SPRING 2018, Vol. 3,3, Issue 11 SUMMER 2018, Vol. Issue
NEXTRAN FOUNDATION
Creating Lasting Impact in the Communities We Serve
ROAD
2018 ALL-STAR LINEUP Featured Trucks From Mack, Volvo, and Isuzu
w
w
INTRODUCING THE VOLVO VNL LINE.
This is a truck that makes a statement. With sleek curves and innovative features like the intelligent I-Shift transmission and I-See predictive cruise control, the Volvo VNL represents the future of our industry. Volvo is making sure their commitment to progress is heard loud and clear. Are you listening?
NextranUSA.com
LETTER FROM THE CEO/PRESIDENT
C E L E B RAT I N G
25 YEARS This year marks an incredible milestone in Nextran Truck Centers’ history–our 25th anniversary. In my 25 years as founder and CEO, we have experienced and successfully navigated through expansion efforts that have lead us to a robust dealership network of 16 locations across the Southeast. That’s 25 years of serving local communities; 25 years of moving customers forward; 25 years of strong relationships with our OEM partners. After a quarter of a century, my confidence in our company and in our employees has never been stronger. In this issue, we will share some updates surrounding new products from our OEM partners, recap our 2018 Sales & Management Conference, and highlight some of the great accomplishments of our employees and customers. Our industry is ever-changing and it is important to capture and reflect on the amazing stories we experience every day.
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
We are also thrilled to feature a new initiative that we launched last year – the Nextran Foundation. This charitable organization was created to multiply our employees’ donations and honor their long history of giving back. In 2017, the Nextran Foundation team selected 18 nonprofit organizations to partner with to further impact the local communities we serve. You will have the opportunity to learn more about what our amazing employees are doing with this initiative and how they are making a difference with the causes they’re passionate about. As always, thank you for taking the interest in Nextran Truck Centers and our Open Road magazine. As our industry evolves, so do we.
Jon W. Pritchett President and CEO Nextran Truck Centers
ON THE COVER
Nextran's top salesmen: Juan de Oliveira and Steve Gilmore.
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CONTENTS & FEATURES
ROAD SUMMER 2018, Vol. 3, Issue 1
This Issue 3
LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
6
JUST THE FACTS
8, 9
THE TALE OF TWO SALESMEN
10, 11 30
CUSTOMER PROFILE EMPLOYEE PROFILE
FEATURES
12
NEXTRAN FOUNDATION
24
25 YEARS OF MOMENTUM
16 LINEUP
2018 All-Star
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CALENDAR
Mark Your
Calendar
Checkout upcoming truck industry events and happenings.
July 30-August 3 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Annual International Roadcheck August 2-3 2018 FTA Annual Conference August 2-4 2018 LMTA Annual Convention August 15-18 2018 ATA National Truck Driving Championships & National Step Van Driving Championships
SOCIAL SIDE CAR check out some of the latest social happenings from Nextran
August 23-25 Great American Trucking Show (GATS) October 27-31 2018 ATA Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE) November 1-3 National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) Annual Conference GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE?
Find us on Facebook and LinkedIn. We would love to hear your story.
Have a calendar submission for the next edition? Email us at marketing@nextranusa.com OPEN ROAD // 5
JUST THE FACTS
NOW YOU KNOW A few interesting factoids about the trucking industry.
Without this essential industry, we would experience a FOOD SHORTAGE within 72 hours, gas station fuel would diminish within 48 hours, manufacturing would shut down within hours, and ATMS WOULD RUN DRY almost immediately.
The Trucking industry consumes roughly 50 BILLION GALLONS of gasoline every year, which is nearly 13% of the country's total fuel consumption.
TOTAL NUMBER OF
BRIDGES
15,715 ALABAMA
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One-third of ALABAMA'S BRIDGES are maintained by the state, Two-thirds of ALABAMA'S BRIDGES are actually owned and maintained by local city or county governments.
14,456
Sources: 1. StateMaster.com 2. HNI.com http://www.hni.com/blog/9-impressive-trucking-facts
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
11,451
Road Fuel:
Food to Power through the Long Haul By Nate Binder
The serenity of cruising the open road can easily be interrupted by the rumble of an empty stomach. Dining on the road is a challenge for many truckers. The pressure to meet deadlines and deliver on promises creates a need for food that can be prepared quickly and eaten on-the-go. Many truckers resort to fast food. Some less fortunate souls dine at truck stops, the bane of traveling stomachs everywhere. To avoid eating at these lessthan-savory establishments, operators resort to snacks to keep them on the road longer. But common snacks like chips or pop tarts often do more harm than good by failing to provide the proper sustenance to fill your nutritional needs and keep up your energy. The following snacks are key to feeling good and pushing forward.
