First Mack built North America’s highways. Then we designed a complete line of trucks to dominate them. Amp up fuel efficiency with high-performing Mack® MP® engines and our mDRIVE™ automated manual transmission. Then operate with confidence thanks to a dedicated coast-to-coast support network backed by GuardDog® Connect’s real-time monitoring and your choice of Mack’s Fleet Management Services partners. Still think Mack just builds roads? Challenge accepted. MackTrucks.com
LETTER FROM THE CEO/PRESIDENT
Welcome Over the last 22 years, we’ve been fortunate to establish a solid network of dealerships stretching across the southeast. We’ve also developed solid relationships with folks throughout the trucking industry who have taught us valuable lessons and helped us grow. It got us thinking, “How can we share this information with friends and customers across the industry?” That was the driving force behind Open Road, Nextran Truck Centers' magazine. In each issue you’ll find bios, stories and news geared toward you. We’ll also keep you in the loop regarding what we’re doing. Our feature article, ‘Breaking
New Ground,’ gives you a bird’s eye view of the event happenings and captures the spirit of excitement that was very apparent on that beautiful, October afternoon in Duluth. You can expect other magazine content to explore hot topics within the transportation industry such as the dedication to uptime and safety. You’ll find feature articles about leaders in the industry, write-ups on important corporate events, product news and more. On behalf of the entire Nextran family, welcome to the Open Road. We’re so glad you’re here and we look forward to bringing you future issues that will help you navigate the road ahead.
FROM THE ROAD
see what people have to say about the Nextran experience “Took less than 10 seconds to diagnose problem. Up and running less than 2 hours after showing up.” - Anonymous Customer
ON THE COVER
Nextran ground breaking Atlanta Read more about this Page 14
Jon Pritchett CEO/President, Nextran Truck Centers
“Very pleased to be kept informed with diagnosis process about this particular unit.... I trust this dealership with major repairs. It's nice to have the relationship that I have with this team. Thanks.” - Greg Papanfuss
“The service guys and all the mechanics are great, along with Randy Wildes. Take your hat off to all of them and reward them for their outstanding work.” - Leonard Jackson
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OPEN ROAD // 3
CONTENTS & FEATURES
PRESENTS
ROAD Winter 2016, Vol. 1, Issue 1
This Issue 3
LETTER FROM OUR CEO
6, 9 CUSTOMER PROFILE 7
PARTS & SERVICE
20 OUR TURN BEHIND THE WHEEL 22
RENTAL & LEASING
FEATURES
10
BIG TIME COMMITMENT
14
BREAKING NEW GROUND
18
INTRODUCING: GUARDDOG CONNECT
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12EXPERIENCE THE FAST TRACK
Nextran takes on Porsche North American Head Quarters
CALENDAR
Mark Your
Calendar
Checkout the upcoming truck industry events and happenings.
Industry
Notes
The trucking industry is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. Nearly 70% of all the freight tonnage moved in the U.S. goes on trucks. Without the industry and our truck drivers, the economy would come to a standstill. Here are a few facts about the industry:
FEB. 5 Safety Roundtable Q1 Florida Trucking Association Held in four regions statewide simultaneously. For info, call 850-222-9900. FEB. 29 – MAR. 3 2016 TMC Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition Music City Center, Nashville, TN trucking.org/events MAR. 31 – APR. 2 Mid-America Trucking Show Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY truckingshow.com
MAR. 31 – APR. 3 American Truck Dealers Convention & Expo Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada APR. 28 - MAY 1 2016 Alabama Trucking Association Annual Meeting & Convention The Westin Las Vegas Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada JUN. 19 - 21 Georgia Motor Trucking Association Annual Convention The Ritz - Carlton Hotel, Amelia Island
Trucks move roughly 67% of the nation’s freight by weight. $603.9 billion in gross freight revenues (primary shipments only) from trucking, representing 80.9% of the nation’s freight bill in 2011. 9.2 billion tons of freight (primary shipments only) transported by trucks in 2011, representing 67% of total domestic tonnage shipped. To move 9.2 billion tons of freight annually requires nearly three million heavy-duty Class 8 trucks and over three million truck drivers. It also takes over 37 billion gallons of diesel fuel to move all of that freight. Stated simply – without trucks, America stops. *Information provided by the American Trucking Association. To learn more, visit www.trucking.org
Have a calendar submission for the next edition? Email us at openroad@nextranusa.com OPEN ROAD // 5
CUSTOMER PROFILE: JACK FRICKS
B&G Supply Company:
Putting People Above Profit
By Theodore Aseltyne
Looking back over the last 50 years in the trucking industry, Jack Fricks, CEO of B & G Supply Company, considers the first rule of business to be the Golden Rule, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” That sentiment has taken his company from a two-truck operation, when Fricks was literally in the driver’s seat, to a 65- truck outfit hauling poultry and produce across much of the country. “Driving a truck is full of challenges. It’s not for everybody,” says Fricks. “Drivers are important, and really good ones are hard to come by.’”
