year. How do they stay on top? Todd Brown, Vice President and General Manager of Nextran Orlando, wrapped it up in two words: his team.

With about 120 people, Brown makes sure to place a lot of emphasis on his team’s culture and happiness. “If the employees are happy, they’ll make sure our customers are happy. I want to empower our employees to make the right calls.”

And with constant positive feedback from customer surveys, as well as regularly winning Nextran’s Location of the Year, it sounds like it’s working.

“

“

ON TOP OF ITS GAME:

“We’re never happy with ‘good enough,’” Brown continued. “It’s important to us to be constantly improving and always pushing forward. That’s one of the reasons we’re really looking forward to our new dealership opening soon. We know it’ll help us continue exceeding our customer service standards.”

Congratulations Orlando, and we can’t wait to see what more you’ll have in store in the coming year! 

We are now in the 4th quarter of our game, and we’ve achieved some very lofty goals.

Jon Pritchett, President & CEO of Nextran Truck Centers

“ 20 // Open Road

EMPLOYEE PROFILE//

A family man and go-getter, it’s easy to see how Tim leverages his confidence and knowledge into developing strong bonds with Nextran customers.

With 7 ½ years at our Alabama location, Tim is a stellar employee that we’re eager to showcase.

Tim, what’s the most rewarding part of your job?

I love being out in the field with customers, developing relationships and finding unique ways to add value to their organization.

As a kid, did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up?

I always loved Yellow Iron as a kid.

Now, I just sell a different kind of tractor.

I would say that is pretty close.

Who is your mentor?

Three years ago I approached Todd Brown about mentoring me. In truck sales, every day can be an adventure. It gives me a ton of confidence to be able to have a sounding board and make wise decisions with his guidance. I greatly value his knowledge and experience.

What role do you think customer service plays in the industry?

I believe that customer service is the area that can set you apart from your competition and allow you to become a part of your customer’s day-today. In the end, if we want to be #1 in our market, we have to find unique ways to bring our customers value.

TIM TUCKER If you had a semi-truck for the day, which one would you pick and where would you go?

I would take a Volvo VNL860 sleeper, fill up the cab with rods and gear and take it out west to go fly fishing.

What advice would you give to a new Nextran employee?

Take the time to get to know everyone around you and enjoy becoming a part of the team.

VOLVO SALES MANAGER

“There is nothing better than winning together.”

- Tim Tucker

PARTS ARE MADE TOUGH.

GETTING THEM SHOULDN’T BE. THOUSANDS OF PARTS IN STOCK ACROSS 16 DEALERSHIPS IN GEORGIA, FLORIDA & ALABAMA

NEXTRANUSA.COM

22 // Open Road

MOVING DOWN SOUTH Nextran opens our latest location in South Atlanta.

G

South Atlanta Location // 23

By Theodore Aseltyne

Of all the markets served by our 16 locations, Atlanta is by far the largest. And now, with a new dealership south of the city near the airport, we have it covered better than ever.

In April of 2018, we moved from our previous location on Memorial Rd into a 70,000 square foot facility on Sullivan Rd with convenient access to Jackson-Hartsfield International Airport on Atlanta’s southside.

The new dealership gives us a presence at key points along the 285 Perimeter in Duluth, Kennesaw and now South Atlanta.

According to the location general manager, Terry Barrows, the move is designed to serve the customer better. “With a service bay that’s nearly 50,000 square feet and 10,000 square feet devoted just to parts storage, we have the room and resources to keep our customers on the road,” Barrows said.

With all of the truck traffic flowing in and out of Atlanta, thoroughly covering it is an important part of Nextran’s dedication to excellent service. “This is a rapidly expanding market. We need to be in locations that are easily accessible from very high traffic areas,” Barrows explained. “And our latest dealership gives us the ability to take care of even more customers.” 

24 // Open Road

BIG RED X

CHALL

X

BRXC Parts & Service // 25

By Josh Ussery

Bringing a competitive spirit to customer engagement.

Over the last four years, the Parts Departments across Nextran have participated in an annual internal competition called “The Big Red X Challenge.” Every year within each region, the Nextran Parts Departments are paired up to compete in the networkwide challenge with one goal in mind.