Water
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Surprised? Believe it or not, your body can often confuse hunger and thirst. Drinking a big bottle of water instead of a 72 oz Big Gulp will keep you hydrated, focused, and can delay those annoying hunger pangs. Go for two birds with one stone by munching on fruits and vegetables that contain nearly 90% water, like watermelon, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Ditch the instant scramble offered at the truck stop off the highway and go for the real thing. Eggs are famous for filling you up longer thanks to their high-quality protein and fat content, and hard-boiled eggs are no different. In addition to the typical energy contributors, eggs are also packed with vitamins like B12 and B6 that your body uses to produce energy. If you don’t have a way to keep hardboiled eggs cool on the road, many quick-stops sell them prepackaged.
Rice Cakes + Peanut Butter With its high fat and protein content, we all know that peanut butter is a great choice to keep your motor running during a long journey. But the real secret to sustenance is in the rice cakes. Instead of slapping your peanut butter on a slice of bread, pick up a pack of these crunchy delights to fill you up longer. Why? Rice cakes are puffed with air, which increases the volume and reduces the calories. The larger volume fills your stomach while the low-calorie count allows you to eat more if you’re watching your intake.
Trail Mix As its name suggests, this snack is built for the long road. The key is selecting the right mix to boost your battery. Avoid the mixes that go heavy on the chocolate. Many grocery stores have sections that allow you to create your own trail mix in bulk. If you have the opportunity to hit one of these before you get on the road, stock up on almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, cashews, and pistachios. Add the dried
fruit of your choice for a little sweetness, and you’re good to go. Turkey Jerky America’s favorite on-the-go protein may be an issue for those watching their sodium, but it’s simply too convenient (and tasty) to avoid. If you’re feeling health-conscious, go for turkey jerky instead of traditional beef jerky. You'll get just as much protein, but you’ll avoid the saturated fat and calorie count of the beefier alternative. Plus, it’s much more fun to say. These sustaining snacks will help you avoid meals at the truck stop and keep you moving forward to your destination. You’ll also avoid the gastrointestinal consequences of truck stop meals that may delay your trip even further!
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The Tale of Two
SALESMEN How Nextran’s Top Salesmen Earned Back-to-Back-to-Back-to-Back Victories Sales, by its definition, is a competitive career. Salesmen and women are driven by a number of different factors, whether it be building relationships, supporting their families, or personal pride. But deep down, every salesperson is motivated by similar ambition; to sell more than their colleagues. It’s a friendly competition, of course–nothing like we’d see in the do-or-die bullpens of Glengarry Glen Ross–but a competition nonetheless. And for the past four years, Steve Gilmore and Juan De Oliveira have dominated it, selling more than anyone else at Nextran and trading the title of “top salesman” back and forth since 2014 (congratulations to Juan, who took home the title this year). In this piece, we profile Juan and Steve to discover just what makes them so effective at what they do.
STEVE GILMORE KNOWS WHEN THE IRON’S HOT The effective salesman’s best weapon isn’t his charming smile or his wicked wit, though both go a long way towards closing a deal. No, the most powerful tool at any salesperson’s disposal is information–a fact that Steve Gilmore thoroughly understands. With 16 years of experience selling parts and trucks in North Alabama, Steve knows his customers better than anyone else. He thoroughly understands the needs of their operation and how to fill them. If a Nextran dealership adds a used truck to its inventory, Steve knows exactly which customer could use a truck of those specifications and instantly reaches out to make a deal. Of course, that’s not to say Steve is sitting back at a desk, relaxing, 8 \\ OPEN ROAD
making sales on the phone like he’s ordering a pizza. He puts his nervous energy to work to go the extra mile for the customer, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. He’s known to maintain strong relationships by putting as much effort into service as he does sales. If one of his customers needs a part to fix a truck in their shop, Steve will throw the parts in his car and deliver them himself. If it involves his customer, he wants to be included.
“
Steve Gilmore is easily likable and the customers know he will work hard on their behalf.”
– Tim Tucker, Volvo Sales Manager To move product at the rate Steve does, you need support. His sales partner is a lifelong one– his wife Patti. Patti can often be seen driving the chase car when Steve delivers trucks, often after hours. They make a powerful team, and their partnership underlines how important families are to Nextran. The support of his family enables Steve to sell a full product range: Macks, Volvos, and used trucks. This rare feat resulted in dual qualifications in 2016 for the Volvo Master Sales Leader program and Mack’s Bulldog Club. We’re thrilled to have Steve on our team and can’t wait to see him continue to excel with Nextran.