“
Drivers are important, and really good ones are hard to come by.” Jack Fricks
That’s why each employee in the Albertville, Alabama company is treated like family, and has created a culture of respect and a desire to work hard to help others. Early on, that was a springboard for B & G Supply Company success. Poultry processing plants are a staple in Albertville and Fricks made sure to do whatever he could for those businesses in his community. That included purchasing refrigerated trucks to ensure their products arrived to grocery stores fast and fresh. As the poultry industry steadily grew, so did B & G Supply Company. They now haul an array of frozen meats and dry goods to large retail outlets like
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Jack Fricks and a B&G Supply Company truck
Costco. However, Jack stays humble and remains focused on setting up others for success. On a recent visit to Nextran Truck Center in Birmingham, Alabama for his annual truck purchase, he made it clear the driver is the priority. “You want to have the best seats possible. The best mattress for sleeping. And a drivetrain
that’s built by the truck manufacturer for optimized performance.” Keeping relationships strong and being committed to measured growth has carried B & G Supply Company through challenging times, without a single layoff. And it’s those principles Jack Fricks uses to continue to steer his company in the right direction.
0 1011010110101011010011010 001010110101000101010101111 Parts & SERVICE 010 10110101101010110100110 100010101101010001010101011 01010 101101011010101101001 101000101011010100010101010 CURE FOR THE 0101010 1011010110101011010 101010001010110101000101010 Nextran’s Service Department Keeps Pace With 110101010 10110101101010110 Rapidly Evolving Vehicle Technology. 101010100010101101010001010 11110101010 101101011010101 011010101000101011010100010
COMMON CODE
By Josh Ussery
“
We are constantly and diligently working towards delivering on the promises we make, and so far we have received a lot of positive feedback from our customers.”
Can you name all of the warning indicator lights in the dash of a truck built this year? How about in a similar style truck built in 2005? The reality is, the trucks that are manufactured today have more than twice the amount of indicators to notify the driver when something is wrong than they did ten years ago, and for good reason. Over the last ten years, heavy-duty trucks have gone through a significant change. There has been the introduction of Diesel Particulate Filters and Selective Catalytic Reduction systems that have decreased exhaust particulate matter by 98% since 2005. There are now fleets equipped with safety features that can notify drivers when they are driving too
close to the next lane. There are more computer modules, sensors, solenoids and actuators built into vehicles than ever before. All of which make the trucks today safer and more efficient. However, due to the growing complexities of electronics and continuous software updates, the benefits come with a very steep learning curve for the owners and their operators. That’s where the Service Departments at Nextran have focused their time and energy. It became very clear in 2005 that, with the upcoming emission standards which were set to take place in 2007 and 2010, Nextran’s Service Departments were going to need a more efficient and knowledgeable team to service their
OPEN ROAD // 7
PARTS & SERVICE
Interior view of the 2015 Mack Granite taken from the driver's seat.
customers’ fleets. What began from there was an extensive training program and revitalization of procedures. When training first began, Nextran assembled a team of in-house trainers that would be responsible for keeping their technicians and customers up to date with the latest technical developments by using factory training tools and repetitive training scenarios to build consistency in repairs. Through their training with the latest diagnostic tools, the Service Departments were able to keep their customers’ trucks running, rather than extending downtime from mis-diagnosed issues. Likewise, the customers were kept engaged with Nextran’s onsite training for drivers, which gave them the awareness to predict an issue before it became a problem.