Increase their customers’ engagement and awareness in the Big Red X of Nextran.

Each month, The Big Red X Challenge provides different opportunities for the Parts Departments to reach out and build stronger relationships with its customer base. Everyone from the Parts Manager to the delivery drivers are involved in the competition, and each month points are awarded to teams who exceed specific goals. The points are added up throughout the competition,

and the team with the most points at the end of the Big Red X Challenge is named the Big Red X Champion.

Last year, the Alabama team comprised of Fultondale, Madison, and Tuscumbia won the Big Red X Challenge. When asked what the Big Red X Challenge brought to his department, Keith Carter, the Alabama Director of Parts Operations said, “Unity. It’s brought unity within our department, as well as with our other locations. It gives us a way to challenge each other and have fun competing with the other locations across the network. The Big Red X Challenge has been a great way to bring everyone together for a common goal.”

the customers. “Our customers are benefiting in many ways because of the focus on the Big Red X Challenge.

Customers become better educated about the benefits of various products through exposure to our vendors, allowing them to make informed decisions to get the best value and longer life out of their parts,” says Keith. “We’re engaging with our customers to make them aware of all we have to offer. The Big Red X Challenge helps us focus on providing the best service possible to our customers.”

It’s too early to tell which team will end up winning this year’s Big Red X Challenge. Ultimately though, it will be the customers who win. 

According to Keith, the real winners of the Big Red X Challenge have been

LENGE

26 // Open Road

HEA TAKING THE Preventing truck fires is what makes the Nextran HeatBlocker a life-saver.

By Theodore Aseltyne

Heat Insulator // 27

AT

Anyone who has worked on trucks knows how hot the exhaust can get. Hot enough to cause serious injury if their hand or arm comes into contact with certain areas or components. Or worse, the exhaust can ignite combustible materials leading to catastrophic damage or even fatalities. The Nextran HeatBlocker, which outperforms the current industry standard, is a revolutionary exhaust insulation system that protects drivers and technicians. It also helps prevent downtime.

“The HeatBlocker keeps heat-sensitive components like wiring, harnesses and hoses from being damaged, which lengthens their durability and helps keep your truck on the road,” says Nextran Operations Sales and Marketing Coordinator Josh Ussery.

The industry standard is 17oz. of fiberglass cloth that will crystalize at a temperature of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The HeatBlocker outer shell is constructed of heavyweight black composite fabric (Teflon®) resistant to most chemicals, oils and fuels. It’s also proven to stand up to extreme temperatures over thousands of hours of use.

Heat-sensitive areas on HeatBlocker are covered with EdgeGuard, a patented system that, unlike regular industry standard systems, prevents burnouts. It also uses Inconel thread to sew the seams together as opposed to much weaker fiberglass thread.

Another advantage is at the enclosure points where hot spots can occur. The HeatBlocker covers are designed with overlapping flaps meant to eliminate these hot, dangerous areas. And instead of using a lacing wire, which adds significant time to install, either stainless steel or Inconel springs are used at all closure points.

These fasteners are also affixed to the outer shell only to eliminate any transfer of heat from the hot exhaust. The inner liner, a rigidized Inconel liner, is fabricated separately for added strength and durability.

According to Ussery, “The Nextran HeatBlocker is a real game changer for our clients or anyone who values safety and uptime.” 

Interested in making your truck or truck fleet safer and more efficient with the revolutionary Nextran HeatBlocker?

You can find it at any of our 16 Nextran Truck Centers. Go to NextranUSA.com to find the location nearest you.

28 // Open Road

We’re not just crazy about trucks, we’re SEMI-OBSESSED.

ARE YOU SEMI-OBSESSED TOO?

Share your obsession with the rest of the world, visit

#SemiObsessed | NEXTRANUSA.COM

“

Safely delivering our customers’ products is what we preach every day.

Nextran has always been there if we need support. Whether it’s purchasing new vehicles or performing maintenance, they take good care of us.

– Rob Sandlin, President of Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc.

NEXTRANUSA.COM

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