JUAN DE OLIVEIRA SEES THE FULL PICTURE In March 2001, Juan de Oliveira joined Nextran Truck Centers as a night shift technician. Seventeen years later, he’s been honored as the top salesman in the company twice. Similarly to Steve, information is Juan’s greatest asset to making sales. But unlike Steve, who spent years learning about his customers and their habits, Juan spent his time learning about something else: the product. By the time Juan was promoted to shop foreman in 2009, he’d achieved the rank of Master Technician in Mack, Volvo, and Cummins–all certifications he keeps up-todate to this day. This knowledge backed up Juan’s decision to join the sales team in January 2013. In the years that followed, Juan demonstrated that his unmatched product knowledge, when paired with his commitment to customer service, was a force to be reckoned with. He attained Platinum Level sales status by 2015, his first year as Nextran’s top salesman. This year, he achieved the honor again, also winning a trip as a member of the Mack Bulldog Club. Juan has earned the trust of his customers, not just through his extensive product experience, but by involving the families of the potential buyer. One coworker mentioned that it’s not unusual to see Juan’s desk surrounded by large families instead of one or two individuals.
Juan’s belief in the importance of family probably comes from his own. He’s motivated by his sons Franco (12) and Renzo (10). Like Patti, Juan’s wife Luisana can often be seen driving the chase car as he makes truck deliveries. Despite his 24/7 commitment to his customers, he still finds time to enjoy the occasional fishing trip with his family. Juan’s journey of hard work, drive, and ambition defines everything that Nextran stands for, and we’re proud to call him one of our own.
“
One of Juan’s best attributes is that he knows what he is selling because he was a technician…If I have an issue with a truck, my first call is to Juan.”
– Sergio Guarnizo, President of TransPremier
We’re inspired by these two men and everything they’ve been able to accomplish in their time with Nextran Truck Centers. We’re grateful to have such dedication on our team, and we can’t wait to see what Steve and Juan achieve in the future.
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CUSTOMER PROFILE: BR WILLIAMS
The Right Place at
THE RIGHT TIME From Two Trucks to 170 – The BR W illiams Stor y
By Nate Binder
When Greg Brown, Chairman and CEO of BR Williams, got on the phone to talk to us about his company’s story and his relationship with Nextran, he talked a lot about being at “the right place at the right time.” Brown–a Christian man from a faith-based company culture– attributes some of these fortunate circumstances to divine providence. However, as our chat continued, it became clear that these instances of coincidence or fate were often the result of hard work, integrity, and an ardent commitment to relationship-building. One clear example of this occurred in the early 2000s, during a crucial period of expansion for the company. Brown mentions how fortunate he was to sit as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce during that time. By omission, he discounts the esteem and reputation necessary for the position with admirable humility. Brown was part of a team to help transition a large manufacturing facility into neighboring Talladega County, assisting with everything from logistics to public outreach. Due to the relationships he built during that period, that manufacturing plant went on to be the largest account in BR Williams’ company history, still a client nearly two decades later. Of course, that’s not to undersell the power of belief as a factor in BR Williams’ incredible story. Started by Bill Williams in 1958 with the support of his wife Ruth, the company began as a two-truck freight company with a contract from Georgia Highway Express. Today, they’ve expanded to 170 trucks carrying freight across the country, as well as branching out into warehousing, distribution, brokerage, and logistics services.
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Each crucial moment of expansion in the company’s history–1994 (warehousing), 2010 (brokerage and logistics), 2015 (2nd facility in Mobile)–came as a result of smart diversification to meet growing customer needs. That said, without faith and confidence to embark on these ventures, BR Williams wouldn’t be the company it is today. When we asked Brown about his company’s relationship with Nextran, he discussed one of the rare points of uncertainty in BR Williams’ history. Having worked with TJ Willings Dealership for nearly 30 years, they were understandably concerned about the transition when Nextran acquired the company. Fortunately, Brown said they were quick to discover partners that “couldn’t be in more in line with our own culture and values.” “We didn’t walk away from a relationship, we expanded one,” said Brown, a statement underscored by the fact that he spent the prior night at a social event with Nextran executives. The chief similarity between the two companies, according to Brown, is in their fierce commitment to doing right by their customers.
This dedication leads to a trust that’s essential in a fast-paced industry. “[What sets Nextran apart] is quality of service, integrity, and the character of everyone you deal with,” says Brown. "You have to make decisions quickly in this environment, so you have to depend on what the vendors are telling you.” Furthering the discussion of right place, right time, Brown mentions Nextran’s knack for bringing new services to the table just when the time is right. “Whether you’re talking about automatic transmissions, collision avoidance systems–they bring it to us at a time when it’s appropriate for us.” Brown expresses his gratitude for working with such a talented executive team as we wrap up our discussion. “These relationships are friendships first,” he says. “We just happen to do business together.” The company’s strong relationship with Nextran continues. “They always respond with 150% more out of what you’d expect out of a vendor relationship,” says Brown. And as for BR Williams’ future–let’s just say they’re at the right place at the right time.
Chairman and CEO Greg Brown and the BR Williams executive team.