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Along with the extensive training, a plan was developed that allowed the Service Departments of Nextran to communicate with their customers about the severity of an issue within two hours of a unit being brought in for a repair. The diagnostic phase, which is called Rapid Repair and Assessment, focuses on providing customers with a quick assessment of how long the repair would take, and when they could expect to have their truck back on the road. By having one of their trained technicians utilizing the tools they have learned, the Service Departments accurately communicate with their customers on what to expect while their truck is being worked on. This process also allows the Service Departments to repair the vehicle in a timely manner, which in some cases is within the same day. In regards to the success of the Rapid Repair
and Assessment, Greg O’Conner, the Director of Service Operations for Nextran said, “We are constantly and diligently working towards delivering on the promises we make, and so far we have received a lot of positive feedback from our customers.” With the foresight and preparation which took place over ten years ago, the Nextran Service Departments continue to meet their customers’ needs. Today, the Service Departments throughout the southeast region employ 248 technicians, of which 95 are Certified Master Technicians. Among them are a team of Service Managers and Service Writers, whose main focus is providing a superior customer experience while reducing down time. So while the complexity of the trucks continue to increase, our customer’s positive experience is hopefully on the rise as well.
CUSTOMER PROFILE: ROB SANDLIN
MAKING SAFETY
THE TOP PRIORITY Rob Sandlin’s commitment to safety has paid off for Florida Rock & Tank Lines.
By Theodore Aseltyne
In the trucking industry, operating efficiently is the name of the game. Rob Sandlin, President of Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc. knows it very well. “This is a nickels and pennies business,” says Sandlin whose company has a long, successful relationship with Nextran Truck Centers. “The mark Rob Sandlin up is tiny. Having President; Florida your organization run Rock & Tank Lines efficiently is key.” Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida with 21 terminal locations throughout the Southeast, Florida Rock & Tank Lines made a major commitment to what it felt was the way to keep costs down and stay competitive.
As Sandlin points out, safety is also good for business.
“
“We measure everything in frequency. By adhering to safety, we can drive down the number of incidents. Obviously outcomes of accidents we can’t control. But we can minimize the number of events.”
Another important aspect of their safety commitment is working with a partner who is ready to jump in and help.
“In the early 2000's we shifted the company culture to put safety first. To safely deliver our customers' products is what we preach every day. And because we’re transporting gas and chemicals, it’s also our responsibility to the public to be safe.”
At first, it wasn’t easy getting everyone to buy in. However, offering incentives for safety, including giving bonuses to the
To safely deliver our customers’ products is what we preach every day.” Rob Sandlin
spouses of safe drivers, helped turn the tide. It’s also led to several industry awards such as the Outstanding Performance Trophy in the National Tank Truck Carriers 2011 Tank Truck Safety Contest. Florida Rock & Tank Lines was one of the first petroleum hauling companies to earn that recognition.
“We’ve had a really solid relationship with Nextran,” Sandlin said. “They have always been there if we need support. Whether
it’s purchasing new vehicles or performing truck maintenance, they take good care of us.” When Rob Sandlin started working at Florida Rock & Tank Lines over 30 years ago, they were doing business in the $20 million range. Today with safety at its core, their revenue topped $125 million. And as more government regulations are put in place, Sandlin sees an opportunity. “The stronger companies will benefit from the tightening of the market. We’re looking at gaining market share in the Southeast. We’re definitely in growth mode.”
OPEN ROAD // 9
Parts &
SERVICE
A Big Time Commitment
to Uptime
By Theodore Aseltyne
The new year promises to bring excitement, change and fresh opportunities to keep our customers moving forward. A key undertaking for the industry as a whole is a focus on improving customer uptime. To that end, Nextran has been partnering with Mack and Volvo in the development and implementation of an uptime optimization process for the past two years. As a result of these efforts, the Nextran dealership in Birmingham has recently been certified as the first Mack and Volvo Certified Uptime Center in the nation. Additional Nextran dealerships are undergoing the certification process. The goal is for all Nextran dealerships to be recognized as “Certified
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Uptime Centers” by the third quarter. What is a Certified Uptime Center? A “Certified Uptime Center” is a dealership that successfully executes the process of providing an initial assessment of the truck’s condition within an hour or so of arrival at the dealership. The focus is to quickly communicate a preliminary diagnosis of “small problem or big problem” to the truck operator quickly after arrival. If it’s a small problem, defined as requiring four hours or less of repair time, the focus is to repair the truck within twenty four hours of arrival