CUSTOMER PROFILE: CARROLL FULMER
INTEGRITY RUNS IN
T H E FAM I LY Carroll Fulmer is a Family Business with Over Six Decades of Growth
Founded in 1954 as a produce hauling operation, Carroll Fulmer is a trucking company with a longstanding history of integrity and success. The founders, Carroll and Barbara Fulmer, kept company ownership in the family, and today the company is run by their children: Tony, Tim, Philip, and Cindy. We sat down with Tony Fulmer, now the VP of Sales and Marketing, to talk about his company’s history and his relationship with Nextran. Per Tony’s request, we want to congratulate Carroll and Barbara Fulmer, who will be celebrating 65 years of marriage this year.
What aspect of your job do you find the most rewarding and why? When I talk to our customers and they tell me what a great job our company or an individual employee is doing for them and continuing to grow without sales people beating on doors, just by referrals from other customers. What makes you proud to be part of the trucking industry? Just interacting with all the good people in this business and the relationships our family has developed our the last 65 years in business.
Carroll and Barbara Fulmer, Founders of Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corp.
How long has your company worked with Nextran? Since 1989. When it comes to customer service, what do you value? Honesty. What about Nextran Truck Centers makes you come back again and again for your trucking needs? We have been doing business with them for a long time and we know they will always go the extra mile to get us what we want.
Do you have a specific Nextran employee(s) you always work with? If so, what about working with that employee do you like? Charlie Brown, always does what he says he will and works hard for us. What about Nextran Truck Centers makes them your choice above other dealership options? They always are looking for ways to make our trucks more efficient and driver-friendly.
What do you see changing in the trucking industry in the next few years? Even more technology and higher driver pay and comfort and safety.
OPEN ROAD // 11
Creating Lasting
IMPACT in the Communities We Serve
nextranfoundation.org
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Charitable giving has always been a core value of Nextran Truck Centers. After witnessing so many of our employees spending time and money contributing to important causes, we asked ourselves what we could be doing to further support our community and our employees. The answer was the Nextran Foundation; one part charity, one part donation platform, and one part employee-matching program. The mission of the Nextran Foundation is simple: create lasting impact in the communities we serve by empowering our employees to give to the causes close to their heart. Established in March of 2018, we launched this initiative with $5,000 in donations to 18 charities chosen by our Nextran family.
HOW IT WORKS Everyone has a different motivation to give to the cause that’s important to them. Some give to a cause that played a part in their own personal story, while others seek to solve a problem they see in their communities. Through the Nextran Foundation, employees can select their charity of choice and a contribution amount that can be easily donated from their paycheck. This routine generosity further instills altruism as a key principle of our company.
CORPORATE GIFT-MATCHING
NATHAN BRAVELY REPRESENTS CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK
To back up our words with action, Nextran is corporate-matching donations for 18 charities. Three of these charities were selected by our corporate team, while the remaining 15 were voted on by each region in the Nextran family: Alabama, Georgia, North Florida, Central Florida, and South Florida. As a company full of competitive salespeople, we can use our natural ambition to drive donation goals and create a positive impact with some friendly competition.
“He’s one of the most courageous people I’ve ever been around,” says Amber Ferrell. She’s referring to her son Nathan, who was born with a genetic disorder called mitochondrial disease. After hearing Nathan talk, you’d be hard-pressed to disagree. The only visible sign of disease in the giggling, energetic young boy is the ever-present oxygen mask that allows his lungs to function properly. As he talks about his condition, he’s bold, even dismissive: “There’s some good outcomes, there’s some bad outcomes. If I didn’t have this disease, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking about it.” He’s referencing his role as ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network, in which he shares his inspiring story to raise funds for children’s hospitals, medical research, and awareness for children’s health issues. As one of Nextran Foundation’s selected charities, Children’s Miracle Network represents our mission to impact the wellness of families and children just like Nathan.
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Our Charities Nextran Corporate selected the following three charitable organizations for gift-matching in 2018.
As the only quaternary-care facility in North Florida, Shands Children’s Hospital offers essential, higher-level care to children in its region. Named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country, Shands works to ensure children from all around have every opportunity to grow up healthy and happy. Our selection of UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital represents a key element of our mission to impact the wellness of children and families.
Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure was founded by a young boy named Tyler and his family following his difficult diagnosis with Dystonia. Surprisingly not well known, Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that affects more people than Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington’s Disease, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined. It gradually robs a patient of their ability to control muscular movements. Touched by Tyler’s story, we selected this charity to improve the diagnosis process and support the search for a cure.
Children’s Miracle Network is a nationwide organization that fills funding gaps in children’s hospitals across the country. As most of these hospitals rely on donations and community support to provide affordable treatment, CMN is essential to ensuring children receive the best care without destroying family finances. Children’s Miracle Network represents a key part of our mission to build a strong support foundation for children and families.
The following charities were selected by our regional offices for corporate gift-matching.
ALABAMA Team Leader: TJ Willings
GEORGIA Team Leaders: Terry Barrows & David Bennett
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NORTH FLORIDA Team Leader: Don Cox
CENTRAL FLORIDA Team Leaders: Todd Brown & Steve Bateman
SOUTH FLORIDA Team Leaders: Francisco Blanco & Nick Abatecola
“
There is a significant amount of impact that Nextran can have and a door open for people to see what Nextran is doing and how they can be a part as well.