at the dealership. A further focus of the process is to enhance the overall communication throughout the repair event. The certification process is a robust examination of the certified uptime standards by Mack and Volvo to insure that the dealership can not only “talk the talk” but also “walk the walk” of a Certified Uptime Center. What makes a Certified Uptime Center special? A “Certified Uptime Center” takes the mystery out of the service event. Too often, trucks with small problems are in the same line to get an initial assessment
PARTS & SERVICE
with trucks with big problems. This creates inefficient bottlenecks in the service department and unnecessary downtime for customers. A “Certified Uptime Center” has dedicated processes and people in place whose focus is to provide an initial assessment quickly after arrival for most all vehicles and a quick turnaround for the smaller repairs. This eliminates unnecessary downtime waiting on the truck to be assessed. What can customers expect to experience at a Nextran Uptime Center? If the truck operator experiences a fault code or some other unexpected problem and wants to know when the truck can be looked at, with the Certified Uptime Process, the answer is now. Nextran has a team of technicians dedicated to providing an initial assessment of the problem. And, if it’s a small problem, the focus is to get the truck repaired right away. If it’s a big problem, Nextran is able to provide an idea of how long to expect the unit to be out of service and what the next steps are. The Certified Uptime Process eliminates the truck being down for days waiting to be looked at. It enables the truck operator to make the necessary decisions sooner rather than later to take care of his business. What does this mean for Nextran? “From a customer experience standpoint, achieving the status as a Certified Uptime Center is a game changer.” shares Jim Ussery, Executive Vice President of Operations for Nextran. “It provides our customers with a quick response to their problem so they’re able to make a faster, better informed business decision. For Nextran, the process enables us to turn trucks faster in the bay creating more capacity. We’re also better able to match the right technician with the appropriate repair which creates a higher level of efficiency.”
OPEN ROAD // 11
E H T
K C A R T T S A F
E C N E I R E EXP
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Photos by Footstone Photography
What happens when you add Porsche North American Headquarters, Nextran and two beautiful Georgia fall days together? You get an unforgettable mix of business and fun in a pristine environment that will not easily be forgotten. The Nextran Fast Track Experience took place on October 8th and 9th, 2015, at Porsche North American Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Boasting one of two Porsche test tracks in the United States, drivers are encouraged to hone their driving skills via one-on-one instruction on the track and off-road courses. These test tracks are 1.2 miles in length and were built to demonstrate the power, responsiveness and safety of Porsche engineering, and to also let drivers have fun on the road in a safe environment. Nextran executives, management team, customers and truck manufacturers were invited to attend the two-day driving event. The first day included meetings, time in
“
enjoyed several hours of drive time on the test track, complete with meals, photos and old-fashioned trash talk.
We hoped to offer our leaders, partners and customers an opportunity to come together and enjoy a unique time together, and Porsche did not disappoint.” Jon Pritchett
the passenger seat with a professional course driver behind the wheel, an outdoor reception on the Carrera Deck and dinner at Restaurant 356, Porsche’s signature dining establishment. The second day of the event was all about drive time on the test track. While the attendees always had a Porsche driving instructor in the car with them, they
“We hoped to offer our leaders, partners and customers an opportunity to come together and enjoy a unique time together, and Porsche did not disappoint. We enjoyed our exciting time on and off the track. It truly was an experience like no other,” shares Jon Pritchett, Nextran’s CEO. “Ours is a business built on relationships, people and trust. We are thrilled to be able to invest in these important relationships.”
Trevor Spring with Energy Dispatch was quick to add what he enjoyed most about the event, “For me, the best part was interacting with folks with other fleets. I also really appreciated having time with several different Nextran team members all at one time and location. It’s so important to me to do business with people I can trust and consider it a long-term business relationship. The time at the track getting to know everyone was very valuable. Having a personal connection with the team and company owner mean a lot to me.” While the Fast Track Experience is recalled by many as an unforgettable event, the real ‘win’ is the relationships forged. Because that’s what fuels Nextran, and keeps everyone moving forward.
OPEN ROAD // 13
* GROUND
Breaking New Nextran Breaks Ground on Flagship Atlanta Area Commercial Truck Center Written By Phillip Bergman Photos By Paul Privette
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N
Nextran Corporation recently broke ground on its state-of-the-art Atlanta regional location that is situated adjacent to Highway 85, northeast of Atlanta in Duluth. The newest Nextran Truck Center, set to open in mid-2016, is strategically located with convenient access to the many major highway interchanges in the region.