“
- Greg O'Connor, Director of Operations, Nextran Atlanta
Greg started a team to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s research with a crosscountry bicycle ride from San Francisco to Tampa.
“The spirit of giving has been firmly ingrained in our culture from the beginning. We all live in communities we care about and we want to make them better our families.”
– Kelly Pritchett
“
It's an emotional feeling to give and to see the good that you've done. I feel most Nextran employees feel that it’s very important to give back. - Michelle Perry, Service Advisor, Nextran Orlando.
“
This program will provide our employees and their families greater opportunities to give back." - Bonnie Ussery Bonnie, the wife of our Vice President of Operations, Jim Ussery, works with Family Promise of Greater Brandon to provide support for homeless families with children.
Michelle is an avid community volunteer and participates in coastal cleanups, charity cookouts, and works with Boys & Girls Clubs for fundraising events.
OPEN ROAD // 15
LIN
2018 All-St
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NEUP
tar
Featured Trucks from Mack, Volvo, and Isuzu With a mix of innovative features and traditional power, this is a lineup of trucks that we believe get the job done and done right. We hope you’ll soon agree. OPEN ROAD // 17
Land of the MACK, HOME OF THE Horsepower: Meet the MACK ANTHEM There’s a reason Mack gave this truck a simple name, evocative of pride and strength. It represents everything Mack stands for in one impressive hulk of machinery: durability, power, and innovation. It’s an American-made truck that honors a truly American profession. Sure, there are trucking operations all across the world. But nowhere else has our famous network of highways and interstates spanning coast to coast. This truck is made for cruising down Route 66 or riding up the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a truck that feels uniquely emblematic of both the romance and grit of the trucking profession. And that’s just how it feels–wait until we get to the features.
CONVENIENT, COMFORTABLE CRUISING
WELCOME TO THE TWILIGHT ZONE
THAT’S A NICE TOUCH
Easing into the driver’s seat of the Mack Anthem feels like stepping into the cockpit of a spaceship, but one that requires a CDL instead of rocket science. The dash is filled with advanced features to enhance the long haul experience. A 5” Mack Co-Pilot™ digital display nestled behind the steering wheel provides navigation and maintenance support with elements like exterior light inspection and load distribution. To the right of the steering wheel sits a 7” touchscreen to monitor weather and control your tunes. The cockpit is rounded out with Mack-exclusive seats that offer a great mix of comfort and support, and of course, lots of massive cupholders.
Or as Mack officially calls it, the StandUp Sleeper. Your truck cabin is your home away from home, and Mack did everything possible to make it feel that way. A ceiling height of 7’1” leaves plenty of room to stretch out after a long cruise, unless you’re related to Andre the Giant. Watch the sunrise through the sleeper windows or cave out with built-in blackout curtains. Mack offers a number of prep kit options to improve the long haul, such as a stainless steel refrigerator, microwave, or flat screen TV. The sleeper cabin also offers plenty of storage cabinets and closets.
The Mack Anthem is filled with miscellaneous features that any longhaul veteran can appreciate. Even our Nextran service specialists will appreciate a few, like the tilt-assist hood and modular design that makes repairing and replacing components an easy process. Of course, maintenance should be infrequent since every component of the Anthem is constructed with durable, long-lasting materials. Spring-loaded breakaway mirrors also prevent damage to the cab if they are ever hit, while powerful LED lights guide the way to prevent any accidents from happening in the first place.
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Key Features • mDrive™ HD Automated Manual Transmission – 12-, 13-, and 14-speeds – Torque of 2060 lb-ft • MP®8-TC Direct Injection Diesel Engine – 415-445 Horsepower – Torque of 1460-1860 lb-ft – 13L Displacement • mRide™Spring Suspension – 40,000-52,000 lb weight rating OPEN ROAD // 19
Optimum Mobility in a Medium-Duty Package
THE ISUZU FTR
When Isuzu unveiled the FTR at a 2018 launch conference in San Antonio, they went all out. The curtains parted, the lights dimmed, and blue lasers silhouetted the truck’s frame. A baritone voice echoed through the loudspeakers, touting phrases like “elevated expectations” and “new capabilities for a new class.” As the show progressed, more of the truck was revealed while impressive CGI graphics danced in the background, featuring some of the truck’s most impressive features. This level of fanfare may seem over the top, but it matches the dedicated approach to crafting the Isuzu FTR, a truck that’s truly a game changer in the realm of Class 6 medium-duty vehicles.
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Key Features • 5.2 liter 4HK1-TC Turbocharged Four Cylinder Engine – 215 Horsepower – 520 lbs of Torque – B-10 Durability Rating • Allison 2550 RDS 6-Speed Automatic Transmission – Power Take-Off Capability • Front Axle Capacity of 12,000 lbs • Rear Axle Capacity of 19,000 lbs
ROLL WITH THE TIMES
FOR TIGHT SPOTS AND TIGHTER DEADLINES
CUT COSTS, NOT QUALITY
When Isuzu hit the drawing board to roll out their next generation of medium-duty truck, they made sure to do their research. They set out to create a truck that could easily adapt to the trucking needs of the future. By examining a number of population trends, they gathered a set of data that would ultimately influence the truck’s design. Isuzu found that the population of working adults is set to dramatically increase between now and 2050. It’s expected that many of these adults will flock to cities instead of suburbs, bringing an influx of urban growth. Isuzu used these insights to determine a need for a truck that could navigate tight city corners as easily as the open road.
A chief element of the city-ready Isuzu FTR is its innovative Low Cab Forward (LCF) design. An LCF design positions drivers at the extreme front of the vehicle, rather than behind the engine. This greatly improves visibility and maneuverability for delivery in urban environments. To bolster these features, Isuzu designed the FTR with a 50° inner wheel cut to create a tight turning diameter. This design allows drivers to easily navigate tight corners and crowded city streets. When paired with 8 wheelbases that accommodate bodies from 14 to 30 feet, the FTR’s mobility features make for a truck that’s easy to drive without sacrificing productivity.
Isuzu prides itself on a truck lineup that reduces the cost of ownership without impacting vehicle quality. The FTR is no different, and Isuzu has implemented a number of features that increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and cut costs. A multi-information display provides onboard diagnostics, allowing the driver to monitor the condition of over a dozen performance functions to preempt maintenance issues. Powered by a 5.2 liter 4HK1-TC turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the FTR delivers outstanding fuel efficiency to achieve an incredible operating distance. A number of features were introduced to increase driver comfort and convenience, including ample storage, 90° doors, suspension seating, and a spacious interior.
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The Ultimate Dynamic Duo
INTRODUCING THE VOLVO
VNL AND VNR
The sleek VNL and VNR models from Volvo represent a passionate entry into the modern world of trucking. Volvo set out to create trucks that had all the traditional elements we have come to love about Volvo (safety, comfort, and efficiency), while also introducing a number of innovative design features to create a striking, futuristic look. Take one look at the aerodynamic shape and steely color palette of these trucks, and it’s hard to argue with Volvo’s declaration that these represent “the shape of trucks to come.”
BUILT FOR THE LONG HAUL
THE VOLVO VNL With its dynamic curves and sleek bodywork, Volvo is making a statement with its new VNL line. The VNL lineup features several daycab models, but it’s their long-haul configurations that really showcase this amazing truck. We’ll focus on those in this piece as the VNR model that we’re also covering is mostly intended for daycab use. The VNL is chock full of features that improve uptime, safety, and comfort. You may have seen Volvo’s video in which they unbox an actual VNL 860 in front of a young boy passionate about trucks. His exuberance for the gargantuan vehicle is shared by everyone at Nextran. It’s truly an innovative truck, and its modern, aerodynamic design is representative of the features contained within. 22 \\ OPEN ROAD
The current VNL lineup is touted as the most fuel efficient yet. Volvo achieved this by paying immense attention to aerodynamics during the design process. Designed to “effortlessly split the wind,” the roof air deflector on the cab smooths out the turbulence between cab and trailer, while the sleek mirrors also work to diminish wind resistance. Due to these design improvements, the VNL is expected to be 7.5% more efficient than previous models when paired with an aero trailer. The threepiece bumper is also designed with an airflow deflector, and its modular design allows for easy repair. Rounding out the cab’s exterior are Volvo’s signature LED headlights that make nighttime cruising safer than ever before.
Driver comfort and productivity go handin-hand. Volvo acknowledges this simple fact and made a number of excellent design choices that reinforce their belief. First and foremost is a 70-inch sleeper that might be bigger than your first studio apartment. Looking to relax but you’re not ready to go to sleep? The bunk reclines so you can kick back with a book or tablet before resting. Little touches like improved mattresses, one touch window shades, and intuitive storage complete this home away from home. Volvo’s also made a commitment to driver comfort while operating. They conducted research into ergonomics that resulted in optimized seat placement, easy-access controls, and an optional built-in cooler underneath the passenger seat.