The groundbreaking event and lunch for the company’s 15th location was attended by Nextran employees, customers, truck manufacturers and the region’s elected officials. Led by Nextran CEO Jon Pritchett, a group of executives and officials used shovels to turn over the dirt, and several members of the group spoke about the importance of the project. “This is a meaningful and exciting day for our employees, customers, truck manufacturers and the Atlanta region,” said Jon Pritchett, CEO of Nextran Corporation. “We continue to expand the network of highly-reliable Nextran Truck Centers to serve our trucking industry customers who have the important responsibility of delivering essential products for America’s businesses and consumers. I’m proud of our hundreds of employees for building a company that represents quality, provides exceptional service and sells the world’s finest trucks.” Nextran Truck Centers are conveniently located along major transportation corridors in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, providing timely, reliable parts and knowledgeable, professional service. By keeping vehicles on the road, Nextran and its’ customers contribute to the country’s economic infrastructure and growth. The 55,000 square foot facility will house both sales and service functions, focused on medium and heavy-duty trucks. The service shop, a large space of more than 120 linear feet, will feature an overhead crane spanning 112 feet, and a separate area for repair of vehicles powered by natural gas.
TOP: Jon Pritchett addresses guests. BOTTOM RIGHT: Christina, Kelly and Alexandra Pritchett.
OPEN ROAD // 15
“
We continue to expand the network of highlyreliable Nextran Truck Centers to serve our trucking industry customers who have the important responsibility of delivering essential products for America’s businesses and consumers.”
LEFT: Don Cox, Jim Ussery, Terry Barrows, Steve Perez and Melvyn Fruit MIDDLE LEFT: Stephen Roy addresses guests. BOTTOM: The Atlanta dealership sales team and Mack Trucks leadership.
TA N A
L AT
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85
85
d
Blv
d gs R
Sa
Bog
te
llite
DULUTH
403
316
Breckinridge Blvd
Rendering of the new dealership in Duluth, Georgia.
world’s strongest brands: Mack, Volvo, Isuzu and Ford trucks. This includes Day Cabs and Roll-offs; individual trucks and entire fleets.
Duluth Economic Development Manager Chris McGahee spoke at the groundbreaking and reminded the crowd and the community that Nextran’s Truck Center will provide much needed jobs and an economic boost to the area. In fact, Nextran expects 80 new jobs from the facility, including sales, leasing and service. In a statement about the groundbreaking, Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris was enthusiastic about the new facility. “I’m pleased that Duluth was selected for Nextran’s flagship location,” said Mayor Harris. “It’s both an economic boost and an opportunity for new jobs in our community.” Stephen Roy, President, Mack Trucks North America Sales, was on hand from the company’s headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, and shared his thoughts with the ceremony guests
Stephen Roy, Charlie Brown, Steve Perez and Jim Ussery.
“Our partnership with Nextran Truck Centers is the gold standard. We are excited to see this new location come to fruition and look forward to many years of business together.” Nextran offers new and certified pre-owned trucks by some of the
Nextran’s reputation for excellent customer service starts with the foundation on which they’ve built their brand: strong values and exceptional service. The company’s employees are focused on keeping customers satisfied, minimizing life-cycle costs and keeping trucks on the road. They focus on providing timely, reliable parts and knowledgeable, professional service staff and mechanics. Nextran also implements leadership service technology to maximize fuel economy, which is a critical component to their cutomers’ success. It’s all a big part of why we say, “Trust Us to Keep You Moving.” Visit www.NextranUSA.com for more information and to stay up-to-date on the construction progress.