RAISING REGIONAL EXPECTATIONS
THE VOLVO VNR In our industry, long-haul trucks get quite a bit of attention, especially when it comes to amenities and aerodynamics. With the VNR, Volvo is declaring “no more” and giving the regional haul its due. The creation of the VNR came from the discovery that many fleets were going for the VNL despite their regional needs, just to gain access to the modernized look and features. Volvo decided to modernize their existing VNM model to match the VNL and created the VNR as the regional sibling of the the long-haul model. To quote Brian Balicki, the chief designer, regarding the inception and design of the VNR–“It’s a work truck, but a dynamic, premium work truck.” In addition to its dramatic, sinuous exterior, the VNR has a number of innovative features that set it apart from other regional haulers. By offering a series of models that increase in size (300, 400, 640), the VNR can even
be scoped for long-haul work, as larger models offer mid-roof sleepers. One of the key features of the VNR is Adaptive Loading, an automated liftable axle that improves productivity by making loading and unloading much easier. Adaptive Loading also works to improve fuel efficiency by automatically raising the lift axle when the trailer is empty, giving your 6x2 the efficiency of a 4x2. The VNR also offers a number of interior features that improve driver comfort and safety. Ergonomic research went into designing the seats, so drivers will find themselves with more room, optimized seat placement, and a builtin cooler under the passenger seat. The dash features a five-inch LCD driver display to provide diagnostic and operating information. The steering wheel is also built to your ideal specifications, with an endless array of choices for wheel positioning.
Key Features • Volvo D13 Engine – 375-500 Horsepower – Torque of 1450-1850 lb-ft
Key Features • Volvo D11 Engine – 325-425 Horsepower – Torque of 1250-1550 lb-ft • Volvo I-Shift Transmission – 12-speed – Crawler Gears Available • VNR 400/VNR 640 Sleeper Models – 42” in VNR 400 – 61” in VNR 640
• Volvo I-Shift Transmission – Standard 12-speed – Up to 14-speed with Crawler Gears • 77” Sleeper in VNL 860 OPEN ROAD // 23
25 YEARS OF We held our annual Nextran Sales & Management Conference on May 3, 2018 at the site of our future corporate headquarters. Under the industrial backdrop of the unfinished building, the team reflected on 25 years of progress and developed plans to keep moving forward into the future.
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OPEN ROAD // 25
The unfinished 5001 Building, located at Celebration Pointe, a stunning and innovative new development in Gainesville, Fl, represents how far we’ve come in our 25 years, and how far we can continue to go. As we stood on concrete floors, under fluorescent lights hanging from an exposed ceiling, we were reminded of the hard work and intense effort put forth by every Nextran employee. During the conference, we had an opportunity to honor several of them. We presented our Orlando location with a trifecta of accomplishments, including Location of the Year, Parts Department of the Year, and Dual Brand Sales of the Year. Tampa took home Service Department of the Year. And for the second time, the Salesperson of the Year and Mack Salesperson of the Year awards went to Juan De Oliveira (you can read more about his success in our cover story).
“
We’re thrilled to honor our team members and locations that go above and beyond for our company,” said Nextran CEO, Jon Pritchett.
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“Delivering on promises is the expectation of every employee in Nextran,” Pritchett continued, “and to exceed that lofty expectation requires truly special individuals.” After wrapping awards and dinner, the corporate team left Gainesville refreshed and excited for the future. In the coming year, we’ll officially open our new corporate headquarters. It will stand as a beacon of progress for a company that started on the ground floor and found its way to the top.
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PAGE 27:
Top: Over 140 people attended the 2018 Sales & Management Conference held at Celebration Pointe in Gainesville, the soonto-be location of Nextran's corporate office.
Top (L to R): Location of the Year Orlando Team.
Middle Left: Matt Lenhart accepting the Parts Department of the Year Award for Orlando. Bottom Left: Ryan Bennett accepting the Service Department of the Year Award for Tampa.
Middle Left (L to R): Rental Account Manager of the Year Tim Powell. Middle Right: Lease Account Manager of the Year Larry Walker. Bottom: Top Salespersons of the Year Juan de Oliveira (Mack and Overall), Anna Sein (Volvo), and Michael Cortes (Medium Duty).
Right: 2017 Mack Quota Buster 100% Jacksonville Mike Graber.
OPEN ROAD // 27
A Picture Worth a Thousand Words Nextran Weighs In In celebration of 25 years in business, we asked our team to reflect on and communicate what Nextran means to them. To accomplish this, Sales & Management Conference attendees filled out a three-minute interactive poll. To get a sense of how they view Nextran, one of the questions was to submit a word or phrase that they felt defined our company as a whole.
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The resulting word cloud (see the opposite page) depicts our values, as told by over 140 conference attendees. The larger the word, the larger the number of attendees who responded with that same word. Though they may differ from each other, the words work together to form a powerful, cohesive statement: Nextran is stronger than ever.
SUCCESS GROWING
LOYALTY
INTEGRITY
NUMBER ONE
FAMILY ORIENTED
PROGRESSIVE
PROFESSIONAL C L A SSY
COMMITMENT
HONOR POWER
ENERGIZED
I N N O VAT I V E
DOMINANT
D E D I CAT I O N
TOPS
RELIABLE GREAT
TEAM
RED
LEADER
TRAINED P R E S T I G E
INDUSTRY LEADER
CONSISTENCY
AMAZING
CARING CHRISTIAN FORMIDABLE WELL TRAINED
F A N TA S T I C
INTEGRITY
PROMISE EXCITING
THE BEST PROUD TRAINED PATRIOTS
FOCUS
HOPE REWARDING
HARD WORKING
FRIENDS
INCREDIBLE
PARTNERSHIP CONSISTENT
L O YA L
MORALS
EXCELLENT
HAPPY
BEST IN THE BUSINESS
T R U E INDUSTRY
FAMILY
X FACTOR SPECTACULAR OPEN ROAD // 29
EMPLOYEE PROFILE:
Bringing Out the Best
We are proud to recognize some of the dedicated employees who not only make Nextran an amazing place to work, but a strong company that moves the trucking industry forward.
JOYCE BROWN Truck Inventory Manager
ROBBY WILLINGHAM Service Manager ATD Academy 2018 Graduate
Location: Riviera Beach, FL
Location: Birmingham, AL
Number of years with the company: 19 years
Number of years with the company: A little over five years.
Favorite part about your position: You have to be adaptable and change as circumstances change with the manufacturers. I think flexibility is so important, as well as always looking for ways to be more efficient and concise with the inventory. Also, I like very much the people that I work with and talk to each day and enjoy being able to work with all of the branches on a daily basis. Typical day: It’s very hard sometimes to define “typical” as that is one of the things that I like so much about the position. Many of my days are also driven by the issues that arise with the factory and/or truck orders on a daily basis. The best feeling is helping a fellow employee resolve a problem or obstacle that could be very time consuming or difficult if left unattended. I think it is very important to think as a “team” and put in the effort to back that up every day. Favorite truck sold by Nextran: I am a big fan of both Mack and the Volvo. In the case of the Mack, I really do love the look of a high horsepower lowboy tractor loaded with chrome. Always loved the Titan from Mack. I also am very impressed with the new Anthem sleepers. In the case of the Volvo, I would have to say that the 860 is an incredible long haul sleeper. Celebrity as a Nextran spokesperson: I would say Neil deGrasse Tyson. I think he is very interesting to listen to both in his subject matter and the way he delivers his talks. I would definitely put him in front of one of our facilities where he could say that Nextran Truck Centers are “Out of this World”! I am thinking that coming from him (as director of the Hayden Planetarium) it would really make an impact! If you could open a Nextran facility anywhere in the world, it would be located in: I do love North Carolina!
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Favorite part about your position: Working to maintain and develop a culture that employees and customers are happy to be a part of. Seeing employees and customers succeed and knowing that I helped play even a small part in that is sincerely what keeps me motivated. I feel it is part of my duty as a manager. Typical day: Wow, that’s a loaded question! I try and stick to a routine. I have my own set of non-negotiable items I work on throughout the day. To be honest, each day brings its own set of challenges. I prioritize them and work daily toward getting them checked off the list. Favorite truck sold by Nextran: We are a dual dealer so this must be a trick question! Haha.. It’s a tight race between a Mack or a Volvo! That’s my answer and I’m sticking to it! Celebrity as a Nextran spokesperson: I’m going to say Mike Rowe. I think he’s a good spokesman for the American workforce. He started a foundation that focuses on issues related to widening skill gaps, the aging workforce, high unemployment, and millions of unfilled American jobs. I feel like the trucking industry as a whole has a lot of positions that fit his approach. Favorite Nextran customer story: One that sticks out in my mind is helping a transient customer that called and made an appointment a day ahead for some routine service. He showed up and was pulling Johnsonville’s “World’s Largest Grill.” He was so impressed by the service and staff that he decided to add some extra work and said he was firing up the grill while he waited. He cooked brats and dogs for the entire store. More than enough to go around for employees and customers. It was totally unexpected and made for a fun memorable day as well as making everyone feel really good about the work we do!
TAKE THE WHEEL INTO YOUR OWN HANDS
By now, you’ve probably heard about the Mack Anthem. You’ve also probably heard the Anthem will challenge all expectations of aerodynamic design and efficiency. We’re here to tell you that it lives up to the hype. Featuring the intelligent and efficient MP8-TC engine with turbo compounding and the unparalleled new Mack® Co-Pilot navigation and touch control system, the Anthem stands out from the pack. Comfort and uptime are covered too with a spacious StandUp Sleeper crafted with premium materials and smart-serviceability with tilt-assist and modular design. COME SIT IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT AND PUT IT IN GEAR. SCHEDULE A MACK ANTHEM TEST DRIVE WITH NEXTRAN TODAY.
NextranUSA.com
You don’t reach the 25-year mark on effort alone. It takes owners putting their faith in our ability to deliver on promises. It takes fleet managers with high standards and expectations counting on us to keep their business rolling. It takes treating the men and women behind the wheel, whose livelihood depends upon their trucks staying on the road, with respect through open and honest communication. It is because of you, our valued customer, that we have achieved this milestone. On behalf of all 800 employees working in 16 locations across three states, we thank you for giving us the opportunity to keep you moving.
NextranUSA.com