OPEN ROAD // 17
Introducing GuardDog Connect By Dante Lima
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TECH SPOT
M
TELEMATIC NETWORK
CUSTOMER CARE CENTER
REPAIR SCHEDULING
Effective, efficient communication is the cornerstone of any business, and when it comes to the logistics industry, it’s everything. When trucks break down or need repairs, the last thing you want is to be in the dark. Mack is using data to streamline every step of the diagnostic and repair process. GuardDog Connect, an integrated telematics solution now active in more than 25,000 Mack models, is a way for fleet managers, drivers, dealers and all links in the supply chain to interact in real time, diagnose repair issues and maximize uptime. “For us it’s not about technology, it’s about people driving a decision using technology,” says David Pardue, Mack’s VP of Aftermarket Business. “There is so much vehicle data, it has to be presented in a way that’s actionable. That’s the advantage you get through our dealers, you’ll be able to understand what the data is telling you and get the best efficiency of the equipment.” With 24/7 support and data-driven technology, the waiting game is a thing of the past. GuardDog Connect is helping shape proactive decisionmaking in trucking. How GuardDog works Mack has identified critical thought codes in the engine and transmission that deliver all of the truck’s diagnostic needs. Each code is identified as red or yellow. A red code signals recommended action in three hours or less. A yellow code is a non-critical problem that a driver or fleet manager can address as needed. With GuardDog’s onboard telematics, the code goes straight into the cloud and that message is relayed in real time to Mack’s OneCall customer center with the fault code. “If you see a check engine light on in
your car, you don’t know the severity of the problem yet,” Pardue said. “We have prediagnosed all the codes with repair information and parts. The agent at the OneCall customer center already knows the severity of the issue and is able to start communications with the fleet decision maker.” The driver is instructed by a OneCall service agent where to take the truck, where technicians can get right to work. What this means for your business Your trucks and your assets get back on the road faster. If you need a back-up truck, that can be scheduled through GuardDog, too. But speed isn’t the only benefit; quality service is also a hallmark of the GuardDog Connect service. “From a customer perspective, when a vehicle leaves, we ensure it’s not going to signal the same code five days later, 30 days later and so on. We use a term ʻfix right, first time,’ Pardue said. “We’ve seen over 70% improvement in repairs through this service.” Along with a direct savings benefit for the customer in repairs, the service is also free for the first two years of the
vehicle’s life. GuardDog also cuts down the cost of loss revenue and potential damages for late deliveries. Keep everyone on the same page ASIST is a web-based service management system that lets fleet managers and service providers work together to maximize uptime. “The Assist tool ties a customer, a dealer and an uptime center together. It’s lets them see complete vehicle repair history, allows them to interface with the OneCall action service, and it’s a differentiator that our dealers provide for the customer,” Pardue said. Clear communication leads to more concise decision-making. When better decisions are made, efficiency throughout the supply chain increases. That’s what Mack strives for with the GuardDog Connect solution. “It’s one of the fastest growing arenas in heavy trucks, and we are each taking different approaches and strategies,” Pardue said. “It’s a proven technology, but more importantly, it’s a proven process that is standard on all of Mack’s conventional products moving forward.”
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It’s Our Turn
Behind The Wheel The transportation industry needs women to fill driver and leadership positions. By Theodore Aseltyne
Times are changing. Barriers are falling. The gender gap is closing. Every day more and more women are going to work in industries once dominated by men. Just look at one of the most male exclusive jobs, U.S. Army Rangers. Recently two women joined their ranks, earning the respect of their fellow soldiers and captivating a nation with their strength and courage. While Capt. Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver have become the first two, there’s no doubt they won’t be the only two, as they inspire others to blaze a new trail. While women make up 50% of our country’s total workforce, in many industries, from entry level to executive, they still only account
for a small percentage. However, they’re having a big impact.
“
According to a Price Waterhouse Coopers report in 2013, the mining industry had the lowest number of
sector, too? According to a report from TruckertoTrucker.com, women are three times less likely to get in an accident than male truck drivers. They are five times less likely to violate safety regulations, and
I always view trucking through the eyes of a truck driver because I want to know what can we do to make this industry the best for them.” Joyce Brenny
women on company boards of any industrial group worldwide. The study also indicated profit margins were higher for mining companies with women on the board. Can women have a transformative effect on the transportation
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they’re four times more likely to pass their CDL certification exam on the first attempt than men. While safety is important to a driver and the trucking company, there are a few other changes all drivers may have noticed. According to truck driver Allie Knight, who documents her travels
INDUSTRY NEWS
and shares them on her YouTube channel, “The trucks are getting easier to drive. And the truck stops are getting cleaner and more modern.” She sees the industry becoming more “lady friendly” in an effort to attract females. And with a current nationwide shortage of 30,000 drivers, which is predicted to expand to 200,000 over the next decade, those women are desperately needed. The U.S. trucking industry employs 3.4 million drivers, over 200,000 of which are women. That may seem like a small percentage, but it’s a dramatic increase compared to ten years ago. That means there’s an increased likelihood of women moving to other positions within the transportation industry. In 1980, Joyce Brenny landed her first job driving a big rig. Life on the road wasn’t always easy for Joyce, so eventually she left the seat behind the wheel for one at a desk. She worked as a dispatcher, then as a general manager; finally she took the leap and started her own trucking company in 1996. Today it’s a highly successful operation and has several women in leadership positions. She’s also never lost sight of her roots. “I always view trucking through the eyes of a truck driver because I want to know what can we do to make this industry the best for them,” Joyce told CFF Nation during a recent interview. “Executives who have never been in a truck and never walked in a driver's shoes or held the steering wheel just don’t seem to have an understanding of how difficult that lifestyle is and how much they sacrifice for the industry.” Joyce, who was elected as the Chairperson of the Minnesota Trucking Association had this to
say about bringing women into the industry, “I like to look at it more solution minded. What opportunities and what mentors can we provide for women? It’s a challenging industry, however, women have a wonderful role in transportation.” One organization, Women in Trucking, is working to find those critical mentors who can help others navigate the industry and eventually find success within it. On September 20, 2015 they launched the inaugural Accelerate! Conference & Expo, a two-day event geared toward bringing the industry together with the common goal of encouraging the employment of women in the trucking industry. “We were truly overwhelmed by
the energy and passion shared by the women and men who attended our conference,” said Ellen Voie, president and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association. “Our goal was to bring a diverse line up of speakers to a diverse group of attendees who have one thing in common; to increase the percentage of women employed in the trucking industry. I believe we exceeded their expectations for our first event.” It’s a period of transition in the industry as well as our country. Women joining the trucking industry isn’t a fad. It’s a movement. One that’s gaining strength. And as the need for drivers continues to grow, it’s a movement that will shape the future of transportation.
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Rental & Leasing
Rental & Leasing Rental & Leasing Basics
Freeing up cash flow can allow
such as hidden costs to sell the truck,
Considering a temporary addition to
businesses to use resources for other
such as advertising. Also, there are
your fleet? Worried that a seasonal
uses. Administration and paperwork
tax deductions available for leases, as
need may not pay off as a long-term
can save customers time and money, as
well as tremendous service benefits to
purchase? Did you know there are
the rental and leasing company takes
leasing. There are contracts designed
short-term options available? Read
care of all the title and other paper work
for the small business owner that include
below as we talk with Bill Bradshaw
that comes with owning a truck. Fuel
roadside service among other things.
and break down the basics of the truck
efficiency can maximize your bottom line
rental and leasing benefits, to see what
when you choose to lease the industry’s
What incentives are
options best suit your company’s needs.
top fuel-performing vehicles. Financing
offered for leasing customers?
options can reduce costs, improve
Through full-service leasing, there
efficiency and minimize overall risk.
are a lot of benefits to be gained.
What types of trucks are
Some of which are dependability,
available for rental and leasing? Any and all types of trucks are
What are the most common
better record-keeping, consistent
available for rental and leasing. All
misconceptions about leasing?
pricing, substitute and replacement
types of vocational trucks for specific
Something we hear often is that renting
vehicles. All the complex administrative
applications, flat beds, refrigerator,
or leasing is too expensive. Generally,
details are taken care of and lease
tractors, reefers, and box rentals (16,
this is a misunderstanding. Companies
customers can rent during peak
18, 22 and 28 feet) are available,
like us have lower acquisition costs and
seasons. All of this is designed to let
as are day cabs and sleepers.
can buy the trucks cheaper, and can
small business customers compete
pass the savings on to the lessees.
in a very competitive marketplace.
What’s the ideal
There is also a misconception that
outcome of a lease?
only the ‘big guys’ will get a good deal
What does the future look like
As with any business deal, a satisfied
in a leasing scenario. That’s just not
for renting and leasing trucks?
customer is the ideal outcome of
the case. The smaller companies
It’s very bright. The rental and leasing
a truck lease. For the customer,
also have a lot to gain from leasing.
business segment is growing, and we appreciate all of our customers.
there are numerous benefits for commercial truck rental and leasing.
How do you respond
Operation costs are lower
to this misconception?
and there is more dependable
Through leasing, there are a lot of costs
uptime to get the job done.
the customer does not have to deal with
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Bill Bradshaw is the Vice President and General Manager of Nextran’s Rental & Leasing Division.
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TOGETHER, WE KEEP AMERICA MOVING FORWARD.
The trucking industry isn’t just about full loads, tight schedules and delivering on time. It’s about people working together and delivering on their promises. For more than 22 years, organizations across the nation have counted on Nextran to deliver transportation solutions for their fleets. With 14 full-service dealerships, top-notch service and every part you’ll ever need, you can count on us to keep you moving forward. Auburndale, FL 866-266-6225
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